Magnificent China & Yangtze River Cruise

Upon arrival at Beijing International Airport, we will be greeted by our friendly English-speaking guide, who will assist with our transfer to our hotel.

Beijing, situated south of the Central Asian Steppes and separated from the Gobi Desert by a range of verdant mountains, boasts a rich history dating back to the Jin Dynasty. It underwent a period of grandiose city planning during the Yuan Dynasty when it became the winter capital under the Mongol emperor Kublai Khan in the late 13th century. Today, amidst the modern skyline of gleaming skyscrapers and urban development, the city and its surrounding areas are home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the awe-inspiring Great Wall of China, the magnificent Forbidden City, the tranquil Summer Palace, and the sacred Temple of Heaven. This vibrant city, serving as the nation's political and cultural hub, offers a wealth of unique leisure experiences to explore.

With the rest of the day at leisure, we can relax and unwind in the comfort of our hotel room or venture out to discover the wonders of this exciting capital city on our own.

Accommodation: Xin Qiao Hotel or a similar

Today, we will journey through Beijing's fascinating history, taking us back in time to an era of mystery and incredible power.

Our first stop will be Tiananmen Square, the symbolic heart of China and a testament to its communist history. The square, which can accommodate up to one million people, is a must-visit destination in Beijing. As we tour the square, we will see an impressive array of halls and monuments and learn about their significance.

Next, we will head to the Forbidden City, which served as the power base of Chinese emperors for centuries. This incredible complex houses the Imperial Palace Museum, showcasing each dynasty's rich history through four palatial halls filled with antiques and treasures from the Ming and Qing dynasties.

In the afternoon, we will take a 40-minute transfer to the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a stunning array of walkways, gardens, palaces, and lakes. As we stroll through this picturesque setting, we will admire the ancient architectural structures and collections of cultural relics that make it such a unique and special place.

After a full day of exploration, we will return to our hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Xin Qiao Hotel or a similar

We will begin our day in Beijing by visiting the Temple of Heaven, which was established in the 15th century. The temple complex features beautiful buildings and gardens surrounded by pine woods, which symbolize the connection between heaven and earth and the role of emperors in this relationship. This remarkable site offers a unique opportunity to witness the past and present of the capital city coexisting side by side.

Afterward, we will take a scenic 90-minute drive to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built as a form of defense by millions of soldiers and peasants and is a remarkable feat of engineering. Archaeologists estimate that the wall once spanned nearly 6,213 miles, with the most impressive portions built during the Ming Dynasty. The Mutianyu section of the wall is more rugged and features expansive greenery.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Xin Qiao Hotel or a similar

Today, we will travel from Beijing to Xi'an by high-speed train, embarking on a journey that lasts over four hours. We will arrive in Xi'an and transfer to our hotel, where we will have the rest of the day to ourselves.

Xi'an has a rich history and is home to many incredible cultural and historical sites. We have the remainder of the day at leisure to explore the city or relax at your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Xi'an Grand Barony Hotel or a similar

We delve into Xi'an's rich history, spanning over 3,000 years. Our first stop is the Terracotta Warriors, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses over 8,000 life-sized figures of soldiers, horses, and chariots built to protect Emperor Qinshihuang in the afterlife. Take in each figure's impressive battle formations and intricate details, a testament to ancient Chinese craftsmanship. Next, we visit Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum, the world's largest underground tomb symbolizing the emperor's power and wealth. We learn about the tomb's construction and the fascinating archaeological discoveries made within its chambers.

After lunch, we visited a Terracotta Replication factory, observing skilled artisans replicating these iconic statues. It's an opportunity to witness the techniques used to create these masterpieces up close.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Xi'an Grand Barony Hotel or a similar

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Xi'an and head to the train station to board a high-speed bullet train to Chengdu, the capital of southwest Sichuan province. The journey covers a distance of 408 miles and takes only three hours. Upon arrival, we checked in at the hotel and spent the rest of the day leisurely exploring the city's attractions.

Chengdu is famous for being the home of giant pandas. We can visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to observe these creatures in a simulated natural habitat. Another highlight of the city is its teahouse culture, which provides an opportunity to taste different types of tea and experience traditional Chinese tea ceremonies. As a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Chengdu is also renowned for its cuisine, which has a diverse taste based on the five elements of sweet, sour, bitter, spicy, and salty. We can enjoy this cuisine at high-end hotels or street hawker stalls.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Chengdu Tibet Hotel or a similar

Experience the magic of Chengdu's most beloved creatures on today's itinerary. Our day starts with a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Learn about the research and efforts being made to preserve these rare and endangered animals from the dedicated staff and researchers at the facility. As one of China's most important conservation facilities, we will have the opportunity to see giant pandas up close in a simulated natural environment.

After lunch, we visit the Sanxingdui Museum to learn more about the Bronze Age Chinese civilization. The archaeological site of Sanxingdui was discovered in 1929 and has been excavated ever since, revealing ancient Shu relics from the 12th century BC. Among the museum's fascinating artifacts are a beautifully cast bronze tree standing nearly 13 feet tall and statues, pottery, and jade ornaments.

In the evening, you can explore the lively teahouse culture of Chengdu or sample the city's famous cuisine, recognized as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Chengdu Tibet Hotel or a similar

After breakfast, we leave our hotel and transfer to the train station for a high-speed bullet train journey to Chongqing. Upon arrival in Chongqing, we head to the port and board our boat, ready to embark on a breathtaking three-night cruise along the scenic Yangtze River.

As we journey downstream, we'll marvel at the stunning natural beauty of the Three Gorges region and explore some fascinating cultural sites along the way. With luxurious accommodations, delicious cuisine, and unforgettable experiences awaiting us, this will be a truly unforgettable leg of our adventure.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Yangtze River Cruise Victoria Jenna

Wake up early to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the Yangtze River before enjoying a delicious breakfast. Today, we'll have the opportunity to take a shore excursion to the Jade Emperor Scenic Area near Fengdu, which boasts the world's largest image of the Jade Buddha. If river conditions don't permit it, we'll visit Shibaozhai, which features a magnificent wooden pagoda.

For those interested, there's an optional excursion to Fengdu Ghost City, located on Ming Mountain. Note that a minimum of 20 participants is required for this excursion.

In the evening, we can enjoy an optional Fengyan Sanguo 'The Romance of the Three Kingdoms' Show, a spectacular performance showcasing the region's history and culture.

Please note the onboard programs are subject to change.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Yangtze River Cruise Victoria Jenna

Continue our Yangtze River Cruise adventure, where you'll be treated to a breathtaking display of nature's beauty as we continue our journey down the winding river.

Today's itinerary takes you through the awe-inspiring Three Gorges, a natural wonder that is truly a sight to behold. Our first stop is Qutang Gorge, which may be the shortest at only 5 miles long and 500 feet wide but is also the most dramatic. You'll witness the sheer cliffs rising to the sky, creating a breathtaking display of nature's power.

Next up is Wu Gorge, known for its quiet beauty and forest-covered mountains that stretch for 25 miles. The cliffs are so steep that the sun barely penetrates the precipices, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere that will leave you in awe.

We'll then transfer to another vessel for a relaxing excursion through the stunning gorges of Goddess Stream. If river conditions aren't favorable, we'll opt for an alternate excursion to the equally mesmerizing gorges of Shennong Stream.

As we continue along the river, we'll enter Xiling Gorge, the longest and deepest of the Three Gorges at 41 miles. You can take a shore excursion to White Emperor City, an ancient city that offers a panoramic view of the western end of Qutang Gorge. This mini-city is scattered with abundant temples and is also known as the City of Poems due to the vast number of verses it has inspired. It's the perfect spot to appreciate the magnificent Kui Gate at the mouth of Qutang Gorge.

Please note that programs on board are subject to change according to the Cruise Company.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Yangtze River Cruise Victoria Jenna

We start the day with a delicious breakfast on board the ship before disembarking at Maoping Pier in Yichang. Our next adventure takes us to the Three Gorges Dam, the largest construction project in China since the Great Wall. This impressive feat of engineering took 15 years to build and cost over US$30 billion. With a width of 1.5 miles, the scale and size of the dam are truly phenomenal. As an optional excursion, we can also visit the world's largest ship lift, part of the recently completed ship lock, before the Three Gorges Dam tour.

After the tour, we take a shuttle to downtown Yichang, where we can enjoy some free time before catching a night flight to Shanghai. In Shanghai, we arrive in the evening and transfer to our hotel. Shanghai is China's largest city and its main financial hub, and we'll have some time to rest and prepare for tomorrow's exciting exploration.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Metro Park Hotel or similar

Get ready for a full-day excursion to discover the fascinating blend of Chinese and European architecture that defines Shanghai's past. We begin our journey at Shanghai Old Street, Miaoqian Dajie, a charming street lined with shops and cultural attractions.

Next, we visit Yu Garden, a premier green space that exemplifies classical Chinese garden design from the Ming Dynasty. Built in the 1500s by a government officer as a retreat for his parents, this peaceful haven features bamboo groves, koi-filled ponds, and Ming-era pavilions. After visiting a traditional tea house, we stroll along the Bund, a vibrant waterfront area dotted with European-style buildings. These buildings date back to the 1920s when the Bund was the hub of European trade in China, and their legacy is evident in the art deco architecture.

After lunch, we head to Shanghai Museum to see ancient artifacts and visit Pearl City for some shopping. Our next stop is Tianzifang, a traditional Shanghai alley that showcases local culture and art. Finally, we explore the elegant French Concession, walking alongside colonial buildings.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Metro Park Hotel or similar

Today marks the end of our 13-day exploration of China, which has taken us from Beijing's bustling capital to Shanghai's cosmopolitan center. We've had the opportunity to visit some fantastic destinations and have experienced the country's rich history and culture.

One of the highlights of our trip was the incredible four-day cruise along the Yangtze River, where we had the chance to see historical and cultural sites up close. We also visited Chengdu to learn about the pioneering work being done to safeguard the giant panda population and viewed the Terracotta Army in Xi'an. Additionally, we took bullet trains through stunning scenery and met locals who showed us warm hospitality.

You may have time for last-minute sightseeing in Shanghai, depending on your flight schedule. You can indulge in delightful local delicacies, explore temples, pick up souvenirs, or stroll through one of the city's tranquil parks before transferring to the airport for your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast