China Heritage Odyssey

Today you will fly to Beijing. On arrival, your private guide will be ready to welcome you at the arrival hall, and transfer to your hotel with a private car and driver. Your guide will help you with luggage and hotel check-in, and ensure your arrival is worry-free.

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at your hotel and take you to Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest public square and a symbol of China. It's witnessed decades of historic events. Walk across the square and explore the awe-inspiring Forbidden City, the world's largest palace complex and former home to 24 emperors. With over 8,728 rooms, it's China's best-preserved ancient building collection. Enter through the Meridian Gate and explore the central axis to see highlighted palaces and learn about the emperors' stories. Later, take a 15-minute walk to Jingshan Park for a panoramic view of modern Beijing and the Forbidden City. After lunch, enjoy a rickshaw tour through the historic Hutongs, immersing yourself in local life. 

You'll begin your day at the iconic Temple of Heaven, joining or passing by observing a Tai Chi session with locals. This traditional Chinese martial art is a beloved morning ritual practiced daily by Beijing residents. It's a unique opportunity to connect with locals through this ancient practice.

Next, you'll journey to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China. You'll ascend to the wall via cable car, where you can get a stunning aerial views of the wall and its surroundings. Once you're atop the wall, you'll be able to stroll along its storied pathways, explore the watchtowers, and taking in the vast, panoramic views of the area's rolling hills and valleys.

Begin your tour with a leisurely stroll through the stunning Summer Palace, a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. Wander along the picturesque pathways, surrounded by lush greenery and ornate pavilions, and soak in the serene beauty of this royal retreat. Explore the palace's Long Corridor, famous for its exquisite painted decorations and the panoramic views it offers.

Continue to the shores of Kunming Lake, where you can take in the tranquil waters and scenic landscapes that have inspired poets and painters for centuries.

Ascend to the majestic Tower of Buddhist Incense, the highest building in the Summer Palace complex. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the palace grounds and the distant cityscape from this elevated vantage point. Learn about the historical and spiritual significance of this iconic structure.

Conclude your tour with a visit to the Yonghe Temple, also known as the Lama Temple. This beautiful temple is one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in China. Check out its ornate halls, intricate sculptures while learning more about its significance in the history of Tibetan Buddhism.

Enjoy your free time until your guide comes and escort you to the high-speed train station.

Then you will arrive in XIan by high-speed train station. On arrival, your private guide will be ready to welcome you at the arrival hall, and transfer to your hotel with a private car and driver. Your guide will help you with luggage and hotel check-in, and ensure your arrival is worry-free.

Take a 4.5-hour bullet train from Beijing to Xi'an.

Depart from your hotel and venture to the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage-listed site of the Terracotta Army. Listen as your guide sets the historical scene and describes how 7,000 life-sized terracotta figures and horses were buried beside Emperor Qin Shihuang in his majestic mausoleum. Disembark and explore the site, marvelling at the endless rows of figures. Browse the exhibitions of the museum to gain further insight into the intriguing history of the tomb. 

Later this afternoon, take a walk on the Bell & Drum Tower Square and from where you could pay an outer visit of the two towers. The two towers were also built in the Ming Dynasty and the Drum Tower is 4 years older than the Bell Tower.

Continue move to Muslim Quarter. In this food street, you will meet lots of local food and snacks, as well as some little souvenirs. If you are interested in local food, it is a good place to satisfy your stomach. 

At last you will visit the Great Mosquea, a major place for the religious activities of the Muslims in Xi’an. This mosque, different from the mosques we usually see, is more like a traditional Chinese garden. For example, you will see Chinese pavilions with painted beams and engraved ridgepoles. At last, transfer you back to hotel.

Enjoy your free time until your guide comes and escort you to the high-speed train station.

Take a 4-hour bullet train from Xi'an to Chengdu.

Your cultural journey begins at the iconic Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the historic landmark that marked the beginning of the ancient Silk Road.

Step into the world of traditional Chinese fashion as you experience the elegance of Hanfu, the classical clothing style that dates back to 202 BC and influenced many Asian cultural garments, including Korean hanbok, Japanese kimono, and Vietnamese ao dai. Capture timeless family photos in these magnificent costumes, creating memories that transport you back to the Han Dynasty era.

Your adventure culminates in an authentic Chinese home, where a local family will guide you through the art of dumpling making, teaching you to craft these delicious morsels that far surpass any you've tasted in Western Chinese restaurants. This hands-on cooking experience offers a delightful way to connect with genuine Chinese culinary traditions.

Today you will arrive in Chengdu by high-speed train station. On arrival, your private guide will be ready to welcome you at the arrival hall, and transfer to your hotel with a private car and driver. Your guide will help you with luggage and hotel check-in, and ensure your arrival is worry-free.

Start your day with a leisurely visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, one of the world’s foremost panda conservation centers. Home to over 80 giant pandas, this sprawling sanctuary offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe these adorable animals up close. Wander through the lush, bamboo-filled enclosures and witness pandas of all ages as they play, eat, and relax. Learn about the critical conservation efforts that have earned this center its global reputation and understand the vital role it plays in protecting and studying these beloved creatures.

Next, indulge in a quintessentially Chengdu tradition with a 60-minute ear cleaning experience. Often practiced in local teahouses and parks, this meticulous but relaxing process is paired with a soothing mini-massage.

Conclude your day with VIP seats to a Sichuan Opera Face-Changing Show at Shufeng Yayun Theater. This show immerses you in the vibrant and dramatic world of Sichuan opera, with a mesmerizing face-changing performance as the highlight. Enjoy this show with the comfort and exclusivity of the best seats in the house for a perfect end to your day.

Enjoy your free time until your guide comes and escort you to the high-speed train station.

Take a 1.5-hour bullet train from Chengdu to Chongqing.

Your journey begins with a convenient pickup from the Chongqing High-Speed Train Station. Your guide will greet you and ensure a comfortable start to your half-day city tour.

First, visit the Three Gorges Museum, an architectural marvel that houses a wealth of cultural and historical artifacts. Explore exhibits that detail the history, culture, and natural beauty of the Three Gorges region and the Yangtze River, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of this significant area.

Next, head to Hongya Cave, a unique multi-level complex built into the cliffs above the Jialing River. This site combines traditional stilt house architecture with modern commercial spaces. Wander through its lively streets, enjoy local snacks, and take in the picturesque views of the river and cityscape.

Continue to Jiefangbei Square, the bustling commercial heart of Chongqing. Here, you can admire the iconic People's Liberation Monument and explore the surrounding shops, cafes, and restaurants. This vibrant area is perfect for experiencing the modern pulse of the city.

Conclude your city tour with a visit to Ciqikou Ancient Town, a charming and well-preserved area that offers a glimpse into Chongqing’s past. Stroll through cobblestone streets lined with traditional buildings, tea houses, and artisan shops. Enjoy the local cuisine and shop for unique souvenirs, soaking in the historical ambiance of this ancient riverside town.

After your enriching tour of Chongqing, your guide will drop you off at the cruise port, ready for your Three Gorges cruise adventure. This convenient transfer ensures a seamless transition from your city tour to your Yangtze River journey.

Victoria Cruise Lines Downstream Day 1: Embark on an unforgettable journey from Chongqing! Step aboard at the designated dock as we set sail, kicking off with a thrilling safety briefing. Get ready to delve into the heart of China's enchanting landscapes.

Excludes a mandatory tip, approximately 150 RMB per person, to be paid on board.

Victoria Cruise Lines Downstream Day 2: Brace yourself for an adventure-packed day! Rise early for a delightful cup of coffee or tea as we approach the mystical Fengdu "ShuangGui Mt. Explore this legendary site, where ancient tales and stunning views await. Then, join us for the Captain's Welcome Reception, where camaraderie and cuisine unite for an unforgettable evening on the river.

Victoria Cruise Lines Downstream Day 3: Enter the Three Gorges/“Small Gorges” – Enter the Three Gorges, one of nature's most extraordinary sculptures.  

Today you will pass through the first two—Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge.  Qutang Gorge is the shortest (5 miles), narrowest (500 feet), and most dramatic.  The 25-mile long Wu Gorge is known for its quiet beauty, forest-covered mountains, and cliffs so sheer that the sun barely penetrates the precipices.  Transfer to another vessel for a relaxing excursion through the attractive gorges of Goddess Stream.  Depending on river conditions, an alternate excursion may be substituted to the gorges of Shennong Stream.  Enter Xiling Gorge, the longest (41 miles), and deepest of the Three Gorges. 

Victoria Cruise Lines Downstream Day 4: Three Gorges Dam/Yichang – Disembark this morning and take a tour of the Three Gorges Dam, which spans the Yangtze River at Sandouping in Xiling Gorge.  It is the world’s largest power station.

After visiting the Three Gorges Dam, the driver and guide will take you to the high-speed rail station in Yichang, where you can board the high-speed train to your next destination.

Take a 6.5-hour bullet train from Yichang to Shanghai.

Then you will arrive in Shanghai by high-speed train station. On arrival, your private guide will be ready to welcome you at the arrival hall, and transfer to your hotel with a private car and driver. Your guide will help you with luggage and hotel check-in, and ensure your arrival is worry-free.

Begin your day with a visit to the exquisite Yuyuan Garden.  Built during the Ming Dynasty, it is renowned for its architectural elegance, and is a masterpiece of Chinese garden design, featuring intricate rockeries, serene ponds, and beautiful pavilions.  As you stroll through the garden, you'll be able to enjoy traditional Chinese performances such as Pingtan, a form of musical storytelling.

Next, explore the City God Temple and its surrounding bazaar which makes up a bustling hub where you can experience local culture, shop for traditional crafts and eat Shanghai street cuisine.

Venture into the rapidly disappearing Nongtang alleys.  These narrow lanes lined with historic Shikumen houses showcase the more traditional side of the city, where the close-knit neighborhoods paint a picture of what old Shanghai was like.

Take a leisurely stroll down Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, one of Shanghai’s premier shopping streets. Famous for its high-end stores, local boutiques, and street vendors, Nanjing East Road offers a blend of modern retail and historical landmarks. It’s a bustling pedestrian street, perfect for soaking up the city’s energy.

Instead of the traditional Shanghai Museum in People's Square, head to the Shanghai Museum East, a new branch located in Pudong. Opened in 2023, this museum offers a modern, spacious environment featuring various exhibitions on Chinese culture, art, and history. It showcases both ancient artifacts and contemporary art across multiple floors.

Head to Shanghai Tower, the second tallest building in the world, for a spectacular view of the city from its observation deck on the 118th floor. The Shanghai skyline, including The Bund and Huangpu River, is particularly stunning at sunset

Transition to the modern and fashionable side of Shanghai with a visit to The Bund.  This iconic waterfront promenade offers stunning views of colonial-era architecture juxtaposed against the towering skyscrapers of Pudong.  Take a walk along the scenic Huangpu River as you soak in the vibrant energy of this iconic district.

You'll get to explore Xintiandi, a chic shopping and entertainment district that epitomizes Shanghai’s blend of old and new.  This modern pedestrian area features restored Shikumen houses that now host trendy boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.

Enjoy your free time until your guide comes and escort you to the airport for your onward flight.