China Highlights with Yangtze

Upon your arrival in Beijing, your driver will welcome you at your airport’s arrival hall and get you to your hotel in a private vehicle.

One of our pro English-speaking guides shall assist you throughout your trip.

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.

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

In the afternoon, you’ll head over to the courtyards of the Temple of Heaven Park. Your tour guide will share the temple’s history and stories, showing you what emperor worship was like. You'll visit major sites within the park, including the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, the Echo Wall, the Nine-Dragon Cypress, and the Circular Mound Altar, among others.

Afterwards, you’ll get to join in a Tai Chi session with locals at the park. 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.

Enjoy your free time until your guide comes and escort you to the high-speed train station for your 4.5-hour ride from Beijing to Xi'an. On arrival, your private guide will be ready to welcome you at the arrival hall, and take you to your hotel with a private car and driver.

Depart from your hotel and venture to the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage-listed site of the Terracotta Army: rows of 7,000 life-sized terracotta figures and horses buried beside Emperor Qin Shihuang in his majestic mausoleum. 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.

At the Muslim Quarter food street, you'll discover an array of local delicacies and snacks, alongside charming souvenirs to take home. A must-visit for food lovers!

Next, you'll explore the Great Mosque, a central landmark for Xi’an’s Muslim community. Unlike typical mosques, this unique site blends Islamic and traditional Chinese architectural style. Stroll through serene courtyards adorned with intricately painted pavilions and classic Chinese gardens.

Enjoy your free time until your guide comes and escort you to the high-speed train station for a 5.5-hour bullet train ride to Chongqing. 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.

Today marks the final day of your Yangtze River cruise. After breakfast onboard, you’ll disembark, hopefully with more cherished memories and newfound friends.

Upon arriving at the Chongqing Ferry Terminal, your private guide will greet you and transport you to your hotel in a private vehicle, where they will assist with your luggage and check-in.

You’ll begin your tour of Chongqing starting with a visit to the Three Gorges Museum. Explore the rich history and culture of the region and gain insights into the significance of the Yangtze River.

You’ll marvel at the Hongya Cave, an enormous stilted building complex offering stunning city views and a unique architectural marvel.

You’ll continue to Jiefangbei Square. Experience the energetic atmosphere and modern urban landscape that complement the city's historical treasures.

Finally, you’ll end the day at Ciqikou, also known as Porcelain Port. This ancient street offers a glimpse into Chongqing's heritage with its traditional architecture, local snacks, and lively tea houses and mini bars.

Victoria Downstream Cruise Day 1: Embark on an unforgettable journey from Chongqing! Step aboard at the designated dock as we set sail and get ready to delve into the heart of China's enchanting landscapes. You’ll stay overnight here as well.

Brace yourself for an adventure-packed day! Rise early for a delightful cup of coffee or tea as we approach the mystical Fengdu "Mt. Shuanggui.

You’ll then join in on a Captain's Welcome Reception on the cruise, where you’ll get to mingle with the cruise’s captain and cuisine unite for an unforgettable evening on the river.

Get ready to be swept away by natural wonders! Start your day with a refreshing cup of coffee or tea as we navigate through the majestic Qutang Gorge. Then, behold the breathtaking beauty of Wu Gorge during our scenic cruise.

Embark on a shore excursion to explore the enchanting Goddess Stream, immersing yourself in its serene surroundings. Cap off the day with a captivating cabaret featuring performances by the talented Minorities and Dynasty Crew.

This morning you’ll tour the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest power station, located at Sandouping in Xiling Gorge. Before the dam tour, you can take an optional excursion to see the recently completed ship lock with the world’s largest ship lift.

After your morning sightseeing, you'll be transferred by motor coach to Yichang.  Another optional excursion includes visiting the town of Qu Yuan.

You’ll then head to Yichang’s high-speed rail station to catch a 6.5-hour train ride to Shanghai.  Upon arrival, your personal guide will greet you at the station and transfer you to your hotel in a private car, where your guide will assist with your luggage and hotel check-in.

Your tour in Shanghai will start with a visit to the French Concession, a former French colonial area that was returned to China in 1946. Despite modern redevelopment, this district retains its unique charm as a premier residential and retail area.

You'll also explore the Yuyuan Garden, a classic oriental garden, and the Chenghuangmiao (Old City God Temple) nearby.

For a glimpse into the traditional Shanghai lifestyle, you’ll visit Shanghai Old Street and the Nongtang alleys. Nongtang, with its distinctive architecture, represents a key aspect of contemporary Shanghai life and culture.

You’ll conclude your day by visiting the Xintiandi Style Shopping Center and the bustling Bund. Here, you’ll get to experience the grandeur of Shanghai’s 1920s era by exploring old buildings that showcase the city’s luxurious past.

Upon your arrival in Guilin airport, you'll get to pay a visit to the enchanting Reed Flute Cave, a natural limestone cave adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. This "Palace of Natural Art" is illuminated with vibrant lights that highlight the intricate formations, creating a magical underground landscape. Explore the cave's numerous chambers and learn about its geological and historical significance.

Next, you'll head to the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin's most famous landmark. This natural rock formation, resembling an elephant drinking from the Li River, is a symbol of the city. Take a leisurely walk around the hill, enjoy the scenic views, and capture memorable photos. The surrounding park offers lush greenery and tranquil spots to relax and appreciate Guilin's beauty.

Discover China's fascinating ethnic minority culture on an exciting one-day tour around Longsheng in stunning Guilin. Accompanied by your own knowledgeable local guide, venture to the rural Guangxi countryside and interact with the Zhuang and Yao communities, whose intriguing way of life is characterized by traditions formed over centuries.

Then, take a hike to the renowned Longji Rice Terraces and absorb spectacular views of the agricultural marvels, and capture some amazing photographs of the scenery beneath you. You’ll learn how Guilin Oil Tea is made. Your guide will translate for you and you also can participate in the process, and finally taste the distinctive flavor of oil tea.

Today, you’ll embark on a Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, the highlight of any visit to northeastern Guangxi Province. Marvel at the stunning Karst peaks that surprise at every bend of the clear river beneath the blue sky. Observe water buffalo in the fields, peasants harvesting rice paddies, and schoolchildren and fishermen drifting by on bamboo rafts. With its breathtaking scenery, this river journey offers a glimpse into a life far removed from the urban hustle.

In the morning, you’ll travel to the Zhujiang Pier to board your boat for the approximately 5-hour cruise, where you’ll be treated to the spectacular views along the Li River.

To conclude the day, you'll explore the town of Yangshuo and stroll down the famous West Street.

In 1987, former US President Jimmy Carter did a bike tour with his wife through the Yangshuo countryside. His legacy endures, as bicycling remains a top attraction in the city. Every summer, thousands of travelers continue to visit Yangshuo to experience the countryside just as he did. Today you’ll do the same.

This tour will take you through breathtaking landscapes, including majestic mountains, rushing rivers, charming villages, and peaceful rural areas. You'll visit Yangshuo, Yima Village, Chaolong Village, Yulong River, Jiuxian Village, Dashi Village, MoonHill, and finally Aishan Village before returning to Yangshuo.

Enjoy your free time until your guide comes and escort you to the high-speed train station for your 3.5-hour bullet train from Guilin to Hong Kong. Upon arrival, your personal guide will be ready to welcome you at the arrival hall, and take you to your hotel with a private car and driver.

Enjoy your free time until your guide arrives to escort you to airport for your departing flight.