China Upstream Yangtze Wonders

Today you will fly to Beijing. Upon 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.

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.

You’ll 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.

You’ll visit the Yonghe Temple, also known as the Lama Temple. This beautiful temple is one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in China, filled with beautifully decorated ornate halls and intricate sculptures.

Youl'll then be escorted to the high-speed train station for your 4.5-hour bullet train from Beijing to Xi'an with second class seat. Upon your 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.

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 Mosque, 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.

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

Then you will fly to Yichang. On arrival, your private guide will welcome you at the arrival hall and transfer you to Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal with a private car and driver.

You'll then head over to the Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal for your shuttle ride to Maoping. Feel the excitement build as we embark on our journey upstream, ready to uncover the wonders that await along the majestic Yangtze River.

Dive into excitement as we explore the marvel of engineering at the Three Gorges Dam Site. 

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.

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.

You'll then get to watch a colorful and captivating Minorities and Dynasty Costumes Show. 

Awaken your senses with an early morning cup of coffee or tea as we glide through the serene Goddess Stream. Marvel at the dramatic landscapes of Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge. As night falls, you'll get to watch a Cabaret Show that'll make for an unforgettable evening on the river.

You’ll begin your morning with a peaceful Early Bird Coffee and Tea before you head off to explore the mystical Snow Jade Cave in Fengdu.

As the day comes to a close, you’ll wind down with a Captain's Farewell Dinner.

Today marks the final day of your Yangtze River cruise. You’ll disembark after breakfast.

Upon arriving at the Chongqing Ferry Terminal, your personal 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.

Today, you'll be escorted to the high-speed train station for your 4-hour ride to Guilin. Upon your arrival, your private guide will drive you to your hotel with a private car and driver.

Begin your day with 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 create a magical underground landscape.

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.

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.

You’ll end the day exploring Yangshuo and strolling down the famous West Street.

Today you'll be escorted to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon your arrival, your personal guide will welcome you at the arrival hall. You'll be driven you to your hotel in a private car and driver.

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.

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.

Enjoy your remaining time in China until you’re escorted to the airport for your departing flight.