The Best of China Tour with Yangtze Cruise - 11 Days - Yangtze river tour

The Best of China Tour with Yangtze Cruise - 11 Days

Experience the vibrant tapestry of China on this 11-day tour, featuring centrally located hotels and knowledgeable local guides. The journey begins in Beijing, where the Forbidden City and the Great Wall unveil centuries of political history and imperial heritage. Travel by high-speed train to Xi’an to admire the Terracotta Warriors and explore the lively Muslim Quarter. Enjoy a cruise in Chongqing, sailing through a variety of natural and cultural landscapes. The tour concludes in Shanghai, China’s most dazzling metropolis, where the energetic colonial Bund, traditional gardens and temples, and bustling markets await.

Category: China Yangtze River Tours

General Information

Duration: 11 days
Start/End: Beijing - Shanghai
Tour Route: Beijing - Xi’an -Yangtze River - Shanghai
Tour Type: Explore and Experience
Tour Categories: China Yangtze River Tour
Tour Customizable: Definitely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Guides: Local Guide (English Speaking Guide, Other Languages upon Request)

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Beijing Arrival
Day 2: Beijing's Landmarks incl. the Forbidden City
Day 3: The Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall
Day 4: Travel by High-speed Train to Xi’an
Day 5: Xi’an, Terracotta Warriors & Muslim Quarter
Day 6: Xi’an - Chongqing - Yangtze River
Day 7: Yangtze River Cruise & Shore Excursion
Day 8: Yangtze River Cruise & Goddess Stream
Day 9: Three Gorges Dam & Flight to Shanghai
Day 10: Discover the Mixed Charms of Shanghai
Day 11: Shanghai Departure

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Beijing Arrival

Welcome to Beijing, the vibrant heart of modern China!
Once you exit the arrival hall, your guide will be eagerly awaiting you, holding a welcome board with your name. They will escort you in a private vehicle to your hotel, introducing you to the city's stunning new landscapes along the way. After you check in, enjoy some leisure time to relax and recover from any jet lag.

Day 2: Beijing's Landmarks incl. the Forbidden City

Begin your tour at Tiananmen Square, the political heart of contemporary China, surrounded by impressive buildings where policies and guidelines that shaped the nation were established. Directly to the north of the square lies the Forbidden City, a magnificent palace complex that served as the center of power for China's last two feudal dynasties for nearly 500 years. After exploring the expansive royal grounds, you will be guided into a traditional folk community known as Hutong, where you can wander through typical courtyards and experience the daily life cherished by the older residents of Beijing.

Day 3: The Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall

Begin a new day at the Temple of Heaven Park, where retired locals practice Tai Chi and engage in other unique sports, kicking off their day with energy on its spacious green areas. This historic site was also where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshiped the heavens. Spend the rest of the day admiring the grandeur of the Great Wall. Take a cable car ride to the top, hike along the wall, and enjoy the breathtaking view of the impressive structure winding its way across the lofty mountains toward the horizon. After the tour, drive for about two hours to your next destination.

Day 4: Travel by High-speed Train to Xi’an

The high-speed train has now become a symbol of the mega country's rapidly expanding economic strength and advancing technological capabilities. Today, you will board one of these bullet trains and travel approximately 1,200 kilometers to Xi'an, an ancient capital with a rich history in China.

Depending on the train schedule, you will arrive in about four to six hours, where you will meet your local guide and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel for some refreshments.

Day 5: Xi’an, Terracotta Warriors & Muslim Quarter

Today is the day to encounter the Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang, featuring over 8,000 life-sized warriors, around 500 full-scale horses, and hundreds of bronze chariots. Spend three or more hours marveling at this incredible army, observing the diverse and vivid expressions on the soldiers' faces, and reflecting on the battle scenes that unfolded more than 2,000 years ago. After your visit, return to the city with a 1.5-hour drive and explore the vibrant Muslim Quarter, where you can browse and sample some exotic local delicacies.

Day 6: Xi’an - Chongqing - Yangtze River

Travel to Chongqing for a three-night cruise along the Yangtze River, China's exclusive waterway, which is the longest river in Asia and the third longest in the world. Upon arrival by bullet train (approximately 5.5 hours), you will meet your local guide and enjoy a private transfer to the dock. Before boarding the cruise, food enthusiasts can seize the opportunity to experience the authentic Chongqing hotpot, which is highly popular across China and among the Chinese diaspora worldwide.

Day 7: Yangtze River Cruise & Shore Excursion

Follow the onboard schedule to enjoy your morning tea or coffee, practice Tai Chi, indulge in hearty meals, and participate in various colorful activities available on the cruise.

When the boat arrives at Fengdu dock, you can disembark and take part in the shore excursion to Mt. Shuanggui, a picturesque area that features both natural and man-made landscapes. There are also optional excursions (available at an extra cost) for you to consider.

Day 8: Yangtze River Cruise & Goddess Stream

Continue your downstream cruise and take in the breathtaking natural beauty of Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge, two of the three most scenic sections along the river. History enthusiasts may choose to pay a little extra for the optional morning tour to White Emperor City. The mandatory excursion will take you to the Goddess Stream, renowned for its pristine valleys and emerald waters.

Day 9: Three Gorges Dam & Flight to Shanghai

Conclude your four-day cruise with a visit to the Three Gorges Dam Site, where you can gain insight into the grandeur of the dam—the largest hydroelectric power station in the world—and learn about its construction history. Afterward, a shuttle bus will transport you to the city of Yichang, where our private guide and driver will meet you and take you to the airport for your flight to Shanghai.

Day 10: Discover the Mixed Charms of Shanghai

Explore the historic bridges and colonial buildings along the Bund, leaning against the rails by the Huangpu River to gaze at the futuristic skyscrapers of Pudong. Next, visit Yu Garden and the Jade Buddha Temple, where you can find some tranquility amidst the city's hustle and bustle while appreciating the beauty of Chinese architectural aesthetics in folk gardens and Buddhist temples. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll from Fuxing Park to Bugaoli Stone Gate, passing through a local market where you can sample some dim sum and enjoy the vibrant urban scenery.

Day 11: Shanghai Departure

It's time to test your knowledge of China after a fully escorted 10-day tour. Without a guide or driver today, you'll need to navigate your way to the airport for your homebound flight. You can take a taxi, metro, airport express bus, or the maglev train, and we will provide you with detailed information to assist you.

This marks the end of your unforgettable journey through the China tours, filled with memorable experiences and sights across this incredible country.

SERVICE INCLUDED	+ Admission fees for the attractions outlined in the itinerary + Airfare or train tickets as mentioned in the itinerary + Tours or activities included in the itinerary + Transportation between airports, hotels, and attractions during sightseeing in each city or area via private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary + Service fees: Our proposal encompasses planning, management, operational, and communication costs, as well as applicable VAT taxes
SERVICE EXCLUDED	+ Flights, sightseeing, or meals not included in the itinerary + Visa application and associated fees + Payment processing fees + Tips and gratuities +Travel insurance +Personal expenses, such as room service, internet charges, laundry, drinks, faxes, phone calls, optional activities, and so on + Excess baggage fees: Additional or overweight luggage will incur extra charges, which must be paid directly to the airline at check-in + Optional activities, whether suggested by tour guides or chosen based on your personal interests

SERVICE INCLUDED

+ Admission fees for the attractions outlined in the itinerary
+ Airfare or train tickets as mentioned in the itinerary
+ Tours or activities included in the itinerary
+ Transportation between airports, hotels, and attractions during sightseeing in each city or area via private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary
+ Service fees: Our proposal encompasses planning, management, operational, and communication costs, as well as applicable VAT taxes

SERVICE EXCLUDED

+ Flights, sightseeing, or meals not included in the itinerary
+ Visa application and associated fees
+ Payment processing fees
+ Tips and gratuities
+Travel insurance
+Personal expenses, such as room service, internet charges, laundry, drinks, faxes, phone calls, optional activities, and so on
+ Excess baggage fees: Additional or overweight luggage will incur extra charges, which must be paid directly to the airline at check-in
+ Optional activities, whether suggested by tour guides or chosen based on your personal interests

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