Imperial China & Yangtze River Cruise: A Journey Through Time and Majesty

This 10-day journey through China offers a unique blend of historical exploration, cultural immersion, and natural wonders, with a special highlight being the unforgettable Yangtze River Cruise. The cruise section of the tour takes you through the iconic Three Gorges—one of nature’s most breathtaking landscapes—featuring dramatic cliffs, serene valleys, and the world’s largest dam.

greatwall

Terra Cotta Warriors

Yangtze River

the bund shanghai

Three Gorges Dam

Yangtze River cruise

Yangtze River cruise

Shanghai Yu Garden

Day1 Beijing 

Arrive in Beijing with international flight, our car will pick us up and transfer to our hotel. In the evening we take a tour in Wangfujing Street. Overnight in Beijing.

Day 2 Beijing

Our first stop is the impressive Tiananmen Square, where most of the national ceremonies are held. From the square, you can walk to the splendid Forbidden City. Upon arrival at the largest imperial palace, travelers are always impressed by the high red walls and large quantity of buildings with golden roofs. After that, we drive to Hutong to visit the traditional residence of Beijing with Rickshaws, which is an old way of transportation. Then we visit Houhai area by walking, which is a part of Shichahai. After that visit Temple of Heaven, where ever the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshipped the Gods of Heaven.

Day 3 Beijing

Today we first visit the fascinating Badaling Great Wall; we take the cable car up, and walk down. Then we drive to visit Summer Palace. The palace was used as the royal family’s “Palace to avoid the heat” when in summer. Then we drive to Olympic park to see the modern masterpiece – Bird Nest & Water Cube from outside. In the evening, we shall see the Kongfu Show by regular seats.

Day 4 Beijing-Xi'an

After breakfast at hotel, we transfer to station for Bullet Train to Xian Beijing/Xian G651 0700/1252, by 2nd class seats. Upon arrival, our guide and driver in Xi’an will pick you up and drive to the suburb area to marvel at the powerful Qin Terra Cotta Warriors. Back the city, evening Tang Dynasty Show with Dumpling dinner in Lido Theatre.

Day 5 Xi'an/Chongqing –boat

Today you will be driven to Muslim Quarter. There are about ten mosques in this area, among which the Great Mosque is the most famous and popular, then continue to visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and City Wall. Then transfer to airport for flight Xian/Chongqing HU7667 1540/1720. Be met and transferred to dinner then to the boat, check in and Cruise introduction (dinner is excluded), cruiser will start at 21:30.

Day6 Cruiser (B, L&D)

Shibaozhai - Take a shore excursion to Shibaozhai, with its impressive wooden pagoda, appropriately named “The Pearl of the Yangtze”. Depending on river conditions, an alternate excursion may be substituted to Fengdu, visiting the new relocation village built for families who have moved as a result of the Yangtze’s rising waters brought about by the Three Gorges Dam. Additional optional Shore Excursion to Fengdu’s “Ghost City” (river conditions permitting), known for its statues of ghosts and devils on Mingshan Hill.

Day7 Cruiser (B, L&D)

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 the deepest of the Three Gorges. In the evening, sail through the Three Gorges Dam ship locks. Additional optional Shore Excursion to White Emperor City (river conditions permitting), an ancient city overlooking the western end of Qutang Gorge.

Day 8 Cruiser –Yichang-Shanghai (B)

Three Gorges Dam/Yichang - Morning visit to the Three Gorges Dam at Sandouping, the largest in the world. Arrive Yichang in late morning and disembark. then transfer to railway station for fast train Yichang/Shanghai D2208 1500/2315 by 2nd class seats. Be met and transferred to hotel in Shanghai. Overnight in Shanghai.

Day9 Shanghai

After breakfast at hotel, today we first visit Yu Garden including nearby Bazzars. In Yuyuan, you can see the sophisticated design and fine layout of pavilions, halls, rockeries, ponds and cloisters. Then we visit Shanghai Museum, which specializes in ancient art works of China, especially bronze ware, chinaware, calligraphies and paintings. After that, we will take a walking tour of Nanjing Road and The Bund to enjoy the modern view of Shanghai. Then we go to take elevator up to the TV Tower and take an overlook of the Shanghai City. Then we go to visit French Concession. In the evening, you’ll be entertained by the Acrobatic show at the theater. Then we drive back to our hotel.

Day10 Departure

Today we drive to visit the beautiful Water Town of Zhujiajiao including boat cruise. We will drive for about one hour to get there. With the accompany of our guide, you will have a leisure time at the town to enjoy the local people's life, the ancient architecture, small canals and beautiful bridges. There are restaurants, bars, cafes and shops along both sides of the narrow streets. Then we drive back to Shanghai and visit Tianzifang area. Then transfer to apt for international flight back.