Beijing to Yangtze River & Shanghai

Upon arrival at the award-winning Beijing Capital International Airport, you will be greeted by our local guide and taken to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

After a hearty breakfast at our hotel, we’ll dive into the rich history of Beijing with a visit to Tiananmen Square. This iconic site, pivotal in the founding of the People’s Republic of China, is one of the world’s most awe-inspiring public spaces, commanding a central place in Beijing’s heart and history.

Our adventure continues as we step into the Forbidden City, the world’s largest ancient palatial complex and China’s best preserved imperial palace. Its vast halls and gardens offer a breathtaking glimpse into China's imperial past. Should tickets be unavailable during peak season, we’ll instead explore the enchanting Lama Temple and the revered Confucius Temple.

Lunch will be included at a local Chinese restaurant before we head to the Temple of Heaven. This architectural masterpiece was visited by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for centuries. It's where they prayed for a good harvest and is a stunning testament to imperial architecture.

To finish off our first day, we’ll partake in a traditional tea ceremony at a local tea store, before returning to our hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Today we’ll embark on an unforgettable journey to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. This extraordinary marvel of Chinese engineering stretches majestically across the rugged landscape. As we walk along a section of the ancient wall, we can take in the dramatic surrounding scenery.

After lunch at a local Chinese restaurant, we then set off for the Summer Palace, a former imperial retreat. As we stroll through its sprawling gardens and around Kunming Lake, we’ll marvel at the intricately decorated buildings and serene courtyards that whisper tales of the past.

After our exploration of this majestic historical gem, we’ll return to our hotel.

Beijing - Xi'an. After breakfast at our hotel, we’ll embark on an enchanting walking tour through Beijing’s labyrinthine alleyways, known as ‘Hutongs.’ As we meander through these charming lanes, we’ll discover the vibrant heart of traditional Beijing, where old-world charm and local life intertwine.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we make our way to Beijing West Railway Station. We’ll then board a high-speed train bound for Xi’an, enjoying the comfort of 2nd class seats as we glide through the countryside. Upon arriving in Xi’an, our friendly local guide will warmly greet us at the railway station. We will then make our way to the hotel in Xi'án.

Today we’ll visit the Terracotta Warrior Museum. Often celebrated as ‘the eighth wonder of the world,’ the Terracotta Warriors offer a breathtaking glimpse into ancient China. This remarkable collection of terracotta sculptures depicts the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. These life-sized figures were meticulously modeled after actual soldiers of the Qin Army, displaying incredible attention to detail. The army consists of an astounding 8,000 life-size soldiers, 100 chariots, and 600 horses, and each figure is unique. The purpose of this vast army was to guard the remains of Emperor Qin Shihuang, entombed within a massive mausoleum complex.

Our adventure continues with a fascinating visit to a terracotta figure-making factory, where we’ll witness artisans at work and learn about the intricate craft behind these legendary statues. Following this, we’ll enjoy lunch at a local Chinese restaurant.

In the afternoon, we’ll delve into history with a visit to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. This ancient marvel is one of China’s oldest and best-preserved structures.

We’ll also explore a jade factory, discovering the artistry behind this precious stone. Back at the hotel, the rest of today is at leisure.

Xi'an - Chengdu. After a hearty breakfast at our hotel, we’ll set off for the railway station to board the high-speed train to Chengdu, settling into the comfort of our 2nd class seats.

Upon reaching Chengdu, our warm and knowledgeable local guide will be there to greet us at the railway station, ready to introduce us to the city’s unique charm. There's time to grab some lunch before we visit the People’s Park, where we’ll enjoy a stroll and watch the locals going about their day.

Our exploration continues as we wander through the Wide and Narrow Alleys, where traditional architecture and vibrant street life offer a captivating glimpse into Chengdu’s past. We’ll then transfer to our hotel in the heart of the city.

Chengdu - Dujiangyan - Chongqing - Yichang. We embark on a scenic one-hour drive to Dujiangyan, where we’ll visit the renowned Dujiangyan Giant Panda Base. Here, we’ll have the chance to observe these adorable giants in their natural habitat, a truly memorable experience that brings us face-to-face with one of China’s most beloved animals.

Following our panda encounter, we’ll indulge in a delicious lunch at a local Chinese restaurant, before making our way to Chengdu Railway Station. We’ll board the high-speed train to Chongqing.

You will be met in Chongqing and taken to the pier, where we’ll board our elegant river vessel and prepare for a serene cruise downstream to Yichang. As we set sail, we’ll relax and enjoy the stunning river views, marking the beginning of a captivating journey along one of China’s most famous waterways.

Yichang - Fengdu. We will continue our captivating journey along the mighty Yangtze River, with a stop at either the enigmatic Fengdu Ghost City or the scenic Fengdu Mount Shuanggui Scenic Region.

Our day will begin with a refreshing start, enjoying coffee, tea, and pastries as we take in the serene river views. We’ll then energize ourselves with a Tai Chi exercise session, embracing the peaceful morning atmosphere. Following this, we’ll savour a sumptuous buffet breakfast, setting us up for an exciting day ahead.

Fengdu Ghost City is a large complex of shrines, temples and monasteries dedicated to the afterlife located on the Ming mountain. It is shrouded in local legends and dramatic beauty (please note that this visit is not included, and is bookable and payable locally).

Alternatively, we’ll have the chance to explore the stunning Fengdu Mount Shuanggui Scenic Region, a location renowned for its natural splendour and cultural significance. Please note that all Yangtze Cruise itineraries are subject to change.

As the evening approaches, we’ll gather on board the cruise vessel for an engaging lecture about the Yangtze River, notable locations and its importance to China.

Fengdu - Three Gorges - Three Gorges Dam. Enjoy another relaxing breakfast and optional Tai Chi before we reach the dramatic landscapes of Qutang Gorge, the first of the illustrious Three Gorges. This breathtaking stretch of the Yangtze River, known for its steep cliffs and awe-inspiring scenery, sets the stage for an unforgettable day.

Our voyage will then take us to Wu Gorge, where we’ll marvel at its strikingly steep cultivated fields that appear to cling impossibly to the mountainsides. The sheer grandeur and rugged beauty of this region offer a spectacular visual feast.

We’ll have the option to embark on an exciting shore excursion to White Emperor City, an area steeped in history and legend (please note this visit is exclusive and payable locally). Known as Baidicheng, this ancient fortress and temple complex is located precariously on a hilltop. Alternatively, we can explore the enchanting Shennong/Shennv Stream, where we can stretch our legs on land and immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of this waterway.

Back on board, we will navigate towards the western part of Xiling Gorge, a historically significant corridor for river transport. We’ll then traverse the ship locks, leading us to the awe-inspiring Three Gorges Dam, China’s largest and most ambitious engineering feat since the Great Wall.

Three Gorges Dam - Shanghai. We’ll start our day with breakfast on board, setting us up for an exciting shore excursion to the colossal Three Gorges Dam.

Upon disembarking at Maoping, we’ll embark on a fascinating visit to the Three Gorges Dam, marvelling at this monumental feat of modern engineering. As we explore, we’ll gain insight into its impressive scale and significance. For lunch, we’ll either dine at a local restaurant or enjoy a packed lunch prepared specially for us.

Following our dam visit, we’ll board a high-speed train bound for Shanghai, where we’ll travel in 2nd class seats for approximately 8 hours. On arrival, we will transfer to our hotel in the city centre for check-in.

Today begins with a visit to the stunning Yu Garden, nestled in the heart of the old city centre. This botanical masterpiece, crafted 400 years ago during the Ming Dynasty, is a peaceful oasis amidst the bustle of the city.

After lunch, we head to the Jade Buddha Temple, established in 1882, where we’ll admire the awe-inspiring white jade Burmese Buddha statues. Then we take a stroll down Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s famed shopping boulevard. Here, the energetic pulse of the city is palpable, with dazzling lights and a dynamic atmosphere.

We’ll then make our way to The Bund, where we’ll be mesmerized by the iconic skyline. The Pudong area’s sleek, modernist architecture provides a striking contrast to the historic colonial buildings that line the opposite bank of the river.

Our adventure continues with a visit to the charming Former French Concession, where we’ll explore its tree-lined streets and elegant buildings. We’ll also discover the artistry behind silk production with a visit to a local silk factory, learning about this traditional craft and its role in Shanghai’s rich history. As the day draws to a close, we’ll return to our hotel.

The final day of our tour is completely free for you to do whatever you like. You could visit the Shanghai Museum, climb the Oriental Pearl TV Tower for panoramic views over the city, or even head to Disneyland! The choice is yours.

After breakfast at the hotel our tour comes to an end. There's an included transfer to the airport.