15 Days Well-chosen Yangtze Cruise to Shanghai

Arrive in Beijing, the capital city of China, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Free at leisure for the rest of the day.

Meals: No Meals

Accommodation: In Beijing

 

Beijing, China's capital and one of the great travel destinations of the World, offers sights and cultural relics found no where else on Earth. The city has a character all its own; there are quadrangles, small alleys, tricycle, boiled mutton, roasted duck, arts and crafts, Peking Opera, The Great Wall, the 2008 Olympics venue and a vibrancy that is the distinctive flavor of Beijing. 

Depart from your hotel in the morning to visit Tian'anmen Square, the World's largest urban square and the Forbidden City, the largest and most complete ancient imperial palace in the world. Then visit the Temple of Heaven in the afternoon. Peking Opera is available for your optional night entertainment.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: In Beijing

 

As the biggest city center square in the world, Tian'anmen Square covering 44 hectares in the heart of Beijing. It is the place where history-changing events and ceremonies occurred. A few steps away, come to visit the Forbidden City, which was the Imperial Palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing Dynasties and, it is one of the largest, and certainly the most completely restored, ancient architectural complex in the world. Walk in the footsteps of Emperors; come to the museum and see with your eyes, and feel with your hearts; you'll begin understand what life in this richest of feudal realms was like for the Imperial Rulers, their concubines and their slaves.

 

After enjoying a delicious lunch, continue on to the Temple of Heaven. Departing from the Imperial vermilion and gold hues of the Forbidden City, The Temple of Heaven is decorated in blue, the color of the Heavens. The perfect harmony between the architectural environment and nature can be felt here; you might easily imagine the vivid spectacle of a great sacrifice to the Heavens for a good harvest. The magnificent Hall of Prayer of Good Harvest is one of the most important and impressive building in China.

 

In the evening, we offer you an opportunity to enjoy Peking Opera. Expert performers convey powerful emotions to the audience through song, dance, facial make-up, exquisite masks and costume, skilled use of body language and sympathetically integrated musical accompaniment. 

In the morning, take a driving for 75km to visit the Great Wall (Badaling Section) first, and then go to the Summer Palace, the 'most beautiful garden in China', for a leisure stroll. Peking Roasted Duck is available for your optional dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: In Beijing

 

Just 75km North-west of Beijing, along a smooth and comfortable highway is the Badaling Section of the Great Wall, which is one of the best-preserved and most accessible sections. The Great Wall is an internationally admired structure, symbolic of the cruelty of the ancient rulers, and the stoicism and determination of the Chinese people. The construction of the Great Wall began in the 5th century BC. The wall has a total length of 6,700 km, for much of its length following extremely rugged and mountainous terrain, clinging to incredibly precipitous mountainsides; it is truly an engineering masterpiece by any standard, ancient or modern. It has been claimed that the Great Wall is the only man-made structure which is visible from the moon.

 

After enjoy your lunch, you will be transferred and took your time to make a visit to the "most beautiful garden in China"- the Summer Palace. Originally known as the "Garden of Clear Ripples", the Summer Palace is a magnificent imperial garden located 15 km north of Beijing City . This is the largest ancient preserved garden in China and a former summer retreat for Emperors and the chosen few! The site includes more than 100 ancient style pavilions, mansions, towers, halls, temples, bridges and an enormous clear water lake. What is most enjoyable about the Summer Palace, it is simply a gorgeous place to relax, escape the smoke and crowds of the city and spend an afternoon walking. It is said one could just as easily spend one week out here as one afternoon. Here is a rare chance in Beijing, to lose the crowds and 'clear away the cobwebs'.

 

For today's optional dinner, how about taste the famous Peking Roasted Duck, as it is the best-known dish in Beijing. It is very tender and unforgettably delicious. You'll visit a local restaurant to enjoy a full meal and learn the proper way to experience Peking Roasted Duck. From the whole roasted duck to the soup of duck bones, you'll enjoy a banquet made from every part of the duck. Moreover, the chef will demonstrate his skill of cutting the skin of the duck for your entertainment.

 

In the morning, take a relaxing Hutong Tour by rickshaw to visit the ancient lanes and alleyways of Beijing. Be transferred to the airport for the flight to Xi'an in the afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: In Xian

 

If exploring the Forbidden City has improved your understanding of the lifestyles of China's ancient Imperial Court, then this relaxing Hutong Tour will give you an insight into the lives of ordinary Chinese people and reveal their social culture in today's Beijing City. The narrow streets of old Beijing are known as Hutongs. You'll take a rickshaw tour along the Hutongs and see the 100-year-old houses, courtyards and a vanishing way of life in today's Beijing.

 

Wonderful time always passes so quickly, in the afternoon, you have to take a flight to Xian, the city that steeped in history and still giving up secrets, is your gateway to ancient Chinese civilization. In its 3,100 recorded years of evolution, it has been home to 13 dynasties. Xian was also the end of civilization for those setting out on the famous Silk Road. Today's Xian is a vibrant, modern city, but surrounded by history, even underfoot! So there can be no underground railways due to the obligation to preserve the wealth of ancient treasure still awaiting discovery.

 

Take your time and enjoy a full day tour for the wonderful visit to the Qin Terracotta Army, one of the world's most important archaeological finds, with troops, horses and carriages in battle formation and then to see the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the massive City Wall. Either Jiaozi Banquet or Tang Dynasty Show with Dinner is available for your optional meal.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: In Xian

 

As an ancient capital city to 13 dynasties, Xian has a rich recorded history, frequently enhanced by the evidence of new discoveries, like the 1974 unearthing of the fabulous Qin Terracotta Army, the long forgotten army created to guard Emperor Qin Shihuang's tomb. In accordance with ancient beliefs, this grand project was mounted at enormous cost by the cruel and tyrannical Emperor, only to be attacked, plundered, burnt and buried after his funeral by the peasants who'd labored under the whip to build it. Then, over two thousand years later, this "Eighth Wonder of the World" was rediscovered by farmers digging a well. The fine troops, horses and carriages in battle formation are a National ancient art treasure. Three excavation pits are now opened to the public and a fourth is nearing completion. You can, like US President Clinton, now gaze in wonder upon this historic site, listed by UNESCO in 1987 as a world cultural heritage.

 

The first landmark visitors will encounter in Xi'an is the ancient Xian City Wall, which stretches round the old city. Xi'an was always a walled city, and today's wall represents one of the oldest and best preserved Chinese city walls, as well being one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world. The first city wall of Chang'an was begun in 194 BCE. The existing wall was started during the Ming Dynasty in 1370; it is massive, measuring 13.7 km in circumference, 12 m in height, and 15–18 m in thickness at the base. The South Gate and North Gate are the two main entrances to the inner city. The city itself is neatly arranged along the city wall. This impressive structure is just a precursor to the remarkable discoveries awaiting visitors to Xian. 

 

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda was built in 652 during the Tang Dynasty and originally had five stories, although the structure was rebuilt in 704 during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian and its exterior brick facade renovated during the Ming Dynasty. One of the pagoda's many functions was to hold sutras and figurines of the Buddha that were brought to China from India by the Buddhist translator and travelers Xuanzang. Now this well-preserved holy place for Buddhist has been the symbol of Xi'an. 

 

This evening you could choose Jiaozi Banquet as a local flavor experience. It includes over 10 kinds of Jiaozi, whose shapes and flavours vary, such as rabbit, duck, shrimp, peanuts and so on.

 

Or if you more interested in dancing show, choose a Tang Dynasty Show with Dinner would be a good idea. You'll enjoy the sumptuous dinner while watching a fabulous dancing and singing performance of the Tang Dynasty. This is not only a performance of Chinese traditional dancing and singing, but a re-enactment of Chinese ancient ceremony and culture.

Finish up your Xi'an tour by a visiting to the famous Shaanxi History Museum. Then you will be transferred to the airport to board a short flight to Chongqing, start point of the Yangtze River Cruise. On arrival, you will be met at the airport then transferred to the hotel for your stay overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: In Chongqing

 

As the regional capital and doorway to the Silk Road, Xian was one of the richest, most well-protected cities in all of China. The famous Shaanxi History Museum introduces the visitor to area's rich culture, from Emperor Qin Shihuang to the present day in this walled city. The museum is house in a striking Tang Dynasty-style pavilion and features an enormous collection of 113,000 historic and cultural relics. This is where you experience history, with chronological dynasties exhibits that take you through the dynasties.

 

Chongqing, the largest inland city of China, is a booming metropolis located in the southeast of the Sichuan Basin at the confluence of the Yangtze and the Jialing rivers. Surrounded by waters on three sides, and by the mountains on four sides, Chongqing is known as 'mountain city', 'foggy city' and 'furnace city'.

10:00am depart from Chongqing. Afternoon shore excursion to Fengdu, visiting either the "Ghost City" on Mingshan Hill, or the new relocation village for families who have moved as a result of the Yangtze's rising waters brought about by the Three Gorges Dam

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: On Yangtze cruise boat

 

Today you will stop for a visit to Fengdu, is located on the northern bank of the Yangtze 176km downstream from Chongqing. Fengdu received its reputation in the Eastern Han Dynasty. A plethora of demon-decorated temples, buildings and statues in this river town earned it the moniker "Ghost City"-the carved facades are truly fascinating. The temples built on Mt. Mishan display punishing instruments and wild demon images, which vividly depict the Chinese people's imagination of Hell. Another classic site – Shibaozhai may for your optional visiting.

 

Today pass through Three Gorges that namely Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and then, you will have a excursion to Lesser Three Gorges (or Shennong Stream according to the river condition). The optional excursion today will be the White Emperor City.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: On Yangtze cruise boat

This morning, rise early to see the dawn light the Yangtze River before the boat enters the first gorge- Qutang Gorge, the shortest (8 km), narrowest and the most dramatic one of the three gorges. Two mountains, Chijia (Red Passage) and Baiyan (White Salt), guard the entrance to this gorge like giant castle doors.

A few hours later you see the second gorge -Wu Gorge, the middle gorge which is best known for its quiet beauty, sheer cliffs and twelve unique peaks. Often veiled in swirls of mist, six line the north side of the river and six staggered peaks stand to the south. The most famous, Goddess Peak, resembles a kneeling maiden.

Lesser Three Gorges is one of the exciting and famous stops in the Yangtze Three Gorges. It is often called the "highlight" of the cruise, even the whole China trip. It always refers to the three separate valleys of the Daning River, namely "Dragon-Gate Gorge", "Misty Gorge" and "Dicui (Emerald) Gorge".

With an area of 160 hectares of forest, it lies on the lower reaches of Daning. Here sheer cliffs and steep mountains rise on either side, creating one of natural fine arts gallery as natural scenic wonders unfold on both banks of the river.
 

Then it is time to pass through the locks of Three Gorge Dam, the climax despite of the nature sightseeing. You could really feel the might of the dam. After the visiting, disembark at Yichang and be transferred to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Arrive in Shanghai and be transferred to the hotel to catch up on some rest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Diner 

Accommodation: On Yangtze cruise boat

 

Today you will take a visit to the great Three Gorges Dam. It is 2,335-meter long, 185-meter high, 18-meter wide on the top and 130-meter wide at the bottom. The dam will raise the river to a level of 175 meters above sea level, creating a 600km long reservoir with storage capacity of 39.9 billion cubic meters extending from the dam site all the way to Chongqing. It is the largest water conservancy project ever undertaken. 

Then, return to your boat and continue for your cruise.

 

Continue your cruise, then in the afternoon, you will take a shore excursion of Wuhan, the capital of Hubei Province, and visit the Hubei Provincial Museum.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Diner 

Accommodation: On Yangtze cruise boat

 

Wuhan is set on the west of Jianghan Plain, a region that has more water area than land. It is the biggest city in central China and the capital of Hubei province where the land is very productive.

 

Today, you will reach a very popular site: Mt. Huangshan, one of China's most famous mountain retreats through the scenic rural areas. It's really worthy a visit.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Diner 

Accommodation: On Yangtze cruise boat

 

Located on the Southern bank of the lower Yangtze in Anhui province, Mt. Huangshan has greatly influenced traditional Chinese landscape painting. It has attracted many celebrated scholars and historical figures as the scenery here inspired many great painters in history. The beauty of the mountain makes it a very popular subject for nature and landscape photography.

 

Today arrive at Nanjing, where you will tour the Memorial of Dr. Sun Yat Sen's Mausoleum and a Qing-dynasty style bazaar that near Confucian Temple.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Diner 

Accommodation: On Yangtze cruise boat

 

Located in the lower Yangtze River drainage basin and Yangtze River Delta economic zone, Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu province, is thought to be propitious as well as strategically important. A walled town was built during the Eastern Han period (25-220 AD) known as the Stone City. And 8 dynasties established their capitals in the city between the third and fourteenth centuries.
 

Dr. Sun Yat Sen's Mausoleum is Nanjing's most famous landmark. The Mausoleum was completed in 1929 as a memorial for the father of the Chinese Republic. The remains of Dr. Sun Yat Sen are beneath a recumbent marble statue of him in the circular crypt behind the memorial hall of Sun Yat Sen.

 

Arrive at Shanghai in the morning. Your local guide will meet you at the dock then accompany you for a half-day city tour of Yuyuan Garden and the nearby old street. Traditional Dim-sum Banquet and acrobatics show are available for your optional lunch and night entertainment.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: In Shanghai

 

Yuyuan Garden has a lot of stories for it was severely damaged in the 19th century and was restored in 1961. This garden was first built in the 16th century by provincial governor, Pan Yunduan, in honor of his father who was the then government minister. It has many scenic courtyards decorated with baroque rockery, pools, and flora that are all connected by corridors and passageways. The delicate design and exquisite layout of the whole garden reveals a strong impression of 'garden in the garden, whole in the part.

 

Shanghai offers colorful recreations with rich contents and creative form. Your night may be filled with an interactive old form of art known as the Acrobatics. Those professional performers have been trained of as early as age six or seven so that they can play so well and excellent. It definitely will be an unforgettable night in your memory.

 

A full-day of sightseeing starts with a visit to Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower and then, take a short visit to Shanghai Museum. After that, it would be a good idea that relaxing yourselves for a leisure stroll along the Bund.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: In Shanghai

 

The scope, depth and quality of its collections, and its striking architecture and use of the most modern technology makes the Shanghai Museum one of the most famous in China. Covering an area of 38,000 square meters, it is built in the shape of an ancient Chen bronze ding. A museum for ancient arts, it is divided into ten sections: ancient Chinese bronzes, sculpture, ceramics, jades, seals, calligraphy, coin and currency, paintings, Ming and Qing-dynasty furniture, and crafts of China's national minorities. 
 

 

Day 15

The vacation is over all too soon as you're transferred to the airport to board the homebound flight, bidding a fond farewell to China, and we know you'll be back.

Meals: Breakfast