12 Days Best China Yangtze Tour

Day 01: Shanghai Arrival

Arrive in Shanghai, the financial and commercial center of China. You are greeted by your guide at the airport and transferred to the four-star Shanghai Greenland Jiulong Hotel. The rest of the day will be free at your leisure.

Day 02 Shanghai (B, L)

Have full day sightseeing to the major attractions of the city including the Yu Garden at the Old Quarter, the famous waterfront Bund and Nanjing Road at the shopping center.

Day 03 Shanghai / Yichang (B)

Fly from Shanghai to Yichang. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our local guide and transferred to the Yangtze River Cruise, where you will begin your memorable cruise upstream.

Day 04 Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D) 

Today the cruise will stop at San Duo Ping and sail through the Xiling Gorge, the longest of the famed Three Gorges. After lunch, you will enjoy a shore excursion at the splendid Three Gorges Dam Project.

Day 05 Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)

This morning, you will pass through the west part of Xiling Gorges. After a shore excursion at Shennong Stream, you will pass through the Wu Gorge and visit the fascinating peaks and rocks along the Wu Mountains. Then pass through Qutang Gorge, which is framed by steep cliffs, with overhanging mountains on the two sides.

Day 06 Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)

Today's highlight is a shore excursion to Shibaozhai, the magnificent 12-story wooden pagoda which was built against a protruding 220-meter rectangular rock with sheer cliffs on the north bank.

Day 07 Chongqing / Xian (B, L)

Morning cruise will bring you to the mountain city of Chongqing where you will disembark. Travel to the Eling Park, the summit of Chongqing for a view of this mountainous city. Then visit General Stilwell Museum. Transfer to the airport and take the flight to Xian. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the local guide and transferred to the four-star New World Hotel.

Day 08 Xian (B, L)

A full day tour recalls the glories of ancient Xian as you visit the burial site of an incredible army of 8000 lifelike Terra-cotta soldiers. After lunch drive back to the city and visit the Bell Tower in the very heart of Xian City. Following is the Great Mosque at the Muslim square. This Mosque is only one in China that perfectly combines the Muslim customs and Chinese culture, and features like a unique garden.

Day 09 Xian / Beijing (B, L)

After breakfast enjoy a leisure stroll on the top of the ancient City Wall, the best preserved in the world, followed by a wander on the famous Shuyuanmen Culture Street to appreciate the delicate traditional art crafts. Fly to Beijing, the capital of China. You will be greeted by your guide at the airport and transferred to the four-star Tiantan Hotel.

Day 10 Beijing (B, L)

The highlight today is to conquer the Great Wall, a symbol of the Chinese ancient civilization. Continue to visit the Olympic Venues including Bird Nest and Water Cube.

Day 11 Beijing (B, L)

Morning program takes you to Tian'an Men Square and the Forbidden City, the residence of Chinese emperors for more than 500 years. Afternoon sightseeing features the Summer Palace, a summer resort for Empress Dowager Ci Xi and Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests.

Day 12 Beijing (B)

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.