15 Days Best of China Tour with Yangtze & Rural Villages Visit
Beijing / Xian / Guilin / Yangshuo / Chongqing / Yangtze Cruise / Yichang / Shanghai / Mt.Huang / Shanghai
1. The price is based on a group of 2 adult travelers sharing one double-bed room in comfortable-class hotel(s) in tourist off-seasons.
2. The price is subject to change according to your group size, traveling seasons, hotel class, changes of activities, possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate, etc.
3. The price is valid to February 28th, 2026.
Places Visited
Beijing (3 nights), Xian (2 nights), Guilin (2 nights), Yangtze Cruise (3 nights), Huangshan (2 nights), Shanghai (2 nights)
Highlights of the Trip
- Marvel at the impressive Great Wall
- Come face to face with the Terracotta Warriors
- Absorb the nature scenery of the Yangtze River
- Climb Mount Huang to enjoy the Top mountain nature of China
Trip Summary
Day 1-4: Fly to Beijing & Beijing
Begin your Yangtze Cruise Tour with Beijing by wandering along the incredible Great Wall, visiting historic Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, leisure tour of Summer Palace, plus the Hutong rickshaw sightseeing and more. The whole way can be personalized for any of your needs.
Day 4-5: Fly to Xian & Xian
Come to the ancient city ramparts of Xian and meet the mighty Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, etc, accompanying with local guide and personalized service.
Day 6-7: Fly to Guilin & Li River Cruise
Get your soul free in Guilin and enjoy the total natural Li River Cruise. And take a casual time to treat yourself a cup of coffee in Yangshuo. Life is supposed to be that simple.
Day 8: Flight to Chongqing from Guilin
Transfer to Chongqing for your late afternoon Yangtze Cruise. With local guide, you have chance to visit Erling Park and Ciqikou Old Town before getting onboard.
Day 9-11: Yangtze Cruise to Yichang & Bullet Train to Shanghai
Make yourself at home, this Yangtze cruise do much that it says. Land tours, historical sites, meet with locals, explore the changes along Yangtze, you have more to find out. Float down the stream, this tour takes you to Shanghai as well.
Day 12: Shanghai & Fly to Huangshan
Come to Shanghai with downtown sightseeing to the Bund, Nanjing Road, Yu Garden, etc. Then transfer to Huangshan for Mount Huang sightseeing.
Day 13-15: Mount Huang & Fly Back to Shanghai Departure
Enjoy the most beautiful mountain under heaven at Yellow Mountain, and the nearby Hongcun & Xidi Ancient Village to fulfill your UNESCO World Heritage Sites tour in one go. Later fly back to Shanghai for your next destination or back home.
Full Itinerary Day by day
Day 1 Beijing Arrival
Welcome to Beijing! Clear the customs and retrieve your baggage by yourself upon arrival, be greeted by our tour guide in the Arrival Hall who is holding a sign on which says your name; transferred by your private car/van to your hotel downtown. The rest of the day is your own time.
Day 2 Beijing (B, L)
Today you will first visit the world's biggest city plaza, the Tiananmen Square; then walk to the marvelous "Egg" (National Centre for the Performing Arts) to take some pictures from its outside; subsequently, go to the Forbidden City, the most complete imperial palace in China; and later proceed to the impressive Temple of Heaven. After the sightseeing tour, be driven back to your hotel.
Hall of Supreme - Typical Architecture of Forbidden City
Day 3 Beijing (B, L, D)
With the old saying “One who fails to reach the Great Wall is not a hero”, today you will visit the famous Great Wall (Badaling Great Wall Section) for about 1.5 hours hiking. Along the way, you can see ancient watchtowers and enjoy the stunning mountain views. Judging by the physical conditions, you may return by cable car or descend by chairlift. Then move to the Sacred Way, the first scenic spot to enter the Ming Tomb. Walking through the 7 km’s solemn road decorated by splendid architectures, you come to the Changling to explore further of the tomb.
On the way back to your hotel, you might make a stop at the Beijing Olympic Village to take some photos of the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube from the outside.
For the dinner, we prepare you with the typical local food-Peking Roast Duck to end today's tour!
Summer Scenery of Mutianyu Great Wall
Day 4 Beijing (B, L)
After breakfast, you will marvel at the exquisite Summer Palace, the imperial garden.
Then head to visit the Drum Tower dating from 1420. Ascending the big Drum Tower, you will have a bird's eye view of the surrounding communities of Hutongs and Siheyuan from here. And then move on to an ordinary family courtyard home for a tea break. Afterwards, take a rickshaw to visit the most famous Hutongs keeping the original layout in the Shichahai area. Then move on to the Prince Gong's Mansion.
After the tour, our guide will escort you to the airport and take the flight to Xian.
Longevity Hill & Kunming Lake of Summer Palace
Day 5 Xian (B, L, D)
In the morning be picked up at your hotel then driven to the Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses; the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century, It is one of the most popular tourist spots not to be missed by any visitor to China. After lunch, move on to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the Ancient City Wall; enjoy the local specialty Dumpling Dinner served in a fine restaurant in the evening.
Terracotta Warriors and Horses, the Eighth Wonder of the World
Day 6 Flight to Guilin from Xian (B, L)
Today will be free until your guide picks you up to the airport and flight to Guilin. After arriving in Guilin city be met and transferred to your hotel in Guilin. After a little bit rest and a local lunch, head to visit the Elephant Trunk Hill, the symbol of Guilin city, and the Reed Flute Cave.
Elephant Trunk Hill, the symbol of Guilin, got its name because it looks like an elephant drinking water. The round opening that would be under the elephant’s trunk is known as Water-Moon Cave because at night the reflection of the moon can be seen through the arch and it looks like it is under the water and floating on the surface of the water at the same time.
Reed Flute Cave known as the Palace of Natural Arts is is a fantastic cave decorated by peculiar-shaped stalactites, stalagmites, and rock, being in Guilin urban area.
The Famous Elephant Trunk Hill
Day 7 Guilin (B, L)
After breakfast today, you’ll be driven to Zhujiang Pier (40-minute drive) to start your boat cruise down the picturesque Li River, which is the highlight of any visit to Guilin, until you get to Yangshuo County. Along the river, you’ll be inspired by breathtaking views of peaks and pinnacles, crystal-clear water and picturesque pastoral views of rice paddies and water buffaloes. Visitors feel they have stepped into a traditional Chinese painting. After checking into your hotel in Yangshuo, free to explore the beautiful town and its famous West Street.
Guilin Li River Landscape
Day 8 Flight to Chongqing from Guilin (B, L)
After breakfast today, take an about 1.5 hours drive to the Guilin airport, and take a flight to Chongqing. After arriving in Chongqing city be met and transferred to the Chongqing downtown. Your tour guide and driver will take you to the Chongqing zoo to see the Giant Panda, and then visit the Ciqikou Old Town, if time permits.
Then, you'll be transferred to the Cruise pier, and board the ship in the late afternoon. Your lifetime Yangtze River Cruise starts! (Note: the aboarding time changes based on the cruise ships, season, water level, weather, etc.)
Chongqing Zoo
Day 9 Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)
Today you will embrace your first shore excursion site-Shibaozhai Pagoda. With 278 kilometers away from Chongqing, Shibaozhai is a pearl on Yangtze River. As the gem of Chinese Architecture, the 12-story, 18th Century red wooden temple is an architectural delight full of Legends and beautiful stories. Climbing on the top, you can have a panoramic view of the Yangtze River.
Optional Site: Some cruise ships make the shore excursion to the Fengdu Ghost City instead. Also called as the City of Ghosts, it endows kinds of mysterious stories about the underworld cruel tortures and kinds of devils. Enter inside, you can find more devil statues and vivid cruel scenes.
Note: Once you told us which excursion site you choose, we’ll arrange the right cruise ship for you at great rates.
Shibaozhai Pagoda, a Pearl of Yangtze River
Day 10 Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)
Each day is a flesh new. Today, you have shore excursion to Shennv Stream by smaller vessels. Known for the original virgin valley of Yangtze, it attracts you with the peaceful stream and stunning nature site you never seen before.
Optional Site: Some cruise ships make the shore excursion to the Shennong Stream instead. Having a great culture, Shennong Stream is more famous and mature. The riverside sceneries, boat tracker and unique local ethnic culture will give you a different cruise experience.
Note: Once you told us which excursion site you choose, we’ll arrange the right cruise ship for you at great rates.
Shennv Stream with Primitive Gorge Scenery
Day 11 Yichang & Bullet Train to Shanghai from Yichang (B)
After breakfast, you’ll go through a check-out procedure and disembark at Maoping Port. Then, take a morning shore excursion to visit the world-famous project - Three Gorges Dam. The dam is the largest hydropower station in the world with an annual energy output of 84.7 billion kilowatt-hours. The Three Gorges Dam includes three areas: the dam itself, a hydroelectric, and a system of locks. The height of the Three Gorges Dam is 185 meters (607 ft) above the sea level. The dam is about 2,300 meters (7,546 ft) long and about 115 meters (377 ft) wide. With a water capacity of 39.3 billion cubic meters, the dam will hold a huge reservoir which will efficiently prevent flooding in the middle and lower portions of the Yangtze River. (Optional experience: you can choose to sail through the world’s largest ship lift - Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift to very closely marvel at the huge dam which is a totally fresh and exciting experience for travelers.)
After the dam visiting, you’ll take the tourist bus arranged by the cruise company transferring you to Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal around 12:30~13:30. Then, you will be escorted by our local guide and driver to the Yichang East Railway Station and take your bullet train to Shanghai. Upon arrival, be met by our local guide at the arrival hall of Shanghai train station and escorted to your hotel in downtown area by a private, comfortable and non-smoking vehicle. Have a nice sleep in Shanghai!
Tips & Note: No matter you take Ship Lift or not, you’ll do check-out procedure and take your luggage away from the ship in this early morning. (1) Only dam visiting: you’ll take bus from Maoping Port to Three Gorges Dam for sightseeing. You’ll arrive at Yichang downtown around 12:30. (2) Dam & Ship Lift Experience: travelers who are interested in Ship Lift will first switch to a sightseeing boat to sail through the Ship Lift and then visit Three Gorges Dam Site. You’ll arrive at Yichang downtown area around 13:30.
World-famous Three Gorges Dam
Day 12 Flight to Huangshan from Shanghai (B, L)
Today you will first visit the magnificent Yu Garden. Right out of the Yu Garden, you can observe local people's life at the Yuyuan Market (Yu Garden Market). Proceed to the Temple of Jade Buddha. Take a stroll or shop in the famed Nanjing Road and then down to the Bund alongside the Huangpu River to explore the modern aspect of Shanghai. Drive to the Pudong New Area to enjoy a bird's eye view of Shanghai from the Jinmao Tower.
Be transferred to airport for your flight to Huangshan. Upon your arrival at city of Huangshan (Tunxi), our local guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free at your own leisure.
Jade Buddha Temple
Day 13 Mount Huang (B, L)
After breakfast, you will be driven to Huangshan Scenic Area (1.5-hour drive) which is famed as “A Wonderland” or “Heaven on Earth”. You will first take a cable car at Yungu Station to the mountain top. After check-in and lunch, you will view Brush Pen Peak, tour Lion Peak and the beautiful Xihai Grand Canyon and enjoy the sunset glow at the Cloud Dispelling Pavilion. You will stay overnight at the summit.
Yellow Mountain
Day 14 Mount Huang & Flight to Shanghai (B, L)
Early getting-up rewards you of the magical Huangshan sunrise. After breakfast, you will set out to Begin-to-Believe Peak to see the bizarre stone formations and pine trees wreathed in the spectral folds of mist.
Then you will take a cable car to descend the mountain and head to Xidi and Hongcun. Listed as a World Heritage site, the two villages inspire visitors with charming idyllic views, ancient Hui-style dwellings, peaceful lanes, long-held traditions and simple & happy countryside life.
After, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Shanghai where your local guide will meet and escort you to your hotel.
Hongcun Ancient Village
Day 15 Shanghai Departure (B)
After breakfast, be free until the tour guide escorts you to the airport to your next destination, or back to home.
1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one standard double-bed room in a comfortable-class hotel and traveling with our private tour package in low seasons. The price will be much lower if your group has 4 or more members.
2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, month, and date. There may be huge price increasing during the public Chinese holidays, school summer holidays (usually 2 months, July ~ August), peak tourist seasons or some special dates.
(In 2024: Labor Day Holiday during May 1 ~ 5; National Day Holiday during October 1 ~ 7; Chinese Spring Festival during January 28 ~ February 3, 2025)
3. Other factors that may change the final tour price include your group size, hotel class, tour activities, real-time exchange rate, and so on.
4. This price is based on the exchange rate USD 1= RMB 7.00. The final price will be based on the exchange rate in effect at the time of agreement with our quotation.
5. This price is only valid from now to March 31, 2026.
6. This price is not the final price until the Confirmation Letter is sent.
7. The items included and excluded in this price are for reference only. The final services included, please refer to the Confirmation Letter sent to you by the travel consultant.
Price Includes:
- English-speaking guide with the professional license as listed in the itinerary.
- Entrance fees and other fees of the scenic spots as listed in the itinerary.
- Yangtze River Cruise ticket as listed in the itinerary.
- Accommodation (comfortable-class) based on two persons sharing one room with twin beds or a double bed.
- Meals as specified with “B” (for breakfast), “L” (for lunch) or “D” (for dinner) in the itinerary.
- Private Transfers between airports, hotels and scenic spots while sightseeing in each city or area by private air-conditioned vehicle with a licensed driver as listed in the itinerary.
- Transportation: Domestic flights (economy class) or trains (second-class seat) as listed in the itinerary.
- Airport / train station pick-up and drop-off service as listed in the itinerary.
- Luggage Transfers between airports, train station and hotels.
- Travel Service Charge of our travel consultant, including the planning, handling, operational and communication charges, etc.
Price Excludes:
- China Visa (We do not offer any visa service or charge any visa-related fee.)
- Scenic spots not listed in the itinerary.
- Optional activities or other sightseeing.
- Accommodation not as listed in the itinerary.
- Meals not listed in the itinerary.
- Flights or trains not as listed in the itinerary.
- Excess Baggage Charges.
- Personal expenses of a purely personal nature such as room service, laundry, drink, Internet charge, WI-FI, fax, telephone call, etc.
- Gratuities or optional tips to guides, drivers, bellboys, etc.
Essential China Travel Information & Service
To help you have a further understanding of your tour, we provide some essential travel information like yourtour guides, drivers, private cars/vans, accommodations and meals that you could know more about how is your China Yangtze cruise tour going. All the experience will be vivid and memorable in any time in any destination.
Your Private Tour Guide
The tour guides in all destinations are qualified, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and responsible!
All of our guides in every destination are locals. They will be greeted you punctually upon arrival at airport, train stations or cruise ports. And escort you to your hotel and tourist attractions and make you have full understanding about the local life, scenic spots as well as show you the fun places for more featured activities and things to do according to your time and interests.
“All our guides, especially those who we had a chance to spend more time with (Guilin, Chengdu, Lijiang, Zhangjiajie) were great. Always very accommodating, punctual and attentive.” - Review from Zane, Canada
Your Private Driver & Car
Taking our private transportation will make you comfortable, relaxed and worry free!
All our drivers are licensed with many years' driving experience. They are always polite, friendly and helpful, glad to offer more service you may need during the transfer. Our vehicles are air-conditioned, non-smoking, clean and expertly maintained. We use different types of cars/vans to guarantee your comfort. Besides, there is need to worry about your luggage for we use vehicles with extra space for your luggage.
"With respect to the drivers, we can state that they are excellent drivers and very friendly. They are pleasant with smiling face and helpful too." - Review from Pedro Corro, USA
Comfortable & Homelike Hotel
In each destination, we guarantee you a comfortable stay!
The hotels we choose are based with star rating, great location, well-pointed facilities and high quality service and guests' feedbacks. Choices are a lot and you could decide where to stay on your own. When taking a Yangtze River cruise, you are guaranteed a comfortable cabin or suite with private balconies to enjoy breathtaking scenery.
“All the hotels were comfortable and in good locations. The food was generally good with a wide choice of both western and Chinese choices for breakfast. The room sizes even with the extra bed for Jessica were also fine.” - Review from McHale, USA
Dining, Meal & Local Food
On Yangtze River cruise, you are offered three meals (usually buffet with western and Chinese dishes) each day. In other cities of China, breakfast and lunch usually are included in your tour packages. You'll dine in local restaurants, follow local customs and enjoy local dishes. The food quality and dining environment will suit for your taste. If you have any suggestions or special requirements (vegetarian or food allergies), just let your travel consultants and guides know. They will arrange the suitable food and restaurants for you. Recommended evening dining options are: Peking Roast Duck in Beijing, Dumpling Dinner in Xian, and Hot Pot in Chengdu etc.
“We had very good breakfasts in all the hotels and were given a substantial lunch every day.” - Review from John, United Kingdom
Read what other travelers think about this China trip / Yangtze cruise trip. We only accept reviews from actual, confirmed travelers who purchased the tour / activity from us, so you can be sure the reviews are unbiased and authentic.
Dear April,
Thanks for arranging such a unique experience for our Huangshan trip.
The Huangshan tour was great with many unbelievable scenes of the mountain that we never can dream off. Our tour guide, Jessica, was amazing. Her knowledge and passion for Huangshan truly brought the experience to life.
Jessica: fluence in English and very energizing, warm and friendly. She was also very patient and helped us to exchange a train ticket that we mistaken brought on our own. She casual chat with us during the ride from the train station to the hotel. After she helped to check us in, she provides some useful information about the town that we were staying on the first night and provided clear instruction for the next day trip. We were so lucky to have you and Jessica as our tour planner and tour guide. Thank you. Ps. Enclosed are few pictures the we took during the Huangshan trip.
The following photos were shared by our customer Tran:
Tran Enjoying Time at Yellow Mountain in October 2024, tour made by April
Tran Enjoying Time at Yellow Mountain in October 2024, tour made by April
Tran Enjoying Time at Yellow Mountain in October 2024, tour made by April
Tran Enjoying Time at Yellow Mountain in October 2024, tour made by April
- Tran - December 5, 2024‚ ,
Hi Wonder.We enjoyed the trip very much. Thanks.
- Shenyah - December 5, 2024‚ ,
Hi Wonder just to confirm that Adam will pick us up at 5 am tomorrow morning please. Thanks we have fabulous time, very satisfied. Metropole htl in Shanghai very good located easy for us to go to Nanjing Lu
Thank you Wonder for the outstanding service from all of us. We are very grateful, and hope we will be able to use Chengdu Bamboo Travel Service in the future
- Junny - November 10, 2024‚ ,
Wonder, this boat is really fantastic especially in off peak season when the boat is not fully loaded. Highly recommended
By the way, all excursions are included in the executive suites. No need to pay extra
- Grace - November 18, 2024‚ ,
Recommended Add-on Options
+ 2 more days to shop in the world's shopping paradise - Hong Kong
Expansive skylines and deep natural harbor nurtured the world financial and trade centre. It is the most densely populated area in the world. Highly developed social system make Hong Kong an optimal destination for many tourists. And Hong Kong is frequently described as a place where "East meets West".
+ 2 more days to explore the world's last unsophisticated old town - Lijiang
Once a confluence for trade along the old tea horse road, the Old Town of Lijiang is famous for its orderly system of waterways and bridges. The uniqueness of Lijiang Old Town makes it another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It differs from other ancient Chinese cities in architecture, history and its culture of the traditional residents the Naxi people.
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Karen
Wonder
Jack
Rita
Johnson
Vivien
Wing
Ariel
Tracy
Leo
Evelyn
April
Phoebe
Kelly
Shirley
Reya
Juliet
Felix
Sean
