7 Days Ancient Beijing & Yangtze Cruise Tour
Beijing / Chongqing / Yangtze Cruise / Yichang
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), Yangtze Cruise (3 nights)
Highlights of the Trip
- Wander along the spectacular Great Wall
- Enjoy a relaxing Yangtze River Cruise from Chongqing to Yichang
- Meet the No.1 great Three Gorges Dam project
Trip Summary
Day 1-3: Fly to Beijing & Beijing
Begin your Yangtze Cruise Tour with Beijing by wandering along the incredible Great Wall, visiting historic Forbidden City, Tian'anmen Square, leisure tour of Summer Palace. The whole way can be personalized for any of your needs.
Day 4: Fly to Chongqing & Board Yangtze River Cruise
Pay a visit to Temple of Heaven and Beijing Hutongs before transfer to Chongqing for your late afternoon Yangtze Cruise.
Day 5-7: Yangtze River Cruise & Yichang Departure
Enjoy the Yangtze Cruise tour from Chongqing to Yichang with the famous Three Gorges Dam and various shore excursion sites included. With deeply Yangtze culture to be shared, the nature sceneries along the way also leaves you a great memory.
Full Itinerary Day by day
Day 1 Beijing Arrival
Ni Hao! Welcome to Beijing, the capital of China as well as a city combining both modern and traditional architecture. You’ll be met by our local guide at the arrival hall of the airport / train station in Beijing and escorted to your hotel in the downtown by a private, comfortable, licensed and non-smoking vehicle. The rest of today is on your own to explore this ever-changing megacity. If you want to explore nearby, feel free to ask for practical suggestions from our experienced tour guide.
Arrival Ideas: There are many international and domestic flights to Beijing. Besides, you can take a high speed train to from Shanghai (4.5-6 hrs), Xian (4-6 hrs), Guangzhou (7.5-8 hrs), Chengdu (7.5-10 hrs), Chongqing (7-9 hrs), Hong Kong (8 hrs), etc.
Day 2 Beijing (B, L)
After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. Today, you’ll deeply explore the rich history and culture of imperial Beijing. First, enjoy a brief visit to the most important landmark - Tiananmen Square where Chairman Mao announced the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. The square is surrounded by grand buildings including the Great Hall of the People, Chairman Mao Memorial Hall and the Monument to the People’s Martyrs and the Forbidden City.
Walk through the Tiananmen to visit one of the world’s five most important palaces - the Forbidden City, the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of Qing Dynasty (1420 to 1912) with 24 emperors lived. The complex is the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world, which consists of 980 buildings with around 10,000 rooms. You'll follow the central axis to visit Meridian Gate, Gate of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Supreme, Hall of Middle Harmony, Hall of Preserving Harmony and other gates, halls and gardens.
Continue to take a short walk to Jingshan Park, where you can ascend to its summit for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City, the serene landscapes of Beihai Park, Shichahai Lake, and Drum Tower. For unforgettable photos, make your way to one of the palace's corner towers, a favorite spot among photography enthusiasts.
After lunch, you'll drive to the western outskirts of Beijing to Summer Palace, the largest and best-preserved royal garden in China. Listed as the World Heritage Site, Summer Palace is a vast ensemble of lakes, pavilions, halls, temples, gardens, and bridges. Spend some enjoyable time strolling around Longevity Hill, Kunming Lake and Long Corridor and feast your eyes with beautiful landscape.
After the visit, be escorted back to your hotel.
Optional evening activities: 1) Watch a wonderful acrobatic performance at the Chaoyang Theater; 2) Enjoy the classic Chinese art performance of Beijing Opera at Liyuan Theater.
Forbidden City
Forbidden City from Jinshan Park
The Landmark of Beijing - Tian'anmen Square
Summer Palace
Day 3 Beijing (B, L,)
After breakfast, be transferred about 70km (1.5 hours) to witness Mutianyu Great Wall, a stunning, less-frequented segment of this World Wonder and the “longest great wall in China” so far. Tourists can see its original appearance and enjoy the real ancient culture of great wall. Also, spectacular natural scenery in Mutianyu Great Wall always impresses visitors here for its abundant vegetation. Let's begin your ascent via a cozy enclosed cable car to No. 14 Watchtower, which is your starting point to an unforgettable adventure. Trek westward along the wall, passing majestic watchtowers and soaking in impressive panoramic views. The trail is moderate, family-friendly and suitable for all fitness levels. For the daring, climb the Great Man Slope to No. 20 Watchtower, the highest point offering breathtaking vistas. After the exploration, walk back to No. 14 Watchtower and descend comfortably by the enclosed cable car.
Optional Toboggan Experience: For an extra thrill at Mutianyu, consider riding the toboggan (about 2~3mins) or the chairlift cable car to descend the Great Wall, both accessable at No. 6 Watchtower. Please note that there might be a queue, especially during peak tourist seasons like Chinese holidays.
Continue your trip to Sacred Way, a 7-kilometer-long passage leading to the Imperial Tombs of 13 Emperors of Ming Dynasty. The Emperor, deemed the Son of the Heaven, descended from Heaven to his country through this Sacred Way, would eventually return via this same path. Take a walk through the largest archway in China and the Great Palace Gate, where you’ll encounter the magnificent stone guard of 12 sets of mythical animals and 12 officials. After that, be sent back to Beijing and make a brief stop at the Beijing Olympic Village to admire the renowned Bird’s Nest and Water Cube from the outside.
After the visit, be escorted back to your hotel.
Optional dinner experience: 1) treat yourself a great dinner to taste the world-famous Peking Roasted Duck, the must-try specialty of Beijing known for its crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat.
Mutianyu Great Wall with Verdant Vegetation
Enjoy Light Hiking on Mutianyu Great Wall
Sacred Path
Bird’s Nest in Summer
Day 4 Beijing & Flight to Chongqing & Board Yangtze Cruise (B, L)
After breakfast, your guide and driver will take you to visit Temple of Heaven, an imperial complex visited by the emperors of Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to Heaven for good harvest. Know the symbolism of “Heaven” and “Earth” and explore the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Imperial Vault of Heaven and the Circular Mound Altar. Enjoy the vivid life by visiting the surrounding park to see locals playing Taichi, flying kite, dancing, writing water calligraphy, and others.
Next, get back to the traditional part of Beijing to hop on a rickshaw to explore Beijing Hutongs and the culture of quadrangle dwellings. Shuttle among different Hutongs to get a feel of the old Beijing lifestyle, pass various antique shops and different boutiques and truly feel the historical change of Beijing. You'll also visit a local family's home in the Hutongs, offering a glimpse into everyday life.
After the tour, be escorted to Beijing Capital Airport for your flight to Chongqing (about 3hrs). In the late afternoon, you’ll be transferred to Chongqing Chaotianmen Port to board your ship during 18:00~21:00. Your 4-day relaxing downstream Yangtze River cruise will sail at 21:00!
Tips for boarding: 1) Please call the ship one day ahead or at least in the morning on the boarding day to have clear idea about which pier you are going to use; 2) There are 13 sub-pier of Chongqing Chaotianmen Port that tell the exact pier to your driver to avoid too much walking; 3) The boarding time and departure piers may change based on the ship line, water level, season, weather and other factors. Please pay attention to the important info your travel consultants sent to you before your boarding.
Temple of Heaven
Beijing Hutong Rickshaw
Board Yangtze Cruise Ship at Chaotianmen Port
Day 5 Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)
Good morning! Wake up leisurely and enjoy the gentle sunshine over the tranquil Yangtze. You can either follow the Taichi master to play Taichi or enjoy a cup of coffee to start a beautiful day!
Enjoy various entertainment onboard, like attending a Yangtze River History and Culture Lecture, enjoying seasonal themed activities, meeting new friends at the Captain's Welcome Party, having fun at the wonderful evening show, etc.
You will follow a local English-speaking tour guide to visit Fengdu Ghost City onshore, which is about 2,000 years old and called “the Homeland of Divine Comedy in China”. In this “City of Ghosts”, you will see a series of temples, shrines, palaces, pavilions, and more traditional styled architecture complex. The colorful statues and story scenes of afterlife in hell displayed show the underworld, cruel tortures, different kinds of devils, Chinese demons and the traditional Chinese belief: pure spirits would be rewarded, and sinful ones would be subject to severe punishments. (Please note: Fengdu Ghost City visit requires much walking and comfortable shoes are highly recommended!)
Optional Excursion to Feng Yan San Guo (Three Kingdoms Fire Show): A reputable and impressive real landscape show telling the brilliant history during the Three Kingdoms Period (over 1,800 years ago) and praising the loyalty spirit of General Guan Yu. (with an extra fee)
Beautiful & Tranquil Yangtze River
Play Taichi in the Morning
Fengdu Ghost City
Three Kingdoms Open Air Show
Day 6 Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)
Today, you'll sail through the spectacular Three Gorges! Soak up the breathtaking gorge scenery as you drift through Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge respectively.
You'll switch to a smaller boat to take an enjoyable shore excursion to Shennv Stream (Goddess Stream), a tributary of the Yangtze River. Sail down this primitive stream to closely marvel at steep mountains and hanging coffins high on the cliffs, hear local history, and appreciate featured dance and music by Tujia ethnic people!
At evening, enjoy the well-prepared Captain’s Farewell Party with all your mates onboard and have a whale of time of the last night onboard!
Optional Excursion to White Emperor City: This cultural and historic site at the entrance of Qutang Gorge tells the touching stories of the “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” and is the best spot to appreciate the magnificent “Kui Gate” on the 10 RMB note! (with an extra fee)
Magnificent Qutang Gorge
Qutang Gorge
Breathtaking Wu Gorge Scenery
Enjoy Wu Gorge Scenery on Sundeck
White Emperor City
Shennv Stream with Primitive Gorge Scenery
Day 7 Yangtze Cruise to Yichang & Yichang Departure (B)
After breakfast, go through a check-out procedure and disembark at Maoping Port and take the arranged tourist bus to visit the global famous Three Gorges Dam. It is the largest hydropower station in the world, with an annual energy output of 84.7 billion kilowatt-hours. 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, it can hold a huge reservoir to efficiently prevent flooding in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze. Take your time to appreciate this great project from different angles and learn more at the project museum.
After that, take the tourist bus to Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal in Yichang downtown (arriving around 12:30-13:30). Your local guide and driver will pick you up there and transfer to Yichang Airport / train station for your flight or train to your home / the next destination. Trip Ends!
Optional Experience of Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift: Take a tourist boat to sail through this world’s largest ship lift with an elevation of about 113 meters (370 ft), which is totally fresh and exciting! (with an extra fee)
Departure Ideas: You can take flights from Yichang Sanxia Airport to Shanghai, Xian, Beijing, Guangzhou and Hangzhou, etc. Also, you can take high speed trains from Yichang East Railway Station to Wuhan (about 2hrs), Shanghai (about 8hrs), Beijing (about 7.5hrs), Hangzhou (about 7.5hrs), Chengdu (about 7hrs), Guangzhou (about 7hrs), etc.
Notes: 1) Only Dam visit: take the bus from Maoping Port to visit Three Gorges Dam and arrive at Yichang downtown at around 12:30. 2) Dam visit + Ship Lift: switch to a tourist boat to sail through the Ship Lift and visit Three Gorges Dam. Then, take the bus and arrive at Yichang downtown at around 13:30.
World-famous Three Gorges Dam
Three Gorges Dam - 185 Observation Deck
Three Gorges Dam in Summer
Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift, the Largest Ship Lift in the World
Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift
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. (Chinese Public Holidays 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.
- Travel insurance. Please kindly note that the full coverage travel insurance from your country of origin should be purchased in advance on your own.
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.
Wonder,
1. My travel consultant always answers all my queries patiently and promptly and provides advice when appropriate.
2. We are happy with the tour arrangement. We wanted a more relaxing tour and we are happy that the tour was well arranged. It was not rushed but we were able to visit all the places we wanted without feeling tired. We were happy with the tour guide and driver. The guide was very friendly and helpful and made us feel like her friends. The driver was a careful driver and was helpful.
3. I am happy to recommend your company.
Teh
- Teh - January 11, 2025‚ ,
Dear Jack,
We have safely arrived Guangzhou in preparation for our homeward journey back to Australia. The Canadian pair have reached their destination of HK , they, seasoned traveller to China are like us are more than happy with your travel arrangement and the execution of the schedule , never once did we have minor hiccup in our whole journey . For this. I have to thank you specially for the most professional organisation .
The followings are my brief comment on
Hotel, on the whole no complaint ,clean comfortable , reasonably centrally located, the one in Xian is good , the one in Shanghai is too too small.
Meals were good and plentiful
Guides were satisfactory and good , one in Xian and Zhangjiajie were excellent.
Transport driver and car , good , punctual and certainly no complaint.
General impression of the whole journey: well designed , seamlessly executed . My highest recommendation for your organisation , assured a returned engagement.
Sincere thank for the memorable journey
David
- David - December 14, 2024‚ ,
Hi Elk
We had a great trip. While the boat is old and certainly needs some work, the excursions were good and the service was fantastic. The food was mostly Chinese but enough variety that we didn't go hungry at all. We would recommend it.
Thank you for organizing
- Elizabeth - December 30, 2024‚ ,
Dear Mrs. Zhu,
As you presumed, we are now back again at our home in Germany. We enjoyed the Yangtze Cruise and appreciated travelling with Yangtze River Cruises very much.
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Peter and Karen
- Peter - December 23, 2024‚ ,
Recommended Add-on Options
+ 2~3 more days to explore the Ancient of Heart - Xian
Explore the glorious past in the ancient capital of China for 13 dynasties!
With a history of over 3000 years, Xian is the birthplace of Chinese civilization and capital of most important dynasties in early Chinese history. It is known as the eastern terminus of the famed Silk Road and home to the Terracotta Army along with many other historical sites, like Ancient City Wall, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and so on.
+ 2~3 more days to visit the largest metropolis in China - Shanghai
Experience the past, present and future of China all at once!
The Huangpu River splits Shanghai into two districts: Pudong and Puxi. The Pudong skyline with stunning tall buildings like Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center and Oriental Pearl TV Tower gives you a flourishing scene of modern Shanghai. On the Puxi side, walk along the Bund to get a taste of old Shanghai. What a huge contrast!
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If you have some ideas or suggestions for this tour, please feel free to talk with our professional, experienced and enthusiastic travel consultants now.
They’ll help you modify the China Yangtze cruise tour and itinerary from time to time until you are totally satisfied.
Not easy to find the right cruise ship/itinerary for you? Please contact one of our Yangtze cruise specialists to save your time and money. Click the right button to send an online inquiry and we will get back to you within 0.5~23.5 hours.
Karen
Wonder
Jack
Rita
Johnson
Vivien
Wing
Ariel
Tracy
Leo
Evelyn
April
Phoebe
Kelly
Shirley
Reya
Juliet
Elk
Felix
Sean
