13 Days Classic China Tour with Yangtze Cruise

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.

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

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

After breakfast, your guide and driver will take you to visit the Temple of Heaven, an imperial complex visited by the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to Heaven for good harvest. Learn about 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 West Railway Station for a high speed train to Xian (about 5hrs). The local guide will pick you up at Xian North Railway Station and escort you to your hotel in Xian downtown. The rest of today is free on your own to explore this ancient capital of China for 13 dynasties.

Temple of Heaven

Beijing Hutong Rickshaw

Old Alley of Beijing Hutong

Good morning! After breakfast, you'll be escorted about 40km to marvel at the Eighth Wonder of the World - Terracotta Warriors and Horses which was found in 1974 by local farmers and later listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. Get into the living historical classroom to witness one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world. Visit the three pits containing more than 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses and know the history of Qin Dynasty (221-207BC), the emperors and the funerary art.

After lunch, return to Xian to visit the 1,350-year-old Da Cien Temple, renowned for Buddhist sutra translations during the Tang Dynasty. The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda with seven stories at a height of 64.5 meters is the famous building there. This pagoda was built by the famous Buddhist master Xuan Zang (the prototype character for Tang Seng in the famous Chinese novel “Journey to the West”) to preserve precious Buddhist relics, scriptures and figures of Buddha he bought back from India during the early Tang Dynasty. (Note: Please note: It charges extra 30 Yuan to climb up the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.)

In the evening, stroll through the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, where nightscape illuminates and makes you recall the prosperous Tang Dynasty. A visit here at night offers a marvelous neon scene, quite different from daytime.

Optional activities: 1) Try on Hanfu, the traditional clothing of the Han Chinese in the ancient periods, and take some beautiful photos! 2) Enjoy the wonderful Tang Palace Dance Show (usually from 8pm to 9pm).

Witness the Magnificent Terracotta Warriors Army

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in Summer

Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City

Hanfu Experience in Xian

After breakfast, be transferred to visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a tranquil structure smaller and 55 years younger than its “sister” - the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. Built during 707 to 709 AD, this 43.4-meter-tall, 13-tierd (originally 15) pagoda resembles a tall rectangular pyramid. Remarkably, the pagoda has survived nearly 70 earthquakes but stands firm today. Walk around to appreciate its beautiful design and take some fantastic photos. Then, walk several minutes to the nearby Xian Museum, boasting over 130,000 pieces of jade relics, seals, paintings, porcelains, Buddhist statues, stone carvings and more for your admiration.

Next, head back to downtown Xian to discover the Ancient City Wall, the largest and best-preserved existing ancient city wall in China. This rectangular city wall is 13.75km in length, 12m in height and 15-18m in width which needs about 4 hours’ walk for a full circuit. Just like the merchants and envoys on the Silk Road thousands of years ago, you'll enter the interior of the city walls through the Hanguang Gate and visit a mini museum to see the real Tang Dynasty city wall ruins from over 1400 years ago. After that, get up to the wall to have a leisure stroll and enjoy a panoramic view of Xian. Then, continue to the Muslim Quarter, where you can taste different local snacks and explore the harmonious local culture.

The rest of today is free for you until you are sent to the airport for your flight to Guilin (about 2hrs). Upon arrival, your local guide and driver will pick you up at the arrival hall of Guilin airport and escort you to your hotel in downtown for check-in.

Optional activity: Renting a bike to enjoy a relaxing cycling on the Ancient City Wall is strongly recommended. The cycling routes and duration are flexible. Feel free to discuss with your tour guide.

Xian Ancient City Wall - Hanguang Gate

Biking on Xian Ancient City Wall

Small Wild Goose Pagoda

Walk along Muslim Quarter to Taste Some Snacks

As the Chinese textbook says, "Guilin’s landscape is the best under heaven." Today, start your scenic cruise along the Li River from Mopanshan Pier to Yangshuo, spanning 84 kilometers. The breathtaking vistas resemble an endless Chinese scroll, featuring winding river, verdant limestone karst mountains, fascinating countryside views, the amazing A Painting of Nine Horses, and iconic scenery on the 20 RMB note. (Please note: Lunch onboard is served by the cruise with simple local cuisine. You can take some snacks before boarding.)

After 4 hours’ cruise, arrive in Yangshuo and check into your hotel. After a short break, immerse yourself in the charming sightseeing and ideal countryside ease of Yulong River. Let all the refreshing scenes delight your eyes and souls to the utmost, the Karst hills dotted around, chattering stream, rippling mountain reflections, swaying flora, patches of vivid crops, gentle breeze... Choose from biking, hiking, bamboo rafting, scooter or riding to explore the fun and beauty there. (Please tell your likes to your travel consultants before booking the tour, as final prices will vary by activity.)

Biking (some physically demanding & view by the river) - Ride to enjoy the river view and the real fields (route: Yangshuo - Jima - Shuiedi Dock - Gongnong Bridge - West Street; for 1.5-2 hours).

Bamboo Rafting (relaxing and interesting & view on the river) - Have fun with the classic bamboo rafting (Route A: Shuiedi Dock - Gongnong Bridge for 40-50 minutes; Route B: Jima Dock - Gongnong Bridge for 1.5 hours) to see the more serene view like pieces of traditional Chinese landscape ink paintings.

Driving (most leisurable and comfortable & view on the road) - Sit leisurely on the car and travel from Jima to Gongnong Bridge to appreciate the lovely countryside view (about 0.5 hour). You can get off and on anywhere on the middle way to explore more about your interested place.

Finally, have a leisure walk on West Street where the western and Chinese culture coexist harmoniously here. Whether you want to enjoy a drink in a bar, taste local food, or just soak in the relaxing atmosphere, you get it there.

Note: according to the regulations of Yulong River Tourism, children less than 1 meter high and elders over 70 years old are not allowed to take the bamboo rafting.

Optional Activity: Watch the splendid evening performance of Impression Liu Sanjie with the Li River as the stage, which was directed by famous director - Zhang Yimou (usually performs for an hour between around 19:45 and 22:20).

Beautiful Li River Landscape

Li River Cruise

Idyllic Countryside Scenery at Yangshuo Yulong River

Heaven-like Countryside Scenery in Yangshuo

Relaxing Cycling at Yangshuo Countryside

Yulong River Bamboo Rafting

Yangshuo West Street

This morning, return to Guilin downtown (about 1.5~2hrs' drive) to visit the symbol of Guilin - Elephant Trunk Hill. It is named after its shape like a giant elephant drinking from the Li River. Enjoy your time in this pleasant park with green mountains, clear water, fantastic caves and rocks.

Next, explore Reed Flute Cave, the Art Palace of Nature! Get into the majestic underground cave to marvel at a large number of stunning stalactites and stalagmites as well as the light and sound show.

After the tour, your guide and driver will escort you to the railway station for your bullet train to Chongqing (about 4.5-5hrs). Upon arrival, be transferred to board your 4-day Yangtze River cruise at Chaotianmen Dock (18:00~21:00), which will sail at 21:00!

Tips for Cruise Boarding: 1) Chaotianmen Dock consists of 12 sub-piers; please confirm the exact boarding pier with your travel consultant one day prior; 2) Tell your driver the exact pier to minimize walking; 3) Boarding time and pier changes based on the ship line or factors like water level, season, weather condition, etc. Please pay attention to the important information from your travel consultants.

Elephant Trunk Hill

Reed Flute Cave, the Art Palace of Nature

Board Yangtze Cruise Ship at Chaotianmen Port

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

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

After breakfast, go through a check-out procedure, 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.

Then, 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 East Railway Station for the bullet train to Shanghai (6-8 hrs). Upon arrival, be met by our local guide at the arrival hall of the railway station and escorted to your hotel in downtown. Have a nice sleep!

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)

Notes: 1) No matter you take Ship Lift or not, you’ll check out and take your luggage away in this early morning. 2) Only Dam visit: take the bus from Maoping Port to visit Three Gorges Dam and arrive at Yichang downtown at around 12:30. 3) 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. 4) During peak season, ship lift will be busy and seats on the boat may be unavailable. Please consider carefully before joining.

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

After breakfast, enjoy your full-day exploration of the Magic Shanghai with west-meet-east, modern-blend-tradition culture. Let's start with Shanghai Museum, one of the Four Greatest Museums in China. Admire its stunning "Ding"-style exterior which symbolizes “a round heaven and a square earth”. Enter to treat your eyes with an extensive collection of international-standard historical relics from over 5,000 years ago to the Qing Dynasty, including bronzes, ceramics, paintings, jades, coins, furniture, seals, sculptures, etc. (An Audio Explanation Device will be prepared for your better understanding of the history and technology.)

Next, have an interesting walk at Yu Garden, a typical ancient Chinese garden in Jiangnan area similar to the classical Suzhou Gardens! This garden boasts traditional design of Chinese architecture with jagged pavilions with elegant decorations, glittering pools with roving fish, and pine trees sprouting to the sky, all designed to refresh your spirit. Adjacent to the garden is the Yuyuan Bazaar where you can savor local snacks and explore exquisite traditional handicrafts and artworks.

Continue to the third-tallest building in China - Shanghai World Financial Center in Pudong New District. Ascend to the 100th floor (474 meters) for a breathtaking panoramic view of Shanghai's downtown, the Huangpu River, and neighboring skyscrapers. Later, go to Nanjing Road, another landmark of Shanghai, a shopping paradise as well as a great place for a nice walk to feel the modern vibes of Shanghai. Finally, take a delight stroll along The Bund with a rich array of buildings of diverse architectural styles. Soak in the perfect fusion of Chinese and Western cultures while appreciating the stunning Shanghai skyline!

Optional activities: Take a relaxing Huangpu River night cruise to see the city’s most significant edifices and streets sparkling under the atmospheric cover of darkness (about 50 minutes).

The Bund - Best Place to See Shanghai Skyline

Shanghai Museum

Walk through the Zigzag Bridge of Yu Garden

Have Panoramic View on the Top of Shanghai World Financial Center

The Bund - An Exhibition of International Buildings

Good morning! After breakfast, you'll be picked up from your hotel for an interesting visit to Shanghai's evolution at Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center. Witness how a humble fishing village has transformed into a super modern metropolis. Engaging exhibits, including rare vintage photos of landmarks like the Bund, Nanjing Road, and Yu Garden from the international settlement era, coupled with interactive multimedia and intricate models, offer an entertaining and insightful experience. You won't miss the highlight - massive model showcasing Shanghai's detailed urban layout.

Next, go to Tianzifang which is a vibrant arts and crafts hub developed from a renovated traditional residential area. It is the typical place to appreciate the preserved Shikumen architecture and soak up the local lifestyle. You can leisurely stroll along the quaint alleys, observe Shanghai's daily routines, sip a drink at an outdoor café, and discover unique finds in trendy boutiques, blending international flair with authentic Shanghai culture.

After the visit, your guide and driver will escort you to the airport / train station for your flight to the next destination or home. Tour ends!

See the Future of Shanghai in Urban Planning Exhibition Center

Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center

Tianzifang