12 Days Lifetime Yangtze Cruise from Guangzhou
Guangzhou / Guilin / Chongqing / Yangtze Cruise / Yichang / Beijing
Sampling Itinerary Day by Day
Day 1 Guangzhou Arrival
Welcome to Guangzhou – one of the most popular destinations for business travelers of the world! After arrival in Guangzhou, our local tour guide and driver will escort you to your hotel. Rest of the day is free to explore the metropolis on your own.
Day 2 Guangzhou (B,L)
Today’s tour will start from visiting the Chen Clan Academy (Chenjia Ci). It is not only an important heritage site under protection by the country, but also a local Guangdong handicraft museum. Then head to visit the Dr Sun Yat-sen’s Memorial Hall, a landmark of Guangzhou. Afterwards, the Nanyue King’s Tomb Museum in Tang Dynasty is a must-see! The tomb has a history of more than 2,000 years and it is the oldest underground structure ever discovered in southern China.
Dr Sun Yat-sen's Memorial Hall
Day 3 Flight to Guilin from Guangzhou (B,L)
Today will be free for you to explore on your own until your guide escort you to the airport and take the flight to Guilin. After arrival in Guilin, the city with the most beautiful landscape under the heaven, your local tour guide and driver will meet and pick you up to your hotel in Guilin from the airport. Rest of the day is free to explore the picturesque city on your own.
Day 4 Gulin Li River & Yangshuo Town (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 5 Guilin (B, L)
Today, you will be driven back to Guilin (1.5-hour drive), where you will tour Elephant Trunk Hill, Fubo Hill and 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.
Fubo Hill is a solitary peak, standing elegantly half on land and half on water, situated to the west of Li River and the north of Guilin. 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 6 High Speed Train to Chongqing from Guilin (B, L)
Today will be free until your guide picks you up to the railway station to catch the high speed train 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 shipin the late afternoon. Your lifetime Yangtze River Cruise starts! (Note: the boarding time changes based on the cruise ships, season, water level, weather, etc.)
Chongqing Zoo
Day 7 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 8 Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)
Shore excursion to Shennv Stream by smaller vessels. Shennv Stream, called Goddess Stream, is reputed as the Original Virgin Valley of Yangtze where you could see extraordinary view.
Note: Some cruise ships make the shore excursion to the Shennong Stream. Shennong Stream is a collection of local culture. The nature scenery, boat tracker, local sampan, ancient hanging coffins, unique ethnic minority Tujia culture… all is worth your exploration.
You have the final say on which excursion to make, as we can book any of the cruise ships at great rates!
Shennv Stream with Primitive Gorge Scenery
Day 9 Yangtze River Cruise to Yichang & Fly to Beijing (B, L)
Today's highlight is your morning excursion to the world-famous Three Gorges Dam. Be prepared for your check-out procedure and the ship will arrive in Yichang at about 11:30. Our guide will expect you on board and visit the Yichang Museum if time permits. After lunch at a local famous restaurant, drive to the Yichang airport and take a flight to Beijing. After arrival in Beijing, your local tour guide and driver will escort you to your hotel in Beijing from the airport. Rest of the day is free to explore on your own.
World-famous Three Gorges Dam
Day 10 Beijing (B, L)
Beijing 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.
Enjoy Panoramic View of Forbidden City
Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests of Temple of Heaven
Day 11 Beijing (B, L, D)
After breakfast, drive to the Badaling Great Wall (about 80 km, 1.5hours) where you will experience at first hand the wonder of the Great Wall. For lunch you'll sample some delicious fare in a local restaurant. Afterwards, visit the Sacred Way and Changling, one of the Ming Tombs; 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; With a Peking Roast Duck dinner you will complete today's tour!
Summer Scenery of Mutianyu Great Wall
Day 12 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 to your next destination or return to your home.
Beijing Hutong Rickshaw
Longevity Hill & Kunming Lake of Summer Palace
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!
+ 3 more days to feel a real Chinese white & black painting - Mt.Huang
“No mountain is worth seeing after a trip to Mount Huang”. It features the “Four Wonders” - beautifully-shaped pines trees, fantastic rock peaks, sea of clouds and hot springs. Besides, the poetic Hongcun and Xidi old villages are also extremely popular for its ancient Hui style structures, local culture and peaceful sceneries, which makes them the favorite of photographers home and abroad.
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, 2025.
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.
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 Rita,
Here are my answers to your questions:
1. How do you comment on your tour arrangements?
The arrangements were excellent, and everything went smoothly from start to finish.
2. Are you willing to recommend our service to others who are interested in visiting China?
Absolutely.
3. Do you have any suggestions on improving our services?
No, everything was just right.
4. Can we use your comments, photos, or other images from the tour for our website, brochures, marketing, and publicity? If yes, could you please send us some of your photos by email?
Just my first name will be posted, is this correct? If so, then yes you may! Photos are attached.
Additional Comments:
I had a fantastic experience on my Yangtze River cruise. The accommodations were clean, comfortable, and I especially loved the private balcony, where I spent much of my time relaxing and enjoying the incredible scenery. The food was good, with plenty of variety to suit all tastes. The excursions to the Lesser Three Gorges and Mini Three Gorges were wonderful, offering an up-close look at the stunning natural beauty of the area, from the lush forests to the towering mountains. Last but not least, I can’t say enough good things about the Three Kingdoms large-scale landscape performance—it was, without a doubt, the most spectacular live show I’ve ever seen. I highly recommend this cruise experience to anyone considering a visit to China.
The following photos were shared by our customer Gala:
Gala Enjoying Time in Chongqing in October 2024, tour made by Rita
Gala Enjoying Wu Gorge Scenery in October 2024, tour made by Rita
Gala Enjoying Time with Yangtze Gold 8 Cruise in October 2024, tour made by Rita
Gala Enjoying Feng Yan San Guo (War Fire of Three Kingdoms) Show in October 2024, tour made by Rita
Gala Enjoying Feng Yan San Guo (War Fire of Three Kingdoms) Show in October 2024, tour made by Rita
Gala Visited Shennv Stream in October 2024, tour made by Rita
Gala Visited Shennv Stream in October 2024, tour made by Rita
- Gala - November 13, 2024‚ ,
Thank you Tracy for the update.
Our trip has again been enjoyable this year, guided by Kimi (Xian) and Jamie (Chengdu). The train from Xian to Chengdu was comfortable. We look forward to the Yangtze cruise starting tomorrow on Thursday 24th October.
Regards,
Timothy
- Timothy - October 23, 2024‚ ,
Hi Rita,
Thank you for all your help! You’ve been amazing
Stefan
- Stefan - October 16, 2024‚ ,
Hi Juliet,
I am very happy during this cruise trip. The service is excellent. The staff is all the time and manger Stephen is very helpful. But I don't understand why the tips different between the local customers and the foreign customers.
Kenny
- Kenny - October 15, 2024‚ ,
Here are recent candid photos of this China trip / Yangtze cruise trip. If you want to share your own tour photos, simply email your photos to info@yangtze-river-cruises.com with your Booking ID Number. Thanks in advance for sharing!
No documents found.
- Dr Sun Yat-sen's Memorial Hall
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- Guilin Li River Landscape
- The Famous Elephant Trunk Hill
- Chongqing Zoo
- Shibaozhai Pagoda, a Pearl of Yangtze River
- Shennv Stream with Primitive Gorge Scenery
- World-famous Three Gorges Dam
- Enjoy Panoramic View of Forbidden City
- Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests of Temple of Heaven
- Summer Scenery of Mutianyu Great Wall
- Beijing Hutong Rickshaw
- Longevity Hill & Kunming Lake of Summer Palace
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