13 Days Essence China Tour with Yangtze River Cruise

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Beijing Arrival

   Beijing is the starting city of this 13 days private China tour! When you arrive at Beijing Airport (It is recommended that you land at the Capital Airport, or you will be charged a higher transfer fare), a local driver will be waiting for you with a welcome sign "China Xian Tour". Take a private, comfortable vehicle transfer to your hotel in downtown area.

   The rest of the day is entirely up to you. You can have a good rest and recover from your long flight. If you are interested in looking around on your own, we suggest you go to Houhai Lake. Take the subway Line 8 directly to the lakeside. During the day, admire the traditional courtyard gate towers, and at night, the neon lights reflect on the lake surface. Order a drink and experience Beijing's nightlife.

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   4-Star Hotel in Beijing
2. Day 2: Beijing Exploration
   Admire Imperial Palaces & Visit the Royal Summer Resort

   Today, you are going to have your cultural and historic tour of Beijing. Tian'anmen Square is the first stop of the itinerary, one of the world's largest public squares and an iconic symbol of China.

   From there, walk for 5 mins to explore the Forbidden City, the Palace Museum UNESCO World Heritage Site. The royal palace stands in the center of Beijing's main north-south street during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It occupies 720000 square meters of land which was constructed to match the design of the Forbidden City of Nanjing Ming Palace. Your guide will show you the most important and impressive rooms which exist among the 9000 rooms present in this building. The Forbidden City contains 4 main entrances in which the Meridian Gate serves as the primary entrance. After the gate, 5 white marble arch bridges lead to the Taihe Gate, the largest palace gate (must see). Different routes require different times to complete which allows you to stay at the location for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.

   The Summer Palace is the best place to go in the hot afternoon after your exhausting walk. The palace, actually an extensive imperial garden served as a summer retreat for emperors. Walk through the pavilions and halls and lakeside gardens to see how nature and architecture work together. Optional experience including Kunming Lake boat ride is available, which requires additional payment on site.

   In the evening, if interested, watch a Chinese Kung Fu Show where skilled performers demonstrate martial arts techniques and acrobatics (optional, extra charge, your guide can help you with the ticket).

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Beijing
3. Day 3: Beijing Great Wall Hiking

   You will take a Great wall tour today in Beijing. After breakfast, your private driver is going to escort you to the Great wall's longest section of the Great wall in China - the Mutianyu Great Wall. Mutianyu is known as one of the most intact areas of the Great Wall, having a large number of closely-built watchtowers, and amazing natural beauty for a Great wall visit. There is a possibility of going up to the top and coming back by the cable car, or if you are in for an adventure, you can go hiking either up or down the Great wall to take in the beautiful surrounding views and witness the wall in its original form.

   If you travel with your child(ren), you can have fun with the toboggan dowm the mountain. It is not recommended for people over 60 years old to ride and kids under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

   After lunch, transfer to the Ming Tomb. On the way to the Ming Tomb, you will pass through the Sacred Way. The Ming Tomb is the place where 13 emperors of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) were buried. On the way back to the downtown center, we will visit the Bird's Nest (Olympic National Stadium), which is the main assembly hall of the 29th Olympic Sports Games in Beijing at the year of 2008.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Beijing
4. Day 4: Beijing to Xi'an by Bullet Train
   Get to Know Beijingers' Traditional Lifestyle

   In the morning, the Temple of Heaven is the place you are going to visit. The site consists of multiple sacred structures which the Ming and Qing emperors used to conduct their harvest rituals. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is the main building. What you see is a reconstruction from 1896 (the original one was destroyed by lightning and fire in 1889). This hall covers an area of 460 square meters and in circular shape with a golden roof, blue tiles, red columns, featuring three layered eaves. Its design follows the Chinese ancient principle of "the domed heavens above the squared earth".

   You will proceed to explore Beijing Hutongs which are traditional narrow alleyways that provide a view of the city's historical way of life. The program gives you a chance to visit a local family's home where you will discover their everyday activities and cultural practices.

   Your Beijing tour ends here. The guide will take you to Beijing West Railway Station where board your 5-hour high-speed train to Xi'an. A driver will greet you at the exit to drive you to your downtown hotel. Check into your hotel and spend the day as you wish.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Xi'an
5. Day 5: Xian Terracotta Army Tour
   Visit the 2,200-Year-Old Terracotta Troop & Landmark of Xian

   Around 8 AM, your guide and driver will meet you in your hotel lobby. The tour kicks off with one-hour drive to the ‌Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Upon arrival, be guided to explore an army (around 8,000) of thousands of meticulously crafted clay warriors, chariots, and horses in three pits, guarding Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb (China’s first emperor 259-210 BC).

   After 2.5-hour exploration, we will have lunch in Lintong district. In the afternoon, drive back to Xian downtown area to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The Tang Dynasty-era ancient Buddhist structure is the embodiment of old Xian. Its detailed engravings will fascinate you, and by the time you come to know its importance as a place of faith for Buddhists throughout history. After the whole day's tour, transfer you back to your hotel.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Xi'an
6. Day 6: Xi'an to Chengdu by Bullet Train
   Xi'an Historical Sites & Local Snacks

   The first destination for today will be Xi'an Museum which contains approximately 130000 important cultural artifacts. The collection includes artifacts that were discovered in royal burial sites from the Zhou and Qin and Han and Tang dynasties. The Tang Dynasty horse pottery, the phoenix-shaped pot and the jade cup are special items to appreciate. The Small Wild Goose Pagoda in the same area is one of landmarks of Chang'an City to admire.

   The Ancient City Wall stands as the next attraction to explore. The Ming Dynasty construction of this well-preserved building enables you to study the historical development of the city. Choose to ride bikes on the wall which provides you with views of both historical buildings and contemporary urban views.

   

   After that, you will visit the Bell Tower and Drum Tower Square for one hour. The last stop is the Muslim Quarter, a hub of the Muslim community in Xian City. Many special local products and snacks can be found along this street. You can enjoy preserved meat, casserole, and various noodles. At the end of the Xian day tour, transfer to the train station for a fast train to Chengdu.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Chengdu
7. Day 7: Chengdu Panda Visit
   Close-up Observation of the Lovely Giant Pandas

   You will join a panda tour at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding today. The facility is a giant panda habitat where you can observe pandas at all life stages as they eat, play and sleep. In the nursery area, expect to see female pandas nursing their cubs when you experience exceptional luck. The base not only houses giant pandas but also protects other endangered species which include red pandas, peacocks, swans and various bird species.

   You will walk through Jinli Old Street after finishing lunch. The street served as one of the most important commercial areas in the Shu Kingdom during its earliest years of operation. You will observe typical Chengdu elements including tea houses, taverns, bars, local snacks, handcrafts and local specialties. The rest of the time is free for you. People's Park provides a peaceful atmosphere where you can enjoy tea while observing local people who dance and play musical instruments.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Chengdu
8. Day 8: Chengdu to Chongqing by High-speed Train
   Three Gorges Facts and Authentic Chongqing Cuisines

   In the morning, the driver will send you to Chengdu East Railway Station. You'll take a 2-hour fast train to Chongqing. After arriving, a local guide will show you around Ciqikou Old Town. There, you can see many old buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Walk around, try local snacks, visit tea houses, and see shops selling handmade crafts.

   You will continue your visit by taking a guided tour through the Three Gorges Museum. The museum displays more than 115000 ancient artifacts which include human skeletal remains from prehistoric times and items originating from the Three Gorges region and antique bronze pieces and Han Dynasty relics and traditional ethnic art from southwestern China. The "Great Three Gorges" Hall presents an exhibition about the geological formation process which created the Yangtze River and all of its gorges. You can discover local legends together with well-known poems that celebrate this unique location.

   In the evening, you'll be escorted to Chaotianmen Dock to board your Yangtze cruise ship, between 18:00 and 20:00.

   

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   On the Cruise Ship
9. Day 9: Yangtze River Cruise
   Make an Acquaintance with Yangtze River

   Wake up to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Yangtze River before attending a morning Tai Chi class on the deck of a cruise ship. This ancient Chinese practice uses gentle, flowing movements and breathing to refresh both body and mind. After that, a buffet breakfast is served. Then, enjoy the river views on both sides. The cruise offers some activities - you can join shore excursions to explore cultural sites, or remain on board to relax.

   Have a shore excursion to Shibaozhai Pagoda during your afternoon time. The mountain contains a 12-storey tower which you can climb to experience breathtaking views and discover the special Bashu culture through the visit to Heavenly Kings Hall and the white jade relief wall which depicts the story of Guan Yu who became a war deity after his death.

   In the evening, join the Captain's Welcome Party.

   

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   On the Cruise Ship
10. Day 10: The Awe-inspiring Three Gorges
    Enjoy the Breathtaking River Views along the Way

    After breakfast, our China Tour with Yangtze River Cruise will introduce the awe-inspiring Three Gorges as our cruise ship gracefully navigates the Yangtze River. Prepare to be enchanted by these towering geological wonders that create a breathtaking backdrop along the riverbanks.

    At Shennv Stream, you will use a smaller boat to explore the intimate waterway which is bordered by thick vegetation. The local Tujia ethnic minority will present a musical and dance performance which adds cultural entertainment to this pristine exploration. The group will return to the cruise ship after finishing the activities.

    

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    On the Cruise Ship
11. Day 11: Yichang to Shanghai by Flight
    Feel the Grandness of the World’s Largest Water Conservancy Project

    After breakfast, bid farewell to the captain and crew before disembarking to visit the Three Gorges Dam. The system stands as the world's largest hydroelectric power station as it contains this engineering achievement which operates as a power-generating facility. It extends across the Yangtze River with a total distance of 2,335 meters while the dam crest reaches an elevation of 185 meters. The project demonstrates its construction methods and environmental effects and shows its importance to the local area.

    After the visit, transfer you to Yichang City and catch a bullet train to Shanghai, one of the most international cities in China. Upon arrival in Shanghai, a local guide and driver will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Take some time to settle in and rest for the evening.

    

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    4-Star Hotel in Shanghai
12. Day 12: Shanghai Historical Exploration
    Delve into the Splendid Past of this Magic City

    You will be picked up by our tour guide from your hotel in Shanghai at about 07:30-08:00 and start to visit Shanghai Old Street which will be followed by Yuyuan Garden, a classical and famous ancient Chinese private official garden style in Shanghai boasting elegant pavilions, villa, lotus pond and bridges. As home to over 50 various buildings of different architectural styles, the Bund enjoys the reputation of "World Architectural Exhibition".

    

    After lunch, continue to visit the Shanghai Museum, functioning as a three-dimensional encyclopedia which presents all aspects of Chinese civilization. The modern museum has created a cultural pathway which extends across two thousand years through its exhibition areas that cover 12000 square meters. The three treasures that can not be missed include the Western Zhou Dynasty Dake Ding, the Wang Xizhi calligraphy work "Shangyu Tie" and the Zi Zhong Jiang Pan which displays 3D aquatic animals on its water basin. After that, head to Old French Concession, a residential area of Shanghai once designated for the French during the colonial period and now is popular with tourists and expats and appreciated for its cafes, tree-lined avenues, and houses.

    

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    4-Star Hotel in Shanghai
13. Day 13: Departure from Shanghai

    After breakfast, your guide will escort you to the airport for your departure. Your 13-day Beijing Xian Chengdu Yangtze River Shanghai tour ends here! Bid farewell to China with cherished memories. Safe travels!

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: N/A