13 Days Best Yangtze River Cruise Tour From Beijing

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
   Get the first impression of Beijing

   Welcome to China! Today our 13 Days Best Yangtze River Cruise Tour kicks off from Beijing. Upon your arrival at the airport, our driver will greet you warmly, and transfer you to the hotel.

   After a long journey on the plane, you may take a rest to get recovered. If you feel well, it’s fine to explore the surrounding area. An instant mutton slice hot pot of old Beijing style is the best comfort for you to get rid of the fatigue of journey. Feel free to ask your guide for more ideas to spend your free time.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: in Beijing

2. Day 2: Beijing City Tour
   Touch Beijing’s old days by lingering in the majestic Forbidden City and Hutongs

   This morning, our tour begins with Tian’anmen Square, a large public square in the heart of Beijing. It is indeed a place to visit as many Chinese get up early to attend the daily flag-raising ceremony there. There is also the Monument to the People’s Heroes. If interested, you can learn about the historical stories depicted on the reliefs below from our guide.

   The next stop is the awe-inspiring Forbidden City dominated by the imperial yellow and red colors. At an age of over 600 years old, it has witnessed the rise and fall of 24 emperors. No wonder it is said that behind every piece of the glazed tiles in the Forbidden City, there is a hidden story. As the topmost museum of China, the Forbidden City houses countless cultural relics from all dynasties, recording the previous glory. Wandering though the intricate halls and courtyards, you may feel like travelling back to the Qing Dynasty.

   

   After experiencing the emperors’ life, we are going to see how ordinary local people live. This afternoon, we’ll tour around Beijing Hutongs. Hop on a rickshaw and meander through these labyrinthine narrow alleys, we will pass by traditional courtyards and local markets. A vibrant Beijing is before our eyes!

   If you are fond of traditional Chinese culture, we can arrange a calligraphy lesson or tea ceremony for you at extra costs.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Beijing

3. Day 3: A Trek to Mutianyu Great Wall
   Challenge yourself at the greatest fortification in human history

   Good morning! After a rich breakfast at the hotel, let’s set out for the Temple of Heaven, which used to be a holy site for the emperors to worship the Heaven God. The strict geometric layout fully represents ancient Chinese’s advocacy of the harmony between man and nature. You may also enjoy the mysterious rites and music there.

   As an old saying goes, one who fails to reach the Great Wall is not a hero. Fortunately, in the afternoon, we elaborately select Mutianyu Great Wall to realize your hero dream. It’s one of the best-preserved as well as the most representative Ming Dynasty Great Wall. Apart from the majestic towers and walls, the pristine luxuriant vegetation around is also a source of charm. Taking a cable car to the top is a good idea, but you may consider hiking upward to challenge yourself. Don’t forget to take a camera to capture the stunning views. From a distance, the splendid Great Wall snakes its way through the rolling mountains, looking like a huge dragon on the mountain ridges. It’s really impressive!

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Beijing

   

4. Day 4: Beijing to Xi'an by Flight
   Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Summer Palace and savor authentic Peking Roast Duck

   Today, we will spend the whole morning visiting the elegant Summer Palace, a vast imperial garden dating back to the 18th century. Owning to its exceptional gardening art, the garden was listed as a world cultural heritage. Though it’s located in Beijing, the northern part of China, the Summer Palace takes in the essence of the classic gardens in southern China. The hills and water are dotted with intricate pavilions, corridors, bridges, and terraces, showcasing the pinnacle of China’s classic gardens. The Kunming Lake covers three quarters of the whole garden, worthy of a boat ride (at your own expense).

   

   Next, we’re heading for a local restaurant to taste the most authentic Beijing Roast Duck. A local chef will display his skills at slicing the juicy duck meat and guide you how to eat it in the right way. As a common case, the duck is served together with the pancakes, sweet sauces, and spring onion and cucumber shreds.

   In the evening, it’s time to bid farewell to Beijing as you will board a flight to Xi’an. Upon arrival, a local driver will wait for you at the airport and then accompany you to the hotel. Good night!

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Xian

5. Day 5: Xi'an Terracotta Army Tour
   Learn to create your own mini clay warrior

   Today, our Xi’an tour starts from the Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Ranked among the eight wonders of the world, this underground site is always a magnet to tourists. The life-size warriors and horses belong to the military army of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor in China’s history. It’s said that the appearance of each clay warriors is different from others. You can observe carefully to verify if it is true. During the visit, our tour guide will lead you to explore the three excavation pits and interpret the stories about Qin Shi Huang and his underground army.

   After the visit, we’ll come to a nearby workshop. An experienced craftsman will teach us how to make our own clay warriors step by step. Let your imagination run freely and create your own miniature replica of the Terracotta Warriors. After your work is done, it’s fine to take it back home as a souvenir.

   

   The last stop today is the Ancient City Wall in downtown Xi’an. The 13.74-kilometer-long wall is not only a well-preserved fortification, but also a witness of the history of Xi’an in the past 600 years. Stepping on the path paved by grey bricks, you can see the decorative red lanterns on both sides dancing in the wind, as if they were whispering the old stories. You can rent a bike (optional) and ride along the wall, a unique experience hard to find anywhere.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Xian

6. Day 6: Xi'an to Chengdu by High-speed Train
   Understand the city’s past in Xi’an Museum and its present in the Muslim Quarter

   After breakfast, we will pay a visit to Xi’an Museum, where the Small Wild Goose Pagoda is located. Here, we can know about the development of Xi’an from the Zhou Dynasty to the Ming Dynasty and the past local life. Among the countless antiques, the Tang Dynasty tri-color glazed horse with its hooves lifted high from the ground is a vivid demonstration of the royal family's life. There are also other thematic displays on Buddhist statues, ancient paintings and calligraphy, and jade wares.

   

   Later, we will drive to the Muslim Quarter to explore the bustling market of Xi’an. Along the streets, there are numerous stores and restaurants selling handicrafts, ornaments, and local specialties. Staying for a while to enjoy a bowl of Yangrou Paomo (crumbled flatbread in mutton soup) will be great. You are also advised to try other delicacies such as roasted lamb skewers, sesame cakes, persimmon cakes, and pomegranate juice.

   In the afternoon, take a high-speed train to Chengdu, our next destination. As the train traverses the Qinling Mountains, the scene becomes greener and more beautiful. After nearly four hours, you finally arrive in Chengdu. Our driver will meet you at the station and then escort you to the hotel.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Chengdu

7. Day 7: Chengdu Panda Volunteer Tour
   Be a panda volunteer at Dujiangyan Panda Base

   Wake up early and get prepared for the most exciting moment in this tour. Today, you have an opportunity to be a volunteer in Dujiangyan Panda Base. The specific work content is to prepare food and clean houses for the pandas. In addition, you can watch documentaries on the country’s efforts and contribution to the rescue of this endangered species. You may also see the hairy cubs fed up by experienced keepers at a close distance.

   The main volunteering activities include:

   • After changing into work clothes, clean the pandas’ rooms and activity sites and carry fresh bamboos under the guidance of the panda nursing staff.
   • Visit the panda villa to learn about the habits of giant pandas.
   • Have a lunch at the panda base to enjoy the authentic local dishes.
   • Watch a documentary to get further insight into pandas’ origin and tempers.
   • Witness how the keepers take care of the pandas on a daily basis on the spot.
   • Make steamed bread of corn for pandas.
   • Get your Panda Volunteer Certificate.

   

   Afterward, we’ll drive back to Chengdu. It’s up to you to arrange the rest of the day. It’s recommended to go out for an authentic Sichuan hot pot, or take a sip of tea in a tea house while enjoying the performances.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Chengdu

8. Day 8: Chengdu to Chongqing by Bullet Train
   Stroll around the bustling Jinli Street to feel the lively atmosphere of Chengdu

   Chengdu is noted for its leisurely slow-paced life. Today, let’s explore this city from the Jinli Old Street to get close contact with the locals. A casual stroll around allows you to feel the hustle and bustle of Chengdu. The archaistic houses are arranged in a staggered manner. On both sides of the street, we can find many shops featuring local characteristic products, including handmade leather bags, colorful cloth lanterns, etc. Various food stalls will make you salivate, such as Zhangfei beef, tofu pudding and Bobo chicken.

   

   Next, we’ll go to the Chengdu Rice Wine Museum to learn about the history and production process of rice wine. Here you’ll discover a wide variety of rice wine with different styles and flavors. It will be nice to taste some if you are not allergic to alcohol.

   This evening, it’s time to leave Chengdu for Chongqing by a bullet train. Upon arrival, our driver will drive you to the Chaotianmen Dock to board the Yangyze River Cruise. An unforgettable journey on water is about to begin.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: on the Cruise

9. Day 9: Yangtze River Cruise Tour
   Take an onshore excursion for a glimpse of the Fengdu Ghost City

   After a good sleep on the ship, let’s welcome the essence of this Yangtze River Cruise Tour. In the morning, when the river and surrounding mountains are shrouded in thin mist, we’ll have a Tai Chi class on the deck. Practicing the slow and smooth movements to the melodious music will make you feel relaxed from head to toe. After the class, you are free to move around before lunch. We would advise you to enjoy the poetic scenery along the way or take photos with your family and friends.

   

   In the afternoon, we’ll go onshore to visit the Fengdu Ghost City, an architectural complex characterized by temples, shrines, and statues in Chinese mythology. The highlight is a hall for the 18 floors of hell. A series of waxen statues are displayed there to present the scenes of bad guys being punished in different ways after they died.

   As the night falls, you can enjoy an optional show on the water stage, namely the "War Fires of the Three Kingdoms”. It’s a large-scale performance employing over 300 actors and 50 war horses. We’ll learn about the touching stories of the heroes like Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei during the Three Kingdoms Period.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

   Accommodation: on the Cruise

10. Day 10: The Spectacular Three Gorges
    Capture the grand beauty of the Three Gorges

    After breakfast, you can choose to pay an onshore visit to the White Emperor City. During the Three Kingdoms Period, the army of Shu State was defeated and then stationed here. The king Liu Bei had to request his minister Zhuge Liang to take care of his son and help to strength the state. From then on, the White Emperor City became famous. Today, you can still see many cultural relics here depicting this story.

    As our cruise continues sailing, the Qutang Gorge will come into view. It’s the shortest but most magnificent section of the Three Gorges. The sheer cliffs, waterbirds and turbulent water form a flowing natural painting. The sunset in the evening is even more beautiful, when the river and mountains are colored by the golden rays.

    

    Soon we will enter the charming Wu Gorge, which extends for about 45 kilometers. Thanks to its winding canyons, continuous peaks, and misty clouds, the gorge is like a beautiful natural gallery, and therefore enjoys the reputation of being the most beautiful section of the Three Gorges. We will then transfer to a small boat to explore the Shennv Stream endowed with unspoiled beauty and local minority customs.

    In the evening, there is a Cabaret and Talent Show onboard by the crew to lighten your heart further.

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

    Accommodation: on the Cruise

11. Day 11: Yichang to Shanghai by Bullet Train
    Admire the breathtaking Three Gorges Dam

    After breakfast, bid farewell to the captain and crew. Then we will disembark and head for the world-famous Three Gorges Dam. As the largest hydroelectric power station in the world, it’s a wonder completely embodying human’s ambition to change nature. Tanziling Ridge is the core site, which enjoys a bird’s eye view of the whole dam. There are models and plans of the project for you to learn about the dam’s structure and function better.

    

    After the visit, we’ll head for Yichang City to catch the high-speed train to Shanghai. Upon arrival, our driver will pick you up at the railway station and accompany you to the hotel reserved in advance. After a few days on the river, it’s now the right time for a good rest.

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: in Shanghai

12. Day 12: Shanghai City Tour
    Photograph at the iconic Bund and overlook Shanghai from super-high rises

    Our first stop in Shanghai is the Bund, an iconic landmark where tourists must check in. This waterfront promenade gathers a number of historical buildings of different western styles from around 100 years ago. Across the Huangpu River stand the modern skyscrapers at Lujiazui. From a distance, they form an imposing skyline, making the Bund a hot spot for taking photos.

    Later, we’ll ascend the Shanghai Tower following the guide. It offers the highest observation deck in Shanghai so that we can have a panoramic view of the Huangpu River and architecture below without any obstacle.

    

    The rest of the day is for your arrangement. If you have any questions or want to seek for advice, our guide will be glad to help. As our tour is about to end, we advise you to not waste the gap. You can either go shopping at Yuyuan Bazaar or enjoy a traditional Chinese acrobatic performance in Shanghai Circus World.

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: in Shanghai

13. Day 13: Departure from Shanghai

    Our 13 Days Best Yangtze River Cruise Tour finally comes to an end. After breakfast, pack up your luggage. Our local driver will see you off at the airport. Wish you a pleasant journey with cherished memories! Thanks for choosing China Xian Tour!

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: N/A