14 Days Scenic China Tour with Yangtze River Cruise

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Shanghai

   A warm welcome to our 14-day China tour package departing from Shanghai, China's most bustling metropolis. Upon your arrival at the airport, a local driver will be waiting for you at the exit to escort you to your well-selected hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city at your own pace.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: in Shanghai

   

2. Day 2: Shanghai Highlights
   Explore Shanghai's History, Skyline, and the Bund Views.

   After breakfast, your private Shanghai tour begins at the Shanghai Museum. The museum has four floors, with the bronze and sculptures on the first floor, ceramics on the second floor, calligraphy and paintings on the third floor, and jades, coins, the furniture during the Ming and Qing dynasties, and ethnic minority artifacts on the fourth floor. As of the end of 2019, the collection in the museum has 1020,220 pieces/sets, including 144,142 pieces of precious relics. Your tour guide will tell you the stories behind some of the precious relics.

   Next, explore the classical Chinese garden - Yuyuan Garden, which was originally a private garden in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). You will see many ancient trees, the Ming and Qing Dynasty furniture, celebrities' paintings and calligraphy, clay and brick carvings, plaques and couplets, and other cultural relics and treasures in this garden. Next to the garden is the Yuyuan Bazaar where there are many traditional Chinese crafts and souvenirs for sale.

   

   Afterwards, we head to the Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC), whose observation hall has been awarded the Guinness Book of World Records title of "Tallest Observation Hall". You will enjoy a panoramic view of Shanghai's modern skyline. Then, transfer to Nanjing Road, the first commercial pedestrian street in China. Once the window of Shanghai's opening to the outside world, it is now a shopper's paradise.

   Last, stroll along the Bund, which is a must-see for visitors to the city. You can enjoy 52 classical buildings of different styles such as Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque. In the evening, you can enjoy a relaxing Huangpu River night cruise and watch the glamorous view of the dazzling city lights reflecting on the water.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Shanghai

   

3. Day 3: Shanghai to Yichang
   A Serene Visit to a Temple and the Creative District of Tianzifang

   Start your day with a guided tour of the Jade Buddha Temple, a Song Dynasty-style building, named after the Jade Buddha enshrined in the temple. It is a quiet and peaceful environment, which is regarded by locals as "a piece of pure land in the midst of the downtown area". Next, you will visit Tianzifang, a creative district where you will find studios, photography studios, ceramics galleries, and fashion showrooms converted from old factories and houses.

   

   In the afternoon, we will head to the Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal. Then take the bus arranged by the cruise company to Maoping Port, the gateway to the Three Gorges region. After arrival, board your Yangtze cruise ship. Check in at your cabin and expect a memorable cruise through the beautiful Three Gorges.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: on Cruise

4. Day 4: Yangtze River Cruise
   Marvel at An Engineering Miracle, the Three Gorges Dam

   Our Yangtze River Cruise will begin this morning with a Tai Chi class on deck. Tai Chi is an old Chinese martial art that helps you connect your body and mind with slow, flowing motions. After that, you can go to a talk about the Yangtze River's history and culture. Once the talk's done, chill on the ship, sip coffee, and enjoy the beautiful views.

   

   Later, you'll be taken to see an engineering wonder, the Three Gorges Dam. You can ascend the 262.48-meter-high Tanzi Ridge, where you'll have a commanding view of the whole dam, or you can also go up to the 185 Viewpoint for a closer look at the dam.

   Optional: You can pay extra to go on shore tours at the Three Gorges Tribe located in Xiling Gorge. You will see the routines of the local ethnic group, the Bai people.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

   Accommodation: on Cruise

   

5. Day 5: Pristine Valleys in Three Gorges
   Explore a Pristine Valley at Shennv Creek on a Smaller Boat

   Your Yangtze River tour today takes you through the impressive Three Gorges - Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge, during which you will see tall peaks and lush vegetation along the riverbanks. Grab your camera to capture the picturesque scenery.

   After sailing for a while, you will change to a smaller boat to explore the narrower Shennv Creek. Here you can enjoy the most pristine valley. Also, experience the culture of the Tujia people through local music and dance performances. Afterwards, return to the cruise ship.

   

   Optional Activity:

   Today you have a chance to visit White Emperor City. During the Tang (618-907) and Song dynasties (960-1279), famous poets such as Li Bai and Du Fu visited this place and wrote a lot of poems. Therefore, White Emperor City has the reputation of "Poetry City". Surrounded by water on all sides, the highest point of the City allows one to overlook the Yangtze River and the surrounding spectacular scenery.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: on Cruise

6. Day 6: Shore Excursions
   Enjoy a Shore Excursion to the 12-storey Wooden Pagoda

   Today, you will have a shore excursion to Shibaozhai Pagoda. Standing at a height of 56 meters, it is an impressive 12-storey wooden structure built on a hill and surrounded by water. Here, you will find a white jade relief wall depicting the story of Guan Yu (deified as God of War) during the Three Kingdoms period. Climbing to the top of the pagoda, you can visit the Hall of Heavenly Kings, with a history of over 400 years, the earliest surviving building in Shibaozhai.

   

   In the evening, you will attend a Captain's Farewell Party, to enjoy music, dance and farewell toasts for celebrating the end of your Yangtze River cruise in a joyous atmosphere.

   Optional Activity:

   You may consider visiting Fengdu Ghost City, famous for its exquisite temples and mysterious Chinese myths (additional fees apply).

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Chengdu

7. Day 7: Chongqing to Guilin by Flight
   Discover the Highlights of the Mountain City

   After breakfast, check out and you will disembark at Chongqing Chaotianmen Port around 09:00 am. Your tour guide will then take you to visit Three Gorges Museum, which houses tens of thousands of various cultural relics such as the Bashu bronzes and the Han Dynasty sculpture artifacts. Here you will learn about the changes in the Three Gorges area over the past hundred years. Next, head to Ciqikou Ancient Town, which has a dozen or so streets and alleys lined with Ming and Qing style buildings. You can taste many delicious snacks here.

   

   After the tour, you'll be escorted to the airport for your flight from Chongqing to Guilin, a city enjoying the reputation of "the best landscape in the world".

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Guilin

8. Day 8: Guilin to Yangshuo by Cruise
   Embark on a Leisurely Li River Cruise

   In the morning, meet your guide and driver in your Guilin hotel and transfer to Mopanshan Dock to board the 3-star cruise ship on Li River. Your Guilin tour starts officially! The whole Li River cruise last about 4-4.5 hours and lunch included on the ship. During the cruise period, you will have a outer visit of the highlight sites in Guilin. Witness one of the most beautiful works by nature.

   In the afternoon, the cruise ends in Yangshuo. The local driver will meet you at dock and transfer you to your hotel. After checking in at your local hotel, you can either rest up for the evening's exploration or choose to ride along the Yulong River or experience bamboo rafting (extra charge) and enjoy the "Hundred Mile Gallery".

   

   In the evening, your tour guide will lead you to the must-go place - West Street. Take a walk in this 1,400-year-old street for about 1 hour to see lots of ancient style buildings, see local people's life and try some local food if you like.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Lhasa

   

9. Day 9: Guilin to Xian by Flight
   Be Amazed by the Landmarks of Guilin City

   After breakfast, we return to Guilin and explore the landmark - Elephant Trunk Hill. This site has been a famous tourist destination since the Tang and Song dynasties, boasting a history of over 1,000 years. It resembles an elephant drinking water from the Li River.

   Then, transfer you to Reed Flute Cave, where you'll witness intricate and translucent stalactites, stalagmites, stone columns, and stone flowers. Acclaimed as the "Palace of Natural Arts", the entire cave is just like a grand and magnificent underground palace crafted from gems, coral, and jade.

   

   After your morning explorations, head to the airport for a flight to the historical city of Xi'an.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Xian

10. Day 10: Xian Terracotta Warriors Tour
    A Hands-on Experience of Making a Mini Terracotta

    This morning, your China tour in Xian takes you to the well-known Terracotta Warriors and Horses, known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World". You will be guided through Pits 1, 2 and 3 of the Terracotta Army, where you will see life-sized warriors, and many horses and chariots. After a Chinese-style lunch, we will take you to experience making a mini terracotta figure. It will be once-in-a-lifetime.

    

    After that, drive back to Xian downtown to visit the Ancient City Wall, a military defensive system in old times. You can optionally ride a bike on the top of the City Wall and enjoy the amazing view of the entire area inside the City Wall. Next, you will visit the famous Muslim Street, which is a paradise for food lovers where you can find many kinds of delicious local snacks such as Biang Biang Noodle, Roujiamo (Chinese Hamburger), and Yangrou Paomo (Mutton and Bread Pieces in Soup).

    

    In the evening, take a leisurely evening walk along the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, which is illuminated when night falls. It is the preferred place for experiencing Tang culture in Xi'an.

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: in Xian

11. Day 11: Xian to Beijing by High-speed Train
    Discover Buddhist History then Delve into China's Past

    After breakfast at hotel, you will take a cultural exploration. First, head to a UNESCO World Heritage Site - the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. It is a well-preserved ancient building and a holy place for Buddhists, built to hold sutras and figurines of the Buddha that were brought to China from India by the Buddhist translator and traveler Xuanzang in the Tang Dynasty (618-907).

    

    Next, transfer you to Shaanxi History Museum, one of the top museums in China. The collection of artifacts ranges from simple stone tools used by ancient mankind to various types of artifacts used in social life before 1840, spanning over a million years. All kinds of exhibits will amaze you. In the late afternoon, catch a high-speed train to China’s capital, Beijing.

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: in Beijing

12. Day 12: Beijing City Exploration
    Discover Beijing's Grandeur, History, and Tranquility

    After breakfast, start your tour in Beijing at the Tian'anmen Square, one of the world's largest public squares. Your guide will tell you of its historical and political importance. You then walk together to the Forbidden City, a huge imperial palace complex - was home to 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1912). It is one of the largest and most completely preserved palace complexes constructed in wood.

    

    Spend your afternoon at the Summer Palace, China's royal garden during the Qing Dynasty. Based on Kunming Lake and Wanshou (Longevity) Hill, and modeled after the scenery of West Lake in Hangzhou, the Summer Palace is one of the best-preserved imperial gardens. Immerse yourself in the harmonious blend of nature and architecture. If you interested, enjoy a boat ride on the Kunming Lake (at an extra fee).

    In the evening, you have the option of watching a Chinese Kung Fu Show where skilled performers demonstrate martial arts techniques and acrobatics (extra charge).

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: in Beijing

13. Day 13: Beijing Great Wall Tour
    The Great Wall Hiking and Peking Roast Duck Tasting

    After breakfast, hop on an exciting excursion to the Mutianyu Great Wall. Connected to Juyongguan Great Wall in the west and Gubeikou in the east, Mutianyu has been a military stronghold guarding Beijing since ancient times. With its dense enemy towers and charming scenery, it is the most beautiful section of the Great Wall. We will arrange for you to go up by cable car and then take a hike to enjoy the natural scenery. Of course, you can also choose to hike up for a memorable experience if energy permits.

    

    After descending from the Great Wall, drive back to Beijing, stopping to view the Bird's Nest (National Stadium) and the Water Cube from the outside. They are the famous buildings from the 2008 Olympic Games. In the evening, you can enjoy the famous palace dish - the famous Peking Roast Duck at Quanjude Restaurant (additional charge).

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: in Beijing

    

14. Day 14: Departure from Beijing
    Understand the Ancient Royal Sacrificial Culture

    Today, your guide will take you to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Temple of Heaven. It is a special altar used by the Ming and Qing emperors to offer sacrifices to the heavens, ask for rain and pray for a good year. Next, go to experience a rickshaw ride through the traditional hutongs. You will pay a visit to a local family and get a glimpse of their daily life and even experience cultural activities such as learning calligraphy and weaving Chinese knots (extra charge).

    

    This is the end of your 14-day private tour of China with Yangtze River cruise. Your guide will then escort you to catch your flight or train to your next destination or home. So glad to have you on our well-designed China trip and look forward to seeing you next time. Safe travels!

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: N/A