6 Days Shanghai and Yangtze River Cruise Tour

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Shanghai
   Optional Activities: Experience the Fastest Land Transportation / Enjoy a Spectacular Acrobatic Show

   Welcome to China and join our 6 Days Shanghai and Yangtze River Cruise Tour! Upon your arrival at the airport, our local driver will be waiting for you and then accompany you to the hotel. The rest of the day is at your own discretion. After a short break, you can go out and wander around the nearby attractions. We can also help to arrange activities for you at an extra cost.

   Would you like to experience one of the fastest trains in the world? If yes, leave some time for Shanghai Maglev Train (optional, at your own expense). Though the travel length of a one-way ride is 30 kilometers, you just need 8 minutes, as the maximum speed can be up to 400 kilometers per hour. Keep in mind that the running time is from 6:45 am to 9:40 pm, so do not miss the train.

   

   At night, you can also enjoy a jaw-dropping Acrobatic Show at Shanghai Circus World (optional). The traditional Chinese acrobatic art presented by modern technology is really a feast for your eyes.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: in Shanghai

2. Day 2: City Sightseeing in Shanghai
   Find out the Links between Shanghai’s Past and Future

   To truly know a city, the fastest way is to visit its museum. Therefore, today’s first station is the Shanghai Museum. It is home to a collection of over 140,000 fine artifacts belonging to 31 divisions. Among them, the best are the bronze wares, ceramics, calligraphy, and paintings. What’s worth mentioning is Dake Ding, a bronze tripod sculptured with 290 characters from the Western Zhou Dynasty, one of the centerpieces of the museum.

   Next, we will proceed to Yuyuan Garden, a name card of Shanghai. Covering an area of 2 hectares, it has gone through over 400 years of ups and downs. Now, this classical garden is still there waiting for you. The exquisite arrangement of pavilions, trees, stones, and rockeries all conveys the former owner’s sense of aesthetic. In the adjacent Yuyuan Bazaar, you can taste some local snacks and select traditional handicrafts as souvenirs.

   

   Afterwards, we’re heading for the Shanghai World Financial Center, the fourth-tallest building in China. The transparent glass skywalk on the 100^th floor allows you to enjoy a panoramic view of this city.

   Later, we’ll experience the bustles and hustles of Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, take a stroll along the Bund,and  enjoy the night view of the Huangpu River and the breathtaking skyline. You can also take a Huang River night cruise at your own expense.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Shanghai

   

3. Day 3: Shanghai to Chongqing by Flight
   A Glance of Ciqikou Ancient Town and Night View of Hongya Cave

   This morning, our considerate driver will pick you up at the hotel after breakfast and then transfer you to the airport to catch the flight to Chongqing.

   After three hours, you’ll arrive in this Mountain City, and our local guide will then accompany you to the Ciqikou Ancient Town. Stepping on the uneven paths paved by slabstones, you will see a lively miniature Chongqing. The steamy freshly-cooked snacks will surely make your mouth water.

   

   Our exploration will extend to the Three Gorges Museum. Here we can learn about the changes in the Three Gorges area over the past hundred of years. It’s kind of knowledge preparations for our cruise tour.

   Afterwards, we’ll check in at the fabulous Hongya Cave. The densely packed stilted buildings are said to be the inspiration for the oil house in the movie Spirited Away. Decorated by colorful neon lights, they look splendid but mysterious. Climbing up to the viewing platform on the top, you can admire the romantic scene of the ever-changing hues of the Jialing River at sunset.

   

   At the dusk, our tour guide will escort you to Chaotianmen Dock to board your Yangtze River Cruise.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: on Cruise

4. Day 4: Yangtze River Cruise Tour
   A Cultural Adventure on the River and at Ashore

   Good morning! Wake up and let's take a Tai Chi class on the deck. For many foreigners, Chinese martial arts are fierce and unreachable. But this time, we're gonna practice Tai Chi in the soft sunrise lighting. After a full stretch, you can attend a lecture about the Yangtze River or enjoy a cup of coffee while appreciating the stunning scenery on both banks.

   In the afternoon, we’ll take a shore excursion to Shibaozhai Pagoda, a wooden structure without using a single nail. The 56-meter-high pagoda was built on a hill, with 12 stories corresponding to the 12 months. Here, we can find a white jade relief wall depicting the story of Guan Yu, a famous general during the Three Kingdoms period. From the top Kuixing Attic, we can have a bird's-eye view of the Yangtze River.

   

   This evening, a welcoming banquet and party will be held on the ship. It’s a great chance to enjoy local delicacies while watching wonderful performances.

   Optional Activity:

   You may pay a visit to Fengdu Ghost City, themed on the Chinese underworld culture and view of life and death. (Extra fees apply.)

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

   Accommodation: on Cruise

5. Day 5: Sail Past the Three Gorges
   Admire the Splendor of the Three Gorges

   Our Yangtze River Cruise tour welcomes its quintessence today. Our cruise ship will proceed through the breathtaking Three Gorges, namely, Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge. As the ship sails, the picturesque scenery is like a scroll slowly unfolded. The rolling towering peaks along the riverbanks and the images reflected in the water is a magic of light and shadow.

   

   After a while, we’ll change to a small black-awning boat to explore the Shennv Greek, a pristine place on the golden route of Yangtze River Cruise. Here we have a chance to hear local Tujia people sing folk songs.

   After the visit, return to the ship for the Captain's Farewell Party in the evening. Though it’s time to say goodbye, everyone is joyful and the captain will make a farewell toast to celebrate this successful tour.

   Optional Activity:

   The cruise also passes the White Emperor City and you can choose to go ashore and take a visit. It’s a place where many famous ancient poets like Li Bai and Du Fu once visited. The Kui Gate provides a perfect angle for taking pictures similar to the background design of the 10-yuan banknote.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

   Accommodation: on Cruise

   

6. Day 6: Departure from Yichang
   Watch Ships “Climbing Stairs” at the Three Gorges Dam

   After breakfast, check out and you will disembark at Maoping Port. Your tour guide will then take you to visit an engineering miracle, the Three Gorges Dam. You will climb the 262.48-meter-high Tanzi Ridge, where you will enjoy the panoramic view of the Three Gorges Dam. In addition, you can also climb up to the 185 Viewpoint to get a closer look at the dam. After the visit, you will take the bus arranged by the cruise company to the Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal. A dedicated driver will escort you to the airport for your flight to your next destination. Safe journey!

   After breakfast, you need to check out and disembark at Maoping Port. Our tour guide will then escort you to the epic Three Gorges Dam, an engineering miracle. On the 262.48-meter-high Tanzi Ridge, we will see the dam lying on the Yangtze River like a giant dragon. Ships go through the five-level ship locks one after another, as if they are climbing stairs. What an amazing scene!

   

   Our 6 Days Shanghai and Yangtze River Cruise Tour finally comes to an end. A bus prearranged by the cruise company will transfer you to the Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal. Our driver will wait for you there and then escort you to the airport to catch your flight to the next destination. Thanks for choosing China Xian Tour! Goodbye!

   Ideas for departure: You can take a flight from Yichang Three Gorges Airport to Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hangzhou, etc. Alternatively, you can take a high speed train at Yichang East Railway Station to the above cities.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: N/A