6 Days Xian and Yangtze River Cruise Tour

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Xi'an

   Welcome to Xian, the ancient capital of thirteen dynasties! Upon arrival, your driver will pick you up with a welcome board and transfer you to your well-selected hotel. After check-in, the rest of the day is free for you to explore the city on your own. You can take a leisurely stroll through the illuminated Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: in Xian

2. Day 2: Xian Terracotta Warriors Tour
   Discover the Eighth Wonder of the World

   After breakfast, your China tour of Xian takes you to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses, one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. You will see life-sized warriors, and many horses and chariots in Pits 1, 2 and 3. After lunch, you will be guided to make a mini terracotta figure. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

   

   After that, drive back to Xian downtown to visit the Ancient City Wall, the largest and best preserved ancient city wall in China. The best visiting way is to ride a bicycle around the city. If you can't ride, you can take a walk or choose to take a battery car. Next, stroll around the vibrant Muslim Street, a paradise for food lovers. Here you can find many kinds of delicious local snacks such as Biang Biang Noodle, Ice Peak (a kind of carbonated drink), and Yangrou Paomo (Mutton and Bread Pieces in Soup).

   In the evening, you can consider watching the wonderful Tang Palace Dance and Music Show, showcases the life of Tang emperors through graceful Tang costume dances. Before the performance, you will enjoy a hearty dumpling dinner.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Xian

3. Day 3: Xian Tour to Chongqing
   Explore the Historic Pagoda and Try Traditional Hanfu Clothing

   Today, you will delve into rich history of Xian. After breakfast, we head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site - the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. It is a well-preserved ancient building and a holy place for Buddhists. It was 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). If you’re interested, you can experience trying on Hanfu clothing, traditional attire from the Tang Dynasty.

   

   In the afternoon, your tour guide will escort you to take a high-speed train (5.5 hours) bound for Chongqing, a city located at the confluence of the Yangtze River and Jialing River. Upon arrival, you'll be escorted to the Chaotianmen Dock to board your Yangtze cruise ship (boarding time: 6 pm to 8 pm).

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: on Cruise

4. Day 4: Yangtze River Cruise
   Enjoy a Cultural Lecture and Coffee, Then Explore Shibaozhai Pagoda

   In the morning, Yangtze River cruise tour begins with a relaxing Tai Chi class on deck. Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese martial arts program. People can exercise their bodies and hearts through slow, continuous movements and breathing exercises. Afterward, take a lecture on the history and culture of the Yangtze River area. Enjoy a cup of coffee on the sundeck.

   

   Next, you will have a shore excursion to Shibaozhai Pagoda. Known as the "Pearl on the River", Shibaozhai is one of remaining wooden structures in China. You will appreciate unique architecture and learn many interesting legends from your knowledgeable tour guide. Built along the mountain, with a total of 12 floors and a height of 56 meters, this pagoda is known as one of the world's eight strange buildings.

   Optional Activity:

   If you are interested in ancient Chinese legends, you can choose to visit Fengdu Ghost City (for an additional fee). This is a quite interesting place, known for its strange folk legends.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

   Accommodation: on Cruise

5. Day 5: Yangtze River Cruise
   Cruise through the Three Gorges to Admire Towering Cliffs

   At dawn, the cruise ship pass through the magnificent Three Gorges. The Three Gorges include Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge, which is a highlight of your Yangtze River cruise tour.

   Along the way, you will see towering mountains and cliffs on both sides of the gorge. The steep and continuous peaks can usually rise about 700-800 meters above the river surface, which is quite spectacular. You will switch to a smaller boat to explore the primitive Shennv Stream. Shoot the sheer cliffs and lush greenery and experience the culture of the local Tujia ethnic minority. They are good at music and dance.

   

   In the evening, enjoy a Captain's Farewell Party, which features music, dance and farewell toasts for celebrating the end of your Yangtze River cruise.

   Optional Activity:

   If you want a historical tour, you can choose an optional visit to the White Emperor City, which is perched on a hill. Many ancient Chinese poets once climbed to this city and wrote immortal poems. Therefore, White Emperor City is also known as the "City of Poetry". You will get a panoramic view of the Yangtze River from its top.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

   Accommodation: on Cruise

   

6. Day 6: Departure from Yichang
   Marvel at the Grand Three Gorges Dam

   After breakfast, explore the engineering marvel of the Three Gorges Dam. It is the largest water conservancy hub project and the largest hydropower station in the world today. Standing on the dam crest, you can feel the magnificent white waves. If you visit on a sunny day, you may encounter a rainbow in the mist on the huge waves of flood discharge.

   

   After the dam visit, take the bus arranged by the cruise company to the Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal. There will be an experienced driver will be waiting to escort you to the airport or train station for your onward journey. Your 6-day Xian and Yangtze River Cruise tour ends here. Hope to see you on your next China tour with us!

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: N/A