22-Day Grand China Discovery with Yangtze Cruise

Arrive in Beijing

Arriving in Beijing. Airport-pickup and hotel Check-in .The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the city at your own pace.

Imperial Beijing

Morning

The Forbidden City — the world's largest imperial palace complex and home to the Ming and Qing emperors for over 500 years.

Jingshan Park — climb to the summit for a breathtaking panoramic view overlooking the Forbidden City's golden rooftops.

Afternoon

Tian'anmen Square — one of the world's largest public squares, surrounded by iconic landmarks including the Great Hall of the People and the National Museum of China.

 (Friendly Reminder：The Palace Museum and most museums in China are closed on Mondays.) 

Beijing – Xi'an (High-Speed Rail)

Morning

Mutianyu Great Wall: one of the most beautiful and well-preserved sections of the Great Wall, offering breathtaking mountain views away from the crowds. Ride the cable car up and enjoy an exciting toboggan descent (optional, subject to age restrictions).

Afternoon

Transfer to Beijing Railway Station: Take a comfortable high-speed train to Xi'an, one of China's most historic ancient capitals.

Xi'an

Morning

Terracotta Warriors— the UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site featuring thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots created over 2,000 years ago to guard China's first emperor.

Afternoon

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayan Pagoda)— a historic Buddhist landmark and one of Xi'an's most iconic symbols, dating back to the Tang Dynasty.

Evening

Dumpling Banquet (Optional) — enjoy a traditional Xi'an dumpling feast featuring a variety of beautifully crafted dumplings and local flavors.

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Xi'an

Morning

Bell Tower & Drum Tower — explore two of Xi'an's most famous ancient landmarks, once used to mark time in the city during the Ming Dynasty.

Muslim Quarter — stroll through the vibrant historic neighborhood and taste authentic local street food.

Afternoon

Xi'an Museum — discover the city's rich history through ancient artifacts and cultural treasures.

Small Wild Goose Pagoda — visit this peaceful Tang Dynasty Buddhist pagoda surrounded by traditional gardens.

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Xi'an – Guilin (Flight)

Morning

Flight to Guilin — depart Xi'an and fly to Guilin, a city famous for its breathtaking karst landscapes. Enjoy lunch upon arrival.

Afternoon & Evening

Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area — stroll around Shan Lake and Rong Lake, admire the iconic Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas, and walk across the Glass Bridge while enjoying Guilin's beautiful night scenery after the lights turn on at 7:00 PM.

Guilin – Yangshuo

Morning

Li River Cruise — embark on a scenic cruise through one of China's most iconic landscapes, surrounded by dramatic karst mountains and picturesque riverside villages. Lunch is included onboard.

Afternoon

Yangshuo West Street — explore this lively pedestrian street filled with local shops, cafés, and international influences at your own pace.

Evening

Impression Liu Sanjie Show (Optional) — enjoy a spectacular outdoor performance set against the Li River and karst mountains.

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Yangshuo – Guilin – Shanghai (Flight)

Morning

Elephant Trunk Hill — Guilin's iconic landmark named for its unique shape resembling an elephant drinking from the river.

Reed Flute Cave — explore a magnificent natural limestone cave illuminated by colorful lights and filled with impressive rock formations.

Afternoon

​Flight to Shanghai — transfer to the airport and fly to Shanghai, China's vibrant international metropolis.

Shanghai

Morning & Afternoon

Shanghai Tower— visit China's tallest building and enjoy panoramic views of Shanghai from one of the world's highest observation decks.

Lujiazui Financial District — explore Shanghai's futuristic business hub featuring some of the city's most recognizable skyscrapers.

Yuyuan Garden — a well-preserved classical Jiangnan private garden of the Ming Dynasty, a landmark cultural attraction in downtown Shanghai.

Nanjing Road — Shanghai's most famous shopping street, offering a lively atmosphere and a glimpse into the city's modern lifestyle.

The Bund — admire Shanghai's historic waterfront, where elegant colonial-era buildings meet the city's spectacular modern skyline across the Huangpu River.

Evening

Huangpu River Night Cruise (Optional) — enjoy breathtaking views of Shanghai's illuminated skyline, including the iconic landmarks of Pudong.

Shanghai to Dali

Morning

Former French Concession — wander through tree-lined streets filled with historic architecture, charming cafés, and Shanghai's unique cultural atmosphere.

Xintiandi — discover this stylish lifestyle district blending traditional Shikumen architecture with modern restaurants and boutiques.

Afternoon: Fly to Dali. 

Dali

Morning & Afternoon

Discover the unique cultural heritage of western Yunnan as you visit Donglianhua Village, a historic Hui ethnic village renowned for its traditional architecture and Silk Road history.

Continue to Weishan Ancient Town, one of Yunnan's best-preserved ancient towns, where you'll enjoy lunch before exploring its charming streets and centuries-old buildings.

Later, visit the lively Dali Ancient Town, nestled between Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, and enjoy free time to wander its local shops and cafés.

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Dali - Lijiang

Morning: Walk or cycle along the scenic Erhai Ecological Corridor, offering beautiful lakeside views, before visiting the picturesque Xizhou Ancient Town, famous for its traditional Bai architecture and local culture. Enjoy lunch before departing Dali.

Afternoon:Travel by private vehicle to Lijiang, enjoying the beautiful scenery of Yunnan along the way.

Lijiang - Chengdu

Spend the day exploring the breathtaking Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, one of Yunnan's most iconic natural wonders. Visit the stunning Blue Moon Valley, known for its crystal-clear turquoise lakes surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

Local Experience: Watch the spectacular outdoor performance Impression Lijiang, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Zhang Yimou.

Evening: Fly to Chengdu.

Chengdu

Morning: Visit the world-famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where you can observe China's beloved giant pandas in a naturalistic environment.

Afternoon: Explore the charming Kuanzhai Alley, then enjoy free time at Chunxi Road and IFS, where the city's famous giant panda climbing the shopping mall has become one of Chengdu's most photographed landmarks.

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Chengdu - Chongqing

​Morning: Visit Wuhou Shrine, dedicated to the legendary strategist Zhuge Liang, before strolling through the lively Jinli Ancient Street, lined with traditional teahouses, local snacks, and handicraft shops.

Afternoon: Board China high-speed train to Chongqing.

Discover Chongqing

Morning: Explore the historic Ciqikou Ancient Town, famous for its traditional teahouses and local snacks.

Optional Experience: Enjoy a traditional Sichuan Opera performance in a local teahouse.

Afternoon: Visit the famous Liziba Monorail Station, where the train passes directly through a residential building, then continue to Kuixinglou Square and the bustling Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street.

Evening: Sample local street food at Bayi Food Street before admiring the spectacular illuminated stilt houses of Hongyadong.

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High-Speed Train to Zhangjiajie

Morning: Take China high-speed train to Zhangjiajie.

Afternoon: Visit the awe-inspiring Tianmen Mountain, home to the famous Heaven's Gate, a massive natural arch carved into the mountainside.

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Zhangjiajie National Forest Park & Departure

Spend your final day exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Walk across the thrilling Glass Bridge, ride the world-famous Bailong Elevator, visit Yuanjiajie Scenic Area—the inspiration for the floating mountains in Avatar—and admire the spectacular views from Tianzi Mountain.

After the tour, back to the hotel.

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High-Speed Train to Chongqing & Embark on Your Yangtze River Cruise

Morning: Take a high-speed train from Zhangjiajie to Chongqing.

Enjoy free time for lunch before transferring to Chaotianmen Cruise Terminal.

Evening: Board your Yangtze River cruise and settle into your cabin. Enjoy a welcome dinner on board, followed by a cruise briefing and the Captain's Welcome Reception as your unforgettable journey along the Yangtze River begins.

Fengdu Ghost City & Three Kingdoms Show

Morning: After breakfast, disembark to visit the legendary Fengdu Ghost City, a fascinating cultural site filled with ancient temples, shrines, and traditional Chinese folklore surrounding the afterlife. Cable car and shuttle service are included. Then return to the ship for lunch as the cruise continues through the spectacular Yangtze scenery.

Afternoon: Enjoy onboard cultural activities and entertainment while cruising toward Zhongxian.

Evening: Watch the spectacular open-air performance Three Kingdoms: Beacon of War, an impressive live show inspired by one of China's greatest historical epics (subject to cruise schedule and weather conditions).

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Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge & Goddess Stream

Morning: 

Choose one of two optional shore excursions:

·White Emperor City, an ancient fortress overlooking the Yangtze River, or

·Summit of the Three Gorges, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Qutang Gorge.

Return to the ship as you sail through the magnificent Qutang Gorge, the shortest yet most dramatic section of the Three Gorges.

Afternoon: Cruise through the scenic Wu Gorge, renowned for its misty peaks and tranquil beauty, before taking a small boat excursion into the picturesque Goddess Stream, where towering cliffs and crystal-clear waters create one of the Yangtze's most peaceful landscapes.

Evening: Enjoy a farewell gala performance onboard as you spend your final night cruising the Yangtze River.

Three Gorges Dam & Departure

Morning: Disembark at Maoping Port in Yichang. Visit the impressive Three Gorges Project Museum and the Three Gorges Dam Memorial Park, where you'll gain insight into the world's largest hydroelectric engineering project while enjoying panoramic views of the dam.

After the tour, transfer to downtown Yichang, marking the end of your unforgettable China adventure.(Optional: Airport/Train station drop-off service, extra charge applied).

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