29-Day Ultimate 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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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 enjoy a welcome buffet dinner. Attend the cruise briefing and safety presentation before joining the Captain's Welcome Reception as your unforgettable journey along the Yangtze River begins.

Fengdu Ghost City & Three Kingdoms Show

Morning: Disembark in Fengdu to explore the famous Mount Mingshan Scenic Area (Fengdu Ghost City), a fascinating cultural site known for its ancient temples, Taoist legends, and Chinese folklore about the afterlife.

Afternoon: Return to the ship and enjoy cultural lectures, traditional performances, afternoon tea, and live entertainment while cruising through the beautiful Yangtze River scenery.

Evening: Enjoy dinner onboard, followed by a theatre performance inspired by the stories and heritage of the Yangtze River.

Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge & Goddess Stream

Morning: Visit the historic White Emperor City, an ancient fortress overlooking the Yangtze River and one of China's most celebrated cultural landmarks.

Return to the ship as you cruise through the dramatic Qutang Gorge, the shortest yet most spectacular of the Three Gorges.

Afternoon: Travel to the scenic Goddess Sky Road, where breathtaking viewpoints overlook the magnificent Wu Gorge.

Evening: Experience the immersive riverside night show Three Gorges Lights, showcasing the culture and legends of Wushan.

Wu Gorge, Three Gorges Dam & Ship Locks

Morning: Wake up to spectacular views as the ship sails through the picturesque Wu Gorge. Enjoy an onboard presentation about the engineering achievements of the Three Gorges Project.

Afternoon: Visit the world-famous Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric project on Earth. Later, experience one of the highlights of the cruise as the ship passes through the impressive Five-Stage Ship Locks, followed by the Gezhouba Ship Lock.

Evening: Enjoy onboard entertainment, including live performances celebrating the culture of the Yangtze River.

Jingzhou

Morning: Arrive in Jingzhou, one of China's most historic cities. Visit the Jingzhou Museum and walk along the remarkably preserved Ancient City Wall, offering a glimpse into China's rich past.

Afternoon: Return to the ship and participate in cultural activities celebrating the traditions and heritage of the Yangtze region while enjoying afternoon tea.

Evening: Dinner onboard followed by a theatre performance.

Wuhan

Morning: Relax onboard and enjoy free time as the ship continues downstream.

Afternoon: Arrive in Wuhan and visit the iconic Yellow Crane Tower, one of China's most famous historic towers, followed by a visit to the scenic East Lake.

Evening: Enjoy a special cocktail evening onboard.

Jiujiang

Morning: Choose one of the following included excursions:

· Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Museum, birthplace of China's world-famous porcelain, or

· Mount Lushan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its dramatic mountain scenery.

Lunch is included during the excursion

Evening: Return to the ship for dinner and an onboard evening performance.

Chizhou

Morning: Choose one of the following included excursions:

· Mount Jiuhua, one of China's Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains, or

· Mount Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), celebrated for its granite peaks, ancient pine trees, and breathtaking scenery.

Lunch is included during the excursion.

Evening: Free time onboard.

A Day at Leisure on the Yangtze

Spend a relaxing day onboard as the cruise continues toward Shanghai.

Enjoy traditional Chinese opera performances, hands-on cultural workshops, folk activities, afternoon tea, and the opportunity to experience China's rich intangible cultural heritage.

In the evening, celebrate your journey with a farewell gala performance.

Shanghai

Morning: Arrive at Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal.

Afternoon: Visit the charming Zhujiajiao Water Town, often referred to as the 'Venice of Shanghai,' before enjoying a scenic Huangpu River Cruise for s​pectacular views of Shanghai's famous skyline.

Return to the ship for your final evening onboard.

Disembark in Shanghai

After breakfast, disembark from the cruise at Shanghai.

(Optional: Airport/Train station drop-off service, extra charge applied).