Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai

Day 01Arrival in Shanghai

You'll be met outside the baggage claim area at Shanghai Airport and transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is free.

Tips: You can instantly feel the fashionable and modern atmosphere when you land in Shanghai. Besides the shuttle bus and our private transfer, you may choose the maglev train to your hotel, too. It takes less than a half-hour from Pudong airport to the city center. But the train cannot take you to your hotel directly. After getting off the train, you will need to take a taxi to your hotel which is not very convenient especially when you have a lot of luggage, as there will be many people standing in line for taxies. If you are really interested, you can have a try. Its speed can reach 430.00 kilometers per hour. The train operates every day from 7:00 to 21:00 at an interval of 15 minutes. It costs CNY 50 one-way (economic) and CNY 100 for VIP, CNY 80 round-trip (economic) and CNY 160 for VIP. In case that you get to Shanghai from other city of China and land at Hongqiao airport, it is not possible to take the maglev train.

Day 02Shanghai

The first stop is the Shanghai Museum which houses large collections of historical items. Then go to the famous Yuyuan Garden. The afternoon itinerary is different for the luxury and standard series. Please refer to the "Differences" below. The welcoming dinner is arranged at the Central Hotel, Wang Bao He restaurant which has a history over 260 years and is the best place to sample Shanghai Cuisine. Later, you will enjoy an amazing Portman Acrobatic Show at the Shanghai Centre Theatre.(B+L+D)

Differences:
Luxury series: We will arrange a short cruise tour along the Huangpu River in the afternoon.
Standard series: The guide will accompany you walking along the Bund area and visiting a local family in the afternoon.

Descriptions:
Yuyuan Garden - Built in 1559, Yuyuan Garden was originally constructed as a private garden of a minister's father in Ming Dynasty, covering an area of 5 acres. The pavilions, halls, rockeries, ponds and cloisters in the garden all have unique characteristics. Ancient architecture, sophisticated design and fine layout show great originality in affording wide views in a small confined space.

Yangtze River cruise tour

Day 03Shanghai - Yichang

The last stop in Shanghai is a brief visit to the Jade Buddha Temple. Then head for Yichang by air and be met with comfortable private transfer. Visit Yichang Museum if time is available. After dinner, check in at the cruise ship for a good rest.(B+L+D)

Descriptions: 
Jade Buddha Temple - It was built in the Song Dynasty style of architecture. In 1882, an eminent monk, Huigen, reached Burma via Wutai Mountain, Emei Mountain, Tibet and India. Under the auspices of overseas Chinese, he carved 5 figures of Buddha using jade stone. On his way back, he left a Sitting Buddha and a reclining Buddha in Shanghai. Then a temple was constructed to enshrine the Buddha. The temple was destroyed during the revolution that overthrew the Qing Dynasty. Luckily, the Buddha statues were saved and a new temple was rebuilt on the present site in 1918 and named the Jade Buddha Temple.

Day 04Three Gorges Dam

Your Yangtze River cruise commences at 07:00 in the morning. Sail along the eastern Xiling Gorge. Disembark and take a visit to the magnificent Three Gorges Dam Site, still under construction. Then back to the ship and continue cruising along the western Xiling Gorge and pass the Five Level Ship Lock. After dinner, you are invited to participate in the Captain's Welcome Party.(B+L+D)

Descriptions:
Qutang Gorge - The Qutang Gorge is the most dangerous and shortest of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River. It is famous for magnificence, extending for eight kilometers with many scenic spots. Standing on the deck of one cruise ship, you will see the steep precipices standing on both banks of this narrow stretch of water. 
 
Wu Gorge - The Wu Gorge of the Yangtze River is famous for its deep valley and elegant beauty. It can be said to be a winding gallery of painting. The twelve peaks of Wu Mountain are in different postures and manners, among which the Goddess Peak in swirls of mist is the most charming and lively one. 
 
Xiling Gorge - The third gorge of the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, the Xiling Gorge begins at the Fragrant Stream. Extending for 66 kilometers, it is the longest one in the gorges. The Xiling Gorge is known for numerous torrents and dangerous shoals. Passing through this gorge is an adventure. There are many cultural relics in the gorge, such as hanging coffins.

Yangtze River Three Gorges cruises

Day 05Three Little Gorges

Sail through Wu Gorge in the morning and take a detour to the verdant Three Little Gorges or the Shennong Stream according to different series. You will also experience an exciting short pea-boat rowed by the boatman. Back to the ship and view the scenery of the short Qutang Gorge.(B+L+D)

Differences:
Luxury series: The cluxury series will take you on a side trip to the Three Little Gorges, one tributary of Yangtze River.
Standard series: The standard series will take you on a side trip along the Shennong Stream, another tributary of Yangtze River. 

Tips: When you visit the verdant Three Little Gorges or Shennong Stream, you will first take an electric boat for about 40 minutes. The scenery along the both tributaries is more comely and delicate compared with the splendid Yangtze River Three Gorges. The current of these sections of Yangtze River becomes gentle and the water  gradually becomes clear. After that you will take a little pea-boat with some other guests (about 10 guests sharing a boat), rowed by local boatmen. The local tour guide, dressed in clothes of Tujia minority clothing, may sing melodious folk songs with the boatmen for you along the way. It is advisable to follow the guide's instruction to wear your life jacket properly even though the stream seems not at all to be dangerous at all. It is a scenic joy to roam among the green mountains and blue waters. Do not forget to protect your camera from water.

Relaxing Yangtze River cruise tour

Day 06Fengdu

Disembark at Fengdu to visit the Snowy Jade Cave or the "Ghost City" according to the different series. Then continue sailing to Chongqing. In the evening, join in the farewell party and enjoy your last night on board.(B+L+D)

Differences:
Luxury series: You will take an onshore excursion to the Snowy Jade Cave.
Standard series: You will take a detour to Fengdu "Ghost City" instead.

Tips: In the Snowy Jade Cave, there are some steps, the floor is always wet and slippery and the temperature is always lower than outside. So you had better prepare a pair of comfortable shoes and a warm coat. The twisting paths in the cave comprise a maze, so follow to your guide closely to avoid getting lost!

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B-- Breakfast     L-- Lunch     D-- Dinner