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HISTORIC CHINA & YANGTZE CRUISE
Tour Code: GOLDEN-0801
- 13 Days Beijing - Xian - Chongqing - Yangtze River - Wuhan - Shanghai
- Starting from $1719 per person
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Making a Difference
The choice is yours, but decisions are often hard to make. Our itinerary feature page as Making a Difference will let you know the detailed arrangements of highlight attractions, accommodations, meals, special local flavors we arrange in the itinerary you will choose. Only you truly know where each of your coin will be spent, you could make your own choice! It is worth comparing the quality and value of a tour before you make your reservation.
Day by Day Itinerary
 Our group at the Badaling Great Wall, Beijing |
Day 01: Arrival in Beijing
Our guide will pick you up at Beijing airport and transfer you to the hotel. Relax during the remainder of the afternoon and evening to recover from the jet lag.
Our guide will pick you up at Beijing airport and transfer you to the hotel. Relax during the remainder of the afternoon and evening to recover from the jet lag.
Accommodation: Deluxe Holiday Inn Central Plaza Hotel - the best Holiday Inn Hotel in Beijing
Day 02: Beijing
Before the tour starts, you will meet the other members of your group this morning during the pre-tour briefing in the hotel. Your first stop is the impressive Tian'anmen Square. From there you will enter the "Imperial Palace" known as the Forbidden City to explore its many fascinating halls and pavilions. You will then go to the Temple of Heaven, the place where the Emperors worshipped the heaven for good harvests. To round off a memorable start to your tour, we will arrange a delicious Beijing Duck Dinner valued at CNY122.00 net per person at a famous restaurant followed by a lively Peking Opera performance at the Liyuan Theatre. (B+L+D)
Accommodation: Deluxe Holiday Inn Central Plaza Hotel - the best Holiday Inn Hotel in Beijing
Day 03: Beijing
This morning you will be taken to Badaling where you will experience at first hand the wonder of the Great Wall. To avoid having lunch at the shopping site restaurant, we specially arrange your lunch served at a local popular Sichuan food restaurant. Later the journey will take you to the Sacred Way and the Ming Tomb in the peaceful shadow of Longevity Mountain. Conclude the full day tour after taking a glance of the Bird Nest (Olympic National Stadium) and the Water Cube (Olympic Aquatic Center). (B+L+D)
Accommodation: Deluxe Holiday Inn Central Plaza Hotel - the best Holiday Inn Hotel in Beijing
This morning you will be taken to Badaling where you will experience at first hand the wonder of the Great Wall. To avoid having lunch at the shopping site restaurant, we specially arrange your lunch served at a local popular Sichuan food restaurant. Later the journey will take you to the Sacred Way and the Ming Tomb in the peaceful shadow of Longevity Mountain. Conclude the full day tour after taking a glance of the Bird Nest (Olympic National Stadium) and the Water Cube (Olympic Aquatic Center). (B+L+D)
Accommodation: Deluxe Holiday Inn Central Plaza Hotel - the best Holiday Inn Hotel in Beijing
 Xian terracotta soldiers |
Day 04: Beijing - Xian
You will take an afternoon flight to Xian after visiting the Summer Palace and the lovely giant pandas in Beijing Zoo. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to check in at the local best hotel, where a sumptuous buffet dinner valued at CNY168.00 net per person will be specially served for you this evening. You may take time to enjoy it. (B+L+D)
You will take an afternoon flight to Xian after visiting the Summer Palace and the lovely giant pandas in Beijing Zoo. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to check in at the local best hotel, where a sumptuous buffet dinner valued at CNY168.00 net per person will be specially served for you this evening. You may take time to enjoy it. (B+L+D)
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Hotel 
- downtown
Day 05: Xian
The visit to the majestic Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum will start your today's tour. To avoid having the poor food at the site, you will take highway back to downtown to have an a la carte lunch valued at CNY80.00 net per person at a well-known restaurant. In the afternoon, you will visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the mighty City Wall. This evening you will be transferred to the Tang Dynasty Palace, where you will be entertained with the splendid Tang Dynasty Dinner Show. (Add: No.75, Chang'an Road, Xian) (B+L+D)
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Hotel - downtown
- downtownDay 05: Xian
The visit to the majestic Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum will start your today's tour. To avoid having the poor food at the site, you will take highway back to downtown to have an a la carte lunch valued at CNY80.00 net per person at a well-known restaurant. In the afternoon, you will visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the mighty City Wall. This evening you will be transferred to the Tang Dynasty Palace, where you will be entertained with the splendid Tang Dynasty Dinner Show. (Add: No.75, Chang'an Road, Xian) (B+L+D)
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Hotel
- downtown
 Captain's welcome party on Yangtze River cruise |
Day 06: Xian
Today you will visit the Provincial History Museum, which houses a large collection of historic and cultural artifacts unearthed in Shaanxi province. After an a la carte lunch valued at CNY80.00 net per person served at a local famous restaurant, you will be taken to visit a local family, which helps you know well about the local people's life. Then go to see the Great Mosque and have some free time to explore for some souvenirs or antiques in the bazaar near the Mosque. This evening, an a la carte dinner valued at CNY80.00 net per person will be arranged at a well-known Sichuan cuisine restaurant. (B+L+D)
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Hotel - downtown
Day 07: Xian - Chongqing
This morning you will visit the Hanyangling Museum, the mausoleum of Western Han Emperor Liu Qi. You will then board an afternoon flight to Chongqing. Here a rich buffet dinner valued at CNY88.00 net per person served at a 4-star hotel, Holiday Inn Yangtze will precede your boarding of the deluxe German-built cruise ship where you will spend the night. (B+L+D)
Today you will visit the Provincial History Museum, which houses a large collection of historic and cultural artifacts unearthed in Shaanxi province. After an a la carte lunch valued at CNY80.00 net per person served at a local famous restaurant, you will be taken to visit a local family, which helps you know well about the local people's life. Then go to see the Great Mosque and have some free time to explore for some souvenirs or antiques in the bazaar near the Mosque. This evening, an a la carte dinner valued at CNY80.00 net per person will be arranged at a well-known Sichuan cuisine restaurant. (B+L+D)
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Hotel
- downtownDay 07: Xian - Chongqing
This morning you will visit the Hanyangling Museum, the mausoleum of Western Han Emperor Liu Qi. You will then board an afternoon flight to Chongqing. Here a rich buffet dinner valued at CNY88.00 net per person served at a 4-star hotel, Holiday Inn Yangtze will precede your boarding of the deluxe German-built cruise ship where you will spend the night. (B+L+D)
Accommodation: China Regal Cruises
Day 08: Chongqing - Fengdu
At 08:00 am your memorable Yangtze River tour begins. In the afternoon the ship will stop at Fengdu, where you will visit the Ghost City, which is famous for its temple dedicated to the King of the Underworld, an association dating back to the Han Dynasty. (B+L+D)
At 08:00 am your memorable Yangtze River tour begins. In the afternoon the ship will stop at Fengdu, where you will visit the Ghost City, which is famous for its temple dedicated to the King of the Underworld, an association dating back to the Han Dynasty. (B+L+D)
 Yangtze Shennong Stream cruising |
Day 09: Badong - Xiling Gorge - Sandouping
You will visit Badong and take a small junk for a close-up view of the breath-taking natural splendors along the Shennong Stream. You are sure to be impressed by the dexterity the team of trackers as they push and haul the wooden sampans over the rapids. Back to China Regal to continue your cruise into the western section of the Xiling Gorge and pass through the five-step ship lock. (B+L+D)
Day 10: Sandouping
Your morning excursion is to visit the world-famous Three Gorges Dam Project. The sheer size of the dam and the exhibition hall with the Dam model will pleasantly surprise you. Afterwards pass the eastern section of Xiling Gorge and the river guide will be available to provide a narration. Exit the gorges at Yichang city, where you pass the ship lock of Gezhouba Dam. At 20:00 enjoy yourself with the dancing and music performance in the evening party. (B+L+D)
You will visit Badong and take a small junk for a close-up view of the breath-taking natural splendors along the Shennong Stream. You are sure to be impressed by the dexterity the team of trackers as they push and haul the wooden sampans over the rapids. Back to China Regal to continue your cruise into the western section of the Xiling Gorge and pass through the five-step ship lock. (B+L+D)
Day 10: Sandouping
Your morning excursion is to visit the world-famous Three Gorges Dam Project. The sheer size of the dam and the exhibition hall with the Dam model will pleasantly surprise you. Afterwards pass the eastern section of Xiling Gorge and the river guide will be available to provide a narration. Exit the gorges at Yichang city, where you pass the ship lock of Gezhouba Dam. At 20:00 enjoy yourself with the dancing and music performance in the evening party. (B+L+D)
Day 11: Wuhan - Shanghai
Arrival in Wuhan at around mid-day, you will visit the Hubei Provincial Museum after a flavored lunch served. Take a flight to Shanghai and transfer to the hotel. This evening will be free for you to explore something of Shanghai and maybe sample your dinner at one of the many cafes or restaurants there. (B+L)
Accommodation: JC Mandarin Hotel - Deluxe room
Arrival in Wuhan at around mid-day, you will visit the Hubei Provincial Museum after a flavored lunch served. Take a flight to Shanghai and transfer to the hotel. This evening will be free for you to explore something of Shanghai and maybe sample your dinner at one of the many cafes or restaurants there. (B+L)
Accommodation: JC Mandarin Hotel
- Deluxe room
 Huangpu river cruise, Shanghai |
Day 12: Shanghai
You will visit the Shanghai Museum and the beautiful Yuyuan Garden. After lunch, take a relaxing cruise tour on Huangpu River, you will experience the prosperity of modern Shanghai. Then you are invited to a farewell dinner valued at CNY105.00 net per person at Wang Bao He in Central Hotel, which enjoys 260 years history and serves the best Shanghai cuisine. Following the dinner is a fascinating Portman Acrobatic Show at the Shanghai Centre Theatre. Upon returning to the hotel our tour guide will see you into the lobby to say bon voyage. (B+L+D)
Accommodation: JC Mandarin Hotel- Deluxe room
Day 13: Departure from Shanghai
After breakfast, you will travel to the airport for your homeward flight by yourselves. However, should you wish to stay on rather than return home right away, we would suggest you choose our City Packages as an extension to your China adventure! (B)
You will visit the Shanghai Museum and the beautiful Yuyuan Garden. After lunch, take a relaxing cruise tour on Huangpu River, you will experience the prosperity of modern Shanghai. Then you are invited to a farewell dinner valued at CNY105.00 net per person at Wang Bao He in Central Hotel, which enjoys 260 years history and serves the best Shanghai cuisine. Following the dinner is a fascinating Portman Acrobatic Show at the Shanghai Centre Theatre. Upon returning to the hotel our tour guide will see you into the lobby to say bon voyage. (B+L+D)
Accommodation: JC Mandarin Hotel
- Deluxe room Day 13: Departure from Shanghai
After breakfast, you will travel to the airport for your homeward flight by yourselves. However, should you wish to stay on rather than return home right away, we would suggest you choose our City Packages as an extension to your China adventure! (B)
B-- BreakfastL-- LunchD-- Dinner
Departure Dates and Prices (based on per person and shown in US dollars)
Guaranteed Departures with Even 1 Person!
| Group Code | Arrival Date | Departure Date | Double Occupancy | Sole Occupancy | Status | |
| 08-Y0403 | Apr 03 | Apr 15 | $1889 | $2699 | Closed |  |
| 08-Y0417 | Apr 17 | Apr 29 | $1889 | $2699 | Closed | |
| 08-Y0506 | May 06 | May 18 | $1889 | $2699 | Closed | |
| 08-Y0520 | May 20 | Jun 01 | $1889 | $2699 | Closed | |
| 08-Y0607 | Jun 07 | Jun 19 | $1749 | $2419 | Closed | |
| 08-Y0619 | Jun 19 | Jul 01 | $1749 | $2419 | Closed | |
| 08-Y0705 | Jul 05 | Jul 17 | $1719 | $2309 | Closed | |
| 08-Y0717 | Jul 17 | Jul 29 | $1739 | $2329 | Closed | |
| 08-Y0904 | Sep 04 | Sep 16 | $1949 | $2759 | Open | |
| 08-Y0918 | Sep 18 | Sep 30 | $1949 | $2759 | Closed | |
| 08-Y1011 | Oct 11 | Oct 23 | $1919 | $2719 | Open | |
| 08-Y1021 | Oct 21 | Nov 02 | $1919 | $2719 | Closed | |
| 08-Y1108 | Nov 08 | Nov 20 | $1779 | $2479 | Closed | |
Inclusions- Internal flights & taxes;
- Hotels with daily western breakfasts;
- Daily lunches and/or dinners at China's finest restaurants for the land tour;
- Excellent guide & driver for the land tour;
- Standard cruise cabin with full board;
- Cruise shore excursions;
- Comfortable and clean air-conditioned car or van for land transportation;
- Entrance fees to all tourist sites;
- Two bottles of mineral water per day;
- Government taxes
For our special terms of quotation, reservation, payment and cancellation, Please click here.
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If you want the cheapest fare to mainland China, usually the China Eastern flight out of Los Angeles is pretty inexpensive. But these vary every day, and it pays to check frequently. The cheapest airfare could be from most any international hub in the US. Many airlines now keep their best prices only on their own web sites. For example, American Airlines just had a 25% off promotion (using a promotion code found on AA's DealFinder software) on their best economy discount fares during the Chinese New Year period of 1 Feb through 14 Feb from eastern and midwestern US cities to Shanghai. It expired last week. The fare including all taxes and fees was around $700 r/t from most cities in the east, connecting through Chicago.
George Hobica's http://www.airfarewatchdog.com does an excellent job of finding these "insider" deals that most automated search sites cannot find.
Two additional tips: If you want to minimize internal airfare costs, see if you can arrive at one international airport and depart at another, thus saving the cost of returning to your arrival city which presumably you have already seen. Also, a very low-cost airfare may be meaningless if it does not take you to a city you want to visit.