Our group at the Tiananmen Square, Beijing

Day 01Arrival in Beijing

Upon your arrival in Beijing, your local guide will greet you at the exit of the airport after you claim your luggage. The comfortable private transfer will take you to the reserved hotel for a good rest. The rest of the day is left free for you to revitalize from long flight.

Accommodation: Forbidden Hotel (3 nights)

Day 02Beijing

After breakfast in the hotel, you will meet your group members for the coming tour and have a short pre-tour briefing. Afterwards, commence the visit to the world largest city square - Tiananmen Square and the imperial architecture complex - the Forbidden City in the morning. In the afternoon, continue history appreciation at the Temple of Heaven. The highlight of the evening will be a brilliant Acrobatic Show after a tasty meal at a local restaurant. (B+L+D)

Day 03Beijing

We suggest you have a big breakfast in the hotel this morning, as we will drive out of downtown for a climb of the wondrous Great Wall's Badaling section. To replenish your energy, we will arrange a special lunch at a local popular Sichuan cuisine restaurant. Later the journey will take you to the Sacred Way and the Ming Tomb in the peaceful shadow of Longevity Mountain. As the conclusion of the day tour, you will have a chance to take photos of the Bird's Nest (the National Stadium) on the way back to downtown. A Peking Duck Banquet valued at CNY122.00 net per person (price inclusive) awaits you at a famous local restaurant. (B+L+D)

Terracotta warriors and soldiers, Xian

Day 04Beijing - Xian

After viewing the Summer Palace and visiting the giant pandas in Beijing Zoo, you are off to the next destination - ancient city of Xian. Upon arrival, your local guide will greet you at the airport. After check-in at the hotel, your guide will take you to a fancy local restaurant for dinner. Have a good rest tonight to prepare for your Xian history exploration tour.(B+L+D)

Accommodation: Grand New World Hotel (3 nights)

Day 05Xian

The highlight today is a whole morning excursion to the majestic Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. After lunch at a fine Cantonese cuisine restaurant, your guide will take you to visit the city landmark - the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. A splendid evening is in store when you will be entertained at the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show when partaking of the famous Dumpling Banquet Dinner (Address: No. 165, Wenyi Road, Xian, 710054).(B+L+D)

Day 06Xian

A relatively relaxed day is scheduled today. After a nice breakfast in the hotel, the guide will take you to visit the well-preserved ancient City Wall encompassing the square city as a circle. After an a la carte lunch valued at CNY60.00 net per person (inclusive) served at a famous restaurant. you will have a chance to drop by a local family to get a sense of their daily life. Afterwards, continue to visit the Great Mosque. Free time will be left for you to explore the nearby Muslim bazaar, where you can buy some fancy souvenirs or little gifts for your family and friends.(B+L+D)

Captain's Welcome Party on Yangtze River cruise

Day 07Xian - Chongqing

On the way to the airport, is your last chance to visit the Hangyangling Museum, the Mausoleum of the Western Han Emperor, Liu Qi. Because of the flight schedule, lunch is on your own. We suggest you eat something on the flight. We will arrange a nice dinner when you arrive in Chongqing. After dinner, your guide will accompany you to your luxurious cruise ship. As it set sails at 22:00, your relaxing Yangtze River cruise tour begins.(B+D)

Accommodation: President No.3 or President No.4 (3 nights)

Day 08Fengdu

In the morning, the river guide will give a brief orientation of the cruise schedule and Yangtze River introduction. At about 08:30, the ship will disembark at Fengdu and the local guide will take you for an onshore excursion to the "Ghost City". After finishing the visit, lunch will be back aboard the ship and the cruise continues towards the splendid Three Gorges. This evening, you are invited to join the Captain's Welcome Party held on the deck. (B+L+D)

Fantastic Shennong Stream cruise

Day 09Badong - Xiling Gorge - Sandouping

Here comes the most exciting part of your whole Yangtze River tour - the gorgeous Three Gorges. The ship will sail through the short Qutang Gorge in the very early morning. Then you will pass through picturesque Wu Gorge with misty peaks and verdant mountains on both sides. Here the ship will dock at Badong and you will take a small junk for a close-up view of the breath-taking natural splendors along Shennong Stream. Afterwards, back to the ship and continue your cruise through the western section of the longest Xiling Gorge and pass through the five-step locks in the evening.(B+L+D)

Day 10Yichang - Shanghai

This morning, the onshore excursion will take you to visit the stunning Three Gorges Dam site which will be completed in 2009. Your Yangtze River cruise will end here and please follow the check-out procedure. Your local guide will meet your on board and take you to the Yichang Museum, if time permits. Head for your last destination Shanghai by air, where your local guide will greet you at the airport. Dinner today will be on your own to sample the food as you like Feel free to ask your guide for advice. (B+L)

Accommodation: Days Hotel Shanghai (2 nights)

Our clients in Shanghai Bund area Photo by our clients Frank and Hilde van Diest

Day 11Shanghai

Shanghai is an international metropolis with a blend of rich history and fashionable modernity. The short one-day schedule will give you a panoramic view of the city including the Shanghai Museum, Yuyuan Garden and the Bund area along the Huangpu River. Afterwards, the guide will take you back to the hotel for dinner. Then your guide will say bon voyage at the lobby of the hotel to conclude your China tour.(B+L+D)

Day 12Departure from Shanghai

You are advised to check out of the hotel before noon. If your flight is late, you can store your luggage at the hotel reception free of charge. You are reminded to arrange the hotel-airport transfer according to your flight schedule on your own. It is most convenient to take a taxi. Also, you are welcome to look over our City Tour Packages to plan an extension of your China visit!(B)