China Golden Triangle & Yangtze Cruise

Today, you can explore Shanghai at your own pace after breakfast. Here’s a suggested itinerary for your reference:

Start with a 15-minute walk southeast from your hotel to Yuyuan Garden, a serene Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD) garden with bridges, rockeries, and pavilions, highlighted by the Exquisite Jade Rock, whose every crack and hole will release water when poured from the top. Nearby, you can visit the Yuyuan Bazaar and City God Temple, where numerous food and souvenir stalls are set under buildings with upturned eaves and intricate carvings. Instead of lingering over colorful tourist pastries, you can try Small Steamed Buns for CNY 40 (USD 6) per serving, featuring a thin wrapper filled with savory pork and rich broth. Remember to take small sips of the broth when using a straw, so as not to get burned!

Next, you can experience Shanghai’s modern charm at Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, a 15-minute taxi ride from City God Temple for around CNY 20 (USD 3). Tourists often flock to iconic century-old department stores and restaurants, while trendy locals hang out at LEGO, POPMART, and innovative boutiques. The nighttime is definitely for the Bund. At the eastern end of Nanjing Road, it’s easy to stroll to the Bund viewing platform. But nothing compares to taking a cruise to truly experience its night’s magic! In 50 minutes, you’ll enjoy views of 26 glistening colonial buildings west and futuristic skyscrapers east. The regular ticket price is CNY 120 (USD 17) per person, excluding food and drinks, and it’s best to book online in advance. Finally, you can take a 15-minute taxi ride back to your hotel for about CNY 20 (USD 3). 

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Campanile Shanghai Bund Hotel (3 stars)

After breakfast, you’ll take the bullet train we’ve booked for you in advance from Shanghai to Yichang independently. Walk 10 minutes southwest from your hotel to Dashijie metro station to take Line 8, followed by transferring to Line 1 at People’s Square station and alighting at Shanghai Railway Station. The trip lasts 30 minutes and costs CNY 3 (USD 0.4). It’s recommended to depart 2 hours before the train’s departure time, and prepare food and water for your 6.5-hour train ride, as onboard food options are limited. 

Upon arrival at Yichang East Station, please hail a taxi to the Three Gorges Tourist Center on your own, which takes about 30 minutes and costs CNY 20 (USD 3). The cruise line’s shuttle bus will pick you up between 17:30 and 20:30. Be sure to have dinner on your own before embarking. Tomorrow, you’ll travel upstream, exploring notable sights along China’s longest river at a relaxed, gentle pace compared to the downstream route.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Victoria Katarina/ Jenna/ Anna with balcony (5 stars)

The cruise ship will sail early in the morning. After enjoying early-bird coffee and a buffet breakfast, ascend to the sundeck and be ready for the first gorge you’ll pass, Xiling Gorge, the Three Gorges’ longest section. Perilous peaks will emerge one after another along the winding river, with strange rock formations standing atop them. Seize the time to press the shutter as the ship will glide swiftly! Buffet lunch will be served on board. In the afternoon, there will be a two-hour guided shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam Site, the world’s largest water-control project. Stroll along the dam crest, where expansive views of the massive reservoirs and the Yangtze River will leave you in awe. Nearby is the lock viewing platform, allowing you to witness how ships ascend through the five-tier locks, navigating a remarkable drop of 113 meters (371 feet). 

Back onboard, you can rest in your cabin or join cultural activities provided by the cruise line. As night falls, a Captain’s Welcome Reception and a Minorities and Dynasty Costumes Show will be held. Hope you enjoy the party!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Victoria Katarina/ Jenna/ Anna with balcony (5 stars)

Good morning! You’ll transfer by sampan (peapod boat) to Shennong Stream after a buffet breakfast. Unlike the grand main river, it is a more intimate and narrow passage, with colorful cobblestones visible in the unpolluted water. When reaching the shallow shoals, local ethnic minority trackers will cooperate to tow the boat by pulling on ropes, with their high-pitched, spirited chants echoing through the mountains. After exploring some wonderful caves and rustic stilt houses, you’ll return to the cruise for lunch.

In the afternoon, the ship will pass through Wu Gorge, flanked by six towering peaks often shrouded in mist, presenting an ethereal scene. Following this, the Qutang Gorge will come into view, the shortest but most dramatic section. Nearly vertical cliffs plunge deeply into the river, just leaving a narrow natural crevice to navigate the boat. As the ship speeds up, it seems like the mountains are rushing past. After dinner, enjoy a Cabaret Show by the talented crew, including folk dances, Sichuan Opera with face-changing, and magic performances. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Victoria Katarina/ Jenna/ Anna with balcony (5 stars)

After relishing another morning tea and buffet breakfast, you’ll have a shore excursion to the Xiaoguanshan Folk Culture Park. It is composed of several rebuilt ancient houses, characterized by wooden walls, carved windows, and bluestone floors, evoking the essence of local buildings before the Three Gorges Reservoir’s construction. Some statues are also set in houses to recreate life scenes. 

You’ll enjoy lunch after returning on board and spend a leisurely afternoon, whether basking in the tranquil river views or engaging in cultural activities offered on the ship. At night, raise a glass of champagne at the Captain’s Farewell Dinner to celebrate your cruise journey as it will come to an end.

 Notes: The above itinerary may be subject to change at the discretion of the cruise line.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Victoria Katarina/ Jenna/ Anna with balcony (5 stars)

The cruise will dock around 9:00. Please follow the cruise company’s checkout procedures, and the staff will assist with your luggage. Before taking the afternoon high speed train to Xi’an, you’ll have some free time to explore Chongqing on your own.

► Free Time Suggestion:
The pier is a 10-minute taxi ride from Hongya Cave, an 11-story stilt house complex clinging to cliffs. After depositing your luggage and quickly browsing souvenirs from the first to third floors, try to find your favorite food on the 4th to 11th floors. Wanza Noodles are the representative dish, featuring chewy noodles topped with mashed peas and meat sauce, priced at CNY 20 (USD 3) per serving. If you’re interested, be sure to ask for the mildest spice level! After that, you can check the 11th-floor City Balcony to enjoy panoramic views of Chongqing’s layered cityscape and twisting roads.

► High Speed Train from Chongqing to Xi’an
In the afternoon, you’ll take the train to Xi’an on your own, with the pre-arranged tickets booked by us and included in our price. From Hongya Cave, a taxi to Chongqing West Railway Station takes 30 minutes and costs about CNY 50 (USD 7). If time permits, you can also take the subway there in one hour: Walk to Xiaoshizi station to take Subway Line 1, ride to Shipuqiao to transfer to Line 5, and arrive in Chongqing West Railway Station and get out from Exit 1. After a 5.5-hour train journey to Xi’an North Railway Station, please head to the hotel by yourself: 1-hour taxi ride for about CNY 50 (USD 7), or you can go by subway - take Line 2 to Beidajie station, and then walk 5 minutes south from Exit C.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Days Inn City Centre Xi’an (3 stars)

Today, your guide will pick you up from the hotel lobby, at the agreed time confirmed with you the day before. During the summer vacation (July & August) or public holidays, please note that pick-up may occasionally start as early as 7:00 or 7:30 to ensure ample sightseeing time. 

Your first stop is the Terracotta Army Museum, home to over 8,000 life-sized terracotta warriors guarding the mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang (259-210 BC), China’s first emperor. Over 6,000 infantrymen in Pit No.1 formed the main force, armed with long weapons for defense. More military units, including cavalry and kneeling archers, were added to Pit No.2 for combat adaptability. Pit No.3 is considered the command center, so you’ll encounter ancient high-ranking military officers face to face! We’ll also offer you a chance to see the special exhibition, featuring top artifacts like the purple-robed soldier and more information about Qin Shi Huang and his family. Lunch is on your own, and you can head to nearby fast-food chains like Chinese Weijia Cold Noodles or McDonald’s, costing about CNY 50 (USD 7) per person.Afterwards, the guide and the driver will escort you back to downtown Xi’an. Upon arrival, your journey continues with a visit to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a 6th-century square brick pagoda housing Buddhist scriptures brought from India by Xuanzang, a revered monk in the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). Then, follow your guide to ascend the Xi’an City Wall, China’s largest and best-preserved military fortification. The iconic Bell Tower and the city’s square layout can be glimpsed from this vantage spot. Consider renting a bicycle at your own expense for a short ride on its 14-kilometer (8-mile) loop, and the guide could assist you with bike rentals.

The final stop is the Muslim Quarter, which gathers all local specialties and street food. If you wish to hunt for food at leisure, you can get off here and finally return to the hotel by yourself. The guide is willing to offer transportation advice. If you prefer to return to the hotel directly, we can also escort you back.

► Must-try Foods in the Muslim Quarter:
1. Beef Potstickers: Crispy dumplings, characterized by seasoned beef wrapped in strips of dough and pan-fried.
2. Cold Noodles: Jelly-like noodles are made from steamed wheat or rice starch, often served with chili oil, vinegar, garlic, and toppings like cucumber. It is best enjoyed with a local orange-flavored soda, Ice Peak.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Days Inn City Centre Xi’an (3 stars)

After breakfast, you’ll take a 5.5-hour high speed train to Beijing independently, with tickets arranged by us beforehand. Walk 5 minutes north from your hotel to Beidajie metro station, and then take Subway Line 2 to Xi’an North Station in about 35 minutes. 

Upon arriving at Beijing West Station, you can proceed to the hotel by a 40-minute subway ride: take Line 7 to Zhushikou → transfer to Line 8 to Tianqiao Station → walk 15 minutes southwest from Exit D. A ride-hailing service costs about CNY 50 (USD 7) and takes roughly 50 minutes.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Beijing Temple of Heaven (3 stars)

Today, you’ll join our one-day Beijing mini group tour. Your guide will contact you one day in advance to confirm the pick-up time and will meet you at the hotel lobby at the scheduled time. To avoid crowds during peak season and traffic congestion, the pick-up time may be advanced occasionally before 7:00-8:00.

The guide will first lead you to Tiananmen Square. Let’s stroll around the large square to admire landmarks like the Monument to the People’s Heroes, Great Hall of the People, and Chairman Mao Memorial Hall. Then, walk north to the Forbidden City, a 600-year-old imperial palace once inhabited by 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1911 AD). Its layout reflects cosmic order, with palaces and nearly 10,000 rooms aligned along a central axis, featuring vivid red walls and glazed yellow tiles symbolizing imperial authority and good fortune. The guide will show you important halls used for grand ceremonies, emperors’ daily routines, and special chambers in the Inner Court. Tips:
1. Entrance tickets to the Forbidden City must be booked online 7 days in advance with your real name, so we recommend booking the tour at least 8 days before. If your visit is on a Monday, we will substitute your morning tour with a trip to the Summer Palace, as the Forbidden City will be closed.
2. Be prepared for stringent security checks and long lines at Tiananmen Square’s entrance, especially during public holidays. For faster entry, it’s wise to carry only a mini waist pack with your passport, as well as a sun hat and sunglasses.
3. Please wear comfy and anti-slip shoes, as today involves lots of walking.

Next, we’ll drive 1.5 hours to Mutianyu Great Wall, during which you can enjoy our provided small local refreshments and bottled water. Climbing the Great Wall can be physically demanding, so you’ll have a 30-minute self-funded lunch time, with options like Burger King and buffets at the foot of the Wall. After recharging, kick off our hike! The Mutianyu section is one of the best-preserved parts of the Great Wall, originally built to defend against Mongolian invasions, featuring over 20 beacon towers to watch enemies and convey messages. No.14-20 beacon towers enjoy the best views and have many popular photo spots, especially No.20, where you can witness the Wall winding up and down like a gigantic dragon. If you have average physical fitness, consider taking a one-way cable car from the North Gate up to No.14 tower for CNY 100 (USD 14) at your own expense. The guide can assist you with ticket purchase on the spot.

Afterwards, we’ll drive 1.5 hours back to downtown Beijing, with a stop at Hutong alleys area. You can choose to be escorted directly back to your hotel, or if you’re interested, you can get off here to enjoy your free nighttime and finally take a 50-minute taxi ride back to the hotel on your own. You can glimpse Beijing’s old-day charm in Tobacco Pipe Lane (Yandaixie Street) with many traditional quadrangle courtyards. Just a short stroll away is Houhai Lake Bar Street, the heartland of Beijing’s nightlife, where you can sip craft beers and enjoy live music performances.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Beijing Temple of Heaven (3 stars)

Today is another mini group day tour for you! After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel lobby, and your sightseeing will start with the Temple of Heaven. Situated within a park, the site is lively with locals practicing Tai Chi, playing shuttlecock, and even doing handstands on the horizontal bar in the morning. Its highlight is the Altar of Prayer for Good Harvests, featuring a stunning gold dome and 3 layers of eaves covered with blue glazed tiles. Emperors of ancient dynasties once knelt here in prayer, making sacrifices to heaven in hopes of bountiful harvests and nourishing rain. Additionally, the site is known for its acoustic design; you can test the Echo Wall with your guide, where your whispers will travel clearly along the curve.
 Tips: Since the main historical sites here are closed on Mondays, we’ll replace it with a visit to Beihai Park.

After that, you’ll take our specially arranged rickshaw for an immersive exploration of Hutong alleys, where you may glimpse chess matches and chirping parrots in cages along narrow bluestone lanes. There are some popular restaurants and cafes around where you can savor lunch at your own expense, and your guide could recommend options according to your tastes.

Leaving the Hutongs, we’ll proceed to the Lama Temple (Yonghe Lamasery), an imperial Tibetan Buddhist temple absorbing multiethnic architectural styles and cherishing remarkable Buddhist artworks. Today’s sightseeing will end at the Summer Palace, China’s largest and best-preserved imperial garden. Kunming Lake, covering three-quarters of the area, is dotted with pavilions and palaces along its northern and western shores. A notable one is the Marble Boat, adorned with stained glass windows, which is actually a boat-shaped pavilion, with a large mirror on each deck to reflect the waters and create the floating illusion. It is said that Empress Dowager Cixi (1835-1908 AD) once enjoyed afternoon tea here! Another main excursion area is the Longevity Hill, where you can visit the Tower of Buddhist Incense to marvel at its three-story octagonal structure and enjoy sweeping views of Kunming Lake. Finally, your guide and driver will escort you back to the hotel. 

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Beijing Temple of Heaven (3 stars)

Your 12-day budget Yangtze River tour from Shanghai culminates today. Please check out by 12:00 and proceed to the airport on your own. Since Beijing has two international airports, be sure to check which airport your flight will depart from. Thank you for traveling with us!

► Transportation Info:
1. To Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Metro: Walk 15 minutes northeast from your hotel to Tianqiao station → take Line 8 to Qianmen station → transfer to Line 2 to Dongzhimen station → transfer to Capital Airport Express and get off at the Terminal No.2 or No.3 station. The journey takes 1.5 hours and costs CNY 29 (USD 4).
Online ride-hailing: About 1.5 hours without a traffic jam and costs CNY 150 (USD 21). 
2. To Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)
Metro: take Line 8 to Yongdingmenwai station → transfer to Line 14 to Jingfengmen station → transfer to Line 19 to Caoqiao station → transfer to Daxing Aiport Express → get off at the terminus and exit from Exit C. The journey takes 1.5 hours and costs CNY 39 (USD 5.5). 
Online ride-hailing: About 1.5 hours without a traffic jam and costs CNY 200 (USD 28).

Meals: Breakfast