Pandas & Yangtze Cruise
SG04: 16 Days Small Group Tour to Beijing - Xian - Guilin - Chengdu - Chongqing - Yangtze River Cruise - Yichang - Shanghai
Tour Type: Small Group of 2-18 persons, guaranteed departures
Guide & Driver: English-speaking guide & air-conditioned, licensed limousine
Tour Highlights:
- Must-see sights - the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Army, Giant Pandas
- Fantastic cruise tour on the Li River from Guilin to rural Yangshuo
- Have a once in a life chance to get close to the incredibly cute treasure -Pandas
- Take in the impressive skylines of Shanghai as you walk along the Bund
From $2509 per person Free Inquiry
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Day 1 Arrival in Beijing
Airport pick-up & airport-hotel transfer.
Upon arrival at Beijing Airport, please clear yourself through customs. Our English-speaking guide will meet you at the arrival hall, after which we will drive you to the hotel. Have a good rest to restore yourself for the following 16 days China tour. Or, you can take a short walk around on your own.
Meals included: No meals, advice freely available
Accommodation: The Great Wall Hotel Beijing
- the former Sheraton
Meals included: No meals, advice freely available
Accommodation: The Great Wall Hotel Beijing
- the former SheratonDay 2 Beijing
Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, A la carte lunch, Temple of Heaven, Kung Fu Show. (B+L)
Forbidden City
Photo by our client Mr. James Dwight Elkjer
Photo by our client Mr. James Dwight Elkjer
After breakfast, your guide will offer a brief introduction to the group. The morning excursions will be the famous Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. As a palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties, it has a mysterious aura. An a la carte lunch (valued at CNY150.00 per person and included in our price) at a nicely decorated and noted local restaurant will follow allowing you to taste authentic and diversified Chinese food.
In the afternoon we will visit the Temple of Heaven, a delicate ancient architectural complex where emperors once offered sacrifices to the God of Heaven. Later, we'll lighten up the evening with an exciting Chinese Kung Fu Show at the Red Theatre.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast, A la carte lunch
In the afternoon we will visit the Temple of Heaven, a delicate ancient architectural complex where emperors once offered sacrifices to the God of Heaven. Later, we'll lighten up the evening with an exciting Chinese Kung Fu Show at the Red Theatre.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast, A la carte lunch
Day 3 Beijing
Badaling Great Wall, Sacred Way, Bird's Nest (drive by). (B)
Unique rickshaw riding in old Hutongs
No Beijing tour is complete without visiting the Great Wall. This morning, we will set off to the suburban Badaling Great Wall. It is an energetic climb to the Great Wall, and the restaurants nearby offer poor meals that do not meet our service standard. We therefore suggest you have a sufficient breakfast at the hotel and have some fast food for lunch by yourself.
Then, we will continue our trip to the Sacred Way. Our final destination for the day is to pass by the Bird's Nest Olympic sports venue. You will be given some time to take pictures of the huge nest-shaped stadium.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast
Then, we will continue our trip to the Sacred Way. Our final destination for the day is to pass by the Bird's Nest Olympic sports venue. You will be given some time to take pictures of the huge nest-shaped stadium.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast
Day 4 Beijing - Xian
Summer Palace, A la carte lunch, Hutong visit. Fly to Xian. Airport-hotel transfer. (B+L)
Chinese traditional needlework in a free market
For first-time visitors, the Summer Palace, a former imperial summer resort, is one venue you should not miss. It is the largest and best-preserved imperial garden as well as a world-famous tourist resorts. A la carte lunch (valued at CNY150.00 per person and included in our price) shall be scheduled at an elegant local restaurant.
The next stop is the Hutongs. It is fantastic to experience the area by rickshaw and a stop at a resident's home will help you get an insight into its culture. After that, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Xian. Our professional guide will meet you outside the baggage claim area of the airport and transfer you to the hotel.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast, A la carte lunch
Accommodation: Sheraton Hotel
The next stop is the Hutongs. It is fantastic to experience the area by rickshaw and a stop at a resident's home will help you get an insight into its culture. After that, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Xian. Our professional guide will meet you outside the baggage claim area of the airport and transfer you to the hotel.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast, A la carte lunch
Accommodation: Sheraton Hotel
Day 5 Xian
Terracotta Warriors, A local family visit and home-cooked lunch, Xian Museum and Small Wild Goose Pagoda, Tang Dynasty Show with dumpling dinner. (B+L+D)
Terracotta soldiers, Xian
We will visit the amazing Terracotta Warriors and Houses Museum this morning to appreciate the undeniable excellent ancient craft works of the Qin dynasty. The site mostly has cheap tourist restaurants nearby, so we would like to drive you back to the city center to have a real home-cooked a la carte lunch (valued at CNY120.00 per person and included in our price) at a local family home.
After lunch, a visit to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda & Xian Museum is scheduled. Also a delicious dumpling dinner will be served tonight along with the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast, Home-cooked a la carte lunch, Dumpling dinner
Friendly Tips
Clients visiting in December, January, February and March will arrange the dinner and evening activity on their own for this day, since the theater will not be open at that time.
After lunch, a visit to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda & Xian Museum is scheduled. Also a delicious dumpling dinner will be served tonight along with the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast, Home-cooked a la carte lunch, Dumpling dinner
Friendly TipsClients visiting in December, January, February and March will arrange the dinner and evening activity on their own for this day, since the theater will not be open at that time.
Day 6 Xian
City Wall, Provincial History Museum, A la carte lunch, Great Mosque, Free time at the Muslim Bazzar. (B+L)
Our group at the South Gate of City Wall
Photo by our client Ms. Cornelia Nicoleta Popa
Photo by our client Ms. Cornelia Nicoleta Popa
Visit the ancient City Wall and have a panoramic view of the city while strolling on it. The brick road on top of the wall is broad and you can rent and ride bicycles for fun if you like, although bicycle rental fee is not included. Next we head to Shaanxi History Museum. Around noon, enjoy an a la carte lunch (valued at CNY120.00 per person and included in our price) at a famous local restaurant.
In the afternoon, continue to visit the Great Mosque, which is one of the most famous Chinese mosques. On the Muslim Street where the mosque is located you will also find delicious Muslim food and interesting souvenirs.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast, A la carte lunch
In the afternoon, continue to visit the Great Mosque, which is one of the most famous Chinese mosques. On the Muslim Street where the mosque is located you will also find delicious Muslim food and interesting souvenirs.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast, A la carte lunch
Day 7 Xian - Guilin
Fly to Guilin. Airport-hotel transfer. Reed Flute Cave. (B)
Countryside scenery in Yangshuo
Catch a morning flight to Guilin. Upon your arrival, our guide will meet you outside the baggage claim area. Your Guilin sightseeing starts with the famous Reed Flute Cave, which is a 240 meter karst cave that has various shapes of stalactites and stalagmites. After that, we will transfer you to the hotel.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast
Accommodation: Sheraton Hotel
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast
Accommodation: Sheraton Hotel
Day 8 Guilin - Yangshuo - Guilin
Li River cruise to Yangshuo, Countryside trip. Yangshuo-Guilin transfer. Elephant Trunk Hill. (B+L)
Li River Cruise
After breakfast at the hotel, we drive to the Pier to appreciate the picturesque scenery of Li River by cruising down from Guilin to Yangshuo. As the lunch on the ship is the basic Chinese box lunch, it cannot be up to your taste, we suggest you have a big breakfast at the hotel this morning.
Disembark at Yangshuo in about 4 hours and we will transfer you to enjoy the scenery of rural Yangshuo. On the way, you also have a chance to visit a local family to get a close touch with the countrys life. After that, we will drive you back to Guilin city to visit the Elephant Trunk Hill.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch
Disembark at Yangshuo in about 4 hours and we will transfer you to enjoy the scenery of rural Yangshuo. On the way, you also have a chance to visit a local family to get a close touch with the countrys life. After that, we will drive you back to Guilin city to visit the Elephant Trunk Hill.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch
Day 9 Guilin - Chengdu
Fly to Chengdu. Airport-hotel transfer. Free time in the afternoon. (B)
After breakfast, catch a morning flight to Chengdu. Upon your arrival, our guide will be waiting for you outside the baggage claim area and transfer you to the hotel. We will leave you free time for lunch and rest for the remaining time of the day, and our guide is glad to offer advices of nice restaurants.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Chengdu Oriental Plaza
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Chengdu Oriental Plaza
Day 10 Chengdu
Giant Panda Breeding Base, Jinsha Site Museum, Broad and Narrow Alleys. (B)
Lovely pandas
Today we will have a pleasant date with China's national treasure giant pandas at the Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. The pandas are very active in the morning. You will sure be entertained when you see the cute and chubby panda bears eating bamboo shoots or playing with each other.
After that, visit Jinsha Site Museum. You will also watch a 4D film "Dream Back to Jinsha" to get a better understanding of the life more than 2,000 years ago. Then, continue your China tour itinerary to the Broad and Narrow Alleys where old houses and alleys of the Qing Dynasty have been turned to tea houses, restaurants, shops and bars.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast
After that, visit Jinsha Site Museum. You will also watch a 4D film "Dream Back to Jinsha" to get a better understanding of the life more than 2,000 years ago. Then, continue your China tour itinerary to the Broad and Narrow Alleys where old houses and alleys of the Qing Dynasty have been turned to tea houses, restaurants, shops and bars.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast
Day 11 Chengdu - Chongqing
Free time in the morning. A bullet train to Chongqing. Railway station to pier transfer. Yangtze cruise sets sail at 21:30. (B)
Our Travel Consultant Ruby with her clients
We remain the whole morning free for you. You can take time to explore this pleasant city further and have lunch by yourself.
In the afternoon, our guide will drop you off at the railway station and help you board a bullet train to Chongqing. It is a two hours trip. Upon your arrival, our guide in Chongqing will meet you at the station and drive you to the port to board the five-star Yangtze cruise ship, which sets sail at 21:30.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast
Cruises: Century Diamond with balcony
In the afternoon, our guide will drop you off at the railway station and help you board a bullet train to Chongqing. It is a two hours trip. Upon your arrival, our guide in Chongqing will meet you at the station and drive you to the port to board the five-star Yangtze cruise ship, which sets sail at 21:30.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast
Cruises: Century Diamond with balcony
Day 12 Shibaozhai
An excursion to Shibaozhai, Captain's Welcome Party. (B+L+D)
The ship arrives at Zhongxian at about 14:00. We will disembark and visit this Shibaozhai. The onshore visit will enable you to witness the majestic and delicate wooden tower along with the giant rock. The unique tower, first built in Wanli reign of Ming Dynasty, is regarded as a fairy land in Yangtze River. Re-embark and continue the cruise. This evening, you will be invited to join in the Captain's Welcome Party. Have fun!
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13 Shennv Stream - Xiling Gorge
Yangtze Three Gorges with an excursion to the Shennv Stream. (B+L+D)
Our clients on the Yangtze River cruise
In the morning, the ship will reach Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge. The cruise guide on-board is expected to make a formal presentation. Get your camera ready! After lunch, we will disembark to experience an interesting excursion to the Shennv Stream by boat which will add much joy to the marvelous day. It lasts 3 to 4 hours. Back to the ship and cruise down the western section of Xiling Gorge.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14 Yichang - Shanghai
Disembark the cruise, Three Gorges Dam. Yichang Museum if time allows. Fly to Shanghai. Airport-hotel transfer. (B+L)
The Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydro-electric project is your last excursion stop on Yangtze. Pack your belongings for disembarking before the visit. Afterwards, the cruise ship company will drive you to the Three Gorges Tourist Center and our local guide will meet you there. After lunch, visit Yichang Museum if time permits, then you will be taking a flight to your last scheduled destination, Shanghai. On landing in Shanghai airport, you will meet your guide outside the customs area and be transferred to a downtown hotel.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Equatorial Shanghai
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Equatorial Shanghai
Day 15 Shanghai
Shanghai Museum, Yuyuan Garden, A la carte lunch, the Bund, Huangpu River cruise. (B+L)
Shanghai Bund area
After breakfast, you will start your trip from Shanghai Museum, one of the top four museums in China. Then head to the ancient Yuyuan Garden, where you can see traditional Chinese architecture, beautiful artificial hills and ponds. After that you will enjoy an a la carte farewell lunch (valued at CNY120.00 per person and included in our price) at a popular restaurant.
In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the city's landmark site, the Bund, and take a one-hour cruise tour along the Huangpu River. You will also have some time to explore the Bund area. Finally our guide will transfer you back to the hotel and bid farewell to you.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast, A la carte lunch
In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the city's landmark site, the Bund, and take a one-hour cruise tour along the Huangpu River. You will also have some time to explore the Bund area. Finally our guide will transfer you back to the hotel and bid farewell to you.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast, A la carte lunch
Day 16 Departure from Shanghai
Hotel-airport transfer is on your own arrangement. A pleasant trip home! (B)
Today you will check out of your hotel after breakfast, and find your own way to the airport according to your flight schedule. To head to Pudong Airport, you just need to walk for about 650 meters to the City Terminal Building (Jing'an Temple) to catch the airport shuttle bus line 2 to the airport. If your flight takes off from Hongqiao Airport, you can take metro line 2 from your hotel to the airport. Wish you a nice journey home!
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast
B-- Breakfast L-- Lunch D-- Dinner
2018 Prices
Prices are per person in US Dollars; departures are guaranteed even with two persons!
Earlier Booking, Bigger Savings
10% off - book 60 days in advance, 5% off - book 30 days in advance
| Month | Arrival Date | Departure Date | Double Occupancy | Single Room Supplement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct. 2018 | Oct 04(Thu) | Oct 19(Fri) | $2749 | $909 |  |
| Oct 11(Thu) | Oct 26(Fri) | $2749 | $919 | ||
| Oct 18(Thu) | Nov 02(Fri) | $2749 | $909 | ||
| Oct 25(Thu) | Nov 09(Fri) | $2779 | $949 | ||
| Nov. 2018 | Nov 01(Thu) | Nov 16(Fri) | $2649 | $929 | |
| Nov 08(Thu) | Nov 23(Fri) | $2559 | $839 | ||
| Nov 15(Thu) | Nov 30(Fri) | $2509 | $809 |
Remark: The prices in red reflect the current discount.
2019 Prices
Prices are per person in US Dollars; departures are guaranteed even with two persons!
Earlier Booking, Bigger Savings
12% off - book by Dec 31, 2018; 10% off - book by Jan 31, 2019
| Month | Arrival Date | Departure Date | Double Occupancy | Single Room Supplement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar. 2019 | Mar 26(Tue) | Apr 10(Wed) | $2719 $2392 | $869 | |
| Apr. 2019 | Apr 04(Thu) | Apr 19(Fri) | $2829 $2489 | $899 | |
| Apr 11(Thu) | Apr 26(Fri) | $2829 $2489 | $899 | ||
| Apr 18(Thu) | May 03(Fri) | $2829 $2489 | $899 | ||
| Apr 25(Thu) | May 10(Fri) | $2869 $2524 | $939 | ||
| May. 2019 | May 09(Thu) | May 24(Fri) | $2869 $2524 | $939 | |
| May 16(Thu) | May 31(Fri) | $2869 $2524 | $939 | ||
| May 23(Thu) | Jun 07(Fri) | $2829 $2489 | $869 | ||
| May 30(Thu) | Jun 14(Fri) | $2799 $2463 | $869 | ||
| Jun. 2019 | Jun 06(Thu) | Jun 21(Fri) | $2799 $2463 | $869 | |
| Jun 13(Thu) | Jun 28(Fri) | $2799 $2463 | $869 | ||
| Jun 20(Thu) | Jul 05(Fri) | $2799 $2463 | $869 | ||
| Jun 27(Thu) | Jul 12(Fri) | $2799 $2463 | $869 | ||
| Jul. 2019 | Jul 04(Thu) | Jul 19(Fri) | $2829 $2489 | $869 | |
| Jul 11(Thu) | Jul 26(Fri) | $2829 $2489 | $869 | ||
| Jul 18(Thu) | Aug 02(Fri) | $2829 $2489 | $869 | ||
| Jul 25(Thu) | Aug 09(Fri) | $2829 $2489 | $869 | ||
| Aug. 2019 | Aug 01(Thu) | Aug 16(Fri) | $2829 $2489 | $869 | |
| Aug 08(Thu) | Aug 23(Fri) | $2829 $2489 | $869 | ||
| Aug 15(Thu) | Aug 30(Fri) | $2829 $2489 | $869 | ||
| Aug 22(Thu) | Sep 06(Fri) | $2879 $2533 | $909 | ||
| Aug 29(Thu) | Sep 13(Fri) | $2879 $2533 | $949 | ||
| Sep. 2019 | Sep 05(Thu) | Sep 20(Fri) | $2889 $2542 | $959 | |
| Sep 12(Thu) | Sep 27(Fri) | $2889 $2542 | $959 | ||
| Sep 19(Thu) | Oct 04(Fri) | $2889 $2542 | $959 | ||
| Oct. 2019 | Oct 03(Thu) | Oct 18(Fri) | $2889 $2542 | $959 | |
| Oct 10(Thu) | Oct 25(Fri) | $2889 $2542 | $959 | ||
| Oct 17(Thu) | Nov 01(Fri) | $2889 $2542 | $959 | ||
| Oct 24(Thu) | Nov 08(Fri) | $2839 $2498 | $919 | ||
| Oct 31(Thu) | Nov 15(Fri) | $2699 $2375 | $909 | ||
| Nov. 2019 | Nov 07(Thu) | Nov 22(Fri) | $2699 $2375 | $909 | |
Remark: The prices in red reflect 12% discount.
Price Includes
- Domestic airfares & train fares
- Hotel accommodation with breakfasts
- A la carte lunches as itinerary specifies
- Professional English-speaking guides
- Drivers & air-conditioned vehicles
- Entrance fees to tourist sites
- Yangtze River cruise with full board
- Tips or gratuities for hotel porters
Price Excludes
- International airfares
- Entry Visa fees
- Personal expenses
- Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers
Why Travel With Us
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Greetings, Abbey! It has been a busy month for us since we returned from our wonderful trip. Here is our China tour small group reviews. We have been telling our friends about what a great ... Read More
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