Golden Triangle & Yangtze
SG07: 11 Days Small Group Tour of Beijing - Xi'an - Chongqing - Yangtze River Cruise - Yichang - Shanghai


Tour Type: Small Group of 1-18 persons, guaranteed departures
Guide & Driver: English-speaking guide & air-conditioned, licensed limousine
Tour Highlights:
- Must-see sights in China - Mutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Army
- Unwind with a Yangtze River cruise tour & see the Three Gorges
- Take in the impressive skylines of Shanghai as you walk along the Bund
- Walk into a local Chinese family, interact & dine with the hosts in their home

From $1789 per person Free Inquiry
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Day 1 Arrival in Beijing
Airport pick-up & airport-hotel transfer.
As the flight lands at Beijing Capital Airport, your long-anticipated 11 days guided tour of China starts with a warm welcome by our guide. We will transfer you to the hotel and the rest of the day remains free for you to relax and recover from jet lag. A full day of scheduled sightseeing awaits you tomorrow.
Accommodation: The Great Wall Hotel Beijing



- the former Sheraton
Accommodation: The Great Wall Hotel Beijing





Day 2 Beijing
Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, A la carte welcome lunch with Peking Duck, Temple of Heaven, Chinese Kung Fu Show. (B+L)

Our group at Mutianyu Great Wall
After breakfast, you will meet your guide and other group members at the orientation briefing held in the hotel. The exciting trip begins with a visit to the world famous Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City in the morning. In the Forbidden City, the world's biggest imperial palace complex, 24 emperors ruled continuously for 490 years. Nowadays, travelers can trace its gorgeous history from the well-preserved majestic palaces and valued collections.
Lunch will feature an authentic a la carte Chinese meal with Peking Roast Duck (valued at CNY150.00 per person and included in our price) at a nice restaurant, avoiding the tourist eateries arranged by most agencies.
In the afternoon, you will visit the historically significant Temple of Heaven. After today's sightseeing, you will enjoy a fabulous Chinese Kung Fu Show at the Red Theatre.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, A la carte welcome lunch
Lunch will feature an authentic a la carte Chinese meal with Peking Roast Duck (valued at CNY150.00 per person and included in our price) at a nice restaurant, avoiding the tourist eateries arranged by most agencies.
In the afternoon, you will visit the historically significant Temple of Heaven. After today's sightseeing, you will enjoy a fabulous Chinese Kung Fu Show at the Red Theatre.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, A la carte welcome lunch
Day 3 Beijing
Mutianyu Great Wall with a round-trip cable car, A toast with red wine on the wall, Olympic Bird's Nest. (B)

Chinese people in the village
Have a big breakfast at the hotel today and then head for the majestic Mutianyu Great Wall. Being a section of the Great Wall, Mutianyu embodies the best of this wonderful military project. Climbing the great wall is quite energy-consuming, so we arrange the round way cable car for you. That allows you more time on the wall to appreciate the grand views. We also prepare red wine for a group toasting on the wall to celebrate and commemorate the moment. Lunch is not included in today's itinerary as the restaurants nearby are not up to our standards. You can have some fast food for lunch by yourself.
On the way back to the city, we stop at the Olympic National Stadium (Bird's Nest) for a while, so that you will take photos of this magnificent building. Later, you will be scheduled to explore a well-known traditional local market. Enjoy some free time there. Finally, we escort you back to the hotel.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast
On the way back to the city, we stop at the Olympic National Stadium (Bird's Nest) for a while, so that you will take photos of this magnificent building. Later, you will be scheduled to explore a well-known traditional local market. Enjoy some free time there. Finally, we escort you back to the hotel.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast
Day 4 Beijing - Xi'an
Summer Palace, Hutong Rickshaw Tour, Experience Chinese Paper Cutting, A la carte lunch, Fly to Xi'an, Airport-hotel transfer. (B+L)

Terracotta warriors and soldiers, Xi'an
Photo by our client Mr. Bruce Malkin
Photo by our client Mr. Bruce Malkin
This morning you will first visit the Summer Palace, which offers a harmonious combination of Chinese royal buildings, a Buddhist pagoda, classical garden design, man-made hills and lakes. Then continue your visit to the old Hutongs and try your hand at Chinese Paper Cutting. At noon, you will enjoy a delicious a la carte lunch (valued at CNY150.00 per person and included in our price) at an elegant local restaurant.
In the afternoon, our guide and driver will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Xi'an. The local guide in Xi'an will pick you up at the airport and help you check in at the hotel for a two-night stay.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, A la carte lunch
Accommodation: Sheraton Hotel




In the afternoon, our guide and driver will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Xi'an. The local guide in Xi'an will pick you up at the airport and help you check in at the hotel for a two-night stay.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, A la carte lunch
Accommodation: Sheraton Hotel





Day 5 Xi'an
Terracotta Army, A local family visit and an authentic home-cooked lunch, Small Wild Goose Pagoda and Xi'an Museum, Tang Dynasty Show with dumpling dinner. (B+L+D)

Chinese countryside people celebrating the traditional festival
After breakfast, you will set out for the world famous Terracotta Army. The large quantity of life-size and vivid terracotta statuaries made 2,200 years ago will definitely amaze you. An authentic home-cooked a la carte lunch (valued at CNY120.00 per person and included in our price) awaits you at the home of a local family in downtown Xi'an, which avoids the tourist restaurants near the warrior site and also is a good opportunity for you to learn about the local Chinese family. Also, there is a good chance for you to learn about one or two Chinese dishes from the host.
In the afternoon, go on to visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda & Xi'an Museum. Tonight, feast your eyes on the famous Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show after you enjoy the local specialty -- a Dumpling Dinner.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Home-cooked a la carte lunch, Dumpling dinner
Friendly Tips
Since the theater is usually not open in Jan, Feb, Mar and Dec, we will not arrange the show and dumpling dinner for tours starting during the periods. Clients will enjoy free time to relax.
In the afternoon, go on to visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda & Xi'an Museum. Tonight, feast your eyes on the famous Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show after you enjoy the local specialty -- a Dumpling Dinner.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Home-cooked a la carte lunch, Dumpling dinner

Since the theater is usually not open in Jan, Feb, Mar and Dec, we will not arrange the show and dumpling dinner for tours starting during the periods. Clients will enjoy free time to relax.
Day 6 Xi'an - Chongqing
Observe local life in the park, Tai Chi practice, Xi'an City Wall, Fly to Chongqing, Jiefangbei CBD, Board a Yangtze River cruise ship for a 3-night stay. (B)

The Captain's Welcome Party on Yangtze cruise
You will spend the whole morning in the City Wall area of Xi'an. First, you come to the City Wall Park, the best place to know more about the local people's daily life and their entertainments. You also have a chance to learn to practice Tai Chi in the park. Then you will ascend the ancient City Wall, the landmark site of the city. You can rent a bicycle and enjoy a special ride on the old wall. The bike rental fee is at your expense.
Afterwards, you will fly to Chongqing. Our guide will meet you at the airport and take you to visit Jiefangbei CBD, where you may have dinner by yourself before boarding the cruise. Then head for Chaotianmen Ferry Terminal to board the luxurious Yangtze River cruise ship, which is the most relaxing journey of your 11 days China itinerary. The ship sails at 22:00.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast
Accommodation: President No.6 with balcony




Afterwards, you will fly to Chongqing. Our guide will meet you at the airport and take you to visit Jiefangbei CBD, where you may have dinner by yourself before boarding the cruise. Then head for Chaotianmen Ferry Terminal to board the luxurious Yangtze River cruise ship, which is the most relaxing journey of your 11 days China itinerary. The ship sails at 22:00.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast
Accommodation: President No.6 with balcony





Day 7 Yangtze River Cruise
Yangtze Cruise orientation, An onshore excursion to Shibaozhai, Captain's Welcome Party. (B+L+D)
In the morning, the river guide will give an introduction to the cruise schedule and the Yangtze River. At about 14:00, the ship will disembark at Zhongxian for an onshore excursion to Shibaozhai. After that, you will re-board the ship and the cruise will continue towards the splendid Three Gorges. This evening, the cruise staff will invite you to join the Captain's Welcome Party.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 Yangtze River Cruise
Yangtze Three Gorges, An exciting excursion to Shennong Stream. (B+L+D)

Shennong Stream cruise, Yangtze River Three Gorges
The climax of your Yangtze River Cruise is coming today. The unique scenery of the Three Gorges will be unveiled in front of you. Among them, Qutang Gorge is the most dangerous and shortest. Wu Gorge is the most beautiful, renowned for its deep valley and elegant beauty. In Wu Gorge, you will change to a sampan to take a side trip along Shennong Stream for 3 to 4 hours. Shennong Stream features picturesque natural beauty, distinctive Tujia flavor, boat tracking culture and valued historical relics. After that, you will return to the ship and sail into Xiling Gorge.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 Yichang - Shanghai
Three Gorges Dam, Disembark the cruise ship, Yichang Museum, Fly to Shanghai, Airport-hotel transfer. (B+L)
After breakfast, you will disembark for an excursion to the Three Gorges Dam. Before that, you should pack your luggage and complete check-out procedures. After finishing the excursion, the cruise ship company will drive you to the Three Gorges Tourist Center in Yichang city. Our local guide will meet you there and take you to have lunch. You will visit Yichang Museum and a river side Binjiang Park if time is enough.
After that we will see you off in the airport for the flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you in the airport and transfer you to the hotel.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Century Park Shanghai




After that we will see you off in the airport for the flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you in the airport and transfer you to the hotel.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Century Park Shanghai





Day 10 Shanghai
Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden and its traditional bazaar, A la carte farewell lunch, Former French Concession, the Bund and Huangpu River cruise. (B+L)

Our group at the Bund, Shanghai
Photo by our client Ms. Elaine Law
Photo by our client Ms. Elaine Law
Shanghai is an international metropolis with a blend of rich history and fashionable modernity. The short one-day trip will give you a panoramic view of the city. In the morning, visit Shanghai Museum and the beautiful Yu Garden. In the museum, there are over 120,000 historical collections from ancient China. Yu Garden, which was a private residence constructed 400 years ago, is one of the best combinations of ancient Chinese buildings, water, mountain and natural scenery. Surrounding the garden is a traditional local bazaar. We will leave you some free time there.
Around noon, a luxurious farewell a la carte lunch (valued at CNY120.00 per person and included in our price) will be served at a famous restaurant with the best Shanghai cuisine.
In the afternoon, you will be guided to stroll along the Former French Concession and the Bund to experience the thrills of old and modern Shanghai. You will also have a cruise tour along the Huangpu River. In the end, our guide and driver will transfer you back to the hotel and say goodbye to you at the lobby.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, A la carte farewell lunch
Around noon, a luxurious farewell a la carte lunch (valued at CNY120.00 per person and included in our price) will be served at a famous restaurant with the best Shanghai cuisine.
In the afternoon, you will be guided to stroll along the Former French Concession and the Bund to experience the thrills of old and modern Shanghai. You will also have a cruise tour along the Huangpu River. In the end, our guide and driver will transfer you back to the hotel and say goodbye to you at the lobby.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, A la carte farewell lunch
Day 11 Departure from Shanghai
Hotel-airport transfer is on your own arrangement, A pleasant trip home! (B)
There are two airports in Shanghai: one is Pudong International Airport (PVG) and the other is Hongqiao Airport (SHA). Please check carefully to see which airport you will depart from. You can book a taxi (CNY150 to Pudong, and CNY200 to Hongqiao) at the hotel Bell Desk the day before by yourself as your tour charge does not include the transfer from hotel to airport. We wish you a safe, smooth flight and hope in the near future we can serve you again.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast
Meals: Western buffet breakfast
B-- Breakfast L-- Lunch D-- Dinner
2019 Prices
Prices are per person in US Dollars; departures are guaranteed even with one person!
Earlier Booking, Bigger Savings
10% off - book by Feb 28, 5% off - book from Mar 01
Remark: The prices in red reflect 10% discount.
2020 Prices
Prices are per person in US Dollars; departures are guaranteed even with one person!
Earlier Booking, Bigger Savings
10% off - book by Feb 28, 5% off - book from Mar 01
Remark: The prices in red reflect 10% discount.
Price Includes
- Domestic airfares
- 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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Hotels were all first class (four and five star). We have never stayed in so many luxurious hotels on one trip in our lives, and we have traveled a lot. The breakfast buffets were unbelievable. I would have gained a lot of weight, but we walked and climbed steps (so many steps!) every day, that I hardly gained more than one kilo during the whole trip, despite eating much more than I normally eat.
All the guides were fine. We recall quickly that Juliet in Beijing, Echo in Xian, and Emily in Shanghai were especially patient with my attempts to learn to speak a little Chinese. Xie xie! Of course, the visit to the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors and the Muslim street in Xian, the Three Gorges river cruise and dam, and Shanghai all were special highlights for us. We had read so much about them, and finally we were able to see them ourselves. We will always treasure those days in China. ... More
The only part of the tour which was slightly not as good as the rest was our visit to Shanghai. Although knowledgeable, the guide seemed unsure as to what was happening in the Bund area regarding construction projects and had a problem in deciding where the coach should collect us. Also in the restaurant we visited for Lunch, the standard did not seem as high as some of the others we had visited as some of the plates/glasses were chipped. This however was a very minor point, all I can say is THEY WERE FANTASTIC. Should I return to China I will most certainly contact the company first. Once again many thanks for an unforgettable holiday. ... More
Our guide David in Beijing was wonderful so full of knowledge and quite accommodating. It was a learning experience from him plus he made fun. We all missed him when we had to move on. His favorite saying "Let's walk and talk". I thought Ruth in Xi'an really truly loved her city she knows her history. Cruising down the Yangtze River was quite relaxing. The narrator on the ship made history very interesting indeed it was amazing time. It was nice mingle with other people that was doing the same tour. The only fault I found with the boat was very small and definitely not a 5 star cruise boat.
James in Shanghai was great. He made sure we did everything we could in that short period of time we had with him. He was one of the best guides we have on our trip.
The drivers were amazing in every city. The buses were kept clean. It was great receiving the bottle water even better if it was cold. Overall it was wonderful trip and one I won't forget. ... More