Day 1: Beijing

Ni hao! Welcome to Beijing, the capital city of the most populous country on Earth. This city is filled with places that offer a peek into China's ancient history, as well as newer attractions that showcase contemporary culture. To start your adventure, there will be a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you will meet your tour guide and fellow travelers. Look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the front desk where it will take place. Please have your passport, insurance, and next of kin information handy as we will collect/check this information at the group meeting. After the meeting, why not explore the Beijing streets - with your hotel located centrally, a walk in any direction will reveal all sorts of wonderful surprises. Indulge in an iconic dish - Peking duck - to start your adventure in China.

Day 2: Beijing

Today, we will explore two of the most popular attractions in Beijing by using public transportation. Although this can be crowded, it is the best way to immerse yourself in the local culture. Head to the center of the city - Tiananmen Square, the symbolic center of Chinese power. From here, you will enter the enormous Forbidden City. Built more than 500 years ago and off-limits to commoners for almost all that time, the Forbidden City looks much as it always has. As you explore the great halls and courtyards, you will appreciate the might and grandeur of the Imperial Chinese court during the height of its power in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Tonight is free to explore the Beijing street food scene. The quiet hutongs (historic narrow streets and alleys) come alive with lights and noise in the evening full of eateries to try the local treats.

There is the option of seeing an acrobatic, kung fu or opera show this evening in Beijing.

Day3 Mutianyu Great Wall 

Today,you'll visit Mutianyu Great Wall by private bus (around 2 hours), explore the historical site, take photos, and learn about its history. The Great Wall, a 6000 km-long engineering marvel stretching from the northern ridges near Beijing, was built to protect China from northern nomadic tribes but failed. It remains an iconic destination and requires walking on uneven terrain with multiple steps, so dress comfortably.

 Finally, you'll return to Beijing by private bus and enjoy a free evening.

There is the option of seeing an acrobatic, kung fu or opera show this evening in Beijing.

Day4  Xi'an

Today, you will embark on a journey to Xi'an by high-speed train, which will take approximately 5.5 hours. As the capital of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an is not only the largest city in northwest China but also a hub of history and culture. With nearly 2000 years as the imperial center of China, Xi'an has preserved its rich heritage while embracing modernity. The city is now a vibrant metropolis, adorned with numerous historical sites that offer a glimpse into its past glory.

Upon arrival, join your leader for a short walking tour

Day5 Xi'an

Today, we will embark on a journey by private transport(around 2 hours) ，to explore one of the most remarkable man-made wonders of the world - the Terracotta Warriors. You will learn all about this incredible archaeological discovery, which was rediscovered in 1976 by farmers digging a well after being buried for over 2000 years. These clay statues of soldiers, horses, and chariots, originally all painted, were commissioned by the emperor Qin Shi Huangdi as part of his mausoleum after he ascended to the throne in 264 BC. Three main pits are open for you to view, where just under 2000 of the warriors - each individually sculpted from clay and with a different costume, height, and even facial expressions - stand in battle formation. The scale is incredibly impressive. Return to Xi'an for your final evening in the city.

Day6 Xi'an to Chengdu

Take a 3.5-hour high speed train ride to Chengdu.Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan, is famous for two things - the pandas in the mountains and the delicious food. The signature spicy cuisine of Chengdu is highly regarded as the best in China. In a country where food is a big part of culture, this is a significant accomplishment. Maybe you should try a Sichuan hot pot tonight.

Day7 Chengdu

Today, we are heading to a Unesco World Heritage site located near Chengdu - the Leshan Giant Buddha. Situated about two to three hours' drive from Chengdu, this 71-meter tall Buddha, carved into the cliff face, is the largest sitting Buddha in the world. It took almost 100 years to complete. You can opt to view it by river boat or on foot (be prepared for crowds and long queues if you choose to walk). Your leader can advise you on the best way to visit depending on the season. We will return to Chengdu in the late afternoon.

Day8 Chengdu

With an early start, we visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base.  when they are at their most active.Otherwise, we can watch them engage in their favourite pastime, snoozing!

We then board a train and travel to Chongqing city (a journey of approximately 2hours), the starting point for our Yangtze river cruise (after a 30-minute transfer to the dock). Upon arrival, we board our four-star cruise boat and settle into our cabins. Our accommodation consists of air-conditioned twin-berth cabins with en suite bathrooms.

Accommodation: Cruise boat (four-star international rating/five-star local rating)

Meals included: Breakfast

Days 9-10

Two full days cruising the Yangtze River, including the Three Gorges and dam

During our two-day river cruise, we traverse one of the great rivers, taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Yangtze River as it courses past soaring cliffs and gorges. To safeguard against flooding, the government constructed a colossal dam, which inundated the renowned Three Gorges: Qutang, Wu, and Xiling. These natural wonders are an unmissable destination for any visitor to China. Our journey on the boat extends into the night, with opportunities for shore excursions whenever the boat docks at smaller towns and villages. We also explore the lesser-known gorges on smaller boats, depending on the water levels. Please note that the daily schedule of activities can vary according to weather and river conditions, as well as the permissions granted by navigation authorities. Details of our itinerary will be explained during the briefing session, and our river guide will provide further information once we board the boat. While we aim to cover the essence of the Three Gorges, some parts may be experienced during the night due to unforeseeable circumstances. If water levels are suitable, we may navigate through a series of locks within the dam itself; however, this cannot be guaranteed due to weather conditions and river traffic.

Accommodation: Cruise boat (four-star international rating/five-star local rating)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11

Embark on the Cruise; Fly to Shanghai

This morning, we will embark on our cruise and disembark later, taking a look at the dam and learning about the massive engineering project . We will then drive to Yichang, where we will catch the afternoon flight to Shanghai (approximately 2 hours).

Day 12 Shanghai

Shanghai, a city with a global vibe. At night, we stroll through the Bund district to admire the brightly lit structures along the riverbank. We can also opt to visit the Jin Mao Tower, one of the tallest buildings on Earth, which offers an astonishing view of Shanghai from its observation deck.

This is a great opportunity to get a layout of the city and figure out what you want to explore next.

Day 13 Shanghai

Visit Xitang water town

We set off early in the morning, around 7am, to avoid the crowds at the ancient water town of Xitang. Famous for its cobbled streets and bridges arching over the many canals, Xitang is a delightful place to explore. There are several well-preserved buildings from the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties in this town, and it's a pleasant place to explore on foot. The journey back to Shanghai takes approximately two hours, leaving the evening free for further exploration or relaxation.

Day 14 Shanghai

This morning, we are visiting the Shanghai Museum and then the Yu Yuan Garden. The rest of the day is free to explore. While it may no longer carry the title "Paris of the East," many reminders of its colonial past are still present. It is worth taking a stroll along Nanjing Road, the main shopping street in Shanghai, or visiting Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China at 2,073 feet/632 meters high, or the smaller Oriental Pearl Tower, to appreciate its Space Age design.

Optional activities this evening include the much-loved Shanghai Acrobatic show.

Day 14 Shanghai--guilin

Price includes:

Private air-conditioned vehicle

English speaking local guide

Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary

All required taxes, fees and entrance tickets

Price excludes：

Gratuity

Optional activities

Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people and chosen hotel