12 Day Tour Itinerary
Tour Code: Essential Tour-Select-01
- Day 1-3 in Shanghai
- Day 1
Welcome to China. When your flight lands at Shanghai Pudong Airport, your tour guide will greet you and take you to ride the Maglev Train, the world’s fastest train running 430 km an hour. 8 minutes later, you will arrive at Longyang Road in the downtown area where you will be picked up and escorted to your hotel.
Day 2Today you’ll visit the Shanghai Urban Exhibition Hall to gain an insight of Shanghai’s future and then discover the mystery of silk-making in a Silk Factory.
In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll in Yu Garden, one of China’s four most beautiful gardens, and see Shanghai local daily life in the bustling Yuyuan Market. Evening is free, optional to enjoy the amazing Acrobatic Show.
Day 3In the morning, you will walk down the iconic Bund, the best place to view Shanghai’s spectacular skyline, and roam along the famous shopping paradise, Nanjing Road.
After the tour, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Yichang. Upon your arrival in Yichang, your local guide is ready to meet and escort you to your Yangtze Cruise ship.
- Day 4-6 Yangtze Cruise
- Day 4
Your relaxing Yangtze Cruise begins. In the morning, join in the onboard activities such as Taiji Lessons in preparation for your exploration.
Your ship will stop for an excursion to the well-known Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric complex in the world. Then back to your ship and pass through the unique Five-Level Ship Lock. This evening, you are invited to participate in the Captain’s Welcome Party.
Day 5Today you will sail through Wu Gorge in the morning and take another excursion to the scenic Lesser Three Gorges or Shennong Stream, according to weather conditions. You will also experience an exciting sampan ride rowed by boatman. Then return to the ship and view the scenery of the short Qutang Gorge.
Day 6The last excursion will take you to Fengdu Ghost City, a city known for its special ghost culture. Perched on the Mingshan Hill by the river bank, it originated from a legend that two officials (Yin and Yang, their combination means Ghost King) became immortals here, 1,700 years ago. Since then, various statues, sculptures and paintings depicting the afterlife world have been created. Then continue sailing to Chongqing and join the farewell party in the evening.
- Day 7-8 in Xian
- Day 7
Upon your arrival at Chongqing, you will be met and escorted to the airport for your flight to Xian.
When you arrive in Xian, your local guide will welcome you at the airport and take you to visit the near-by Hanyang Tomb, the tombs of Han Dynasty’s Emperor Jing and his wife, with many valuable unearthings, and then the centuries-old Big Wild Goose Pagoda to admire Chinese Buddhism relics. After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Day 8The incredible Terracotta Warriors is your first stop today. Over 6,000 life-size terra soldiers and horses stand in battle formation and have protected their master Emperor, Qin Shihuang’s mausoleum for 2,000 years. Each statue is a remarkably realistic sculpture.
In the afternoon, you will drop by a Jade Gallery and cycle along the top of Xian’s Ancient City Walls. Evening, be taken out to have a marvelous Dumpling Dinner and enjoy the fabulous Tang Dynasty Show.
- Day 9-12 in Beijing
- Day 9
On this day you will be free to pursue your personal activities until being transferred for your flight to Beijing.
Upon arriving in Beijing, you will be picked up and escorted to your hotel. After a short rest, you will head out to tour and marvel at the picturesque Summer Palace. As an imperial summer resort of Qing Dynasty, the Palace is reputed for its perfect layout, exquisite royal architectures and enchanting landscape. Your tour concludes with a stop at a Pearl Store.
Day 10Today you will first tour the historic Tiananmen Square and the magnificent Forbidden City. Located in the exact center of Beijing, the City was the home to 24 emperors of Ming and Qing Dynasties, standing for the unrivaled power and treasure of regality.
In the afternoon, you will take a rickshaw to explore the Hutongs, the ancient alleys where Old Beijing’s traditions and lifestyle has been well-kept. In the evening, you will enjoy the marvelous Kungfu Show.
Day 11No Beijing tour is complete without a visit to the Great Wall. As a popular symbol of China, the breathtaking Walls was built on the moutain ridges brick, by brick only resorting to manpower, 2,000 years ago. Stretching about 4,000 miles across northern China, it is entitled the Eighth Wonder of the World, a must-visit of China.
In the afternoon, you will take a leisurely walk along the Sacred Road, a royal path featuring many lively statues of divine beasts & officials.
Day 12After a break, you will tour the spectacular Temple of Heaven and enjoy watching locals doing their morning exercises. It is a nice chance for you to chat with them, and even learn some native exercises from them.
After the tour, you will be escorted to the airport for your flight to your next destination.
Trip Overview
Even a lifetime is not enough to take in a whole China, but this tour that selects the top destinations with ideal itineraries and activities is sure to offer you the most of China in 12-19 days. Take a maglev train ride in Shanghai to launch your exploration, boat slowly on the Grand Canal to savor the timeless romance of Suzhou, cruise on the mighty Yangtze River to capture the scenic marvels, treat your tastebuds with spicy Chongqing hot pot and Chengdu snacks, delve into exotic and mysterious Lhasa, and step back into history in ancient Xian and Beijing. Can't wait to check it out? Then select it now.
Tailor-made Tour Items
You have maximized flexibility to choose accommodations, meals, departure time and group size. The tour will best match your requirements and preferences.
Price
The price we offer is a package price excluding international airfares.
It can be optional if you'd like us to book for you.
Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall records how Shanghai was transformed into an
international metropolis from a shabby fishing village, displays the
achievements of Shanghai in city planning & construction and the harmonious
theme of “city, man, environment, and development”.
Here you also can gain an insight of what the city will be like in 2020.
Yangtze River Cruise: a must-do in China,
provides a unique access to the amazing natural beauty of the Yangtze River,
the country's longest and most enchanting river.
Besides, excursions to the Three Gorges Dam, Fengdu Ghost City and other famous scenic spots, various onboard cultural programs add to the charm of Yangtze Cruise.
Terracotta Warriors and Horses: discovered in 1974 by local farmers digging a well, it is considered as one of the most significant archeological finds of the 20th Century.
Over 8,000 life-size painted terra soldiers and horses, individually sculpted from real-life models and arranged in battle formation, have been protecting the mausoleum of China’s foremost Emperor Qin Shihuang for over 2,200 years.
Tang Dynasty Show, a not-miss of Xian, is a spectacle of color,
music and dances.
Before the show, visitors will be served with a special Dumpling Dinner. The dumplings are all hand-made and have a flavor as they tasted in Tang Dynasty.
After the dinner, the Show begins. Melodious music, beautiful costumes with long flowing sleeves and exotic dances perfectly match, reliving the brilliant culture and life of Tang Dynasty.
Reputed as the 8th Wonder of the World, the
Great Wall winds its way through mountains, grasslands and deserts for some
4,000 miles across northern China.
But the term 'Great Wall' is something of a misnomer as there is a net of walls of varying ages all designed to provide protection from intruders; a great man-made complex of walls, forts and signal stations.
Hutongs
are the old narrow paths with lots of courtyard homes where common people are
living. They are like villages within a metropolis. Through the Hutongs'
teeming maze of alleyways, you will see the old houses and learn about the
daily life of ordinary Beijing citizens.
China Odyssey Recommends
Extend your experience with these add-on itineraries.
 + 2 Days This extension takes you to Chongqing and Chengdu, two of the most popular destinations in China. As the largest city in western China, Chongqing is best known for its delicious Hot Pot and legendary stories from World War II. The Stillwell Museum and Ciqikou Old Town will show you a path back to history. Regarding Chengdu, the cute pandas are one highlight. Besides, Jinli Old Street, the ancient Wenshu Temple and its tiny teahouse are nice places to sip Chinese tea and enjoy some leisure time with locals. |
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 + 2 Days Right in the Yangtze River delta, sits a canal city full of elegance, grace and romance— Suzhou. Noted for silk production, classical gardens and charming views of water towns, Suzhou is just like a gifted and gorgeous lady attracting visitors from all over the world. And Zhouzhuang, one of Suzhou's many attractive canal towns, provides a glimpse into laidback water town life, picturesque views of whitewashed walls, black-tiled roofs, shore willows and cobblestone pathways. If you're a romance seeker, add it to your travel plan, maybe you will encounter the one you've been looking for in one of legendary gardens or on some stone bridge. |
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 + 4 Days If buget and time allows, never miss Lhasa. As the spitural anchor of Tibet, it's been the destination of many people: devout pilgrims, persons with a deficiency of spirit, explorers, and tourists lured by its mystery.
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Tailor-made Tour Items
AccommodationOur travel experts will provide you suggestions based on convenience of sightseeing, and the level of luxury you desire.Read on to find out what is best for you.
Breakfast & Meal
You do not have to eat the same food every time in tourist restaurants.We like you to taste a variety of Chinese food, which could be your best experience in China.
How many people
All of our tour groups are private groups.Either you are traveling alone or with your family and friends, departure is guaranteed regardless of group size.
Departure
The departure time of your tour is totally flexible. Booking your own flights is not a problem.It's always a good idea to check with us first for the options available.
To help you better plan your tour, we offers a Budget Guide for reference.
Our Private Service
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