16 Day Tour Itinerary
Tour Code: RiverTour-Cruise-20
- Day 1-3 in Beijing
- Day 1
Welcome to China! Upon your arrival at the Beijing airport, your local guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and recover from jetlag.
Day 2In the morning you will take a walk at Tiananmen Square, the world's largest plaza, and visit the remarkable Forbidden City. As China's No.1 palace complex, the City was the home to 26 emperors of Ming and Qing dynasties famous for grand architectures, exquisite ornaments and royal relics.
In the afternoon, take a richshaw tour to explore the Hutongs, the disappearing alleys & neighbourhoods of Old Beijing where you can see local's typical courtyard houses and their daily life, and then walk along the relaxing Houhai Bar Street.
Day 3The Great Wall, the 8th Wonder of the World, is your first stop today. You will take a cable car to ascend to one section of Mutianyu Great Wall and then hike at the walls as Chinese emperors once did, amazing at the venerable ramparts and breathtaking landscape aside.
Discending the Great Wall, you will drop by a Jade Gallery and stroll along the peaceful Sacred Road, a royal road guarded by many vivid stone statues of divine beasts and officials.
- Day 4-6 in Xian
- Day 4
On this day you will be free until your local guide escorts you to the airport for your flight to Xian.
Day 5
Upon arriving in Xian, your local guide will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Then you will tour the ancient Big Wild Goose Pagoda, visit the grand Great Mosque, then wander through the exotic Muslim Community and sample some of the flavorful snacks.Today you will inspect the incredible Terracotta Warriors. It is amazing to see 6,000 life-size terra soldiers and horses in battle formation having guarded the masauleum of Emperor Qin Shihuang, for over 2,200 years. Then drop by an Art Ceramics Factory to learn how these statues were made.
In the afternoon, you will cycle at Xian's Ancient City Walls, the largest and best-reserved city walls on earth, and appreciate the special stele calligraphy and paintings at the Forest of Stone Steles Museum.
Day 6On this day you will be free to explore this history-steeped city on you own until your guide escorts you to the airport for your flight to Lhasa.
Upon your arrival at Gonggar airport, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to the hotel in Lhasa city. After check-in, you're advised to rest at your hotel to get adapted to the high altitude.
- Day 7-9 in Lhasa
- Day 7
Your sightseeing today begins with Lhasa’s cardinal landmark Potala Palace. As a holy land of Tibetan culture, everyday hundreds of common Tibetans trek miles and months to worship the Palace for their tradtional beliefs and family's blessing.
Later you will admire the sacred temple Jokhang Temple, the cradle of Tibetan Buddhism and the city center of Old Lhasa, and then walk the pilgrimage route with local devotees and wheel the holy wheelers at Barkhor Street.
Day 8After breakfast, you will tour the charming Norbulingka Park, which is known as "the Summer Palace of Tibet", and then come to Drepung Monastery, an ancient temple once housed 10,000 monks in its heyday.
You tour ends at Sera Monastery. Built in 1419, the monastery is one of the three largest monasteries in Tibet and is quite famous for its traditional Buddhism scripture debates.
Day 9Free in the day until our local guide escorts you to the airport for your onward flight to Chengdu, home to the cute giant pandas.
Upon arriving in Chengdu, your personal guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel.
- Day 10-11 in Chengdu
- Day 10
Today you will go to Giant Panda Breeding Research Base to enjoy an intimate contact with panda and learn more about this endangered spice. A panda-hug is available but requires an extra cost.
Then visit the age-old Wenshu Temple and sit in its special tea house to have a cup of Chinese tea as locals usually do. After, you will take a leisurely stroll along Jinli Old Street.
Evening is free, optional to enjoy the melodious Sichuan Opera.
Day 11Today's excursion will take you to Huanglongxi Ancient Town, one of the top 10 old towns in China. Here you will escape from the hustle of cities and enjoy the tranquility and inner-calm of village life in this laid back place.
After that, head back to Chengdu and take a speed train to Chongqing where your local guide will pick you up and escort you to your Yangtze Cruise ship.
- Day 12-14 Yangtze Cruise
- Day 12
Sailing along the Yangtze River, you will see its amazing natural beauty and real China countryside views. Various onboard entertaining programs such as Taiji Lessons, Chinese Herbal Facial provide you an excellent access to Chinese culture.
There will be a shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City, an ancient temple complex perched on cliffs above the river with commanding views. After the excursion, return to the ship, have a rest, dress up and get ready to enjoy the Welcome Dinner Party hosted by the captain in the evening.
Day 13The second full day onboard your cruise ship with a shore excursion to the tranquil waters of Lesser Three Gorges, the most beautiful part of the Yangtze River. After the excursion, you will also sail through the impressive Wu Gorge and western section of Xiling Gorge, a nice chance to take some marvelous photos.
In the evening, you will witness how your ship passes the giant Five-Level Ship Locks.
Day 14Your final morning on the ship with a shore excursion to the world-famous Three Gorges Dam, which is the world’s largest hydro-electric dam with extraordinary sights whatever your views on the project.
You will disembark the ship at a pier in Yichang, where your local guide will pick you up and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Shanghai, the economic center of China.
- Day 15-16 in Shanghai
- Day 15
In the morning, you will head to the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center which enchronicles Shanghai's past, present and future.
Then take a walk in the beautiful Yu Garden, which is smartly filled with pavilions, halls, rock gardens and ponds, and see local's life at bustling Yuyuan Market.
Later, you enjoy the leisure at the hisotric Old French Concession, which is rupted an inner Paris of Shanghai.
Evening, enjoy the marvelous Acrobatic Show, a cultural gem of the city.
Day 16After breakfast, you will stroll along the city's lively waterfront, known as The Bund, experience China's shopping paradise the Nanjing Road and then get a fantastic panorama view of the metropolis from Jinmao Tower.
After the tour, your local guide will escort you to the airport for your flight to the next destination.
Trip Overview
Ideal for novelty seekers who want a featured China at first visit, this 18-24 days tour combines the classical destinations with the retreats far from the big cities. Glimpse into China's cultural heart and soul in Beijing, Xian and Shanghai. Set off along the ancient Yangtze River on a relaxed cruise that features natural marvels and cultral relics. You'll be treated with a soul banquet by scrutinize Tibet, the land of sacred mountains and holy rivers, as well as exotic culture and divout pilgrims.This China dream is only a click away.
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.
798 Dashanzi Art District: was the
earliest state-owned electric factory, with high and broad space, whose
workshop was designed by an East German. The factory was closed and the
workshop was deserted in the late 1980s.
Since 2002, some artists and cultural organizations started to use the factory to set up their studios, offices, restaurants, bars and so on; and gradually the original 798 factory has become an avant-garde art center and is considered as an area of "SOHO" in China.
Mutianyu Great Wall is located 43 miles from
the center of Beijing. It is much steeper and wilder than the Badaling section,
and a more challenging climb.
This section is considered by many as the best part of the Great Wall for intact ramparts and few visitors.
Surrounded by woodland and streams, this section takes on a different look in each season. Blossoming flowers in spring, flowing streams in summer, red leaves in autumn & white snow in winter make Mutianyu a most photographic spot.
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.
As the symbol of Lhasa, it is the greatest monumental structure in Tibet. As the religious and political center of old Tibet and the winter residence of Dalai Lamas, the palace witnessed the life of the Dalai Lamas and the important political and religious activities in the past centuries.
Potala Palace also houses great amounts of rare cultural relics including gold hand-written Buddhist scriptures, valuable gifts from the Chinese emperors and many priceless antiques.
Just 18km from the city center, housing 12 pandas, it is the best place to see Chengdu's most famous residents and you can get to know more about this precious species in its museum.
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.
Build in 1559, Yu Garden is a masterpiece of
traditional Chinese gardens.
Like a huge virtual maze of rockeries, paths, bridges, corridors and buildings, every corner you turn has a new surprise, and a totally different view.
You may often come across a single area from three different approaches, but don't realize you are coming to the same place.
China Odyssey Recommends
Extend your experience with these add-on itineraries.
 + 3 Days The emerald Yamdrok Lake will continue your exploration of water. This dreamlike lake set off by snowcapped moumtains, keeps silence yet seems to speak volumes. Grab a moment of serenity and maybe you will hear the voice from the water. After a Tibetan family visit, extend to Gyantse and Shigatse. From Palcho Monastery to Tashilumpo Monastery, you will be surely to get the contrasting experience of Tibet. |
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 + 2 Days Elegantly nestled along the winding Li River, Guilin is reputed as China's most scenic city. Different from teeming cities in the East, it offers you more about natural beauty and rural life. Cruise on Li River for the fine karst landscape, cycle along field roads for delightful countryside views, explore the Reed Flute Cave and West Street for local hidden treasures. A stop in Guilin enhances your enjoyment and amplifies your China experiences. |
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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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