China Essence Tour with Chongqing & Yangtze Cruise

Itinerary

• Day 1: Beijing Arrival

  Welcome to Beijing, China's vibrant capital and cultural heart.

  Upon arrival at the airport, your personal guide will meet you at the exit and escort you by private vehicle to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to unwind, adjust to the time difference, or explore the city at your leisure.

  • Beijing

• Day 2: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Summer Palace

  Begin your day in historic Beijing with a visit to Tiananmen Square, the symbolic heart of modern China. Just steps away lies the majestic Forbidden City, where imperial architecture and centuries-old relics bring dynastic history to life.

  In the afternoon, wander the tranquil gardens and pavilions of the Summer Palace. If weather permits, enjoy a peaceful boat ride across Kunming Lake. 

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  • Beijing

• Day 3: Mutianyu Great Wall

  No visit to China is complete without a walk on the Great Wall. This morning, travel to the Mutianyu section, a scenic and less crowded stretch famed for its watchtowers and forested surroundings. Take a cable car up and hike along the ancient stone path of the world's largest ancient fortification for stunning panoramic views.

  In the afternoon, dive into local communities divided by intricate lanes called Hutong. Take a rickshaw ride to learn more about local cultures.

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  • Beijing

• Day 4: Temple of Heaven, Hutong & Train to Xi'an

  Start your day at the Temple of Heaven, an imperial sanctuary surrounded by lively park life where locals practice tai chi and traditional games. Listen to the stories about this architecture, and immerse in local people's vibrancy by partake in their exercise.

  Then, board a high-speed train (approx. 5 hours) to Xi'an. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel with your guide's assistance.

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  • Xi'an

• Day 5: Terracotta Warriors & Muslim Street

  Today, explore Xi'an's most famous archaeological marvel - the Terracotta Army. Walk among thousands of life-sized clay soldiers that have guarded the tomb of China's first emperor for over two millennia. You may also be surprised by their expressions - each different from the others. In the afternoon, return to the city and stroll through the bustling Muslim Quarter, where lively street food stalls and souvenir shops line the lantern-lit alleyways.

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  • Xi'an

• Day 6: Fly to Guilin, Karst Cave Exploration

  This morning, fly to Guilin, a city famed for its otherworldly karst landscapes. Upon arrival, your guide will accompany you to the Reed Flute Cave, a natural gallery of stalactites and stalagmites artfully lit in vibrant colors. Learn about the geological forces that sculpted these formations over millions of years before checking into your hotel.

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  • Guilin

• Day 7: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo, West Street

  Today, explore the idyllic Li River, the most representative scenery of Guilin's karst landform. After breakfast, embark on a scenic cruise down the Li River to Yangshuo, gliding past limestone peaks, tranquil villages, and lush rice paddies. Depending on water levels, the journey typically takes 3.5 to 4.5 hours. Upon disembarkation, explore the lively West Street with your guide and check into your Yangshuo hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or explore independently.    

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  • Yangshuo

• Day 8: Train to Chongqing

  This morning, enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Yangshuo's countryside. You may wander through nearby villages, where rice paddies, winding country lanes, and limestone peaks create postcard-perfect scenery. If lucky, you might even come across a local market day, with villagers trading fresh produce and handmade goods in a lively rural fair.

  Later, board a 5–6 hour high-speed train to Chongqing, enjoying the changing scenery from Guangxi's countryside to the southwestern mountains. On arrival, you'll be greeted at the station by your local guide and taken to your hotel, where you can settle in and unwind after the long ride.

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  • Chongqing

• Day 9: Chongqing Highlights, Yangtze River Cruise

  Start the day in Ciqikou Old Town, where traditional Bayu charm meets lively streets filled with snacks like sticky rice cakes and Chongqing noodles, along with shops selling tea, peppers, and local crafts. Continue to Shancheng Alley, a unique quarter that weaves together steep slopes, stairways, and residential blocks—offering a true sense of life in this mountain city. Then, pause at Liziba Monorail Station to witness the train passing through a building.

  Ride the monorail to Eling Park for panoramic views before strolling down to Eling Second Factory, now a creative hub of cafés and studios, for a relaxed lunch. Afterwards, visit the Huguang Guild Hall, known for its ornate carvings and traditional performances over tea. Enjoy the dazzling sight of the Huangjuewan Interchange, then head onward to the port to set sail on your Yangtze River Cruise.

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  • Yangtze River Cruise

• Day 10: Yangtze River Cruise

  Greet the morning with a Tai Chi session on deck before docking at Fengdu. You may join the included excursion to Mount Shuanggui, known for its tranquil Buddhist temples and centuries-old trees. Alternatively, choose an optional tour to Fengdu Ghost City, rich in ancient folklore and Taoist legends. In the evening, enjoy the optional FengYan SanGuo Show, an epic outdoor performance inspired by Romance of the Three Kingdoms, complete with martial arts, theatrical storytelling, and stunning stage effects.

    

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  • Yangtze River Cruise

• Day 11: Yangtze River Cruise

  This morning, opt for a visit to the White Emperor City, perched above Qutang Gorge and famed for its ancient poetry and imperial history. Sail through Qutang Gorge's dramatic cliffs, then into the misty beauty of Wu Gorge. In the afternoon, take a side excursion to the enchanting Goddess Stream aboard a small boat, where you'll glide through a peaceful canyon dotted with waterfalls and hidden hamlets.

    

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  • Yangtze River Cruise

• Day 12: Disembarkation & Train to Shanghai

  Disembark at Yichang and visit the monumental Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydroelectric project. Walk along panoramic viewing platforms and learn about the dam's massive scale and engineering prowess. For a closer look, you may join an optional ferry tour through the dramatic ship elevator. Later, board a high-speed train to Shanghai and check into your hotel upon arrival.

    

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  • Shanghai

• Day 13: Shanghai Old-Day Treasures

  Start at the Shanghai Museum, showcasing centuries of Chinese art and artifacts. Continue to Yu Garden and its neighboring market, where classical design meets bustling street life. Learn about how locals greeting a day from the vendors' hawking and shoppers' baskets, and try traditional snacks on your own.

  Then, visit a local silk workshop to learn about the fabrication of silk, or buy a lovely silk scarf as a souvenir. Wander through the leafy boulevards of the Former French Concession, a testimony to Shanghai's colonial history in the early 20^th century. End your day with a walk along the Bund, where colonial facades face off with futuristic skyscrapers across the Huangpu River.

    

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  • Shanghai

• Day 14: Shanghai Departure

  Today, you will be free until the tour guide picks you up and transfers you to the airport for your flight departing Shanghai.

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