14 Days China Essence Tour: Great Wall, Pandas & Yangtze Cruise

Itinerary

• Day 1:Beijing, Arrival

  Welcome to China! Upon your arrival in Beijing, take a taxi or opt for an optional private transfer to your hotel for check-in and a refreshing break. 

  Accommodation: Tian Tan Hotel or similar (4-star)

  • Beijing

• Day 2:Beijing: Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City

  

  The Forbidden City

  Kick off your day at the iconic Tiananmen Square, the pulsating heart of modern China. Wander through this expansive plaza, dotted with historic landmarks, each echoing the nation's storied past.

  Next, step into the hallowed grounds of the Forbidden City, the imperial palace that served as the seat of Chinese emperors for centuries. Be captivated by its opulent halls, intricate architectural details, and sprawling courtyards that narrate tales of dynastic glory.

  Savor a traditional Beijing delicacy, Zhajiangmian (Beijing Fried Sauce Noodles), for lunch, then enjoy free time to explore the city's charm at your own pace.

  Accommodation: Tian Tan Hotel or similar (4-star)

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  • Beijing

• Day 3:Beijing: Great Wall & Olympic Venues

  

  The Bird's Nest

  Today's adventure takes you to the awe-inspiring Juyongguan Great Wall, a formidable mountain pass fortified since the Qin Dynasty. Traverse its ancient ramparts, soak in the panoramic vistas, and immortalize your journey atop this timeless marvel.

  On your return to the city, pause at the Olympic Park to marvel at the Bird's Nest (National Stadium) and the Water Cube (National Aquatics Center), two architectural masterpieces from the 2008 Olympics.

  The day concludes with a visit to a pearl store, where you'll uncover the artistry behind pearl cultivation and admire exquisite jewelry collections.

  Accommodation: Tian Tan Hotel or similar (4-star)

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  • Beijing

• Day 4:Beijing - Xi'an

  After a delightful breakfast, transfer to the railway station and board a high-speed train bound for Xi'an, a city steeped in history. Upon arrival, meet your guide and proceed to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure.

  Accommodation: Grand Noble Hotel Xian or similar (4-star)

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  • Xi'an

• Day 5:Xi'an: Terracotta Warriors & Bronze Chariots

  

  The Terracotta Warriors

  Step into history at the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors, a silent army of over 2,000 years, meticulously crafted to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in eternity. Each warrior, horse, and chariot bear a unique expression, a testament to the unparalleled artistry and might of ancient China. Continue to the Bronze Chariots Exhibition, where intricately designed, half-size chariots reveal the grandeur of the emperor's afterlife procession.

  Conclude your day at the Xi'an Art Ceramics Factory, where master artisans breathe life into traditional terracotta figurines and lacquerware, preserving the delicate beauty of ancient craftsmanship.

  Accommodation: Grand Noble Hotel Xian or similar (4-star)

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  • Xi'an

• Day 6:Xi'an - Chengdu, Chengdu Local Life Experience

  

  Wenshu Monastery in Chengdu

  After breakfast, embark on a high-speed train journey to Chengdu, the unhurried heart of Sichuan Province. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel, where the city's relaxed rhythm begins to embrace you.

  In the afternoon, step into the tranquil Wenshu Monastery, a haven of Buddhist serenity adorned with exquisite wooden carvings and lush courtyards. The scent of incense lingers as devotees offer quiet prayers, creating an atmosphere of timeless peace.

  Later, dive into the vibrant pulse of People's Park. Settle into a traditional teahouse, where the art of sipping Sichuan Gaiwan tea unfolds amidst the lively hum of mahjong games and the curious charm of ear-cleaning rituals.

  Accommodation: Dorsett Chengdu or similar (4-star)

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  • Chengdu

• Day 7:Chengdu: Grand Pandas Base

  

  Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda

  Awaken early and venture to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, a sanctuary where these beloved creatures thrive. Wander through bamboo-lined paths and witness pandas in their playful prime - munching on tender shoots, tumbling in their enclosures, or, with a stroke of luck, marvel at the endearing antics of panda cubs in the nursery.

  Savor a flavorful Sichuan-style lunch, where bold spices and rich flavors dance on your palate. The afternoon is yours to unwind or explore

  Accommodation: Dorsett Chengdu or similar (4-star)

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  • Chengdu

• Day 8:Chengdu - Chongqing, A City of Peaks and Flavors

  

  Liziba Station

  Travel to Chongqing on a swift bullet train, a vibrant hilly city. Begin your exploration at Ciqikou Ancient Street, a charming labyrinth of teahouses, artisan workshops, and sizzling street food stalls. Wander the Shancheng Pedestrian Trail, a scenic path weaving past historic homes and breathtaking viewpoints. Marvel at Liziba Station, where a metro train slices through a residential building, and gaze at the dizzying Huangjuewan Interchange, a masterpiece of modern engineering.

  Savor Chongqing's fiery signature dish - Hot Pot - a bold symphony of spices and flavors.

  As the sun dips, board your Yangtze River Cruise, embarking on a serene voyage along the lifeline of China, where the journey ahead promises endless wonder.

  Accommodation: Victoria Katarina or similar (4-star)

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  • Yangtze River Cruise

• Day 9:Yangtze River Cruise: Mystical Fengdu and Verdant Peaks

  

  A Traditional Performance at Fengdu Ghost City

  Glide along the Yangtze River to Fengdu, where a shore excursion leads you to the serene Shuanggui Mountain. Wander through its lush forests and discover ancient temples nestled in the greenery, a tranquil escape steeped in natural beauty and history.

  Enrich your journey with optional adventures:

  Explore the enigmatic Fengdu "Ghost City," a haunting realm of eerie shrines and tales of the afterlife. Or, immerse yourself in the FengYan SanGuo "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" Show, a captivating performance bringing ancient legends to life.

  Accommodation: Victoria Katarina or similar (4-Star)

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  • Yangtze River Cruise

• Day 10:Yangtze River Cruise: Shennv Stream

  

  Qutang Gorge

  Today, your journey unfolds through the breathtaking Qutang and Wu Gorges, where towering cliffs and emerald waters paint a masterpiece of nature's grandeur. These legendary stretches of the Yangtze reveal some of China's most awe-inspiring landscapes.

  In the afternoon, venture to Shennv Stream, a hidden gem where jagged cliffs rise above pristine waters, creating a scene of ethereal beauty. Glide along its tranquil currents, surrounded by the whispers of ancient legends.

  For those drawn to history, an optional excursion to White Emperor City awaits, a storied fortress perched above the river, offering tales of dynasties past. This day is a symphony of nature and heritage, a voyage through time and wonder.

  Accommodation: Victoria Katarina or similar (4-Star)

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  • Yangtze River Cruise

• Day 11:Disembark, Bullet Train to Shanghai

  

  The Three Gorges Dam

  After breakfast, bid farewell to your river voyage and step ashore for a guided tour of the monumental Three Gorges Dam.

  Next, settle into a high-speed train and glide toward Shanghai, a journey of about seven hours through ever-changing landscapes. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel.

  Accommodation: Golden Tulip Shanghai Rainbow or similar (4-Star)

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  • Shanghai

• Day 12:A Journey Through Shanghai's History, Culture, and Cuisine

  

  The Bund

  Begin your day at The Bund, where historic European facades face the soaring skyline of Pudong. Stroll the waterfront, capturing the iconic silhouette of Shanghai Tower - a striking harmony of timeless elegance and bold modernity.

  Step into the Jade Buddha Temple, its serene halls housing a luminous white jade Buddha from Burma. The temple's peaceful aura offers a quiet respite from the city's vibrant energy.

  Continue to Fuxing Park, a verdant oasis where locals gather for tai chi, music, and lively chatter. Wander through the Former French Concession, its tree-lined streets and colonial mansions evoking a bygone era of elegance. Discover Bugaoli and Sipailou, a historic neighborhood tells stories of Shanghai's rich heritage.

  Savor a lunch of Shanghai Dim Sum, indulging in the delicate flavors of xiaolongbao and other culinary delights.

  Conclude your day at a Silk Workshop, where the art of silk production comes to life.

  Accommodation: Golden Tulip Shanghai Rainbow or similar (4-star)

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  • Shanghai

• Day 13:A Day of Leisure in Shanghai

  

  The Lingering Garden in Suzhou

  Spend the day as you wish: shop to your heart's content, relish exquisite cuisine, or opt for a trip to Suzhou's serene gardens and charming water towns.

  Accommodation: Golden Tulip Shanghai Rainbow or similar (4-Star)

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  • Shanghai

• Day 14:Shanghai, Departure

  Your unforgettable journey through China concludes. Choose a taxi or a private transfer for a seamless trip to the airport as you head home.

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