13 Days: Beijing, Xian, Guilin, Chongqing, Yangtze River Cruise, Yichang, Shanghai

Tour overview:

With this 13 day tour experience everything that China promises. You’ll feel the grandeur of the Great Wall, marvel at the intricacies of Terra Cotta warriors, cruise through the extraordinary Three Gorges, journey to a land where limestone peaks pierce the air and rice fields abound, and roam the streets of an ultra-modern city.

Day 1 - Arrive Beijing

Arrive in Beijing the capital of the People’s Republic of China. You are welcomed at the airport and escorted to the hotel.

Day 2 - Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Summer Palace

Start your tour this morning with a visit to the Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world and the Forbidden City, the 250-acre palace containing more than 9,000 rooms. Closed to the common people for centuries, it was only opened to the public in 1949. Afternoon explore the Summer Palace, the retreat of China’s royal families for over 2,000 years (BL)

Day 3 - Great Wall Excursion & Ming Tomb

Visit the Great wall, stopping en route at the Bird’s Nest & Water Cube for a picture stop. The Great Wall, built 2,300 years ago and extending 3,750 miles, can be seen from space!. Afternoon visit Sacred Way and Ming Tomb – Changling Tomb. Tonight enjoy Peking Duck dinner. (BLD)

Day 4 - Temple of Heaven & Lama Temple / Xian

In the morning visit the Temple of Heaven, possibly the country’s most popular symbol and the Lama Temple, considered as the largest and most perfectly preserved lamasery in present day China. Later fly to Xian, once the largest city in the world. Xian was the national capital for eleven Chinese dynasties and a major link between Asia and Europe. You will be met and transferred to your hotel. (BL)

Day 5 - Terra Cotta Warriors & Wild Goose Pagoda

Xian captured the interest of the world in 1974 with the discovery of the astonishing third-century BC burial sites of the first emperor to unite China, Qin Shi Huangdi. Visit the archaeological site to see thousands of Terra Cotta Warriors, which have been standing guard over the Imperial Tomb for 2,000 years and the the ceramics & pottery workshop. Enjoy Noodle making demonstration followed by lunch. Afternoon visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda Temple and the Ancient City Wall. In the evening, enjoy an *optional Tang Dynasty Show and dinner. (BL)

Day 6 - Xian / Guilin

Morning visit the Big Wide Goose Pagoda Temple and the Ancient City Wall. Afternoon fly to Guilin. Upon arrival, met and transfer to your hotel. (B)

Day 7 - Guilin / Yangshuo / Guilin

Relax and enjoy the natural beauty of this region from the decks of a slow-moving boat on the Li River. Disembark in Yangshuo, and explore the famous West Street, and vsisit the local village and farms. Dinner at a ocal restaurant followed by Impression Liu San Jie Light Show. Late evening transfer back to Guilin. (BL)

Day 8 - Guilin / Chongqing

Fly to Chongqing, the biggest metropolitan in west of China. After lunch at a local restaurant visit the Chongquing Panda Zoo and the Stillwell Museum.Dinner at Sichuan Hot Pot local restaurant. Following dinner, embark on MV President No.7 (Outside Cabin with Private Balcony on Main Deck) to explore and discover the mysteries of the Yangtze River. Relax and enjoy your downstream Cruise on the Yangtze. (BD)

Day 9 - Shibaozhai

Shore excursion to Shibaozhai, literally translated into English as the “Stone Treasure Fortress.” Located in Zhong County at the south bank of the Yangtze River (30 miles away from Wanxian), it was first built in Qing Dynasty in 1750 with a height of 56 meters. Shibaozhai is simply a rectangular rock with sheer cliffs, standing on the riverside. A red wooden pagoda, 12 stories high, was built against the rock wall. Visitors can climb to the top by spiral staircase in the pagoda, 160 meters above the river to gain a panoramic view of the winding river, the village and the countryside. (BLD)

Day 10 - Qutang Gorge / Wu Gorge / Shennong Stream

Qutang Gorge finds the river carving its way between sheer precipices of overhanging mountains on both sides. Continue through the wondrous Wu Gorge, a meandering landscape of dazzling peaks and rocks, forming a whimsical gallery of natural beauty. Upon arrival at the famed Shennong Stream, board the small boat and sail deep into the fabled Three Lesser Gorges. Enjoy the vistas of Parrot Gorge and Dragon Boat Gorge with their breathtaking scenery. Return back to the boat and continue to the third Xiling Gorge as we pass through many historical sites. Sail through the huge Three Gorges Dam and the five ship locks. (BLD)

Day 11 - Xiling Gorge / Yichang / Shanghai

Take a shore excursion to see the massive construction of Three Gorges Dam, the world largest hydroelectric project. Continue sailing down in the second section of Xiling Gorges. Disembark in Yichang and proceed to the airport for your flight to Shanghai, “the Paris of the East” – China’s most westernized and largest city. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to the hotel. (B)

Day 12 - Shanghai Sightseeing

Your morning tour of Shanghai includes a visit to Yuyuan Garden and the Old town. Afternoon visit the Shanghai Museum and the Bund, a wide, tree-lined avenue along the Huangpu River and Tianzifang Artist area, famous for small craft stores, coffee shops, trendy art studios and narrow alleys. Evening enjoy an *optional performance by the famous Chinese acrobats. (BL)

Day 13 - Shanghai / Home

Morning transfer to the airport for your flight for back home. (B)