Embark on a captivating journey through China, exploring its iconic landmarks and vibrant culture. Begin your journey in Beijing, exploring the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Temple of Heaven, followed by a memorable walk along the breathtaking Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Next, visit Xi’an, home to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and the ancient city wall. In Chengdu, experience the charm of the Giant Panda Research Base, learning about China’s beloved national treasures. Cruise the majestic Yangtze River for three unforgettable days, passing through the stunning Three Gorges and visiting the impressive Three Gorges Dam. Conclude in Shanghai, a dazzling metropolis where modern skyscrapers meet historic neighborhoods, offering a perfect blend of tradition and innovation.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Forbidden City: Discover the majesty of the walled imperial palace which was reserved for China’s royalty for centuries.
Terracotta Warriors Museum: A collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang (the first Emperor of China), the eighth wonder of the ancient world.
Xi´an: Melting pot of cultures and religions, an ancient city that used to be home to emperors, courtesans, poets, monks, merchants and warriors.
Chengdu: The vibrant capital of Sichuan Province, renowned for its spicy cuisine, laid-back lifestyle, and home of the Giant Panda.
The Yangtze River: The longest river in Asia and the third longest in the world, the Yangtze carries you on an eternal journey through China’s heartland.
Shanghai: A city of contrasts where China’s traditional past meets modern technology and futuristic design.
Day 1: ARRIVAL BEIJING
Arrival in Beijing. You will be met by your driver and transferred by private car (without a guide) from the airport to your hotel. Check-in time is after 12:00 noon. Meals at leisure. Your hotel is located very close to Xiushui Market (Silk Market), approximately a 5-minute walk away, so you may visit the market if time permits.
Overnight in Beijing.
Day 2: BEIJING
Breakfast at your hotel. Meet your guide in the hotel lobby at around 08:30. Take public transport (metro or bus) to the Temple of Heaven. The Temple of Heaven is one of Beijing’s most visited monuments. Its magnificent triple-roofed structure with blue glazed tiles symbolizes the relationship between the human and divine worlds. In addition to the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, visit the Circular Mound Altar and the Echo Wall. In the temple park, residents enjoy leisure activities every day, including singing, dancing, chess and ground calligraphy. Do not miss the “love corner,” where elderly parents exchange information about their unmarried children in the hope of finding them partners. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the city center by public transport (metro and public bus). First, take the metro to Tian’anmen Square and the Forbidden City, a consummate example of the architectural classicism of the Ming Dynasty. Return to your hotel.
Overnight in Beijing.
Day 3: BEIJING
Breakfast at your hotel. Meet your guide at the hotel at around 08:30, then transfer for a morning excursion to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, located 80 km north of the city and less visited than other sections. Walk up and down (cable car available at an additional cost, payable locally). Lunch at a local restaurant on site. Return to the city and continue with a visit to the Summer Palace, the last imperial garden of the Qing Dynasty. Outside view of the Olympic sites: the Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube.
Overnight in Beijing.
Day 4: BEIJING – XI’AN (6 hrs by high-speed train; included)
Breakfast at your hotel. Morning at leisure. Meet your guide at the hotel around noon (your guide will confirm the meeting time one day in advance according to the train schedule), then transfer to the railway station and take a high-speed train to Xi’an (journey approximately 4.5 to 6 hours depending on the train). On arrival in Xi’an in the late afternoon or early evening, you will be met by your local guide. Transfer to your hotel for check-in.
Overnight in Xi’an.
Day 5: XI’AN
Breakfast at your hotel. Day at leisure. Optional sightseeing of the Xi’an City Wall, the former residence of the Gao family and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, including lunch and dinner is available (payable locally).
Overnight in Xi’an.
Day 6: XI’AN
Breakfast at a local restaurant. Meet your guide at the hotel at 08:30. Transfer to the Terracotta Army, consisting of 6,000 cavalrymen and infantrymen. In the site’s three pits, you can admire thousands of life-size statues seemingly frozen in time, guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Exhibition halls also display a fine collection of precious objects, including a remarkable bronze chariot. Lunch featuring Xi’an specialties: noodles and roujiamo. Return to Xi’an city and visit a jade workshop. Stroll through the Muslim Quarter and visit the Great Mosque, whose architecture is in Chinese style and set within a beautiful square courtyard.
Overnight in Xi’an.
Day 7: XI’AN – CHENGDU (4 hrs by high-speed train; included)
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the station and take a high-speed train to Chengdu (approximately 4 hours), the capital of Sichuan province, a region famous for its chilli and cuisine. Lunch on board at your own expense. Arrive around noon and meet your French-speaking guide. Visit People’s Park, where locals relax and socialise in a teahouse in the park. Enjoy a cup of tea and a short rest, then visit Wenshu Temple, a peaceful Buddhist temple showcasing Sichuan-style architecture, followed by a walk through the pedestrian district. Transfer to your hotel and check in. Dinner at your own expense, be sure to try Sichuan hot pot, a local speciality.
Overnight in Chengdu.
Day 8: CHENGDU
Breakfast at your hotel. Day at leisure. Optional excursion to visit the Giant Buddha, Lingyun Temple and the ancient village of Huanglongxi is available (payable locally).
Overnight in Chengdu.
Day 9: CHENGDU – CHONGQING – YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE (2hrs by train, included)
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a visit to the Giant Panda Research Base, where you can meet these endearing animals, including newborn and baby pandas. Lunch at a local restaurant, then transfer to the station and take a high-speed train to Chongqing (approximately 2 hours). On arrival, meet your English-speaking guide and transfer to the port, where you’ll board your cruise to Yichang.
Overnight on board.
Day 10: YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE
After breakfast on board, visit Shuangguishan Park (depending on water level conditions). You can also visit Fengdu, the legendary 'ghost town' (optional, to be paid on the spot), where you can explore the fascinating temples on Mingshan Mountain. Later, take in the serene rural landscapes of southern China as you cruise and enjoy a buffet lunch on board. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner hosted by the captain, followed by a special performance prepared by the ship's staff.
Overnight on board.
Day 11: YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE
After breakfast, you’ll have the option to visit the legendary 'White Emperor City' (optional, to be paid on the spot), where you can delve into the rich history of China's Sanguo period (Three Kingdoms era). Around noon, your boat will pass through the majestic Qutang Gorge, the first of the renowned Three Gorges. This journey continues with a breathtaking view of the mythical Wu Gorge, celebrated for its dramatic mountains and verdant hills. After a buffet lunch on board, disembark for an excursion along the banks of the Shennong River in a traditional wooden boat. This picturesque tributary of the Yangtze serves as a vital route for the region's farming communities. Later in the afternoon, return to the ship as it navigates through the third and final gorge, Xiling. End your day with a buffet dinner on board.
Overnight on board.
Day 12: YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE – YICHANG – SHANGHAI (8 hrs by train, included)
After breakfast on board, disembark for a visit to the impressive Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydraulic dam in the world. Then transfer to the Yichang Tourist Centre, where your Yichang guide will meet you and arrange lunch at a restaurant before boarding a high-speed train to Shanghai. Dinner will be at your own expense during the journey (we recommend purchasing your meal before boarding). Arrive in Shanghai in the evening and transfer to your hotel for the night.
Overnight in Shanghai.
Day 13: SHANGHAI
Breakfast at your hotel. Visit the Yu Garden, a treasure of artistic refinement, followed by a walk through the old city. After lunch visit a silk workshop. In the afternoon, enjoy an in-depth visit to the Bund and a walk through the former French Concession.
Overnight in Shanghai.
Day 14: SHANGHAI DEPARTURE
Breakfast at your hotel. Free time depending on your flight schedule. Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport for your return flight.
Comfortable and light clothing is best suited to travel in the warm months and warm clothing in the colder months in China. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or sparse clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses and a hat can be very useful during your stay.
