14 Days Classic China & Yangtze River (GMY14)

We arrive in Beijing, the capital city of China. Beijing Capital International Airport has rapidly ascended in rankings of the world’s busiest airports in the past decade. Greet our local tour guide in the arrivals hall and transfer to our luxury accommodations. Enjoy the rest of your day in Beijing and get ready for tomorrow’s tour.

This morning, you will sight-see Tiananmen Square, which is noted as the largest public square in the world and then the Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming dynasty to the end of the Qing dynasty. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of the Chinese government. Later stop at a Pearl Factory to gain a little knowledge of fresh pearls. In the evening, you will enjoy an authentic Peking Duck Banquet. Optional: Hutong tour with rickshaw & lunch at a local family ($39/person)

Today you will visit The Great Wall! Visiting the Great Wall is a delightful must for visitors to China. The Great Wall is one of the seven greatest man-made wonders of the world and is definitely the focal point of China. You will walk along one of the three greatest mountain passes – Juyongguan Pass. After that, you will have lunch where you can take some rest. Afterward, you will visit the Jade Museum to learn the history of Jade. In Chinese, jade is pronounced as ‘Yu’, and it has a history in China of at least four thousand years. Later visit the Traditional Chinese Medicine Center. In the evening, you can choose an optional tour. Optional: The Golden Mask Dynasty Show (Family-friendly with spectacular costumes and ballet dancing with acrobats thrown in) ($49/person)

Today after breakfast, you will fly to Xi’an. Xi’an, the former capital of China, enjoys a rich history of 5000 years. Visit Small Wild Goose Pagoda, which is located inside the Jianfu Temple in southern Xi’an city and one of the famous landmark of Xian. You may choose the optional tours shown below (dinner included). Optional: Dumpling Banquet & Tang Dynasty Stage Show (Family-friendly show with specially cooked dumpling and traditional food) ($59 per person)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport fly to Guilin, set in the heart of a magnificent landscape, an inspiration to Chinese artists and poets for centuries. After arrival will transfer you to the hotel. You will have some free time.

A leisurely four-hour Cruise down the Lijiang River from Guilin to Yangshuo begins the day. Enjoy the picturesque landscape, surrounded by the hills and bamboo that have inspired many artists over the centuries. This afternoon, explore on your own by either renting a bike or taking a walk around Yangshuo’s West Street, a 1,400-year-old street paved with marble. Later, drive back to Guilin, and stop at the Saltwater Pearl Center to learn about pearls.

Today you will take a bullet train to Chongqing. Upon arrival, board your cruise ship for an unforgettable cruise along the Yangtze River. (Note: Due to water level condition, boarding port of the cruise may be changed to Fengdu)

After breakfast, free to attending various cultural programs provided on the ship or take an optional land excursion to Fengdu, the Chinese Ghost City. This afternoon, a shore excursion to Zhongxian will be arranged. Here you will visit Shibaozhai with its impressive wooden pagoda, appropriately named “The Pearl of the Yangtze”. This evening, the Captain Welcome Party will be held for you to enjoy.

Sail through Qutang Gorge, the shortest (5 miles), narrowest (500 feet) and most dramatic one among the Three Gorges. Next is Wu Gorge, 25 miles long and well known for its 12 forest-covered peaks, quiet beauty, and ever-changing scenery. After lunch, experience a new adventure by transferring to a small riverboat and cruising up the Shennong Stream tributary.

Disembark the cruise to see the massive Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric project. Then you’ll take a bullet train to Shanghai, a renowned international metropolis drawing more and more attention. (Note: Due to water level condition, the disembarking port of the cruise may be changed to Sanduoping

Today you’ll visit the Shanghai Museum with more than 120,000 art objects. Then sightsee the Bund and the silk factory. Shanghai is divided by the Huang Pu River into eastern and western sections. Modern mega high rises are seen on the eastern side while traditional European style architecture may be seen on the western side. The Bund is a five-block riverfront promenade with many of Shanghai’s banks and trading houses. Optional: Shanghai Lujiazui FTDZ & Huang Pu River Cruise ($45/person)

Today you’ll board a flight to return home. Your amazing China trip ends.