Beijing-Xian-Chongqing-Yangtze River-Shanghai Tour

Welcome to Beijing! Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel.

After breakfast, begin your journey exploring Beijing's rich history. First, visit Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square, where Chairman Mao declared the founding of the People's Republic of China. Then enter the Forbidden City, the imperial center of China with nearly 10,000 rooms that served as the residence for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Admire the exquisite details from the golden yellow glazed tile roofs to the intricately carved white marble bases. After lunch, drive to the Summer Palace, the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China. Here you'll see various ancient pavilions, magnificent palaces, tranquil temples, and elegant bridges. The Long Corridor along the peaceful shores of Kunming Lake is adorned with thousands of vivid paintings telling fascinating historical and mythological stories.

Visit the Summer Palace - the largest and most famous royal summer resort garden from the Ming and Qing dynasties, showcasing China's exquisite craftsmanship and architectural excellence throughout history. After lunch, proceed to Xian and transfer to your hotel upon arrival.

Today you will visit the Terracotta Warriors Museum, hailed as the "Eighth Wonder of the World" and one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Witness these unearthed terracotta soldiers firsthand. After returning to the city, you'll have free time to leisurely stroll through the alleys of the Muslim Quarter - with its antique shops, bustling markets, and elderly men in white caps and beards sipping tea in small teahouses.

In the morning, visit the Shaanxi History Museum to understand Xian's history and discover why it became the "Cradle of Chinese Culture." Then visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, built by the eminent monk Xuanzang in 652 AD, holding an important position in Chinese Buddhist history. After the tour, proceed to Chongqing and transfer to your hotel upon arrival.

After breakfast, watch the Liziba Light Rail passing through a residential building - see the train pass through the middle floors. Then visit Shibati and Shancheng Lane, experiencing the most authentic local street life. In the afternoon, visit Liberation Monument, Chongqing's core landmark with upscale shopping malls and diverse snacks. Finally, visit Hongyadong, the iconic stilted buildings built against the mountain, creating a spectacular night view over the two rivers - a must-see landmark showcasing Chongqing's unique mountain city character. After the tour, proceed to Chaotianmen Pier to board your Yangtze River cruise. You will board the cruise between 18:00-20:00, and this unforgettable journey will begin around 21:00!

Enjoy the beautiful Yangtze River in the morning. On board, you can participate in various activities: practice Tai Chi on the deck, enjoy a relaxing morning coffee, listen to lectures about Yangtze River history and culture, or attend the captain's welcome party and evening entertainment. Follow your local guide for a shore excursion to Fengdu County, an important part of the Three Gorges Reservoir area with unique natural and cultural landscapes including Fengdu Ghost City, Shuangguishan, Xueyu Cave, Yuhuang Scenic Area, and Xiaoguanshan Folk Houses. Among all these attractions, Fengdu Ghost City is the most famous and fascinating, filled with mysterious stories about the underworld, cruel torture methods, and various demons and ghosts. Optional: After leaving Fengdu, your cruise will arrive at Zhongxian in the evening where a spectacular live performance of "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" will be staged.

Today, you will sail through the most famous section of the Yangtze River - the Three Gorges! While relaxing on the sun deck, you can admire the breathtaking canyon scenery as the ship navigates through Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge. When the ship approaches the exit of the Three Gorges, especially near Kuimen, you'll hear the wind howling and see rolling hills extending to the horizon. Today's shore excursions are mainly arranged along the Three Gorges at Fengjie, Wuxi, or Badong. Premium cruise companies typically dock at Fengjie in the morning and provide shore excursions to Baidi City (additional fee). This famous ancient "Poetry City" is mentioned in approximately 1,400 Chinese ancient poems. In the afternoon, the cruise will dock at Wu Gorge where you'll take smaller boats along beautiful streams flowing through narrow gorges for shore excursions. Shennong Stream, Shennv Stream, and Little Three Gorges are popular choices. Tonight, join the captain's farewell party and enjoy spectacular dance performances.

After breakfast, you will check out and disembark at Maoping Port. The most worthwhile activity today is visiting the Three Gorges Dam in the morning. The Three Gorges Dam is the world's largest hydroelectric power project, located in Xiling Gorge near Yichang. You can admire this massive dam from different angles, learn about the background history of the Three Gorges Dam construction project, and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery around. Optionally, you can experience the world's largest and most advanced Three Gorges Dam ship lift (40 minutes). After visiting the dam (around noon), you will take a bus arranged by the cruise company to Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal, where our local guide will meet you, then transfer to high-speed train to Shanghai - China's most prosperous metropolis (approximately 6-7 hours journey), and transfer to your hotel upon arrival.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel. First, visit the Jade Buddha Temple - home to the world's largest jade Buddha statue, along with many religious artifacts, ancient statues, and Buddhist scriptures. This tranquil Buddhist sanctuary hidden among modern skyscrapers and luxury mansions is a perfect place to rest and relax in this busy city. Next, visit Tianzifang, a tourist craft area transformed from a traditional residential area, showcasing typical Shikumen architecture. In this vibrant place, you can leisurely stroll along tidy ancient alleys, observe the daily life of local Shanghainese, enjoy a drink at an outdoor café, and discover interesting things in unique shops, experiencing the perfect fusion of international elements and authentic Shanghai culture. In the afternoon, your guide will escort you to the airport for your departure flight.