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China Cultural Heritage Tour with Yangtze Cruise


Beijing

Beijing

Xian

Xi’an

chongqing

Chongqing

Suzhou

Suzhou

Shanghai

Shanghai

About This Trip

China, a nation with a 5,000-year-long history, boasts a vast territory, a rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking natural wonders. Embark on a captivating 13-day journey that takes you through the heart of China’s “Golden Triangle” of tourism – Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai. Explore renowned world cultural heritage sites such as the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall, Summer Palace, Terracotta Warriors, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Humble Administrator’s Garden, immersing yourself in the depths of history, unraveling dynastic legends, and admiring the exquisite essence of oriental aesthetics. This extraordinary tour itinerary also includes a visit to the world-famous Three Gorges, offering you a mesmerizing glimpse into the splendor of the Yangtze River and the awe-inspiring natural marvels of the Three Gorges. The highlight of your trip undoubtedly lies in the luxurious 4-day Yangtze River cruise, where you can unwind and soak in the serene beauty of the river’s shores. Tasting the local gastronomy is a must experience in China. We specially select 4 local special meals for you to appreciate Chinese cuisine and its culture. If you harbor a passion for Chinese culture, cuisine, and river cruises, this tour is tailored to be your ultimate dream vacation.

Highlights

  • The well-preserved and spectacular Forbidden City
  • Relaxing tour on Mutianyu Great Wall
  • The fantastic Acrobatic Show in Red Theater
  • The bullet train (the fastest train in China) ride from Beijing to Xi’an
  • The world famous and amazing Terracotta Warriors Army in Xi’an
  • Amazing experience on Yangtze Cruise
  • Classic private garden in Suzhou
  • The bird view of Shanghai downtown from the 118F of Shanghai Tower
  • 4 hand-picked local special meals during the trip

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Tour Itinerary

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Meals included: Null

Hotel: Decent 4-star or 5-star hotel in Beijing (centrally located)

Upon arrival, our guide will welcome you at the Arrival Hall of Beijing International Airport and transfer to your hotel in heart of the city. Your exploring trip in China starts from today.For the rest of the day, free and easy on your own to explore the capital city.


Meals included: Buffet breakfast, Chinese Lunch, Special Dinner at Red Chamber

Hotel: Decent 4-star or 5-star hotel in Beijing (centrally located)

After enjoying the breakfast, you will walk on Tian’anmen Square, the biggest city square in the world. Covering 440,000 square meters, it has witnessed many important historic events taking place here. Then discover the Forbidden City(closed on Monday), one of the five most famous palaces in the world where the 24 emperors of Ming and Qing dynasties lived and ruled for over 500 years.

Lunch will be served with local Chinese meal.

This afternoon, continue to visit the famous Temple of Heaven, the landmark of Beijing, which was established to pray good harvest and hold the heaven worshiping ceremony by the emperors in Ming and Qing dynasty. After that, you will take a leisurely rickshaw tour in Beijing Hutong and get to know the local people’s lifestyle and the traditional courtyards.

Tonight, we will arrange you with the welcome dinner at the famous Restaurant-the Red Chamber at China World Summit Wing, Beijing which is known for the modern Chinese cuisine, integrating Cantonese cuisine, Huaiyang cuisine, Sichuan cuisine and Beijing cuisine.


Night Show: Acrobatic Show at Red Theatre

Meals included: Buffet breakfast, Chinese Lunch

Hotel: Decent 4-star or 5-star hotel in Beijing (centrally located)

This morning, you will be transferred to visit the world famous Great Wall (Mutianyu Section) which is listed among the 8 wonders in the world as well as the World Cultural Heritage. The Great Wall is one of the most important military defense facilities in ancient China, which is used to limit the movement of enemy cavalry, protect national security and the stability of people’s production and life.The section is the highlight of the Great Wall. You will take a leisurely cable car (round way) up and down the Great Wall, and explore the incredible great building of human being.

Lunch is arranged with the local Chinese meal.

After Lunch, drive back to the downtown. On the way, you will take a look at the “Bird Nest” and “Water Cube”which are the representative buildings of Olympic Games Beijing 2008 on the bus.

Late this afternoon, we will arrange you with the fantastic and interesting Acrobatic Show at the famous Red Theatre. Acrobatic is considered to be the quintessence of Chinese culture with over 2,000 years.

After the show, drive back to your hotel.


Meals included: Buffet breakfast

Hotel: Decent 4-star or 5-star hotel in Xi’an (centrally located)

Today, continue to visit the largest and best preserved imperial garden, The Summer Palace, which was built in late Qing Dynasty as the summer resort for the Empress Dowager Cixi. It’s built according to the famous West Lake and designed with the technique of private gardens in South of Yangtze River.

After the tour, you will take a bullet train, head to the west of China and reach the ancient legendary city, Xi’an. It is renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage. Home to the Terracotta Warriors, it attracts millions of tourists worldwide. Its ancient city walls, temples, and palaces offer a glimpse into the past, while modern buildings and lively streets showcase its vibrant present.

Upon arrival, you local guide will pick you up and drive you to your hotel. You will stay in Xi’an for 2 nights.


Meals included: Buffet breakfast, Chinese Lunch

Hotel: Decent 4-star or 5-star hotel in Xi’an (centrally located)

After breakfast, start your full day tour in the ancient city. Firstly visit the well-known Terracotta Warriors and Horses. The Terracotta Army was created to guard Emperor Qin Shihuang’s tomb and to protect him in the afterlife. It is estimated that there are over 7,000 life-size Terra-cottar figures and horses buried here.

Lunch will be served with local Chinese meal.

This afternoon visit the landmark of the city-Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Built in the Tang Dynasty, the square pyramid stands at 60 meters high and seven-story tall. It was built to restore the Buddhist scriptures brought by the famous Monk Xuanzang. The story had been rewritten to a famous classic novel, <The Journey to West > . After that, visit the Grand Mosque. It is a time-honored and large-scale architecture complex, which shows the interpenetration between Islamic belief and Chinese culture. Finally, stroll around the famous Muslim Quarters where you can taste the local delicious snacks.


Special activity: Cycling on Ancient City Wall.

Meals: Buffet breakfast, Dumpling Banquet at De Fa Chang Restaurant (Lunch)

Hotel: Decent 4-star or 5-star hotel in Xi’an (centrally located)

Today, continue on to explore the city’s highlights. The first stop is Xi’an Museum. It boasts a rich cultural heritage spanning over 13 dynasties. With an area of 245 hectares, it houses numerous relics that tell the vivid story of Xi’an’s splendid history. Opened in May 2007, the museum integrates ancient architecture with modern amenities, offering a unique glimpse into China’s ancient civilization. Then visit the Ancient City Wall, which was built in Ming Dynasty with a history over 600 years and might be the largest and best-preserved city wall in China. You will take a interesting cycling tour on the massive city wall. After that, visit the Square of Bell and Drum Tower where you can see the well-preserved ancient Bell and Drum Tower of Ming Dynasty (Outside visiting only). Continue on to visit the Former Residence of Family Gao. It is famous for its well-preserved typical historical residence with courtyard. You will also enjoy a traditional puppet show here.

Lunch will be served the famous Dumpling Banquet at De Fa Chang Restaurant which was established in 1,936. It’s one of the most famous dumpling restaurants in Xi’an.


Meals: Buffet breakfast, Hotpot Dinner

Accommodation: Century Glory ***** (or similar class)

This morning, you will take the bulletin train from Xi’an to Chongqing where you will board on the ship down the mighty Yangtze River. Once there, you will be picked up at the railway station and transferred to visit highlights of the “Mountain City”.  

You will visit the famous Huguang guild hall of Chongqing, built in 1,759 A.D.(Qing Dynasty), which is considered to be the largest ancient guild groups in China. It features the exquisite wooden carvings with traditional legends/stories. It also witnessed the prosperity of Chongqing as the commercial center on Yangtze River in the past.

This, you will be transferred to Chao Tianmen Harbor and board on Yangtze Cruise, 5 stars luxury Century Cruises downstream the Yangtze River and see the amazing Three Gorges including Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge. It is located in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River in China. The Three Gorges region boasts breathtaking scenery, earning it the reputation of the “Golden Waterway,” attracting countless tourists. Additionally, it serves as an essential energy supply base for China, making significant contributions to the country’s energy security. The Three Gorges Project includes a dam, ship locks, and power stations, with a total installed capacity of 22.5 million kilowatts, making it a significant symbol of China’s modernization efforts.

Schedule of the Cruise (For reference only. Please refer to the exact itinerary from the ship when you on board.)

16:30-20:00: Board the cruise in Chongqing. (Include the luggage handling service.)

18:30-20:00: Embarkation buffet dinner (Free flow House wine, local beer, variety of soft drinks are included)

20:30-21:00: Embarkation & Safety briefing

Approx. 21:30: Captain’s Welcome Reception (Smart Casual is Required)

22:00: Cruise anchor aweigh from Chongqing


Meals included: Buffet breakfast, Buffet Lunch, Buffet Dinner

Accommodation: On the cruise

06:30-07:00 Morning coffee,tea and pastries

06:30-07:00 Tai Chi morning exercise

07:00-08:30 Buffet Breakfast

08:30-11:00 Shore Excursion— Fengdu Ghost City

12:00-13:30 Buffet Lunch

14:00-16:00 Cultural activities on board

17:00-18:00 Buffet Dinner

18:00-21:30 Optional Show — War Fire of the Three Kingdoms Show (CNY290/pp/tour. Sign up & pay when on board.)

20:00-21:30 Children’s care service with designed onboard activities

22:00-23:00 Midnight snacks time


Meals included: Buffet breakfast, Chinese Lunch, Chinese Dinner

Accommodation: On the cruise

06:30-07:00 Morning coffee, tea and pastries

06:30-07:00 Tai Chi morning exercise

07:00-08:30 Buffet Breakfast

08:00-10:30 Optional Tour — Shore excursion to White Emperor City (CNY290/pp/tour) or take part in the onboard activities

Approx. 11:00 Cruising through the spectacular Qutang Gorge

12:00-13:30 Buffet Lunch

Approx. 13:30 Cruising through the magnificent Wu Gorge

14:00-16:30 Shore Excursion — Shennv Stream

19:00-20:30 Buffet Dinner

20:30-22:00 Crew Cabaret/Talent Show

20:00-21:30 Children’s care service with designed onboard activities

22:00-23:00 Midnight snacks time


Meals included: Buffet breakfast

Hotel: Decent 4-star or 5-star hotel in Shanghai (close to the Bund)

06:30-08:00 Buffet Breakfast

08:00-11:00 Disembark at Maoping pier of Yichang. Join in the Shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam Project Site ( River Closure Memorial Park & the Three Gorges Dam Project Museum) (Include the luggage handling service).

Approx. 12:30 Complete the trip at downtown of Yichang for your onward Journey.

After that, be picked up and transferred to Yichang Airport for the departure flight to the financial center of China, Shanghai. Once there, local guide will greet you at the airport and sent you to your hotel in the downtown. Easy and free for the rest of the day. It’s highly recommended to stroll around on the Bund by yourself and enjoy the stunning night view.


Meals included: Buffet breakfast, Special Lunch at LULU Restaurant

Hotel: Decent 4-star or 5-star in Shanghai (close to the Bund)

After breakfast, start your full day tour to explore the metropolis. Firstly visit the famous Shanghai Museum(closed on Monday), one of the TOP 3 museums in China, which features the large collection of bronze articles and rich collections. It’s a good place to learn the history and culture of China.

Lunch will be served with the authentic Shanghai cuisine at the famous LULU Restaurant which was opened since 1985.It is highly recommended by the local Shanghaiese.

This afternoon, visit the famous Yu Garden which is the most famous private garden in Shanghai built in 1559 A.D. It is reputed as the “Stunning Pearl” of Shanghai. Stroll around the close-by bustling Yuyuan Bazaar where you can do some shopping with the little gifts.You will also taste the delicious street food-Long Xiang Baozi (steamed stuffed-bun). After that, stroll around the famous Tianzifang, a very popular site for tourists in Shanghai, which was renovated from the local Stone-Arched House into the trendy boutiques stores, bars, restaurants as well as art studios. Dinner will be on your own expense.


Meals included: Buffet breakfast, Chinese Lunch

Hotel: Decent 4-star or 5-star hotel in Shanghai (close to the Bund)

Today, continue you trip from Shanghai to the famous water city Suzhou. Firstly, you will tour Humble Administrator’s Garden and Suzhou Museum.Humble Administrator’s Garden is the largest garden of the Suzhou Classic Gardens.It is full of Chinese traditional culture styles. Suzhou Museum is also very famous with exquisite designs, the museum environment forms harmoniously with nature, a breathtaking retreat.

After touring Suzhou, we head over to Tongli Water Town,  often trumpeted as Venice of the Orient.

Its features fro the well-preserved bridges, old streets, civil residences, and gardens etc. Tongli is over 1000 years old and is one of the six famous ancient towns south of the Yangtze River. After the tour, drive back to Shanghai.


Meals included: Buffet breakfast 

This morning drive around Lujiazui Financial Zone which is considered to the “Wall Street of China” as many international banks and financial organizations gathered here.Then visit the New landmark of Shanghai, Shanghai Tower. With the total height of 632m, it is ranked NO.1 tallest building in China. You will take a high speed elevator up the 118 F Observation Hall where you can get a great bird view of the metropolis.

After the tour, transfer to the airport for homeward flight(we suggest you book the homeward flight with departure time after 4:00pm). End your memorable trip in China.



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