10 Days Beijing-Xian-Chongqing-Yangtze River Cruise-Yichang--Shanghai Tour

Day 1

Beijing Arrival

Transfer via: Flight on your own arrangement

Upon your arrival in Beijing, you will be greeted by our local guide and then transferred to your hotel by a private air-conditioned car. For the rest of the day you will enjoy some leisure time.

Day 2

Beijing (B, L)

Sightseeing: Badaling Great Wall, Ming Tombs, Sacred Way, Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest/Olympic Stadium), National Swimming Centre(the 'Water Cube').

After experiencing the royal lifestyle, today we will be transferred to the surrounding countryside of Beijing and visit the Badaling Great Wall, the pride of China and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Whereas Genghis Khan contemplated it as a military obstacle, Richard Nixon described it as one of humankind's greatest achievements. You will be able to climb and walk one of the best preserved sections of the 2,000 years old ancient wall, admiring the splendid mountain views. Bring a jacket and layer- although it is breezy, the climbing is tough. So be in a good shape!

In the afternoon we will visit the legendary Ming Tombs, which are situated at the foot of Heavenly Longevity Mountain, Changping, northwest of Beijing. Since there are 13 Ming emperors buried there, this place was called the 13 Ming Tombs. You will walk along the Sacred Way, a road guarded by stone statues on both sides, as the ancient emperors did to hold a memorial ceremony for their ancestors. Finally, you will encounter the marble tombs of the Ming Dynasty emperors and visit one of the spectacular tombs, indeed an underground palace.

On the way back to hotel, you will be driven to visit the main 2008 Beijing Olympic venues, take an exterior visit of both the Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest/Olympic Stadium), National Swimming Centre(the 'Water Cube'), feel free to take some photos of the stadiums.

Day 3

Beijing / Xi'an (B)

Transfer via: High speed train on our arrangement

Free day in Beijing. On your own arrangement to get to railway station to take high speed train to Xi'an.

Day 4

Xi'an (B, L)

Sightseeing: Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses, Bell Tower, Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Arrive in Xi'an in the morning. Be met and transferred to your hotel with time for breakfast and a chance to freshen up before starting a full day tour.

You will visit the amazing 2000-year-old Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses. Regarded as the 8th Wonder of the World, the Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses are the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century. Over 2,200 years ago, the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, ordered the construction of a vast army of Terra-cotta warriors in search of immortality. After his early death they were buried with him to protect his empire. More than 7000 vivid figures in full battle array are formed for battle in several large pits.

Then we will go on to visit the Banpo Museum. Banpo Neolithic Village Museum remains of this village, located just east of Xian and inhabited from about 4500 B.C. to 3750 B.C., were discovered in 1953.Inside the museum, there are the hall for the ruins, the hall for cultural relics, and the clay cave ruins. The Banpo Lady Statue o­n the rock in the garden pond bears a physical resemblance to the early Banpo people.

Afterwards you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Day 5

Xi'an / Chongqing / Yangtze River Cruise (B)

Transfer via: Flight on our arrangement

After breakfast a free morning before making your own way to airport to take flight to Chongqing on the banks of the Yangtze River. Upon arrival in Chongqing, you will be met and transferred directly to the dock by a private air-conditioned car to pre-board the ship. Then your guide will leave the boat and your cruise will start at about 10pm.

Day 6

Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)

Sightseeing: Fengdu Ghost City, Wanxian, or Shibaozhai

(8:00-10:00) Shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City, Wanxian, or Shibaozhai (depending on river conditions). Then return to the ship and sail towards the magnificent Three Gorges.

Fengdu, with fantastic temples of underworld demons and gods, is constructed on the Mingshan Hill by the river band. It is known as the "Ghost City" and is a place for punishing the devil and awarding the good.

Wanxian: One of the most important and largest ports on the Yangtze. It is widely known for its variety and hustling markets. Fifty percent of the city will be resettled after the Three Gorges Dam Project is completed.

Shibaozhai represents the first gem of Chinese architecture to be encountered on the downstream journey. From afar, the protruding 220-metre (720-foot) hill on the north bank can appear to resemble a jade seal, and is so named.

Day 7

Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)

Sightseeing: Shennong Stream

(08:00-13:00) Passing through Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge.
(13:00-16:30) Boat excursion to Shennong Stream.
(17:30) Passing through Xiling Gorge.

Shennong Stream is another tributary of the Yangtze River, and its fast-flowing, clear water runs southwards through deep gorges. The stream races past large and small karst caves, flocks of swallows, sheer cliffs, deep gorges, waterfalls, three-colored springs, rapids, the ancient plank path, a suspended coffin in the cliff, groups of ancient tombs and marvelous Karst formations.

Day 8

Yangtze River Cruise / Yichang / Shanghai (B)

Transfer via: Flight on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Three Gorges Dam

(08:00-10:00) Shore excursion to The Three Gorges Dam Site.
(13:00) Disembark at Yichang

Three Gorges Dam is the largest water conservancy project undertaken by man. Formally, the construction of the dam began in 1994. The body of the dam was completed in 2003, and the whole construction will be completed in 2009. It will be 2,335 meters long, 185 meters high, 18 meters wide on the top and 130 meters wide at the bottom. Tourists can get access to the top of the dam.

After you disembarked from the ship, you will be met and transferred to the airport to take your flight to Shanghai. Our local guide will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel.

Day 9

Shanghai (B, L)

Sightseeing: Yuyuan Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, Oriental Pearl Tower

After breakfast, we will take a relaxing walk to the lovely Yuyuan Garden, a beautiful garden in the south of the Yangtze River. Wandering through it, you will find pavilions, corridors, streams, courtyards as well as many other natural features.

Continue, with a visit of Jade Buddha Temple. The old-time and classical architectural style makes the temple unique and inimitable in this modern city. Both, the Sitting Buddha and the Recumbent Buddha are carved with whole white jade. If you're lucky, you can watch the monks serving a ceremony in a side room.

Then we will head to the Oriental Pearl Tower, the highest TV Tower in Asia, which creates a picture of 'twin dragons playing with pearls'. The entire scene is a photographic jewel that excites the imagination and attracts thousands of visitors all year-round.

Our last stop today will be Shanghai Museum, which is the biggest museum of China. It incorporates a collection of over 120,000 pieces of Chinese art & cultural relics and is especially famous for its treasures of bronzes, ceramics, paintings and calligraphy.

Day 10

Shanghai Departure (B)

Transfer via: Flight on your own arrangement

Your time is your own, until our guide escorts you to the airport for your flight departure.