10 Days Yangtze River Experience with Xi'an and Beijing

Destination:Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Xi'an, Yichang

Tour Code: YCT01

Tour Duration: 10 Days

Tour overview:
Truly one of the most breathtaking places on Earth, a Yangtze River Cruise is one you will never forget. This China tour features China’s natural and man-made beauty. You will begin in Hong Kong, one of the most beautiful cities on Earth. You will then travel to Chongqing, famous for its spicy cuisine. There you will board your cruise ship for your Yangtze River Cruise. You will disembark in Yichang, and make your way to Xian, home to the Terracotta Warriors. You will then visit Beijing, China’s capital for more than 500 years.

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Day by Day Itinerary

Tour Summary

Reviews

B=Breakfast,L=Lunch,D=Dinner

Day 1

Hong Kong Arrival to Chongqing

Transfer via: Flight to Hong Kong on your own arrangement
                Flight to Chongqing arranged by us

Upon your arrival in Hong Kong you will take your connection flight to Chongqing. There, you will be greeted by our local guide and then transferred 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 2

Yangtze Cruise (B, L, D)

Transport via: Yangtze Cruise ship arranged by us
Sightseeing: Fengdu Ghost City or Wanxian

8:00-10:00: You will have a shore excursion to either Fengdu Ghost City, Wanxian, or Shibaozhai (depending on river conditions) .Then you will 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 is 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.    

Day 3

Yangtze 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 karts’ formations. 

Day 4

Yangtze Cruise to Yichang to Xi'an (B, L)

Yangtze Cruise to Yichang to Xi'an (B, L)

Transfer via: Flight arranged by us    
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 was completed in 2009. It is 2,309 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 Xi'an. Our local guide will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel.

Day 5

Xi'an (B, L)

Xi'an (B, L)

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

Today you will experience the highlights of Xi'an. After breakfast, you will depart you're your hotel. 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.

Another highlight today is the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Situated in the south of Xian city, it is one of the main constructions in the famous Buddhist temple-Da-Ci-En Temple. There, the well-known Buddhist Master Xuanzang (Monk Tripitaka) stored his collection of classic Buddhist artifacts brought from India in Tang Dynasty. Now it is the Landmark of Xian.

Then we will go on to visit the Bell Tower, which is the best-preserved and best-known one among many. The Bell Tower was built in 1384. In early mornings of ancient times it had the mission of ringing the bell and giving the correct time to the whole city, hence called "The Bell Tower". With magnificent carved beams and painted rafters, this classical building is truly elegant.

Day 6

Xi'an to Beijing (B, L)

Xi'an to Beijing (B, L)

Transfer via: Flight on our arrangement     
Sightseeing: Ancient City Wall, Shaanxi History Museum

In the morning we will visit Ancient City Wall. You will experience a half-hour's hike along the Ancient City Wall. It is the largest and best preserved present city wall in ancient China and is probably the best military battlement in the world. If you want to, you can rent a bicycle for a ride on top of the spectacular city wall. The wall was built in the Tang dynasty (618 -907) and enlarged in the Ming dynasty (1368-1644).

Then we will move on to visit the Shaanxi History Museum. It is a magnificent architectural complex in the Tang Dynasty style. The Museum possesses a treasure of 113,000 historic and cultural artifacts unearthed in Shaanxi, and it covers an area of 1,100 square meters for exhibition.

Later you will be transferred to the airport to take the flight to Beijing. There, you will be met by our local guide and transferred to your Hotel.

Day 7

Beijing (B, L)

Beijing (B, L)

Sightseeing: Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City

This morning our tour will begin with a visit of the Temple of Heaven, which was completed in 1420, and expanded over the years by two Qing Dynasty Emperors. It was the place where the Emperor came every winter solstice to worship heaven and to solemnly pray for a good harvest. With the three blue-tiled cone-shaped roofs, a unique wooden and blue-tiled structure built without a nail, it has become a worldwide symbol of Beijing. In the park nearby you will see people practicing Tai Chi or singing relaxingly.

After lunch, we will go on our city tour to visit Tiananmen Square, the symbolical heart of China and gathering place for the masses. It is the biggest public square in the world, which can hold one million people.

From here we will walk across the Golden River Bridge to visit the Forbidden City and experience the ancient Emperor's daily life. For 5 centuries Chinese emperors carried out their administration here. With almost 10,000 rooms, it was the centre of the Ming and Qing dynasties, a massive complex of palaces, pavilions, courtyards and gardens where 24 emperors used to live. Forbidden City was the largest palace in the world, and in the past it was indeed a forbidden place for commoners. Your tour here will include private access to the Emperor's palace.

Day 8

Beijing (B, L)

Beijing (B, L)

Sightseeing: Badaling Great Wall, Ming Tombs, Sacred Way

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) and the National Swimming Centre('The Water Cube') ,feel free to take some photos of the stadiums.

Day 9

Beijing (B, L)

Beijing (B, L)

Sightseeing: Hutongs, Summer Palace, Xiushui Street

We will experience a unique Hutong tour by taking a rickshaw this morning. Hutongs are a kind of ancient city alley or lane and are very typical for Beijing. Most of them can be found close to the Forbidden City, and many were built during the three dynasties of Yuan, Ming and Qing. Today, the Hutong is a living museum of Beijing history showing the traditional lifestyle of Beijing people.

After having lunch at a local restaurant, you can spend the whole afternoon to visit the famous royal garden-Summer Palace. In 1888, the notorious Empress Cixi used the money intended for the Chinese Navy to build this opulent summer retreat for herself. We will have a lakeside cruise on the lovely Kunming Lake and enjoy the magical views of the temples, pavilions and covered corridors around.

Then we will visit the Xiushui Street, which is a market located nearby the embassy area where you can find a number of duplicates of clothing in traditional Chinese style. Here you will mingle with Beijing people, overseas and local art dealers as well as farmers who import goods from the countryside. Therefore you may find some interesting things and enjoy your bargaining with shopkeepers.

Day 10

Beijing Departure (B)

Transfer via: Flight on your own arrangement

Today will be free for your own purposes, until our guide will escort you to the airport for your next destination.

B=Breakfast,L=Lunch,D=Dinner

Tour Dates Destinations Services Provided Meals Included
Day 1
Hong Kong/Chongqing

Arrive in Hong Kong, please connect the flight to Chongqing. Arrive in Chongqing, be met and transferred to the dock, pre-board the ship.
The ship departs Chongqing at 22:00.

B L D
Day 2
YangtzeCruise

Shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City (8:00-10:00am).

B L D
Day 3
YangtzeCruise

Shore excursion to Shennong Stream (1:30-5:30pm).

B L D
Day 4
YangtzeCruise/Yichang/Xi'an

Shore excursion to The Three Gorges Dam Site, arrive in Yichang at 1:00PM, be met and transferred to airport for flight to Xian.
Arrive in Xian, be met and transferred to hotel.

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Hotel Sofitel Xian on Renmin Square Mercure on Renmin Square Xian Ibis Xian
B L D
Day 5
Xi'an

Full day visit The Terracotta Army and Horses Big Wild Goose Pagoda Bell Tower .

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Hotel Sofitel Xian on Renmin Square Mercure on Renmin Square Xian Ibis Xian
B L D
Day 6
Xi'an/Beijing

In the morning, visit Ancient City Wall Shaanxi Provincial Museum , then be transferred to airport for flight to Beijing.
Arrive in Beijing, be met and transferred to hotel.

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Crowne Plaza Hotel Beijing Wangfujing Sunworld Hotel Beijing Redwall Hotel
B L D
Day 7
Beijing

Full day visit Tiananmen Square Forbidden City The Temple of Heaven

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Crowne Plaza Hotel Beijing Wangfujing Sunworld Hotel Beijing Redwall Hotel
B L D
Day 8
Beijing

Full day visit Badaling Great Wall Ming Tombs The Sacred Way . 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 National Swimming Centre('The Water Cube') Beijing Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest/Olympic Stadium) , feel free to take some photos of the stadiums.

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Crowne Plaza Hotel Beijing Wangfujing Sunworld Hotel Beijing Redwall Hotel
B L D
Day 9
Beijing

Full day visit Summer Palace Hutong Tours in Rickshaw , and Xiushui Street .

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Crowne Plaza Hotel Beijing Wangfujing Sunworld Hotel Beijing Redwall Hotel
B L D
Day 10
Beijing

Free at leisure till be transferred to airport for your flight departure.

B L D

Price

Season Tour Class Group Size Single Room
Supplement
1pax 2-5pax 6-9pax
Peak Season 3*(Tourist Class) $2740 $2230 $2090 $238
4*(Deluxe Class) $2994 $2357 $2217 $365
5*(First Class) $3304 $2512 $2372 $520

-NOTE:

1. Normally hotels allow a maximum of 3 adults per room with an extra bed, at extra charge. Some hotels will allow three adults and a small child.

2. Tour price is indicative only, please enquire for a detailed quotation.

3. More people more discounts. Please enquire for more details.

Price Includes

A. Entrance fees:To scenic spots as listed above in the itinerary.
B. Meals: All meals as specified in the itinerary.
C. Private Transfers: Among airports, hotels and scenic spots while sightseeing in the above cities by the private air conditioned vehicle.
D. Guide and Driver: As outlined in the itinerary, a well selected English-speaking guide and driver will accompany you throughout the entire tour in that city. They do not fly with you from one city to another.
E. Hotels: Hotel Based on two persons sharing one room with twin beds. All hotels as listed in the above itinerary serve daily western or Chinese breakfast. All rooms are air-conditioned with private facilities unless specified.
F. Luggage Transfers: Between airports and hotels.
G. Service Charge & Government Taxes.
H. Travel insurance in mainland China during the above travel period.
I. Arrangements: The tour cost includes planning, handling, operational and communication charges.

Quick Questions

Our team is waiting for your questions. Please feel free to ask us any questions you might have about our China package tours, Chinese culture, or the sites available. We will gladly help you with any special needs you might have and all questions, like our trip designing is completely free of charge.