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16 Days Commendable China Tour with Historic Relics, Yangtze Cruise, Water Town and Chinese Garden

Destination:Beijing, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Suzhou, Xi'an, Yichang

Tour Code: YCT13

Tour Duration: 16 Days

Tour overview:
Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Yichang, Yangtze River Cruise, Chongqing, Xian, Beijing This tour highlights some of China’s most famous sites, along with China’s culture, history, and cuisine. It is a fantastic tour to experience something more. You will see the traditional Chinese gardens of Suzhou, drink Dragon Well Tea from Hangzhou, eat the fiery cuisine of Chongqing, cruise down the Yangtze River, see China’s ancient history in Xian, and her Imperial might in Beijing, and so much more. This special tour will leave you with a real sense of China’s past and present, and give you memories that will last the rest of your life.

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Day by Day Itinerary

Tour Summary

Reviews

B=Breakfast,L=Lunch,D=Dinner

Day 1

Shanghai Arrival

Transfer via: Flight on your own arrangement

Arriving in Shanghai, 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

Shanghai (B, L)

Shanghai (B, L)

Sightseeing: Yuyuan Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, Oriental Pearl Tower, the Bund, Nanjing Road  

Today we will start the day with a visit of 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.

Then we head to the 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.

After lunch, we will visit 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.

Afterwards, you will take a walk to the famous Nanjing Road and the Bund. They are among the most recognizable architectural symbols of Shanghai and therefore a must-see when visiting Shanghai.

Day 3

Shanghai (B, L)

Shanghai (B, L)

Sightseeing: Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, The Shanghai World Financial Center.

This morning, we will first visit Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, which is the first kind of exhibition center in China showcasing a city's development. It showcases the past, the present and the future of the development of the urban planning of Shanghai.

Then we will move to visit the Shanghai World Financial Center, it is a supertall skyscraper in Shanghai, China. It is a mixed-function office-based skyscraper combining offices, business, hotels, sightseeing and conferences. With 101 floors above ground level and soaring to a height of 492m, this project embodies Mori Building's original "Vertical Garden City" concept and incorporates the company's vast know-how and experience.

This evening we will have a Huangpu River Cruise. Huangpu River is famous not only for being Shanghai's mother river but also for the collection of the quintessence of Shanghai scenes. Contrasting to the more traditional river traffic of barges and ferries, Sailing under the futuristic Yangpu Bridge and down the Huangpu River towards the East Sea, you can enjoy the views of the full sweep of the Bund and cityscape of Pudong, which is the miniature of Shanghai, so Huangpu River Cruise is one of the best ways to see both old and new Shanghai. And here you can find the expression of Shanghai's past, present and prospects for a brilliant future.

Day 4

Shanghai / Hangzhou (B, L)

Shanghai / Hangzhou (B, L)

Transfer via: Express Train (soft seat) on our arrangement
Sightseeing: West Lake, Fei Lai Feng (Flying Peak), Ling Yin Temple

Take express train to Hangzhou this morning. Arrive in Hangzhou, your local guide will meet you and then we will first visit to beautiful West Lake. We will take a cruise boat across the lake to see the 3 pagodas in the lake. The West Lake is the most famous tourist spot of Hangzhou. Graceful mountains surround it on three sides. It has a charming scenery and many cultural relics and historic sites.

Then we will visit Lingyin Temple including the Fei Lai Feng (Flying Peak). The peak is situated in the east of Ling Yin Temple. Isolated from others, its stone quality is totally different from that of surrounding mountain groups. It is 167 meters high, on the peak there are many grotesque stones in the shapes of charming dragon, prostrate tiger, walking elephant and scared ape. The main hall of Lingyin Temple is about 34 meters (111 feet) tall - incredibly high for a one-storey building. In the center of the hall you'll find the statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, which was carved from 24 pieces of camphor wood. The temple was named Lingyin Temple for its extremely beautiful environment which is serene and suitable for "Soul's Retreat".

Day 5

Hangzhou / Wuzhen / Suzhou (B, L)

Hangzhou / Wuzhen / Suzhou (B, L)

Transfer via: Private vehicle on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Six Harmony Pagoda, Dragon Well Tea Plantation. Wuzhen

This morning, we will have a visit to the Six Harmonies Pagoda, highly erected next to Qiantang River and in the south of the West Lake. It is a perfect example of brick-and-wood structure built in ancient China and was built in 970 AD in the Northern Song dynasty (960-1127) to press down the evil of the river tidal bore in Qiantang River.

Dragon Well Tea is a kind of Chiese tea well known worldwide, so you will be guided to the Dragon Well Tea Plantation to discover the history of Chinese tea and the tea ceremony. The water of dragon well is sweet and of good taste. The green tea here enjoys very high reputation since Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 A.D) for its four special features: green color, fragrant aroma, sweet taste and smooth appearance.

Then we will drive to Wuzhen (1 hour) after lunch. Chinese people say that unless you visit the Great Wall then you haven't been to China. For any visit south of the Yangtze River; one place not to be missed is the town of Wuzhen. Located in the centre of the six ancient towns south of Yangtze River, Wuzhen displays its two-thousand-year history in its ancient stone bridges floating on mild water, its stone pathways between the mottled walls and its delicate wood carvings. Also, setting it apart from other towns, it gives a unique experience through its profound cultural background. Have a boat cruise in Wuzhen.

Take 2 hours' drive to Suzhou.

Day 6

Suzhou (B, L)

Suzhou (B, L)

Sightseeing: Humble Administrator's Garden, Tiger Hill, Lingering Garden, The Grand Canal, The No.1 Silk Factory, Pan Gate Scenery

In the morning you will visit Humble Administrator's Garden, the largest classical garden in Suzhou and one of the four most famous ones in China. Originally built in 1513 AD, it consists of three parts with different types of buildings around streams and ponds.

Then we will move on to Tiger Hill (Huqiu). Tiger Hill is the most famous sight in Suzhou city, enjoying the reputation of "The first scenic spot in Wu area" due to its imposing beauty; this includes Leisure Spring, Testing Sword Rock, Third Spring, Broken-Pillar-Hall and Mountain Villa Wrapped in Emerald Green etc. With only 36 meters of height and an area of 20hectares, you might think it to be an artificial hill, but its history can be traced back 2500 years ago.

Afterwards, we will visit the Grand Canal. As well as the Great Wall, it ranks as the country's greatest engineering achievement and it is the longest man-made waterway in world. Cruising on the Canal, you will see the local people's life.

As Suzhou is also famous for its silk production we will spend some time in the No.1 Silk Factory to see how silk is processed from the silk worm to the final woven cloth.

Finally we will stop at Pan Gate which is an ancient city gate with land and water entrances. Gates with land and water entrances were quite typical in ancient China. Pan Gate is the only one left.

Day 7

Suzhou / Shanghai / Yichang (B, L)

Transfer via: Flight on our arrangement

Be free in the morning. After lunch we transfer to Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to fly to Yichang. Arriving in Yichang, be met and transferred to the dock by our local guide to pre-board the ship. Your cruise will start at about 22:00.

Day 8

Yangtze Cruise (B, L, D)

Yangtze Cruise (B, L, D)

Sightseeing: Three Gorges Dam

(09:00-11:30) Shore excursion to Three Gorges Dam Site.
(12:45) Passing through Xiling Gorge.

Three Gorges Dam, the largest water conservancy project undertaken by man. The construction of the dam formally began in 1994. The body of the dam was completed in 2003, and the whole construction will be competed 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.

Day 9

Yangtze Cruise (B, L, D)

Yangtze Cruise (B, L, D)

Sightseeing: Shennong Stream

(08:00-12:00) Boat excursion to Shennong Stream.
(13:00-15:30) Wu Gorge
(17:30-18:00) Qutang Gorge

Shennong Stream is another tributary of the Yangtze River, and its fast-flowing, crystal 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 10

Yangtze Cruise (B, L, D)

Yangtze Cruise (B, L, D)

Sightseeing: Fengdu Ghost City

(8:30-10:30) Shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City.

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.

Day 11

Chongqing / Xi'an (B, L)

Chongqing / Xi'an (B, L)

Transfer via: Flight on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Ciqikou Ancient Town, Goose Neck Park, Panda Room

(09:00) Disembark in Chongqing.

Arriving in Chongqing, you will be met at the dock by our local guide and visit Ciqikou Ancient Town. Dated back to the late Ming Dynasty, The buildings have been restored and well preserved. Along the streets, restaurants, souvenirs shops and local snacks are located. There are several tea houses that feature daily performances of traditional Chinese music. 

You will have a walk around the Goose Neck Park. This park has a good view of the city and the roiling Yangtze River. A great mural of the Yangtze River shows the pre-dam water levels and elevation marks signifying the displacement of the local population, as well as the land area that has been and will be covered when the dam is completed.

Later you will visit Panda Room in Chongqing Zoo to meet the lovely pandas.

Then you will be transferred to airport for flight to Xi'an. After your arrival there, you will be met and transferred to hotel by our local guide.

Day 12

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 Xi'an 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 Xi'an.

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 13

Xi'an / Beijing (B, L)

Xi'an / Beijing (B, L)

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

In the morning we will visit the Ancient City Wall. You will experience a half-hour's hike along the 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).

You will continue 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

Afterwards you will take the flight to Beijing. After you arrived in Beijing, you will be met and transferred to your hotel by our local guide.

Day 14

Beijing (B, L)

Beijing (B, L)

Sightseeing: Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace

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.

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.

We will continue by visiting the Summer Palace. Equally famous as the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace is called 'Yiheyuan' (Garden of Nurtured Harmony) in Chinese. Until nowadays, it is the best preserved and the largest imperial garden in China. You will regret it if you leave Beijing without having visited this grand imperial garden.

Day 15

Beijing (B, L)

Beijing (B, L)

Sightseeing: Badaling Great Wall, Ming Tombs, Sacred Way, Hutong in rickshaw

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.

Continue, we will experience a unique Hutong tour by rickshaw. 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.

Day 16

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
Shanghai

Arrive in Shanghai, be met and transferred to hotel.

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Jin Jiang Hotel Shanghai Holiday Inn Downtown Shanghai Jin jiang New Asia hotel Shanghai
B L D
Day 2
Shanghai

Full day visit to Yuyuan Garden , Jade Buddha Temple , The Bund , Nanjing Road .

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Jin Jiang Hotel Shanghai Holiday Inn Downtown Shanghai Jin jiang New Asia hotel Shanghai
B L D
Day 3
Shanghai

Morning visit to Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center and Shanghai World Financial Center . In the evening take a Huangpu River Cruise .

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Jin Jiang Hotel Shanghai Holiday Inn Downtown Shanghai Jin jiang New Asia hotel Shanghai
B L D
Day 4
Shanghai/Hangzhou

Take express train to Hangzhou this morning. Arrive in Hangzhou, be met and have a cruise on West Lake .Continue to visit FeiLaiFeng (also named Ling JiuFeng) and Ling Yin Temple (Temple of Soul's Retreat) .

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Crowne Plaza Hotel Hangzhou Grand Canal Ramada Plaza Riverside Hangzhou Enjoyor Hotel
B L D
Day 5
Hangzhou/Wuzhen/Suzhou

Morning visit to Six Harmonies Pagoda and Dragon Well Tea Plantation. Then take1 hour's drive to Wuzhen after lunch. Tour the major sites before heading for Suzhou (2 hours).

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Shangri-La Hotel Suzhou Bamboo Grove Hotel Traveler-Inn Gusu Hotel Suzhou
B L D
Day 6
Suzhou

Full day visit to Humble Administrator's Garden , Tiger Hill , Lingering Garden (Garden to linger in) , The Grand Canal , The No.1 Silk Factory and Pan Gate Scenery.

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Shangri-La Hotel Suzhou Bamboo Grove Hotel Traveler-Inn Gusu Hotel Suzhou
B L D
Day 7
Suzhou/Yichang

Free morning. After lunch we transfer to Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to fly to Yichang. Arrive in Yichang, be met and transferred to the dock and pre-board the ship. The ship departs Yichang at 22:00.
B L D
Day 8
Yangtze Cruise

Shore excursion to Three Gorges Dam (08:00-11:00).
B L D
Day 9
Yangtze Cruise

Shore excursion to Lesser Three Gorges (08:00-12:00).
B L D
Day 10
Yangtze Cruise

Shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City (09:00-11:00).
B L D
Day 11
Chongqing/Xi'an

Arrive in Chongqing at 09:00 AM, be met at the dock and visit Ciqikou Old Town , Goose Neck Park and Panda Room in Chongqing Zoo .Then be transferred to airport for flight to Xi'an. Arrive in Xi'an, 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 12
Xi'an

Full day visit to 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 13
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 14
Beijing

Full day visit to Tiananmen Square , Forbidden City , The Temple of Heaven ,the take a Hutong Tours in Rickshaw .

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Crowne Plaza Hotel Beijing Wangfujing Sunworld Hotel Beijing Redwall Hotel
B L D
Day 15
Beijing

Full day visit to Badaling Great Wall , Ming Tombs , The Sacred Way , Summer Palace .

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Crowne Plaza Hotel Beijing Wangfujing Sunworld Hotel Beijing Redwall Hotel
B L D
Day 16
Beijing

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

-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.