12 Days Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai Highlight Tour withYangtze Cruise
Destination:Beijing, Chongqing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Yichang
Tour Code: YCT14
Tour Duration: 12 Days
- Tour overview:
- This tour is a perfect combination of the highlights in Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai, all of which are China's the best-known cities, with a breathtaking cruise on one of Chinese people's mother rivers - Yangtze River.
Tour Summary
Day by Day Itinerary
Reviews
B=Breakfast,L=Lunch,D=Dinner
Tour Dates | Destinations | Services Provided | Meals Included | ||||||||||||||
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Day 1 |
Beijing
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Arrive in Beijing, be met and transferred to hotel.
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Day 2 |
Beijing
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Full day visit to Tiananmen Square , Forbidden City , The Temple of Heaven .
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Day 3 |
Beijing
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Full day visit to Badaling Great Wall , Ming Tombs , The Sacred Way .
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Day 4 |
Beijing/Xi'an
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Full day visit to Summer Palace , Hutong Tours in Rickshaw . Then be transferred to airport to take flight to Xi’an. Arrive in Xi'an, be met and transferred to hotel.
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Day 5 |
Xi'an
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Full day visit to The Terracotta Army and Horses , Bell Tower , Big Wild Goose Pagoda .
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Day 6 |
Xi'an/Chongqing/Yangtze Cruise
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In the morning, visit to Ancient City Wall , then be transferred to airport for flight to Chongqing. Arrive in Chongqing, be met and visit Panda Room in Chongqing Zoo ,then be transferred to the dock, pre-board the ship. The ship departs Chongqing at 22:00. |
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Day 7 |
Yangtze Cruise
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Shore excursion to Shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City (8:00-10:00am). |
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Day 8 |
Yangtze Cruise
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Shore excursion to Shennong Stream . |
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Day 9 |
Yichang/Shanghai
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Shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam .Arrive in Yichang at 1:00 PM, be met at the dock and transferred to airport for flight to Shanghai. Arrive in Shanghai, be met and transferred to hotel.
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Day 10 |
Shanghai
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Full day visit to Yuyuan Garden , Jade Buddha Temple , The Bund , Nanjing Road .
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Day 11 |
Shanghai
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Today visit Oriental Pearl TV Tower and Shanghai French Concession .
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Day 12 |
Shanghai
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Free at leisure till be transferred to airport for your flight departure. |
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-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.
B=Breakfast,L=Lunch,D=Dinner
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: 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.
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 3
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. In addition, you will encounter the marble tombs of the Ming Dynasty emperors.
Day 4
Beijing / Xi'an (B, L)
Transfer via: Flight –on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Hutongs, Summer Palace
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.
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.
This afternoon, you will be transferred to airport to take flight and fly to Xi'an. Upon arrival, you will be met by your Xi'an local guide and then be transferred to your hotel.
Day 5
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 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 / Chongqing / Yangtze Cruise (B, L)
Transfer via: Flight – on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Ancient City Wall, Panda Room and Ciqikou Old Town
After breakfast, you 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).
Then you will be transferred to airport to take flight to Chongqing. Arrive in Chongqing, be met and then visit the Panda Room in Chongqing Zoo, where you can see charming naive giant panda, lesser pandas and their offspring.
Afterwards, you will see Ciqikou Old Town, in the city urban area. It dates back to the late Ming Dynasty. The buildings have been restored and well preserved. You will find a lot of restaurants, souvenir shops and local snacks. If you are interested, you can attend daily performances of traditional Chinese music in one of the tea houses.
In the evening, your local guide will transfer you 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 10:00 pm.
Day 7
Yangtze 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 8
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 karst formations.
Day 9
Yangtze Cruise / Yichang / Shanghai (B, L)
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, 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.
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 10
Shanghai (B, L)
Sightseeing: Yuyuan Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, Nanjing Road, the Bund
In the morning, 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.
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.
Finally 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 11
Shanghai (B, L)
Sightseeing: Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai French Concession
Today you 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.
Then we will visit the Shanghai French Concession, which was a foreign concession in Shanghai, Republic of China from 1849 until 1946. The area covered by the former French Concession was once the premier residential and retail districts of Shanghai, and was also the centre of Catholicism in Shanghai.
Day 12
Shanghai Departure (B)
Transfer via: Flight –on your own arrangement
You will have the last hours in Shanghai for yourself until our guide will escort you to the airport for your flight to your next destination.

I hope this letter finds you well. We finally arrived home from our trip last Thursday the 17th. As promised I am writing to you about our experience in China and we thank you very much for your organizing. On the whole we had a wonderful time and were very well looked after by both guides and drivers we would especially like to thank Linda and Cynthia which we would highly recommend. They both gave really excellent service in every way including punctuality, information and restaurants that were chosen for lunches, the food was delicious. The cruise on the Huangpu River was cancelled because of bad weather which couldn't be helped so the guide offered us an Acrobatic Show which we enjoyed very much. We had a lovely time on day 3 to Tongli water town. Our stay in China was wonderful. Best regards, Kathleen Pam
- Booking Code:VOC-20190905-S
- Tour Starting Date:Thursday, 5 September 2019
- Client's information:Kathleen & Pam, Australia
Dear Molly, Hope you have been well. We will be returning to Singapore in a couple of hours. Would like to commend on the tour guides, drivers and accommodation that VOC has arranged for us. The guides and drivers are very professional,very helpful, thoughtful, caring and experienced. They practised good ethics as well. We definitely have a wonderful touring experience and I will definitely recommend your company to my friends. Regards, Mrs Wee
- Booking Code:VOC-20190605-M
- Tour Starting Date:Wednesday, 5 June 2019
- Client's information:Chew Huay Huay, Singapore

Hi Sandy, Thank you for a great first tour together. I appreciate that it was a big commitment for you to be away from your office family for such a long time. I know you would have missed your young son a lot. I am also very grateful for your huge personal effort that you put into the detailed planning. The local guides were all great - Sally, Amanda Benny. Regarding the itinerary, I think we have an excellent itinerary for the beginning and the end, but the middle of the tour needs to be changed. Thank you again for all your excellent work. I look forward to visiting you in your home town for our first Tibet tour in August 2020. Jo I might travel up one day ahead of the group to meet you and have dinner with you. Best regards, Brod
- Booking Code:VOC-20190528-S
- Tour Starting Date:Tuesday, 28 May 2019
- Client's information:Brod, Australia
Van and I thought you put together a wonderful itinerary for our two-week vacation in China. Even though we missed a day in Beijing due to bad weather, our guide was very accommodating and helped us see as much as possible in the two remaining days. We enjoyed our guides, the food, and the hotels. Thank you for all of your help in putting together this trip. Best, Jayne
- Booking Code:VOC-20190517-S
- Tour Starting Date:Friday, 17 May 2019
- Client's information:Jayne Ellen Wilgus, USA
Dear friends of visitourchina, We went to visit Nanning between April 28th and May 3rd 2019 with my wife and my daughter. For us, it would be the first visit to China and we needed some support to organise this as I wanted to organise it all by myself (hotel, plane, visa, …). But as I was organising everything I felt the need of some extra support and help from people of China (for instance English talking guide, English talking organiser in China to take us around in a personal tour). “By accident” we get contact with visitourchina. And they “give” us Molly Mo as contact person. It was a winning number from the lottery ! Molly took care of us like “a real mother” ! No question I’ve asked her, she answered them immediately with her advice and experience. Always in a very friendly and positive way, adding a human sense so we were even more longing to visit Nanning and it’s people. Molly organised our guide in Nanning, Wendy, who was TOP for us. Wendy took care of us, from early morning till evening with a very professional view on guiding adding a good human sense to her work. We were so good prepared we had one day on our own and we could fill in without problems. It has been one of the best trips we ever had, we’ve learned very much of this part of China, enjoying the people we’ve met and with who we’ve got contact. It give us a real view of Chinese people and community and for us, a new world opened. A very good society, well organised, Nanning very good organised concerning environment and climate. So, we came back from Nanning after a too short stay with very positive feelings, hoping once more to visit China again. We’re very grateful to Molly in the first place. She is the ideal person to represent Visitourchina. She take care of my many, many questions with a great heart, she had many patience with us and she never disappointed us, her answers give us the extra love for China and it’s people. Visitourchina m...
- Booking Code:VOC-20190428-M
- Tour Starting Date:Sunday, 28 April 2019
- Client's information:Arnold Demeyere, Belgium
Hi Molly, The tour was great. Both guide and driver are very friendly and helpful. For the meals on the trip, so much food and delicious dishes. We loved the trip. Thanks for all your help. Best wishes, Brandon
- Booking Code:VOC-20190426-M(A)
- Tour Starting Date:Friday, 26 April 2019
- Client's information:Brandon Michael Driggs,USA
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