Silk Road Odyssey: Urumqi & Turpan Explorer
Rediscover China's Ancient Wonders and Natural Splendors
Journey Overview
From Imperial Grandeur to Modern Marvels
This meticulously crafted 11-day expedition takes you through China's most iconic destinations, blending ancient imperial history with breathtaking natural landscapes. Experience the perfect harmony of cultural immersion and scenic wonder as you traverse from Beijing's imperial palaces to Shanghai's futuristic skyline, with the magnificent Yangtze River cruise serving as the dramatic centerpiece.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in China's Imperial Capital
Arrival Beijing
Meals: No Meals
Recommended Hotel: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★
Arrive in Beijing, China's capital city, where our tour guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy leisure time to rest and acclimate to your new surroundings.
Day 2: Beijing's Imperial Legacy
Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Recommended Hotel: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★
Begin your exploration at Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square. Walk through this historic space to enter the magnificent Forbidden City, the world's largest and most complete ancient imperial palace. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for bountiful harvests. Conclude your day with optional Peking duck dinner arrangements.
Day 3: Great Wall Conquest & Olympic Marvels
Mutianyu Great Wall, Olympic Park
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Recommended Hotel: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★
Journey to the magnificent Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, renowned for its stunning scenery and excellent preservation. Choose to hike or take the cable car to explore this ancient wonder. After lunch, return to Beijing to admire the exterior of the Bird Nest and Water Cube, architectural marvels from the 2008 Olympics.
Day 4: Traditional Beijing & High-Speed to Xi'an
Hutong Tour, Summer Palace, Departure to Xi'an
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Recommended Hotel: Grand Noble Hotel Xi'an ★★★★
Experience traditional Beijing life with a rickshaw tour through the historic Hutongs, followed by a visit to the Summer Palace, China's largest and best-preserved imperial garden. Enjoy a boat ride on Kunming Lake before taking a high-speed train to Xi'an, where your new guide will welcome you.
Day 5: Xi'an's Ancient Treasures
Terracotta Warriors, Wild Goose Pagoda, Ancient City Wall
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Recommended Hotel: Grand Noble Hotel Xi'an ★★★★
Discover the incredible Terracotta Warriors, one of the world's most significant archaeological finds. Visit a pottery factory to learn ancient crafting techniques. Explore the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and its magnificent fountain show, then walk or bike along the remarkably preserved Ancient City Wall. Optional Tang Dynasty Show with dinner available in the evening.
Day 6: Journey to the Yangtze
High-Speed Train to Chongqing & Cruise Embarkation
Meals: Breakfast
On Board: Victoria Cruise ★★★★★
Travel by high-speed train to Chongqing, where you'll board your luxurious Victoria cruise ship. Settle into your cabin as you prepare for your Yangtze River adventure, setting sail at 9:00 PM.
Day 7: Yangtze River Mysteries
Fengdu Ghost City, Shuanguishan National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
On Board: Victoria cruise ★★★★★
Begin your cruise experience with optional shore excursions to the fascinating Fengdu Ghost City or included visit to Fengdu Shuanguishan National Park. Participate in morning Tai Chi practice and enjoy the Captain's Welcome Reception in the evening. Optional "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" show available.
Day 8: Three Gorges Spectacle
White Emperor City, Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, Goddess Stream
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
On Board: Victoria cruise ★★★★★
Marvel at the dramatic scenery as you sail through the legendary Three Gorges. Optional excursion to White Emperor City offers panoramic views of Qutang Gorge. Cruise through the deep valleys of Wu Gorge and take a boat excursion to the stunning Goddess Stream. Conclude with the Captain's Farewell Banquet.
Day 9: Engineering Marvel & Modern Metropolis
Three Gorges Dam, High-Speed to Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast
Recommended Hotel: Sunrise On The Bund Hotel ★★★★
Disembark to visit the monumental Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest power station. Transfer to Yichang for your high-speed train journey to Shanghai, China's dazzling modern metropolis.
Day 10: Shanghai's Contrasts
Jade Buddha Temple, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Yuyuan Garden, The Bund
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Recommended Hotel: Sunrise On The Bund Hotel ★★★★
Explore Shanghai's spiritual side at the Jade Buddha Temple, then admire the futuristic Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Wander through the classical Yuyuan Garden and shop along Shanghai Old Street and Nanjing Road. Experience the architectural splendor of The Bund before optional evening acrobatic show.
Day 11: Farewell to China
Departure Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a leisurely morning before transferring to the airport for your departure. Optional Maglev train experience to Pudong Airport available for those interested in this technological marvel.