China Unveiled: Ancient Wonders & Yangtze River
An Epic Small Group Adventure Through China's Historic Capitals, Natural Marvels & Modern Metropolis
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing - Gateway to Imperial China
Transfer from Beijing Capital International Airport to hotel
Meals: No Meals
Accommodation: 4 Star /4+Star Hotel in Beijing ★★★★
Arrive in Beijing, the capital city of China, where you'll be greeted by our local driver at the airport. Transfer to your hotel for check-in and free time to recover from your journey and adjust to the time difference.
Day 2: Beijing's Imperial Treasures
Temple of Heaven, Hutong, Peking opera facial mask painting, Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City
Meals: Hotel Breakfast, A la carte Chinese lunch
Accommodation: 4 Star /4+Star Hotel in Beijing ★★★★
Begin your exploration at the magnificent Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests. Experience traditional Beijing Hutong life by rickshaw with a local family visit, followed by a cultural workshop creating Peking opera facial masks. After an authentic Chinese lunch, proceed to the monumental Tian'anmen Square and the magnificent Forbidden City, exploring its glorious palace halls and royal gardens.
Day 3: The Great Wall Experience
Mutianyu Great Wall with round way cable car, the exterior of Bird Nest and Water Cube
Meals: Hotel Breakfast, A La Carte Lunch
Accommodation: 4 Star /4+Star Hotel in Beijing ★★★★
Journey to the legendary Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the most scenic sections, with round-trip cable car included. After lunch at the foot of the wall, return to Beijing for photo stops at the iconic Bird Nest and Water Cube from the 2008 Olympics.
Day 4: Imperial Gardens & High-Speed to Xi'an
Summer Palace, High speed train to Xi'an
Meals: Hotel breakfast, A La Carte Lunch
Accommodation: 4 Star /4+Star Hotel in Xi'an ★★★★
Explore the exquisite Summer Palace, China's largest and best-preserved imperial garden, featuring the magnificent Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake. After lunch, board a high-speed train (approximately 5-5.5 hours) to the ancient capital of Xi'an.
Day 5: Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors & Ancient Walls
Ancient City Wall, Terracotta Warriors, Pottery workshop, Bell Tower Square, Muslim Quarter
Meals: Hotel breakfast, A La Carte Lunch
Accommodation: 4 Star /4+Star Hotel in Xi'an ★★★★
Walk or cycle along the impressive Xi'an City Wall before visiting a traditional pottery workshop to learn about miniature terracotta warrior creation. After lunch, explore the world-renowned Terracotta Warriors archaeological site. Conclude your day at Bell Tower Square and the vibrant Muslim Quarter with its abundant local snacks.
Day 6: Cultural Xi'an & Flight to Zhangjiajie
Gao's Courtyard, Big Wild Goose Pagoda North Plaza, Fly to Zhangjiajie
Meals: Hotel breakfast, A La Carte Lunch
Accommodation: 4 Star /4+Star Hotel in Zhangjiajie city ★★★★
Visit Gao's Courtyard to appreciate ancient residences and shadow puppetry culture, then proceed to Big Wild Goose Pagoda North Plaza for photos and the magnificent music fountain show. Fly to Zhangjiajie, the inspiration for Avatar's floating mountains.
Day 7: Tianmen Mountain & Tujia Culture
Mt. Tianmenshan, Tujia Minority Custom Park
Meals: Hotel breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: 4 Star /4+Star Hotel in Zhangjiajie city ★★★★
Spend the day exploring Tianmen Mountain with its six wonders: cable car, Glass Skywalk, Tianmen Temple, Bonsai Garden, Tianmen Cave, and Connected-Heaven Avenue. Visit Tujia Minority Custom Park to learn about local ethnic culture and architecture.
Day 8: Avatar Mountains Exploration
Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, Bailong Elevator, Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, Ten-mile Gallery
Meals: Hotel breakfast, A La Carte Lunch
Accommodation: 4 Star /4+Star Hotel in Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan ★★★★
Take the Bailong Elevator to Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, famous as the inspiration for Avatar's Hallelujah Mountains. Explore Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve by battery car and experience the picturesque Ten-mile Gallery by small train.
Day 9: Glass Bridge & Yangtze River Embarkation
Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, High speed train to Chongqing, Embark on the boat
Meals: Hotel Breakfast, Lunch Box
Accommodation: Victoria USA Cruise or President Cruise or similar ★★★★★
Walk across the spectacular Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, the world's longest and highest glass bridge. Take a high-speed train (approximately 3 hours) to Chongqing, then transfer to embark on your Yangtze River cruise.
Day 10: Yangtze River Cruise - Ghost City & Three Kingdoms
Fengdu Ghost City (optional), Fengdu Shuangguishan National Park, FengYan SanGuo "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" Show(optional)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Victoria USA Cruise or President Cruise or similar ★★★★★
Enjoy morning Tai Chi practice before shore excursions to Fengdu Shuangguishan National Park or optional Fengdu Ghost City. Attend the Captain's Welcome Reception and optional evening performance of "Romance of the Three Kingdoms".
Day 11: Three Gorges & Goddess Stream
White Emperor City, Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, Goddess Stream
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Victoria USA Cruise or President Cruise or similar ★★★★★
Optional excursion to White Emperor City before sailing through the dramatic Qutang Gorge and scenic Wu Gorge. Take a boat excursion to Goddess Stream and enjoy the Captain's Farewell Banquet in the evening.
Day 12: Three Gorges Dam & High-Speed to Shanghai
Three Gorge Dam, High speed train to Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, A La Carte Lunch, Dinner box
Accommodation: 4 Star /4+Star Hotel in Shanghai ★★★★
Visit the monumental Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydroelectric project. After lunch, board a high-speed train (approximately 7.5 hours) to Shanghai, China's most modern metropolis.
Day 13: Shanghai's Contrasts - Traditional to Ultra-Modern
Shikumen, Yuyuan Garden, Yuyuan Bazaar, The Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the Bund
Meals: Hotel Breakfast, A La Carte Lunch
Accommodation: 4 Star /4+Star Hotel in Shanghai ★★★★
Explore Shikumen alleys to witness local life, then visit the classical Yuyuan Garden and bustling Yuyuan Bazaar. Ascend the Oriental Pearl TV Tower for panoramic city views and conclude at the Bund to admire Shanghai's spectacular illuminated skyline.
Day 14: Departure from Shanghai
Transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Meals: Hotel Breakfast
Transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport for your homebound flight, concluding your remarkable journey through China's ancient wonders, natural marvels, and modern achievements.