Imperial Capitals & Yangtze Majesty
Redesigned Itinerary: Ancient Wonders to Modern Marvels
Day 1: Beijing Arrival - Gateway to Imperial China
Airport Transfer & Hotel Check-in
Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport, where our driver will greet you with a TCT signboard. Transfer to your 4-star hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is free for you to recover from jet lag and prepare for your Chinese adventure.
Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Beijing
Meals: No meals included
Day 2: Beijing's Imperial Legacy
Temple of Heaven, Hutong Culture & Forbidden City
Begin your exploration at the magnificent Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests. Experience authentic local life with a rickshaw tour through Beijing's ancient Hutongs, including a visit to a local family residence. Participate in a traditional Peking opera facial mask painting workshop.
After an à la carte Chinese lunch, proceed to Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest city center square. Walk to the adjacent Forbidden City, exploring its magnificent halls and gardens for over two hours, discovering the secrets of China's imperial history.
Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Beijing
Meals: Hotel breakfast, à la carte Chinese lunch
Day 3: The Great Wall Experience
Mutianyu Great Wall with Cable Car
Journey to the magnificent Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, renowned for its stunning scenery and excellent preservation. Enjoy round-trip cable car access to maximize your time on this ancient wonder. After descending, enjoy an à la carte lunch at a restaurant near the Wall.
En route back to Beijing, visit a jade carving factory and stop for photographs at the exterior of the iconic Bird's Nest and Water Cube from the 2008 Olympics.
Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Beijing
Meals: Hotel breakfast, à la carte lunch
Day 4: Royal Gardens & High-Speed to Xi'an
Summer Palace & Bullet Train Journey
Check out from your hotel and visit the exquisite Summer Palace, China's largest and best-preserved imperial garden. Stroll along the world's longest corridor and enjoy the beautiful Kunming Lake scenery.
After an à la carte lunch, transfer to Beijing West Railway Station for your high-speed train to Xi'an (approximately 5-5.5 hours). Upon arrival, your Xi'an guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.
Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Xi'an
Meals: Hotel breakfast, à la carte lunch
Day 5: Terracotta Warriors & Ancient City Walls
Xi'an's Historical Treasures
Start with a visit to Xi'an's Ancient City Wall, where you can optionally rent bicycles to ride along the top. Continue to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors Museum, stopping en route at a pottery workshop to learn about miniature warrior creation and traditional cave dwellings.
After an à la carte lunch near the archaeological site, spend the afternoon exploring the remarkable Terracotta Army. Return to the city to visit Bell Tower Square and explore the vibrant Muslim Quarter with its numerous food stalls and shopping opportunities.
Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Xi'an
Meals: Hotel breakfast, à la carte lunch
Day 6: Chongqing & Yangtze River Embarkation
High-Speed Train & Cruise Check-in
Take the morning high-speed train to Chongqing (approximately 5-5.5 hours). Depending on timing, your Chongqing guide may take you to visit the Three Gorges Museum and Hong Ya Dong, a remarkable stilted building complex along the Yangtze River.
Transfer to the cruise terminal to check in between 18:00-20:30. Settle into your luxurious floating hotel for the next segment of your journey.
Accommodation: Victoria USA Cruise or President Cruise (5-star)
Meals: Hotel breakfast, lunch
Day 7: Yangtze River Cruising
Fengdu & Cultural Experiences
Begin your day with morning Tai Chi practice on deck. Enjoy a shore excursion to Fengdu Shuanguishan National Park, with optional visits to Fengdu Ghost City and evening cultural performances available.
Participate in the Captain's Welcome Reception and buffet dinner in the late afternoon. Evening entertainment options include the "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" show.
Accommodation: Victoria USA Cruise or President Cruise (5-star)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8: Three Gorges Spectacular
Gorge Scenery & Goddess Stream
Optional early morning excursion to White Emperor City, offering spectacular views of Qutang Gorge. Cruise through the dramatic Qutang Gorge and scenic Wu Gorge with its forest-covered mountains.
After lunch, enjoy a boat excursion to Goddess Stream (or Shennong Stream depending on conditions). The evening features a Captain's Farewell Banquet and crew performances.
Accommodation: Victoria USA Cruise or President Cruise (5-star)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9: Three Gorges Dam & Journey to Shanghai
Engineering Marvel & High-Speed Travel
Disembark and visit the massive Three Gorges Dam project, the world's largest hydroelectric power station. After the tour, enjoy an à la carte lunch before transferring to the railway station for your high-speed train to Shanghai (approximately 7.5 hours).
Upon arrival in Shanghai, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel.
Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, à la carte lunch
Day 10: Shanghai - Past Meets Future
Traditional Gardens & Modern Skylines
Explore Shanghai's unique architectural heritage in the Shikumen neighborhood, witnessing local life in traditional alleyways. Visit the classical Yuyuan Garden and adjacent Yuyuan Bazaar (Chenghuangmiao Old Street).
After an à la carte lunch, visit the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, ascending to the second sphere for panoramic city views. Explore the Shanghai City History Museum before driving through Lujiazui financial district. Conclude at the Bund, admiring the illuminated skyline across Huangpu River.
Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Shanghai
Meals: Hotel breakfast, à la carte lunch
Day 11: Shanghai Departure
Airport Transfer & Journey Conclusion
After breakfast, transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport for your homebound flight, concluding your comprehensive journey through China's most iconic destinations.
Meals: Hotel breakfast