Imperial Capitals & Yangtze River Odyssey
Rediscover China's Ancient Wonders and Modern Marvels
Journey Overview
From Imperial Grandeur to Natural Majesty
Embark on an extraordinary 14-day expedition through China's most iconic destinations, blending ancient imperial history with breathtaking natural landscapes. This meticulously crafted journey takes you from Beijing's imperial grandeur to Shanghai's modern skyline, featuring the world-renowned Yangtze River cruise and encounters with China's beloved giant pandas.
Detailed Itinerary
Days 1-4: Imperial Beijing Exploration
Day 1: Arrival in China's Capital
Accommodation: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★
Meals: No meals included
Arrive in Beijing where your private guide greets you at the airport. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy free time to recover from your journey.
Day 2: Imperial Heart of Beijing
Accommodation: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Morning exploration of Tiananmen Square and the magnificent Forbidden City, followed by panoramic views from Jingshan Park. After authentic Chinese lunch, visit the Temple of Heaven and explore Panjiayuan Antique Market. Evening option for Peking duck dinner.
Day 3: Great Wall Adventure
Accommodation: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Full-day excursion to Mutianyu Great Wall with cable car access. Afternoon visit to Olympic Park to see the iconic Bird Nest and Water Cube exteriors. Evening options include foot massage or exploring Beijing's vibrant nightlife districts.
Day 4: Beijing's Cultural Treasures & Departure to Xi'an
Accommodation: Somerset Xindicheng Xi'an ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Morning rickshaw tour through Beijing's ancient Hutongs, followed by visit to Summer Palace with Kunming Lake boat ride. Afternoon high-speed train to Xi'an with guided transfer to hotel.
Days 5-6: Ancient Capital of Xi'an
Day 5: Terracotta Warriors & Ancient Walls
Accommodation: Somerset Xindicheng Xi'an ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Full-day exploration of the legendary Terracotta Warriors museum with pottery figurine factory visit. Afternoon cycling on the Ancient City Wall and shopping in the vibrant Muslim Quarter. Optional Tang Dynasty Show with dinner.
Day 6: Xi'an Cultural Heritage & Journey to Chengdu
Accommodation: Tianfu Sunshine Hotel ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Morning visit to Gao's Courtyard for traditional paper-cutting and shadow puppetry demonstrations, followed by Big Wild Goose Pagoda and fountain show. Afternoon high-speed train to Chengdu with guided transfer.
Days 7-9: Panda Encounters & Mountain City Charm
Day 7: Giant Pandas & Chongqing Transfer
Accommodation: Chongqing Hotel ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Morning visit to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding with shuttle service. Authentic Sichuan hot pot lunch before high-speed train to Chongqing with guided hotel transfer.
Day 8: UNESCO Rock Carvings
Accommodation: Chongqing Hotel ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Full-day excursion to Dazu Rock Carvings, UNESCO World Heritage site featuring spectacular 9th-13th century Buddhist rock sculptures. Evening free to explore Chongqing's famous hot pot cuisine.
Day 9: Chongqing City Highlights & Cruise Embarkation
Accommodation: Victoria Cruise ★★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Comprehensive city tour including Three Gorges Museum, Ancient Town of Ciqikou, Liziba Station, Yangtze River Ropeway, and Hongya Cave. Evening check-in to Victoria Cruise departing at 9:00 PM.
Days 10-12: Yangtze River Cruise Experience
Day 10: Fengdu Ghost City & National Park
Accommodation: Victoria Cruise ★★★★★
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Morning Tai Chi practice followed by shore excursion to Fengdu Shuanguishan National Park. Optional Fengdu Ghost City visit. Captain's welcome reception and optional "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" evening show.
Day 11: Three Gorges Scenic Wonders
Accommodation: Victoria Cruise ★★★★★
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Optional White Emperor City excursion, sailing through dramatic Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge. Afternoon boat excursion to Goddess Stream. Captain's farewell banquet and crew performance.
Day 12: Three Gorges Dam & Shanghai Journey
Accommodation: SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast
Morning disembarkation and shore excursion to Three Gorges Dam site. After lunch, high-speed train to Shanghai (7.5 hours) with guided hotel transfer.
Days 13-14: Modern Shanghai Finale
Day 13: Shanghai's Cultural Blend
Accommodation: SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Full-day city tour including Jade Buddha Temple, Oriental Pearl TV Tower exterior, classical Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Old Street, Nanjing Road shopping, and the historic Bund. Optional evening acrobatic show.
Day 14: Departure from Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast
Free morning for last-minute exploration before airport transfer. Optional Maglev train experience to Pudong Airport.
Journey Highlights
Unforgettable Experiences
- Private guided tours through China's imperial capitals
- Comprehensive Yangtze River cruise with shore excursions
- Giant panda encounters in their natural habitat
- UNESCO World Heritage sites including Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors
- Seamless high-speed train connections between major cities
- Hand-picked luxury accommodations and authentic dining experiences