Fujian Journey: Coastal Charm & Hakka Heritage
Ancient Wonders, Scenic Splendors & Modern Marvels
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing - Gateway to Imperial China
Welcome to China's Capital
Upon arrival at Beijing airport, our professional guide will greet you warmly after you clear customs and retrieve your luggage. You'll be transferred to your hotel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. After your long flight, the remainder of the day is at your leisure to rest and acclimate. Our guide will be happy to provide restaurant recommendations and local insights to help you settle in.
Day 2: Beijing's Imperial Majesty
Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City & Temple Complexes
Begin your China exploration with a leisurely stroll through Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest city square. Then enter the magnificent Forbidden City (Palace Museum), where our knowledgeable guide will reveal fascinating stories behind the 600-year-old imperial architecture and cultural relics.
Gourmet Experience: Enjoy an à la carte welcome lunch featuring Peking Duck at a carefully selected local restaurant (valued at CNY150 per person).
In the afternoon, visit Yonghe Temple to admire the 26-meter-tall standing Buddha carved from a single sandalwood tree. Continue to the Temple of Heaven, where Ming and Qing emperors prayed for good harvests, and learn about its fascinating history including its temporary use as an airplane runway.
Day 3: Great Wall Adventure & Traditional Beijing
Mutianyu Great Wall & Hutong Culture
Journey to the magnificent Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, renowned for its excellent preservation and stunning scenery. A round-trip cable car ride ensures comfortable access to this UNESCO World Heritage site. After descending, enjoy lunch at your leisure with recommendations from your guide.
On your return to the city, stop for photos of the iconic Bird's Nest Olympic Stadium. Then experience traditional Beijing life with a rickshaw ride through the historic Hutong alleyways of Shichahai, including a special visit to a local family's courtyard home.
Day 4: Royal Gardens & High-Speed to Xi'an
Summer Palace & Journey to Ancient Capital
Explore the beautiful Summer Palace, originally built by Emperor Qianlong for his mother's 60th birthday. Marvel at the graceful landscapes and magnificent constructions surrounding Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill.
In the afternoon, transfer to the railway station for your high-speed train to Xi'an (approximately 4.5-5.5 hours). Upon arrival, our local guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.
Day 5: Terracotta Warriors & Tang Dynasty Legacy
Eighth Wonder of the World
Discover the incredible Terracotta Army Museum, where thousands of life-sized soldiers and horses with unique facial expressions have stood guard for over 2,200 years. Enjoy two exclusive experiences: - Visit the home of Mr. Yang Zhifa, the farmer who discovered the terracotta army in 1974 - Create your own mini terracotta figure at a local workshop (approximately 40 minutes)
After lunch, admire the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a holy Buddhist site and city landmark. Then immerse yourself in Tang Dynasty culture at the adjacent Great Tang All Day Mall with its traditional architecture and cultural performances.
Day 6: Xi'an's Ancient Walls & Culinary Delights
City Wall, Muslim Quarter & History Museum
Start your day at City Wall Park, where you can join locals in morning exercises like Tai Chi. Then ascend the magnificent ancient City Wall - one of the best-preserved in China - where you can walk or cycle along the 13.74-kilometer perimeter.
Visit the unique Great Mosque, which beautifully blends Chinese and Islamic architectural styles, located in the vibrant Muslim Quarter. Enjoy a local flavor lunch featuring Xi'an's famous snacks. Conclude your day at the Shaanxi History Museum, housing nearly 1.7 million cultural relics that tell China's fascinating story.
Day 7: Chongqing Exploration & Yangtze River Embarkation
Pandas, Ancient Villages & Cruise Beginning
Fly to Chongqing, where you'll visit Chongqing Zoo to see adorable giant pandas and explore the ancient Ciqikou Village with its Ming and Qing dynasty architecture and spicy local snacks.
In the late afternoon, transfer to the port to board your premium Yangtze River cruise ship (either New Century Cruise for luxury or Victoria Cruise for comfort). Settle into your cabin and enjoy the Captain's Welcome Party (New Century) or explore local dining options before departure.
Day 8: Yangtze River Cruise - Cultural Immersion
Ghost City & Onboard Activities
Start your day with optional Tai Chi lessons on deck. After breakfast, disembark for an excursion to Fengdu Ghost City, where ancient Chinese beliefs about the afterlife come to life through temples and sculptures dedicated to the underworld. (Victoria Cruise guests visit Fengdu ShuangGui Mountain).
Enjoy leisure time onboard admiring the passing scenery from the sundeck or participating in various cultural activities and entertainment programs offered throughout the day.
Day 9: Three Gorges Spectacle
Natural Wonders & Shennv Stream Adventure
Today features the scenic highlight of your cruise as you sail through the magnificent Three Gorges: - Qutang Gorge (approximately 11:00-11:30) - Wu Gorge (approximately 13:15-13:30)
Disembark for an exciting motorized ferry excursion along Shennv Stream, where you'll navigate zigzagging watercourses surrounded by dramatic rock formations and picturesque scenery, accompanied by traditional folk songs from local trackers. Later, sail through Xiling Gorge, the longest of the three gorges.
Day 10: Engineering Marvel & Journey to Shanghai
Three Gorges Dam & High-Speed to Modern China
Disembark from your cruise and visit the massive Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest irrigation project that generates power for over 14 million households while providing flood control.
After the dam tour, transfer to Yichang city and board a high-speed train to Shanghai (approximately 6 hours, 15 minutes). Upon arrival, our Shanghai guide will greet you and transfer you to your hotel.
Day 11: Shanghai - Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow
Museums, Gardens & River Views
Begin at the Shanghai Museum, home to exceptional collections of Chinese art and artifacts. Then explore the exquisite Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden renowned for its delicate architecture and beautiful landscapes, followed by time in the adjacent Yuyuan Bazaar.
Gourmet Experience: Enjoy an à la carte farewell lunch (valued at CNY150 per person) at a renowned restaurant specializing in Shanghai and Cantonese cuisines.
In the afternoon, discover the artistic Tianzifang cultural block with its galleries, boutiques and cafes. Then experience Shanghai's contrasting landscapes during a Huangpu River cruise, viewing modern skyscrapers on the east bank and historic western architecture on the west bank. Conclude with a stroll along the Bund to admire the impressive International Architecture Expo.
Day 12: Shanghai Departure
Farewell to China
Our guide and driver will transfer you to the airport for your homebound flight, concluding your remarkable journey through China's imperial capitals and the majestic Yangtze River. We wish you a pleasant journey home and hope to welcome you back to explore more of China's wonders in the future.