China's Grand Voyage: Imperial Past & Yangtze Majesty

H2: A Curated Expedition from Ancient Capitals to Modern Metropolises

H3: Journey Overview

This meticulously crafted 11-day private tour represents the pinnacle of Chinese cultural exploration, seamlessly blending the nation's imperial history with its breathtaking natural wonders. Traverse from the political heart of Beijing through the ancient capital of Xi'an, descend the mighty Yangtze River, and conclude in the dazzling modernity of Shanghai. This chronological journey offers an unparalleled immersion into China's past, present, and scenic grandeur.

H3: Detailed Itinerary

H4: Day 1: Arrival in the Imperial Capital - Beijing

• Arrival & Transfer: Upon landing in Beijing, our tour guide will greet you at the airport and provide a comfortable transfer to your hotel.
• Accommodation: Check into the Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing (★★★★).
• Evening: The remainder of the day is yours to relax and acclimate to the capital city.
• Meals: No meals included.

H4: Day 2: Beijing's Imperial Heart: Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven

• Morning (09:00-12:30): Your exploration begins at the vast Tiananmen Square. From there, step into the Forbidden City, the world's largest and most complete imperial palace complex, a testament to China's dynastic power.
• Lunch (12:30-14:00): Savor an authentic Chinese lunch at a local restaurant.
• Afternoon (14:00-16:30): Visit the magnificent Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for bountiful harvests.
• Evening (16:30-17:30): Return to your hotel. En route, consult your guide for evening plans, such as a classic Peking Duck dinner.
• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
• Accommodation: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing (★★★★)

H4: Day 3: The Great Wall & Olympic Legacy

• Morning (08:00-12:30): Journey to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, renowned for its stunning scenery and excellent preservation. Hike or take a cable car to explore this awe-inspiring ancient marvel.
• Lunch (12:30-13:30): Enjoy lunch at a restaurant near the Great Wall.
• Afternoon (13:30-16:30): Return to the city to view the exteriors of the iconic Bird's Nest stadium and Water Cube, architectural masterpieces from the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
• Evening: Your guide can suggest night activities, from relaxing foot massages to exploring vibrant areas like Houhai or Sanlitun.
• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
• Accommodation: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing (★★★★)

H4: Day 4: Beijing's Hutong Life & Journey to Xi'an

• Morning (10:00-11:30): Experience local life with a relaxing rickshaw tour through Beijing's ancient Hutongs.
• Late Morning & Lunch (11:30-14:30): Visit the serene Summer Palace, the largest existing imperial garden in China, including a boat ride on Kunming Lake. Lunch is arranged at a nearby restaurant.
• Afternoon: Transfer to the railway station for a high-speed train to Xi'an.
• Arrival: Your Xi'an guide will meet you upon arrival and transfer you to your hotel.
• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
• Accommodation: Grand Noble Hotel Xi'an (★★★★)

H4: Day 5: Xi'an's Terracotta Army & Ancient Walls

• Morning (09:30-12:30): Discover the legendary Terracotta Warriors and Horses, an extraordinary archaeological site. Visit a pottery factory to see how these figures are crafted.
• Lunch (12:30-14:00): Lunch is arranged near the Terracotta Army site.
• Afternoon (14:00-17:00): Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and its north square fountain show. Then, walk or bike (optional, at extra cost) along the remarkably preserved Ancient City Wall.
• Evening: Consider an optional Tang Dynasty Dance Show with Dinner for a cultural finale.
• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
• Accommodation: Grand Noble Hotel Xi'an (★★★★)

H4: Day 6: High-Speed to Chongqing & Embarkation

• Morning: After breakfast, check out and transfer to the station for a high-speed train to Chongqing.
• Afternoon: Upon arrival, your Chongqing guide will transfer you to Chaotianmen Wharf to board the luxurious Victoria Cruise.
• Evening: Settle into your cabin. The ship sets sail at 9:00 p.m., commencing your Yangtze River adventure.
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Victoria Cruise (★★★★★)

H4: Day 7: Yangtze Serenity & Fengdu's Legends

• Full Day Cruise: Immerse yourself in the tranquil pace of river life.
• Shore Excursion: A shore excursion to Fengdu Shuanguishan National Park is included. An optional visit to the famed Fengdu Ghost City is available (extra fee).
• Onboard Activities: Participate in morning Tai Chi, enjoy a Captain's Welcome Reception, and consider the optional evening "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" cultural show.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Victoria Cruise (★★★★★)

H4: Day 8: Gorges Grandeur & Goddess Stream

• Morning: An optional excursion to the White Emperor City (extra fee) offers panoramic views. Sail through the dramatic Qutang Gorge and the serene, forest-clad Wu Gorge.
• Afternoon: Disembark for a smaller boat excursion up the beautiful Goddess Stream (or Shennong Stream, depending on conditions).
• Evening: Enjoy the Captain's Farewell Banquet.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Victoria Cruise (★★★★★)

H4: Day 9: Three Gorges Dam & Arrival in Shanghai

• Morning (08:15-12:30): Disembark at Maoping. Visit the monumental Three Gorges Dam, a feat of modern engineering.
• Afternoon: Transfer to Yichang station for a high-speed train to the cosmopolitan hub of Shanghai.
• Arrival: Your Shanghai guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Sunrise On The Bund Hotel (★★★★)

H4: Day 10: Shanghai: Blending Tradition & Futurism

• Morning (09:30-12:30): Find tranquility at the Jade Buddha Temple, then view the iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower from the Riverside Promenade. A stop at a silk museum offers shopping opportunities.
• Lunch (12:30-13:30): Enjoy a delicious à la carte lunch at a popular local restaurant.
• Afternoon (13:30-16:30): Explore the classical Yuyuan Garden, browse for souvenirs on Shanghai Old Street and Nanjing Road, and take a leisurely walk along The Bund, famed for its spectacular colonial architecture.
• Evening: Enhance your night with an optional, world-class Acrobatic Show.
• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
• Accommodation: Sunrise On The Bund Hotel (★★★★)

H4: Day 11: Departure from Shanghai

• Morning: Enjoy breakfast at your leisure.
• Transfer: Depending on your preference and flight time, you will be transferred to Pudong Airport, with an optional Maglev train ride experience available.
• Meals: Breakfast
• Service Ends