Welcome to China! Upon your arrival, your friendly tour guide holding a welcome sign with your name will greet you and transfer you to the hotel and have a rest to recover from jet lag.

After a night’s sound sleep, get refreshed for today’s exploration. First, visit the Temple of Heaven in the morning, soak up the beautiful architectures where emperors used to hold ceremonies to pray for peace and harvest for the whole nation. Encounter locals gathering here for morning exercises which is another highlight.

Next proceed to Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City, the largest collection of wooden constructions preserved today. Housing over a million incomparable treasures, it is also known as Palace Museum. As imperial palace for both Ming and Qing Dynasty, Forbidden City witnessed the rises and falls of the two dynasties from 1420 to 1912. Your professional guide will walk you through different halls and exquisite architectures of the Palace, which leads you to travel back into the history of ancient China. 

Afterwards, get into traditional Hutongs where common people used to live. Take a rickshaw ride into the small alleys to discover ordinary people’s houses and local life. Learn to paint a facial mask in the famous Peking Opera and experience the traditional art of Beijing. Bring this memorable souvenir home with you when you finish. Then transfer back to your hotel.

Forbidden City

Today, your tour will begin with Jinshanling Great Wall, the more authentic and less restored part featuring the most beautiful views among all accessible parts of the Great Wall. Round-trip Cable Car is included to ascend the Wall and to save more time for you to appreciate the authentic part of the great military defensive system. 

Afterwards, drive to Gubei Water Town, a beautiful resort with great hot springs situated at the foot of Simatai Great Wall. You will immerse in the traditional culture and architecture of China including a visit to the Liquor Workshop and Dye Workshop to appreciate the Chinese wine making and traditional craft, a leisurely stroll along the Commercial Street and more. 

When dusk came, take a cable car to ascend Simatai Great Wall and appreciate the magnificent night view of the Wall. You will also overlook the beautiful Gubei Water Town when it is lit by the lights. 

Night Activity Idea: You could wander along the water town and take in its beautiful night view or relax in the hot spring at your hotel. 

Gubei Water Town

Night View of Simatai Great Wall

This morning you will enjoy some free exploration in the Water Town. Then drive back to the city to the imperial garden Summer Palace. Stroll along the peaceful lake, taking in the picturesque scenery of gardens, halls, and pavilions.

Afterwards, be escorted to the railway station to take a 4.5-hour high-speed train to travel to Xian. Upon arrival, meet your friendly Xian guide and get back to your hotel.

Splendid Gubei Water Town at Night

Summer Palace

About one-hour drive leads you to the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, the incredible 8,000 full-sized clay soldiers and horses built to guard the tomb of Shihuang Emperor (First Emperor of China who unified the country for the first time in history and established Qin Empire from BC221 to BC207).

Afterwards, enjoy the opportunity to make a mini terra-cotta figure and you will further understand the impressive work done by ancient Chinese 2,000 years ago.

Then drive back to the city to visit the City Wall, China's most complete and best preserved ancient City Wall. Learn about how the military defensive system protected the city that had never been breached. You could also enjoy an optional bike ride on top of the Wall.

Then proceed to the Muslim Quarter and Great Mosque (representing the perfect combination of Chinese ancient and Islamic architectural styles). Enjoy some free time wandering through this bustling bazaar, where all kinds of featured local snacks and souvenirs will dazzle you.

Bronze Chariots and Horses

Our clients Alondra and Gisela are making mini terra-cotta figures.

Today, your Xi'an tour ends at Hanyang Tombs (Hanyangling Mausoleum), built for Emperor Jing of Han Dynasty (BC206-AD220). Walking atop the glass walkways, you will closely observe the miniatures of the naked clay figures, livestock, horses, carriages, grain, etc., which recount the glorious history of grand Han Dynasty.

Then your Xi'an guide will see you off at the airport and you will fly to Chongqing. Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you and take you to board your luxurious ship for the leisurely Yangtze River Cruise.

With beautiful sceneries along the river banks, join a refreshing Tai Chi Class in the morning to start the beautiful day onboard.

After breakfast, you will discover the mysterious Shibaozhai, a 500-year-old bizarre wooden construction leaning against an isolated mountain along the Yangtze River.

Tonight, you are invited to take part in the Captain's Welcome Party and enjoy the folk music and dance performances.

Optional Excursion: Today's optional onshore excursion takes you to explore the Fengdu Ghost City, said to be where all souls rest after death. Marvel at the vivid scene of trials undergoing in Court of Hell and many vividly carved demon statues built out of rich imagination of ancient Chinese.

Gorgeous Fall Scenery of the Yangtze River

When the cruise zigzags through Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge, you will have enough time to appreciate the various types of mountains towering into the clouds.

Your guide will also lead you to delve into the Shennv Stream on a smaller boat, to discover the hidden beauty in the primeval valley, or to seek out the elegance of Lesser Three Gorges.

Then you will sail to the longest Xiling Gorge, the most dangerous part celebrated for turbulent water, bizarre rocks and twisted courses.

Tonight, you will attend the Captain's Farewell Party. 

Optional Excursion: Enjoy this optional onshore excursion to White Emperor City to get the best view of the spectacular Kuimen Gate, entrance of Qutang Gorge.

A leisurely cruise along mighty Yangtze River

In the morning, you will disembark at Maoping Dock then visit the Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydro-power project and production base of clean energy.

Before flying to Shanghai, you will take a leisurely stroll at the Binjiang Park on the tree-lined lanes and encounter the relaxing local life, followed by a visit to Yichang Museum, housing over 30,000 cultural relics including Changyang man fossils, bronze bells, black pottery, etc.

Afterwards, fly to Shanghai and enjoy the brilliantly illuminated night of this metropolis on the way back to your hotel.

Today, you will first go to Yu Garden, an over 400-year-old private garden. Enjoy yourself in this "city forest" and appreciate China's typical southern landscape art.

Then head to Nanjing Road and the Bund, known as the World Architecture Museum with most buildings tracing back to 100-120 years ago.

Get a panoramic view of the glamourous Bund from the top of Shanghai World Financial Center.

Continue your visit to Xintiandi (New World of Shanghai), where traditional Shikumen constructions and advanced modern buildings fuse together. Walk into the traditional Shikument residence named Inside Shanghai, exhibiting life back in 1920s.

Xintiandi

The bedroom of the traditional Shikumen residence

Your 11-day delightful China exploration ends here and farewell to China. You will be escorted to the airport for your departure flight.