Welcome to China! Upon arrival, you are greeted by your guide at the exit, and then taken to a comfortable hotel for a good rest.

Your sightseeing starts from the nation's most symbolic communist buildings as you walk through Tiananmen Square. Then you'll reach the Forbidden City, the imperial palace and home to 24 emperors tracing in Ming and Qing Dynasty, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Feast your eyes on those quintessential architectures and antiques and learn about the splendid past. Discover some palaces other groups do not go for a more in-depth discovery.

Afterwards, you will get to traditional Hutongs where common people have been living for generations. Take a rickshaw ride into the small alleys to see the folk residences of Beijing and learn to paint a facial mask in the famous Peking Opera in a traditional courtyard, which is a wonderful souvenir to bring home.

The Forbidden City

Ride a rickshaw to discover the Hutong alleys

Today, your journey begins with the Mutianyu Great Wall, a mammoth dragon crouching along mountains to protect the empires and territory for hundreds of years. Take a Round-trip Cable Car to get on the Great Wall for more time hiking on the wall and enjoying the fascinating sights.

On your way back, have a stopover to take some great photos of the landmarks, the Bird's Nest and Water Cube.

Then ride to the Summer Palace, known as the 'Museum of Imperial Gardens'. Ramble in this boundless and harmonious landscape garden to discover the exquisite gallery, pavilions and palaces.

Mutianyu Great Wall with Lush Plantation

A Richly Painted Cruise Boat on Kunming Lake

Start your fresh morning visiting the Temple of Heaven, where emperors used to worship heaven and pray for great harvest. Pay tribute to the spectacular constructions and learn about the ancient Chinese philosophy of life. Another highlight here is encountering the friendly locals practising Tai Chi or other morning exercises, and you are more than welcome to join them.

Then, you will be taken to the railway station for a 4.5-hour train ride to Xi'an. Upon arrival, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your centrally located hotel.

Temple of Heaven

About 1-hour drive, you will get to the Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses Museum to admire the huge clay army standing upright solemnly for over 2,000 years. Follow your expert local guide to observe their distinctive faces, hairstyles, uniforms, and learn about the consummate craftsmanship, the mystery of the pigment.

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 marvel at the ancient City Wall, the largest and best-preserved ancient city fortifications in China. You could choose to walk or cycle on the wall to enjoy the panoramic view of the city and take some great photos from the best angles.

Afterwards, continue to visit the Great Mosque and savor the traditional Chinese style Islamic mosque that survived over 1,000 years. Then enjoy your free time in the bustling bazaar of Muslim Quarter digging out your favorite snacks and artworks.

Ride a bicycle on top of the City Wall

Unique faces of the life-sized Terracotta Warriors

After breakfast, visit Hanyang Tombs (Hanyangling Mausoleum) to uncover the mysteries of Emperor Jingdi of Han Dynasty when you walk atop the glass walkways looking down at the vivid miniature ministers, maids, animals, living goods and many other exquisite clay figures.

Then drive to the airport and fly to Chongqing. Your local guide and driver will transfer you to the dock and you will embark the luxury liner for your relaxing cruise journey.

Daily vessels buried in Hanyangling Mausoleum

Naked mini terracotta figures without arms

Start your morning in the traditional Chinese way by joining the Tai Chi Class.

After breakfast, discover the "colossal bonsai" Shibaozhai on your voyage along the Yangtze River. Follow your river guide to explore its bizarre architecture leaning against the isolated mountain and get to know the interesting tales about it.

Tonight, you will attend the Captain's Welcome Party and enjoy the crew's music and dance performances.

Optional Excursion: Visit Fengdu Ghost City to discover the infernal institutions, ferocious statues of ghosts and gods, cruel penalties in this mysterious oriental "netherworld" created on the basis of myths and legends.

Yangtze River Cruise passing the picturesque Qutang Gorge

Sail through the narrow Qutang Gorge and the most spectacular Wu Gorge between huge mountains.

Then embark on a wooden boat to go deeper into the gorge of the wondrous Shennv Stream in quest of the primeval hidden beauties, or savor the delicate Lesser Three Gorges by a smaller boat.

Continue to explore the longest Xiling Gorge featuring rapid water, rare stones and twisted course.

Tonight, the Captain's Farewell Party is held.

Optional Excursion: Visit White Emperor City to overlook the spectacular gorge and trace the legends of ancient renowned generals and poets.

This morning, you will enjoy the morning excursion to the Three Gorges Dam and appreciate the gigantic project, one of the world's largest hydropower stations.

Then you will be picked up by your tour guide and driver at the Three Gorges Damn site and escorted to the Yichang train station to travel to Zhangjiajie.

This morning, you will be transferred to the breathtaking Global Geopark of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.

A shuttle bus will first take you to the Avatar's shooting location of Yuanjiajie Scenic Area. With the Bailong Elevator soaring into the air, immerse yourself in the thrilling feeling and fleeting superb scenery. Ccontinue to explore the fairyland and seek out the unique Hallelujah Mountain.

Afterwards head to Tianzi Mountain to appreciate the boundless grotesque stone peaks standing upright and take a cable car to descend the mountain.

The last spot is the Ten Mile Gallery, where you'll take a round-trip small train to absorb the immensely long painting scroll drawn by nature.

Grotesque pillar like limestone mountains at Zhangjiajie wonderland

In the morning, set out to Tianmen Mountain (meaning Heaven's Gate) where you will challenge the ghrilling glass Skywalk built along the cliff with a height of 4691ft. Then take the transmountain elevator down to the Tianmen Cave and appreciate this natural celestial gate, big enough for a jet to fly through.

Then get to the foot of the mountain by the elevator or walking down the 999 steps. While the shuttle bus takes you to descend the mountain, you'll have a chance to see the amazing 99 turns.

Afterwards, you will say goodbye to the beautiful Zhangjiajie and fly to Shanghai.

Start your day with a visit to the Yu Garden where you'll enjoy the delightful and elaborate landscape made up of exquisite pavilions, corridors, lakes and rockeries.

Then stroll on the bustling Nanjing Road and the Bund along the riverside, praised as a World Architecture Museum.

Get on top of the Shanghai World Financial Center to get a bird's-eye view of the metropolis.

Continue your sightseeing to Xintiandi (New World of Shanghai) where multicultural constructions in old or fashion styles are intertwined.

At last, visit the Propaganda Poster Art Center to feel the passion and energy of people in 1960s.

Yu Garden

Propaganda Poster of China in 1960s

Today, your wonderful 13-day tour ends and you will be escorted the airport for your departure flight.