16-Day China Highlight & Yangtze River(Upstream) Odyssey
Day 1 (Tue) USA – Beijing
We start our vacation by boarding an international flight bound for Beijing, the capital of China, an ancient city of great splendor. Meals and snacks will be served on the plane.
Day 2 (Wed) Beijing
Arrive at Beijing Capital Int’l Airport. Our representative will greet and escort us to our hotel.
Day 3 (Thu) Beijing (AB, L, D)
We start the tour by visiting Olympic Park, where the 2008 Summer Olympic was held and now it is the new tourist attraction in Beijing. Then we will visit a jade workshop, where we will learn about Chinese jade culture. In the afternoon, go to the fabled Great Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a massive defensive structure built to keep off intrusion. In the evening, we will attend the most famous Chinese Acrobatic Show.
Day 4 (Fri) Beijing (AB, L, D)
In the morning, visit the Summer Palace, former summer retreat for the imperial family during the late Qing Dynasty and now China's largest and best-preserved royal garden. Afterwards, enjoy a visit to the fresh-water pearl shop. Explore the Forbidden City, the largest and most well-preserved imperial palace whose vast and exotic grandeur was brilliantly captured in the movie The Last Emperor. Proceed to Tongrentang, China’s most famous traditional pharmacy, where you could learn the mystifying Chinese theory of Yin & Yang balance.
Day 5 (Sat) Beijing (AB, L)
In the morning, visit the Temple of Heaven; widely regarded as the noblest example of religious architectures in all of China, it was the site where emperors came to worship heaven for a bountiful harvest. Free at leisure in the afternoon.
Day 6 (Sun) Beijing – Xi’an (AB, SD)
In the morning, board a flight to Xi’an. Upon arrival, visit Shaanxi Provincial Museum, which beholds a treasure of 113,000 historic and cultural artifacts unearthed in Shaanxi; and the City Wall -- one of the few ancient city walls still standing in China. Enjoy a good night of Dumpling Banquet Dinner and the Tang Dynasty Show.
Day 7 (Mon) Xi’an (AB, L, SD)
In the morning, visit the Wild Goose Pagoda, a famous Buddhist pagoda in China. Then we go to one of the most exciting archaeological finds of the 20th Century -- Terracotta Warriors and the reproduction factory. Current estimates -- there were over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses, the majority of which are still buried in the pits. Lastly, indulge in a hot pot dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 8 (Tue) Xi’an – Shanghai (AB, D)
In the morning, transfer to airport and board a short flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, we will explore the Special Economic Zone of Pudong and walk along the east side of Huangpu River with memorable views of the Bund and the Huangpu River. Then we will visit the famous waterfront Bund. We also make a stop at the Chinese tea house.
Day 9 (Wed) Shanghai (AB, L)
In the morning, we will visit the City God Temple Open Market and Nanjing Road. In the afternoon, we’ve arranged for a visit to a silk factory as well.
Day 10 (Thu) Shanghai – Wuhan – Yichang – Yangtze River (AB, L, D)
Transfer to airport and fly to Wuhan where we will drive to Yichang, known as "Gateway to the Three Gorges". In the evening, we will start our Yangtze River Adventure with 5-Star Cruise President Prime.
Day 11 (Fri) Yangtze River (AB, L, SD)
In the morning, we will sail through Xiling Gorge, the longest gorge within the three gorges known for its swift currents and dangerous shoal. We will take a shore excursion to the worksite of the Three Gorges Project, the biggest dam in the world and a large water conservation project for flood control, generation, cultivation and flood discharge. Then we will pass through the 5-Step Ship Lock. In the evening we will have Captain’s Welcoming Banquet.
Day 12 (Sat) Yangtze River (AB, L, D)
Today, we will take an excursion in a small boat exploring the Shennong Streams. In the afternoon, the ship will enter Wu Gorge, which is famous for its meandering waterways. Additionally, the fog bestows a distinct beauty. Then the ship enters Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest but most striking section of the three gorges, with sky-soaring majestic mountains on both its sides.
Day 13 (Sun) Yangtze River (AB, L, D)
Today, we will take a shore excursion to Fengdu. Fengdu is an ancient city with a long history, located on the north bank of the Yangtze River, also known as the "Abode of Ghosts." Captain Farewell Banquet is arranged tonight.
Day 14 (Mon) Yangtze River – Chongqing – Shenzhen (AB, L)
The Yangtze River Adventure concludes in the city of Chongqing. It presents a unique magnificent picture with miles of roads and streets winding up and down the hills and along the riverbanks. Then we will fly to Shenzhen. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel and check in.
Day 15 (Tue) Shenzhen – Hong Kong (AB)
Today we will transfer to Hong Kong, the Harbor of Fragrance. After checking in at your hotel, you can explore the charm and dynamic beauty of Hong Kong on your own.
Day 16 (Wed) Hong Kong – Hometown
Today we will go to the airport for your return flight home, taking with you lasting memories of this wonderful trip to China.
AB: American Breakfast
L: Lunch
D: Dinner
SD: Special Dinner
TOUR FEE INCLUDES
- International and China domestic airfare
- Deluxe hotel accommodation(based on double occupancy)
- Admissions and meals as stated
- For single cabin on the cruise ship, please add $400 to the single supplement
- Escorted tour with a minimum of 20 passengers
- Refer to "General Condition of Wonderful Vacation"
- We reserve the right to modify the itinerary for smooth operation. Please call for details
- Tour fare is subject to change without notice. This is due to any airfare increase, increase in government taxes, additional fuel charges and fluctuation of the rate of exchange between U.S. and foreign currency
