12 Days Golden Ring & Yangtze River Tour (YRC1101)

Fly to Beijing, the capital of China.

Upon arriving at Beijing airport, a China Tour representative will greet you and arrange for your transportation to the hotel, allowing you the first chance to experience China.

Beijing is the capital of China, with population of roughly 17.4 million.

We will embark on a full-day tour which begins at the Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world with its monuments and buildings situated around the square’s perimeter.

Thereafter, we will visit the Forbidden City, and Summer Palace while enjoying a walk along Lake Kunming. Dinner will served with a fabulous Peking Duck Banquet.

Today’s tour starts with the Temple of Heaven to see the Imperial Ceiling of Heaven with its Echo Wall and the Nine-Dragon Cypress, which is more than 500 years old.

Then we will stop at a jade museum to learn about the history of jade before heading to explore the Great Wall. It is one of the country’s most famous tourist attractions and one of the greatest man-made wonders of the world. It runs about 5,500 miles through 150 different counties.

This morning you’ll board a plane and fly to Xi’an, a famous historical and cultural city in China. Upon arrival, visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, the most distinctive landmark in Xian, and the Xian Museum.

The Terracotta Warriors and Horses have been called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Nearly 8,000 life- size terracotta soldiers and horses were buried about 2,000 years ago to protect the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, in the afterlife.

You will visit Terracotta Army replication factory and then head back to the city. Pay a visit to the Ancient City Wall of Xian, constructed in 1370 during the Ming Dynasty to completely enclose the city against invaders.

You will be free till you are met and transferred to your flight to Chongqing.

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to Ciqikou Old Town if time permits; otherwise, you will be transferred to board your cruise to start your amazing Yangtze River Tour immediately. (Note: Due to water level conditions, the boarding port of the cruise may be changed to Fengdu.)

As the cruise moves on, you can see the lofty peaks, precipitous cliffs, and towering trees on both sides of the gorges.

Today’s optional excursion will be the Fengdu Ghost City or Shibaozhai with its impressive wooden pagoda depending on the water level. In the evening, join the Captain’s Welcome Dinner Party.

Today, you will first sail through Qutang Gorge, the shortest and most dramatic one among the Three Gorges. Then sail though the breathtaking Wu Gorge, where you can indulge in the beautiful scenery.

Later, disembark at Wushan and experience a small riverboat trip on Shennong Stream or Lesser Three Gorges depending on the water level and the cruise you are taking. Then, head back to the ship.

Later, the ship will pass through the ship lock of the Three Gorges Dam.

In the morning, disembark to visit the mighty Three Gorges Dam Project, the largest dam project in the world, 606-feet in height and 6,500 feet in length.

Then the ship will sail through Xiling Gorge, the longest among the Three Gorges. Later, disembark at Yichang, the terminus of your memorable Yangtze River Cruise. Our guide will pick you up and transfer you to board the flight to Shanghai.

Upon arrival, the rest of the day is left on your own. (Note: Due to water level conditions, the disembark port of the cruise may be changed to Sanduoping.)

Today’s portion of the tour will take you into Shanghai, China’s financial center. Take some time to explore Yuyuan Garden, and the commercial aspects of Old Street, Nanjing Road, before checking out the 120,000 art exhibits in the Shanghai Museum.

Visit a Silk factory where you can do some shopping. Stroll around the Bund, the waterfront of Shanghai.

The tour comes to an end today, and it’s time to pack up all your belongings, mementos, and special memories as you get ready to return home. An optional extension tour can also be arranged upon your request.