21 days China Tour from Beijing to Hong Kong with Yangtze Cruise

Beijing, the first city to visit during this classic China tour, is the capital as well as an ancient city in China. Upon arrival at the airport or railway station, be met and assist by the local guide and driver to your hotel. The rest of the day is for you to explore this magical city on your own. If you have no ideas where to go or what to see, please ask your guide for some good suggestions. 

Following breakfast, begin your exploration at Tiananmen Square, the heart of Beijing. This expansive square holds great significance for the Chinese, often hosting important national events. You'll visit highlights such as the Monument to People's Heroes located at the square's center.

Next, delve into the history of the Forbidden City, an ancient palace where 24 emperors resided during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Your guide will offer detailed insights into the city's history and the lives of those who inhabited it. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its extensive collection of preserved wooden structures, the Forbidden City holds immense cultural importance.

Continue your journey to Jingshan Park, situated opposite the Forbidden City. A climb to the park's summit rewards you with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Forbidden City and the sprawling Beijing cityscape.

After lunch, head northwest to explore the Summer Palace, a royal retreat built during the Qing dynasty. Stroll through its spectacular gardens, palaces, and temples, and admire the architectural beauty. In the evening, you might consider to savor the world famous Beijing roast duck or another local specialty for dinner.

In the morning, drive for about 1.5 hours to visit the Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the best-preserved sections of the wall. If you prefer not to walk up, no worries, you can take the cable car for a scenic ride to the top, or, for a more thrilling experience, descend via a toboggan (optional, with an additional fee). On the way back to Beijing downtown, you will stop to visit one of the Ming Tombs, specifically the Changling Tomb, the largest and best-preserved of the tombs, often described as a "Forbidden City in miniature." You also will stop at the Olympic Green to view the Bird's Nest and Water Cube from the outside (entrance tickets to the Bird's Nest and Water Cube are not included).

Finally, you will have the option to be dropped off at your hotel or the Donghuamen night market to conclude the day.

Start your day at the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests, now a peaceful park where locals practice tai chi and morning exercises. Then head to the historic Shichahai area for a glimpse of old Beijing life. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through narrow Hutong alleys, visit a traditional courtyard home, and stroll along the charming Yandai Xiejie near the Drum Tower. If time is allowed, explore Prince Gong’s Mansion (Gongwang Fu), a grand Qing Dynasty residence known for its elegant halls, tranquil gardens, and rich history as the home of one of the era’s most influential statesmen.

Then transfer to board afternoon high-speed train to Xi'an - about 4.5 hours' ride. Xi'an train station pick-up and transfer to the hotel.

Morning drive to see the extraordinary 2,200-year-old Terracotta Warriors, a massive underground army built to guard Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. Explore several excavation pits featuring life-size soldiers, horses, and chariots.

Return to Xi’an to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a Tang Dynasty landmark built in 652 to house Buddhist scriptures brought from India by the monk Xuanzang. The surrounding temple complex offers a peaceful setting and great photo spots.

Continue to the Muslim Quarter, a vibrant and bustling area that offers a unique cultural and culinary experience. 

In the evening, you may enjoy the Tang Dynasty Show (optional, at your own expense) or explore the colorful night lights of Datang Sleepless City.
Overnight in Xi’an.

Morning drive to visit Beilin Museum (Forest of Stone Steles Museum), it is a treasure trove of Chinese calligraphy, historical documents, and stone carvings, housing over 3,000 steles, then move to Xi’an City Wall where you can choose to walk or bike bicycle (Bicycle renting fee is on your own), following explore Shuyuan Cultural Streets, a bustling street lined with an array of restaurants, souvenir shops, and street artists. Then transfer to train station for the train to Chengdu (about 4 hours train ride). Upon arrival, to be met and transferred to hotel. Stay overnight in Chengdu.

After breakfast, meet your guide and driver at the hotel lobby around 8:00 am and drive for about two hours to Leshan to see the world's largest sitting stone sculpture, the Grand Buddha, standing at 71 meters. The grand Buddha was completed in 803 of Tang Dynasty after 90 years' construction and enjoys the fame of the biggest sitting stone sculpture in the world. Carved on the cliff face, the sculpture is well designed with perfect balance and effective water drainage system. The boat tour to see Leshan Grand Buddha is also available at your request (fee is on your own).  Afternoon return to Chengdu and freely explore Chengdu on your own. Overnight at Chengdu.

In the morning, around 07:30-08:00, you will be transferred to visit the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center. Witness the pandas during feeding time and marvel at their playful antics and adorable cubs. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to People's Park to experience the lively atmosphere as locals engage in various leisure activities. Take a relaxing moment to sip tea at one of the open tea houses. If time permits, you can also visit Kuanzhai Alleys nearby.

In the late afternoon, you will be dropped off at Chengdu train station for your train to Chongqing (about 2 hours train ride). Upon arrival at the train station, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in downtown.

Chongqing, known as the “Mountain City” and often called the “8D City,” is famous for its dramatic hillside skyline, maze-like multi-level urban layout, hotpot culture, and vibrant night views along the Yangtze River, making it an exciting gateway to your upcoming cruise.

Full-day guided tour to explore Chongqing. Begin at Ciqikou Old Town, known for its Ming and Qing–era streets, teahouses, and traditional handicrafts. You may also choose to enjoy the Chongqing 1949 Grand Theatre Show (optional, at your own expense), a spectacular live performance celebrating the city’s wartime history and resilient spirit.

Visit the unique Liziba Metro Station, where the light rail famously passes through the middle floors of a residential building, a signature example of Chongqing’s mountainous urban design. Continue to E’ling Park for stunning views of the city and the meeting point of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. End your day at Hongya Cave, a cliffside complex of traditional stilted houses filled with shops, food stalls, and beautiful night scenery.

In the evening, board your Yangtze River Cruise, which departs at 9:00 PM.

Taking a Yangtze River Cruise might be the best way to explore the breathtaking natural landscapes and cultural heritage along the Yangtze River.

Morning take a shore excursion to Mountain Shuanggui near Fengdu. Depending on river conditions, an alternate excursion may be substituted to Shibaozhai, with its impressive wooden pagoda. Continue the cruise on Yangtze River. Dinner and Supper are offered on board. 

Optional shore excursions today (fee on your own): 
Depending on the river conditions, there is an optional shore excursion to Fengdu ghost city, Fengdu is an ancient town where you can experience the world of the afterlife in Chinese ghost folktales. Wreathed with numerous statues and interspersed by temples, the whole scenic area is a treasure house of art that combines the culture of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. 

In the early morning, you have the option to join an optional shore excursion to the historical and cultural site of White Emperor City (additional fee applies). This renowned location offers stunning views of the Kuimen scenery and is often referred to as the "City of Poems." Immerse yourself in the rich history and soak in the breathtaking landscapes that surround you. Alternatively, you can choose to enjoy leisure time onboard the ship, relaxing and taking in the tranquil ambiance.

Afterwards, return to the cruise and sail through the spectacular Three Gorges. Begin the passage with Qutang Gorge, the shortest and the grandest among three gorges. Have a glimpse of the exquisite peaks and grotesquely shaped rocks along the two banks of Yangtze River. Then pass the Wu Gorge, considered to be the most beautiful one where you will have a graceful view of the lofty and misty peaks. 

Later, you'll transfer to smaller boat for a delightful excursion through the enchanting gorges of either Goddess Stream (Shennv Stream) or, depending on river conditions, Shennong Stream. Experience the natural beauty and serenity of these captivating gorges. Finally, return to the cruise to continue your journey through Xiling Gorge, which holds the title of being the longest (41 miles) and deepest of the Three Gorges.

Disembark this morning and take a tour of the Three Gorges Dam, the grandest hydroelectric project in the world, which spans the Yangtze River at Sandouping in Xiling Gorge. The dam is designed to provide a huge source of hydropower for China and control the flood. After morning sightseeing, You will be provided a motor coach transfer to nearby Yichang by Cruise company. Upon arrival at Yichang, our Yichang local guide or driver will greeted and assisted you to Yichang airport for the flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival at Shanghai, airport picking up and transfer to your hotel.
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Optional shore excursions today (fee on your own): 

An additional optional shore excursion is also available (preceding the Three Gorges Dam tour) through the recently- completed unique ship lock with a ship lift, the world’s largest.

After breakfast, start your day with a visit to Yu Garden, a beautifully preserved classical Chinese garden built during the Ming Dynasty. Wander through its elegant pavilions, koi-filled ponds, rockeries, and shaded walkways, an oasis of calm in the heart of Shanghai’s bustling Old Town. Just next door, explore the lively Yuyuan Bazaar, perfect for picking up local snacks, crafts, and souvenirs.

Next, head to the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center at People’s Square to learn about the city’s transformation from fishing village to global metropolis through impressive models and multimedia displays.

In the afternoon, visit the iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower, one of Shanghai’s most recognizable landmarks. Ride up to the observation decks for panoramic views of the city and the Huangpu River. Then, take a walk down Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s bustling commercial street, before arriving at the historic Shanghai Bund, where colonial architecture faces off with the modern skyline across the river.

In the evening, you can choose to enjoy a Huangpu River night cruise (optional, extra fee applied), offering stunning views of illuminated Shanghai.

In the morning, you will be driven to visit Tongli Water Town near Suzhou, an ancient town with over 1,000 years of history, the town boasts picturesque waterways, bridges, classical gardens and ancient architecture. Enjoy exploring the town by walking along its narrow alleys. An optional tour by boat can be arranged along its tranquil canals to enjoy the town's peaceful ambiance (additional fee is required). Continue to Suzhou in the afternoon. If time is allowed, explore a Suzhou Silk Factory to discover the traditional silk-making process and consider acquiring some premium silk items. Overnight at Suzhou.

Your day begins by visiting the Lingering Garden, a UNESCO site renowned for its harmonious blend of natural scenery and architectural elements across four distinct sections. Next, take a rickshaw ride through Suzhou's alleys, including some food markets, offering a glimpse into the locals' lives. The rickshaw ride concludes at the well-preserved Pingjiang Road from the Song Dynasty. In the afternoon, explore Tiger Hill to visit historical sites such as the 1000-year-old Yunyan Pagoda, a seven-story structure that famously leans much like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Sword Pool, as well as the Bonsai Garden at the foot of the hill for its intricate art. Late afternoon drive back to Shanghai. Overnight at Shanghai. 

Drive to the airport in the morning for your flight to Guilin. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and take a short break before beginning your afternoon tour. After lunch, start your exploration at the Reed Flute Cave, a magnificent natural limestone cave more than 180 million years old. Inside, you’ll see stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and uniquely shaped rock formations illuminated by soft lighting, showcasing nature’s remarkable artistry.

Continue to Elephant Trunk Hill, the iconic symbol of Guilin, named for its resemblance to an elephant drinking from the Li River. Afterwards, visit Seven Star Park, a scenic urban park known for its wooded hills, winding waterways, stone bridges, and relaxed walking paths. Enjoy the tranquil setting and photo opportunities before returning to your hotel for the evening.

Enjoy a scenic Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo. The Li River is famous for its picturesque waters and towering karst mountains. The cruise lasts about 4 hours, with lunch served on board. Upon arrival in Yangshuo, transfer to your hotel.
In the afternoon, you can choose between bamboo rafting (additional fee applies) or hiking along the Yulong River for views of rural life and picturesque landscapes. Visit Jiuxian, a charming village in Yangshuo, known for its tranquil environment, traditional architecture, and karst peaks. In the evening, enjoy the Impression of Sanjie Liu show (optional, fees on your own). Overnight in Yangshuo. (B)

Morning drives about 40 minutes to visit Xianggong hill (Husband Mountain), it takes about 15 minutes to the top of the hill where you will be amazed by the breathtaking view of Li River and the surrounded Karst mountain peaks. Then head to Longji Rice Terraces for the splendid rice terraces and local ethnic minority villages, the drive takes roughly 2-3 hours, on the way enjoy the nice mountain range views. Upon arrival, spend a few hours to hike around at the Ping’an village to enjoy the rice terraces views and visit local minority villages. Choose from trails lasting between 1 to 3 hours, depending on your fitness level. Be sure to let your guide know your preferences to receive tailored recommendations. Overnight at Ping’an village. 

Enjoy the morning view of Longji Rice terraces, then drive to Guilin train station (about 2-2.5 hours drive) for the high speed train to Hongkong (about 3.5 hours train ride). Upon arrival, Hongkong train station pick up and drive to hotel for rest.

After breakfast, you will have a half-day private guided tour to visit Hong Kong Island. First, head to Victoria Peak, the highest mountain on the island, offering spectacular views of the city and its harbors. Then continue to Repulse Bay, located in the south of Hong Kong Island, to look across this busy waterway at Kowloon Island and more. Afterwards, you will go to Stanley Market, a traditional old open market in Hong Kong, jammed with many souvenir shops. Then drive across to Deep Water Bay to visit the Aberdeen area. This place is famous for its fish village, which is located within the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelters. We can help find a perfect restaurant to enjoy a fresh catch of the delicious local seafood here.

The afternoon is open and flexible for you to explore Hong Kong on your own.

Hong Kong airport is a key hub for international flights and a great place to depart for your home country. As your Hong Kong guide says farewell you will be driven to the airport for your departure. Wish you have a pleasant journey home.