Beijing, Yangtze Cruise & Shanghai Tour

As the first city to visit in this tour, Beijing is a must-see city which holds rich resources of cultural heritages and natural landscapes. Upon arrival, be greeted by your local guide and get settled in the hotel. Have the rest of the day to retire or explore this capital city on your own. If you have no idea on where to go, please ask your guide or Travel Advisor for some suggestions. 

Begin your first day in Beijing with a visit to Tiananmen Square, situated at the center of Beijing city. This iconic square, considered the largest in the world, holds great significance for the Chinese people, often serving as a venue for celebrations and important events. Then proceed to the Forbidden City, an extraordinary palace complex that housed 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Explore the rich history and architectural wonders of this ancient site, which served as the imperial residence and administrative center for centuries.
Continue your journey to Jingshan Park, situated directly across from the Forbidden City. A climb to the park’s summit will reward you with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Forbidden City and the vast Beijing cityscape.

After lunch, drive to visit Summer Palace, a royal garden that surrounding Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill more traditionally known as Wanshou Shan. It is one of the four classic gardens of China. This palace was built by the emperors during Qing dynasty as a summertime retreat. You will easily see many spectacular gardens, palaces and temples throughout. 

In the evening, you may choose to watch a Kung Fu show or Peking Opera (optional; extra cost), both offering memorable cultural experiences.

After breakfast, drive to visit the Temple of Heaven in south Beijing. It is a holy imperial temple where emperors once prayed for a good harvest and offered sacrifices to the God of Heaven during every winter solstice. You will have a glimpse of this masterpiece of architecture and landscape design.

Afterward, drive to Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the best section to explore the Great Wall of China. It will take about 2.5 hours to get there by private car. Upon arrival enjoy 2 to 3 hours of walking along with this ancient defense and have a glimpse of the magnificent scenery as the wall winds its way across the mountains. If you don’t feel like walking up, you can also choose to ascend and descend via a cable car or slide your way down in a toboggan. 

On the way back to your hotel, you may have a quick stop at the Olympic Green to overlook at Bird’s Nest and The Cube. Then drop you off at your hotel, rest on your own for the rest of the day.

In the evening, you may choose to try Beijing Roast Duck at a local restaurant (optional). Overnight in Beijing.

After breakfast, visit the Lama Temple, also known as Yonghegong Temple, an important Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Beijing and home to a giant wooden Buddha statue. If you prefer to see more of local daily life, Beihai Park can be arranged instead.

Continue to Shichahai to experience Beijing’s traditional hutong culture. Take a rickshaw ride through the old hutong lanes, walk along Yandai Xiejie, an 800-year-old street near the Drum Tower, and enjoy free time around Nanluoguxiang for local snacks, small shops and souvenirs.

After the visit, your guide and driver will transfer you to Beijing airport for your flight to Chongqing. Upon arrival, your local driver will meet you and transfer you to your downtown hotel.

In the evening, you may explore Jiefangbei Haochi Street for dinner or visit Chaotianmen Pier to enjoy Chongqing’s night views. Overnight at Chongqing.

Today, enjoy a guided tour of Chongqing, one of China’s most dynamic mountain cities. Begin at Liziba Station to see the famous light rail train passing through a residential building.

Continue to E’ling Park for panoramic views of Chongqing’s skyline, steep hills, and the meeting point of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers.

In the afternoon, visit Mountain City Lane (Shancheng Budao), a historic walkway with old hillside neighborhoods, stone steps and traditional Bayu-style architecture. You can also try a local specialty such as peppercorn ice cream.

Later, explore Hongya Cave, a cliffside complex inspired by traditional Ba and Shu-style stilted houses, then continue to Chaotianmen Pier, where the Yangtze and Jialing rivers meet.

After the city tour, board your Victoria Yangtze River Cruise at Chaotianmen Pier. The cruise departs at 9:00 PM, beginning your journey down China’s longest river.

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 ship and prepare to enter the Three Gorges, the highlight of your Yangtze River Cruise. Sail through the first two gorges, starting with the dramatic Qutang Gorge, known for being the shortest (5 miles), narrowest (500 feet), and most visually striking. Next is the picturesque Wu Gorge, stretching 25 miles and adorned with forest-covered mountains and sheer cliffs that allow only a gentle penetration of sunlight.

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.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight to the next destination.

Notes: Shanghai has two airports – Hongqiao Airport and Pudong Airport. Please make sure you go to the right one for the departure.