8 days Beijing Highlights Tour with Yangtze River Cruise

Upon arrival at Beijing airport or railway station, be greeted and assisted to the hotel by your local guide and driver. Have the rest of the day to explore this capital city on your own. As a famous ancient city in China, Beijing balances the traditional culture with modern city life, making it one of the must-see cities for those who want to travel in China. 

After breakfast, set off on a journey to some of Beijing's most remarkable highlights.
Begin your exploration at Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square, known for hosting many significant Chinese celebrations and events.

Next, head north from the square to the majestic Forbidden City. This expansive UNESCO World Heritage Site covers 180 acres and stands as a grand testament to China's rich history. Serving as the living and ruling quarters for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the Forbidden City features over 980 beautifully preserved buildings that symbolize ancient Chinese architecture with their golden roofs and red walls. Accompanied by your guide, wander through these historic paths and delve into the intriguing history of the city, understanding the daily lives of the emperors, empresses, and servants who once resided here.

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.

In the afternoon, find tranquility at the Summer Palace. Known as China's largest and best-preserved imperial garden, this UNESCO World Heritage Site seamlessly blends the natural beauty of hills and waters with the human-made artistry of pavilions, temples, halls, and bridges.

In the evening, you have the choice to enjoy a Kung Fu show or a Peking Opera performance (fee is not included), offering two distinctive cultural experiences.

Start your day with breakfast, then proceed to the Temple of Heaven, a historic architectural masterpiece. It's an imperial temple where emperors once sought good harvests, offering prayers and sacrifices to the God of Heaven during each winter solstice.

Afterwards your guide will escort you to visit Mutianyu Great Wall, a less-crowded section of the Great Wall. It takes around 2.5 hours to drive from Beijing city to the Mutianyu Great Wall. Cable cars are available for a convenient ascent, but you may also choose to walk if you prefer. Upon reaching the top, you can explore freely. Stroll along the wall, traverse through the well-preserved watchtowers, and marvel at the panoramic view of the Great Wall as it weaves its way through the verdant hills and rugged mountains. This experience provides an unparalleled insight into China's military history and architectural brilliance.

On your way back to downtown Beijing, make a stop at the 2008 Olympic Green. Here, you can appreciate the exterior view of the iconic architectural marvels from the 2008 Olympic Games: the Bird's Nest (National Stadium) and the Water Cube (National Aquatics Center). If you wish to explore the interiors of these stadiums, the entrance fee will be your responsibility.

In the evening, consider indulging in a culinary delight by choosing the famous Beijing Roast Duck for dinner (optional). Your stay for the night will be in Beijing.

After breakfast, make your way to visit the Lama Temple, also known as Yonghegong Temple. This sacred site serves as a temple and monastery for the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism and is home to the largest wooden Buddha in the world. Alternatively, if you have a preference for immersing yourself in local life, you can choose to visit Beihai Park instead.

Following your temple visit, you'll have 1-2 hours to experience the rich traditions of Hutong culture in Shichahai, located in western Beijing. Have a rickshaw ride through the centuries-old Hutongs of Shichahai before they are demolished. Take a leisurely stroll along the historic Yandai Xiejie, a street with a remarkable 800-year history surrounding Beijing's Drum Tower. You'll have plenty time to explore Nanluoguoxiang on your own, where you can indulge in local snacks and browse through the many antique shops for souvenirs to take back to your family and friends.

After that, your guide and driver will see you off at Beijing airport for your flight to Chongqing. Upon arrival, to be met and transferred to your hotel in the downtown of Chongqing.

Today, enjoy a full-day guided exploration of Chongqing, one of China’s most dynamic cities. Your journey begins at Ciqikou Old Town, often referred to as the “epitome of Chongqing.” Stroll through its stone-paved alleys and soak up over 1,800 years of history dating back to the Song Dynasty, with charming traditional architecture, street snacks, and local crafts.

Next, hop aboard Chongqing Rail Transit Line 2 and head to Liziba Station, where you’ll witness one of the city’s most iconic sights, a light rail train dramatically cutting through a residential building.

Continue to E’ling Park, a peaceful oasis offering panoramic views of Chongqing’s skyline. From here, admire the towering skyscrapers, the convergence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, and the urban energy that’s earned Chongqing the nickname “Little Hong Kong.”

Wrap up your city tour with a visit to the famous Hongya Cave, a cliffside complex of traditional Ba and Shu-style stilted houses stacked up to 11 stories high. As evening falls, the glowing lights illuminate the architecture in a magical golden hue.

Afterward, you’ll be transferred to Chongqing Pier to board your luxury Yangtze River Cruise (Victoria Cruises), which departs at 9:00 PM, marking the start of your relaxing 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.

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 driver will pick you up and assist you to take your departure flight (or train) at Yichang airport or train station, this marks your Beijing Yangtze River Cruise tour ends. 

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.