Epic China tour with splendid Yangtze River cruise and excursions

From Beijing to Shanghai: A legendary China and Yangtze River cruise adventure - includes breakfast, all transport, a range of excursions and more

Day 1-2: UK - Night on board - Beijing

Arrive at the airport and prepare to board your overnight flight to Beijing, China’s spectacular capital. After touching down in this city of ancient sites, transfer to your comfortable hotel to get some rest.

Day 3-5: Beijing

Day three brings with it a kaleidoscope of Chinese colour and culture. Enjoy breakfast and head out on a tour of the Temple of Heaven, a religious complex used by the emperors of the Qing and Ming dynasties. Watch as locals practice Tai Chi and later on, visit a pearl workshop for an insight into these precious jewels. Return to the hotel and enjoy a thrilling optional tour of Shichahai Hutong and the Lama Temple. Hop on a rickshaw before stopping to admire the impressive Bell and Drum Towers. Afterwards, step into one of the local Siheyuan courtyard houses of Hutong to learn about the delicate craft of Chinese paper cutting. Finally, visit Lama Temple, one of largest and most perfectly preserved Buddhist monasteries in present-day China.

Enjoy another delicious breakfast at the hotel before exploring Beijing at your own pace. Visit the sights or delve into delicious, local cuisine. Alternatively, embark on an optional excursion to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Explore the legendary square and then venture into the Forbidden City. This magnificent palace complex was the home of China’s emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties and showcases immaculate Chinese design and architecture. You can also visit the Tea House before admiring the enigmatic Summer Palace. After the tour, watch a chef serve up mouthwatering slices of golden Peking Duck, before learning how to eat the dish correctly.

Day five contains an exhilarating expedition to the Juyongguan section of the Great Wall of China. This iconic stretch is the best preserved portion of the wall and offers a captivating glimpse into the former grandeur of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at its immense scale, visible even from space, as you journey through the picturesque countryside. Along the way, immerse yourself in the rich history of jade at a fascinating exhibition showcasing the stone's significance. Upon reaching the Great Wall, you'll have at least two hours to explore this ancient marvel and to trace its historic path. On your return journey to Beijing, you’ll have the chance to venture into the Olympic Park to admire the breathtaking architecture of the Bird's Nest Stadium and Water Cube Aquatics Centre. Return to the hotel and opt to enjoy a Golden Mask Show. This cultural performance tells the story of a queen who wears a glittering, golden mask.

Day 6-8: Beijing - Xi’an

The next stage of your captivating China tour begins! Transfer to the station and watch Beijing disappear in a blur as you're whisked away on a high-speed, four to five-hour bullet train ride to Xi'an. Check into your hotel and familiarise yourself with the neighbourhood, or join an optional night tour beginning in the North Square of the Wild Goose Pagoda. You’ll then head to The Grand Tang Mall, also known as Datang Everbright City. This pedestrian-friendly park offers a captivating experience that transports you back to the Tang Dynasty.

Restore your strength on day seven with another tasty breakfast as you prepare to discover one of China's most iconic sights - the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors Museum. Created to accompany Qin Shi Huang, China's first emperor, to the afterlife, these 8,000 life-sized terracotta figures are truly something to behold. Learn about the historical significance of these warriors and witness traditional terracotta-making techniques at a nearby workshop. Afterward, embark on a culinary adventure through the Great Mosque and Muslim Quarter, indulging in local cuisine and exploring the vibrant market. Spend the rest of the evening at your leisure, or enjoy the fabulous music of China's golden age with an optional Tang Dynasty show with dumpling banquet dinner.

Day eight is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Dive into the local culinary scene and sample the delights of one of Xi'an's street food markets, or take part in an optional full-day tour of Mount Huashan via cable car. Mount Huashan, one of China's Five Sacred Taoist Mountains, boasts a challenging 15-kilometre hiking trail from south to north. Ascend this revered mountain by cable car and explore the summit's spiritual heart on foot.

Day 9-11: Xi’an - Chongqing - Yangtze river cruise

Enjoy an early breakfast before transferring to the station to take the six-hour bullet train journey to Chongqing. Upon arrival, your guide will welcome you and lead you on a short tour of the city and the historic Ciqikou town. Nestled on a hill overlooking the Jialing River, Ciqikou is a bustling area filled with lively shops. Visit the People’s Liberation Monument, erected in 1945 to honour China’s success in World War II. In the afternoon, board your ship and settle into your cabin as you prepare to enjoy dinner and embark on a scenic cruise along the Yangtze River.

On day 10, wake up on board the ship and enjoy a wonderful first stop in Fengdu, also intriguingly known as the ‘Ghost City’. Disembark and take a guided tour to explore this mysterious place, steeped in mythology and beliefs about the afterlife. Discover the Temple of the King of Hell, adorned with statues and sculptures depicting demons and deities of the underworld, and listen to how only the virtuous can successfully cross the Bridge of Helplessness.

The next day, enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Yangtze River. As you drift along calm waters, admire the towering canyons and gorges. Pass through and witness the pristine beauty of Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge, and make the most of opportunities to disembark and explore these natural wonders. After dinner, head back to your cabin for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Please note, you will be able to add extra activities offered on board. These can vary depending on the season, weather, or Yangtze water level.

Day 12-15: Yangtze river cruise - Yichang - Shanghai

Day 12 begins with a once-in-a-lifetime excursion to the Three Gorges Dam, the largest power plant in the world. Witness the engineering marvel which tamed the cyclical floods that once devastating great cities like Wuhan and Shanghai. After lunch, transfer to Yichang train station and unwind on a high-speed journey to Shanghai, lasting approximately seven hours. Upon arrival, check into your inviting hotel and relax.

Your first full day amidst the magnificent of Shanghai starts with a half-day excursion to cover the city's highlights. Step back in time in the charming traditional Yu Garden, learn about the country's artistic and cultural history at the Shanghai Museum, and explore the modern side of the city. Visit an authentic silk showroom to discover how this coveted fabric is manufactured. Return to the hotel and, in the evening, you'll have the option to enjoy glittering skyline views from the plush surroundings of a Huangpu River Cruise.

Delight in a leisurely breakfast before spending day 14 at your leisure. Discover Shanghai's impressive sightseeing opportunities, or complete an optional full-day tour of the city. Begin with a thrilling ride on the Maglev, the world's first and only commercial high-speed maglev train, and witness the pinnacle of Shanghai's innovation. You will then ascend to the 88th floor of Jinmao Tower for panoramic views from the observation deck. Afterward, explore A.P. Plaza and spend two hours hunting for incredible bargains from within over 1,000 stores. Conclude your tour in the vibrant Xintiandi area, a world-class destination for dining, shopping, entertainment, and cultural experiences.

Spend the final day of this extraordinary tour exploring Shanghai at your own pace, discovering hidden gems, strolling along the historic Bund, or indulging in sumptuous street food. For a final optional excursion, venture to Suzhou, the ‘Venice of the East’. Explore the Lingering Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former imperial residence renowned for its exquisite Chinese architecture and harmonious Feng Shui principles. Embark on a picturesque boat ride along the Pingjiang Canal, passing through to the charming Old City, where you can gaze upon Wumen Bridge and Prince Gong’s Mansion. Conclude your day with a visit to the Suzhou Museum before returning to your hotel.

Day 16: Shanghai - night on board - UK

Depending on your flight time home, enjoy one last breakfast before transferring to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.