11-Day Tour of Beijing- Xi'an- Chongqing and Yangtze River Cruise

Welcome to Beijing, China's vibrant capital! We'll take you to your hotel for check-in. Feel free to settle in and soak up the excitement for the adventures ahead!

Begin your day at the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO site where emperors once prayed for harvests. Wander through its serene gardens and admire the iconic Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. Then dive into local culture with a Hutong exploration. Roam narrow alleys by rickshaw, peek into traditional courtyard homes, and savor a homemade lunch with a local family.Before the afternoon, unleash creativity at a Peking Opera Mask Painting workshop. Learn the symbolism behind vibrant colors and patterns while crafting your own theatrical souvenir.

After lunch, head to Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public plaza, the Tiananmen refers to "Tianan Gate", it used to be the main gate of royal city. Capture photos of its monumental landmarks, including the Great Hall of the People and chairman Mao's portrait. End your day at the Forbidden City, it has been China's imperial palace for two dynasties about 500 years. Stroll through grand courtyards, ornate halls, and hidden corridors while uncovering tales of emperors and dynasties.

Start your day early with a scenic drive to Mutianyu Great Wall, renowned for its breathtaking views and best preserved conditions. Take the two-way cable car to ascend effortlessly to the 14th watchtower, where panoramic vistas of the wall snaking through lush mountains await. Explore the well-preserved battlements and iconic towers like the "Hero’s Peak" at Tower 20, the highest point offering unparalleled photo opportunities. The cable car provides a smooth 6-minute ride each way, saving time and energy.

Return to central Beijing in the afternoon. As evening falls, head to the Olympic Park to admire the Bird's Nest (National Stadium) and Water Cube (National Aquatics Center) from the outside. These architectural marvels, illuminated in vibrant hues after sunset, create a striking contrast between modern design and historical grandeur. Capture stunning photos of their iconic exteriors—the Bird’s Nest’s steel lattice and the Water Cube’s bubble-like facade—without needing to enter.

Begin your day at the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and masterpiece of Chinese landscape design it was royal garden in Qing dynasty. The Qianlongemperor ordered to build Summer Palace to celebrate his mother's birthday, it was destroyed by Anglo-French allied forces and repaired in 1902. Stroll through its tranquil gardens, admire the iconic Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake, and explore the intricately painted Long Corridor.

Transfer to Beijing Railway Station for a high-speed rail journey to Xi'an. The bullet train covers the 1,200 km distance in 4.5–6 hours, offering scenic views of northern China's plains and mountains.

Begin at the Ancient City Wall, the best-preserved Ming-era fortification. Rent a bicycle (available at main gates) to cycle its 14-kilometer perimeter, passing watchtowers and panoramic city views.

Journey to the Terracotta Warriors, a UNESCO site showcasing Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s 2,000-year-old clay army, this first emperor believed that those terracotta warriors will protect him till the next world. By the way, you will find that a lot of local males look just like those warriors. Explore the three excavation pits and museum exhibits.

Unleash creativity at a Pottery Workshop, crafting traditional ceramics or miniature warrior replicas. Sessions typically last 2–3 hours, suitable for beginners, with hands-on guidance .

Stop at Bell Tower Square to admire the 36-meter Ming-era landmark. Capture sunset photos from the circular pedestrian walkway or Kaiyuan Mall's rooftop for a glittering night view. Tickets (30 CNY) grant access to its historic bells and intricate murals .

Conclude at Muslim Street, a bustling culinary hub. Sample roujiamo (meat burger), yangrou paomo (lamb stew), and sweet persimmon cakes amid lantern-lit stalls

Kick off your day with a smooth high-speed rail journey from Xi'an to Chongqing. Glide through northern Sichuan's rolling mountains and plains, soaking in the scenic transition from ancient capitals to misty river cities.

Upon arrival, dive into Chongqing's cultural heart at the Three Gorges Museum. Explore exhibits like the "Ancient Bayu" and "Magnificent Three Gorges" displays, where 28,000+ artifacts, including Han Dynasty relics, unfold stories of the Yangtze River's legacy. Don't miss the immersive 360° panoramic film about the region's history, a visual feast that brings the past to life.

As evening falls, head to Hongya Cave, a cliffside stilt-house complex glowing with golden lights after sunset. Wander through its labyrinth of cobblestone alleys, snap photos from Jiangtan Park across the river for a panoramic view, and savor local flavors like spicy skewers or bubbling Chongqing hotpot at nearby eateries.

Transfer to the cruise terminal and check-in your cruise. Drift past Hongya Cave's illuminated facade and the modern skyline, where neon reflections dance on the water—a perfect blend of Chongqing’s ancient charm and futuristic energy. The gentle river breeze and glittering cityscape create a magical farewell to this mountain metropolis.

Begin your day with an optional visit to Fengdu Ghost City, a mystical site steeped in folklore and Taoist traditions. Explore eerie landmarks like the "Ghost Gate Gate" and "Naihe Bridge," where ancient tales of the afterlife come alive amidst dramatic statues and temple complexes.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in nature at Fengdu Shuangguishan National Park. Wander through lush forests, stroll along serene trails, and enjoy panoramic views of the Yangtze River from elevated viewpoints. This tranquil park offers a refreshing contrast to the morning’s cultural exploration.

As evening falls, another optional visit for the Fengyan Three Kingdoms Performance, an optional open-air spectacle blending history, martial arts, and cutting-edge stage effects. Watch as battles, heroism, and classic stories from China's Three Kingdoms era unfold against a backdrop of mountains and water. The show's rotating audience seats and pyrotechnics create an unforgettable immersive experience.

Start your morning with an optional visit to White Emperor City (optional), perched on a hillside overlooking the Yangtze. This historic site, linked to ancient poets and legends of the Three Kingdoms, offers sweeping views of the river and lush valleys—perfect for photographers and history buffs.

As the ship sails onward, marvel at the dramatic cliffs of Qutang Gorge, the shortest but most rugged of the Three Gorges. Towering limestone walls rise sharply from emerald-green waters, creating a breathtaking corridor of natural grandeur.

Then we glide into Wu Gorge, famed for its serene beauty and mist-shrouded peaks. Known as the “Gorge of Elegance,” its winding 25-mile stretch is dotted with waterfalls and mystical rock formations, including the legendary “Twelve Peaks.”

In the afternoon, board a smaller boat to explore Shennv Creek (神女溪), a tranquil tributary flanked by bamboo forests and jagged karst cliffs. Drift past waterfalls and traditional riverside villages, soaking in the untouched charm of this hidden gem.

After dinner, unwind at the crew cabaret show, where singers and dancers blend modern flair with Chinese folk traditions. Sip a drink, enjoy lively performances, and toast to a day steeped in myth and natural wonder.

This is the day we go onshore and visit the Three Gorges Dam in Yichang, the world's largest hydropower project. Explore viewpoints like Tanziling Park and the 185 Platform, marveling at the dam's colossal scale and engineering prowess. Learn about its impact on flood control and renewable energy while soaking in panoramic views of the Yangtze River and the Xiling Gorge.

After lunch, transfer to Yichang East Railway Station for a high-speed rail journey to Shanghai. The 4.5-5 hour ride zips through central China's rural landscapes and bustling cities, offering glimpses of the country's urban-rural contrasts.

Upon arrival in Shanghai, check into your hotel. If time permits, take an evening stroll along the Bund to admire the dazzling skyline of Pudong's skyscrapers and Huangpu River's shimmering reflections.

Start your day in the labyrinth of Shikumen, Shanghai's iconic stone-gate neighborhoods. Wander through restored lanes like Xintiandi, blending 1920s architecture with chic cafes and boutiques, offering a glimpse into the city's blend of old and new.

Next, immerse yourself in classical Chinese beauty at Yu Garden, a Ming-era garden with winding paths, koi-filled ponds, and the exquisite Huxinting Teahouse. Just outside, Chenghuangmiao Old Street buzzes with food stalls and artisan shops—grab a xiaolongbao (soup dumpling) or sweet osmanthus cake as you explore.

Head across the Huangpu River to Lujiazui for panoramic city views from the Oriental Pearl TV Tower's glass-floored observation deck. Below it, the Shanghai City History Museum traces the metropolis' evolution from fishing village to global hub through lifelike dioramas and vintage artifacts.

End your day at The Bund, strolling along the waterfront as dusk transforms century-old buildings and skyscrapers into a glittering spectacle.

TToday is the last day of your trip, Wish you a pleasant journey and hope to see you again in your next China trip!