Begin your journey with your international flight to Beijing. Upon arrival at the Beijing International Airport you will be greeted by driver/guide and transferred to your hotel.

Set out with your trip leader to discover Beijing’s imperial treasures. Stand in Tiananmen Square, one of the largest and grandest public plazas in the world before progressing on to the Forbidden City. Enter the imposing walls of the Forbidden City, once the exclusive domain of the Ming Dynasty, for an exclusive tour through this vast complex of courtyards and lanes.

Today you will visit Temple of Heaven – the largest and most representative existing masterpiece among China’s ancient sacrificial buildings. You will join the Tai Chi Lesson in the Temple of Heaven. Tai Chi is an internal martial art system which places emphasis on the development and control of Chi (Consciousness) energy within the body. You might not find a better place to approach locals dazzling lives here in the temple of heaven!

Then you will experience the oriental foot massage at a traditional Chinese Medical Centre where you will learn about alternative treatments for illness and have the chance to consult with a Chinese Medical professional.

Today’s optional tours:
If time permits, the tour guide could recommend some optional tours to give you an even better experience!

This morning travel to China’s most iconic sight –The Great Wall. Once on top of this ancient defensive structure, you’ll find that some sections are quite steep, however, the views are magnificent, and the experience is truly unforgettable. You will then learn about Jade, China’s most precious and celebrated stone, and its manufacturing process at the largest Jade factory in Beijing.

Today you will be transferred from Beijing to Xi’an by high speed train. Upon arrival, you will be met by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel. Take some time to relax and prepare for your tour tomorrow.

Today you will learn about over 1000 years of Xi’an history, which served as China’s capital for 13 dynasties and visit the Terracotta Warriors Site, considered the eighth wonder of the world and discovered by accident in 1974. Wear comfortable shoes today as, you will explore the army of over 7000 soldiers, archers, horses and chariots that has guarded Emperor Qin’s tomb since 210BC. Each figure is unique and the painstaking repair and evacuation continues to this day. On the way to the Terracotta Warriors, you will also visit an excellent factory where you can learn more about the creation, conservation and history of the Warrior vaults.

Today you will be transferred to Shanghai by flight. Upon arrival, you will visit the Nanjing walking district and discover the history and culture of Shanghai. You will then continue to the Bund by the Huangpu River, and witness the old meeting the modern side of the city.

Today’s optional tours:
Enjoy an optional evening on the Huangpu River Cruise, allowing you to take in the famous sites of Shanghai including; the People’s Hero Monument, the Bund, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the dramatic skyline of the Pu Dong business district, the bustling International Passenger Station of Shanghai Harbour, the docks and the Wu Song ancient gun fort relics.

Today you may enjoy a day of leisure. Shanghai is host to a great number of historical and cultual sites, so be sure to ask your tour guide for advice on the best places to visit. Alternatively, you can choose to enjoy an optional tour with your experienced tour guide.

Today’s optional tours:
After breakfast, visit Xintiandi old stone house area. Experience the first commercial maglev train in the world, which was developed by China and Germany, completed in 2002 after over one year’s construction and began its commercial operation in 2003. The train’s maximum speed is 380km per hour, covering 300 kilometers in just an 8-minute trip! Then have your affluent shopping before you leave this lovely city.

Today you will be transferred from Shanghai to Yichang by bullet train. After dinner, you will board the Yangtze River Cruise ship and begin your memorable cruise trip on the Yangtze River.

Start the morning with an exercise on board in the presence of the beautiful Gorges. Spend your day out on an optional excursion or relax on board the cruise ship. This evening you will return to the ship and attend the Captain’s Welcome Banquet and enjoy the evening entertainment of a Chinese dancing ball.

Optional Excursion – Three Gorges Dam Site
The Three Gorges Dam Site is one of the largest construction projects undertaken by mankind and is the biggest hydropower project in the world.

Optional Excursion – Tribe of the Three Gorges You may also want to visit the Tribe of the Three gorges, the only large scenic spot that has not been influenced by the Three Gorges Dam project, which showcases the abundant Ba Culture and Shu Culture.

Today, you may choose to embark on the exciting optional excursions or for a leisure day on board the ship. In the afternoon you will continue to cruise into the western section of Xiling gorge.

Optional Excursion – Lesser Three Gorges or Shennong Stream
Explore the Lesser Three Gorges or Shennong Stream, a shining pearl hidden in the remote mountains. You will leave your cruise ship and board smaller vessels to sail through the narrower and breathtaking Lesser Three gorges region or Shennong Stream, lined by
sheer cliffs and mountains.

Optional Excursion – White Emperor City
You may also choose the optional excursion to visit the White Emperor City, an ancient temple that is located atop Baidi Mountain on the northern bank of the Yangtze River in Fengjie County.

Today you will pass through the mountains of Eastern Sichuan. Participate in the optional excursions or pamper yourself with a massage and make the most of the last full day on your ship. Tonight, enjoy the farewell dinner and pack your bags in preparation for disembarking tomorrow.

Optional Excursion – Fengdu Ghost City
Today’s optional excursion is the Fengdu Ghost City to see why it’s regarded as the “City of Ghosts.” The temples built on Ming Mountain depict the instruments of punishment and demon paintings, demonstrating the Chinese people’s imagination of hell.

Optional Excursion – Shibaozhai
Shibaozhai is a 12-story wooden pagoda built against the rock in the 18th century. It is located in Zhong County on the south bank of the Yangtze River. There are steles and inscriptions of past dynasties on each floor. Visitors may also appreciate the spectacular Yangtze River from the windows of each floor during climbing.

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home. We hope you enjoyed your journey to China with us!