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11 Days China Explorer & Cruise

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Tour Code: CTG-2

Tour Description

Explore an ancient China through tours to the famous ancient capitals – Beijing and Xi'an. The Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Terra Cotta Warriors… History awaits your listening! Explore a natural China by taking a cruise journey along the majestic Yangtze River, through the splendid Three Gorges! And explore a modern China with a visit to the sleepless Shanghai! Just dive into a vibrant city life!

A tour through history in Beijing & Xi'an - Ancient Capitals of China

Sailing along Yangtze River - the longest river in China & 3rd in the world!

Visiting the bustling Shanghai - a world-known metropolitan city

Day 1 Arrival in Beijing
Today's Activities Upon your arrival, our local tour guide will meet you at the airport or train station and escort you to the hotel. You are free to arrange your time for today, whether to have a good rest at the hotel, or to ramble around to get some impression of the city.
Day 2 Beijing (Breakfast, Lunch)
Today's Activities As a symbol of the nation, this world's largest city square - Tian'anmen Square is surely not to be missed during your tour in Beijing.

Another top feature of today's itinerary is the Forbidden City, one of the world's most beautiful architectural complexes serving as China's imperial palace for almost five centuries. It's the best-preserved collection of imperial architecture in China. You can just allow yourself among the massive scale and majestic design and numerous historical antiques, and feel the History around you.

Apart from the imperial culture, there is also a populace culture at the heart and soul of Beijing – Hutong Culture. Taking a rickshaw tour through the narrow alleyways and deep courtyards is like traveling back in time and exploring the life of local residents.
Highlights
Tian'anmen Square Forbidden City Beijing Hutong          
Tian'anmen Square Forbidden City Hutong Rickshaw Tour          
Day 3 Beijing (Breakfast, Lunch)
Today's Activities Visit the Temple of Heaven, a complex of Taoist which was visited by Emperors of Ming and Qing Dynasties for annual Heaven worship for good harvest. Follow the special layout and try to get known of the cosmic harmonies carried by the complex.

You will also be led to a hiking tour on the magnificent Badaling Great Wall, which is the most popular section of the Great Wall and is about 3,741m (12,273ft) in length with an average height of 7.8m (25.6ft).

On your way back to the hotel, you can have an exterior view of the modern-styled Olympic Stadiums Bird's Nest and Water Cube.
Highlights
Temple of Heaven Badaling Great Wall Bird's Nest          
Temple of Heaven Worship Ceremony Badaling Great Wall Bird's Nest          
Day 4 Beijing - Xi'an (Breakfast, Lunch) Transferred by Flight
Today's Activities Take a tour to the once imperial summer getaway – Summer Palace for catching a lasting impression of this splendid classical garden. After that you will be transferred to the airport for a flight to another ancient capital – Xi'an. Our local tour guide will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel.
Highlights
Summer Palace Summer Palace Summer Palace          
Summer Palace Summer Palace Corridor Summer Palace Boat Tour          
Day 5 Xi'an (Breakfast, Lunch)
Today's Activities The most known attraction of Xi'an City – Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses is surely on your visit-list. As the eighth wonder of the ancient world, these over 2,200-year-old oriental mummies await you to discover its mystery.

Another must-see for Xi'an City is the Great Mosque, which is one of the largest and best preserved early mosques in China. A special blend of Chinese architectural elements and mosque architecture is of course well worth seeing.

Also an exploration of the local Muslim community at the Muslim Quarter, where a great quantity of exotic shops and savory restaurants stand in lines for your visit.
Highlights
Terra Cotta Warriors Terra Cotta Warriors Great Mosque          
Terra Cotta Warriors Terra Cotta General Great Mosque Tower          
Day 6 Xi'an - Chongqing (Breakfast, Lunch) Transferred by Flight, Cruise Boarding
Today's Activities Take a walk on the 600-year-old Xi'an City Wall, one emblem of this ancient capital city and one of the largest well-preserved ancient military defensive systems in the world. Then have a visit to the Shaanxi History Museum, where you can take an extensive view of China's changes in the past 5,000 years.

After the visit, you will be transferred to the airport heading for Chongqing. Our local guide will pick you up and send you to the port for cruise boarding.
Highlights
Xi'an City Wall Shaanxi History Museum Shaanxi History Museum          
Xi'an City Wall Ancient Kettle at Shaanxi History Museum Painted Honor Guards at Shaanxi History Museum          
Day 7 Yangtze River Cruise (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Today's Activities Start your cruise tour on the mighty Yangtze River today! Enjoy the marvelous scenery along way and spend some time for a shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City to explore a special and fabulous ghost culture.

Various free activities including welcoming banquet and dancing shows will also be held on the cruise for your entertainment. (Different cruise will have different activities, e.g. Taichi Learning, Fashion Show, Music Salon, etc.)
Highlights
Yangtze River Fengdu Ghost City Onboard Dancing Show          
Yangtze River Fengdu Ghost City Dancing Show in Ethnic Costume          
Day 8 Yangtze River Cruise (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Today's Activities Go on with your cruise tour along China's longest river Yangtze, passing through the breathtaking gorges. Steep precipices, hidden reefs, perilous cliff and tumbling rapids… all are on your way along Yangtze River! You will also tour past Shennong Stream or the Lesser Three Gorges depending on different cruise itineraries.

(Different cruise will have different activities, e.g. Taichi Learning, Face Changing of Sichuan Opera, Crew Performance, etc.)
Highlights
Lesser Three Gorges Lesser Three Gorges Onboard Face Changing Show          
Cruising through gorges Shore Excursion by Boat Face Changing Show onboard          
Day 9 Yangtze River Cruise - Yichang - Shanghai (Breakfast, Lunch)
Today's Activities Today is the last day on the cruise and you will tour pass the largest hydroelectric power project in the world – the majestic Three Gorges Dam.

Upon arrival at Yichang Port, you will be transfer to the airport for a flight heading to Shanghai. Local tour guide will pick you up and escort you to the hotel for rest.
Highlights
Three Gorges Dam Three Gorges Dam Shanghai          
Three Gorges Dam Three Gorges Dam Shanghai Night View          
Day 10 Shanghai (Breakfast, Lunch)
Today's Activities Set out for an energetic day at this pulsing metropolitan city Shanghai! Begin with the over 400-year-old Yuyuan Garden, which is famed as “An Architectural Miracle in the Region South of Yangtze River”, then move to the neighboring Yuyuan Market (or Yuyuan Bazaar), which is a lively market specializing in traditional Chinese arts and crafts.

Nanjing Road, the earliest and most prosperous shopping street in Shanghai offers you with all kinds of all-in-one shopping malls and savory restaurants.

Another must-do in Shanghai is a visit to the symbol of the city – the world-famous Oriental Pearl Tower, which is located on the bank of Huangpu River, just opposite of The Bund. It's also where the Shanghai Municipal History Museum lies.

Of course you won't miss another symbolic landmark of Shanghai – The Bund, where you can embrace the best cityscape of Shanghai. The famous restaurants on top of The Bund No.3 and No.5 are highly recommended for your dinner choices.
Highlights
Yuyuan Garden Oriental Pearl Tower The Bund          
Yuyuan Garden Oriental Pearl Tower The Bund          
Day 11 Depart Shanghai (Breakfast)
Today's Activities The last day of your tour is free for your own arrangement. You can go shopping for some souvenirs or just stay in the hotel and prepare your package. Later our tour guide will take you to the airport for you flight to next destination.
Package Details
Tour Package Includes:
Dining: 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 2 dinners Admissions: Entrance fees to all scenic spots listed in itinerary
Flight/Ship Tickets: Beijing - Xi'an, Xi'an - Chongqing, Chongqing - Yichang (Ship), Yichang - Shanghai Hotels: Accommodation in Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai & on Yangtze River cruise ship
Tour Guide: Local experienced English-speaking guides Car Driver: Experienced licensed drivers
Vehicle: Private air-conditioned car, offering Round-trip transfers Luggage Transfers: A hand for your heavy luggage;
Insurance: Travel Agencies Liability Insurance; Government taxes & Service charges
Tour Package Excludes:
- Other optional attractions / tours / meals and international flights - Tips for tour guides and drivers.
Hotels in Beijing
Crowne Plaza Hotel Beijing
Located in the golden business area of Wangfujing, the hotel only takes 10 minutes to Forbidden City and Dongfang Square.
With stylish guest rooms and newly renovated Crowne Plaza Club floor – Crowne Plaza Beijing has anticipated every need while providing easy access to business, commercial districts and historical landmarks.
Sunworld Hotel Beijing
Situated on the intersection of Wangfujing Avenue and Dengshikou Street, Sunworld Hotel Beijing is close to many famous historical and cultural landmarks, including the Forbidden City.
Guest rooms and suites are designed with a traditional and refined style. From servies to amenities, the hotel strives to make your stay a pleasant experience.
Days Inn Forbidden City Beijing
With its courtyard style, the hotel has retained its charm of the ancient time but as well merged in contemporary architecture and designs. The hotel is near the famous Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Business Street. It takes about 20 minutes from Capital International Airport (24km) and 5 minutes from Beijing Railway Station (3km). The hotel provides guests clean and comfortable service and amenities
Hotels in Xi'an
Sheraton Hotel Xi'an
Located near the 600-year-old City Wall and close to the city centre, Sheraton Hotel is just 35 minutes from Xi'an Xianyang International Airport.
With first-class amenities, facilities and family-friendly services, Sheraton Xi'an Hotel will make you feel at home.
Grand New World Hotel Xi'an
Located within the Ancient City Wall and styled in an extraordinary mix of tradition and modernity, the hotel is just 4km from the railway station and 45km from Xianyang International Airport. The large Parkson shopping centre is close by, while the Terracotta Warriors Museum is about 35km from the hotel.
The hotel provides a satisfying range of contemporary accommodation together with business services and recreational facilities.
City Hotel Xi'an
The hotel is located in the centre of Xi'an city and just near the well-known Bell Tower, Drum Tower and Ancient City Wall.
The hotel offers a total of 137 well-appointed guestrooms for guests' comfortable living space. The elegant and magnificent restaurants serve delicious flavor of many varieties.
Yangtze River Cruises
Victoria Series Cruises
As the only American cruise line currently sailing on Yangtze River, Victoria Cruises is a leading fleet line for over 12 years along the River and through its magnificent Three Gorges. Designed for maximum comfort, flexibility and maneuverability, and with their special double-bottom hulls, the Victoria Cruises epitomize safe and smooth navigation on Yangtze River's spectacular twists and turns.
President Series Cruises
President Yangtze Series ships are some of the most luxury sailing on Yangtze River. The company's dedication to high quality service and their state of the art equipment make President Series one of the best fleets on the Yangtze River.
New Century Series Cruises
New Century Cruises on the Yangtze River is a deluxe fleet including 4 super 5-star ships. Sailing on modern, comfortable vessels with state-of-the-art amenities and spacious public areas is surely an enjoyable ride along the Yangtze River.
CSC Changjiang Series Cruises
Divided into two series: Yangtze Premier Cruise Series and Yangtze Classic Cruise Series, the CSC fleet with its professional service team aims at providing guests with an unmatched and high-quality voyage along the Yangtze River.
Hotels in Shanghai
Howard Johnson Plaza Shanghai
The hotel is conveniently located in the centre of Shanghai, 2 minutes from Nanjing Road, People Square and the Bund. It offers easy access to the city's most important business, cultural and entertainment hubs.
The elegantly designed and tastefully decorated rooms provide you with an experience of exceptional luxury and comfort.
Heng Sheng Peninsula International Hotel
Located in Hongkou District of Shanghai, Heng Sheng Peninsula International Hotel is surrounded by many famous attractions including the Bund, Oriental Pearl River TV Tower, and Nanjing Road.
With its comfortable rooms and complete services, the hotel tries all its best to make guests feel like at home.
Magnificent International Hotel
The hotel is located in the central heart of Shanghai – Xizang South Road and surrounded by the Bund, Xin Tian Di, Yu Garden and Shanghai Museum & Grand Theatre. Shopping streets like Nanjing Road and Huaihai Road are only within walking distance. The well-appointed guestrooms with a great number of amenities and facilities offer you an excellent stay with comfort and convenience.

Meals in the Package

-- Breakfasts are offered by the hotels & cruise ship
-- Lunches and dinners (including onboard) are arranged according to different classes of tour
-- Other dinners are for your own arrangement

We promise worry-free dining quality, plus flexible choices regarding your preference. Any special requestment please tell our trip advisors directly. Other recommendations are as follow:


Beijing

Beijing, being the Capital of China, boasts a good number of restaurants with Chinese featured cuisines. Different restaurants, like Great Northeast Restaurant, Gold Palace Restaurant and Tang Yuan Restaurant, lead you for a feast of Chinese classic cuisines.
-- Great Northeast Restaurant: featuring seafood, Sichuan food, Canton food, food of China Northeast Region
-- Gold Palace Restaurant: featuring Canton food, Sichuan food, Shandong food, Japanese & Korean food
-- Tang Yuan Restaurant: featuring Canton cuisine

Dining Hall of Great Northeast Restaurant Main Hall of Tang Yuan Restaurant

Xi’an

Xi'an features distinctive cuisines of China Northwest, such as various-shaped Chinese dumplings and other wheaten food. Muslim Quarter gathers lots of delicious local food like Rou Jia Mo and shish kebabs, etc.
(1) Here we highly recommend Chinese Dumpling Dinner, which also named Jiaozi, typically consist of a ground meat and/or vegetable filling wrapped into a thinly rolled piece of dough, which is then sealed by pressing the edges together or by crimping. As a must-try for visitors, it serves with Tang dynasty show. And it belongs to an [add on] item in the tour.
(2) Rou Jia Mo, also called Chinese Hamburger, is very similar to the Western hamburger essentially, but with different cooking method.

Chinese Dumpling Dinner Rou Jia Mo ( Chinese Hamburger )

Shanghai

Shanghai is regarded as a kingdom of delicacies, where you can taste almost everything. Here we strongly suggest you take M on The Bund into consideration.
M on the Bund Shanghai
-- Dedicated to creating a dining experience as exciting, as sophisticated, as delectable as Shanghai itself
-- “One of the top 20 restaurants in Asia” (Miele Guide, 2009-2010)
-- “Best Global Cuisine” (City Weekend Readers’ Choice Awards, 2010)
-- “M on the Bund: Most Popular Restaurant in Shanghai” (Zaqat Survey Shanghai, 2008)

Shanghai M on The Bund Restaurant Brandboard of M on the Bund
Your Add On:

Comments

Hi Christine,

Hi Christine, We are now in Chengdu and went to see the pandas today, they were just gorgeous and we have enjoyed this very busy city. Thank you for your help with the Yangtze cruise, it was wonderful and so spectacular. The crew on the ship were friendly and made us welcome, we were the only 2 English speaking on the cruise, but this was not a problem at all. The Chinese people were very kind and friendly.

We loved Gui Lin and the day cruise on the Li River was really great, we were picked up on time and dropped off on time, the guide was lovely. I would recommend you and your company, you have been most helpful. We are loving China and are surprised how beautiful it is.

Kind regards,

Customer: Mr. Hodge

Destinations: Guilin - Yichang – Yangtze Cruise – Chongqing – Chengdu

Related Tour: 4 Days Chongqing and Yangtze River Cruise Tour, 1 Day Chengdu Panda Leshan Tour

Dear Sara,

Thank you Sara for all your help! We found the coach and are on the cruise now! I really appreciate all your help. Very thorough and I will highly recommend your services to friends.

Customer: Ms. Merritt

Destinations: Shanghai - Yichang - Yangtze River - Chongqing

Related Tour: 8 Days Shanghai and Yangtze Cruise Tour

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