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12-Day Beijing, Xi'an, Yangtze River, and Shanghai Tour

Customisable Itinerary
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Trip Overview

Enjoy a pulse-quickening journey through the heart of China, where each day is an adventure into centuries-old dynasties and vibrant modern marvels. Begin in Beijing, wandering the mystical Temple of Heaven at sunrise, where locals perfect ancient tai chi beneath whispering pines. Stand in awe at Tiananmen Square before delving into the palatial secrets of the Forbidden City and feasting on legendary Beijing Roast Duck. Drift by boat through the moonlit Summer Palace, then lose yourself in the lively alleys of Gubei Water Town. Ascend the glowing Simatai Great Wall under a sea of stars, and trek the wild Jinshanling section for panoramic mountain vistas.

In Xi’an, walk atop storied city walls and come face-to-face with the Terracotta Warriors, even sculpting your own clay soldier. Journey onward to the mighty Yangtze, where a luxury cruise unveils the ghostly legends of Fengdu, the dramatic cliffs of Qutang Gorge, and the engineering marvel of the Three Gorges Dam. Finally, Shanghai dazzles with sky-high views from the Shanghai Tower, tranquil strolls through Yuyuan Garden, and the timeless charm of Zhujiajiao’s canals. Every moment is expertly woven with discovery, culture, and unforgettable adventure, leaving you with memories as epic as the landscapes you traverse.

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Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Beijing

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Welcome to Beijing

After landing, transfer by car from the airport to SSAW Garden Hotel Beijing. The drive from the airport to the hotel typically takes between one to one and a half hours.

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    Accommodation

    SSAW Garden Hotel Beijing4 star

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Beijing Capital International Airport to SSAW Garden Hotel Beijing

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    Destinations

    Beijing

Day 2

Emperors, Dynasties & Duck Feast

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Emperors, Dynasties & Duck Feast

Begin your day at the Temple of Heaven, a Ming dynasty site where emperors prayed for good harvests. The park is lively in the mornings with locals exercising and practicing tai chi. Next, visit Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest city square, surrounded by important landmarks like the Heavenly Gate and Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum. Explore the Forbidden City with a guided tour covering 12 key sites, including the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Enjoy authentic Beijing Roast Duck at a recommended local restaurant.

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    Accommodation

    SSAW Garden Hotel Beijing4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Discover the Forbidden City via Our Emperor's Tour

    Temple of Heaven

    Tiananmen Square

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Beijing

Day 3

Moonlit Walls & Imperial Gardens

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Moonlit Walls & Imperial Gardens

Plunge into the moonlit magic of the Summer Palace, where every willow-shaded path lures you deeper into imperial intrigue. Drift across shimmering lakes, skimming past pavilions that whisper secrets of emperors past. Navigate hidden grottoes by boat, then set off for Gubei Water Town’s cobblestone alleys, alive with discovery. Savor the energy of bustling markets, where ancient traditions come alive. As darkness falls, ascend the illuminated Simatai Great Wall, heart pounding, adventure unfolding beneath a sea of stars.

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    Accommodation

    Beijing Wtown Hotspring Resort5 star

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    Activities

    Summer Palace

    Gubei Water Town Great Wall Yunju Boutique Hotel

    Simatai Great Wall

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Beijing

Day 4

The Great Wall Journey to Xi’an

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The Great Wall Journey to Xi’an

Venture beyond the ordinary as you journey to the legendary Jinshanling section of the Great Wall, where ancient stones wind across rugged mountains and breathtaking vistas await at every turn. Brave the moderate hiking trails or ascend by cable car for an exhilarating bird’s-eye view—if you’re visiting outside the frosty winter months. Embrace the thrill of travel as you transfer seamlessly from your Beijing hotel to the train station, then on to your next adventure in vibrant Xi’an.

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    Activities

    Hike the Photogenic Section of the Great Wall at Jinshanling(5km,3 hrs) (3 hours)

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    Transportations

    Train from Beijing to Xi'An

    Private Driver from Xi'an North Railway Station Square Bicycle Zulindian to Hilton Garden Inn Xi'An Bell Tower

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Beijing

    Chengde

Day 5

Warriors, Walls & Ancient Secrets

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Warriors, Walls & Ancient Secrets

Begin your day by walking along the Ancient City Wall, offering a glimpse into Xi’an’s storied past. Delve into the Terracotta Warriors at the museum, where your guide shares exclusive stories not found online. Learn how over 8,000 life-sized warriors were crafted in just 11 years, and discover the secrets behind their vibrant ancient colors. Visit a local cave dwelling to watch a craftsman at work, then try sculpting your own clay warrior using traditional methods. Wear comfortable shoes and avoid flash photography.

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    Accommodation

    Hilton Garden Inn Xi'An Bell Tower

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    Activities

    Ancient City Wall

    Secrets of the Terracotta Warriors (includes the Terracotta Army, and making clay warriors at a local cave dwelling)

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    Transportations

    Private Driver from Xi'an North Railway Station Square Bicycle Zulindian to Hilton Garden Inn Xi'An Bell Tower

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Xi'an

Day 6

From Ancient Capitals to the Yangtze Cruise

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From Ancient Capitals to the Yangtze Cruise

The journey starts with a seamless transfer from your hotel in Xian to the airport, followed by a comfortable arrival in Chongqing. Uncover the rich heritage of the Three Gorges Museum, where captivating exhibits illuminate the Yangtze River’s storied past and the monumental Dam. Enjoy effortless luggage handling as you transfer to the cruise pier. Savor a sumptuous embarkation buffet dinner, then join the captain’s welcome reception before setting sail from Chongqing, marking the start of your remarkable cruise experience.

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    Accommodation

    Century Legend

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    Activities

    Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum

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    Transportations

    Private Driver from Hilton Garden Inn Xi'An Bell Tower to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport

    Plane from Xi'An to Chongqing

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    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

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    Destinations

    Xi'an

    Chongqing

Day 7

Legends of the Ghost City

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Legends of the Ghost City

Begin your day with morning coffee, tea, and pastries, followed by a Tai Chi exercise. Enjoy a buffet breakfast before departing for a shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City. Return for a buffet lunch, then participate in afternoon cultural activities. Savor a buffet dinner in the evening. An optional War Fire of the Three Kingdoms Show is available for an extra fee. End the day with midnight snacks. Complimentary drinks are included with lunch and dinner.

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    Accommodation

    Century Legend

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    Activities

    City of Ghosts Fengdu

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    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

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    Destinations

    Chongqing

Day 8

Through the Three Gorges

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Through the Three Gorges

Awaken your senses with morning coffee, tea, and pastries before embracing tranquility during a Tai Chi session. Delight in a buffet breakfast, then choose between an enriching tour of White Emperor City or engaging onboard activities. Marvel at the dramatic cliffs as you cruise through Qutang Gorge, followed by a sumptuous lunch. Glide into the breathtaking Wu Gorge, then embark on a scenic shore excursion along Shennv Stream. Conclude your day with a delicious dinner, lively cabaret, and late-night snacks.

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    Accommodation

    Century Legend

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    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

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    Destinations

    Chongqing

Day 9

Engineering Wonders of the Yangtze

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Engineering Wonders of the Yangtze

Experience seamless transfers from the Yichang cruise pier or train station, and onward from Shanghai train station to your hotel. Begin your day with a buffet breakfast before disembarking at Maoping pier to embark on a guided shore excursion to the renowned Three Gorges Dam Project Site, including visits to River Closure Memorial Park and the Three Gorges Dam Project Museum, with luggage handling provided. Conclude your journey in downtown Yichang, perfectly positioned for your next adventure or onward travel.

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    Accommodation

    Sunrise On The Bund Hotel5 star

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    Activities

    Three Gorges Dam

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Train from Yichang to Shanghai

    Private Driver from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to Sunrise On The Bund Hotel Luxury

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Chongqing

    Yichang

    Shanghai

Day 10

Skyline of Shanghai Dreams

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Skyline of Shanghai Dreams

Begin your day with a visit to Shanghai Tower, the world’s second-tallest building, where the 118th floor observation deck offers sweeping city views in just an hour. Next, explore Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai’s old quarters, a Ming Dynasty garden spanning 2 hectares, featuring rockeries, pavilions, and ponds. The surrounding marketplace is ideal for sampling snacks and browsing souvenirs. Continue with a two-hour Bund Culture Discovery tour, walking past historic buildings and learning unique stories from the city’s golden age.

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    Accommodation

    Sunrise On The Bund Hotel5 star

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    Activities

    Shanghai Tower and Shanghai Eye

    Yu Garden

    The Bund

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Shanghai

Day 11

Canals, Culture & Your Shanghai Finale

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Canals, Culture & Your Shanghai Finale

Explore Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, a fan-shaped water town with centuries of history. Walk along stone bridges and admire well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture lining peaceful waterways. Enjoy a half-day customized experience in Shanghai, designed to fulfill your personal interests. Whether you wish to relax, discover local culture, shop, or try unique activities, your private guide will tailor the experience to your preferences. If you’re unsure, simply let your guide choose. Enjoy a memorable and flexible end to your journey.

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    Accommodation

    Sunrise On The Bund Hotel5 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

    Half-Day Customized Icing-on-the-Cake Experience

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Shanghai

Day 12

Farewell Shanghai

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Farewell Shanghai

Enjoy a convenient transfer from your hotel to the airport in Shanghai. A professional driver will pick you up at your accommodation and ensure a smooth and timely journey to your departure terminal. This service offers a comfortable and stress-free way to reach the airport for your flight.

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    Transportations

    Private Driver from Sunrise on the Bund Hotels&Resorts to Shanghai Pudong International Airport

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    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Shanghai

Share With Your Partners

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What’s included?

  • 10 nights accommodation
  • 17 activities
  • 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 3 dinners
  • Airport transfer
  • Domestic flights
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

What’s not included?

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits