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14-Day China Discovery with Yangtze River Cruise

Customisable Itinerary
4.9 • 2 travellers have booked with Jessy F.

Trip Overview

Go on an unforgettable journey through China, starting in Beijing as you stroll across Tiananmen Square and explore the Forbidden City and the tranquil Summer Palace. Stand atop the Great Wall at Mutianyu, ride a rickshaw through historic hutongs, and witness daily life at the Temple of Heaven. Travel by high-speed train to Xi’an to see the Terracotta Army and discover the lively Muslim Quarter. In Guilin, marvel at the illuminated Reed Flute Cave and drift along the Li River to Yangshuo’s stunning karst scenery. Experience village life, cruise the Yangtze with Tai Chi and scenic excursions, visit the Three Gorges Dam, and finish in Shanghai, exploring Yu Garden, the Bund, and the renowned Shanghai Museum.
Sightseeing
Culture & Arts
Outdoors & Nature
Food & Drink
Adventure

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Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Beijing

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Arrival in Beijing

Arrive in Beijing, the capital of China. A guide meets you at the airport and drives you to your hotel in a private vehicle. After check-in, you can rest, get used to the time difference, or walk around nearby areas as you prefer for the remainder of the day.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Beijing Chongwenmen Tongpai Hotel

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Beijing Daxing International Airport to Beijing Chongwenmen Tongpai Hotel

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Beijing

Day 2

Discover Beijing’s Historic Landmarks

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Discover Beijing’s Historic Landmarks

Begin your visit to Beijing at Tiananmen Square, located in the heart of the city. From there, you can easily walk to the Forbidden City, known for its ancient buildings and historical artifacts. Afterward, travel to the Summer Palace to see its gardens and pavilions. If the weather is suitable, you may take a boat ride on Kunming Lake to view the area from the water and appreciate the landscape.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Beijing Chongwenmen Tongpai Hotel

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Tiananmen Square

    Forbidden City

    Summer Palace

    Kunming Lake

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Beijing

Day 3

Great Wall Walk with Hutong Rickshaw Tour

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Great Wall Walk with Hutong Rickshaw Tour

Begin your day at the Great Wall’s Mutianyu section, which is less crowded and features several watchtowers with green scenery. Take the cable car to the top and walk along the historic stone wall, where you can see wide views of hills and forests. In the afternoon, visit Beijing’s Hutong neighborhoods. Ride a rickshaw through the narrow lanes to observe daily life and experience the city’s traditional atmosphere.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Beijing Chongwenmen Tongpai Hotel

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Mutianyu Great Wall

    Hutong

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Beijing

Day 4

Temple of Heaven Visit before Train to Xi'an

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Temple of Heaven Visit before Train to Xi'an

Start your day at the Temple of Heaven, a site known for its historic architecture and active park life. Here, you can see locals practicing Tai Chi and other traditional activities. You will also learn about the temple’s history as you explore its grounds. After your visit, take a high-speed train to Xi'an. The trip takes around five hours. Upon arrival, a guide will greet you and take you to your hotel.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Eastern House

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Temple of Heaven

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Train from Beijing to Xi'An

    Private Driver from Xi'an Railway Station to Eastern House

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Beijing

    Xi'an

Day 5

Terracotta Army and Muslim Quarter Tour

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Terracotta Army and Muslim Quarter Tour

In the morning, visit Xi'an's Terracotta Army, a group of life-size clay soldiers that have guarded the first emperor's tomb for over 2,000 years. Each soldier is different, showing unique details and expressions. Afterward, return to the city and explore the Muslim Quarter. This area is known for its lively streets, local snacks, bright lanterns, and small shops, offering a look at daily life and culture in Xi'an.

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    Accommodation

    Eastern House

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Terracotta Army

    Muslim Street Xi'an

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Xi'an

Day 6

Fly to Guilin for Reed Flute Cave Visit

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Fly to Guilin for Reed Flute Cave Visit

Take a morning flight to Guilin, known for its unique karst landscapes. After you arrive, your guide will meet you and take you to Reed Flute Cave. Inside the cave, colored lights illuminate the detailed stalactites and stalagmites. You will learn about how these rock formations developed over millions of years. After the visit, you will transfer to your hotel where you can check in and relax for the rest of the day.

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    Accommodation

    Guilin Lijiang Waterfall Hotel

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    Activities

    Reed Flute Cave

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Plane from Xi'An to Guilin

    Private Driver from Guilin Liangjiang International Airport to Guilin Lijiang Waterfall Hotel

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    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Xi'an

    Guilin

Day 7

Li River Cruise and West Street Stroll

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Li River Cruise and West Street Stroll

Today, travel along the scenic Li River, known for Guilin’s unique karst landscapes. After breakfast, board a cruise to Yangshuo, passing limestone peaks, villages, and rice fields. The cruise typically takes between 3.5 and 4.5 hours. On arrival, walk through West Street with your guide before checking into your hotel in Yangshuo. You have the remainder of the day free to relax or discover the area at your own pace.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Yangshuo Green Lotus Hotel

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Boat from Guilin to Yangshuo County

    Private Driver from Yangshuo County to Yangshuo Green Lotus Hotel

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Guilin

Day 8

High-speed Train to Chongqing

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High-speed Train to Chongqing

Start your morning in Yangshuo, walking through quiet lanes surrounded by rice fields and limestone peaks. If possible, visit nearby villages and local markets. Later, take a high-speed train to Chongqing, a journey of five to six hours. Along the way, you will see the scenery change from rural Guangxi to the mountains of southwest China. When you arrive, your local guide will meet you at the station and take you to your hotel.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    SSAW Hotel - Jiefangbei Hongyadong Branch

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Train from Yangshuo County to Chongqing

    Private Driver from Chongqing Station Wangshang Goupiao Automatism Qupiaochu to 118 Zou Rong Lu

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    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Guilin

    Chongqing

Day 9

Chongqing City Tour

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Chongqing City Tour

Begin your day at Ciqikou Old Town, where you can walk through streets lined with local snacks, tea shops, and handicraft stalls. Explore Shancheng Alley to see narrow lanes and hillside homes. Visit Liziba Monorail Station to watch the train pass through a building, then continue to Eling Park for city views. Have lunch at Eling Second Factory, known for its cafés and studios. Visit Huguang Guild Hall before ending at Huangjuewan Interchange for your river cruise.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Century Paragon Cruise

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Ciqikou Ancient Town

    Eling Park

    Eling Second Factory

    Huguang Guild Hall

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    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

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    Destinations

    Chongqing

    Jingzhou

Day 10

Fengdu Ghost City Excursions

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Fengdu Ghost City Excursions

Start your day with a Tai Chi session on the ship’s deck. After arriving in Fengdu, visit Fengdu Ghost City to learn about its legends and Taoist traditions. In the evening, there is an option to see the FengYan SanGuo Show, an outdoor performance that features martial arts, storytelling, and special effects based on the Three Kingdoms period. This show is available for those interested, but attendance is not required.

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    Accommodation

    Century Paragon Cruise

  • activities icon
    Activities

    City of Ghosts Fengdu

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

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    Destinations

    Jingzhou

    Chongqing

Day 11

Goddess Stream Excursions

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Goddess Stream Excursions

In the morning, you can visit White Emperor City, located above Qutang Gorge. This site is known for its historical and cultural importance. Afterward, cruise past the steep cliffs of Qutang Gorge and continue into Wu Gorge, which is often covered in mist. In the afternoon, travel by small boat along Goddess Stream. Here, you will see calm waters, waterfalls, and small villages surrounded by lush green landscapes.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Century Paragon Cruise

  • activities icon
    Activities

    White Emperor City - Baidicheng

    Goddess Stream

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Jingzhou

    Chongqing

Day 12

Visit Three Gorges Dam before Train to Shanghai

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Visit Three Gorges Dam before Train to Shanghai

When you reach Yichang, visit the Three Gorges Dam, which is the world’s largest hydroelectric project. Walk along the viewing platforms to see its size and learn about its construction. If you wish, you can take an optional ferry ride through the ship elevator for a closer view. Afterward, board a high-speed train to Shanghai. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you and provide a private transfer to your hotel for rest.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Sunrise On The Bund Hotel5 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Three Gorges Dam

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Train from Three Gorges Dam to Shanghai

    Private Driver from Shanghai Station Area Public Security Zhiqingang to Sunrise On The Bund Hotel Luxury

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    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Jingzhou

    Yichang

    Shanghai

Day 13

Shanghai Culture Treasures

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Shanghai Culture Treasures

Start your day at the Shanghai Museum to view Chinese art and historical artifacts. Next, visit Yu Garden and its market, where you can walk winding paths, see pavilions, and watch local vendors. Try traditional snacks and observe daily life. Stop by a silk workshop to learn about silk-making or choose a souvenir scarf. Walk through the Former French Concession to see colonial-era streets. Finish at the Bund, where old buildings face the city’s modern skyline.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Sunrise On The Bund Hotel5 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Shanghai Museum

    Yu Garden

    Former French Concession

    The Bund

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Shanghai

Day 14

Shanghai Departure

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Shanghai Departure

You have free time in Shanghai this morning. You can relax at the hotel or explore the city by yourself. Later, your guide will meet you at the hotel and take you to the airport for your departure flight. Please be ready in the hotel lobby at the arranged time.

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    Transportations

    Private Driver from Sunrise On The Bund Hotel Luxury to Shanghai Pudong International Airport

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Shanghai

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What’s included?

  • 13 nights accommodation
  • 22 activities
  • 13 breakfasts, 4 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

Notes

Inclusions:
 Entrance fees for the scenic spots as listed in the itinerary.
 Flights as listed in the itinerary: Xi’an - Guilin, airport tax and fuel fee included.
 Trains as listed in the itinerary: Beijing – Xi’an, Yangshuo – Chongqing, Yichang – Shanghai.
 13 nights 4-star accommodation.
 English-speaking guides for sightseeing as listed in the itinerary.
 Meals: 13 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners.
 One bottle of drinking water per person per day.
 Private transfers between airport, hotels, and sightseeing sites while taking the sightseeing mentioned in the itinerary

Exclusions:
 International flight.
 Visa application & visa fee.
 Gratuities to the guides and drivers.
 Travel insurance.
 Personal expenses or any other item not listed in the itinerary.
 Excess baggage charge for flight.
 Optional activities either recommended by tour guides or out of your own interests.