Visiting: Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Yichang

Highlights:

Visit the legendary military defense work - Great Wall, View the ancient life size Terra-Cotta Warrior Corps Cruise along beautiful landmarks of Three Gorges

Itinerary:

Day 1

Destinations: Arrive in Beijing

Today's Activities:You will meet your local guide at airport and transfer to hotel. After check-in, you have free time to relax.

Our local guide can help you plan your evening activities (optional). You can enjoy Kungfu or Peking Opera shows, or feast a roast duck dinner at famed Quanjude Restaurant, or enjoy nightlife at pubs and bars at Houhai or Gongti area.

Accommodation at the Qianmen Jianguo Hotel ☆☆☆☆

Day 2

Destinations: Beijing

Today's Activities:After breakfast visit the massive Tian'anmen Square, then see the Forbidden City with its elegant palaces, pavilions and landscaped gardens, once open only to nobility. In the afternoon tour the Temple of Heaven where the oriental emperors worship the heaven. Then visit the famous Hongqiao Pearl Market. In late afternoon or evening enjoy shopping or just walk and see the Wangfujing shopping street which is the main shopping area in Beijing.

Accommodation at the Qianmen Jianguo Hotel ☆☆☆☆

Day 3

Destinations: Beijing

Today's Activities:Today, ride to the legendary Great Wall of China and stand on its famous ramparts. A local lunch is included, along with a visit to a jade or cloisonné enamel workshop. Then tour the Chang Tomb which was the first and largest of the Ming Tombs. Drop off at Beijing Olympic Green on the way back to hotel. If time permits can buy entrance tickets on-spot to go inside the stadiums of Bird's Nest and Water Cube.

Accommodation at the Qianmen Jianguo Hotel ☆☆☆☆

Day 4

Destinations: Board to Overnight Train (to Xi'an)

Today's Activities:Take a short excursion by rickshaw around Hutongs (narrow alleyways) where you can see traditional courtyard residences of the city. In the afternoon tour the 700-acre Summer Palace and view the scenery of its lake. In the evening board the train for Xi'an, with soft sleeper berth. You can also take a flight instead of train to Xi'an and stay at Xi'an tonight. Please contact us for details of extra charges.

Day 5

Destinations: Xi'an

Today's Activities:In early morning arrive at Xi'an, China's legendary home of the Tang Dynasty from 618 to 907 A.D. After breakfast and check-in, tour Xian's archaeological wonder: 8,000 life-sized Terracotta Warriors buried with Emperor Qin Shi Huang, each soldier and horse molded in incredible detail. This afternoon, tour the majestic Shannxi Historical Museum. Then walk around Muslim Quarters. Today's tour includes visit to a souvenir shop or factory. At night you can enjoy the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show (optional)

Accommodation at the Xi'an Grand New World Hotel ☆☆☆☆

Day 6

Destinations: Xian to Chongqing

Today's Activities:Visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda and then fly to Chongqing, gateway to the Yangtze. Today's lunch is on your own. Visit Ciqikou Old Town and board the cruise after dinner.

Accommodation at 4-star Yangtze River Cruise (CCOTC Cruises or similar) ☆☆☆☆

Day 7

Destinations: Yangtze Cruise

Today's Activities:Your ship sails this morning. Cruise the Yangtze as it meanders through the heartland of China. Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the river and the facilities onboard. Today's shore excursion is to Fengdu Ghost City.

Day 8

Destinations: Yangtze Cruise

Today's Activities:Cruise through the dramatic Three Gorges, beneath soaring limestone cliffs rising sheer from the water. Next, embark a small motorboat and journey through the tranquil Daning River and Lesser Three Gorges or Shennong Stream.

Day 9

Destinations: Yangtze to Yichang to Shanghai

Today's Activities:Shore excursion to The Three Gorges Dam Site. Disembark at Yichang at noon. If time permits there will be optional sightseeing programs at Yichang. Transfer to Yichang airport and fly to Shanghai, China's most modern metropolis.

Accommodation at the Holiday Inn Downtown Shanghai ☆☆☆☆

Day 10

Destinations: Shanghai

Today's Activities:View the Jade Buddha Temple. Continue to Yuyuan Garden, a 16th century Ming period private garden/residence in the heart of Shanghai's old Chinese quarter. Along is the local bazaar and Shanghai Old Street. Visit Former French Concession District and the riverfront Bund district lined with banks and customs houses. A visit to silk store is included today. Tonight you can take an optional acrobatics show or enjoy night life at Xintiandi.

Accommodation at the Holiday Inn Downtown Shanghai ☆☆☆☆

Day 11

Destinations: Depart from Shanghai

Today's Activities:Free time and then airport transfer.