China Yangtze Cruise and Li River

Today you will fly to Beijing. On arrival, your private guide will be ready to welcome you at the arrival hall, and transfer to your hotel with a private car and driver. Your guide will help you with luggage and hotel check-in, and ensure your arrival is worry-free.

Begin your day with a variety of traditional breakfast items at Beijing's Huguosi Snack Street.

Step into the heart of Chinese history with a visit to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Walk through the iconic square and then explore the grand imperial palace, discovering its rich history and stunning architecture.

Experience the charm of old Beijing with a rickshaw ride through the historic Hutongs. These narrow alleys offer a unique glimpse into traditional courtyard living, which you'll learn more about from your tour guide.

For lunch, indulge in a classic Beijing culinary experience with a crispy and flavorful Peking Duck dish.

Relax with a coffee break on a rooftop terrace and take in a paronamic view of Beijing. Reflect on your day's adventures while enjoying a peaceful moment above the city's hustle and bustle.

End your day with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant to round off your day.

You'll begin your day at the iconic Temple of Heaven, joining a Tai Chi session with locals. This traditional Chinese martial art is a beloved morning ritual practiced daily by Beijing residents. It's a unique opportunity to connect with locals through this ancient practice.

Next, you'll journey to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China. You'll ascend to the wall via cable car, where you can get a stunning aerial views of the wall and its surroundings. Once you're atop the wall, you'll be able to stroll along its storied pathways, explore the watchtowers, and taking in the vast, panoramic views of the area's rolling hills and valleys.

Begin your tour with a leisurely stroll through the stunning Summer Palace, a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. Wander along the picturesque pathways, surrounded by lush greenery and ornate pavilions, and soak in the serene beauty of this royal retreat. Explore the palace's Long Corridor, famous for its exquisite painted decorations and the panoramic views it offers.

Continue to the shores of Kunming Lake, where you can take in the tranquil waters and scenic landscapes that have inspired poets and painters for centuries.

Ascend to the majestic Tower of Buddhist Incense, the highest building in the Summer Palace complex. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the palace grounds and the distant cityscape from this elevated vantage point. Learn about the historical and spiritual significance of this iconic structure.

Conclude your tour with a visit to the Yonghe Temple, also known as the Lama Temple. This beautiful temple is one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in China. Check out its ornate halls, intricate sculptures while learning more about its significance in the history of Tibetan Buddhism.

Enjoy your free time until your guide comes and escort you to the high-speed train station.

Take a 4.5-hour bullet train from Beijing to Xi'an.

Then you will arrive in XIan by high-speed train station. On arrival, your private guide will be ready to welcome you at the arrival hall, and transfer to your hotel with a private car and driver. Your guide will help you with luggage and hotel check-in, and ensure your arrival is worry-free.

Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Terracotta Warriors Museum. Explore this vast archaeological wonder comfortably using an electric cart. Marvel at the thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots, each with unique features, crafted over 2,000 years ago. Learn about the historical significance and the incredible craftsmanship of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Next, head to the ancient Xi'an City Wall, one of the oldest and best-preserved city walls in China. Enjoy a scenic bike ride atop the wall, offering a unique perspective of the city's blend of historic and modern architecture. The 14-kilometer ride provides ample opportunities to soak in the panoramic views and capture memorable photos.

Embark on a culinary journey through the vibrant Muslim Street, known for its rich diversity of street food. Sample a variety of local delicacies, from savory lamb skewers to sweet persimmon cakes. Experience the lively atmosphere, bustling markets, and the unique blend of Chinese and Muslim culinary traditions that make this area a food lover's paradise.

Conclude your tour with a visit to the historic Gaojia Courtyard to watch a traditional shadow play performance. This ancient art form uses intricately crafted puppets to tell captivating Chinese folk tales and legends. Enjoy the colorful and engaging show, learning about the cultural heritage and artistry behind this unique entertainment.

Begin your tour at the Xi'an Museum, home to a vast collection of ancient artifacts and cultural treasures. Wander through the exhibits showcasing relics from various dynasties, including ceramics, jade, and ancient texts. Gain insight into Xi'an's rich history and its role as a cultural and historical hub.

Next, visit the historic Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a symbol of Xi'an's ancient heritage. Admire the stunning architecture of this seven-story pagoda, built during the Tang Dynasty. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city, offering a unique perspective on the blend of ancient and modern Xi'an.

Enjoy your free time until your guide come and escort you to airport for your onward flight.

Then you will fly to Guilin. On arrival, your private guide will be ready to welcome you at the arrival hall, and transfer to your hotel with a private car and driver. Your guide will help you with luggage and hotel check-in, and ensure your arrival is worry-free.

Begin your day by immersing yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Longji Rice Terraces. Marvel at the stunning landscapes of tiered fields, sculpted over centuries by the local Zhuang and Yao communities. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the terraces, taking in the panoramic views and understanding the intricate farming techniques that have shaped this unique environment.

Next, head to the picturesque Dazhai Village, nestled amidst the rice terraces. This charming village offers a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the local ethnic minority groups. Explore the village's traditional wooden houses, interact with friendly locals, and learn about their customs and way of life.

Enhance your experience with a scenic cable car ride, providing spectacular aerial views of the rice terraces and surrounding mountains. Enjoy the panoramic vistas as you ascend to a viewpoint that offers an unparalleled perspective of this stunning landscape.

Conclude your day with a unique culinary experience featuring local minority cuisine. Savor traditional dishes such as oil tea, a flavorful and aromatic tea-based soup; ciba, a type of sticky rice cake; and bamboo rice, cooked with savory ingredients inside a bamboo tube. This optional meal provides a delicious taste of local flavors and an authentic culinary experience.

Begin your day with a luxurious 4-star lower deck cruise along the picturesque Li River. As you glide along the serene waters, marvel at the stunning karst landscape, famous for its dramatic limestone peaks and lush greenery. Enjoy a buffet lunch on board while soaking in the panoramic views of rural China’s most scenic sights, including rice paddies, quaint villages, and the iconic karst formations that define the region.

Upon arrival in Yangshuo, embark on an immersive countryside cycling adventure. Choose between a sidecar, e-bike, or traditional bicycle to explore the charming rural landscapes. Pedal through idyllic rice farms and small villages, gaining an up-close glimpse of the region’s majestic karst formations.

Yulong River: Cycle along the tranquil Yulong River, where bamboo rafts float gently down the waterway. The river is flanked by verdant hills and picturesque farmlands, offering a peaceful escape into nature.

Moon Hill: Visit the iconic Moon Hill, a natural arch that offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. The climb to the top is optional but rewarding, with a stunning panoramic vista awaiting those who make the ascent.

Scenic Countryside Views: Throughout your ride, enjoy the breathtaking scenery that includes rolling hills, winding rivers, and traditional farming landscapes. The simplicity and beauty of rural life in Yangshuo provide a perfect backdrop for your cycling adventure.

Enjoy your free time until your guide comes and escort you to the high-speed train station.

Take a 5.5-hour bullet train from Yangshuo to Chongqing.

Then you will arrive in Chongqing by Ferry Terminal. On arrival, your private guide will be ready to welcome you at the arrival hall, and transfer to your hotel with a private car and driver. Your guide will help you with luggage and hotel check-in, and ensure your arrival is worry-free.

Victoria Cruise Lines Downstream Day 1: Embark on an unforgettable journey from Chongqing! Step aboard at the designated dock as we set sail, kicking off with a thrilling safety briefing. Get ready to delve into the heart of China's enchanting landscapes.

Victoria Cruise Lines Downstream Day 2: Brace yourself for an adventure-packed day! Rise early for a delightful cup of coffee or tea as we approach the mystical Fengdu "ShuangGui Mt. Explore this legendary site, where ancient tales and stunning views await. Then, join us for the Captain's Welcome Reception, where camaraderie and cuisine unite for an unforgettable evening on the river.

Additional optional shore excursions (river conditions permitting) to Fengdu's “Ghost City” (daytime), and the elaborate Fengyan Sanguo “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” show (evening).

Victoria Cruise Lines Downstream Day 3: Enter the Three Gorges/“Small Gorges” – Enter the Three Gorges, one of nature's most extraordinary sculptures.  

Today you will pass through the first two—Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge.  Qutang Gorge is the shortest (5 miles), narrowest (500 feet), and most dramatic.  The 25-mile long Wu Gorge is known for its quiet beauty, forest-covered mountains, and cliffs so sheer that the sun barely penetrates the precipices.  Transfer to another vessel for a relaxing excursion through the attractive gorges of Goddess Stream.  Depending on river conditions, an alternate excursion may be substituted to the gorges of Shennong Stream.  Enter Xiling Gorge, the longest (41 miles), and deepest of the Three Gorges. 

Additional optional shore excursion (available in the morning, river conditions permitting) to White Emperor City an ancient city overlooking the western end of Qutang Gorge.

Additional optional shore excursion (available in the morning) to Peak of the Three Gorges

Victoria Cruise Lines Downstream Day 4: Three Gorges Dam/Yichang – Disembark this morning and take a tour of the Three Gorges Dam, which spans the Yangtze River at Sandouping in Xiling Gorge.  It is the world’s largest power station.

An additional optional shore excursion is also available (preceding the Three Gorges Dam tour) through the recently- completed unique ship lock with a ship lift, the world's largest.  After morning sightseeing, Victoria Cruise Lines will provide a motor coach transfer to nearby Yichang. 

Additional optional shore excursion to hometown of Qu Yuan.

After visiting the Three Gorges Dam, the driver and guide will take you to the high-speed rail station in Yichang, where you can board the high-speed train to your next destination.

Take a 6.5-hour bullet train from Yichang to Shanghai.

Today you will arrive in Shanghai by high-speed train station. On arrival, your private guide will be ready to welcome you at the arrival hall, and transfer to your hotel with a private car and driver. Your guide will help you with luggage and hotel check-in, and ensure your arrival is worry-free.

Begin your day with a visit to the exquisite Yuyuan Garden, a masterpiece of classical Chinese garden design. Built during the Ming Dynasty, Yuyuan Garden is renowned for its architectural elegance, featuring intricate rockeries, serene ponds, and traditional pavilions. This historical gem offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city and a glimpse into the refined lifestyle of ancient Shanghai. As you stroll through the garden, you can enjoy traditional Chinese performances such as Pingtan, a form of musical storytelling that brings the rich history and culture of Shanghai to life.

Next, explore the City God Temple, a significant Taoist site that provides insight into Shanghai’s spiritual heritage. The surrounding bazaar is a bustling hub where you can experience local culture, shop for traditional crafts, and taste authentic Shanghai snacks.

Venture into the rapidly disappearing Nongtang alleys, a treasure trove of Shanghai’s intangible cultural heritage. These narrow lanes, lined with historic Shikumen houses, showcase the city's traditional lifestyle. Experience the charm of these residential areas, where communal living and close-knit neighborhoods paint a picture of old Shanghai.

Transition to the modern and fashionable side of Shanghai with a visit to The Bund. This iconic waterfront promenade offers stunning views of colonial-era architecture juxtaposed against the towering skyscrapers of Pudong. Walk along the scenic Huangpu River and soak in the historical significance and the vibrant energy of Shanghai's financial district.

Next, explore Xintiandi, a chic shopping and entertainment district that epitomizes Shanghai’s blend of old and new. This pedestrian area features restored Shikumen houses that now host trendy boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Enjoy a leisurely lunch and experience the modern, cosmopolitan lifestyle that defines contemporary Shanghai.

Conclude your tour with a relaxing stroll through the French Concession, an area known for its beautiful European-style villas and tree-lined streets. Discover the district's unique history and appreciate the architectural elegance that reflects Shanghai's cosmopolitan flair. The French Concession represents the sophisticated and stylish side of Shanghai, contrasting beautifully with the traditional Nongtang alleys.

Enjoy your free time until your guide comes and escort you to the airport for your onward flight.