Panorama China with Yangtze Cruise - 15 Days

Stand in the heart of modern China at the world’s largest public square, a site of profound historical significance and grand architectural scale. Walk into or drive through (sedan/minivan) Tian'anmen Square to marvel at its iconic surroundings, including the Monument to the People's Heroes and the Great Hall of the People.
Constructed from 1406 at the very centre of Beijing, the Palace Museum is more widely known as the Forbidden City. Previously home to 24 different emperors, it is the largest palace complex in the world at approximately 720,000 square metres. Note: Closed on Mondays. In case of closure or ticket unavailability, the itinerary adjusts to Jingshan Park for a premier panoramic view overlooking the entire Forbidden City.
Completed in 1420, the Temple of Heaven is the largest complex of sacrificial buildings in China that still stands to this day. The temple was visited by Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1636-1912) emperors on an annual basis to pray to the heavens for a good harvest. The subtle employment of acoustic principles used in the construction of the Echo Wall, Triple Sound Stone and Dialogue Stone reflects the advanced architectural technology in use in ancient China.

Good to know: Usually the guide service for a full day tour is about from 9:00 to 17:00, and the evening time is on your own. If needed, your guide is happy to offer some tips or help you buy tickets for evening entertainment.

Ideas for leisure time: If you are interested in Chinese Kung Fu, the Legend of Kung Fu is a good choice for tonight. It is stunning Kung Fu show with a great story line and martial arts skills.

The Great Wall is the largest ancient defensive project ever undertaken in China and even the world. Built continuously over 2,000 years starting in the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046-771 BC), the Great Wall now snakes its way across vast areas of northern and central China and has a total length of more than 20,000 km. The wall is a physical illustration of the Chinese philosophy of defending and tolerating rather than expanding and invading.
This Qing Dynasty (1636-1912) imperial palace and garden (1636-1912) is the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China. Modelled on the West Lake in Hangzhou and borrowing design techniques and artistic ideas from the gardens of Jiangnan south of the Yangtze River, this landscaped park offers the perfect summer retreat.

Ideas for leisure time:

1. Enjoy the Peking Duck dinner at time-honored restaurant - Quanjude or Bianyifang. The duck is characteristic with its crispy skin, tender meat and the fragrance from the fruit-wood.

2. Watch a breathtaking acrobatic show at Chaoyang Theater or Tiandi Theater.

Unearth the secrets of the world’s most significant archaeological discovery. Face the silent ranks of over 6,000 life-sized warriors, archers, and bronze chariots that have guarded the tomb of China’s First Emperor for over 2,200 years.
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a Tang Dynasty landmark, is a seven-story pagoda initially constructed in 652 AD. One of the pagoda's many functions is to hold sutras and figurines of the Buddha that were brought to China from India by the Buddhist translator and traveler - Xuanzang.

Ideas for leisure time: Enjoy a tasteful Dumpling Banquet followed by an exquisite traditional Tang Dynasty Show.

Good to know: If you have an extra day in Xi’an, you could explore the Mount Hua and get impressed of its unique natural beauty. Or to take a day trip to Luoyang by bullet train and visit the Longmen Grottoes, one of the Three Most Famous Buddhist Grottoes in China.

Located in the centre of Xi'an, the Xi'an City Wall was built in the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) over the previously existing palace walls of the Tang Dynasty. It is the best-preserved and largest city wall in China and extends a total of 13.74 kilometres. The wall has a moat, draw bridges, watchtowers, corner towers and other military defences.
Upon arrival in Chongqing, transfer and embark on your Yangtze River Cruise Ship. The Yangtze River originates on the Tibetan Plateau and traverses a distance of 3900 miles before flowing into the East China Sea, near Shanghai. It has been the lifeline in China for millennia.

Today, start sailing for a distance of 430 miles in all the great gorges. In the morning, you can enjoy a shore excursion to Fengdu "ShuangGui Mt.", or take an optional tour to the legendary Fengdu "Ghost City". After a buffet lunch, enjoy relaxed onboard cultural activities in the afternoon. Before dinner, you are cordially invited to the Captain's Welcome Reception. In the evening, an optional live-action outdoor show, "Romance of the Three Kingdoms", is also available.

In the morning, you can take an optional shore excursion to White Emperor City or choose the panoramic views at the Peak of the Three Gorges. Afterward, return to the ship for a scenic sailing through the spectacular Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge. Following a buffet lunch, enjoy a dramatic afternoon shore excursion as you board a smaller boat to explore the serene Goddess Stream. In the evening, savor the culinary highlights at the Captain's Farewell Dinner, followed by a vibrant Minorities and Dynasty Crew cabaret performance to celebrate your final night onboard.

After breakfast, enjoy an included shore excursion to the monumental Three Gorges Dam Site. For those looking to maximize their morning, you can take an optional additional tour to experience the TGP Ship's elevator or visit the Hometown of Qu Yuan. Afterward, take a shuttle transfer to Yichang. You will arrive at the Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal for your onward departure.

Ideas for leisure time:

If you arrives at early afternoon and have no plans, you could take an optional trip to Zhujiajiao. With a history of 1700 years, this is an ancient water town prized for its lovely rivers, stone bridges, and historical buildings.

Built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Yu Garden is a classic example of a Jiangnan region garden and the most famous of five classical gardens in Shanghai. The Yu Garden compound consists of more than 30 halls and is divided into six sections by "dragon walls", tall white walls with undulating grey tiled ridges each terminating in a dragon’s head. Next to the garden is Yuyuan Bazaar, a labyrinth of small streets and lanes where you can find a large number of restaurants, tea houses and shops. The most popular restaurants are NanxiangMantou Restaurant, famous for its xiaolongbao, Lubolang Restaurant and Old Shanghai Restaurant.
The Jade Buddha Temple is famous for its two precious jade Buddha statues brought from Burma, which are not only rare cultural relics but also exquisite artworks.
The Shanghai Museum has a collection of 120,000 pieces of Chinese ancient treasures. Optional tour: Top of the Pyramid - The Exhibition of Ancient Egyptian Civilization is on display from July 19th, 2024 to August 17th, 2025.
One of the city’s most recognisable landmarks and the pride of Shanghai for over one hundred years, the Bund is a mile-long stretch of waterfront promenade along the Huangpu River. On the west side of the road stand 52 buildings of various architectural styles, including Gothic, baroque, and neoclassical styles. It is often called an outdoor museum of buildings.

Ideas for leisure time:

1. Acrobatic Shows in Shanghai are known as the best in China. You can never imagine how exciting the show is.

2. Or you could take a Huangpu River Night Cruise which is the perfect way to enjoy the gorgeous night view of Shanghai.

The Fubo Hill is a perfect spot to explore the limestone karst landscape in Guilin.

In the morning, meet your guide at the hotel and transfer to embark on a memorable Li River Cruise. Through this 3-hour journey of China's best known natural scenery, you can appreciate unique karst landscapes as well as verdant hills and lovely waters. Then, arrive at Yangshuo at about 13:00 and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Ideas for leisure time in Yangshuo (optional tours): 1. Take a bamboo rafting on the Yulong River. Sitting in a chair on the raft and floating down the Yulong River, you will be impressed by the amazing natural beauty in the countryside. 2.Yangshuo County is dotted with rolling hills, bamboo forests and local villages. Taking an walking tour with your guide and explore this scenic countryside is not a bad choice. 3.Or you could join in a 3-hour Chinese Cuisine Cookery Class. It is a great chance to learn a course of Chinese dish from local people. Your friends and family will be amazed when you make them Chinese dishes at the party.

Experience the best of Hong Kong Ocean Park in a half-day trip, including a must-see visit to the giant pandas and red pandas.

Victoria Peak is Hong Kong's most famous summit, renowned for its spectacular, sweeping views that capture the dynamic cityscape, the glittering harbour, and a dramatic backdrop of lush mountains.
Tai Kwun is a vibrant cultural hub in Central, Hong Kong, comprising 16 revitalised heritage buildings that were once the city's historic police station, magistracy, and prison.
The West Kowloon Cultural District is a major cultural development spanning 40 hectares along Victoria Harbour, designed to be a lively cultural hub featuring museums, performing arts venues, and green spaces.
The Hong Kong Palace Museum is a world-class cultural landmark that presents over 900 priceless treasures from Beijing’s Palace Museum alongside international masterpieces to promote the appreciation of Chinese art and culture.