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Home>China Tours>SIC-I Tour - China Best Selection with Yangtze Cruise
SIC-I Tour - China Best Selection with Yangtze Cruise

SIC-I Tour - China Best Selection with Yangtze Cruise - 16 Days

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Beijing - Chongqing - Yichang - Hangzhou - Shanghai - Guilin - Hong Kong
Discover China's ultimate highlights on this spectacular 16-day small group tour covering Beijing, Chongqing, a Yangtze Cruise, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Guilin, and Hong Kong. Journey smoothly from the Great Wall and Dazu Rock Carvings to a scenic river cruise, poetic lakes, karst landscapes, and modern skylines. Limited to a maximum of 16 guests for a premium experience, departures run every two weeks and are fully guaranteed with just 2 passengers.
map
Guaranteed Departure: Only 2 people are required to run the tour. If only 1 person is confirmed for a specific departure date, we will inform you ahead of time and suggest a new date.
 
Genuine Small Group: Maximum of 16 guests per group for a comfortable, personalized experience—no large crowds of 30+.
 
Guaranteed Hotels: Stay in premium 4-star downtown hotels. We provide specific, verified hotel options with full transparency—no vague descriptions or unexpected downgrades.
 
Frequent Departures: Departs on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month (except national holidays).
 
Departure Dates & Prices in USD per person
Departure Date Twin/Double Share Single Room
July 6 3,130 4,265
July 20 3,130 4,265
Aug 3 3,130 4,265
Aug 17 3,130 4,265
Sept 7 3,130 4,265
Sept 21 3,130 4,265
Oct 19 3,130 4,265
Nov 2 3,130 4,265
Nov 16 3,130 4,265
Dec 7 3,130 4,265
Dec 21 3,130 4,265

 

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

airport - hotel transfer

Day 2: Beijing

breakfast, lunch
The Summer Palace (UNESCO), a pearl workshop en route, Mutianyu Great Wall
Wander through the world’s largest and best-preserved imperial garden. Originally designed as a royal summer retreat, it features an exquisite collection of classical pavilions and bridges centered around the tranquil Kunming Lake.

Visit China’s most famous monument and one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall. Known for its stunning watchtowers and beautiful forest scenery, your visit includes a round-way cable car ride for a comfortable and scenic trip up and down.

Day 3: Beijing - Chongqing (by air)

airport transfer in Beijing, airport - hotel transfer in Chongqing
breakfast, lunch
Tian’anmen Square, Forbidden City , Temple of Heaven (UNESCO), a tea house en route
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.
Step into the majestic imperial palace where 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties ruled for five centuries. Explore the ceremonial courtyards and the exquisite private quarters of the royal family. 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.
Discover the Temple of Heaven, a timeless masterpiece of traditional Chinese imperial architecture. For centuries, ancient emperors held grand solemn rituals here to worship heaven and pray for favorable weather and abundant harvests. Admire its exquisite layout, profound cultural connotations and classic imperial architectural charm that embody ancient Chinese cosmology and ritual traditions

Day 4: Chongqing

breakfast, lunch
Dazu Rock Carvings
The Dazu Rock Carvings (UNESCO) is a series of Chinese religious sculptures carved on steep hillsides. Dating back to the 7th century AD, the Dazu Rock Carvings represent the harmonious synthesis of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. The highlight of the rock grotto can be found on Mount Baoding. The largest statue in the world of the Thousand-Hand Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva and a half-length reclining Buddha can both be found here.

Day 5: Chongqing

breakfast, lunch

Chongqing City Walk Tour: Explore the vibrant contrast of Chongqing's "3D mountain city" terrain on foot. Stroll through bustling modern streets and historic alleys, experiencing the lively local lifestyle and dramatic hillside architecture up close.

Day 6: Chongqing - Yangtze River Cruise

private transfer to the port
breakfast, lunch, dinner
Ciqikou Ancient Town, Eling Park, Three Gorges Museum (Sanxia Museum), Embark on your Yangtze River Cruise Ship
The Ciqikou Ancient Town used to be a busy port famous for porcelain production during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It is a place full of religious temples, traditional buildings, ancient alleys with local teahouses and restaurants.
Pay a visit to the Eling Park. Climbing up to the top of Liangjiang Tower, you will enjoy a panoramic view of Jialing River and the Yangtze River flowing through the city.
Located in the heart of Chongqing, this large-scale museum offers a deep dive into the history, cultural heritage, and environmental transformation of the Yangtze River's Three Gorges region. It houses a vast collection of ancient relics, cultural treasures, and immersive exhibitions that vividly document the construction of the iconic Three Gorges Dam and the soul of this historic mountain city.
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.

Day 7: Yangtze Cruise

breakfast, lunch, dinner
Yangtze River Cruise (Fengdu ShuangGui Mt.)
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.

Day 8: Yangtze Cruise

breakfast, lunch, dinner
Yangtze River Cruise (Shennv Stream)
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.

Day 9: Yangtze Cruise - Yichang - Hangzhou (by air)

port - airport transfer in Yichang, airport - hotel transfer in Hangzhou
breakfast, lunch
Yangtze River Cruise (Three Gorges Dam Site) & disembark
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.

Day 10: Hangzhou - Shanghai (by bullet train)

train station transfer in Hangzhou, train station - hotel transfer in Shanghai
breakfast, lunch
West Lake , Lingyin Temple, Dragon Well Tea Plantation
The West Lake (UNESCO) is famous for its natural beauty and historic relics and it has has influenced numerous painters, poets, and garden designers throughout Chinese history. You will take a short cruise on the picturesque West Lake.
The Lingyin Temple is the biggest Buddhist Temple in southern China, which also features a large number of grottos and rock carvings.
The Dragon Well Tea Plantation is one of the origin places of Dragon Well Tea, also called Longjing Tea. The first picked tea leaves of the new harvest were once reserved solely for the Emperor and transported to him via the Grand Canal in ancient China.

Day 11: Shanghai

breakfast, lunch
Yu Garden, Bund, Jade Buddha Temple, Nanjing Road, Shanghai Old Town
Owing to its ingenious design in Ming and Qing dynasties, the Yu Garden becomes a real museum of Chinese ancient architecture.
The Bund,featured outstanding European colonial architectures, is full of new skyscrapers and historical buildings in the center of Shanghai.
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 Nanjing Road,a must-see metropolitan destination attracting thousands of fashion-seeking shoppers from all over the world, is a top prosperous center of Shanghai.
Step back in time and experience the historical heart of the city at Shanghai Old Town, where classic Jiangnan-style architecture and bustling street markets offer a fascinating contrast to the city's futuristic skyscrapers. Anchored by the 16th-century Yu Garden and the lively bazaar surrounding the City God Temple, this vibrant district allows you to wander through labyrinthine alleys lined with traditional gray-brick buildings, cross the iconic Nine-Turn Bridge, and sample world-famous local delicacies like Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at historic eateries.

Day 12: Shanghai

breakfast, lunch
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, Zhang Yuan & Fengshengli
With a history of more than 1700 years, the Zhujiajiao Ancient Town features lovely rivers, stone bridges, and historical buildings on the riverbank.
A premier cultural and lifestyle landmark in Shanghai that seamlessly blends history with modern trends. Zhang Yuan is the city's largest and best-preserved Shikumen (stone-gate) architectural complex, recently restored into a high-end luxury and fashion district. Right next door, Fengshengli complements the historic charm with a vibrant, modern dining and lifestyle block filled with trendy cafes, popular restaurants, and lively bars. Together, they offer the perfect taste of Shanghai's unique heritage and contemporary urban energy.

Day 13: Shanghai - Guilin (by air)

hotel - airport transfer in Shanghai, hotel transfer in Guilin/Yangshuo
breakfast, lunch
Bamboo rafting on the Yulong River
Enjoy a bamboo rafting on Yulong River. One small raft with a boatman could take two people. 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.

Day 14: Guilin - Hong Kong (by bullet train)

train station transfer in Guilin, train station - hotel transfer in Hong Kong
breakfast, lunch
Fubo Hill, Elephant Trunk Hill
The Fubo Hill is a perfect spot to explore the limestone karst landscape in Guilin.
The Elephant Trunk Hill is the landmark of Guilin's spectacular limestone karst hills. The shape of the hill is just like a huge elephant drinking water from the river with its trunk.

Day 15: Hong Kong

Morning Sightseeing: Explore the traditional side of Hong Kong at the Aberdeen Fishermen's Village, visit the scenic beach at Repulse Bay, and take in the stunning city views from Victoria Peak.

 

Afternoon at Leisure: Enjoy free time to shop, dine, or explore Hong Kong on your own at your own pace (no guiding or transport services provided).

 

Day 16: Hong Kong - Departure

hotel - airport transfer in Hong Kong
breakfast

Notes

Deadline: Book at least 20 days before arriving in China. Please send us all passenger names, passport numbers, room choices, and itineraries before this date.

Shared Tour & Guiding: Travelers with different tour packages on the same date may share the same bus and guide. All main sights are fully guaranteed, but the daily order of the itinerary may change to make the trip run smoothly for everyone.

Flight Notice: The departure dates are Mondays, which is Day 1 (your arrival day). Please book your flight to land in Beijing on or before these dates.

 

Destinations Hotels
Beijing Xinqiao Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (or similar)
Chongqing Dalitang Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (or similar)
Yangshuo Grand Rezen Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (or similar)
Hangzhou Wanghu Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (or similar)
Shanghai Ocean Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (or similar)
Hong Kong Harbour Plaza Metropolis Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (or similar)

 

Tour Includes :

-- Accommodation in double/triple/single rooms in the indicated hotels

-- Chinese lunches at local restaurants as indicated in the itinerary

-- One glass of soft drink or local beer per person for each mentioned meal

-- All transfers to/from the airport in each destination and all included sightseeing

-- All first entrance fees to the mentioned tourist sites

-- All domestic flights in economy class and airport taxes as indicated in the itinerary

-- All domestic trains in second class as indicated in the itinerary

-- An English-speaking local guide/assistant in the travel destinations

Tour Excludes :

-- All other meals and all other beverages not mentioned

-- Transfers outside the allotment dates;

-- Tips

-- Tips for pre-tours or post-base-trip extensions

-- Evening shows in China and other optional visits

-- Medical + baggage insurance

-- China Visa

-- All personal expenses and anything not specifically listed under "Inclusions"

About Shopping or No-shopping Tours

Since October, 2013, CITS offers truly alternative prices of tours with or without shopping. Exceptionally, some tours only have one type price, such as seat-in-coach, hiking, self-driving and luxury tours, etc. Click here know more details.
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