10 day Wonders of China

Arrival in Beijing
Upon arrival, a dedicated tour representative will warmly greet you at the airport and ensure a smooth and comfortable transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of your day and night at your leisure.

Overnight: Sun World Hotel (or similar)

Beijing
This morning, your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby for a full day of exploring Beijing’s most iconic landmarks. Start at Tiananmen Square, the heart of Beijing and one of the world’s largest public squares. Discover its historical importance and the events that have shaped modern China. Next, enter the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace of the Ming and Oing dynasties. Admire its intricate architecture, grand halls, and ancient artifacts as your guide reveals the fascinating stories of China’s emperors. Savor a traditional Chinese lunch at a nearby restaurant, enjoying authentic Beijing cuisine. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. You may choose to join exciting optional tours or explore Beijing at your own pace.

Overnight: Sun World Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Optional Tour – Golden Mask Dynasty Show
The Golden Mask Dynasty Show is an enchanting theatrical performance set in ancient China, featuring a blend of dance, acrobatics, and special effects, including an on–stage waterfall. Held in Beijing, the show tells the romantic and dramatic tale of a queen of the mythical Golden Mask Dynasty and her love for a rival general, beautifully weaving themes of love, conflict, and reconciliation (note that the optional tour is not included and must be paid for on–site).

Beijing
Start your day with a visit to a traditional Jade Workshop, where you’ll uncover the ancient art of jade carving – a craft deeply woven into the fabric of Chinese culture for thousands of years. Observe master artisans as they skillfully shape jade and gain insights into the stone’s profound significance in Chinese history and symbolism. Continue your journey to the Great Wall at Yu-yong-guan, a beautifully preserved and less crowded section of this iconic landmark. Embark on a scenic hike along the wall, taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Afterward, enjoy a delightful lunch at a nearby restaurant, savoring authentic Chinese cuisine. Following lunch, your guide will return you to Beijing. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure, either by joining one of our optional tours or exploring the city at your own pace.

Overnight: Sun World Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Optional Tour – Oldtown Hutong
Oldtown Hutong offers a glimpse into the traditional life of Beijing through its narrow lanes and courtyard residences. This historic neighborhood showcases ancient architecture and the everyday life of locals, away from the modern skyscrapers. Walking through the hutongs, visitors can experience the old city’s culture, interact with residents, and explore small shops and traditional eateries. This tour, excluding rickshaw rides, allows for a leisurely and personal exploration of Beijing’s charming and less–travelled paths (note that the optional tour is not included and must be paid for on–site).

Beijing – Xi’an
Start your day with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, an architectural masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the expansive grounds where emperors once performed sacred rituals to ensure good harvests, and immerse yourself in the spiritual and historical significance of this stunning site.

Next, head to a Traditional Chinese Health Center to learn about ancient Chinese wellness practices, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and massage therapy. Discover the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and its role in promoting balance and harmony in the body. Enjoy a hearty lunch at a local restaurant, where you can indulge in a selection of authentic Chinese dishes, carefully prepared to showcase the flavors of the region. After lunch, your guide will transfer you to the train station, where you’ll board a high-speed bullet train to Xi’an. Relax in comfort as you speed across the Chinese countryside, covering the journey in just a few hours.

Upon arrival in Xi’an, your guide will take you to the vibrant Muslim Street, the heart of the city’s Muslim Quarter. Stroll through the bustling streets lined with food stalls, shops, and vendors offering a variety of local snacks, traditional crafts, and souvenirs. Experience the rich blend of cultures and flavors that make this area unique. Your guide will escort you to your hotel for check-in. The evening is yours to relax or explore more of Xi’an at your own pace.

Overnight: Titan Times Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Xi’an
Begin your day with a visit to a Terracotta Warriors Replica Workshop. Here, you’ll witness skilled artisans as they meticulously craft replicas of the famous warriors using traditional techniques. Learn about the history and methods behind the creation of these life-sized figures, and gain insight into the incredible detail that went into producing the original army. Next, proceed to the Terracotta Warriors Museum, home to the thousands of life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots that have guarded the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, for over two millennia. Walk through the vast excavation pits and marvel at the rows of warriors, each with unique facial expressions and armour. Enjoy a traditional Chinese lunch at a nearby restaurant, where you can sample local dishes and reflect on the morning’s experiences. After lunch, your guide will escort you back to Xi’an. The afternoon is at your leisure to explore more of the city, shop for souvenirs, or relax.

Overnight: Titan Times Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Optional Tour – Grand Tang Everbright City Tour
The Grand Tang Everbright City Tour is a vibrant evening excursion in Xi’an, offering a glimpse into the splendid Tang Dynasty era. The tour includes a visit to the Grand Tang Mall, famed for its dazzling array of lights, fountains, and statues that celebrate the cultural achievements of the Tang period. Visitors are treated to performances that capture the essence of ancient Chinese arts. The experience culminates with a traditional dinner, providing a taste of authentic Shanxi cuisine (note that the optional tour is not included and must be paid for on–site).

Xi’an – Yichang (Yangtze Cruise Embarkation)
Start your day with a visit to the Little Wild Goose Pagoda, a charming and lesser-known Buddhist site in Xi’an. Explore the serene temple grounds, admire the ancient architecture, and learn about the significance of the pagoda, which dates back to the Tang Dynasty. This peaceful spot offers a glimpse into Xi’an’s rich spiritual heritage. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, savoring traditional Xi’an cuisine. Take in the local flavors and relax before your travel to Yichang.

Your guide will transfer you to the airport or train station (depending on the on-site travel arrangement) for your journey to Yichang. Travel comfortably as you make your way to the gateway of the Yangtze River. Upon arrival in Yichang, you will be met by a local representative who will assist with your transfer to the cruise ship. Enjoy the scenic drive to the port, where you will board your Yangtze River cruise. After boarding the cruise ship, check into your cabin and settle in. The evening is yours to relax on board, explore the ship’s amenities as you begin your Yangtze River adventure.

Overnight: Victoria Cruise (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Three Gorges Dam
Start your day with a hearty breakfast on the cruise ship as you sail through the scenic landscapes of the Yangtze River. Disembark for a guided excursion to the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric project. Explore this modern marvel of engineering and learn about its construction, operation, and the significant impact it has on China’s energy production and environment. Enjoy panoramic views of the dam and the surrounding landscape from the observation deck.

After your visit, return to the ship and continue cruising through the breathtaking Three Gorges. Relax on deck as you pass through some of the most dramatic and picturesque sections of the Yangtze River. Enjoy a delicious lunch on the ship, featuring a variety of Chinese and international dishes. Spend the afternoon cruising through the Three Gorges. Take in the awe-inspiring views of steep cliffs, lush landscapes, and tranquil waters. You may choose to join optional shore excursions or simply relax and enjoy the scenery from the comfort of the ship.Enjoy a delightful dinner in the ship’s dining room, featuring a variety of delicious Chinese and international dishes. After dinner, join the Captain’s Welcome Party in the ship’s lounge. Meet the captain and crew, enjoy live entertainment, and socialize with fellow passengers. The evening will be filled with music, dancing, and a celebratory atmosphere as you embark on your Yangtze River adventure.

Overnight: Victoria Cruise (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Optional Tour – Tribe of Three Gorges
The Tribe of Three Gorges tour offers an immersive journey into the rich cultural heritage of the Yangtze River’s ancient tribes. This unique excursion takes visitors through picturesque landscapes and traditional villages nestled along the riverbanks. Visitors can explore authentic wooden houses, witness traditional customs and rituals, and learn about the lifestyle and history of the local communities that have thrived in this area for generations. The tour is a deep dive into the living history and natural beauty of the Three Gorges region, making it a memorable experience for cultural enthusiasts (note that the optional tour is not included and must be paid for on–site).

Optional Tour – Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift
The Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift Experience Tour offers a unique opportunity to witness one of the world’s most impressive feats of engineering up close. This tour provides an in–depth look at the massive ship lift, which is one of the largest and most sophisticated in the world. Visitors can see firsthand how this incredible structure allows ships to bypass the dam quickly and efficiently, elevating them over 328 ft vertically in just minutes. The experience includes detailed explanations of the technology and engineering behind the lift, making it a fascinating excursion for those interested in modern achievements and hydraulic engineering (note that the optional tour is not included and must be paid for on- site).

Shenong Stream
Start your day with a hearty breakfast on the cruise ship, enjoying the peaceful morning views of the Yangtze River. Disembark for a guided excursion to Shenong Stream, a beautiful tributary of the Yangtze River. Board a smaller, traditional boat to navigate the crystal-clear waters of the stream. As you glide through narrow gorges, admire the lush vegetation, towering cliffs, and unique hanging coffins along the cliffsides. Your local guide will share stories about the Tujia people, who have inhabited the area for centuries.

Return to the cruise ship and relax on board as you continue sailing through the Yangtze River. Take in the breathtaking scenery from the deck as the ship enters the Wu Gorge, known for its deep valleys and majestic peaks. Enjoy a delicious lunch in the ship’s dining room, featuring a variety of local and international dishes. After lunch, continue your scenic journey, you may choose to join optional shore excursions or simply relax and enjoy the scenery from the comfort of the ship. This evening, indulge in a gourmet dinner in the ship’s dining room, savoring a selection of dishes prepared by the onboard chefs.

Overnight: Victoria Cruise (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

Optional Tour – White Emperor City
The White Emperor City tour invites visitors to explore an ancient temple complex perched atop a cliff overlooking the entrance to Qutang Gorge along the Yangtze River. Known for its rich history and strategic importance, White Emperor City is steeped in legend, said to be the place where the famous poet Du Fu wrote many of his celebrated poems during the Three Kingdoms period. The tour offers panoramic views of the stunning gorge, historical insights into its role during various dynastic eras, and a chance to explore traditional architecture and stately statues, making it a captivating experience for history buffs and nature lovers alike (note that the optional tour is not included and must be paid for on–site).

Optional Tour – Peak of Three Gorges
The Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift Experience Tour offers a unique opportunity to witness one of the world’s most impressive feats of engineering up close. This tour provides an in–depth look at the massive ship lift, which is one of the largest and most sophisticated in the world. Visitors can see firsthand how this incredible structure allows ships to bypass the dam quickly and efficiently, elevating them over 328 ft vertically in just minutes. The experience includes detailed explanations of the technology and engineering behind the lift, making it a fascinating excursion for those interested in modern achievements and hydraulic engineering (note that the optional tour is not included and must be paid for on- site).

Xiao Guan Shan Folk Culture Park
Begin your day with a relaxing breakfast on the cruise ship, enjoying the morning views of the Yangtze River. Disembark for a shore excursion to Xiao Guan Shan Folk Culture Park. This cultural park offers a fascinating glimpse into the local traditions and customs of the region. Explore the beautifully preserved architecture, traditional handicrafts, and folk performances that highlight the rich heritage of the area. Your guide will provide insights into the history and cultural significance of the park, making this an immersive experience.

Return to the cruise ship for a delicious lunch on board. Enjoy a variety of dishes as the ship continues its journey along the Yangtze River. Spend your afternoon at leisure on the ship. Take advantage of the onboard amenities, whether it’s relaxing on the deck, visiting the spa, or participating in any organized activities available on the cruise. Alternatively, you may choose to join optional shore excursions. Dress up for the Captain’s Farewell Dinner, a special evening event in the ship’s dining room. Enjoy a gourmet multi-course meal, celebrating the end of your Yangtze River journey. The captain and crew will be in attendance, offering a chance to reflect on the highlights of your cruise and bid farewell to new friends made along the way.

Overnight: Victoria Cruise (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Optional Tour – Fengdu Ghost City
The Fengdu Ghost City tour takes visitors to a unique cultural and spiritual site on the northern bank of the Yangtze River. Renowned for its intricate temples, shrines, and statues dedicated to the afterlife and Chinese folklore, Fengdu Ghost City is steeped in myths and legends about the underworld. This ancient complex is said to be where the dead are judged before passing into the next life, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in mythology, religion, and supernatural beliefs. The tour offers a deep dive into the traditional beliefs surrounding life after death, set against the backdrop of spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and river (note that the optional tour is not included and must be paid for on–site).

Depart (Yangtze Cruise Disembarkation)
After an early breakfast on board, prepare to disembark the cruise ship. Ensure all belongings are packed and ready for departure. Your cruise staff will assist with luggage as you disembark between 8:00 and 9:00 AM. Once you’ve disembarked, your guide will be waiting to assist with your transfer to the airport. They will help you with your luggage and ensure a smooth and comfortable journey to the airport.

Meals: Breakfast