Day 01

Arrival at Beijing

Your grand adventure begins upon arrival in Beijing (PEK). A dedicated service will greet you and ensure a smooth transfer to your luxurious hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to unwind and anticipate the historic splendors that await.

Hotel Accommodation: Sofitel Beijing Central or Grand Metropark Hotel Beijing (or similar)

Day 02

Beijing: Climbing the Great Wall and Old City Charm

Breakfast

Dinner

The day is dedicated to the ultimate symbol of China: the Great Wall. You will visit the Mutianyu section, an essence of Ming Dynasty architecture renowned for its sweeping, beautiful scenery and magnificent battlements. In the afternoon, descend into the charming, historic lanes of Nanluogu Lane, one of Beijing's oldest and most charismatic neighborhoods. The evening culminates in a special dinner: the warmth and flavor of Traditional Beijing Copper Hotpot, served in an individual pot for a personalized culinary experience.

Hotel Accommodation: Sofitel Beijing Central or Grand Metropark Hotel Beijing (or similar)

Day 03

Beijing: Your Day, Your Choice

Breakfast

Today is yours to design. Enjoy a free day for shopping, sightseeing, or relaxing. Alternatively, choose one of our excellent optional excursions:
• Option A: Beijing City Highlights (USD $109/pax): Explore the exquisite Summer Palace, stroll down Qianmen Street, and be amazed by a traditional Chinese Acrobatics Show. (Includes lunch, minimum 4 people).
• Option B: Chengde Bullet Train Trip (USD $199/pax): Take a high-speed train to Chengde to see the Putuo Zongcheng Temple (the "Small Potala Palace") and the vast Chengde Mountain Resort. (Excludes meals, minimum 6 people).

Hotel Accommodation: Sofitel Beijing Central or Grand Metropark Hotel Beijing (or similar)

Day 04

Beijing - Xian: Imperial Grandeur and Flight to Xi'an

Breakfast

Lunch

The morning is steeped in imperial history, beginning at Tiananmen Square, the largest city square in the world, leading into the majestic gates of the Forbidden City, once the exclusive home of emperors. Lunch is a culinary masterpiece: the world-famous Beijing Roast Duck, celebrated for its crisp, bright red skin and tender, savory meat. The afternoon concludes with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once sought blessings for bountiful harvests. Later, you take a flight to Xi'an (XIY), the ancient heart of the Silk Road, where a welcoming service will escort you to the hotel. (A friendly reminder: Today involves a significant amount of walking, so comfortable, breathable shoes are essential!)

Hotel Accommodation: Novotel Xi'an Daming Palace (or similar)

Day 05

Xian: Terra-cotta Warriors and Dynasty Nights

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Prepare for a powerful encounter with history at the Terra-cotta Warriors, one of the Eight Wonders of the World, a silent army standing guard for millennia. After lunch, you’ll ascend the Xi'an Ancient City Wall, the largest and most intact in all of China, offering commanding views of the historic capital. Next, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a celebrated Buddhist site. As twilight descends, immerse yourself in the dazzling nightly spectacle of the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever-bright City, experiencing the illuminated glory and splendor of the Tang Dynasty.

Hotel Accommodation: Novotel Xi'an Daming Palace (or similar)

Day 06

Xian - Chongqing: Xi'an’s Farewell and the Mountain City's Embrace

Breakfast

Lunch

The morning grants a final bow to history, beginning at the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a delicate artistic remnant of Tang Dynasty Buddhist grace. The architectural might of the Bell and Drum Towers stands as a final imperial backdrop before you are enchanted by the Shadow Play performance at Gaojia Courtyard, a heritage of moving silhouettes. In the afternoon, the flight takes you south to Chongqing (CKG), the dramatic "Mountain City," where you are welcomed and escorted to the magnificent VOCO Chongqing Chaotianmen Hotel.

Hotel Accommodation: VOCO Chongqing Chaotianmen Hotel (or similar)

Day 07

Chongqing - Yangtze River Cruise: Chongqing’s Vertical Drama and the Voyage Begins

Breakfast

Lunch

Discover the city's vertical marvels, starting at Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, the vibrant pulse of modern Chongqing. Then, explore the tiered wonder of Hongyadong, a magical, multi-story structure that defies conventional architecture, illustrating the city’s striking three-dimensional landscape. A marvel of engineering awaits at Liziba Station, where you can watch the light rail dramatically carve its path through residential buildings. As evening descends, the adventure transitions to the water: you'll board the majestic Victoria Sabrina cruise ship at the port, ready to begin your storied voyage through the Three Gorges.

Hotel Accommodation: Victoria Sabrina (or similar - Room with balcony on the second floor)

Day 08

Yangtze River Cruise: Myths of the River and the Captain’s Welcome

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

The day unfolds on the tranquil Yangtze River. Arriving near Fengdu, you'll disembark to explore Shuanggui Mountain, a place of natural beauty, or choose to delve into the folklore and history of Fengdu Ghost City (optional, CNY 295 per person). The afternoon offers a chance to relax or partake in engaging cultural activities onboard. The evening is marked by the elegance of the Captain's Welcome Reception before the option to immerse yourself in the theatrical spectacle of the "Battle of the Three Kingdoms" performance (optional, CNY 295 per person).

Hotel Accommodation: Victoria Sabrina (or similar - Room with balcony on the second floor)

Day 09

Yangtze River Cruise: The Grand Gorges and the Goddess River

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Today is the heart of the river journey. Near Fengjie, you have the option to visit White Emperor City or the panoramic Peak of Gorge (optional, CNY 295 per person each). The cruise then sails into the breathtaking majesty of Qutang Gorge, the shortest and most dramatic of the three. After lunch, the vessel navigates the winding beauty of Wu Gorge before transferring to a smaller boat for an intimate exploration of the serene Goddess River. The day culminates with the Captain's Farewell Banquet, a celebration featuring a delightful performance by the crew.

Hotel Accommodation: Victoria Sabrina (or similar - Room with balcony on the second floor)

Day 10

Yangtze River Cruise - Yichang-Jingzhou - Shanghai: Engineering Wonders and Shanghai's Lights

Breakfast

Lunch

The final disembarkation is in Yichang. The morning is dedicated to the colossal Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydropower project. You have the option to experience the astonishing Ship Lift mechanism (optional, CNY 325 per person) or visit the historic Quyuan Temple (optional, CNY 100 per person). After lunch, you travel to Jingzhou Ancient City to admire the preserved might of the Jingzhou Ancient Wall. From there, a flight whisks you to the dazzling modernity of Shanghai, where you are welcomed and escorted to the sophisticated DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Shanghai - Pudong.

Hotel Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Shanghai - Pudong (or similar)

Day 11

Shanghai: Skylines, Heritage, and Old City Charm

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Your Shanghai experience begins high above the city on the 88th floor of the Jinmao Tower for breathtaking, sweeping panoramic views. Back on the ground, admire the historic, French Renaissance-style architecture of the Wukang Building before exploring the charming, labyrinthine alleyways of Tian Zi Fang, a vibrant pocket of local life. The afternoon belongs to The Bund, where you stand across the Pujiang River, gazing at the dramatic juxtaposition of classic Western architecture and the magnificent modern skyline. Conclude your day immersed in the folk customs and lively atmosphere of Shanghai City God's Temple Ancient Street, with free time to sample the delightful local snacks.

Hotel Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Shanghai - Pudong (or similar)

Day 12

Shanghai Departure

Breakfast

Enjoy a final breakfast before being escorted to the airport for your onward journey, carrying memories of ancient capitals, majestic rivers, and the world's most dynamic megacity.