16-Day Private China Essence Tour with Yangtze River Cruise

This trip is a perfect combination of popular tourist destinations in China. You can explore rich historical and cultural heritages in Beijing and Xi'an, by visiting the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Army and many other attractions. Continue to appreciate charming natural scenery in Guilin, observe the lovely pandas in Chengdu, relax during the 5-star Yangtze River Cruise and experience dynamic metropolitan life of Shanghai.

Itinerary

Day 1: Pick up from Beijing Airport

Stop At: Beijing, Beijing
Your professional local guide will meet you at Beijing Airport after reclaiming your luggage and clearing customs. The driver will take you to the hotel in a comfortable vehicle and help you with the check-in procedure. The rest of the day is left for you to have a good rest or to become familiar with our capital city on your own.
Duration: 1 hour

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Beijing New World Centre Tongpai Hotel (4 stars)

Day 2: Beijing City Tour

Stop At: Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang), West Changan Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100006 China
This morning, you will be guided to the Tiananmen Square first to take good pictures of Tiananmen Tower, Monument to People's Heroes, and Memorial Hall of Chairman Mao on the square.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Forbidden City-The Palace Museum, No.4 Jingshanqian Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100009 China
From the Tiananmen Square, you will enter the Imperial Palace, also known as the Forbidden City to explore its fascinating halls and pavilions. Here, you will not only learn how the emperor handled political affairs and lived their lives, but appreciate numerous ancient art treasures.

Around noon, you will enjoy an a la carte lunch at an elegant restaurant.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Lama Temple (Yonghegong), No.12 Yonghegong Street, Beixinqiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100007 China
In the afternoon, visit the Yonghe Temple, a solemn imperial lamasery that has survived over 300 years intact and features a blend of Han, Mongolian, and Tibetan architecture.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Temple of Heaven, Tiantan Road, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100050 China
At last, you will see the Temple of Heaven, with its unique architecture, where the emperors worshipped the heavens in hopes of good harvests.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Meals included:
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• Lunch: A la carte lunch
Accommodation included: Beijing New World Centre Tongpai Hotel (4 stars)

Day 3: China Great Wall Tour

Stop At: Mutianyu Great Wall, Mutianyu Village, Bohai Town, Huairou District, Beijing China
This morning we will take you to Mutianyu section to experience at first hand the wonder of the Great Wall. The round-trip cable car will be arranged. Standing on the wall and looking at it stretching up and down into boundless distance is an exciting experience and will leave you a life-long memory.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Niaochao National Stadium, No.1 Guojia Tiyuchang South Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing China
In the afternoon, on the way back you will have a photo stop at the Olympic National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest.
Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Hutong Tour, No.9, Zhonglou, Dongcheng District No.9, Zhonglou, Dongcheng District, 100009, Beijing, Beijing 100009 China
Afterwards, you will take a rickshaw tour to explore the original Hutong alleys and have a chance to visit a local family.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Beijing New World Centre Tongpai Hotel (4 stars)

Day 4: Beijing to Xian by High-speed Train

Stop At: Summer Palace (Yiheyuan), No.19 Xinjian Gongmen Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100080 China
The first stop of today's itinerary is the Summer Palace - the largest existing imperial garden with a graceful landscape and magnificent constructions.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Xi'an, Xi'an, Shaanxi
Your guide and driver will escort you to Beijing West Railway Station to take a high speed train to Xian. You will meet our Xian guide when you get out of the train station and then be transferred to the hotel.
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Holiday Inn Xian Big Goose Pagoda (4 stars)

Day 5: Terracotta Army Tour

Stop At: The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses, Qinling North Road, Lintong District, Xi'an 710600 China
The visit to the magnificent Terracotta Army will start your day's trip. In the museum, there are altogether three excavated pits exhibiting amazing warrior figures and Chinese ancient weapons. Afterwards, take a family visit to the home of the first discoverer of the Terracotta Army. And then make a mini clay warrior by yourself with the help of a local artisan.
Duration: 4 hours

Stop At: Shaanxi History Museum, 91 Xiaozai E Rd, Xi'an 710061 China
Then transfer you back to downtown and you will come to the Shaanxi Province Museum. The outlook of it imitates the building structure of the Tang Dynasty. There are lots of relics and artifacts have been collected. They will show you the development of ancient China in different eras.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Holiday Inn Xian Big Goose Pagoda (4 stars)

Day 6: Xi'an to Guilin by Flight

Stop At: Xi'an City Wall (Chengqiang), Zhongxin District, Xi'an 710001 China
The day begins with a leisure visit to the City Wall Park, where you can observe the day-to-day life of the locals. After that, you will pay a visit to the City Wall. It is the most complete existing urban fortification in China. Cycling on the ancient wall is an exciting experience that many people like to try (bike rental fee is not included).
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Xi'an Mosque, Huajue Alley, Xincheng District, Xi'an 710043 China
The Great Mosque, one of the largest and best-preserved Islam mosques in China. Here you can appreciate integration of different cultures, which has combined the characteristics of Chinese classical architectures with religious colors.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Muslim Quarter, West of Bell Drum Towers Square , Beilin District, Xi'an 710000 China
Then, you will have time to explore the surrounding Muslim Quarter. There lots of handicraft souvenirs are on sale. Enjoy all kinds of snacks and halal foods by yourselves.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Han Yang Ling Museum, East Section of International Airport Line, Weicheng District, Xianyang 712038 China
In the afternoon, drive to visit Han Yang Ling Museum - Yangling Mausoleum of Han Dynasty. There, you can go underground to have a close look at the unearthed mausoleum through glass floor.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Guilin, Guilin, Guangxi
Then, you will be transferred to the airport for an onward flight to Guilin. Your local guide will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
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• Lunch: Local Flavor lunch
Accommodation included: Guilin Bravo Hotel (4 stars)

Day 7: Guilin - Yangshuo

Stop At: Li River, East of Guangxi Zhuang China
Enduring memories are created today as you cruise down the Li River to Yangshuo. Lunch will be served onboard, but it is suggested you pack some snacks in case the box meal is not to your taste.
Duration: 5 hours

Stop At: Yangshuo County, Yangshuo County, Guangxi
Upon arrival in Yangshuo, a short trip to the countryside by bicycle or car will then be arranged. Today you will spend one night in Yangshuo.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Green Lotus Hotel(4 stars)

Day 8: Yangshuo - Guilin

Stop At: Xianggong Mountain, Xingping Town, Yangshuo County 541906 China
This morning will be left for your own arrangement. In the afternoon, drive back to Guilin. En route, pull over and climb up to Xianggong Hill to have an amazing full view of the Li River, which is astonishing beyond expectation.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Elephant Trunk Hill (Xiangbishan), Within Xiangbishan Park, Xiangshan District, Guilin 541004 China
Arriving in Guilin, visit its natural landmark, Elephant Trunk Hill, named so because it just looks like an elephant drinking water with his truck from the river.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Guilin Bravo Hotel (4 stars)

Day 9: Guilin - Chengdu by Flight

Stop At: Chengdu, Chengdu, Sichuan
After breakfast, you will be transported to the airport to catch a morning flight to Chengdu. Upon your arrival, your local guide will be waiting for you outside the baggage claim area and transfer you to the hotel.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Xiaojiahe Residential District, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China, 610044
Experience Slow-paced Life of Chengdu People at Xiaojiahe Community. At first, try some delicious Chengdu dishes at Yongle Restaurant at your own expense. After, go to a local vegetable market. Following, the guide will lead you to Xiaojiahe river bank after walking for about 15 minutes. There, you will see locals playing mahjong or cards, enjoying tea, or chatting with each other. We will serve you a cup of coffee, specially in a traditional tea bowl with a cover. After that, transfer you back to your hotel.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Holiday Inn Chengdu Oriental Plaza (4 stars)

Day 10: Giant Panda Tour

Stop At: Giant Panda Breeding Research Base (Xiongmao Jidi), No.1375 Xiongmao Avenue the Outside Northern Third Ring Road, Chenghua District, Chengdu 610081 China
This morning, you will be escorted to the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base to see the rare and endangered animals – the Giant Pandas. Today's pickup is a bit earlier as pandas are more active in the morning during their feeding time. You may have an opportunity to close appreciate the daily life of this cute species.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Kuanzhai Alley, East of Tongren Road, west of Changshun Street, Qingyang District, Chengdu 610015 China
Afterwards, come to Kuanzhai Alley. Enjoy your leisure time in this place. You can taste all kinds of local specialties as well as appreciate the architectural style of traditional buildings. Feel the typical slow lifestyle of local people.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Jinsha Site Museum, No.2 Jinsha Site Road, Chengxi, Chengdu 610091 China
Jinsha Site Museum is built to protect, study and display the archaeological finds of Jinsha Site, dating back to about 3,000 years ago.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Chengdu Renmin Park, No.12 Shaocheng Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu 610015 China
This day will draw to an end with a visit to the Marriage Market in People’s Park. Here, the background information of the singles and their expectations for the other half are listed on papers and displayed. Read some “posters” with the help of the guide, to learn this unique and interesting way of matchmaking.
Duration: 40 minutes

Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Holiday Inn Chengdu Oriental Plaza (4 stars)

Day 11: Chengdu - Chongqing by a bullet train & Board the Yangtze Cruise Ship

Stop At: Chongqing, Chongqing
In the morning, your guide will transfer you to the railway station to catch a 2-hour bullet train to Chongqing. Upon arrival, your local guide will pick you up at the railway station and and take you to visit Ci Qi Kou Village, where you can try some local food as lunch on your own expense. And then your guide will transfer you to board Yangtze River cruise ship. When the ship departs from Chongqing, your relaxing Yangtze River cruise tour begins.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
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Accommodation included: President No.7/No.8 Cruise Ship with balcony (5 stars)

Day 12: Yangtze River Cruise

Stop At: Fengdu County, Fengdu County
Today you will disembark and visit the Shuangguishan National Forest Park instead, which is a great place to enjoy a leisurely walk and melt into nature. In addition to the scheduled onshore excursions, you are free to enjoy yourself on the cruise ship, relax completely on the sundeck or join various cultural programs onboard. This evening, the Captain's Welcome Party will be held, and it will be a great fun for guests to join in.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
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Accommodation included: President No.7/No.8 Cruise Ship with balcony (5 stars)

Day 13: Yangtze River Cruise

Stop At: Shennong Stream, North Shore of Wu Gorge, Badong County 442400 China
As the ship sails through Wu Gorge, you will change to a sampan to take a side trip along Shennong Stream for 3 to 4 hours. Shennong Stream features picturesque natural beauty, distinctive Tujia flavor, boat tracking culture and valued historical relics.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
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Accommodation included: President No.7/No.8 Cruise Ship with balcony (5 stars)

Day 14: Yichang - Shanghai by a bullet train

Stop At: Yichang, Yichang, Hubei
After breakfast, you will disembark for an excursion to the Three Gorges Dam. Before that, you should pack your luggage and complete check-out procedures. After finishing the excursion, the cruise ship company will drive you to the Three Gorges Tourist Center in Yichang city. The local guide will meet you there and then see you off at Yichang East Railway Station for a bullet train to Shanghai.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Shanghai, Shanghai
After around 7.5 hours train ride, you will meet your Shanghai guide at the train station and be transferred to the hotel.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Sunrise On The Bund (4 stars)

Day 15: Shanghai City Trip

Stop At: Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, No.100 Renmin Main Street, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200003 China
This morning, visit Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall. You will see many models of the city’s landmarks and learn how the city looked like in the past and will look like in the future.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Yu Garden (Yuyuan), No.218 Anren Street, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200010 China
After that, explore Yu Garden. The symbol of the Garden is the Nine Zigzag Bridge built of granite and grass-white jade and the quaint, elegant mid-lake pavilion.

Then an a la carte lunch is arranged for you at a local famous restaurant.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Huangpu River, Headstreams from Dianshan Lake, Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai 201700 China
Take a one-hour cruise along the Hungpu River - the mother river of Shanghai. As the symbol and a microcosm of the city, the river has witnessed the glory, humiliation, despair and prosperity of Shanghai.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: The Bund (Wai Tan), Zhongshan East 1st Road, Shanghai China
Have some free time on the Bund area.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Tianzifang, 210 Taikang Road Da Pu Qiao, Huangpu, Shanghai China
Then you will head for a cultural block in Shanghai to get relaxed before going back to the hotel.
Duration: 40 minutes

Meals included:
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• Lunch: A la carte lunch
Accommodation included: Sunrise On The Bund (4 stars)

Day 16: Leave Shanghai

Stop At: Shanghai, Shanghai
Your guide and driver will come and get you at the appointed time, and then transfer you to the airport. Bon voyage!
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
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No accommodation included on this day.

Informacion Adicional
"Not wheelchair accessible"
"Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants"
"A current valid passport is required on the day of travel"
"Stroller accessible"
"A minimum of 2 people per booking is required"
"Near public transportation"
"Most travelers can participate"
"This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate"
"Confirmation will be received at time of booking"



Start Time: 09:00 AM
Duration: 16 Days
Start location: Traveler pickup is offered
Your guide and the driver will pick up you at the airport in Beijing.

Airports

• Capital Airport, Shunyi, Beijing 101300 China

Cancellations and refunds: All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.

Included

• Hotel/ cruise ship accommodation based on twin-sharing room
• One way Economy-class airfare from Xi'an to Guilin and Guilin to Chengdu.
• One way High-speed Train Fare from Beijing to Xi'an, Chengdu to Chongqing and Yichang to Shanghai
• Two bottled water per person per day
• Professional guide & experienced driver
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• 15x Breakfast
• 2x Dinner
• 6x Lunch
• Accommodation included: 15 nights
• Entry/Admission - Shaanxi History Museum
• Entry/Admission - Elephant Trunk Hill (Xiangbishan)
• Entry/Admission - Li River
• Entry/Admission - Shennong Stream
• Entry/Admission - The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses
• Entry/Admission - Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall
• Entry/Admission - Mutianyu Great Wall
• Entry/Admission - Giant Panda Breeding Research Base (Xiongmao Jidi)
• Entry/Admission - Temple of Heaven
• Entry/Admission - Summer Palace (Yiheyuan)
• Entry/Admission - Jinsha Site Museum
• Entry/Admission - Xi'an Mosque
• Entry/Admission - Xianggong Mountain
• Entry/Admission - Lama Temple (Yonghegong)
• Entry/Admission - Xi'an City Wall (Chengqiang)
• Entry/Admission - Huangpu River
• Entry/Admission - Forbidden City-The Palace Museum
• Entry/Admission - Hutong Tour
• Entry/Admission - Han Yang Ling Museum
• Entry/Admission - Yu Garden (Yuyuan)

Not Included

• Gratuities
• China visa fees
• International airfare
• Single room supplement for solo guest is compulsive and is available on request.

Facilities