Yangtze River Cruise Deluxe Tour 12 days

Tour Code: CTS 03

Day 01:      West Coast Q Beijing

Fly to Beijing, the capital city of China on deluxe wide-bodied jet plane, cross the International Date Line.

Day 02:      Arrive in Beijing

Arrive in Beijing late afternoon, tour guide meet you at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

Day 03:      Beijing

Start your city tour with a visit to the Tiananmen Square, the largest square in the world which can accommodate up to one million people. This is not only the physical center of China, but also the center of power and politics. Then tour to the Forbidden City, the largest and most intact conglomeration of ancient structures of the imperial palace ever built in the world, it features more than 800 buildings with 9999 rooms, resplendent golden-glazed roofs, red lacquered pillars and vermilion walls. Next stop is the Temple of Heaven, which was used to offer sacrifices to heaven and pray for harvest in ancient times. Then tour to the Summer Palace, the largest ancient preserved garden in China and a former summer retreat for Emperors and the chosen few. Enjoy the famous acrobatic show in the evening.

Day 04:      Beijing

The highlight today is a trip to the astonishing Great Wall at Juyongguan path. The Great Wall is arguably the most famous image of China throughout the world. It is the only man made object visible from the moon, and as one of the Eight Wonders of the world. It is a symbol of Chinese traditional culture and the pride of the Chinese nation. Then visit the sacred path of Ming Tombs, 13 of the 16 Ming emperors have their tombs here. This is an attractive destination as much for the natural scenery of the area as for the tombs themselves. Enjoy the Peking Duck dinner in the evening.

Day 05:      Beijing Q Xian

Visit the famous Beijing Hutong and Alley, climb the Drum Tower, visit local residence. Then take a flight to Xian, the first Chinese city to open up its doors to the Ancient world during the Tang dynasty as the first stop on the Silk Road. Over a period of more than 2000 years, Xi'an was the capital for eleven dynasties. Along with Rome and Constantinople, this city was a world leader in culture and trade and played a vital role in bridging the gap between east and west. Upon arrival visit the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses, an attached defending army to the first emperor of China, and is regarded as "the eighth wonder of the world" and among the top archaeological excavations of the 20th Century. Then visit the Banpo Neolithic Village.

Day 06:      X¡¯ian

After breakfast sightsee the Ancient City Wall, it is not only the most complete city wall that has survived in China, but it's also one of the largest and most complete ancient military systems of defense in the world. Then visit the Large Wild Goose Pagoda, the symbol of the city. It is said to have been built to house and protect Buddhist scriptures collected in India by the Chinese monk, Xuan Zang. Sightseeing the Bell Tower and Drum Tower Square Afterwards. Enjoy Dumpling banquet and Tang dynasty show at evening.

Day 07:      Xian Q Chongqing

Fly to the mountain city Chongqing in the morning, the birthplace of Ba and Yu culture with the history of 3,000 years. Upon arrival visit the Eling Park and Panda House. After dinner board the deluxe Yangtze River cruiser and start your venture tour on the Yangtze River. With a rich Chinese cultural heritage of thousand of years, the Three Gorges is not only a picturesque natural gallery, but also a spectacular treasure house.

Day 08:      Three Gorges

Shore excursion to Shaibaozhai Temple, This 12-storey wooden pagoda was built against the side of a sheer rectangular cliff, it¡¯s craftsmanship is so wonderful and unique that it is named ¡°Pearl on the Yangtze River¡±.

Day 09:      Three Gorges

The cruiser will sail into the Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge. Although Qutang Gorge is the smallest of the gorges, it is actually the most powerful and the water here flows most rapidly at this spot. The Wu Gorge boasts the most immediately beautiful and spectacular scenery of the Three Gorges. Flanking the river is a series of green mountains with precipices and peaks where the water zigzags forward and gives way to some attractive scenery. Transfer to smaller boats to see the Lessor Three Gorges along the Daning River. Then the cruiser will pass Badong, Zigui, and sail into the Xiling Gorge, which is renowned for being extremely perilous and is the longest of the Yangtze's Three Gorges. The water is full of turbulent currents and whirlpools and dangerous shoals.

Day 10:      Yichang Q Shanghai

The cruiser will arrive Sandouping in the morning, visit the Three Gorges Dam, the largest project of China. Arrive in Yichang at noon, sightseeing the city of Yichang, and then fly to Shanghai in the afternoon. Known throughout the world as the "Pearl of the Orient", Shanghai is a modern and fast paced city, rich in history, culture and with a wealth of areas and sites just waiting to be explored. Upon arrival visit the Bund, the symbol of old and new Shanghai, and Nanjing Road, the first commercial road and the number one place for shopping in the city. Enjoy the beautiful night view of Shanghai on cruise along Huangpu River.

Day 11:      Shanghai

Sightseeing the Yuyuan Garden in the morning. Afterwards visit the Oriental Pearl Tower, a fantastic symbol of the new Shanghai. Free shopping time in the afternoon.

Day 12:      Shanghai Q West Coast

Tour guide will transfer you to the airport for your flight back home.