12 Days Classic China with Yangtze Cruise

Itinerary Details Day by Day

Day 1 Shanghai Arrival

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Welcome to Shanghai! Clear the customs and retrieve your baggage by yourself upon arrival, be greeted by our tour guide in the Arrival Hall who is holding a sign on which says your name; transferred by your private car/van to your hotel downtown. The rest of the day is your own time.

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Day 2 Shanghai (B, L)

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Today you will first visit the magnificent Yu Garden. Right out of the Yu Garden, you can observe local people's life at the Yuyuan Market (Yu Garden Market). Proceed to the Temple of Jade Buddha. Take a stroll or shop in the famed Nanjing Road and then down to the Bund alongside the Huangpu River to explore the modern aspect of Shanghai. Drive to the Pudong New Area to enjoy a bird's eye view of Shanghai from the Jinmao Tower.

Day 3 Shanghai & Flight to Yichang (B, L)

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Today you will visit the People’s Square and the Shanghai Museum. Then after lunch, you will be escorted to the airport and take the flight to Yichang.

 

After arriving Yichang, our guide will take you to visit the Yichang Museum if time permits. Then go to the Cruise Pier, and board your Yangtze Cruise Ship from 18:00 to 20:00.

 

(Note: the boarding time changes based on the cruise ships, seasons, water level, weather, etc.)

Day 4 Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)

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Today's onboard activities include: Taichi exercise in the morning; shore excursion to Three Gorges Dam Site, the world-famous project; Captain's Welcome Banquet at 18:00; Evening entertainment at 20:00 to enjoy the Chinese folk dancing and music performance.

 

Three Gorges Dam Site on the Yangtze has been a dream for generations and is one of the largest construction projects ever undertaken by mankind. This great dam, the biggest hydropower project in the world, provides China with tremendous power generation and flood control service.

Day 5 Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)

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Shore excursion to Lesser Three Gorges by smaller vessels.

 

The Lesser Three Gorges, like a shinning pearl hiddden in remote mountains, are much smaller, narrower and have some dramatic scenery to offer. That is the most splendid river adventure throughout China for you.

 

Note: Some cruise ships make the shore excursion to the Shennong Stream. Shennong Stream is a collection of local culture. The nature scenery, boat tracker, local sampan, ancient hanging coffins, unique ethnic minority Tujia culture… all is worth your exploration.

You have the final say on which excursion to make, as we can book any of the cruise ships at great rates!

Day 6 Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)

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Shore excursion to the Fengdu Ghost City to check why it has been regarded as the "City of Ghosts". It is where the devil lives according to Chinese legend. The temples built on Ming Mountain show punish instruments and demon paintings, depicting the Chinese people’s imagination of hell.

 

Note: Some cruise ships make the shore excursion to the Shibaozhai Pagoda. Shibaozhai, like a pearl on Yangtze River, is 278 kilometers away from Chongqing. As the gem of Chinese Architecture, the 12-story, 18th Century red wooden temple is an architectural delight full of Legends and beautiful stories.

You have the final say on which excursion to make, as we can book any of the cruise ships at great rates!

Day 7 Chongqing & Flight to Xian (B, L, D)

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You will disembark in Chongqing at around 9:00am, and your local tour guide will meet and escort you to the Chongqing airport from the cruise pier. Take the flight to Xian, the ancient heart of China.

 

After arriving in Xian, our local guide will meet and transfer you to the hotel in Xian. Rest of the day is free to explore the hidden gems of the ancient center.

 

You have two options to spend the wondrous evening: one is enjoying the Dumpling Dinner, the other is Tang Dynasty Show.

The Dumpling(or jiaozi) Dinner: Typical Xian local food. They are not only tasty, but also characteristic with their colors and fragrance, style and culture meanings. You should not miss it when traveling in Xian.

 

Tang Dynasty Show: Tang Dynasty Show is a performance of Chang’an music and dances. You will certainly enjoy this national art that reflects the glory and richness of the Tang Dynasty era.

Day 8 Xian (B, L)

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In the morning be picked up at your hotel then driven to the Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses; the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century, It is one of the most popular tourist spots not to be missed by any visitor to China. After lunch, move on to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the Ancient City Wall; Optional schedule to enjoy the local specialty Dumpling Dinner served in a fine restaurant in the evening.

Day 9 Flight to Beijing from Xian (B, L)

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Today will be free until your guide escorts you to the airport and take a flight to Beijing. After arrival in the Capital city, be transferred to your hotel in Beijing.

 

After check in and having a short rest, you will marvel at the splendid Summer Palace, the former royal garden, it is the largest and most beautiful Chinese imperial garden. After the tour, you will be driven back to your hotel.

Day 10 Beijing ( B, L )

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Today our tour guide will meet you and pick you up from your hotel in the morning. Then drive to the beautiful Mutianyu Great Wall (80km away from Beijing downtown), it is known for its beautiful surroundings. It is a superb location to appreciate the grandness of the Great Wall as well as to avoid the crowds at Badaling.

 

After hiking on the Mutianyu Great Wall for about 1 or 2 hours, then move on to the Ming Tombs (Changling or Dingling) and its Sacred Way.

 

On the way back, you may make a stop at the Beijing Olympic Village to take some pictures of the world-famed "Bird’s Nest" and the "Water Cube" from the outside. Later you will be taken to Beijing Liyuan Theatre to enjoy the Beijing Opera.

Day 11 Beijing ( B, L )

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After breakfast, our guide will pick you up at your hotel. Firstly you will visit the world's biggest city plaza, Tiananmen Square (literally, Gate of Heavenly Peace). Subsequently you will move on to the Forbidden City, the most complete imperial palace in China.

 

After having Chinese lunch, you'll visit the Temple of Heaven -- the largest ancient imperial worship architecture group in the world where the ancient Emperors prayed for peace and harvest.

Day 12 Beijing Departure (B)

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Today will be free until you are escorted to the airport for your flight back home or to your next destination.

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This trip is from Per Person

What's included?

• Transportation as listed;
• All attraction entrance fees as listed;
• All meals as listed;
• Professional licensed English-speaking guide;
• Accommodations as listed;
• Domestic flights or high-speed train as listed;
• Luggage Transfers: Between airports and hotels;
• Arrangements: The tour cost includes planning, handling, operational and communication charges;
• Private escorted tour only for your group members.

What's excluded?

• China Entry Visa Fees;
• Personal expenses;
• International Airfare or Train Tickets to enter or leave China;
• Tips to your tour guide and driver;
• Tourist sites which are not listed in the itinerary;
• Any meals which are not specified in the tour itinerary;
• Excess Baggage Charges;
• Single Room Supplement.

Yangtze River Cruise FAQs & Tips

How is the all-inclusive Yangtze River tour like?

Compared to book a China Tour only, booking a Yangtze River Tour Package will save you more money and time.

The Yangtze cruise ship will take you directly to the destination and the staff on board will arrange various activities on board. The prices of meals, accommodations onboard and entrance fees of arranged shore excursions are included in the Cruise price. All you need to think about is joining and enjoying.

Which cruise line should I choose?

Yangtze River cruise lines are sailing between Chongqing, Wanzhou (a county in Chongqing), Yichang, Wuhan, Nanjing & Shanghai for different duration. Usually, cruise between Chongqing and Yichang are chosen by 95% visitors. To meet different needs of different customers, we offer all the cruise lines with our top cruises for you at the most discounted price. Just send us your requirement, we’ll do the rest.

What are the best ships for Yangtze River Tours?

There are over 30 cruise ships on the Yangtze River. The newest and the most luxury cruises are Victoria Cruises, Century Cruises, Yangtze Explorer & President Cruises. To narrow down you choices, we carefully selected the “TOP” for you their high quality services, luxury accommodation and reasonable prices.

2013 best-value Yangtze Cruises:
Victoria Jenna & Anna, Century Sun & Sky, President Prime, Yangtze Explorer, Victoria Sophia (Chongqing=Shanghai), Century Diamond (Chongqing=Nanjing)

2013 Most luxury Cruise Ships:
Yangtze Explorer, Century Legend & Paragon, Victoria Jenna & Anna

>>More 2013 Yangtze River Cruises

How to book my Yangtze River cruise?

Specialized in China Yangtze River Tour arranging & Yangtze Cruise booking for many years, we guarantee you the best cruise experience & the most personalized service at the lowest possible price. Just feel free to contact our professional travel experts who are glad to book the best cruise for YOU.

Practical Info about Traveling with Us

Restaurant & Food

The restaurants we will take you for lunch or dinner are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. They have very good sanitary conditions and the food is prepared fresh and clean.

Note: If you have any special dietary needs, just let your travel consultant know while booking.

Vegetarian food Requirement

Vegetarian food in Chinese cuisine culture is usually divided into 3 categories: the Monastery Vegetarian Food, the Court Vegetarian Food and the Folk Vegetarian Food. And the main ingredients are: soybean, taro powder, mushrooms, fresh vegetables and tofu (bean curd). It will be easier to find the vegetarian restaurants in big cities of china, such as: Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, HK, etc.

If allergic to some food

We suggest you to list any food or ingredients that you are allergic to and let our travel consultant know. Then your travel consultant will mark them in the guide’s itinerary, so that our guides in different cities can make some preparations and arrangements in advance.

Do our guide and driver join the meal with us?

The tour guides and driver will be at the same restaurants with you, but they will only join the meal when you invite. Sometimes the drivers are shy to join as they usually eat fast and could not understand English talk around the table, so the guide will be with you more often.

Will we be able to try some local foods during our visit?

Yes, you will. There will be some meals excluded in your itinerary as you like, and your private guide will be delighted to give you some suggestions and take you to the local restaurants, if you are interested in local food tasting. But remember, some local snacks may not match your stomach, so ask your guided for more information before eating.

Vehicles

We offer sedan cars, SUVs, business vans (MPV), and different types of buses. Different vehicles will be used according to different group size.

Shopping

What to buy in China?

In China, there are myriads of souvenirs for visitors, and each city has its own specialty.

Some of the best buys are:

• Beijing: Cloisonné; Fresh water pearls
• Xi'an: Replicas of the Terra Cotta soldiers; Tangsancai (Tang Dynasty hand painted China); Antique Furniture
• Shanghai: Silk carpets
• Hangzhou: Longjing Tea; Silk
• Suzhou: Silk
• Guilin: Scroll paintings; China Southern Sea Pearls
• Yunnan: Mounted Butterflies; Pure tea; Dali Batik (tie-dyed fabric)
• Xinjiang: Carpets; jade articles
• Tibet: Thang-ka（tanka）(Sheep skin wall hangings)

How to bargain?

Bargains are not acceptable in big supermarkets and department stores. But in some night markets or tourist shops, you can bargain for a lower price, since the vendors always ask for very high price for a certain item. You’d better ask the opinion of the guide first, and then the guide will tell you the real value and quality of the item. Please note that when the bargain is processing, the guide will be hesitate to help as it may annoy the bosses. Just try to let the guides know you will bargain in advance.

What to do with persistent vendors?

If you do not need something from them, just do not ask for price. Some of the venders are very persisted, and if they keep selling things to you, you can simply say “No, thanks.” (Chinese pronunciation: ”Bu, XieXie”). If they do not give up, you just keep silence. Silence is sometimes useful to handle this situation.

More Tips for free-time shopping

• 1. If you think you have no desire or interest, you do not feel embarrassed to let our guide know DIRECTLY (since some of our guides are enthusiastic in taking you shopping)
• 2. Better to choose the shops run by the state when buying expensive articles.
• 3. Do not shop everything in one city, because every place has its unique local products which worth buying.
• 4. Do not feel obligate to buy anything only because the shop attendants are very kind to you.
• 5. Be smart consumers. Do not spend big money on things you are not familiar with. Do ask for shop guarantee, contacts and certificates when purchasing big items like antiques, jade, arts pieces.
• 6. Leave plenty of time for transactions. When you see something you like - buy it. Usually, you would not find it elsewhere and you would not have time to go back.
• 7. Always verify the date of antiques before you purchase them. Antiques dated before 1795 cannot legally be exported.
• 8. Articles made from rare wild animals are contraband and will be confiscated by customs without compensation.

Private tour & Group Tour

A: Private tours

• 1. Private guide, driver and vehicle are for your exclusive use; no matter you are individually, or in a family or friends group. The tour is run exclusively for you without strangers.
• 2. Every itinerary can be customized to meet your specific interests/ wishes, that is, you can choose your favored hotels, sightseeing spots, the tour length, means of transportation, budget, etc. All are free of charge.
• 3. Start the tour on any date you want.
• 4. Escort you through the whole tour. All private transfers during the tour are offered, including airport/train station transfer, hotel-attractions round trip transfer.
• 5. The sightseeing during the tour could be based on your own timetable and pace. Flexible to change at your short notice.
• 6. Ideal for people who need considerate care and assistance, such as elderly, the disabled, families with small children.

B: Group tours

• 1. Low Price;
• 2. Share a guide and driver;
• 3. Share a clean, safe and air-conditioned vehicle;
• 4. Good chance for you to meet and make friends from all over the world;
• 5. Tour date is fixed and unchangeable.

Emergency calls

Call your guide, or if you can’t find your guide, call your travel consultant or our office immediately. All the phone numbers include in our confirmation letter. Keep the letter with your during your trip.

Note: As our Beijing office is using the different guide arranging system, so we will not be able to provide the Beijing guide information until the day before you arrival, but once we have it, we will email you immediately.

Check What our Customers Say...

Hi Karen,

Very good trip everything went like clock work. The hotels were great clean and English speaking staff. The guides are locals to the city and know alot and also being English speaking, without the guides there is no way you could do it by yourself.

 

(The following are the tour photos from Paul)

 

 

Paul‚ Ipswich, Australia, Jan. 26, 2013

Hi Laura,

I've recommended you to a friend who is dealing with someone in South Africa and is looking for a reliable travel agent in China. I also intend to refer another friend of mine from Shanghai to you as he wants to do some travel in China with his family. I'll make sure he mentions me when he contacts you.

Kind regards

Lynne

Lynne‚ Australia, Jan. 20, 2013

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