12 Days China Panda Tour with Yangtze Cruise (Beijing-Xian-Chengdu-Chongqing-Yangtze-Yichang-Wuhan-Shanghai)

Today you will first visit the world's biggest city plaza, the Tian'anmen Square; then walk to the marvelous "Egg" (National Centre for the Performing Arts) to take some pictures from its outside; subsequently, go to visit the most complete imperial palace in China, the Forbidden City ; and later proceed to the impressive Temple of Heaven,  the royal altar of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide in the lobby and begin a full-day journey into China’s imperial history and cultural essence.

Start at Tian’anmen Square, the symbolic heart of modern China. Walk across the vast open square surrounded by monumental buildings such as the Great Hall of the People and the National Museum of China. Your guide will introduce the historical significance of this political center.

Continue to the exterior of the futuristic National Centre for the Performing Arts, known as “The Egg.” Its reflective dome sits in a man-made lake, creating a striking contrast with Beijing’s ancient architecture.

Then enter the world-famous Forbidden City, the largest imperial palace complex in the world. Walk through massive gates, ceremonial courtyards, and ancient halls where emperors once ruled China for nearly 500 years. The architecture, colors, and symbolism reflect strict imperial hierarchy and traditional Chinese cosmology.

After lunch, continue to the serene Temple of Heaven, where Ming and Qing emperors once prayed for good harvests. The circular design of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests represents harmony between heaven and earth. The surrounding park is also a lively place where locals practice Tai Chi, dance, and traditional music.

Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. The evening is free for rest or optional local dining.

Overnight in Beijing

You will visit Mutianyu Great Wall in the morning, which is popular among foreign visitors, enjoy orientation walk in Olympic Park and visit the exterior Bird's Nest and Water Cube, the amazing architectures that built for Beijing Olympic Games in 2008.

After breakfast, depart Beijing city and drive approximately 1.5–2 hours to one of the most beautiful sections of the Great Wall — the Mutianyu Great Wall.

Upon arrival, your guide will assist you with ticketing and optional cable car arrangements. You can choose to hike along restored ancient stone pathways or take the cable car up for panoramic mountain views. The Mutianyu section is surrounded by dense forest and rolling hills, offering one of the most scenic Great Wall experiences in all seasons.

After descending the Wall, enjoy a relaxing drive back toward Beijing city. You may rest in the vehicle while passing rural suburbs and entering the urban district again.

In the afternoon, arrive at Beijing Olympic Park, the legacy area of the 2008 Olympic Games. Take an easy walking tour around the park’s open spaces and lakeside walkways.

Here you will view two iconic modern landmarks:

• The Bird’s Nest (National Stadium), a masterpiece of steel lattice design
• The Water Cube (National Aquatics Center), inspired by natural bubble structures

Your guide will explain how these structures represent China’s modern architectural innovation and global sporting history.

Later in the day, transfer to the airport for your flight to Xi’an, one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China.

Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to hotel for check-in.

Overnight in Xi’an

In the morning, after having breakfast at hotel, your guide will meet you at your hotel lobby and start a full day tour.

You will visit the Banpo Museum, Banpo Neolithic Village Museum. The remains of this village, located just east of Xian and inhabited from about 4500 B.C. to 3750 B.C., were discovered in 1953. Inside the museum, there are the hall for the ruins, the hall for cultural relics, and the clay cave ruins. The Banpo Lady Statue o­n the rock in the garden pond bears a physical resemblance to the early Banpo people.

Then we will go on to visit the amazing 2000-year-old Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses. Regarded as the 8th Wonder of the World, the Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses are the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century. Over 2,200 years ago, the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, ordered the construction of a vast army of Terra-cotta warriors in search of immortality. After his early death they were buried with him to protect his empire. More than 7000 vivid figures in full battle array are formed for battle in several large pits.

You can move on to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the Ancient City Wall if time permits. Afterwards you will be transferred to Xian airport for departing to Chengdu. The diver and tour guide will meet you at the Chengdu airport and transfer you to the hotel, and help you check in.

In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel after breakfast and start private tour today.

Today we will visit the Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base, which was built to imitate the wild ecological environment of pandas. It covers a space of 92 acres, with a green coverage of 96 percent. The base created a perfect ecological environment for the living and breeding of pandas and other precious and rare wild animals. It breeds over 20 pandas and lesser pandas, black-necked cranes, white cranes and others.

And then you will visit the Wuhou Memorial Temple. The temple is dedicated to Zhuge Liang, the Martial Marquis of Shu in the Three Kingdoms. His outstanding intelligence place Zhuge Liang above all emperors, generals, and ministers in history.

Afterwards you will take a walk along Jinli Street which is particularly representative for this city. It is recorded that as already during Qin Dynasty (221 BC - 206 BC), Jinli Street was the most famous place for baldachin - a rich, ornate cloth. During Shu Kingdom (221-263) it was one of the busiest commercial streets. Hence, it is known as 'First Street of the Shu Kingdom'. In order to reclaim the street's prosperity of former days, it was restored with contributions from the Wuhou Memorial Temple and was opened to public in October of 2004.

Drive you back to your hotel after the tour.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a relaxed morning in Chengdu depending on your flight schedule. Your guide and driver will assist with hotel check-out and transfer to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport for your domestic flight to Chongqing, one of China’s largest mountain cities known for its dramatic skyline and river landscapes.

Upon arrival in Chongqing, you will be warmly welcomed by your local guide and driver. Begin a short city experience before boarding your cruise.

• Visit Chongqing Zoo, famous for its giant panda enclosure. This is one of the best urban places in China to observe pandas in a relaxed environment.
• Continue to Ciqikou Old Town, a well-preserved ancient riverside town with Ming and Qing architecture. Walk through narrow stone lanes, local snack shops, traditional teahouses, and handicraft stalls. This area offers a glimpse of old Chongqing culture blended with modern city life.

In the late afternoon, transfer to the Yangtze River cruise terminal to board your luxury ship on the Yangtze River Cruise.

Upon boarding, you will be welcomed by the cruise staff and assisted with cabin check-in. Take time to settle into your cabin and explore the ship’s facilities, including observation decks, lounge areas, and dining halls.

As the ship begins its departure, enjoy your first evening on the Yangtze River. The skyline of Chongqing gradually fades into the distance, replaced by peaceful river scenery and illuminated bridges. A welcome dinner is served onboard, followed by a brief cruise orientation meeting introducing the upcoming Three Gorges journey.

Overnight onboard Yangtze River Cruise.

Shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City, Wanxian, or Shibaozhai (depending on river conditions). Then return to the ship and sail towards the magnificent Three Gorges.

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.

Wanxian is one of the most important and largest ports on the Yangtze. It is widely known for its variety and hustling markets. Fifty percent of the city will be resettled after the Three Gorges Dam Project is completed.

Shibaozhai represents the first gem of Chinese architecture to be encountered on the downstream journey. From afar, the protruding 220-metre (720-foot) hill on the north bank can appear to resemble a jade seal, and is so named.

Shore excursion to Lesser Three Gorges which like a shining pearl hidden 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.

After breakfast onboard, enjoy a morning of breathtaking scenery as your cruise sails deeper into the Yangtze River. The river narrows and winds through dramatic cliffs, lush hills, and emerald waters — the perfect introduction to the Lesser Three Gorges, known for their remote beauty and serene atmosphere.

Shore excursion to the Lesser Three Gorges, a hidden gem often described as a “shining pearl” tucked among the mountains. These gorges are narrower, quieter, and more dramatic than the main Three Gorges, with sheer cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and dense vegetation.

Experience scenic stops along the river, where you can take photos of traditional fishing villages, unique rock formations, and local flora. Your guide will point out natural and cultural highlights along the riverbanks.

Relax onboard in the afternoon while the ship sails further along the Yangtze, enjoying panoramic views from the observation deck. Optional activities onboard may include lectures about the river’s history, local culture, and ecological significance.

Dinner is served onboard, featuring local specialties and international cuisine. Evening at leisure to enjoy the tranquil river scenery under the stars.

Overnight onboard Yangtze River Cruise.

Today’s highlight is a morning excursion to Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydropower project, located at the middle of Xiling Gorge near Yichang. You will marvel at this gigantic dam from different angles, learn more of the background history of the Three Gorges Dam Project and enjoy the surrounding beautiful landscape and scenery.

After an early breakfast, disembark for a shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric project, located at the heart of Xiling Gorge.

Explore the dam from multiple viewpoints and observation platforms. Learn about its engineering significance, construction history, and the massive ecological and social impact of the project.

Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Yangtze River landscape, including steep gorges, water locks, and ship traffic navigating the dam’s massive locks.

After the excursion, return to the cruise terminal in Yichang. Your local guide will meet you and escort you to a local restaurant for lunch.

Following lunch, transfer to Yichang East Railway Station for a high-speed train ride to Wuhan, approximately 2 hours.

Upon arrival in Wuhan, meet your local guide and driver for a transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore Wuhan at your own pace — perhaps take a stroll along the Yangtze River waterfront or enjoy a local tea house.

Overnight in Wuhan.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. Today, you’ll first visit Hubei Provincial Museum. Founded in 1953, Hubei Provincial Museum has 6.5 hectares with 200,000 exquisite items include bronze, jade and lacquer work, porcelain and paintings. You can enjoy a performance of chime bells, stone chimes and other ancient instruments. The museum is a window to explore Chinese history.

Later, head to the Heptachord Terrace (Guqin Tai), located on the south bank of Moon Lake, near the western foot of Tortoise Hill. It is the beautiful site with great layout where you could appreciate the sincere friendship between Yu Boya and Zhong Ziqi in Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 B.C.).

Lastly, transfer to Yellow Crane Tower, one of the most renowned towers south of the Yangtze River. It enjoys the fame of “The First Scenery under Heaven”. And its cultural significance led to its being made the symbol of Wuhan City.

After the tour, your guide and escort you to Wuhan Airport to catch the flight to Shanghai. Stay overnight in Shanghai.

You will be met at the hotel lobby and start to explore the New and Old Shanghai.

Walk into the Shikumen, the old alley with old buildings, a blend of Western and Chinese traditional culture, where the local residents still live there. Enjoy orientation walk on the Bund which was a foreign trade center from the late 19th century. Then continue a visit to Yuyuan Garden, a traditional Chinese garden in Shanghai downtown.

In the afternoon, visit Jade Buddha Temple. A silk museum is arranged before reaching to the Lujiazui CBD new area and enjoy your leisure time on the Riverside Promenade. Have a cup of coffee and take a short break. In conclusion, visit Shanghai Tower which is the city skyline and Shanghai tallest building. Enjoy your Top of Shanghai journey and panoramic view of Shanghai city.

Back to the hotel. We highly recommend you watch the ERA Acrobatic Show, which is one of the most popular evening entertainments in Shanghai.

After breakfast at your hotel, the final day of your China highlights journey begins in the vibrant metropolis of Shanghai.

Depending on your flight schedule, you will have free time in the morning or early afternoon. This is a relaxed departure day designed for comfort, allowing you to enjoy your final impressions of modern China at your own pace.

You may choose to:

• Take a short walk around your hotel area or nearby shopping streets
• Enjoy a café moment in Shanghai’s modern districts
• Do some last-minute souvenir shopping, such as silk products, tea, or local snacks
• Simply relax and reflect on your journey through Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, and the Yangtze River

At the designated time, your guide and driver will meet you in the hotel lobby and provide a private transfer to the airport.

You will be escorted to either:

• Shanghai Pudong International Airport or
• Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (depending on your flight schedule)

Your guide will assist with luggage and check-in procedures to ensure a smooth departure experience.

This marks the end of your 12-day China journey, which has taken you through imperial capitals, ancient wonders, panda encounters, dramatic river landscapes, and the modern skyline of Shanghai.

Service ends. Safe flight home.