16 Days Beijing-Xian-Jiuzhaigou-Chengdu-Chongqing-Yangtze Cruise -Yichang-Shanghai Tour

After breakfast, begin a full-day journey through the imperial heart of ancient China and its most iconic historical landmarks.

Start at Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square and a powerful symbol of modern China’s national identity. Continue through the grand Tiananmen Gate into the magnificent Forbidden City, the largest and best-preserved imperial palace complex in the world. Walk through massive courtyards, ceremonial halls, golden glazed roofs, and intricate architectural details that once served 24 emperors across the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Next, climb up to Jingshan Park, located directly north of the Forbidden City. From the central pavilion at the summit, enjoy a panoramic view over the entire palace complex, showcasing the symmetrical imperial layout of Beijing’s historical axis.

In the afternoon, visit the elegant Summer Palace, the largest imperial garden in China and a masterpiece of classical landscape design. Stroll along Kunming Lake, cross beautifully decorated long corridors filled with ancient paintings, and explore temples, pavilions, and bridges that harmonize architecture with natural scenery.

Return to your hotel for rest after the tour.

Optional Evening Activities:

• Traditional Chinese opera performance featuring classical stage art and costumes
• Acrobatics show with high-level balancing and aerial performances
• Local Beijing cuisine experience including signature roast duck dinner

After breakfast, begin an unforgettable full-day exploration of Beijing’s most iconic imperial and cultural landmarks, combining ancient engineering wonders with modern Olympic heritage.

Start with a scenic drive of approximately 1.5 hours to the world-famous Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the most beautifully preserved and less-crowded sections of the Great Wall. Surrounded by dense forests and rolling mountains, this section offers one of the most photogenic landscapes of the entire Wall system. Take a cable car up to the ramparts and begin your walk along ancient stone pathways, passing watchtowers that once served as military defense points during the Ming Dynasty. Enjoy sweeping panoramic views of mountain ridges stretching endlessly into the horizon. For those seeking extra excitement, an optional toboggan ride offers a thrilling descent back down the mountain.

Continue your journey to the solemn Sacred Way, the ceremonial marble pathway leading to the Ming Tombs. Walk along a historic axis lined with massive stone statues of guardian animals and imperial officials, each symbolizing protection for the emperors’ journey to the afterlife. This peaceful avenue reflects the deep spiritual beliefs and imperial traditions of ancient China.

On the return to Beijing city, make a photo stop at the Olympic Park, home to the architectural masterpieces of the Bird’s Nest Stadium and Water Cube. These landmark structures represent Beijing’s modern transformation as host of the 2008 Olympic Games and remain symbols of innovation and global recognition.

After the tour, return to your hotel for relaxation. The evening is free for leisure activities or optional cultural dining experiences in Beijing.

After breakfast, begin your final day in Beijing with a deep dive into imperial ritual culture at the magnificent Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This vast ceremonial complex was where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties prayed for good harvests and performed sacred rituals to communicate with heaven. Walk through the beautifully designed circular altars, ancient pine groves, and open park spaces where locals gather daily to practice Tai Chi, dance, sing, and exercise—offering a living blend of history and modern community life.

Next, return to the old city area and enjoy a traditional Hutong rickshaw experience through Beijing’s historic narrow alleys. These ancient lanes are lined with classic courtyard residences (Siheyuan), offering a glimpse into traditional Beijing lifestyle. Explore small local shops, hidden courtyards, and cultural corners while learning how generations of residents have lived in this historic urban fabric. You may also visit a local Hutong family home to better understand daily life in old Beijing.

In the afternoon, transfer to Beijing West Railway Station and board a high-speed train to Xi’an, one of China’s most important ancient capitals and the starting point of the Silk Road. Upon arrival at Xi’an North Railway Station, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in and rest.

After breakfast, drive approximately 40 km to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world—the legendary Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. Built to guard China’s first emperor, Qin Shihuang, in the afterlife, this massive underground army contains thousands of life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots arranged in battle formations. Explore the excavation pits and museum halls while learning about the extraordinary craftsmanship and imperial ambition behind this world wonder.

After lunch, return to the city to visit the historic Da Ci’en Temple complex, home to the iconic Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a landmark of Xi’an. Originally built during the Tang Dynasty, the pagoda was constructed to preserve sacred Buddhist scriptures brought from India by the famous monk Xuanzang, who inspired the classic novel Journey to the West. Enjoy the peaceful temple surroundings and optional climb of the pagoda for panoramic city views.

In the evening, experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, a beautifully designed cultural district that recreates the grandeur of Tang-era prosperity through illuminated streets, traditional performances, and lively cultural displays. You may also enjoy optional activities such as Hanfu costume experience or a Tang Dynasty dance performance showcasing classical court art and music.

Return to your hotel for overnight rest.

After breakfast, continue your exploration of Xi’an, one of the most important ancient capitals in Chinese history and the eastern starting point of the Silk Road.

Begin at the peaceful Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a refined example of Tang Dynasty Buddhist architecture surrounded by a tranquil park. This historic structure once stored sacred Buddhist scriptures and represents the spread of Buddhism along ancient trade routes. Nearby, visit the Xi’an Museum, where over 100,000 cultural relics—including jade, ceramics, stone carvings, and ancient paintings—bring the long history of Xi’an vividly to life.

Next, head to the magnificent Ancient City Wall of Xi’an, the largest and best-preserved city wall system in China. Enter through historic gates and step onto the massive stone ramparts, where you can walk or cycle along the top of the wall. From here, enjoy striking views of the contrast between ancient city defenses and modern urban development stretching beyond the walls. The cycling experience offers a unique perspective of Xi’an’s historical layout and city structure.

Continue to the vibrant Muslim Quarter, one of the most famous cultural districts in China. This bustling area reflects centuries of Silk Road cultural exchange between Chinese and Islamic civilizations. Wander through lively streets filled with traditional food stalls, handmade crafts, and aromatic local snacks. It is an excellent place to experience Hui Muslim culture and sample authentic local flavors in a dynamic atmosphere.

In the afternoon, transfer to the railway station for your high-speed train journey to Chengdu, the relaxed capital of Sichuan Province and home of the giant pandas. Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel for check-in and rest. The remainder of the day is free for leisure and recovery after travel.

This morning begins with a visit to the world-renowned Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, the most important panda conservation and research center in China. Home to more than 100 giant pandas, this ecological park allows you to walk through peaceful bamboo-lined paths and observe pandas of different ages in a natural-style environment. Watch playful cubs in nursery areas, adult pandas feeding on bamboo, resting, or climbing trees. If you are lucky, you may also see newborn panda babies in the breeding and incubation facilities. The visit also includes the informative Panda Museum, where you can learn about panda biology, conservation efforts, and scientific research programs.

After the visit, your guide and driver will transfer you to the railway station for a high-speed train journey of approximately 1.5–2 hours to Huanglong Jiuzhai Station, the gateway to the Jiuzhaigou region. Enjoy changing scenery from urban Chengdu plains to mountainous Sichuan landscapes along the way.

Upon arrival, you will be met by your local guide and driver and continue by private vehicle for about 1.5–2 hours to Jiuzhaigou. Check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. This is an important acclimatization period as you enter a high-altitude region surrounded by Tibetan-influenced landscapes. You may rest, explore the nearby surroundings, or prepare for the next day’s full Jiuzhaigou National Park exploration.

After breakfast, set out for a full-day exploration of the breathtaking Jiuzhaigou National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its crystal-clear lakes, multi-layer waterfalls, and colorful alpine forests.

Enter the park by sightseeing bus and explore three main scenic valleys: Zechawa Valley, Rize Valley, and Shuzheng Valley. Jiuzhaigou is home to over 100 turquoise lakes, dozens of waterfalls, travertine formations, and dense forests, creating one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world.

Begin at Nuorilang Waterfall, one of the widest and most iconic waterfalls in the park. Continue to Zechawa Valley, where highlights include the Long Lake and Five-Color Pond, famous for their deep blue and emerald reflections. Then proceed to Rize Valley, home to spectacular scenery such as Panda Lake, Five Flower Lake, Pearl Shoal Waterfall, and Mirror Lake, each offering unique colors that change with light and season.

Finally, descend through Shuzheng Valley, passing scenic spots such as Shuzheng Waterfall, Rhinoceros Lake, Tiger Lake, and Sparkling Lake, before returning to the park entrance.

After sightseeing, return to your hotel for rest. The park experience is designed with shuttle buses and wooden walkways, making it comfortable and flexible for different travel styles.

After breakfast, drive approximately 2 hours to Huanglong National Park, another UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its spectacular travertine terrace landscape formed over thousands of years.

The valley stretches beneath snow-capped peaks and resembles a golden dragon winding through the mountains, which is the origin of its name. Explore this geological wonder shaped by natural processes including glacial movement, mineral deposits, and water erosion.

The highlight is the Five-Color Ponds, a stunning cluster of over 600 crystal-clear pools that display shimmering shades of blue, green, and gold depending on sunlight and season. The park also features alpine forests, waterfalls, snow mountains, and rich biodiversity including rare wildlife species.

To reduce walking difficulty, take a cable car to the upper section and descend through scenic trails, enjoying panoramic views of the entire valley.

After sightseeing, transfer to Huanglong Jiuzhai Station and take a high-speed train back to Chengdu (about 2 hours). Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel for check-in and rest after an unforgettable highland journey.

Start your day with a peaceful visit to the historic Wenshu Temple, one of Chengdu’s most important Buddhist temples hidden in the modern city center. Explore its elegant traditional architecture, incense-filled prayer halls, and quiet courtyards that reflect centuries of Buddhist culture. Next to the temple is Wenshufang Bazaar, a lively local area filled with tea houses, handicrafts, street snacks, and traditional daily life scenes of Chengdu residents.

Continue to Renmin Park (People’s Park), the best place to experience Chengdu’s relaxed lifestyle. Sit in a traditional teahouse and enjoy a cup of local tea while observing locals playing mahjong, dancing, singing, and enjoying ear cleaning or shoulder massage services in the park. This is the authentic rhythm of everyday Chengdu life.

Afterward, visit the famous Jinli Old Street, a vibrant pedestrian street blending traditional Sichuan architecture with modern tourism. Walk through rows of local snack stalls, souvenir shops, and cultural performances while experiencing the atmosphere of ancient Shu culture.

Later, transfer to the railway station and take a high-speed train of approximately 1 hour to Chongqing. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel in downtown Chongqing. The rest of the day is free for leisure and rest.

After breakfast, begin your full-day exploration of Chongqing, a dramatic mountain city built on cliffs and rivers.

Start at the Three Gorges Museum, home to over 280,000 cultural relics showcasing the history of the Yangtze River, the Three Gorges region, and the development of Chongqing from ancient times to its modern role as a major Chinese municipality. Nearby, visit the iconic People’s Assembly Hall, a grand architectural landmark inspired by classical Chinese design and listed in global architectural records.

Next, experience Chongqing’s unique transport system by taking Metro Line 2 from Huanghuayuan to Liziba Station, where you will witness the famous “train passing through a building” — a globally unique urban engineering scene surrounded by steep hills and dense city structures.

Continue to the scenic Hongya Cave, a multi-level complex built along the river cliff. Explore its traditional wooden architecture, local shops, restaurants, and viewing platforms overlooking the Yangtze River. In the evening, the illuminated buildings create one of the most iconic night views in China.

After the tour, proceed to Chaotianmen Port and board your Yangtze River cruise between 18:00–21:00. The cruise departs at 21:00, beginning your scenic journey along the Yangtze River.

Wake up to the peaceful scenery of the Yangtze River, enjoying morning mist and riverside landscapes from the cruise deck. Participate in onboard activities such as Tai Chi practice, cultural lectures, tea time, or enjoy relaxing views from the sun deck.

In the afternoon, disembark for a shore excursion in Fengdu County, a region known for its cultural significance within the Three Gorges Reservoir area. Visit the famous Fengdu Ghost City, a complex of temples and statues depicting traditional Chinese beliefs about the afterlife, mythology, and moral judgment.

Other scenic highlights in the region include Mount Shuanggui, Jade Emperor Scenic Area, Snow Jade Cave, and folk cultural villages, depending on cruise arrangements.

In the late afternoon, the cruise may dock at Zhongxian County, where guests can optionally attend the spectacular live performance “Feng Yan San Guo Show”, a large-scale outdoor production based on the Three Kingdoms history, featuring lights, music, and dramatic storytelling along the river landscape.

Return to the cruise for dinner and evening entertainment onboard.

Note: Shore excursion schedules may vary depending on cruise company, water conditions, and seasonal arrangements. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to stairs and long walking distances.

Today you will sail through the most spectacular section of the Yangtze River Three Gorges, enjoying a full day of breathtaking natural scenery from the cruise deck.

In the morning, cruise through the dramatic Qutang Gorge, the shortest yet most powerful gorge of the Three Gorges, famous for its steep cliffs, narrow river channel, and thunderous river flow. Pass through the iconic Kui Gate, where towering mountains rise sharply on both sides, creating a majestic natural gateway. This section offers some of the most iconic views of the entire Yangtze River journey.

Continue sailing into the elegant Wu Gorge, known for its deep valleys, misty peaks, and poetic landscape often described as a “river of paintings.” The scenery here is calm and continuous, with endless green mountains stretching into the distance.

Depending on cruise arrangements, optional shore excursions may be organized in Fengjie, Wuxian, or Badong. A popular optional visit is White Emperor City, a historic cultural site known as the “City of Poetry,” referenced in over 1,400 classical Chinese poems. It is also famous for the legendary story of Liu Bei entrusting his son to Zhuge Liang. The viewing platform offers one of the best photo spots of Kui Gate, matching the scenery seen on Chinese currency.

In the afternoon, the cruise continues deeper into Wu Gorge, where guests may transfer to a smaller boat to explore narrow tributary streams such as Shennv Stream, Shennong Stream, or the Lesser Three Gorges. These side gorges feature dramatic cliffs, hanging coffins, waterfalls, and untouched natural beauty.

In the evening, enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Party, featuring entertainment, music, and a celebration with fellow passengers onboard the cruise.

Note: Shore excursions vary depending on cruise company, river conditions, and seasonal schedules. Some optional sites may require extra payment.

After breakfast, disembark at Maoping Port and begin your final shore excursion to the world-famous Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydropower project in the world. Explore different viewpoints of the dam and learn about its engineering scale, environmental impact, and historical significance along the Yangtze River.

Optional experience includes the Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift, the world’s largest and most advanced ship elevator system, offering a unique navigation experience through the dam structure.

After the visit, transfer to Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal, where you will meet your local guide and continue to the railway station for your high-speed train journey to Shanghai, China’s most modern and dynamic metropolis. The train ride takes approximately 6–7 hours.

Disembarkation Note: Depending on cruise arrangements, guests may follow different routes after leaving the ship. Morning luggage check-out is required before shore excursions. Ship Lift availability may vary during peak season due to operational conditions.

After breakfast, begin your full-day exploration of Shanghai, China’s most modern and cosmopolitan metropolis.

Start in the Lujiazui Financial District, the heart of Shanghai’s futuristic skyline. Take a high-speed elevator up to the 118th-floor observation deck of Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China and the third tallest in the world (632 meters). From the top, enjoy a breathtaking 360° panorama of the city, including the Pudong skyline, Huangpu River, and The Bund.

Continue to the Shanghai Museum East, a world-class museum featuring ancient Chinese treasures including bronzes, jade, ceramics, calligraphy, paintings, and sculptures spanning over 5,000 years of history. Audio guides are available to enhance your cultural experience.

In the afternoon, visit the classical Yu Garden, a masterpiece of Ming Dynasty garden design featuring rockeries, ponds, pavilions, and elegant traditional architecture. Right beside it, explore the lively Yuyuan Bazaar, filled with local snacks, souvenirs, and traditional crafts.

Then walk along Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s most famous commercial street, offering a blend of modern shopping malls and historic storefronts. End your day at The Bund, where colonial-era buildings line the riverfront opposite the futuristic skyline of Lujiazui, creating one of the most iconic city views in the world.

Optional evening experience: enjoy a Huangpu River Night Cruise, offering spectacular views of Shanghai’s illuminated skyline.

After breakfast, continue your final day in Shanghai with a deeper look into the city’s urban transformation and creative culture.

Begin at the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, a modern architectural landmark that showcases the evolution of Shanghai from a small fishing settlement into a global megacity. Explore large-scale city models, historical maps, immersive multimedia displays, and rare archival photographs that illustrate Shanghai’s rapid modernization and future urban vision.

Next, visit the creative district of Tianzifang, one of Shanghai’s most famous cultural enclaves. Built within preserved Shikumen-style residential lanes, this area blends old Shanghai architecture with modern art studios, boutique shops, galleries, and cozy cafés. Walk through narrow alleyways to observe local daily life mixed with artistic creativity and international influences.

Depending on your departure time, you may also enjoy an extended exploration of nearby highlights such as:

• Xintiandi Area – A stylish district combining restored Shikumen buildings with luxury restaurants, cafés, and boutique stores
• Huaihai Road – One of Shanghai’s most fashionable shopping streets with international brands and elegant architecture
• Former French Concession (optional walk) – Tree-lined streets featuring historic villas, quiet cafés, and colonial-era charm

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant or explore Shanghai’s street food and café culture at your own pace.

In the afternoon, your guide will escort you to Shanghai Pudong International Airport or Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station for your onward flight or train journey.

End of service.