Classic Yangtze Cruise

This morning you will be picked up along with new friends who also join this group. The sightseeing today focuses on the greatest achievements of ancient architectures. Our guide and driver will first take you to visit the world largest centrally-located square, Tiananmen Square, and the biggest and most complete wooden building complex in existence, the Forbidden City. 24 emperors resided in it from A.D. 1420 to A.D. 1912. The venerable Forbidden City has a compact layout in adherence to the feudal hierarchy and etiquette system, reflecting the emperor’s supreme authority. In addition to admiring the architectural masterpieces and priceless relics, you can also hear some stories about the imperial court. Towards noon, a scrumptious a la carte lunch is specifically prepared for you at an outstanding restaurant. After that, we will guide you to the Temple of Heaven, which was the site where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshipped and prayed for good harvests. These visits are concluded by an exciting Kung Fu Show at the Red Theatre. (B+L)

After a hearty breakfast, your group will head to the world-renowned Great Wall at Badaling. Looking at the splendid Great Wall in front you, a strong sense of wonder arises spontaneously. As the best section of the Great Wall, Badaling is strategically situated on the mountain ranges, bringing together the stunning natural scenery. You will have about two hours to climb the wall and experience all its charms. Then visit a jade factory. Lunch is not included today as the restaurants in the mountain area are not good in quality, we suggest you take some fast food for lunch to rally your strength. Leading to the ground of Ming Tombs, the 7 kilometers Sacred Way has a series of other structures built along the road. Among them, the Stone Archway - China’s oldest and largest architecture of such kind and the groups of lifelike stone statues call for your attention. On the drive back to the hotel, you will pass the Bird's Nest (Olympic National Stadium) to take photos of its distinctive appearance. (B)

Another interesting day starts with a visit to the Summer Palace, which is the grandest and best-preserved Royal Garden of the country. First built in 1750 and later reconstructed in 1886, the Summer Palace whose buildings blend quite well with the Longevity Hill, the Kunming Lake and surrounding scenery, is a prominent example of Chinese traditional garden art. Drop by a pearl store. You will enjoy an a la carte lunch with a wide variety of choices at a well-appointed restaurant. Then our guide will take you to explore the Old Hutong area, which is peculiar to Beijing. Being the living place of ordinary people for centuries, Hutongs have been branded with cultural richness as time went on. When wandering in the small lanes and the courtyards, you may feel as if you were visiting a folk art museum. After a two hours flight, you will meet the Xian guide and driver at the airport. Check in the 5-star Sheraton Hotel and have a good rest tonight. (B+L)

The ship will sail steadily through Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge from 09:00 to 12:00 this morning. Although only 8 kilometers long, Qutang Gorge possesses breathtaking views of towering vertical cliffs and rushing waters. The Wu Gorge has a reputation for being the most graceful and attractive section along the Yangtze River. The afternoon is filled with a visit to the Shennong Stream in Badong County. As the boat men paddle the local “Pea Boat” through the limpid stream, you will admire the scenery on both sides of the river while listening to the pleasant sound from the wash of the waves against the boat. After this boat excursion, your ship continues to pass the west section of Xiling Gorge. Then during the last 4 hours of the day, it will sail through the world grandest 5-stage ship lock. (B+L+D)

After breakfast, you will get ashore for an excursion to the Three Gorges Dam Site which is based on the world greatest Water Control Project. Standing on top of the Tanziling Park, you can get a perfect panoramic view of the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River. With a bit of luck you would see the imposing flood discharge scene from the nearby sightseeing platform. Pack your luggage and get ready for disembarkation in the next two hours. You will be met by the Yichang Guide. Now it’s time to leave the Yangtze River Cruise behind and make your way to Shanghai. On the way from the Shanghai airport to the 4-star Grand Mercure Shanghai Zhongya, you will get to meet your new guide and hear about Shanghai in a friendly manner. (B+L)