China Essence & Yangtze Cruise

Today we will offer a highlight collection tour for you to have a close contact with friendly Chinese people and the gorgeous civilization. Walk across the Tiananmen Square, you will see plenty of people standing in a queue, waiting to enter in the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, which lies at the southern end of Tiananmen Square. You will access to the Forbidden City from the north of Tiananmen Rostrum directly. Then you will enjoy your a la carte lunch at a famous local restaurant. In the afternoon, the Temple of Heaven will show you China's largest heaven-worship architecture. Tonight, you will enjoy a lively Chinese Kung Fu Show at the Red Theatre. (B+L)

Badaling Great Wall is definitely a must-see place for all of the travelers home and abroad. In the morning, we will transfer you to the suburban area to witness this world miracle, created by the wise and assiduous Chinese ancient people. Besides the spirit feast, a delicious Sichuan cuisine will be served in an authentic Sichuan restaurant this noon. After an attempt of Chinese cuisine, the Sacred Way and the Ming Tomb is scheduled for you to testify another kind of wisdom from this marvelous mausoleum. This unique necropolis is a must-see for anyone wanting to get an understanding of the role of funeral rituals of Chinese culture. On the way back to downtown, we will offer you an opportunity to take photos with the Bird's Nest (Olympic National Stadium). (B+L)

The Summer Palace, featuring the best of China's ancient gardens, is located in the western suburb of Beijing. This morning we will transfer you to this temporary imperial palace, built in 1153. You will see the Long Corridor, listed in Guinness Book of World Records in 1992 as the world's longest corridor. The corridor links the area where Empress Dowager Cixi handled state affairs with the residential and sightseeing areas. You might cherish this chance to test if you are energetic enough to cover the whole corridor and experience the diligence of ancient dominators by tracking on their traces. You will enjoy an a la carte lunch at a local famous restaurant at noon. After a Hutong tour, take a flight to Xian. Get a first impression of this ancient city from your local amiable guide and stay in the fine hotel to relax. (B+L)

The Xi'an adventure launches out from the astounding Qinshihuang's Mausoleum and Terra Cotta Army. The story of discovering this wonder is not as marvelous as itself. In 1974, farmers who were digging a well about 1.5 kilometers east of Qinshihuang's Mausoleum discovered three vaults containing Qinshihuang's Buried Legion. The largest of the three vaults contains 6000 life-size terra cotta warriors and horses. With the excitement of seeing this wonder, you will have an a la carte lunch at a renowned local hotel. In the afternoon, explore the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the Provincial History Museum. (B+L+D)   

Differences
Luxury Series: You will have Tang Dynasty Dinner and Show at Tang Dynasty Palace (Add: No.75, Chang'an Road, Xian).
Standard Series: You will enjoy Dumpling Dinner and Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show at Shaanxi Opera Theatre (Add: No. 165, Wenyi Road, Xian).

The Hanyangling Museum is the last stop of Xi'an part, which is the Mausoleum of Western Han Emperor Liu Qi. Fly to prosperous Chongqing by an afternoon flight. Have a short visit to the Panda House in Chongqing Zoo if time permits. Then we will transfer you to the port to check in at the cruise ship. As the ship departs from Chongqing, your relaxing Yangtze River cruise begins. The spectacular Yangtze River Cruise will carry you through the cradle of China, and offer you the soothing and relaxing vista. (B)

For the Yangtze River cruise part, all the activities are arranged by the cruise company. After breakfast the guide of the cruise ship will give a brief introduction of the cruise and the daily schedule. Then, you will meet the initial onshore excursion to visit Shibaozhai. The cruise ship company will be always thinking of ways for the customers to enjoy the time aboard. Around 20:30 Captain's Welcome Party is held, arranging a great variety of activities, presenting Chinese folk dancing and music performance. You might also join in them for fun. (B+L+D)

The fabled part of Yangtze River cruise is coming today. You will appreciate the unique scenery of the Three Gorges: to start with Qutang Gorge, the shortest and the grandest of the Three Gorges. Later pass the Wu Gorge with its famous lofty and misty peaks. Disembark at Badong for an adventurous excursion to the Shennong Stream. The pea boat allows you to experience a speedy adventure and have a close look at mossy rocks, verdant plants, plank roads, ancient coffins and precious animals. Then sail into the longest and the most scenic Xiling Gorge. Finally, pass through the dramatic Three Gorges Ship Lock. (B+L+D)

This morning, stop at Sandouping to view the historic Three Gorges Dam project, the largest hydroelectric project in the world. Get back to the ship and pack your luggage. Follow the check-out procedures when the ship sails to Yichang where you disembark. After having lunch at Yichang city, visit Yichang Museum if time allows. Head for Shanghai by flight and your local professional guide will expect you with comfortable transfer service. Check in at the well-selected hotel. (B+L)

One full morning is to explore Shanghai, including the sightseeing of the Shanghai Museum and the Yuyuan Garden. A la carte lunch will be served at a fancy restaurant, which offers authentic Shanghai and Cantonese cuisine. For the rest of the activities, please see the following different arrangements for the luxury and standard series. Shanghai is an intoxicating blend of the traditional element of Chinese distinguished value and ideas, and also the cutting-edge world creation featuring China's fantastic modern advancement. (B+L)

Differences
Luxury Series: An afternoon Bund area cruise tour along Huangpu River is designed for you. Have some free time to stroll along the Bund area if time permits and visit an old street in Shanghai.

Standard Series: Stroll along the Bund, Nanjing Road and an old street in Shanghai to see the salient contrast between contemporary Chinese architecture and modern skyscrapers.

Your fantastic China tour going through boundless expanse of the Chinese territory and thousand years of splendid Chinese civilization will come to an end today. We will see you off at the international airport and may you an enduringly shining memory.