Tour Code: 2012 WT-SG02   11-Day China Group Tour of Beijing/ Xian/ Chongqing/ Yangtze River/ Yichang/ Shanghai

 Making a Difference

The choice is yours, but decisions are often hard to make. Our itinerary feature page as Making a Difference will let you know the detailed arrangements of highlight attractions, accommodations, meals, special local flavors we arrange in the itinerary you will choose. Only you truly know where each of your coin will be spent, you could make your own choice! It is worth comparing the quality and value of a tour before you make your reservation.

You can click the Making a Difference link in the above paragraph to see the details.

 Day by Day Itinerary

  Day 01 - Entry Beijing

Tian'anmen Square, Beijing

After your international flight lands, you will receive a warm welcome from your guide at the exit of the luggage claiming area. On the way to your hotel, have your first impression of our capital. After the guide help you check in the 4-star Holiday Inn Central Plaza Hotel, a comfort rest will get you rejuvenated from the long journey.

  Day 02 - Beijing
After having your breakfast, you will start to get familiar with other members and have a brief introduction. Then it is time to excurse. Firstly you will be transferred to the symbol of Beijing- Tiananmen Square. As the largest city square in the world, it even becomes the symbol of China. In the north end of the square stands the very superb structure- the Forbidden City, which is also a highlight today. Having witnessed the days of glory and times of despair of the last two dynasties - Qing and Ming, the Forbidden City now is hailed as the top palace among the five most famous palaces in the world. When you finish the sightseeing here, you will have an a la carte lunch at a fancy local restaurant to taste the real Chinese food. After lunch, continue to excurse in the Temple of Heaven. Tonight, we will arrange you a wonderful Chinese Kungfu Show at the Red Theatre (Green Seats Area). (B, L)

  Day 03 - Beijing  

Hutong Tour

Today may give you good exercise. You will start with the Great Wall - Badaling Section. Great Wall is a symbol of China all the time. Chairman Mao once said that he who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man. Located at Yanqing Section, Badaling Section was the first open to the public. It had very important strategic position, so grandiose construction projects were carried on. Surely you will marvel at this tremendous achievement. Enjoy your lunch at a local Sichuan food restaurant to get your energy back. In the afternoon, visit and observe the Sacred Way and one of the Ming Tombs, Dingling. There are thirteen imperial tombs in all and this is the first one and the only one excavated. On the way back to the urban area, take some photos of the National Stadium. (B, L)

  Day 04 - Beijing/ Xian
Conclude your sightseeing in Beijing with the Summer Palace. Ranking the first in well-kept imperial gardens throughout the world, Summer Palace is really worth seeing. After having the rich a la carte lunch, take a walk through the Hutong alleys. Board your plane to Xian in the afternoon. Your Xian guide will also wait for you at the airport with cozy transfer service. Check in the 4-star Grand New World Hotel. (B, L)

  Day 05 - Xian

Our group at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Xian

Visit the Museum of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, which are called “Eighth wonder of the world” by some people. After an authentic homely cooked lunch at a local family, continue with the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the City Wall. Located in the Da Ci'en Temple, it has a history of thousands of years. With concise square modeling and magnificent vigor, this pagoda is a rare Buddhist architectural masterpiece of art. In the Around-Xian Park just along the outside of the City Wall, you may see some retired citizens doing exercise. Tonight, you will be treated to a Dumpling Dinner together with a wonderful Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show. Let music and dance bring you to the most flourishing period in China’s history. (Tips: Dumplings are a traditional local food in northern China and are made of wheat flour with various indigenous fillings. This has long been a favorite food of the local people, so we have arranged for you to have a taste of this speciality today. You will also have an opportunity to learn more about the diversified Chinese food culture. However, we suggest you do not expect too much from this dinner, it is just a new and different experience during your trip.) (B, L, D)

  Day 06 - Xian/ Chongqing 
In the morning, have a short visit to the Great Mosque which is a typical Islamic mosque. After restorations in the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, the present complex proudly ranks among the largest mosques in China. Leave this long-history cultural ancient city and fly to Chongqing. The Chongqing guide will welcome you when your flight lands and transfer you to the downtown area. Before boarding the deluxe 5-Star President No. 1 cruise ship, visit Ciqikou area if time permits. Your Yangtze Cruise trip sets sail for Yichang at about 22:00. (B) 

  Day 07 - Chongqing/ Fengdu
In the early morning, the guide on the ship will make a short statement of the following schedule. Then it is your time to start enjoying the beautiful view. At about 08:30 a.m., your ship will stop temporarily at a place named Fengdu. Standing at the Yangtze River north shore, Fengdu is well known as the “Ghost Town” and it is the hometown of the “Chinese Divine Comedy”. Follow your local guide, and you will have a wonderful adventure and fantasy trip. Although the Hades and little genies only exist in old legend, its value orientation of justice and justification is also praiseworthy. After sightseeing in Fengdu, you will be back before lunch time. Relax yourself in the afternoon. Or be entranced by the roaring and endless river and the picturesque sight. (B, L, D)

  Day 08 - Badong/ Xiling Gorge/ Sandouping

Three Gorges Dam Project

Today, you will pass the famous Three Gorges one by one. Firstly you will meet the shortest, but the most breathtaking one – Qutang Gorge. Here, the river is only one or two hundred meters wide at the narrowest place and the both banks of the main peaks may reach as high as 1000 to 1500 meters. Here, the deep canyon, rip current and unceasing ranges constitute an extremely grand picture scroll. Later you will pass the Wu Gorge, also called the Grand Gorge, which is celebrated for its sereneness and prettiness. Later at Dongba, disembark for an excursion along the Shennong Stream. When you ride in a pea boat along this natural stream free from pollution and listen to the Hakkas young girl's folk songs, you will find yourself strolling in a haven of peace, leaving behind nothing but earthly troubles and vexations. Continue to sail into the western section of Xiling Gorge. The flow of water here becomes gentle and your horizon gets expanded. You are getting closer to the Three Gorges Dam. (B, L, D)

  Day 09 - Yichang/ Shanghai
At about 8:00 you will take off the ship and have a visit at the Three Gorges Dam Project, the largest water-power engineering in the world. After this Dam completes the construction, a giant reservoir 600 kilometers long will be formed and it surely will become a new landscape. After you go back on the ship, please follow the instructions and complete the check-out procedure. Your guide in Yichang will meet you at the pier. If time is enough, observe around in the Yichang Museum. Then fly to Shanghai and be welcomed at the Shanghai airport. Your guide will transfer you to the 5-star Howard Johnson Business Hotel. When you finish the check-in process, you will take you time to have your dinner. Certainly you may ask your guide for some suggestion. (B, L)

  Day 10 - Shanghai

Nanjing Road

Owing to its profound cultural background and numerous historic sites, Shanghai is an emerging tourist destination. Today you will have a chance to realize both aspects of Shanghai. The Shanghai Museum tells you a story of this city by displaying thousands of bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy and painting. While with the zigzag bridge, the mid-lake pavilion, the lotus pond merging together, Yuyuan Garden brings you to another idyllic and beautiful place. We specially arrange an a la carte lunch for you today. You will visit the Bund, Nanjing Road and an old street in Shanghai in the afternoon. (B, L)

  Day 11 - Shanghai Exit
After breakfast, you will travel to the airport for your homeward flight by yourselves. However, should you wish to stay on rather than return home right away, our tour counselors are glad to recommend our City Tour Package as an extension to your China adventure! (B)