7-Day Beijing-Yangtze River Tour

On arrival into Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), you’ll be greeted by your local guide. Together you’ll drive directly to your hotel, on the way taking the opportunity to learn a little about this city, which is rich in Chinese history, politics, and culture. After check in, you’re free to rest, relax, or explore. Be sure to check with your guide for their insider local dining options.

Meals included: None

Your Beijing adventure starts this morning with a visit to the world’s largest city square, Tiananmen Square. Seriously large, even by China’s standards, Tiananment Square is auspicious, as China’s political heart, flanked by the Great Hall of the People, the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, and the National Museum of China. Your guide will lead you across the road the to the awe-inspiring Forbidden City. A culturally historic landmark in Beijing, the Forbidden City seems to go on and on. The detailed planning, careful construction, and symbolic representation of every part of this former residence of Chinese royalty is to be admired. Be prepared to walk in wonder. From the Forbidden City, your guide will lead you to the Summer Palace, highlighting the uniqueness of its elaborate design, beautiful gardens, and the man-made Kunming Lake. It will be easy to imagine Empress Dowager Cixi spending her summers here, overseeing the intrigue and plots that were characteristic of imperial life. Reflect on China’s opening up to the world when you take a stopover to explore the Bird's Nest and Water Cube – the stadium and pool constructed for the 2008 Summer Olympics. After a full day of exploring, you’ll be taken back to your hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast

Note: Your tour guide may adjust your itinerary due to closure of the Forbidden City each Monday.

China is home to many iconic historical structures and monuments, however few are as remarkable as the Great Wall. Today is your chance to climb the wall at the Mutianyu section and understand a little of its impressive history. A quick stop at the famous local food market Sanyuanli on the way means you can stock up on fruit and snacks for today’s trip. Every section of the Great Wall attracts interest, however the Mutianyu Great Wall is one which is less frequented. Located about 90 minutes drive from Beijing, you can sit back and enjoy being driven, while having the opportunity to ask your guide questions about points of interest along the way. The wall is accessible by cable car and a short trip up provides wonderful views of the surrounding country. It also makes you reflect on this incredible feat of construction, which involved over 800,000 soldiers and civilians. Make like a guard and walk the wall to take in the Ming dynasty guard towers and sensational views. There will be plenty to talk about on the return trip to Beijing. Your afternoon is spent visiting the Confucius Temple, first built in 1302 to honor Confucius and the philosophers who studied Confucianism over centuries. You’ll also visit the Imperial College Museum too and it’s here you’ll learn of its importance to scholars past and present who studied and took exams there to advance their careers. Finish the day’s itinerary by wandering through Wudaoying Hutong. This is a chance to visit Beijing’s most creative and artistic hutong and make like a local as you visit the curious shops, cafes, and witness the lifestyle of a unique Beijing community.

Meals included: Breakfast

Every Chinese emperor constructed buildings of importance and Emperor Yongle was no exception. Responsible for the building the Temple of Heaven (along with the Forbidden City), he established it as a pivotal place of worship during his reign, a tradition continued until 1900 by subsequent Ming and Qing emperors. Your guide will explain the significance of the many elements of the temple, each of which was deliberately designed. Learn how ceremonies and rituals were performed, as the emperor and people of the day prayed for good harvests and blessings for the country. Look forward to a change in pace as you are driven to airport for your flight to Chongqing where you’ll leave for your Yangtze River cruise. A local Chongqing guide will greet you and, if time permits, lead a brief tour through Ciqikou Old Town. Time to relax as you embark on your Yangtze River cruise, which weighs anchor at 9.30pm. With your safety foremost in mind, attendance at a safety, orientation and river briefing is required when you board the ship. For your first evening on board, enjoy watching the night lights of Chongqing go by from the ship’s deck.

Meals included: Breakfast

A relaxed cruise is the ideal way to enjoy the scenery and history found on both sides of the river. Take advantage of the ship crew’s hospitality and learn about China’s longest river, which has inspired poets and peasants alike. The cruise has optional shore excursions at various sights of historical significance and today you can visit Fengdu Ghost City or Shibaozhai, depending on the water level and cruise company you are traveling with. The evening is the time to connect with other travelers and join the crew at the Captain’s Welcome Party. Sit back and enjoy the Chinese folk dancing and music performance – or get up and be part of it!

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Note: Shore excursions may vary depending on different cruise lines. Please note that some are optional tours and not included in the total cruise price.

Want to explore more? Visit scenic spots along the way: According to Chinese mythology, Fengdu Ghost City is considered the final resting place for all souls. Visit this ancient ghost town while on your Yangtze River Cruise. Shibaozhai is a tower nearly 56 metres in height leaning against the Yuyin Hill. Since construction of the Three Gorges Dam project in 2003, there is a moat surrounding it.

Apart from its fame as the one of the world’s great rivers, the Yangtze is also famous for its magnificent gorges. With today’s cruising you’ll see Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge. For those interested in getting even closer to the gorges, there is the chance to take an excursion to Badong where you can enjoy a small wooden boat trip on Shennong Stream or Goddess Stream (Shennv Stream). It’s the kind of experience which allows you to reflect on the strength and resilience of the local people who call the region home. Return to the ship and enter the western section of the Xiling Gorge, the last of the famous Three Gorges. In the evening, the cruise ship may pass through the massive ship locks if weather permits.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

On your final day of cruising, you’ll disembark from the cruise boat at Maoping Pier in Yichang. A guided bus trip will educate you about the largest hydroelectric project in the world, the Three Gorges Dam. Locals are extremely proud of the design, construction, and industry which is now fundamental to their life and region. After the tour, you’ll be transferred by shuttle bus to the Yichang Three Gorges Tourism Center. Our guide will meet you here and together you’ll drive to the airport/train station for your departure flight or train.

Meals included: Breakfast

Note: Guests may also choose the optional tour when disembarking at Maoping Pier. Board a ferry and sail through TGP ship's elevator where you can enjoy a tour of the Three Gorges Dam, whlile your departure flight should be no earlier than 3pm to guarantee the optional tour. Arrangements for this tour are to be made onboard the cruise prior to disembarking.

Note: We love helping our customers make the most of their available travel time. Need helping planning your next destination? We can help. With a network that spans across China, we can take care of every detail and arrange your departure train or flight from Yichang – or anywhere else while you’re in China. (A surcharge will apply).