Trafalgar
Best of China with Yangtze Cruise
Best Of China With Yangtze Cruise
Discover the cityscapes of Beijing and Shanghai, Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors and the rare giant pandas of Chengdu on this mesmerizing encounter with China, which includes a leisurely cruise along the Yangtze River.
Dining Summary
- 14 Breakfast (B)
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 8 Lunch (L)
Be My Guest
- Beijing: Visit and have lunch with a local family in their home in one of Beijing’s hutongs and gain a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse into their lifestyle.
Dive into Culture
- Xi’an: Give Chinese calligraphy a go in this hands-on class, learning an art form that’s been around since the Han Dynasty. With an expert to guide you, you’ll master brush techniques and create your own characters, discovering how every stroke tells a story in this timeless tradition.
- Chengdu: Head to the Museum of Sichuan Cuisine and get stuck in with a cookery lesson. Try your hand at grinding chilli with a traditional pestle and mortar, explore centuries-old recipes and learn the secrets of bold Sichuan flavors. Finally, tuck in.
Iconic Experience
- Great Wall of China: Visit the Great Wall of China to marvel at the historical and physical prominence of this renowned landmark.
- Beijing: Indulge in a foot massage at the Foot Reflexology Center.
- Beijing: Gain insights into this fascinating city during a sightseeing tour of Beijing. See the Great Hall of the People and Tiananmen Square before stepping through the south gate of the Forbidden City.
- Beijing: Hop on a traditional rickshaw and weave through Beijing’s ancient alleyways.
- Fortifications of Xian: Visit the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang and see the terracotta warriors.
- Xi’an: Visit a jade factory to admire the “imperial gem” and marvel at the mineral’s historic value.
- Xi’an: Discover the traditions and techniques of dumpling making, indulging in an opportunity to sample them.
- Chengdu: During your orientation of Chengdu, visit People’s Park and experience the energy of Jinli Old Street.
- : Enjoy an introductory orientation of Chongqing prior to boarding your river cruise.
- : Visit the cliff-top temple Shibaozhai.
- Fengdu Ghost City: See the mystical Ghost City of Fengdu and visit its shrines, temples and monasteries dedicated to the afterlife.
- Yangtze: Cruise on a small motorboat through the magical landscape of the Goddess Stream.
- Shanghai: Join your Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of Shanghai. See the famous Bund waterfront and Yu Garden.
- Shanghai: Enjoy a performance by the world-famous Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe.
- Shanghai: Visit Jin Mao Tower and take in panoramic views of Shanghai from 88 floors up.
- Shanghai: Join a Local Specialist for a walking tour through the Shanghai French Concession and Xin Tian Di district.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
- Xi’an: Step inside 2,000-year-old Yaodong cave dwellings, built from naturally insulating, earthquake-resistant Loess earth. As modern homes replace them, your visit helps families restore their homes, keeping their heritage alive while embracing the future. Your visit also directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
- Chengdu: At the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, learn how your visit contributes to their conservation efforts to rescue and protect the endangered giant panda of which fewer than 2,000 remain.
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu and Shanghai
- Visit the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City in Beijing, the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, the Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Chengdu, and the ‘Bund’ waterfront, Jade Buddha Temple and Jinmao Tower in Shanghai
- See local people practicing T’ai Chi in the morning, the Three Gorges Dam and the Shanghai Acrobats
- Cruise the Yangtze River and the Three Gorges
Stays With Stories
- Shanghai: The year was 1988, The Kunlun Beijing opened as the first Chinese designed and built five-star hotel in Shanghai City, welcoming state and foreign dignitaries, and international clientele. Relax at The Kunlun Jing An, a landmark city hotel exceptionally located in one of Shanghai’s most fashionable and commercial districts, only a short walk from the famous Jing An Temple and West Nanjing Road.
Whats Included
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
- Flight from Beijing to Xi’an and Yichang to Shanghai.
| Day 1 |
Visit Beijing, China’s capital! This majestic city offers plenty of grand monuments, ancient landmarks, and breathtaking sights for you to explore. Begin your Beijing adventure in the heart of the city. Beyond Tiananmen Square, the city’s austere (and infamous) political center erected by Chairman Mao, lies the remarkable Forbidden City. This imperial palace, perhaps the most famous attraction in Beijing proper, will amaze you with its bright red façade and impressive museum, home to beautiful pieces of Chinese art. Nearby Tian Tan or Temple of Heaven, the imperial center for prayer over many dynasties, is fashioned in the same exquisite Chinese architectural style and bursts with lavish reds and golds. Travel mere steps from Tiananmen to gaze in wonderment at the National Center for the Performing Arts, whose illuminated glass dome sparkles over a mirror-like pool of blue water. After visiting the city’s historic landmarks, unwind by browsing unique markets and enjoying some delicious culinary treats. Restaurants throughout Beijing serve savory and crispy peking duck, a staple in the city, but be sure to sample sweet cakes and rice desserts on bustling Wangfujing Snack Street. From lovely jade beads, to vintage tea pots, to distinctive souvenirs, the Panjiyuan Antique Market is the quintessential stop for shopping in Beijing. Venture just north of the capital to see the Great Wall of China, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s most iconic man-made wonders. This vast landmark, whose twisting steps are set upon lush hilltops, is an absolute must-see on any trip to Beijing. The Great Wall’s overwhelming immensity is guaranteed to leave you awestruck. |
| Day 2 |
Visit Beijing, China’s capital! This majestic city offers plenty of grand monuments, ancient landmarks, and breathtaking sights for you to explore. Begin your Beijing adventure in the heart of the city. Beyond Tiananmen Square, the city’s austere (and infamous) political center erected by Chairman Mao, lies the remarkable Forbidden City. This imperial palace, perhaps the most famous attraction in Beijing proper, will amaze you with its bright red façade and impressive museum, home to beautiful pieces of Chinese art. Nearby Tian Tan or Temple of Heaven, the imperial center for prayer over many dynasties, is fashioned in the same exquisite Chinese architectural style and bursts with lavish reds and golds. Travel mere steps from Tiananmen to gaze in wonderment at the National Center for the Performing Arts, whose illuminated glass dome sparkles over a mirror-like pool of blue water. After visiting the city’s historic landmarks, unwind by browsing unique markets and enjoying some delicious culinary treats. Restaurants throughout Beijing serve savory and crispy peking duck, a staple in the city, but be sure to sample sweet cakes and rice desserts on bustling Wangfujing Snack Street. From lovely jade beads, to vintage tea pots, to distinctive souvenirs, the Panjiyuan Antique Market is the quintessential stop for shopping in Beijing. Venture just north of the capital to see the Great Wall of China, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s most iconic man-made wonders. This vast landmark, whose twisting steps are set upon lush hilltops, is an absolute must-see on any trip to Beijing. The Great Wall’s overwhelming immensity is guaranteed to leave you awestruck. |
| Day 3 |
Visit Beijing, China’s capital! This majestic city offers plenty of grand monuments, ancient landmarks, and breathtaking sights for you to explore. Begin your Beijing adventure in the heart of the city. Beyond Tiananmen Square, the city’s austere (and infamous) political center erected by Chairman Mao, lies the remarkable Forbidden City. This imperial palace, perhaps the most famous attraction in Beijing proper, will amaze you with its bright red façade and impressive museum, home to beautiful pieces of Chinese art. Nearby Tian Tan or Temple of Heaven, the imperial center for prayer over many dynasties, is fashioned in the same exquisite Chinese architectural style and bursts with lavish reds and golds. Travel mere steps from Tiananmen to gaze in wonderment at the National Center for the Performing Arts, whose illuminated glass dome sparkles over a mirror-like pool of blue water. After visiting the city’s historic landmarks, unwind by browsing unique markets and enjoying some delicious culinary treats. Restaurants throughout Beijing serve savory and crispy peking duck, a staple in the city, but be sure to sample sweet cakes and rice desserts on bustling Wangfujing Snack Street. From lovely jade beads, to vintage tea pots, to distinctive souvenirs, the Panjiyuan Antique Market is the quintessential stop for shopping in Beijing. Venture just north of the capital to see the Great Wall of China, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s most iconic man-made wonders. This vast landmark, whose twisting steps are set upon lush hilltops, is an absolute must-see on any trip to Beijing. The Great Wall’s overwhelming immensity is guaranteed to leave you awestruck. |
| Day 4 |
Visit Beijing, China’s capital! This majestic city offers plenty of grand monuments, ancient landmarks, and breathtaking sights for you to explore. Begin your Beijing adventure in the heart of the city. Beyond Tiananmen Square, the city’s austere (and infamous) political center erected by Chairman Mao, lies the remarkable Forbidden City. This imperial palace, perhaps the most famous attraction in Beijing proper, will amaze you with its bright red façade and impressive museum, home to beautiful pieces of Chinese art. Nearby Tian Tan or Temple of Heaven, the imperial center for prayer over many dynasties, is fashioned in the same exquisite Chinese architectural style and bursts with lavish reds and golds. Travel mere steps from Tiananmen to gaze in wonderment at the National Center for the Performing Arts, whose illuminated glass dome sparkles over a mirror-like pool of blue water. After visiting the city’s historic landmarks, unwind by browsing unique markets and enjoying some delicious culinary treats. Restaurants throughout Beijing serve savory and crispy peking duck, a staple in the city, but be sure to sample sweet cakes and rice desserts on bustling Wangfujing Snack Street. From lovely jade beads, to vintage tea pots, to distinctive souvenirs, the Panjiyuan Antique Market is the quintessential stop for shopping in Beijing. Venture just north of the capital to see the Great Wall of China, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s most iconic man-made wonders. This vast landmark, whose twisting steps are set upon lush hilltops, is an absolute must-see on any trip to Beijing. The Great Wall’s overwhelming immensity is guaranteed to leave you awestruck. |
| Day 5 |
Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi (Shen-hsi) Province, and the cultural center of the historic and agriculturally rich Wei River valley. Historical interests include the tomb of China's first emperor, Shih 0Huang Ti; Shaanxi Provincial Museum; the Big and Little Goose Pagodas; and the Great Mosque. Other points of interest include the tombs of the Tang emperors (618-906); four tumuli (burial mounds); Xi'an Hot Springs; and Banpo, a Neolithic village. |
| Day 6 |
Chengdu, located in the center of the Sichuan Basin, is known as the "Land in Heaven" because of its agricultural wealth.
Chengdu is a city of broad streets and inviting parks. Points of interests include Du Fu Cottage, a shrine built in honor of the famous Tang Dynasty poet; Wu Hou Shrine, a shrine built for the Chinese military strategist of the third century, Zhug Liang; and the River View Pavilion (Wangjiang Lou) where 120 varieties of bamboo can be found. Northwest of Chengdu are the Dujiangyan Dam, built in 150 B.C. and Green City Mountain which is famous for its Taoist and Buddhist temples and monasteries. |
| Day 7 |
Chengdu, located in the center of the Sichuan Basin, is known as the "Land in Heaven" because of its agricultural wealth.
Chengdu is a city of broad streets and inviting parks. Points of interests include Du Fu Cottage, a shrine built in honor of the famous Tang Dynasty poet; Wu Hou Shrine, a shrine built for the Chinese military strategist of the third century, Zhug Liang; and the River View Pavilion (Wangjiang Lou) where 120 varieties of bamboo can be found. Northwest of Chengdu are the Dujiangyan Dam, built in 150 B.C. and Green City Mountain which is famous for its Taoist and Buddhist temples and monasteries. |
| Day 8 |
Chengdu, located in the center of the Sichuan Basin, is known as the "Land in Heaven" because of its agricultural wealth.
Chengdu is a city of broad streets and inviting parks. Points of interests include Du Fu Cottage, a shrine built in honor of the famous Tang Dynasty poet; Wu Hou Shrine, a shrine built for the Chinese military strategist of the third century, Zhug Liang; and the River View Pavilion (Wangjiang Lou) where 120 varieties of bamboo can be found. Northwest of Chengdu are the Dujiangyan Dam, built in 150 B.C. and Green City Mountain which is famous for its Taoist and Buddhist temples and monasteries. |
| Day 9 |
Chengdu, located in the center of the Sichuan Basin, is known as the "Land in Heaven" because of its agricultural wealth.
Chengdu is a city of broad streets and inviting parks. Points of interests include Du Fu Cottage, a shrine built in honor of the famous Tang Dynasty poet; Wu Hou Shrine, a shrine built for the Chinese military strategist of the third century, Zhug Liang; and the River View Pavilion (Wangjiang Lou) where 120 varieties of bamboo can be found. Northwest of Chengdu are the Dujiangyan Dam, built in 150 B.C. and Green City Mountain which is famous for its Taoist and Buddhist temples and monasteries. |
| Day 10 |
The largest city in Sichuan Province and a port-of-call on the Yangtze River. |
| Day 11 |
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| Day 12 |
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| Day 13 |
Also known as “The Paris of the East,” Shanghai is a youthful and cosmopolitan city with a tantalizing blend of Eastern and Western culture. Across the Huangpu River you will see Pudong district’s futuristic skyline, including Shanghai Tower and Oriental Pearl TV Tower. The gorgeous Yu Garden has traditional pavilions, towers and ponds and definitely lives up to its nickname, "Garden of Happiness." |
| Day 14 |
Also known as “The Paris of the East,” Shanghai is a youthful and cosmopolitan city with a tantalizing blend of Eastern and Western culture. Across the Huangpu River you will see Pudong district’s futuristic skyline, including Shanghai Tower and Oriental Pearl TV Tower. The gorgeous Yu Garden has traditional pavilions, towers and ponds and definitely lives up to its nickname, "Garden of Happiness." |
| Day 15 |
Also known as “The Paris of the East,” Shanghai is a youthful and cosmopolitan city with a tantalizing blend of Eastern and Western culture. Across the Huangpu River you will see Pudong district’s futuristic skyline, including Shanghai Tower and Oriental Pearl TV Tower. The gorgeous Yu Garden has traditional pavilions, towers and ponds and definitely lives up to its nickname, "Garden of Happiness." |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
03/29/26 - 05/10/26 |
Starting At $7,575 |
Get A Quote | |
|
05/31/26 - 07/26/26 |
Starting At $7,295 |
Get A Quote | |
|
08/23/26 - 10/11/26 |
Starting At $7,575 |
Get A Quote |
Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discounts. Trip prices and discounts are subject to change.
Airfare is additional. Tour prices, dates and itineraries are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Other restrictions may apply.
