14 Days Explore the Diverse Culture of China with Yangtze River Cruise

Explore the Diverse Culture of China with a Yangtze River Cruise

14 Days Explore the Diverse Culture of China with Yangtze River Cruise

14 Days Explore the Diverse Culture of China with Yangtze River Cruise

12 Sep 2026 / Twin/double Share – Price Per Person
£2,974.00
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Local life in a traditional Beijing hutong

14 Days Explore the Diverse Culture of China with Yangtze River Cruise

Product code:CS14-04

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Tour Overview

Combine China’s essential cultural highlights with the slower pace and scenery of a Yangtze River cruise in one seamless journey. With accommodation, transport, cruise arrangements and professional English-speaking guides organised throughout, travellers can experience several distinct regions without the usual complexity of planning them independently.

Key Highlights

  • Explore Beijing’s imperial landmarks, including the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven, and hike the Mutianyu Great Wall with cable-car access.
  • Discover Xi’an’s 2,200-year-old Terracotta Warriors and cycle atop the Ancient City Wall, then meet giant pandas at Chengdu’s Breeding Research Centre.
  • Visit the 71-metre Leshan Giant Buddha and experience Sichuan cuisine with a hands-on cooking class.
  • Cruise through the Three Gorges aboard a five-star Yangtze River ship, visiting Fengdu Ghost City, White Emperor City and the Three Gorges Dam.
  • Experience Shanghai’s blend of tradition and modernity at Yu Garden, the Bund and Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town.

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Cities Overview

  • Beijing
  • Xi’an
  • Chengdu
  • Chongqing
  • Yangtze River
  • Shanghai

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Flying from the UK?

We can add ATOL-protected flights to your booking. Contact us to discuss custom dates and arrangements. Office hours: 09:30–17:00 (UK time).
Duration
Duration
14 days
Tour Type
Tour Type
Scheduled Group Tour
Tour style
Tour style
Leisure & Scenic
Pace
Pace
Moderate
Guide
Guide
English-speaking Local Guides
Accommodation
Accommodation
4-star Hotels · 5-star river cruise
Meal
Meal
13 Breakfasts · 7 Lunches · 5 Dinners
Transportation
Transportation
High-speed trains · Air-conditioned coach · Yangtze River cruise

Tour Highlights

Follow the journey through these amazing destinations
Select an image to get started

1

Beijing

Imperial landmarks, traditional hutongs and China’s modern capital

Beijing
Imperial landmarks, traditional hutongs and China’s modern capital
Beijing brings together China’s imperial history and the scale of a modern capital. Explore the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven, walk through traditional hutong neighbourhoods and travel beyond the centre to sections of the Great Wall. From courtyard homes and local restaurants to contemporary architecture and galleries, the city offers a layered introduction to the country’s history, culture and daily life.
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2

Xi’an

Ancient walls, Silk Road heritage and the Terracotta Warriors

Xi’an
Ancient walls, Silk Road heritage and the Terracotta Warriors
Xi’an served as the capital of several Chinese dynasties and marked the eastern beginning of the Silk Road. Visit the Terracotta Warriors, walk or cycle along the preserved city walls and explore the lively Muslim Quarter for local food and historic mosques. Pagodas, museums and archaeological sites make Xi’an an essential stop for travellers interested in China’s early empires and cultural exchange.
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3

Chengdu

Pandas, teahouses and the flavours of Sichuan

Chengdu
Pandas, teahouses and the flavours of Sichuan
Chengdu is the relaxed capital of Sichuan and a gateway to the region’s food, culture and wildlife. See giant pandas at a conservation and research centre, spend time in traditional teahouses, explore neighbourhood markets and try dishes shaped by Sichuan pepper and chilli. Temples, parks and nearby heritage sites add depth to a city known for its unhurried rhythm and strong local character.
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4

Chongqing

River views, hillside neighbourhoods and bold Sichuan flavours

Chongqing
River views, hillside neighbourhoods and bold Sichuan flavours
Chongqing rises in dramatic layers above the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, with steep streets, bridges and rail lines shaping its distinctive cityscape. Explore historic neighbourhoods, see the illuminated riverfront and share a traditional hotpot flavoured with chilli and Sichuan pepper. The city is also a departure point for Yangtze cruises and excursions to regional heritage sites.
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5

Yangtze River

Gorge landscapes, historic towns and journeys through central China

Yangtze River
Gorge landscapes, historic towns and journeys through central China
The Yangtze is China’s longest river and a natural route through the landscapes and history of the country’s centre. Cruises between Chongqing and Yichang pass through the Three Gorges, with excursions to riverside towns, temples and smaller tributaries. The journey combines changing scenery with an introduction to the communities, engineering projects and cultural sites that have developed along the river.
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6

Shanghai

Historic neighbourhoods, riverfront landmarks and a bold modern skyline

Shanghai
Historic neighbourhoods, riverfront landmarks and a bold modern skyline
Shanghai is China’s largest city and a compelling mix of historic streets, riverside landmarks and contemporary design. Walk along the Bund for views across the Huangpu River, explore the lanes and cafés of the former French Concession, visit classical Yu Garden and sample the city’s distinctive food. Shanghai works well as an energetic introduction to modern China or a convenient starting point for journeys further east.
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西安兵马俑

Bestseller

Terracotta Warriors

Discover the world-famous Terracotta Army in Xi’an, one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Created over 2,000 years ago to guard China’s first emperor in the afterlife, thousands of life-sized warriors stand in silent formation, each with unique features—offering a powerful and unforgettable insight into China’s imperial history.

Bestseller

High-speed train

China’s high-speed rail makes travelling between cities such as Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai fast, comfortable and effortless. With modern facilities and city-centre stations, it saves time, reduces stress and turns long distances into an enjoyable part of the journey rather than just transport.

A Majestic Voyage Through Three Gorges

A luxury Yangtze cruise is the quintessential way to experience China’s most iconic landscapes in effortless style. Sailing between Chongqing and Yichang, you will glide through the breathtaking Qutang and Wu Gorges, admiring mist-shrouded cliffs directly from your five-star ship. Enjoy elegant staterooms and premium amenities, with expert-led excursions to the legendary Fengdu Ghost City and the tranquil Goddess Stream. It is a sophisticated journey marrying ancient natural wonder with refined modern comfort.

Arrive in Beijing and meet your local guide at the airport.
You will be transferred to your hotel in the city center, giving you time to settle in and recover from your flight.
Meals: ✗
The day begins at the Temple of Heaven, where local residents gather for morning exercises, offering insight into daily life in Beijing.
Continue with a Hutong rickshaw tour and a visit to a local family, providing a closer look at traditional residential culture.
In the afternoon, visit Tian’anmen Square and the Forbidden City to understand China’s imperial history and political center.
End the day at Jingshan Park for panoramic views over the historic city layout.
✓ Breakfast | ✓ Lunch
Visit the Summer Palace, a former royal garden known for its lakes, corridors, and landscaped scenery.
Continue to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, one of the best-preserved stretches, with round-trip cable car included.
Walk along the wall to see its watchtowers and mountain setting before returning to Beijing in the afternoon.
✓ Breakfast | ✓ Lunch
Transfer to Beijing West Railway Station and travel to Xi’an by high-speed train.
Visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda, an important Buddhist site linked to the Tang Dynasty.
Cycle along the Ancient City Wall to experience how Xi’an’s historical center blends with modern life.
Finish the day with a stroll through the Muslim Quarter, known for its long-established Islamic community.
✓ Breakfast
Spend the morning visiting the Terracotta Warriors and the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang.
Learn how the underground army was created to guard the emperor’s tomb.
In the afternoon, transfer to the railway station and travel by high-speed train to Chengdu.
✓ Breakfast
Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding during the pandas’ most active hours.
Observe pandas feeding and resting while learning about conservation work.
Continue to Wenshu Temple and enjoy a tea break at a traditional teahouse.
End the day at People’s Park and Jinli Old Street, experiencing Chengdu’s relaxed pace of life.
✓ Breakfast | ✓ Lunch
Travel to Leshan to see the Giant Buddha, the largest stone Buddha statue in the world.
Learn how the statue was carved from the cliff face to calm the river waters.
Continue to Huanglongxi Ancient Town, known for its historic streets and riverside setting.
In the evening, enjoy the immersive cultural banquet Shuyanfu, combining cuisine and live performance.
✓ Breakfast | ✓ Lunch | ✓ Dinner
Visit the Sichuan Cuisine Museum to learn about regional food traditions.
Join a hands-on cooking class to experience the basics of Sichuan cuisine.
Travel by high-speed train to Chongqing and transfer to Chaotianmen Wharf.
Board the Yangtze River cruise and enjoy the captain’s welcome dinner onboard.
✓ Breakfast | ✓ Dinner
Enjoy a relaxed morning cruising along the Yangtze River, with onboard activities available.
Take a shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City, known for its cultural and religious symbolism.
Return to the ship for leisure time and evening programs as the cruise continues.
✓ Breakfast | ✓ Lunch | ✓ Dinner
Optional morning visit to White Emperor City, offering views over Qutang Gorge.
Cruise through Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge, observing dramatic cliffs and river scenery.
In the afternoon, take a small-boat excursion to Goddess Stream.
Return to the ship for evening activities and overnight cruising.
✓ Breakfast | ✓ Lunch | ✓ Dinner
Disembark the cruise in Yichang after breakfast.
Visit the Three Gorges Dam to learn about its scale and engineering significance.
Transfer to Yichang East Railway Station and travel by high-speed train to Shanghai.
✓ Breakfast
Visit Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden with traditional architecture.
Continue to Jade Buddha Temple, an active Buddhist temple in the city.
Ascend Shanghai Tower for panoramic views of the skyline.
Walk along Nanjing Road and the Bund, seeing Shanghai’s historic waterfront.
✓ Breakfast | ✓ Lunch
Explore Wukang Road to learn about Shanghai’s early 20th-century history.
Travel to Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town, known for canals and stone bridges.
Stroll through the old town to observe preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture.
✓ Breakfast | ✓ Lunch
After breakfast, transfer to the airport.
Depart Shanghai, bringing the journey to an end.
✓ Breakfast

Fee Inclusions

  • Entrance fees to all scenic spots and attractions as specified in the itinerary
  • All sightseeing activities and visits mentioned in the itinerary
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver for all transfers and sightseeing as outlined
  • Daily breakfasts and meals as specified in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
  • English-speaking local guide in each city, providing on-site guiding services
  • Hotel accommodation based on twin-bed sharing in 4-star or equivalent hotels, with daily breakfast
  • 5-star Yangtze River cruise ship (Century Victory/Oasis or equivalent) accommodation and tickets as specified in the itinerary
  • High-speed train tickets as specified in the itinerary (second class)
  • Tour planning, handling, operational and coordination services
  • Travel agency liability insurance

Fee Exclusions

  • International flights or train tickets to enter or leave China
  • China entry visa fees
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses, including laundry, drinks, telephone calls, optional activities, and any services not listed in the itinerary
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Medication and medical expenses incurred due to illness or accidents during the trip
  • Single room supplement for guests requesting single occupancy
  • Tips for tour guide and driver (recommended USD 10–15 per guest per day)
  • Personal travel and medical insurance (strongly recommended)

Booking Terms & Conditions

Payment Terms

We require a 30% deposit upon reservation, with the balance due 45 days prior to departure. For bookings made within 45 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking. Please apply discount code DEPOSIT30 when paying your deposit.

Cancellation or Changes by the Local Agent

  • In the unlikely event that the tour needs to be cancelled or postponed due to health, safety or other circumstances beyond our control in China, we will inform customers as soon as possible.
  • If cancellation occurs before the final payment is due, all payments made will be fully refunded.
  • If the tour is postponed, customers will be offered the option to join the same tour at a later date. Tour prices may vary depending on the season. Customers will be given a reasonable period of time to decide whether to accept the revised arrangements or request a refund of payments made.
  • After final payment has been made, cancellation may only occur due to serious and unforeseeable circumstances such as natural disasters, civil unrest or epidemic disease. In such cases, refunds will be subject to the policies of local suppliers, as some services may have already been confirmed and paid.

Cancellation by the Customer

  • All cancellations must be made in writing by email and will take effect upon receipt.
  • Cancellation charges are applied as follows:

- More than 30 days before departure: 5% of the total tour cost
- 30–22 days before departure: 25% of the total tour cost
- 21–8 days before departure: 50% of the total tour cost
- 7–3 days before departure: 75% of the total tour cost
- Less than 3 days before departure or after departure: 100% of the total tour cost

  • No refunds will be given for unused services if a customer leaves the tour early.
  • Refunds due to serious illness or injury are subject to approval by the local travel agent and supporting documentation.
  • No refund will be made for customers unable to travel due to missing or invalid travel documents, including passports or visas.