Explore the Diverse Culture of China with a Yangtze River Cruise
14 Days Explore the Diverse Culture of China with Yangtze River Cruise
Product code:CS14-04
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.
Cities Overview
- Beijing
- Xi’an
- Chengdu
- Chongqing
- Yangtze River
- Shanghai
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Note: Twin/double share requires at least two travellers.
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Tour Highlights
Beijing
Imperial landmarks, traditional hutongs and China’s modern capital
Xi’an
Ancient walls, Silk Road heritage and the Terracotta Warriors
Chengdu
Pandas, teahouses and the flavours of Sichuan
Chongqing
River views, hillside neighbourhoods and bold Sichuan flavours
Yangtze River
Gorge landscapes, historic towns and journeys through central China
Shanghai
Historic neighbourhoods, riverfront landmarks and a bold modern skyline
Bestseller
Terracotta Warriors
Bestseller
High-speed train
A Majestic Voyage Through Three Gorges
You will be transferred to your hotel in the city center, giving you time to settle in and recover from your flight.
Meals: ✗
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Depart Shanghai, bringing the journey to an end.
✓ Breakfast