Dream of China Beijing to Hong Kong Yangtze River Cruise | 17-Day Tour

Arrive in Beijing, one of the world’s oldest capitals with more than 3,000 years of history. After airport arrival, transfer to your hotel where your guide will assist with check-in. The remainder of the day is free for rest and adjustment after your international flight.

After breakfast, explore some of Beijing’s most important historic attractions.

Visit Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world, before entering the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as the imperial palace for more than 500 years.

After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the Temple of Heaven, another UNESCO World Heritage Site where emperors historically prayed for good harvests.

End the day with a traditional welcome dinner featuring Peking duck, one of Beijing’s most famous culinary specialties.

Today’s highlights include two of Beijing’s most iconic cultural sites.

Travel to the Great Wall of China, one of the world’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, originally built between the 5th century BC and 16th century to protect Chinese territories. Walk along the wall and enjoy panoramic mountain views.

In the afternoon visit the Summer Palace (Yiheyuan), a former royal retreat known for its classical Chinese gardens, lakes, and historic structures. Explore features such as:

– The Long Corridor

– The Marble Boat

– Kunming Lake

After breakfast, explore Beijing’s historic Hutong neighborhoods with a traditional rickshaw ride. Discover preserved courtyard homes and learn about daily life in these historic communities.

After an authentic local lunch, transfer for your flight to Xi’an, one of China’s oldest cities and the historic starting point of the Silk Road.

Visit the famous Terracotta Warriors, often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Located at the mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, this archaeological site contains thousands of life-sized statues discovered in 1974.

In the afternoon visit the Grand Wild Goose Pagoda, an important Buddhist cultural site.

In the evening enjoy dinner accompanied by the Tang Dynasty Dance Show, showcasing traditional Chinese music and performance.

After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of Xi’an before boarding a high-speed train to Chongqing, often called the “Mountain City” due to its dramatic geography.

Visit Chongqing Zoo, known for its giant panda conservation programs. Continue with a city tour before boarding the Century Voyage Yangtze River cruise ship.

Today’s excursion takes you to Fengdu Ghost City, known for its mythology related to the afterlife and its connections to Confucian, Taoist, and Buddhist traditions.

Cruise through the scenic Three Gorges region, including:

– Qutang Gorge

– Wu Gorge

– Shennv Stream excursion

View dramatic limestone cliffs, ancient plank roads carved into mountains, and cultural relics such as hanging coffins of the Ba people.

Disembark for a visit to the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric project. Learn about flood control, engineering features, and the social impact of the project.

After the tour, transfer toward the airport via Jingzhou or Wuhan before flying to Shanghai.

Explore modern and historic Shanghai.

Visit Lujiazui, the city’s financial district, with views of the Oriental Pearl Tower. Continue to Nanjing Road, one of Shanghai’s most famous shopping streets.

Visit The Bund, known for its historic European architecture and skyline views.

Later visit City God’s Temple and Yuyuan Garden, known for classical Chinese landscaping and traditional architecture.

Visit Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, known for its canals, historic bridges, and Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. Enjoy a boat ride through the water town.

Later explore Tianzifang, an area known for preserved alleyways and cultural spaces.

End the day with a Huangpu River cruise to view Shanghai’s illuminated skyline.

Fly to Guilin, a city famous for its karst mountain landscapes and natural scenery. The region is known for its distinctive limestone formations and scenic river landscapes.

Transfer to Yangshuo for a bamboo raft ride on the Li River, known for its mountain scenery and river landscapes.

Later explore the old quarter and visit a minority village to learn about local culture.

Visit Reed Flute Cave, known for its limestone formations and underground scenery.

Later visit a local tea plantation, where you will:

– Learn about different Chinese teas

– Watch tea preparation demonstrations

– Participate in a tea tasting ceremony

In the evening enjoy a relaxing lake cruise.

Travel by high-speed train to Hong Kong. After hotel transfer, enjoy free time to explore the city independently.

Visit Victoria Peak for panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and Kowloon. Experience the historic Peak Tram, operating since 1888.

Continue to:

– Repulse Bay Beach

– Stanley Market

These areas showcase both Hong Kong’s coastal scenery and local shopping culture.