Legend of China Beijing to Shanghai Yangtze River Cruise | 12-Day Tour

Arrive in Beijing and begin your introduction to China’s historic capital. After your arrival and transfer into the city, the day focuses on settling into the destination and preparing for the exploration ahead. This marks the beginning of your time in northern China as you start your journey through the country’s major cultural centers.

Continue your time in Beijing with a full day dedicated to experiencing the city. As one of the most historically significant cities in China, Beijing serves as an important starting point for understanding the country’s cultural heritage and urban development.

Spend another day discovering Beijing while continuing your structured tour program. This portion of the itinerary allows for a deeper experience of the capital before continuing your journey to other major destinations across China.

After breakfast, take a city tour in Beijing’s old town: a car trip to visit hutongs, enjoy the family courtyard that still lives in this historic community and enjoy a real lunch. Flying to Xi’an, one of China’s oldest cities, is celebrated as the starting point of the ancient Silk Road. With more than 3,000 years of history, the city has played a crucial role in one of China’s most glorious cultural periods. Dinner and transfer to the hotel.

Visit the eighth wonder of the world: the giant clay warrior. In the huge mausoleum, Emperor Qin Shi Huang was shelved 2,000 years ago, see the 8,000 lifespan-sized carving warriors, archers and infantry buried with him. It is worth noting that each person and horse are molded with their own unique features. The incredible archaeological site was discovered by local farmers in 1974. In the afternoon, we will visit the Oye Goose Pagoda. At night, enjoy dinner while watching the spectacular Tang Dynasty dance performance.

Travel from Xi’an to Chongqing as the itinerary shifts toward the Yangtze River region. This transition marks the move from inland historic capitals toward one of China’s most important river cities and a major gateway to river cruising experiences.

Begin the Yangtze River portion of your journey as you transition from city touring to river travel. Boarding your cruise introduces a new phase of the itinerary focused on experiencing China from one of its most important waterways.

Continue your journey along the Yangtze River, one of the most important rivers in Asia. This portion of the itinerary focuses on the experience of traveling through the river region.

Travel through the most scenic stretch of the Yangtze as it forces its way through a spectacular series of limestone ridges known as the Three Gorges. Cruise through Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest and most spectacular of the three large gorges. Then, we will board a smaller boat for an excursion through the Goddess Stream. We will sail through these remarkable canyons flanked by towering cliffs. Along the way, you can see fascinating sites including the hanging coffins of the Ba people and he ancient plank road carved into the cliffside. Sailing through Wu Gorge, renowned for its magnificent scenery

Conclude the Yangtze River portion of your journey as you transfer onward toward Shanghai. You will see the inner workings of this massive structure up close. Learn how the dam controls flooding and how it led to the relocation of 1.25 million people. After the tour, we will take a bus from Yichang to Wuhan. After arriving, we will go directly to the airport and board the flight to Shanghai.

Once you arrive in Shanghai, start your day in Lujiazui and enjoy the modern skyscraper landscape surrounded by Oriental Pearl Towers. Next, head to Nanjing Road. Browse high-end stores, taste local snacks, and absorb a vibrant atmosphere. Then, drive to the Bund to appreciate the contrast between Park Metropolitan views and European-style architecture. In the afternoon, head to the temple of the city god. Try local snacks and explore the beautiful rocks of Yuyuan Gardens.

The second day in Shanghai, start your morning in Zhujiajiao Ancient Town. Stroll along the old streets, admire the Ming and Qing-style buildings, and enjoy the charm of the water town by boat. In the afternoon, explore the ancient alleys of Shanghai in Tianzifang and visit cultural attractions to learn about the city’s past. As night falls, enjoy the city’s bright skyline on the Huangpu River.