11-Day Splendid Yangtze Cruise and Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai Tour

Day 1 Arrive in Beijing

You'll be met on arrival at Beijing airport. Free time rest of the day exploring the nearby streets, or resting and catching up on your jetlag. Beijing is a city of amazing contrasts-an ancient capital with incredible historical sites, and a bustling modern metropolis hosted the 2008 Olympics.

Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott Beijing or similar

Day 2 Beijing

After breakfast head out for Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest public square, which is closely linked to The Forbidden City, from which the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties governed for over 500 years. Later you'll visit the Temple of Heaven, where the Emperors prayed for good harvests and rain, or gave thanks for the harvest. Today's itinerary includes a visit to the old Beijing handicraft workshop.
In the evening, enjoy watching a splendid show of Shaolin Kungfu or Arocbatis on own expense, or enjoy nightlife in pubs & bars around the Houhai Lake(B,L).

Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott Beijing or similar

Day 3 Beijing

After breakfast, we will leave for Great Wall at Badaling, which stretches for over 6000km, and was originally built to protect China from the barbarians. You can walk and climb at your own pace.
In the afternoon visit the 2008 Beijing Olympic Park and Olympic village will be open to public from October, 2008. We will walk in the world's biggest Olympic Park and have a glimpse of the Olympic stadiums, such as Bird's Nest - National Stadium, and Water Cube - National Aquatics Center.
Finally visit the Summer Palace, the most beautiful imperial garden in China. You can have a boat ride on the lake which is a best way to enjoy the beautiful view.(B,L).

Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott Beijing or similar

Day 4 Beijing to Xi'an

You will be free in the morning until being transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Xi'an which is of the oldest cities in China. Xi'an was the national capital for over 1,000 years and was also the starting point of the Silk Road. On arrival we will take a half-hour's hike along the Ancient City Wall to familiarize ourselves with this fascinating cross cultural city. For the energetic we recommend a ride bike along the top of the wall (Bikes can be rented for around 20 yuan/hour)(B).

Hotel: Grand New World Hotel or similar

Day 5 Xi'an

Terracotta Warriors and Horses are part of the underground tomb of the Emperor Qin. Well over 7000 figures in full battle array are formed for battle in several large pits. Many of the figures - soldiers, archers, horses and chariots have been restored. In the afternoon we are going to the Bell Tower where you can get a bird's view of the city from the top. We will continue to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda where widely renowned Master Xuanzang (Monk Tripitaka) stored his collection of classic Buddhist artifacts brought from India(B,L).

Hotel: Grand New World Hotel or Similar

Day 6 Xi'an to Chongqing to Yangtze

Fly to Chongqing, gateway to the Yangtze. If time permits, exlore the Chongqing City on own. You are welcomed aboard the cruise in the evening(B).

Hotel: Regal Series Cruise

Day 7 Yangtze River

Your ship sails this morning. Cruise the Yangtze as it meanders through the heartland of China. Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the river and the facilities onboard. Today's shore excursion is to Fengdu Ghost City(B,L,D).

Hotel: Regal Series Cruise

Day 8 Yangtze River

Cruise through the dramatic Three Gorges, beneath soaring limestone cliffs rising sheer from the water. Next, embark a small motorboat and journey through the tranquil Daning River and Lesser Three Gorges or Shennong Stream(B,L,D).

Hotel: Regal Series Cruise

Day 9 Yangtze to Yichang to Shanghai

Shore excursion to The Three Gorges Dam Site. Disembark at Yichang at noon. If time permits there will be optional sightseeing programs at Yichang. Transfer to Yichang airport and fly to Shanghai, China's most modern metropolis.