15-Day China Classic Tour with Yangtze Cruise

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..

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 Arocbatic on own expense, or enjoy nightlife in pubs & bars around the Houhai Lake(B,L).

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).

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).

Day 5 Xi'an

Spend today visiting some marvelous historical sites in and around this most ancient city, which was the national capital for over 1,000 years, and the starting point of the Silk Road. Despite a lot of modern development Xi'an remains a charming city, and you'll enjoy visiting the Bell Tower, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Then out to see the incredible Terracotta Warriors and Horses(B,L).

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).

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).

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).

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(B).

Day 10 Shanghai

Today you visit Shanghai Museum, which has rivals the Shaanxi Museum in Xi'an and is well worth a visit. Then continue your trip to the famous Oriental Pearl TV Tower (also known as the Pearl Tower, for its distinctive shape). The second-highest platform provides wonderful views over Shanghai and the Huangpu River, and those with a good head for heights can choose to buy a ticket to continue on to the very top. Then you will stroll at the Bund, part of Shanghai's colonial past. It is home to a myriad of European styled buildings that face the Huangpu River. The Bund is a must-see site when visiting Shanghai. Architectural styles include gothic, baroque, Romanesque, and renaissance. Enjoy cruising on Huangpu River in the evening(B,L).

Day 11 Shanghai to Guilin

Today you visit the lovely old Yuyuan Garden (the most famous garden in Shanghai) which is decorated by beautiful pavilions, miniature lakes, bridges and rock formations. The Jade Buddha Temple follows. If you are lucky you may catch a glimpse of the monk's tea ceremony. We conclude the day with Nanjing Road "Shopper's Paradise". In the late afternoon or evening, you will take a domestic flight to Guilin and transfer to your hotel(B).

Day 12 Guilin

Guilin is famous for its stunning scenery and the best way to enjoy is from the deck of a Li River Cruise boat. The boats leave from various wharves according to river height at different times of the year. You'll be transferred to the appropriate pier for an unforgettable trip downstream to the lovely old town of Yangshuo. The afternoon will give time to explore the area which is famous for shopping(B,L).

Day 13 Guilin to Hongkong

The day is on your own to explore the city of Hong Kong or rest in your hotel(B).

Day 14 Hongkong

You'll start your tour with a ride up Victoria Peak for panoramic views of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the surrounding islands. You'll pass picturesque Repulse Bay on the way to your next destination, the famous fishing village of Aberdeen. Here you'll see Hong Kong's junk-dwelling floating community still very much a part of Hong Kong life. You'll have the opportunity to board a sampan, for a close-up view of waterborne life.
Next you'll visit the famous Stanley Market, where you can pick up bargains at just a fraction of the price in town. Your tour of Hong Kong Island concludes with a short visit to a prestigious jewelry factory, where craftsmen fashion meticulous works of art from gold and gems(B).

Day 15 Departure From Hongkong

Your time is your own, until you are ready to be transferred to the airport for your departure.