Join Our Fixed Trip Starting Date
-
Guaranteed Available PackagesFridayOctober 9, 2026ThursdayOctober 22, 2026$5,349Available
This immersive 14-day/12-night luxury tour blends China’s most iconic cultural landmarks with one of the world’s great inland waterways. Beginning in Beijing, you’ll explore the capital’s historical treasures—like Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Great Wall—before flying to Xi’an to marvel at the famed Terracotta Warriors. From there you’ll travel to Chongqing, known as the “Mountain City,” where the journey takes a scenic turn as you board your Yangtze River cruise.
The cruise portion winds through the legendary Three Gorges and stops at fascinating sites such as Fengdu Ghost City, introducing you to local folklore and dramatic landscapes carved by the river. You’ll also visit the monumental Three Gorges Dam near Yichang, then continue to Shanghai, where you’ll experience the vibrant fusion of futuristic skyscrapers and traditional neighborhoods, wander historic water towns like Zhujiajiao, and stroll the famous Bund. Throughout the tour, guided excursions, quality accommodations, most meals, and flights between major cities are included, making this a convenient and comprehensive way to experience China’s culture, history, and natural beauty.
Cities included: Beijing-Xi’an-Chongqing-Fengdu-Wuhan-Yichang-Shanghai
Tour Supplier: Century Cruises
Highlights
- Visit Tiananmen Square
- Tour the Forbidden City
- Visit the Temple of Heaven
- Visit the Great Wall
- Visit Yiheyuan - the "Summer Palace"
- Tour Beijing's Hutongs - traditional neighborhoods
- Tour the excavations of the mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang and the Terra Cotta Warriors Army
- Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda
- Experience a spectacular Tang Dynasty Dance
- See the Pandas at the Chongqing Zoo
- Cruise the Yangtze River
- Tour Fengdu - the "Ghost City"
- Sail through the Three Gorges
- Take a boat tour through the Goddess Stream
- See the Hanging Coffins of the Bo people
- See the Ancient Plank Road
- Tour the Three Gorges Dam
- See the Skyscrapers and Oriental Pearl Tower of Shanghai's Lujiazui district
- Visit Nanjing Road - one of the world's busiest and most iconic shopping streets
- Visit the Bund - see the contrast between grand historic European-style buildings and modern skyscrapers
- Visit the City God Temple
- Explore Yuyuan Garden
- Visit the ancient water town of Zhujiajiao - often called "The Venice of Shanghai"
- Visit Tianzifang - the old French quarter, now known as an enclave of artists, crafters, and local cafes.
- See the Huangpu River
Leave your home town for an overnight international flight to Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, one of the world’s great historic capitals. Upon landing, you will be transferred to your hotel, where your guide will help with check-in. The remainder of the day is free to rest and acclimate to the time change after your flight. This relaxed first day allows you to ease into China’s rhythm and prepare for the fascinating cultural discoveries ahead.
Sheraton Beijing Lize Hotel
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“The Sheraton Beijing Lize Hotel is one of the newest hotels in Beijing, having opened in 2019.
There is no shortage of things to see in the area, with the Jindu Leyuan Park （South Gate）, Yize Park （East Gate） and Quanpin • Quanjin City (Yuquanying Store) all nearby.”
Website: Sheraton Beijing Lize Hotel
Today explore the heart of imperial Beijing. The day begins at Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world, before continuing into the magnificent Forbidden City, the former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you walk through its grand halls and courtyards, your guide will share insights into China’s dynastic history and court life. In the afternoon visit the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties prayed for bountiful harvests. This evening, enjoy a traditional Beijing (Peking) Duck dinner, a culinary highlight and a celebrated symbol of Beijing’s rich food culture.
Sheraton Beijing Lize Hotel
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“The Sheraton Beijing Lize Hotel is one of the newest hotels in Beijing, having opened in 2019.
There is no shortage of things to see in the area, with the Jindu Leyuan Park （South Gate）, Yize Park （East Gate） and Quanpin • Quanjin City (Yuquanying Store) all nearby.”
Website: Sheraton Beijing Lize Hotel
Visit two of China’s most iconic landmarks. You will travel outside the city to visit the awe-inspiring Great Wall, where sweeping views and ancient fortifications tell the story of China’s defensive past. Later, return to Beijing to explore Yiheyuan, the elegant Summer Palace, a vast imperial retreat known for its landscaped gardens, lakes, and classical architecture. Together, these UNESCO World Heritage sites offer a deeper understanding of China’s history, engineering, and imperial legacy.
Sheraton Beijing Lize Hotel
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“The Sheraton Beijing Lize Hotel is one of the newest hotels in Beijing, having opened in 2019.
There is no shortage of things to see in the area, with the Jindu Leyuan Park （South Gate）, Yize Park （East Gate） and Quanpin • Quanjin City (Yuquanying Store) all nearby.”
Website: Sheraton Beijing Lize Hotel
Today explore Beijing’s living history through a visit to its traditional hutongs, where narrow lanes and courtyard residences reveal a more personal side of the city’s past and present. This immersive experience offers a glimpse into long-established neighborhoods and local customs that have endured for generations. In the afternoon, you depart Beijing and travel onward to Xi’an, the ancient capital and celebrated starting point of the ancient Silk Roads.
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A stylish Xi’an stay surrounded by ancient history
“Find us within the ancient city walls of Xi’an, directly opposite the popular Dongxin Street Night Market. Wulukou metro station is 900 meters from our hotel, and historic sites such as the Bell Tower and Big Wild Goose Pagoda are within seven kilometers. We have landscaped roof gardens, an indoor pool, and a spa.”
Website: Hilton Xi’an
Today we delve into the remarkable history of Xi’an, one of China’s ancient capitals. The day’s highlight is a visit to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors at the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This extraordinary archaeological site, dating from the late 200s BCE, features thousands of life-size soldiers created to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. You will also visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, an important Buddhist landmark with roots dating back to the Tang Dynasty (built circa 652 AD). In the evening, enjoy a Tang Dynasty cultural performance, bringing the art, music, and traditions of ancient China vividly to life.
Hilton Xi’an
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A stylish Xi’an stay surrounded by ancient history
“Find us within the ancient city walls of Xi’an, directly opposite the popular Dongxin Street Night Market. Wulukou metro station is 900 meters from our hotel, and historic sites such as the Bell Tower and Big Wild Goose Pagoda are within seven kilometers. We have landscaped roof gardens, an indoor pool, and a spa.”
Website: Hilton Xi’an
After breakfast, we will take a quick train to Chongqing, known as the “Mountain City”. Chongqing is one of the country’s most dynamic and fast-growing cities. Dramatically set at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, Chongqing is known for its mountainous terrain and vibrant urban energy. In Chongqing you will have Dinner and then transfer to the hotel.
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A Monumental Stay in Chongqing
“Hyatt Regency Metropolitan Chongqing defines the heart of Chongqing’s Jiefangbei CBD, an esteemed location embraced by rivers on three sides and filled with cultural significance and contemporary buzz. This energizing hotel offers 335 contemporary guestrooms and suites, definitive dining experiences, 24-hour wellness facilities, plus inspiring meeting and event spaces, including a 540 sqm Regency Ballroom and 1,000 sqm Rooftop Garden. Your one-stop place to connect for any and every occasion in Chongqing, we look forward to welcoming you to Hyatt Regency Metropolitan Chongqing connected to Metropolitan Oriental Plaza and Chongqing’s city landmark, the Liberation Monument.”
Website: Hyatt Regency Chongqing
After breakfast, you will explore Chongqing, beginning with a visit to the renowned Chongqing Zoo, where you will see China’s beloved Giant Pandas, one of the most memorable highlights of the journey. After experiencing the city and its local culture, you transfer to the river port in the evening to board your luxury Century Cruises ship, the Century Glory, officially beginning the Yangtze River cruise portion of your adventure.
Century Glory
“Century Glory stands as a landmark in the new era of Yangtze River cruising. As the first inland cruise ship to receive both the EEDI certificate and the Green Ship certification from the China Classification Society, it embodies a bold step forward in sustainable innovation. Seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology, intelligent energy efficiency, and refined comfort, Century Glory redefines the cruising experience with a focus on safety, eco-conscious travel, and modern elegance. More than a vessel, it represents a generational leap—honoring the enduring spirit of the Yangtze while inspiring a new chapter of exploration.”
Today you continue your journey along the Yangtze River with a shore excursion to the historic Fengdu Ghost City, a fascinating complex of temples, shrines, and monasteries dedicated to Chinese beliefs about the afterlife. As you explore this legendary site—often called the “Ghost City”—you encounter vivid statues, ancient traditions, and cultural stories rooted in Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. After returning to your ship, you enjoy a relaxing evening cruising the Yangtze while taking advantage of onboard activities and scenic river views.
Century Glory
“Century Glory stands as a landmark in the new era of Yangtze River cruising. As the first inland cruise ship to receive both the EEDI certificate and the Green Ship certification from the China Classification Society, it embodies a bold step forward in sustainable innovation. Seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology, intelligent energy efficiency, and refined comfort, Century Glory redefines the cruising experience with a focus on safety, eco-conscious travel, and modern elegance. More than a vessel, it represents a generational leap—honoring the enduring spirit of the Yangtze while inspiring a new chapter of exploration.”
Today travel through the most scenic stretch of the Yangtze River as it works its way through a spectacular set of limestone ridges known as the Three Gorges. Cruise through Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest, and most spectacular of the Three Gorges. Then board a smaller boat for an excursion through Goddess Stream where narrow gorges and peaceful scenery provide an intimate view of the Yangtze’s natural beauty. After returning to your ship, continue your cruise through Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge, renown for its magnificent scenery. Along the towering limestone cliffs, view the remarkable Hanging Coffins of the Bo People and the remains of the ancient Ancient Plank Road, evidence of early travelers who navigated this dramatic landscape centuries ago.
Century Glory
“Century Glory stands as a landmark in the new era of Yangtze River cruising. As the first inland cruise ship to receive both the EEDI certificate and the Green Ship certification from the China Classification Society, it embodies a bold step forward in sustainable innovation. Seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology, intelligent energy efficiency, and refined comfort, Century Glory redefines the cruising experience with a focus on safety, eco-conscious travel, and modern elegance. More than a vessel, it represents a generational leap—honoring the enduring spirit of the Yangtze while inspiring a new chapter of exploration.”
After breakfast, we will disembark for a tour of the Three Gorges Dam (the world’s largest hydroelectric project, which took nearly 20 years to construct). You will see the inner workings of this massive structure up close and learn how the dam controls flooding and 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.
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“Shanghai Marriott Hotel Yangpu Riverside is located in the Yangpu Riverside area, adjacent to the Huangpu River and standing alongside the Yangpu Bridge, offering a picturesque view of the Huangpu River and connecting Pudong and Puxi. The hotel features 556 well-equipped rooms and suites, showcasing the vibrant new life of Yangpu’s century-old industrial city and the modern skyline views. Three distinctive restaurants and bars, Goji, Shang Rong Fu and the Lounge, offer a diverse range of dining options, inviting guests to experience exquisite culinary delights. With nearly 2,000 square meters of pillar-less multifunctional meeting and event space, the hotel is ideal for hosting various celebrations, banquets, and business events. Additionally, the hotel includes a fitness center, an indoor swimming pool, and other recreational facilities, ensuring guests enjoy their leisure time to the fullest. Shanghai Marriott Hotel Yangpu Riverside provide guests an exciting and memorable travel experience.”
Website: Shanghai Marriott Hotel Yangpu Riverside
Once you arrive in Shanghai, start your day in Lujiazui and enjoy the modern skyscraper landscape surrounding the Oriental Pearl Tower. Next, head to Nanjing Road to browse high-end stores, taste local snacks, and absorb the vibrant atmosphere. Then, drive to The Bund to appreciate the contrast between the modern metropolitan views and the European-style architecture. In the afternoon, head to the Temple of the City God, try local snacks, and explore the beautiful rockeries of Yuyuan Garden.
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“Explore the Travelling Experience Along Riverside Landscape”
“Shanghai Marriott Hotel Yangpu Riverside is located in the Yangpu Riverside area, adjacent to the Huangpu River and standing alongside the Yangpu Bridge, offering a picturesque view of the Huangpu River and connecting Pudong and Puxi. The hotel features 556 well-equipped rooms and suites, showcasing the vibrant new life of Yangpu’s century-old industrial city and the modern skyline views. Three distinctive restaurants and bars, Goji, Shang Rong Fu and the Lounge, offer a diverse range of dining options, inviting guests to experience exquisite culinary delights. With nearly 2,000 square meters of pillar-less multifunctional meeting and event space, the hotel is ideal for hosting various celebrations, banquets, and business events. Additionally, the hotel includes a fitness center, an indoor swimming pool, and other recreational facilities, ensuring guests enjoy their leisure time to the fullest. Shanghai Marriott Hotel Yangpu Riverside provide guests an exciting and memorable travel experience.”
Website: Shanghai Marriott Hotel Yangpu Riverside
On your second day in Shanghai, start your morning in Zhujiajiao an ancient water 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 along the Huangpu River.
Shanghai Marriott Hotel Yangpu Riverside
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“Explore the Travelling Experience Along Riverside Landscape”
“Shanghai Marriott Hotel Yangpu Riverside is located in the Yangpu Riverside area, adjacent to the Huangpu River and standing alongside the Yangpu Bridge, offering a picturesque view of the Huangpu River and connecting Pudong and Puxi. The hotel features 556 well-equipped rooms and suites, showcasing the vibrant new life of Yangpu’s century-old industrial city and the modern skyline views. Three distinctive restaurants and bars, Goji, Shang Rong Fu and the Lounge, offer a diverse range of dining options, inviting guests to experience exquisite culinary delights. With nearly 2,000 square meters of pillar-less multifunctional meeting and event space, the hotel is ideal for hosting various celebrations, banquets, and business events. Additionally, the hotel includes a fitness center, an indoor swimming pool, and other recreational facilities, ensuring guests enjoy their leisure time to the fullest. Shanghai Marriott Hotel Yangpu Riverside provide guests an exciting and memorable travel experience.”
Website: Shanghai Marriott Hotel Yangpu Riverside
After breakfast, we will head to Shanghai Pudong International Airport for your flight home. This marks the end of the trip.
Join Our Fixed Trip Starting Date
-
Guaranteed Available PackagesFridayOctober 9, 2026ThursdayOctober 22, 2026$5,349Available
