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Legend of China and Yangtze River Cruise 14-Days Luxury Tour

14 Days

Overview

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

Itinerary

  • Day
    01

    Hometown - Beijing

    Leave your home town for an overnight international flight to Beijing

  • Day
    02

    Arrive in 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.

  • Day
    03

    Imperial Beijing - Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, & the Temple of Heaven

    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.

  • Day
    04

    Imperial Beijing - The Great Wall & Yiheyuan (The Summer Palace)

    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.

  • Day
    05

    Beijing - Xi'an

    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.

  • Day
    06

    Xi'an - Terracotta Warriors & Big Wild Goose Pagoda

    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.

  • Day
    07

    Xi'an - Chongqing

    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 transferred to the hotel.

AARON JOSEPH TRAVEL is a full-service travel agency dedicated to creating memorable journeys around the world. We specialize in booking expertly planned tours, ocean and river cruises, rail journeys, and immersive expeditions, offering our clients access to experiences that range from iconic destinations to off-the-beaten-path adventures. Whether traveling close to home or across the globe, we handle every detail with care and expertise.

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