Highlights
What you will see
Travel from imperial Beijing and ancient Xi'an to Chongqing, the Yangtze River, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and cosmopolitan Shanghai. The itinerary combines major UNESCO-style icons, guided city touring, cruise scenery, intercity rail and flight logistics.
Itinerary
Day by day
Arrive in Beijing
Airport pickup (PEK/PKX) by car, then drive to the Ctrip 4-diamond hotel, followed by free time to explore.
- TicketsNone
- MealsNone
Beijing
After breakfast today explore Beijing with your guide who will collect you from the hotel by car. Visit the world’s largest city square, Tiananmen Square. Make your way across the road to the magnificent Forbidden City, a culturally historic landmark in China, which was the former residence of Chinese royalty and courtiers for five centuries. After the Forbidden City tour, exploration continues with a visit to the Summer Palace. Appreciate the beautiful gardens and imagine the lifestyle of royalty and courtiers who enjoyed this summer resort during imperial times. A stopover at Beijing’s stadium and pool – the Bird's Nest and Water Cube – built for the 2008 Summer Olympics and Paralympics – provides a modern contrast to China’s ancient history. Return to the Ctrip 4-diamond hotel.
- TicketsForbidden City, Summer Palace
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch
Beijing
By car and high-speed train/bullet train, commence the day’s adventure in the morning with exploration of the Mutianyu Great Wall, a less frequented part of China’s 1,400-year-old iconic landmark, located approximately 70 kilometres from Beijing. Take a pleasant and comfortable round-trip cable car transfer over the picturesque scenery, then walk the wall to take in the Ming dynasty guard towers and sensational views. On return to the city in the afternoon, exploration continues with a visit to the Confucius Temple and Imperial College Museum. Stroll through the hutongs nearby and experience local life as you wander through quaint shops, enjoy a coffee, and gain an insider’s view of a real Beijing community. Finally, return to the Ctrip 4-diamond hotel.
- TicketsMutianyu Great Wall, Confucius Temple and Imperial College Museum
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch
Beijing – Xi'an
Start today with a visit to the remarkable Temple of Heaven by car, where emperors from the Ming and Qing Dynasties performed ceremonies and rituals to pray for good harvests and blessings for the country. Transfer to the Beijing West railway station and be checked in by your guide to travel by high speed rail journey to Xi'an. Approximately a five-hour trip, travelling at 300 kilometres per hour, you can relax and absorb the diverse landscape along the way. On arrival at the Xi'an North Station, your local tour guide will meet and escort you to your Ctrip 4-diamond hotel.
- TicketsTemple of Heaven
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch
Xi'an
Traveling by car and high-speed train/bullet train, today’s tour highlight is the world-renowned Terracotta Army. Recognized as the largest underground military base in the world, take in this extraordinary archaeological discovery, which houses thousands of unique life-sized figures. Return to the city and visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, one of two iconic Buddhist pagodas in Xi’an. You may have a chance to explore the top of the pagoda and look out over Xi’an’s 1,400 years of history, before enjoying a contemplative walk through the temple and gardens. Continue on and take in the quiet of Xi’an’s Great Mosque, located in the middle of the city’s old block. Built mid seventh century, the Great Mosque is the oldest and largest Islamic mosque in China. Mix with locals and find food of every flavor in Muslim Quarter, which is bustling with authentic eateries and travel souvenirs. Today’s final destination is Xi’an’s famous Bell Tower and Drum Tower Square. Return to your Ctrip 4-diamond hotel for a relaxed evening or book a dinner, show, or both for an evening of entertainment.
- TicketsTerracotta Army, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Great Mosque
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch
Xi'an – Chongqing
After breakfast and check-out from your hotel, the tour guide will take you to Xi‘an’s ancient City Wall by car, currently the largest and best-preserved wall of its type in China. Enclosing China‘s former capital city and almost 14 kilometers long, enjoy your free time by exploring on foot or bicycle. Following on from the morning’s activities, you‘ll be driven to the railway station for your high-speed train to Chongqing (approximately a 5-hour journey at 300 km/h). Upon arrival at Chongqing railway station, your local guide will meet and transfer you to the hotel, providing a brief introduction to Chongqing on the way.
- TicketsXi’an Ancient City Wall (including a 1-hour bicycle ride)
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch
Chongqing
This one-day Chongqing tour, traveling by car and boat, starts at Ciqikou Ancient Town for old streets and local snacks, then moves to Jiefangbei Monument and its bustling commercial area. Visit Kuixinglou Square to experience the city’s layered terrain, and Liziba Station to see the light-rail train passing through a residential building. In the evening, explore the illuminated cliffside stilt-houses of Hongyadong, and end with a Yangtze River night cruise to enjoy the dazzling skyline and river confluence. After the cruise, you will stay overnight aboard the cruise ship, which serves as your hotel for the night.
- TicketsCiqikou Ancient Town
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Yangtze River cruise
Today, traveling by car and cruise ship, your cruise docks at Fuling, where you will go ashore for a choice of shore excursions. Visit the Baiheliang Underwater Museum, an extraordinary ancient hydrological site preserved beneath the Yangtze River, and then choose either the Fuling Zhacai (Pickled Mustard Tuber) History Memorial Hall or the 816 Nuclear Project Relic Site (one of the two options). After the visit, return to the cruise ship for some rest. As night falls, the grand Captain’s Welcome Party is held in the main lounge, where the captain raises a toast to all guests, followed by a lively show of singing, dancing and traditional music performed by the crew. You can enjoy a fine buffet dinner while mingling with fellow travelers from around the world – a warm and memorable evening on the river. After a day of car and cruise ship travel, you will spend the night aboard the cruise ship, which serves as your hotel.
- TicketsNone
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Yangtze River cruise
Today, traveling by car and cruise ship, your cruise navigates through the most magnificent core section of the Three Gorges: in the morning, marvel at the sheer grandeur of Qutang Gorge from the deck, where towering cliffs rise on both sides and the famous Kuimen Gate frames the rushing river, evoking a sense of ancient poetic melancholy; then enter the serene and enchanting Wu Gorge, with its layered peaks, drifting mist, and the graceful Goddess Peak standing as if telling legends of old – it feels like sailing through a living painting; afterwards, transfer to a small wooden boat to explore Shennong Stream or Goddess Stream (depending on the day’s itinerary), a quiet tributary with crystal-clear waters and lush banks, where you will follow the boatmen’s folk songs deep into the gorge for an authentic taste of nature and Tujia minority culture; finally, reboard the main ship and continue to the western section of Xiling Gorge, where the river widens and the modern marvel of the high dam reservoir contrasts with ancient plank-road ruins, bringing a perfect end to today’s Three Gorges journey. Your hotel for the night is the cruise ship itself.
- TicketsNone (natural canyon scenery)
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Yichang – Zhangjiajie
After disembarking from your cruise ship and traveling by car and high-speed train/bullet train, this morning you will visit the world-famous Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric project on earth, located in the middle section of Xiling Gorge. It serves multiple purposes including flood control, power generation, and shipping. Ascend to the Tanziling Observation Deck for a panoramic view of the dam and its five-step ship locks; then proceed to the 185 Platform to appreciate the dam’s crest height and experience the grandeur of “a lake amid high mountains”; finally, explore the Spillway Memorial Park to learn about the dam’s construction history. After the tour, drive back to Yichang city and transfer to a high-speed train/bullet train for the journey to Zhangjiajie (approximately 4–5 hours). Enjoy the scenic mountain landscapes of western Hubei along the way, passing through tunnels of the Wuling Mountains. Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you and escort you to your Ctrip 4-diamond hotel, where you may spend the evening at leisure, preparing for tomorrow’s exploration of the unique peaks. Your journey today combines car, cruise ship, and high-speed train/bullet train travel, ending with a comfortable night at a Ctrip 4-diamond hotel.
- TicketsThree Gorges Ship Lift · Ship Transit through the Three Gorges Dam – Cruise the Eastern Section of Xiling Gorge – Pass through the Gezhouba Ship Lock
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch
Zhangjiajie
After breakfast, begin your exploration of this gorgeous region in the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park by car. Visit the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, located in the northwest of Zhangjiajie. Be inspired by the highlights to be found there, including the No. 1 Natural Bridge under Heaven, used for the design of Hallelujah Mountains in the famous film Avatar, and other iconic karst landscapes. Afterwards, ride the public shuttle bus to the Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve and appreciate more of the region’s exquisite scenery, including Helong Park, Xihai Stone Forest, Fairy Offering Flowers, and the Imperial Brush Peak. Following this full day of activities, return to your Ctrip 4-diamond hotel.
- TicketsZhangjiajie National Forest Park & Tianzi Mountain (excluding the Bailong Elevator, Tianzi Mountain Cable Car, and Ten-Mile Gallery Mini Train)
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch
Zhangjiajie – Shanghai
Today, traveling by car and by plane, your sightseeing commences with a car transfer to the precipice of Tianmen Mountain. Prepare yourself for the breathtaking view as you ride the world's longest cable car to the mountaintop and walk on the glass Sky Walk perched at 1,430 meters above the ground. Take the escalator through the mountain to Tianmen Cave, a huge naturally formed hole crossing the cliff of the mountain. It’s the perfect location for capturing photos of the stunning natural landscape and the 999 steps leading to the foot of the Cave. Ride the escalator down to the resting area and finish the Tianmen Mountain trip with a shuttle bus ride to the parking lot. Following the morning’s activities, you will be transferred by car to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. In Shanghai, your local guide will meet you and transfer you to the Ctrip 4-diamond hotel, pointing out this bustling city’s local landmarks along the way.
- TicketsTianmen Mountain
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch
Shanghai
Commence your tour of Shanghai by car with a visit to the Shanghai Museum, a massive museum housing over 140,000 artifacts, presenting the full history and culture of this cosmopolitan city. Enjoy a walk along The Bund, iconic and prestigious, one of the most well-preserved examples of old Shanghai glamour. Walk Nanjing Road, the busiest shopping precinct in China. Continue to Wukang Road, where you can admire the historic villas and old-style architecture. Then visit Yu Garden Bazaar, a lively commercial area adjacent to the classical Yuyuan Garden. Afterwards, explore the Former French Concession, wandering the quieter streets of Dongping Road or Sinan Road, where you will find the essence of classic Shanghai. Finally, visit Xintiandi, a vibrant district blending traditional Shikumen architecture with modern shops, restaurants, and cafés. Return to your Ctrip 4-diamond hotel.
- TicketsShanghai Museum. Yuyuan Garden
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch
Depart from Shanghai
Your tour guide will collect you at the hotel and drive you to the airport by car for your flight home. For small group tour travelers, a car transfer service from your hotel to Hongqiao or Pudong Airport can be arranged on request.
- TicketsNone
- MealsBreakfast
Accommodation
Comfortable stays along the route
Comfortable stays can be arranged along the route with well-located hotels and breakfast included.
A convenient hotel base can be arranged for the opening nights.
A comfortable base close to the main sightseeing area can be arranged.
Higher-category hotels can be arranged on request.
A relaxed final-night stay can be arranged before departure.
Inclusions / Exclusions
What is usually included
Included
- Private transportation as listed in the itinerary
- English-speaking local guide on sightseeing days
- Hotel breakfast during the trip
- Entrance tickets for planned attractions
- Trip planning support before confirmation
Not included
- International flights
- China visa fees
- Personal expenses and optional activities
- Travel insurance
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
Important information
Before you book
This route can be adjusted for private travel dates and group size.
Well-located hotels can be arranged according to your preferred level.
Final pricing depends on travel dates, hotel level and confirmed inclusions.
