BEIJING, XIAN, SHANGHAI, GUILIN, YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE AND HONG KONG
How can you begin to discover a country so vast, so ancient, so diverse? Our China tour with Yangtze River cruise doesn’t waste a moment, ensuring that you’ll experience the most intriguing, renowned sights on what is truly a trip of a lifetime. Count on your smarTours® guides to navigate the innumerable details of travel in China and add nuanced narrative to everything you’ll see—from Tiananmen Square to the Terracotta Army, the Great Wall to giant pandas. We’ll break the trip to meander along the fabled Yangtze, China’s longest river, on a scenic four-night cruise. And we’re not done yet! We wisely complete this escorted package with a visit to colorful, hectic, exciting Hong Kong.
Itinerary at
a Glance
- 2 Nights in Shanghai
- 3 Nights in Beijing
- 2 Nights in Xian
- 4-Night Yangtze River Cruise
- 2 Nights in Guilin
- 3 Nights in Hong Kong
Tour
Highlights
Your Tour
Includes
- Round-trip airfare from the Los Angeles (New York-JFK available at additional cost)
- Airfare taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
- All intra-China flights and ground transportation
- Accommodation at deluxe hotels
- Deluxe Yangtze River cruise aboard Victoria Cruises Premier ship in outside cabin with picture window and private balcony.
- 34 meals: 16 full-buffet American breakfasts (B), 10 lunches (L) and 8 dinners (D).
- Comprehensive sightseeing tours, admission fees included
- All shore excursions
- English-speaking Tour Director and local guides
Tour Itinerary
Shanghai
We’ll start the day like the locals do—with morning exercise. Ours will be in the form of a guided stroll along the Bund, the bustling Huangpu River waterfront, followed by a walk through Yu Yuan Garden. Take a deep breath and enjoy the rockeries, pavilions and sculpture of this classical Ming Dynasty-era garden, which was created over 400 years ago to be a happy, tranquil place for the owner’s parents. The remainder of the day is free for exploration at your own pace. (You might sample the Nanxiang Steamed Buns!) We’ll gather for a buffet dinner at the hotel, followed by an…
Beijing and Xian
A visit to Beijing isn’t complete without seeing Tiananmen Square. Surrounded by impressive buildings and monuments, this vast square is a prime people-watching spot. We’ll then join a local expert to discover the Forbidden City, the largest ancient palatial structure in the world and home of 24 emperors throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is a true architectural masterwork and home to the National Palace Museum. Later, we’ll catch our flight to Xian, ancient capital of China over 11 dynasties and historic gateway to the silk trading route. Grand Mercure Xian Renmin…
Xian & Terracotta Army
Ready to see one of the greatest discoveries of the 20th century? You’ll be amazed by the Terracotta Army, an afterlife (and life-sized!) army of warriors, chariots and horses built over 2,200 years ago to guard the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi. This architectural treasure was unearthed in 1974 after being discovered by local farmers. Fun fact: each of the 8,000 soldiers differs in gestures and facial expressions. Our next stop is the Tang Art Museum, where we’ll view intriguing exhibits and demonstrations of Chinese culture, including folk arts, ancient painting works and calligraphy….
Yangtze River Cruise
Awesome scenery? Check. Amazing views? Check. Architectural feats? Check. (Plus, a toast with the captain!) Our first full day of cruising includes a stop at Sandouping village to visit and learn about the ongoing Yangtze Dam project, the world’s largest hydroelectric power project. You may consider an optional New Ship Lift tour offered by the cruise ship through the Three Gorges ship-locks towards the long, twisting passage of Xiling Gorge, where you’ll sight rushing rapids, weathered peaks, mysterious caves and temple landmarks. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s cocktail reception….
Yangtze River Cruise
On our cruising today, we’ll visit the Jade Emperor Scenic Area in Fengdu. Located on the northern side of the Yangtze, this sacred site features the largest image of the Jade Buddha in the world. In the event that the ship is unable to visit Fengdu, dock in Shibaozhai to see “The Pearl of the Yangtze,” a magnificent pagoda built without nails and considered one of China’s architectural gems. (Note: Shore excursion is subject to change due to water level.) Our last night aboard the ship features a farewell banquet and cultural show. B/L/D Victoria Cruises Premier…
Guided Tour Pricing
Price includes round-trip airfare from the U.S. (Land-only pricing available on request.)
| Depart | Return | Depart - Return | Best Value Pricing - Reserve by Oct 31, 2019 | Reserve after Oct 31, 2019 | Select Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2020 | w/ eCheck Discount | Sale | After Sale | ||
| March 12 | March 29 | Mar 12 - Mar 29 | $3,499 | $3,599 | $3,899 | Book Now: |
| April 9 | April 26 | Apr 9 - Apr 26 | $3,499 | $3,599 | $3,899 | Book Now: |
| April 23 | May 10 | Apr 23 - May 10 | $3,599 | $3,699 | $3,999 | Book Now:  Selling Fast! |
| May 7 | May 24 | May 7 - May 24 | $3,599 | $3,699 | $3,999 | Book Now: |
| June 4 | June 21 | Jun 4 - Jun 21 | $3,499 | $3,599 | $3,899 | Book Now: |
| July 2 | July 19 | Jul 2 - Jul 19 | $3,499 | $3,599 | $3,899 | Book Now: |
| September 3 | September 20 | Sep 3 - Sep 20 | $3,499 | $3,599 | $3,899 | Book Now: |
| October 15 | November 1 | Oct 15 - Nov 1 | $3,599 | $3,699 | $3,999 | Book Now: |
| October 29 | November 15 | Oct 29 - Nov 15 | $3,599 | $3,699 | $3,999 | Book Now: |
| November 5 | November 22 | Nov 5 - Nov 22 | $3,499 | $3,599 | $3,899 | Book Now: |
Rates are per person based on double occupancy.
2019 Departures: Single room supplement is $899.
2020 Departures: Single room supplement is $999.
Add $100 if departing from New York (JFK).
Business Class Upgrade
2019 Departures: LAX/Shanghai/LAX add $3495. JFK/Shanghai/JFK add $3595
2020 Departures: LAX/Shanghai/LAX add $3595. JFK/Shanghai/JFK add $3695
China visa fee is not included.
For more information on this tour, please contact us here or call us during business hours (Mon-Fri, 9:00-9:00 EST and Sat-Sun, 10:00-6:30 EST) at 800-337-7773.
Reservations and Payments
Reservations can be made by phone (1-800-337-7773) and will be confirmed upon receipt of $300 per person non-refundable, non-transferable deposit which must be received within 48 hours of reservation. Full payment is due 75 days prior to departure. Baggage fees may apply. Space and prices subject to availability. For complete booking information and terms & conditions click here.
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Pricing is subject to change. Payment (non-refundable) should be made by cash or credit card (VISA, MasterCard or AmEx, subject to service charge).
Featured Accommodations
Before You Depart
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Your departure flights from the U.S. and back are on China Eastern Airlines. You are expected to arrive at your gateway airport no later than 3½ hours before your scheduled departure time.
Please make sure to allow sufficient time for clearing immigration and customs if you are planning a connecting domestic flight. We recommend at least 3½ hours. Please keep in mind that flight schedules are always subject to change.
Departure Date | Airline | LAX | JFK | ||
Depart | Return | Depart | Return | ||
| 2019: Aug. – Sep., Oct. 3, Oct. 10, Oct. 17 | China Eastern Airlines | 12:30PM | 10:00AM | 4:30PM | 2:30PM |
| 2019: Oct. 24 | China Eastern Airlines | 12:30PM | 9:00AM | 4:30PM | 1:30PM |
| 2019: Nov. 7 | China Eastern Airlines | 11:30AM | 9:00AM | 3:30PM | 1:30PM |
| 2020: Mar. – Jun. | China Eastern Airlines | TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA |
ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT
China Eastern Airlines does not assign seats in advance. Seat assignments can only be arranged at the airport upon check-in, and smarTours is not involved with assigning seats. If you have a preferred seating choice, please make sure you check-in for your flight as early as possible.
LAND-ONLY TRAVELERS
International flights to/from the U.S. are not included. Land-only travelers are responsible for arranging the entry and exit flights, as well as their arrival and departure transfers. smarTours cannot be held responsible for any damage caused by air schedule changes and delays. Unused land services are non-refundable.
Main Tour: Land-only services start upon independent check-in at Shanghai hotel on Day 2 of the itinerary listed on the tour page. Land-only services end after breakfast at Hong Kong hotel on Day 18 of the itinerary listed on the tour page. Please note that smarTours will provide the invitation letters for the specific dates of our tour. If you plan on arriving earlier or staying in the country after the end of our tour, you will be responsible for securing your own invitation letter for the extra time spent in the country.
PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION
Travel to China requires a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. American citizens require a visa to enter China. Non-U.S. citizens should check with their respective consulates as to the most current visa requirements to all their travel destinations. Passengers traveling to China need to have individual visas stamped in their passports. To obtain an individual visa for China, please follow one of the following:
If you prefer to apply for your visa directly with the Chinese Consulate, you will have to apply in person. Chinese Consulates do not accept mailed-in visa applications. Please contact the Chinese Consulate nearest your area for visa requirements and application forms and fees.
If you do not reside close to a consulate, we suggest that you use a visa service to facilitate the processing of the visa. We recommend using CIBT. Please use the following link to download instructions and forms at http://www.cibt.com/home.aspx?Login=50002.
If you do not have access to a computer, and you are not able to apply for your visa in person, please contact CIBT to have a form mailed to you. If you plan to use the services of CIBT and have any questions regarding the application, please call them directly at 800-406-1523.
We recommend that you apply for the visa in person or through CIBT, at least 45-50 days before your scheduled departure to China. If you apply earlier, your visa may expire by the time you are scheduled to take your trip!
PLEASE NOTE: An invitation letter addressed to the Chinese Consulate will be e-mailed to you approximately 50 days prior to your departure date. This invitation letter will include the addresses and telephone numbers of the hotels and land operator in China. You will need to print this invitation and present it with your China visa application. When you send us your final payment, please make sure you provide us with your correct e-mail address on your tour registration form. Also, please note that visa procedures may change at any time. You should check directly with the consulate, or if using CIBT online at www.cibt.com, for the most up-to-date instructions before submitting your paperwork. Please remember that it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary travel documents before the trip.
TICKETS AND FINAL DOCUMENTS
Your airline tickets along with final instructions and additional travel tips will be sent to you 7–10 days before the scheduled departure of your tour. Please make sure to advise us in case your address changes.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Immunizations are not currently required. However, you may wish to consult your personal physician or local public health authorities about their suggestions.
CLIMATE
You may expect temperatures averaging in the 50s in March and November; 60s in April; 60s and 70s in May, September and October; and 80s in June through August. Hong Kong temperatures are warmer.
NON-INCLUDED MEALS
The hotels on this tour offer dining choices ranging from cafes/coffee shops to specialty restaurants. Average cost for dinner (excluding drinks) at a coffee shop is about $15–$20 per person. Your hotel will accept credit cards for your non-included meals.
CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY
Hotels and some stores accept major credit cards. However, for “street shopping” you will need local currency or U.S. Dollars. Your hotels will be able to exchange cash to local currency. It is recommended that you bring along cash in small denominations.
BAGGAGE
Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage (suitcase) max. 44 pounds, and one carry-on not exceeding 18”x10”x8”. We recommend that you do not overpack and that you take a variety of casual separates with climate and comfort in mind.