Journey Through China & the Yangtze River

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Arrive today in Beijing, the centuries-old capital of China, which so mesmerized the world during the 2008 Summer Olympics. This evening our tour director hosts a welcome orientation and dinner.

After breakfast, we'll begin our exploration of Beijing with a visit to Tiananmen Square. Surrounded by impressive buildings and monuments, this vast square is a prime people-watching spot. We’ll then 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. Afterwards, we'll head to the Summer Palace, a former royal retreat of the Empress Dowager and weather permitting, enjoy a boat ride on Kunming Lake.

Today, we'll encounter one of the world’s wonders: the legendary Great Wall, which stretches nearly 4,000 miles across China and was built more than 2,300 years ago. After we take the cable car up to the Great Wall, we'll have plenty of time to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take in the vistas. Later on, we'll join our fellow travelers for an evening banquet. On the menu: the celebrated Peking duck!

Note: Our visit to the Great Wall requires a climb of about 300 steps which may be uneven or at an incline.

Delight in a full day at leisure to explore Beijing independently, or we can consider joining an optional half-day tour to visit the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of architectural harmony and precision, followed by a tour of the old city of Beijing by rickshaw and visit with lunch to a local family home.

This morning, we'll transfer to the airport for our domestic flight to Xian, the ancient capital of China over 11 dynasties and historic gateway to the silk trading route. Upon arrival we'll visit the lively Muslim Quarter, where the vibrant market and food stalls highlight the fascinating mix of Chinese and Islamic specialties. Afterwards, see the Great Mosque, built during the Tang Dynasty and is still an active place of worship. See the multiple courtyards and prayer rooms that blend examples of traditional Chinese architecture and Islamic art. We'll then transfer to our hotel for check-in and an evening at leisure.

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. After lunch at a local restaurant, our next stop is a walk along the ancient City Wall of Xian, originally used for military defense and is one of the oldest and best preserved city walls in China.

Today we’ll board a high-speed train from Xian to Chengdu, the capital of the Sichuan province and once the capital of the Shu Kingdom. We'll enjoy a typical Sichuan lunch upon arrival followed by a visit to People's Park. Here we'll get a glimpse at daily life while seeing locals socializing, practicing tai chi or playing mahjongg. Next, we'll take a walk through the Wide and Narrow Alleys, a historic neighborhood with shops and restaurants. Tonight, we'll delight in a traditional hot pot dinner and Sichuan Opera Show that includes elaborate costumes and the captivating local art of face-changing.

This morning we’ll see one of China’s natural treasures at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. As we learn about efforts to increase the giant panda population, we’ll have a chance to see these beloved creatures in settings that imitate their natural habitats. After time for lunch, we'll board another high-speed train to the mountain city of Chongqing, a modern river port with an ancient history spanning 3,000 years and our gateway to the Yangtze River. We'll board our luxurious river cruiser later today and settle in our spacious cabins before setting sail late tonight.

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. Tonight, we'll enjoy a cultural show aboard the ship.

Note: Shore excursions are subject to change due to water levels.

If yesterday wasn’t unforgettable enough, our cruise continues through the famous Three Gorges, undoubtedly the most scenic section of the Yangtze. We’ll sail through the misty Wu Gorge in the shadows of 12 soaring peaks. But we haven’t had our fill of gorges! In Wushan, we’ll board a smaller boat for a breathtaking excursion up the Shennong Stream to see the Three Small Gorges. Prepare to be awed by lofty cliffs, emerald water, lush vegetation and quite possibly a troop of monkeys on the river banks!

Awesome scenery? Check. Amazing views? Check. Architectural feats? Check. Our last 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. We 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 we can see rushing rapids, weathered peaks, mysterious caves, and temple landmarks. Afterwards, we’ll bid farewell to river cruising today as we disembark our ship in Yichang and catch a flight to Hangzhou, a stunning city that Marco Polo eulogized as "the finest and most splendid city in the world". We'll enjoy dinner tonight at our hotel.

This morning, we'll begin our exploration of Hangzhou, whose enchanting natural scenery has inspired artists and poets for centuries. Our first stop is a boat ride on picturesque West Lake, whose numerous temples, gardens and pagodas add to its allure and legendary status in Chinese folklore. Next, we'll visit a local tea plantation and learn about the region's famed Dragon Well tea, and its age-old traditions and tea growing processes. Here we'll also enjoy a delicious lunch before arriving at Lingyin Monastery, otherwise known as the Temple of Soul's Retreat. The temple's significance can be traced back to the 10th Century and is known for its peaceful surroundings, stunning architecture and importance to Buddhist pilgrims.

Today we’ll catch a high-speed train to Shanghai, the “Paris of the East" and a dynamic city, which blends a seaport legacy with sleek 21st-century architecture. First, we'll enjoy 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 sculptures 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. We'll also have time to explore the nearby Old Town, whose historic architecture is home to multiples lanes, shops and teahouses to explore. After checking into our hotel, the remainder of the day is free for exploration at your own pace.

This morning, we'll travel outside of Shanghai to Suzhou, a charming canal town often called “Paradise on Earth”. Our first stop is the Garden of Master Fishing Nets, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Classical Gardens of Suzhou. This private garden was originally built during the Southern Song Dynasty and remains one of the best intact examples of classical Chinese garden design and traditional residential architecture. Next, we'll see Tiger Hill, and get a glimpse at the poetry and ancient calligraphy carved into its rocks as well as its temple pagoda and various ponds and scenic points. After lunch, our last stop is a local silk workshop where we'll learn more about the history and craftsmanship behind silk production. Afterwards, we'll return to Shanghai and tonight, consider an optional mesmerizing acrobatic show!

Enjoy a day to explore Shanghai at leisure. Early this evening, we'll gather with our fellow travelers for a dumpling-making class and farewell dinner. After our cooking experience, we'll enjoy our delicious results and share memories of our amazing travels through China.

Our tour comes to an end after breakfast this morning.