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Best of China with Yangtze Cruise
15 Day China Tour from Beijing to Shanghai with Yangtze Cruise
Discover the cityscapes of Beijing and Shanghai, Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors and the rare giant pandas of Chengdu on this mesmerising encounter with China, which includes a leisurely cruise along the Yangtze River.
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Trip code
CLBY
Best of China with Yangtze Cruise
15 Day China Tour from Beijing to Shanghai with Yangtze Cruise
Discover the cityscapes of Beijing and Shanghai, Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors and the rare giant pandas of Chengdu on this mesmerising encounter with China, which includes a leisurely cruise along the Yangtze River.
Journey to the "Northern Capital" - a land of emperors, epic monuments and the cultural heart of China. On arrival in Beijing, you'll be transferred to your hotel where you can relax before meeting your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception drink and local appetisers.
Visit the iconic Great Wall of China at Juyongguan this morning – its stone ramparts and walls snaking thousands of miles into the distance to defend the empire against nomadic invaders since 5th century B.C. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure and this evening for dinner indulge in a Regional Dinner of succulent Peking Duck – a must during any visit to Beijing.
Surround yourself with the grandeur of Beijing's landmark Great Hall of the People, Qianmen Gate and the mausoleum of Mao Zedong as you walk through one of the world's largest public areas, Tiananmen Square. Delve into China's imperial heritage, passing the south gate into the frozen-in-time Forbidden City - once home to emperors and their households and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch, indulge in a relaxing foot massage at the Foot Reflexology Centre to ease you into an evening at leisure or consider joining an Optional Experience.
The Legend of Kung Fu Show is a mix of traditional martial arts and modern theatre. It is presented by a group of marvellous Kung Fu artists from all over China whose average age is only 17 but they have studied Chinese Kung Fu for many years. The story tells of a young boy who dreams of becoming a Kung Fu master and attaining enlightenment. He takes the path of a monk in which he must face many obstacles both from this world and his own mind to overcome his fears and to become a true master of Kung Fu. During the 80-minute show, the artists do not speak but perform daring acrobatics and Kung Fu dance but there are English subtitles above the stage explaining the story line. Transfers to and from the Red Theatre are included. NB. The price shown is in Chinese Yuan Renminbi.
Adult Price: ¥350.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 4
Explore Beijing's hutong and onwards to Xi'an
Navigate the ancient alleyways of the courtyard Hutong residences, weaving through lively neighbourhoods on the back of a traditional rickshaw. Stop at the home of a local family where you’ll Connect With Locals, enjoying a Be My Guest lunch of traditional Chinese cuisine, then visit a nearby tea house. Here, you’ll delve into the art of chayi, joining a Local Specialist who’ll share first-hand the age-old ritual of tea-making. Leave Beijing behind, bound for Xi’an, an ancient departure point on the Silk Road.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Wyndham Grand Xi'an South
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Day 5
Marvel at the legendary Terracotta Warriors
Engage with the children and teachers of a local primary school (during term-time) where you will learn a few words of Chinese and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® by donating much-needed supplies. Next, descend into the subterranean tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang to view his legendary army of Terracotta Warriors and Horses, followed by a delicious traditional meal of Chinese noodles. Your final stop today is to a Jade factory where you’ll admire the favoured stone of emperors, more precious to the Chinese people than gold.
Enjoy a sumptuous Tang dumpling banquet followed by a wonderful performance of ancient music and dance which has graced the region for centuries. The show consists of 8 parts filled with vibrant costumes, colourful dances and traditional music. Under the ruling of the Tang Emperors from 618 to 907, China became the most powerful and prosperous country in the world. During this time the economy, politics and military strength reached an unprecedented level which influenced the culture of its neighbouring countries. It was during this flourishing and peaceful period that exquisite Tang imperial feasts with music and dance emerged and developed. Step back in time and enjoy the delightful hospitality and performances of the Tang Dynasty. The price shown is in Chinese Yuan Renminbi.
Adult Price: ¥400.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 6
Take the bullet train to Chengdu
This morning, your choice of activities gives you an opportunity to join a Local Specialist in their T'ai Chi practice or embark on a cycle tour around part of the ancient City Wall of Xi'an. Get stuck in to the ancient art of dumpling making next, with an opportunity to sample the juicy results for lunch, then transfer to the railway station for your high-speed bullet train trip to Chengdu. On arrival in the hometown of the giant panda, you’ll check in to your hotel and savour the leisurely pace of local life on your terms.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Crowne Plaza City Centre
Witness the ground-breaking work being done by the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding this morning. Join a Local Specialist and learn how this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports the non-profit research breeding facility which rescues and protects the endangered giant panda, of which fewer than 2,000 remain. Afterwards return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure.
Take a guided tour of Jinsha Site Museum. It was built to protect, study and display the archaeological finds discovered on the Jinsha site dating back 3000 years. Precious relics including gold articles, jade objects, bronze wares, stone tools and ivory carvings are on display and signify the exquisite technical craftsmanship of the Ancient Shu people. It is a rare site museum among Chinese museums because of its combination of modern civilization and the civilization of ancient Shu State which is now known as Sichuan Province. Later visit Du Fu Thatched Cottage; a shrine to Chinese literature and commemorative museum of Du Fu, a famous poet during the Tang Dynasty. During his stay there he wrote around 270 poems which are considered to be precious national treasures and some of which are currently being taught in schools. Discover the life of this famous poet in his cottage and take a stroll around the traditional style garden. The price shown is in Chinese Yuan Renminbi.
Adult Price: ¥395.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 8
Discover the cuisine of Sichuan
Indulge in the bold and spicy flavours of local cuisine as you Dive Into Culture and learn about regional cooking practices at the Museum of Sichuan Cuisine. Learn how to crush chilli into powder using a Qing Dynasty pestle and mortar, then view ancient kitchenware, books and manuscripts faithfully recording the history of Sichuan culinary cultures. Immerse yourself in the intoxicating scents wafting through Restaurant Alley then, pay tribute to the Kitchen God before attempting to create your own culinary magic with the guidance of a local chef. Stomach and soul sated after a delicious encounter with Chengdu, you’ll have an afternoon to relax, explore further or perhaps take the opportunity to do some shopping.
Spend the evening at the ShufengYayun Sichuan Opera House to enjoy a colourful authentic Sichuan opera performance. There are many separate performances, all of which are introduced in English and these include a comedy show, fire spitting, a puppet show and the famous face changing show where actors switch between different masks to portray different characters. There is live music featuring a host of traditional Chinese instruments and it all takes place in a beautiful semi-outdoor courtyard setting. NB. The price shown is in Chinese Yuan Renminbi.
Adult Price: ¥385.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 9
Board your Yangtze River Cruise
Rub shoulders with the locals during a visit to People's Park with its beautiful Chinese gardens, lake and tea houses. Gain insights into the day-to-day lives of the locals who spend their free time in tranquil surrounds indulging in a leisurely game of mah-jong, a quiet nap or neck massage. Venture to lively Jinli Old Street next, crossing beneath the imposing archway into a world of intricate handicraft, paintings and calligraphy. Stroll along the narrow street whose façades were modelled on the architectural style of a traditional old town in western Sichuan Province, then transfer to the railway station for a high-speed bullet train ride to Chongqing. Here, you'll enjoy a city orientation tour with dinner before boarding your Yangtze River Cruise.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Victoria Jenna
Disembark this morning for a short visit to Shibaozhai to admire its 12-storey cliff-top temple, built in the 19th century. Stretch your legs and climb up to the temple, tackling the red pavilion which leans against the side of the steep peak, now an island due to the rising waters of the Three Gorges Dam. Return to the Yangtze, cruising to Fengdu's 'Ghost City' to explore the mystical shrines, temples and monasteries that are dedicated to the afterlife.
Connect with your exquisite natural surrounds as you cruise gently down the Yangtze to the imposing Three Gorges. Squeeze through the narrow Qutang Gorge, admiring its dramatic vistas, before your journey takes you through Wu Gorge, renowned for its quiet beauty, forest-clad mountains, and cliffs so sheer the sun barely penetrates their precipices and finally, Xiling Gorge. A small motor boat will ferry you through the magical landscape of the Goddess Stream, a tributary of the Yangtze - its limestone cliffs covered in greenery provide a tranquil backdrop for your relaxing encounter with this mighty river.
View the engineering marvel that is the world's largest hydroelectric project, the Three Gorges Dam, before disembarking your cruise ship and transferring to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival into China's biggest city, check into your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - The Kunlun Jing'An
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 13
Discover Vibrant Shanghai
Shanghai’s famous ‘Bund’ waterfront is the first stop on a day of sightseeing with a Local Specialist. Admire the ornate neoclassical colonial buildings and skyscrapers that have sprung up from this former marshland, then Dive Into Culture during a visit to a silk museum. Embrace the tranquillity of the famous Yu Garden next, with its pavilions, halls, rockeries, ponds and cloisters. Then, enjoy some free time for a local lunch of soup dumplings perhaps and shopping in the Old Town, a treasure trove of winding streets and vibrant markets that was once enclosed by the ancient walled city of Shanghai. Our final stop this afternoon is a visit to the Jade Buddha Temple, built in 1928 after the original temple was destroyed during the revolution that overthrew the Qing Dynasty. Admire the beauty of its precious jade Buddha statues made out of crystal-clear white jade, before you settle into an evening performance by the world-renowned Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 14
More Treasures of Shanghai
Ascend to the 88-storey Jinmao Tower for panoramic views of the skyscrapers that loom over the most populous city on earth. Then embark on a walking tour with a Local Specialist through the Shanghai French Concession, for an exhilarating encounter with the opulent age of French colonial China. Wander through the narrow alleyways, past elegant villas and apartments dating back to the early 1900s when the territory was proclaimed a French settlement. Later this morning, you’ll see where the First Conference of the Communist Party took place in Xin Tian Di, whose charming antique façades hide a 21st century world of bars, cafés, boutiques and theme restaurants. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure, letting the sights and sounds of Shanghai infuse every sense or consider joining an Optional Experience. Say a fond farewell to newfound friends this evening during a Farewell Dinner.
Visit the Shanghai Museum and Former Jewish Ghetto
Visit the Shanghai Museum; a large museum divided into eleven different galleries which cover most of the major categories of Chinese art. Your Travel Director will give a brief introduction to the museum and then take some free time to walk around the museum and visit your choice of galleries with the help of a personal Audio Guide. Afterwards visit the Shanghai Ghetto; an area of approximately one square mile and home to about twenty thousand Jewish refugees from Europe before and after WWII. Walk the streets of the former Jewish neighbourhood where local people now live and visit the Jewish Refugee Museum. The price shown is in Chinese Yuan Renminbi.
Adult Price: ¥380.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 15
Farewell to China
Our epic encounter with China at its end, take a transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 3
Legend of Kung Fu Show
The Legend of Kung Fu Show is a mix of traditional martial arts and modern theatre. It is presented by a group of marvellous Kung Fu artists from all over China whose average age is only 17 but they have studied Chinese Kung Fu for many years. The story tells of a young boy who dreams of becoming a Kung Fu master and attaining enlightenment. He takes the path of a monk in which he must face many obstacles both from this world and his own mind to overcome his fears and to become a true master of Kung Fu. During the 80-minute show, the artists do not speak but perform daring acrobatics and Kung Fu dance but there are English subtitles above the stage explaining the story line. Transfers to and from the Red Theatre are included. NB. The price shown is in Chinese Yuan Renminbi.
Adult Price: ¥350.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Tang Dynasty Show with Dinner
Enjoy a sumptuous Tang dumpling banquet followed by a wonderful performance of ancient music and dance which has graced the region for centuries. The show consists of 8 parts filled with vibrant costumes, colourful dances and traditional music. Under the ruling of the Tang Emperors from 618 to 907, China became the most powerful and prosperous country in the world. During this time the economy, politics and military strength reached an unprecedented level which influenced the culture of its neighbouring countries. It was during this flourishing and peaceful period that exquisite Tang imperial feasts with music and dance emerged and developed. Step back in time and enjoy the delightful hospitality and performances of the Tang Dynasty. The price shown is in Chinese Yuan Renminbi.
Adult Price: ¥400.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 7
Jinsha Site Museum and Du Fu Cottage
Take a guided tour of Jinsha Site Museum. It was built to protect, study and display the archaeological finds discovered on the Jinsha site dating back 3000 years. Precious relics including gold articles, jade objects, bronze wares, stone tools and ivory carvings are on display and signify the exquisite technical craftsmanship of the Ancient Shu people. It is a rare site museum among Chinese museums because of its combination of modern civilization and the civilization of ancient Shu State which is now known as Sichuan Province. Later visit Du Fu Thatched Cottage; a shrine to Chinese literature and commemorative museum of Du Fu, a famous poet during the Tang Dynasty. During his stay there he wrote around 270 poems which are considered to be precious national treasures and some of which are currently being taught in schools. Discover the life of this famous poet in his cottage and take a stroll around the traditional style garden. The price shown is in Chinese Yuan Renminbi.
Adult Price: ¥395.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 8
Sichuan Opera
Spend the evening at the ShufengYayun Sichuan Opera House to enjoy a colourful authentic Sichuan opera performance. There are many separate performances, all of which are introduced in English and these include a comedy show, fire spitting, a puppet show and the famous face changing show where actors switch between different masks to portray different characters. There is live music featuring a host of traditional Chinese instruments and it all takes place in a beautiful semi-outdoor courtyard setting. NB. The price shown is in Chinese Yuan Renminbi.
Adult Price: ¥385.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 14
Visit the Shanghai Museum and Former Jewish Ghetto
Visit the Shanghai Museum; a large museum divided into eleven different galleries which cover most of the major categories of Chinese art. Your Travel Director will give a brief introduction to the museum and then take some free time to walk around the museum and visit your choice of galleries with the help of a personal Audio Guide. Afterwards visit the Shanghai Ghetto; an area of approximately one square mile and home to about twenty thousand Jewish refugees from Europe before and after WWII. Walk the streets of the former Jewish neighbourhood where local people now live and visit the Jewish Refugee Museum. The price shown is in Chinese Yuan Renminbi.
Adult Price: ¥380.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
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About this trip
About this trip
What's included
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon
14 nights
Accommodation
Trip Summary Meals Icon
28 Meals
1 Welcome Reception, 1 Be My Guest, 1 Farewell Dinner, 14 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 2 Dinners, 2 Regional Dinners
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On-trip Transport
All transport shown
The Trafalgar difference
Connect with Locals
Visit and have lunch with a local family in their home in one of Beijing's hutongs and gain a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse into their lifestyle.
Dive into Culture
Indulge in a foot massage at the Foot Reflexology Centre.
Dive into Culture
Discover the traditions and techniques of dumpling making, indulging in an opportunity to sample them.
Dive into Culture
Learn about Sichuan cuisine at a cooking class in Chengdu and taste some of your creations.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
At the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, learn how your visit contributes to their conservation efforts to rescue and protect the endangered giant panda of which fewer than 2,000 remain.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
In Xi'an, you'll get to know the students and teachers at a local primary school, where Trafalgar donates much-needed supplies. Find out how your visit helps support their education in the local community.
Sightseeing highlights
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Explore Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu and Shanghai
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Visit the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City in Beijing, the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, the Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Chengdu, and the 'Bund' waterfront, Jade Buddha Temple and Jinmao Tower in Shanghai
Experience Ti Filled Icon
See local people practicing T'ai Chi in the morning, the Three Gorges Dam and the Shanghai Acrobats
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
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Flight from Beijing to Xi'an and Yichang to Shanghai.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Optional Experiences and free time
Live, unedited & independent traveller reviews
Best of China with Yangtze Cruise trip reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
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Great trip
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5
We saw great sites that are different than anything we had ever seen.
A very pleasant and informative journey, all that travel should be.
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4
Facilities were good and staff worked hard to please travellers, the on ship entertainment and 70th Anniversary celebration was very good and enjoyed by all. Food was not as good as most of the trip but OK.
Good itinerary! The guide was excellent, very good English with minimal problems understanding, took care of the needs of all 16 clients very well, was diplomatic, efficient, capable, resourceful, reliable, intelligent and with a good sense of humour. I heard no complaints about or during the trip, the only one being that the schedule was a bit hectic for many. ( the group was all seniors) The group of travellers was very cooperative, agreeable, and able at being tourists. It was nice to see both the high spots, famous sites as well as the day to day life of local citizens.
Our travel director, Rocky, was excellent. He went out of his way to attend to the concerns and choices of all on the tour. My favorite part of the trip was traveling down the Yangtze river viewing the Grand Canyon like landscape. Additional, all the other side tours were exciting and never to be missed!
The price was affordable and included much of what I wanted to see--The Wall, Terra Cotta and the river cruise on The Yangtze. The local food our guide suggested was awesome. Which I could be there now lol time went too quickly.
Love how you made me feel special. The attention to details. If not feeling well our guide took time to care for us or get something local OTC. Each city visited was more beautiful and unique--the local guides knew the history and at times shared there personal story. Been in a small group allowed us to move about more easily and to try more local cuisine. I'm looking forward to my next trip and hoping my tour director is like John.
Flights: Prices include internal airfares and taxes for flights: Beijing to Xi'an and Yichang to Shanghai.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA). Does not apply to trips operated by Inspiring Journeys & our Mini-stays.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
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Your selected departure date will feature some seasonal itinerary changes to what is displayed. Click 'VIEW ITINERARY' below to see full details.
Active Trip Details
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What is an Active Trip? This is an "Active" lifestyle itinerary, with walks and hikes most days. Hikes will range from easy/moderate to strenuous. No technical climbing skills are required but a reasonable level of fitness is required to make the trip more enjoyable. Understanding that not all people want to hike at the same pace or even on the same trail we will, where possible, host map orientation and then let everyone disperse to enjoy the trails best suited to them.
What to Pack Guests should bring lightweight hiking shoes or boots, broad brimmed sun hats, sunglasses, layered clothing, reusable water bottle(s), a hiking day pack and hiking poles (optional)
Weather & Altitude While the itinerary is laid out below, we are at the mercy of the weather and so reserve the right to adjust the program as necessary. Please keep in mind that the higher elevations and possible variations in weather and temperature can increase the perceived level of difficulty of our activities. Elevation ranges up to 9,000 feet for Utah’s Mighty Five and up to 11,000 feet for California High Country Adventure.
Everyone reacts differently to altitude and so if you do have any health issues you should check with your doctor that this trip is suitable for you.
