11 Days China Romantic Yangtze River Cruise Tour

  • Yangtze Cruise
    Yangtze Cruise
  • Summer Palace
    Summer Palace
  • River Yangtze
    River Yangtze
  • Oriental Pearl TV Tower
    Oriental Pearl TV Tower
Destination:

Tour Code: ctyz-1

Tour Type: Private Tour with Exclusive Tour Guide and Driver

Departure : Flexible

Tour Highlights:

This is the most "classic" tour of Yangtze Cruise. We start with Beijing, the capital of China, Beijing and Xian, you will know the ancient Chinese civilizations, then a cruise on the River Yangtze for three nights, after you go to discover Shanghai, a city as modern as New York. No matter with which city you are going to start, we will customize your trip according to your needs in the most economical way.


Itinerary

  • Day1

    Beijing Arrival

    • No Meals
    • in Beijing
    Upon arrival, your guide will pick you up at Beijing airport and transfer you to your hotel.
  • Day2

    Beijing: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Summer Palace

    • Breakfast, Lunch
    • in Beijing
    The day begins with a visit to Tian’anmen Square. It is the largest square in the world and many important things in Chinese history started and ended here. It is surrounded by many monumental buildings and is worth seeing. Then you will visit Forbidden City, as the Imperial Palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, occupy an area of 720,000square meters with more than 9,000 rooms and is surrounded with high walls and flanked with a 52-meter-wide moat (or Tongzi River).
    The Summer Palace is another imperial family residential complex and is no less beautiful and no less important than the Forbidden City. Still, the architecture is very different and you can enjoy the visit.
  • Day3

    Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall, Olympic Park

    • Breakfast, Lunch
    • in Beijing
    Great Wall is a must-see attraction in Beijing. Today you will visit the Great Wall Mutianyu (round trip cable car included), the least crowded section that is most popular with foreign travellers.
    During back to the centre of city, you will visit Olympic Park, including National Stadium (Bird's Nest) that can accommodate 80,000 spectators and National Aquatics Center (Water Cube).
  • Day4

    Temple of Heaven, Hutongs by Rickshaw, Beijing to X’ian by High-Speed Train

    • Breakfast, Lunch
    • in Xi'an
    Today you will visit Temple of Heaven. This is a huge religious complex and was used as a place where emperors prayed for the good harvest.
    Afterwards, visit the Hutongs by rickshaw. Hutongs are back alleys where old traditions remain very much alive and kicking. A tour through the narrow, winding hutong on rickshaw and a taste of stuffed dumplings done with the siheyuan residents are most enjoyable to visitors.
    In the afternoon, transfer you to the train station for the high-speed train to the city of Xi’an. Upon arrival in Xian, your local guide will meet you at the train station and then transfer you to the hotel.
  • Day5

    Xian: Terracotta Army, Shaanxi History Museum and Ancient City Wall

    • Breakfast, Lunch
    • in Xi'an
    Today's first you will visit the Terracotta Army. Thousands of life-sized terra cotta warriors lined up in battle array with horse-drawn chariots have been excavated. The warriors are of a fairly uniform height of 1.8 metres. With their individual features and facial expressions, they are amazingly lifelike. Visitors have called this awesome sight the "eighth wonder of the world.
    After this you visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, that stands in the grounds of Temple Daci’en(The Temple of Great Maternal Grace). The temple itself was built in the year 648. The pagoda is built in order to safe keep Buddhist scripture brought back from India by Xuanzang.
    Finally it is the Ancient City Wall of Xian. As one of the most completely preserved city walls in ancient China, it is extended on the basis of the imperial city wall in Chang' an City of the Tang Dynasty.
  • Day6

    Xian to Chongqing by Flight, Ciqikou Ancient Town, Three Gorges Museum, Yangtze River Cruise

    • Breakfast
    • in Cruise
    In the morning you will transferred to the Xi’an airport for a flight to Chongqing. Upon arrival in Chongqing your guide will pick you up at the airport. You can take a walk in the Ciqikou Ancient Town. There are plenty of souvenir shops, you could try some local food and snacks if you are interested.
    With more than 170,000 objects of remains and monuments, the Three Gorges Museum has focused on the cultural and historical spirit of the three gorges, the source and course of local history, the evolution of Chongqing and the culture of the Chongqing resistance war.
    You embark on the boat from 18:00 to 20:00 and the cruise leaves Chongqing at 21:00. Spend the night on board.
  • Day7

    Yangtze River: Fengdu(Optional), Shibaozhai

    • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • in Cruise
    Today is the right time to navigate the immense Yangtze River. You will have a shore excursion to Shibaozhai and Fengdu (Optional). There is a great performance of Chinese folk music and dance by the cruise staff at the captain's welcome banquet at night.
    Shibaozhai: This spectacular monastery, on an island, lies at the foot of Lanruo Dian (Orchid Palace), built against 'the cliff. The most impressive feature of the Precious Stone fortress is the beautiful Lanruo Dian, a 12-height palace whose curly wings compare to an orchid.
    Optional Excursion-Fengdu: With a history of more than 2,000 years, Fengdu earned the nickname "Ghost City" for temples, buildings and statues. The carved facades are truly fascinating. Mt. Ming, a mountain dedicated to hell and its king, Tianzi, is dotted with temples, shrines and wax sculptures representing the most rugged aspects of hell.
    Note: On Victoria cruises you will have shore excursion to the Scenic Zone of the Jade Emperor in Fengdu instead of Shibaozhai.
  • Day8

    Yangtze River: White Emperor City (Optional), Shennv Stream

    • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • in Cruise
    Navigation along the Yangtze River offers enchanting views of Three Gorges - Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge.
    With cliffs on two banks form the magnificent scene of "the gate Kui is the greatest in the world", there are numerous historic sites and attractions in the Qutang Gorge; the Wu Gorge is known for its beauty and tranquility, cliffs and twelve peaks; the Xiling Gorge is the longest of the three gorges and is located within the Hubei Province.
    In the morning you can choose shore excursion to White Emperor City with extra cost. The shore excursion to Shennv Stream is included. Tonight there is a farewell banquet.
    Shennv Stream: It is a 60 kilometer tributary of the Yangtze River and one of the most attractive stretches of the crossing. Its throat narrows as the course is traced. Shennv Stream fascinates tourists with its special virtues of serenity, originality and primitivism. Floating on a boat, they can appreciate not only the natural scenes, but also experience joy and excitement in the fight against the winds and waves.
    Optional Excursion – Baidi (City of White Emperor): This tour offers the best place to observe and appreciate the magnificent gate of Kuimen. Baidi (City of White Emperor) is not a royal city, but a small town was the birthplace of the ancient State of Bashu over 2,000 years ago, located at the entrance to Qutang Gorge on the northern bank of the Yangtze River in the east part of Fengjie County.
  • Day9

    Yichang: Three Gorges Dam, Yichang to Shanghai by High-Speed Train

    • Breakfast
    • in Shanghai
    It is the last day of the cruise. You will disembark at Maoping pier and visit the famous Three Gorges Dam, which is the largest hydraulic project in the world and was built from 1994 to 2009. You can take pictures on the dam for memory. After the shuttle bus will transfer you to the passenger centre of Yichang. Your local guide will wait for you there and take you to the train station for the high-speed train to Shanghai.
  • Day10

    Shanghai: Shanghai Museum, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Yu Garden, the Bund and Xitiandi

    • Breakfast, Lunch
    • in Shanghai
    Today you can see the best of Shanghai. The first place of interest is Shanghai Museum, which has more than 120,000 works dating back thousands of years. This high-quality collection is full of bronzes, ceramics, paintings and calligraphy.
    The Oriental Pearl TV Tower, which is one of the highest TV towers in the world. On its second floor there is a museum and you can see some very interesting exhibitions there. You continue to visit the Yu Garden, a classic Chinese style garden.
    After you arrive at the Bund, a quite different part of the city as all architectures are European style and experience more of Shanghai's local culture with a visit to 
  • Day11

    Shanghai Departure

    • Breakfast
    Our guide will transfer you to the airport according to your flight schedule. 

Price Inclusion&Exclusion

Price Inclusion

•    Transportation within China: Domestic flight (economy class) or train on the Itinerary.
•    Tickets: Entrance fees of all attractions listed in the itinerary.
•    Meals: All meals are specified in the itinerary. Breakfast is usually a Western-style buffet at the hotel, or could be a Chinese breakfast in some remote areas. Chinese lunch will be arranged in a local restaurant.
•    Hotels: All rooms have air conditioning and private bathroom, unless specified.
•    Private Transfers: A private driver and a private tour guide will transfer you to airport/railway station, hotel and attractions in the cities in private air-conditioned vehicle.
•    Private Guide: We provide professional licensed tour guides who speaks English or other langauges  acorrding to your requirement. They are responsible, knowledgeable and have a sense of humor to accompany you throughout your journey.
•    Service Expenses (includes planning, handling, operating and communication expenses) and Government Taxes.
•    Insurance: China Life Tourist Accident/Casualty Insurance
•    Baggage Transfers: Between airports and hotels.
Price Exclusion

•    International air tickets to enter and leave China
•    Chinese visa fees.
•    Personal Expenses: For example cost of excess luggage, laundry, beverages, fax, telephone, optional activities etc.
•    Dietary expenses other than meals in price inclusion are not included in the itinerary.
•    The cost of the attraction not listed in the itinerary is not included.
•    Single Room Supplement
•    Tips to tour guides, drivers etc.

HOTEL

Recommended Accommodation for Your Trip to China
City 3-Star Hotel 4-star Hotel 5-star Hotel
Beijing King Parkview Hotel Sunworld Hotel Regent Beijing
Xi'an Skytel Hotel Xian Xi'an Grand Noble Hotel Wyndham Grand Xi'an South
Shanghai Kingtown Hotel the bund Hongkou Shanghai Ambassador Hotel Les Suites Orient, Bund Shanghai

There is no doubt that a good choice of comfortable accommodation will enhance the pleasure of your trip in China. The hotels all over China that we offer will bring you more benefits of competitive price and guaranteed quality.
The hotels we choose for you are based on:
•    Location: Most hotels that we select are located in the center of the city, near places of interest or main shopping streets etc., or it is close to the main means of transport. We hope these amenities will bring you a pleasant vacation.
•    Quality of Facilities & Service: All hotels are strictly and regularly inspected, and have a good performance in accommodating foreign clients and excellent feedback from our previous clients.
•    Diversity of Choice: So many styles and classes of hotels are available for different budgets, tastes and cultural backgrounds..

Hotel Criteria of Each Class
•    Budget Class Hotel (3 Stars)
This kind of hotel could meet the basic requirements for a pleasant stay, good size and clean rooms with air conditioning, TV, hot water, shower and private bathroom, hotel restaurants with breakfast included and lunch or dinner of your choice. A small gym or spa can be expected.
•    Comfortable Class Hotel (4 Stars)
You will normally stay in formal, large hotels conveniently located with shops, restaurants and entertainment facilities nearby. Quality service, fully furnished rooms, restaurants, gym and heated pool (in very rare cases there is no pool) all together offer an above-average accommodation experience.
•    Luxury Class Hotel (5 Stars)
Luxury hotel with first class service and a wide range of facilities will provide an excellent accommodation experience. There are several hotel restaurants with extensive menus to choose from, 24-hour room service available, concierge service and gym complete the experience.

Service

Meals of Young's China Travel•     Meals
In your itinerary, it normally offers two meals each day: breakfast and lunch. You will have the freedom to choose your own dinner. If you have certain food allergies or special requirements such as vegetarian food, please let us know in advance. We will try our best to satisfy your special needs.
Breakfast
Normally served at the hotel where you stay. Depending on the hotel, breakfast is Western style, Chinese style or a combination.
Lunch - A la Carte 
In order to have our customers to taste authentic Chinese food and avoid tourist menus, we take food quality, dining environment and travel convenience into consideration when planning your lunch. Therefore , we will arrange a la carte lunch at a local restaurant whenever possible. Lunch a la carte is varied with different recommended restaurants and different cities. You could order the dishes according to your taste under the instructions of your guide. However, in some remote regions where it is difficult to find a non-tourist restaurant, you could have lunch at a local tourist restaurant or in a local family.
Your Own Dinner Option
Dinner is not included in our China travel package, unless you have this requirement. Looking for food by yourself could also be one of your best experiences in China. Therefore we offer you this flexibility of food choice. You can ask for your private guide to gain good suggestions.

•   Private Guide & Transfer
You will have a private guide, private driver and an air-conditioned vehicle to accompany you at each destination of your trip, which will provide you with maximum personal care, security and flexibility.
All our guides are qualified and responsible professionals. All our vehicles are clean and in excellent condition, crewed with licensed drivers.
Private Tour Guide
In each city, we have a professional local guide. Our guide picks you up punctually at your arrival from the airport/railway station/spring of each destination. On your way out of that city, your guide will stay by your side until you have checked in and passed through security. All our travel guides in each destination are local and responsible, who know this area well. They accompany you visiting this city during 8 working hours of each day and they will tell background stories of the tourist places, and show you the secret places to take your best Vehicles of Young's China Travel pictures.
When it is necessary to change your itinerary for unexpected reasons, your private travel guide will suggest alternatives to ensure that you still have an excellent experience.

Private Transfer
With our comfortable and safe private transfer, your trip will be more relaxing and less tiring, keeping you in the best spirits to make the most of your experience in China. In all destinations visited, your vehicle is air-conditioned, clean and expertly maintained. Your private driver is licensed, insured and experienced.
Normally we will arrange vehicles with more space for you and your luggages. Depending on the number of passengers, we generally use sedans or minivans (7 seats) for 4 people or less, large vans or small buses (12-22 seats) for 5 to 12 people, medium cars (33-37 seats) for 13 - 25 people and large buses (more than 45 seats) for more than 25 people.

•     Remarks 
We reserve the right to modify the price due to exchange rate fluctuation
If you have special requirements, please tell us in advance.
We reserve the right of final explanation for any change due to the reasons beyond our control.