Ultimate China & Yangtze River Cruise: Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu & Shanghai - 13 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Beijing, Peking Duck Dining Experience

Welcome to Beijing, China's bustling capital! Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel, where you can relax until dinner. In the evening, follow your guide to a local restaurant to indulge in a delicious Peking duck dining experience. Characterized by its crispy skin and succulent meat, the duck will be presented alongside an array of condiments, including hoisin sauce, scallions, cucumber, and thin pancakes to accompany the slices. It's a ceremony in itself as your server carves the duck to the table before leaving you to enjoy your first meal in China.

Day 2: Explore the Forbidden City, Take a Pedicab Through the City's Hutongs

Join your guide on a full-day tour of Beijing, starting in the heart of the city at Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square. Follow your guide across the vast space, looking out at the Monument to the People's Heroes, the National Museum of China, and the Mao Zedong Mausoleum until you reach the square's northern end, where you can enter the Forbidden City. This UNESCO-listed complex served as the imperial residence for nearly five centuries, housing 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Explore the expansive courtyards and discover the array of meticulously designed halls, pavilions, and gardens. Don't miss the intricate details of the palace's architecture, like the iconic yellow roofs and ornate dragon carvings. In the afternoon, take a pedicab or stroll through some of Beijing's hutongs (narrow streets or alleys lined with traditional homes) to learn about local life. As you weave through the bustling neighborhoods, watch as residents shop at local markets, visit small temples, and meander through the streets.

Day 3: Visit the Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall & Changling Tomb 

Today, you'll explore one of the most well-known landmarks in China, if not the world: the Great Wall. Although some wall sections are in disrepair, you'll visit the Mutianyu section, renowned for its well-preserved watchtowers and fortifications, so you can better understand its strategic importance during ancient times. Ascend the stone steps and walk along the wall, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The trek ranges from two to six hours, depending on the route you and your guide choose. 

After exploring the wall, head back down to the Changling Tomb, one of many Ming tombs in the Changping district. This one, in particular, is the tomb of Emperor Zhudi, who played a pivotal role in establishing the Ming dynasty and his empress, Xushi. To enter the tomb's main hall, cross the Sacred Way, flanked by carved stone statues and dense foliage. Explore the burial chamber inside and pay your respects to the emperor and empress while you learn more about their contributions to China's rich history before returning to your hotel in Beijing.

Day 4: Visit the Picturesque Summer Palace, Train to Xi'an

Enjoy your last few hours in Beijing at the UNESCO-listed Summer Palace, nestled along Kunming Lake. Discover the intricately designed halls, pavilions, and temples to understand the opulence enjoyed by emperors during the Qing dynasty. Don't miss highlights like the Longevity Hall for panoramic views of the glittering lake and the Long Corridor, adorned with over 14,000 paintings depicting scenes from Chinese mythology, history, and landscapes.

Then, head outside to explore the garden, strolling over traditional bridges, including the beautiful Seventeen-Arch Bridge, and admiring the colorful pagodas that dot the surroundings. After exploring the palace on foot, switch to a boat to sail across the lake and take in panoramic views of the surrounding hills, historic bridges, and iconic pavilions, such as the Marble Boat. When you're done at the palace, transfer to the station to catch a 5.5-hour bullet train to Xi'an, the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and the capital of several ancient dynasties.

Day 5: Discover Xi'an: Terracotta Army & Muslim Quarter

Start your day with a visit to Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum, home to the famous Terracotta Army. Step inside to see the vast collection of life-size clay soldiers and horses buried to guard the emperor in the afterlife. Wander through the excavation pits to understand the terracotta figures' sheer scale and intricate craftsmanship, each with distinct facial features, expressions, posture, and attire. Don't miss the on-site museum that showcases the emperor's life and the construction of his mausoleum. 

Continue to the city's Muslim Quarter, which dates back to the Tang Dynasty, when Xi'an attracted many Muslim merchants from the Middle East and Central Asia. Stroll through the bustling quarter, lined with traditional shops, vibrant market stalls, and historic mosques. Stop to try authentic dishes, like roujiamo (a Xi'an-style lamb burger) or the famous biang biang noodles, amid the blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture. You'll also see landmarks, including the Great Mosque of Xi'an, one of China's oldest mosques, before transferring back to the hotel. 

Day 6: Train to Chengdu, Visit Wenshu Yuan Monastery

Say goodbye to Xi'an this morning as you head to the station to catch a 3.5-hour bullet train to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan and home to the beloved giant panda. When you arrive, meet your driver outside the station and transfer to your hotel to check in and freshen up. Then, set off on a city tour, starting at Wenshu Yuan Monastery, one of Sichuan's largest and best-preserved monasteries, dating back to the Tang Dynasty. As you enter the ornate gates, you'll be greeted by tranquil courtyards and beautifully landscaped gardens.

Wander through the monastery's main halls adorned with intricate carvings and Buddhist sculptures, including a revered statue of the Bodhisattva Manjushri. The monastery also has a traditional tea house, where you can enjoy high-quality tea overlooking the garden. End the night at Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street, a bustling avenue lined with shops, restaurants, and street food stalls. Pop in and out of the shops for souvenirs or indulge in local delights, like a spicy hot pot or kung pao chicken.

Day 7: Visit the Giant Panda Research Facility, Stroll Along Jinli Street

This morning's activity is sure to be a memorable one as you head to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, home to over 200 pandas. Learn about the endangered giant panda and the research base's conservation efforts to protect them with their breeding program. Then, tour the facility and watch these gregarious creatures play, eat bamboo, and interact with their caregivers. You may also see panda cubs, red pandas, leopards, monkeys, takin, and peacocks, so keep your eyes peeled.

In the afternoon, continue to Jinli Street, a charming pedestrian-only road lined with traditional architecture. Stroll down the street to see the old mansions that once belonged to wealthy merchants, stopping to visit the boutiques, teahouses, or food stalls. Sample local snacks, like sweet rice cakes or mapo tofu, a classic Sichuan dish featuring tofu in a spicy sauce. As darkness falls, watch the street come alive with lanterns before returning to your hotel.

Day 8: Train to Chongqing, Yangtze River Cruise (Day 1)

Bid farewell to Chengdu and its giant pandas this morning as you head to the station to board a two-hour bullet train to Chongqing, nestled at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. Meet your driver outside the station and transfer 30 minutes to Chaotianmen Port, where you'll board a cruise ship—your transport and accommodation for the next three days. Complete the check-in procedures, safety briefing, and introduction to the onboard facilities, then enjoy a welcome party on the deck. Around 9:30 pm, wave goodbye to the city and begin your journey along the Yangtze River.

Day 9: Morning Tai Chi Class, Visit Fengdu Ghost City (Day 2)

Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the river from your balcony, then grab a cup of tea or coffee and a snack ahead of this morning's Tai Chi class. Under the guidance of a skilled instructor, you'll learn the graceful, flowing postures and breathing techniques that characterize this ancient practice. Afterward, you'll feel physically and mentally refreshed and ready for the day. Enjoy a delicious breakfast on board, then disembark to discover Fengdu Ghost City on the northern banks of the river. 

This ancient site is renowned for its elaborate temples, statues, and sculptures depicting the afterlife and the spirits of the deceased. As you explore the complex, you'll encounter a series of intricately carved figures representing various deities, ghosts, and mythological creatures, all set against a backdrop of lush hills and winding pathways. While you walk, your guide will teach you about the legends associated with the site and how it combines the beliefs of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. At the end of the day, return to the cruise ship for dinner and a show.

Day 10: Sightseeing Cruise Along the Shennv Stream (Day 3)

As you enjoy breakfast on board, you'll cruise through two of the Three Gorges' most dramatic and picturesque sections. Glide through Qutang Gorge first, the narrowest and most awe-inspiring of the three. Look out at the towering cliffs and rugged rock formations rising sharply from the river, then continue to Wu Gorge, where the landscape shifts to a more serene ambience with lush greenery and rolling hills frequently shrouded in mist. 

After enjoying views of both gorges, switch to a smaller sightseeing boat to discover the crystal-clear Shennv Stream, also known as the "Goddess Stream." Look out at the verdant cliffs and towering karst formations while you glide along the tranquil water. Along the way, you might encounter boatmen adorned in traditional attire singing songs, sharing local folklore, or just navigating the water. At the end of the day, return to the cruise ship for a farewell party and banquet before retiring for the night.

Day 11: Visit the Three Gorges Dam, Train to Shanghai

After breakfast, leave the cruise ship behind and return to land to visit the Three Gorges Dam. This colossal structure spans over 7,535 feet (2,300 m) in length and 606 feet (185 m) in height, creating a massive reservoir that extends for hundreds of miles. Head to the visitor center to learn about the dam's construction, purpose, and regional impact. Then, make your way outside to see the dam's impressive locks, which facilitate the passage of large ships through the changing water levels.

Take in the view of the surrounding area, featuring the winding river, vast reservoir, and rugged peaks, before transferring to the station to catch a 5.5-hour bullet train to Shanghai, China's largest city. Upon arrival, you can transfer to your hotel or head to a local restaurant to try Shanghainese delights like xiaolongbao (delicate dumplings filled with soup and pork) or red braised pork.

Day 12: Full-Day Highlights Tour of Shanghai

Spend your penultimate day in China on a full-day tour of Shanghai's landmarks, starting at The Bund, a historic waterfront promenade. Enjoy panoramic views of the futuristic Pudong district across the Huangpu River, and listen as your guide teaches you how the city evolved from a small fishing village to one of the world's largest financial centers. Then, head to Yuyuan Garden, a serene oasis amid the urban landscape. Wander through the landscaped courtyards, meandering paths, and scenic pavilions adorned with intricate details.

Cross over the delicate bridges to admire the lotus ponds beneath before continuing to Yuyuan Bazaar just outside the garden. Browse the stalls full of local snacks, handicrafts, and antiques to find the perfect souvenir to take home. Finally, your guide will take you to see some of the city's shikumen, traditional Shanghainese stone gatehouses that combine Western and Chinese elements. Follow your guide down the narrow alleys lined with these interconnected houses for an up-close look at the wooden doors, tiled roofs, and stone facades. 

Day 13: Depart Shanghai 

Now that you've explored four iconic Chinese cities and cruised down the Yangtze River, it's time to head home. If you have a later flight, you could head to Nanjing Road, one of the busiest shopping streets in the world. Browse the array of luxury boutiques, department stores, and local shops to pick up some last-minute souvenirs. Visit one of the street food stalls to try some more Shanghainese dishes before you go, like shengjian bao (pan-fried pork buns). When it's time, return to the hotel to grab your bags and meet your driver to transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!