Yangtze River Cruise and the China Top Destinations

Arrival in Beijing Welcome to the magnificent city of Beijing! To make your arrival as smooth as possible, our dedicated private tour guide will greet you in the arrivals hall and escort you to your hotel via a private vehicle. We will also handle your luggage and assist with the hotel check-in process.

Lunch or dinner would be arranged according to the voucher Linkedtours gives you. Otherwise you can find some local restaurants nearby or have meals in the hotel.

Hotel options:

Novotel Beijing Peace (4-star)

Crowne Plaza Beijing (5-star)

Begin your day at the Temple of Heaven, an esteemed complex of religious structures that epitomizes the connection between Earth and Heaven. Here, you'll witness local residents engaging in their distinctive morning exercises. For lunch, enjoy a meal at a well-known local eatery, featuring authentic regional cuisine. Your guide will assist you in selecting dishes that suit your taste.

Stroll through Tian'anmen Square and delve into the enigmatic Forbidden City, the world's largest imperial palace. Venture off the beaten path within the Forbidden City to uncover fascinating tales of notable figures, stories often overlooked by conventional tour guides.

After breakfast, head to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Discover the fascinating stories behind this world wonder as your guide leads you to the most recommended areas for a leisurely walk.

In the afternoon, travel to the Simatai section of the Great Wall. Spend your time exploring the picturesque Guibei Water Town, nestled at the foot of the Great Wall. You also have the option to unwind with a soak in a hot spring.

As evening falls, your guide will accompany you on a cable car ride up to the Simatai section to enjoy the breathtaking night views, a unique experience distinct from the daytime view. Simatai is the only section that is open and illuminated at night.

Tips to Tailor-Make Your Tour:
Are you looking for a more romantic experience? Visit between April and October to enjoy a delightful dinner at a special restaurant, where you can see the Simatai section of the Great Wall beautifully lit up along the mountain ridges at night.

Hotel options:

William Edgar Hotel

Beijing Water Town Hot Spring Resort

Explore the Summer Palace, a Qing Dynasty masterpiece featuring Kunming Lake, marble boats, and the Long Corridor's painted ceilings. Glide across the lake by dragon boat for a royal perspective. 

Lunch. Later, board a high-speed train to Xi'an (4.5-6 hours), passing rural landscapes and ancient villages. 

Hotel options: 

- Sofitel Legend People's Grand Palace Xi'an: A historic hotel housed in a restored 1950s landmark. 

- Hyatt Regency Xi'an: A contemporary stay near the ancient city walls.

Morning

Today, you will dedicate the bulk of your time to the exploration of the world wonder of the Terracotta Army, (also known as the Terracotta Warriors), which represents the subterranean military escort of Emperor Qin Shihuang (the first emperor to unify China). It is said that Emperor Qin intended to wield his authority beyond life with this army, which comprises different branches of the armed force, chariots, horses as well as their weapons, especially thousands of life-sized statues with diverse heights and facial characteristics. Up until now, there are four pits dug and most still buried in the pits. While admiring the Terracotta Army, you might also be curious about how ancient craftsmen created these figures. Getting out of the museum, you will have the opportunity to craft a clay warrior in person at a local artisan's workshop nestled within a cave dwelling.

Afternoon

After lunch we will proceed to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, which is closely associated with Buddhist relics. Constructed in the third year of Emperor Gaozong's Yonghui reign (652 A.D.), it was erected by Master Xuan Zang as a repository for the Buddhist scriptures and relics he had brought back from the West. It initially comprised five stories. During the early 8th century, under the reign of Empress Wu Zetian, an additional five stories were added to the pagoda. However, subsequent wars damaged the structure, reducing it to seven stories. At the top of the pagoda, visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of Xi'an.

During your visit here, you can step into a local Hanfu experience center, where you can choose a suit of Hanfu you like and apply makeup that captures the characteristics of a particular dynasty. You can take photos during your subsequent travels today, when walking around the ancient capital in Hanfu seems to take you back to the Tang Dynasty, which can serve as a memorable keepsake.

Evening

Dressing in Hanfu, students will continue their journey to Datang Everbright City in the evening. Datang Everbright City is the only large pedestrian street in China that features a cluster of Tang-style buildings. Here, visitors can stroll among these architectural wonders and engage in various interactive experience activities, such as watching the astonishing light shows and palace dancing performances, and tasting authentic Chinese cuisine.

Morning

Hanyang Mausoleum (also called Hanyangling Museum) is a tomb from Western Han Dynasty and it is the most intact royal mausoleum. It serves as the joint tomb of Emperor Jing and his queen from the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-24 AD) in ancient China. The reign of Emperor Jing, along with his father Emperor Wen, is collectively known as the Rule of Wen and Jing (180 BC-141 BC), which is regarded as one of the golden ages in Chinese history. His reign fostered economic and cultural development, earning him a reputation as a capable emperor. The mausoleum encompasses the emperor's tomb, the empress's tomb, southern and northern burial pits, a ceremonial area, a graveyard for human sacrifices, and a cemetery for criminals. The tomb of Emperor Jing resembles a pyramid without a top, standing prominently in the center, surrounded by numerous satellite tombs scattered in various directions, serving as its protective guardians. In Hanyangling Museum, there is underground exhibition hall for tourist to visit. In the area, tens of thousands of artifacts have been unearthed, including terra-cotta nude figurines and a diverse array of animal sculptures, with vivid expression on their face.

Afternoon

After lunch, you will continue your journey to Chongqing by air. On arrival, you will be picked up by your personal guide and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a good night's rest.

Morning: Ciqi Kou Ancient Town

• Step into Ciqi Kou, a 1,000-year-old riverside town with cobblestone alleys and Ming-Qing architecture. Browse handicraft stalls for Sichuan embroidery or porcelain, and savor local snacks like maoxuewang (spicy blood curd stew) or sticky rice cakes.

  
  

Afternoon: Liziba Station Monorail

• Witness the viral “train-through-building” phenomenon at Liziba Station. Watch the light rail pass directly through a residential high-rise, a marvel of Chongqing's innovative urban design. Capture photos from the dedicated viewing platform below.

  
  

Activity: Eling Park & Two Rivers View

• Hike up Eling Park for panoramic views of Chongqing's confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. The park's blend of gardens, pavilions, and WWII-era relics offers a tranquil escape from the city's hustle.

  
  

Evening: Hotpot Experience

• Indulge in Chongqing's fiery mala hotpot at a local favorite like Decheng Hotpot. Cook fresh ingredients like duck intestine, beef tripe, and lotus root in a bubbling broth of chili and Sichuan peppercorns—a must-try culinary adventure.

Afternoon/Evening:

• Chongqing City Transfer: Your private guide and driver will meet you at Chongqing airport/hotel and escort you to the cruise terminal.

• Boarding & Welcome: Check into your cabin (recommended: balcony cabin for scenic views). Attend a safety briefing and welcome dinner featuring Sichuan and Chongqing specialties like hotpot (optional spice level) or twice-cooked pork.

• Evening Activity: Enjoy a traditional Chinese music performance or relax on the sundeck to see Chongqing's glittering skyline as the ship departs.

Included Experiences:

• Guided Shore Excursions: English-speaking guides at all stops.

• Cultural Immersion: Calligraphy, Tai Chi, folk performances.

• Scenic Highlights: Three Gorges, Shennong Stream, Fengdu's mythology.

Practical Tips for International Travelers

1. Visa & Permits: Ensure your China visa covers Chongqing and Hubei. The cruise agency handles mandatory Yangtze travel permits.

2. Currency: Carry RMB for souvenirs (e.g., silk, tea) at rural stops; most ships accept credit cards onboard.

3. Health: Pack motion sickness pills for smaller boats; ships have clinics for minor emergencies.

4. Language: Crew speak basic English; guides assist with translation.

5. Packing: Light layers (humid summers/cool evenings), sturdy shoes for temple climbs, and a waterproof jacket.

6. WiFi: Limited onboard; purchase a local SIM card in Chongqing for better connectivity.

Morning:

• Fengdu Ghost City: Disembark for a guided tour of this ancient Taoist site. Learn about its eerie folklore of the “City of the Dead,” featuring statues of underworld judges and the “Bridge of Helplessness.” Climb Ming dynasty temples for panoramic river views.

  
  

Afternoon:

• Shibaozhai Pagoda: Visit this 12-story wooden pagoda built against a cliff (18th century). Your guide explains its symbolic architecture and role in river navigation history. Cross the swinging bridge to explore the hilltop temple.

• Onboard Activities: Join a Chinese calligraphy class or attend a lecture on the Three Gorges' geology and culture.

  
  

Evening:

• Captain's Dinner: A lavish multi-course meal with local delicacies like steamed river fish and stuffed lotus root.

• Optional: Stargaze on the deck as the ship sails through the Qutang Gorge's narrow cliffs (first of the Three Gorges).

Morning:

• Wu Gorge Scenic Sailing: Cruise through the Wu Gorge, known for its mist-shrouded peaks and dramatic vistas. Watch for waterfalls and ancient plank roads carved into cliffs.

• Shennong Stream Adventure: Transfer to a small wooden boat (peapod boat) for a tranquil ride along this tributary. Local Tujia ethnic rowers sing folk songs as you pass hanging coffins, karst formations, and emerald-green waters.

  
  

Afternoon:

• Onboard Relaxation: Unwind with a Tai Chi session or dip in the ship's pool.

• Cultural Talk: Learn about the Three Gorges Dam's engineering feats and social impacts from an onboard expert.

  
  

Evening:

• Farewell Party: Enjoy a costume show featuring ethnic dances from Yangtze communities (e.g., Tujia, Miao). Sip cocktails while sailing through Xiling Gorge, the longest of the Three Gorges.

Morning:

• Three Gorges Dam Visit: Tour the world's largest hydropower project. Walk across the Observation Deck to grasp its scale and visit the Exhibition Center detailing its construction.

• Ship Lock Transit: Experience the ship passing through the dam's massive five-tier locks (if itinerary permits).

  
  

Afternoon:

• Disembark in Yichang: Transfer to Yichang city or airport (1-hour drive). If time allows, visit the Yichang Museum to see artifacts from ancient Ba and Chu cultures.

  
  

Fly to the Shanghai. Your guide and driver will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel.

Morning: 

Visit the Shanghai Museum. The Shanghai Museum is a large-scale museum of ancient Chinese art and is one of the first batch of national first-class museums.

Afternoon: 

Visit Yu Garden and the surrounding markets. Yu Garden is not only a historical and cultural landmark of the city of Shanghai but also a treasure of traditional Chinese culture.

Morning:

• Departure from Shanghai:

• Visit the Humble Administrator's Garden: Start your tour with one of the most famous classical gardens in Suzhou. This garden, built in 1522 during the Ming Dynasty, is known for its beautiful water features, rockeries, and pavilions. It is a great example of the harmonious blend of nature and architecture in traditional Chinese gardens.

  
  

Midday:

• Lunch: Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant in Suzhou. 

• Pingjiang Road: After lunch, stroll along Pingjiang Road, a historic street that showcases the traditional architecture and culture of Suzhou. The street is lined with canals, bridges, and shops, offering a glimpse into the city's past.

  
  

Afternoon:

• Visit the Lingering Garden: Explore this compact and delicate garden, which is another of Suzhou's classic gardens. It features a series of interconnected halls, pavilions, and gardens, each with its own unique charm.

  
  

Evening:

• Return to Shanghai: Take the high-speed train back to Shanghai, concluding your day trip.

Transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport for your onward journey.