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Day 1
ARRIVE BEIJING (3 NIGHTS)
Welcome to Beijing! Upon arrival, your Travel Director will escort you to your luxurious hotel and will be on hand to greet you and answer any questions you may have about the exciting days ahead.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 2
BEIJING SIGHTSEEING
Begin your exploration of Beijing with a Local Guide starting at Tiananmen Square, which is both the centre of contemporary civic life and the gateway to the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, it is surrounded by monuments to Chairman Mao and the Communist revolution that transformed China following World War II. Stroll through the square and enter the Forbidden City, the 250-acre precinct of the emperors. Begun in the 15th century, it grew to encompass palaces and gardens, quarters for the imperial family, and offices for bureaucrats. The complex houses innumerable treasures of the Qing and Ming dynasties. Later, embark on a unique tour by rickshaw through the Hutongs, the historic neighbourhoods of Old Beijing. Stop outside a traditional courtyard home where you join a local family for a Be My Guest lunch featuring traditional Chinese cuisine. This evening, enjoy a succulent Peking Duck Welcome Reception dinner with wine—a must during any visit to Beijing.
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Day 3
BEIJING SIGHTSEEING AND THE GREAT WALL
Walk along a section of the legendary Great Wall with a Local Guide, a UNESCO-designated site that has been one of the manmade wonders of the world since it was originally built in the 6th century to keep out invaders from the north. Back in Beijing, spend the evening enjoying a spectacular show at the Red Theatre that combines kung fu prowess with acrobatics and dance; it’s the best performance in town.
Day 4
BEIJING SIGHTSEEING - XI'AN (2 NIGHTS)
Start the day touring the Temple of Heaven (or Altar of Heaven) with a Local Guide, a UNESCO-designated site completed in the 15th century that symbolises the relationship between heaven and earth—and the emperor’s place within that cosmography. A masterpiece of architectural and landscape design, it influenced architecture throughout China for centuries. After lunch, fly to the ancient city of Xi’an. Get settled at your hotel before savouring a Highlight Dinner at a local restaurant featuring traditional dumplings.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 5
XI'AN SIGHTSEEING
Venture out with a Local Guide during a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the legendary army of Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses in Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s subterranean tomb. Twenty-four centuries ago, China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, was entombed with a vast army of soldiers and horses made of clay. The tomb complex lay undisturbed until the 20th century, when it became one of the most astonishing archaeological finds ever recorded. Only about 8,000 of the life-size Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses have been excavated; no one knows for sure how many more figures remain concealed. Later, enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the old city wall, which protected Xi’an’s inhabitants from its invaders. This evening, indulge in a Tang Dynasty Highlight Dinner and cultural performance featuring music, dance, and traditional costumes with a special backstage visit.
Day 6
XI'AN - CHONGQING SIGHTSEEING - YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE (3 NIGHTS)
With a Local Guide, visit the seven-story Big Wild Goose Pagoda, sacred to Buddhists since the seventh century; tradition says throwing coins from the pagoda’s windows brings good luck. Then, fly to Chongqing, where you’ll stop for a glimpse of the giant pandas at the city zoo before boarding your luxurious ship to begin your Yangtze River cruise.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 7
CRUISING THE YANGTZE RIVER
Though the Yangtze is almost 5648 kilometres long, the 120 kilometres known as the Three Gorges is famous for its unrivaled scenery. Every view is a picture straight out of China’s iconic water-colour illustrations. The ship will stop at Shibao Pagoda, a colourful temple built into the side of a steep hill that is now an island as a result of rising waters from the Three Gorges Dam. Explore the site with a Local Guide. Tonight, raise a glass during a special Captain’s Welcome Reception.
Day 8
CRUISING THE YANGTZE RIVER
Get a close-up view of the breathtaking landscape as you board a small boat with a Local Guide and cruise along Shennong Stream, a tributary to the Yangtze. Karst caves pock the high cliffs surrounding you, and monkeys play on the shores of the sparkling clear waters. Later in the day, your ship will navigate the enormous Three Gorges Dam locks. Tonight, enjoy a festive onboard Captain’s Farewell Dinner.
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Day 9
YICHANG - SHANGHAI (2 NIGHTS)
Disembark today with a Local Guide and visit the world’s largest hydroelectric project, the Three Gorges Dam, which is designed to control flooding on the Yangtze and provide electrical power to a vast swathe of the country. Its scale is a tribute to national ambition, but its location has caused controversy. Then catch a flight to Shanghai, where you’ll settle into your deluxe room at your hotel and relax over dinner.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 10
SHANGHAI SIGHTSEEING
With a Local Guide, stroll along the Bund, Shanghai’s famed waterfront promenade, and admire the view of the Pudong district with its spectacular skyscrapers. After savouring a tasty and traditional Dim Sum Highlight Lunch, you’ll have time to browse through the shops in the district. In the evening, be dazzled by the world-renowned Shanghai Acrobats.
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Day 11
DEPART SHANGHAI
Transfer to the airport for your flight home, or continue your holiday with one of our popular optional extensions.