Beijing, Xi’an, Chongqing, Yichang & Shanghai

Touching down in Beijing, your personal tour guide will meet you at the arrival hall exit, with your name board and Odynovo's logo in hand. Later, you will be escorted to your hotel. The rest of the day is for you to relax and recover from your journey.

In the early morning, head to Tiananmen Square and then to the beautiful Forbidden City. This palace complex served as the residence of ancient Chinese emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Learn about the history and stories behind each palace with your knowledgeable guide. You can spend more time there if you're interested in the stories. In the afternoon, visit Jingshan Park, the Temple of Heaven, Panjiayuan Market, and teahouses. Optional: Peking duck or an evening program. Stroll around and admire the beautiful temples and pavilions.

Gallery: Forbidden City in Beijing

Today, you'll see one of Beijing's most popular attractions—the beautiful Great Wall. You can visit the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, where the scenery is beautiful and less crowded. Taking the cable car up and down the mountain is very convenient. You can also leisurely walk around the wall and enjoy the magnificent views. Afterwards, we'll visit the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube, checking out the venues of the Beijing Olympics.

Gallery: Mutianyu Great Wall in Beijing

Visit the Summer Palace to experience Chinese history and culture, followed by a tour of the hutongs to learn about the traditional life of Beijingers still living in their traditional courtyard houses. Take a rickshaw ride through the winding streets and feel the breeze. The stalls sell local delicacies, some of which may be unique and unavailable elsewhere. Almond tofu and Zhajiang noodles are two examples. After the tour, you will board the Xinxi'an bullet train. Your guide will meet you at the station and take you to your accommodation.

Gallery: Hutong in Beijing

In the morning, you'll uncover the secrets of the underground army of terracotta warriors and be awestruck by the thousands of life-size, vivid clay sculptures. In the afternoon, return to the city, experiencing the streets adorned with red lanterns along the ancient city walls, then stroll through Xi’an’s ancient city, sampling exotic snacks and collecting colorful souvenirs.

Gallery: Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an

High-speed train to Chongqing (~5 hrs). Transfer to Chaotianmen pier and board Victoria Cruises; evening departure toward the Yichang (Three Gorges) sector. Embark on a Yangtze River Three Gorges Tour

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing and fun Tai Chi session on deck. When the ship docks at Fengdu, take a shore excursion to the legendary Ghost City, where myths and Taoist traditions come alive, with an optional cable car ride available at extra cost. Back on board, join cultural activities before evening.

Gallery: Fengdu Shuangguishan

Enjoy a scenic day cruise with optional excursions. History buffs can opt for a guided tour of Baidi City. In the afternoon, prepare to admire the beauty of Shennvxi (Goddess Stream). Take a wooden boat to the deep canyon, enjoy the magnificent scenery, and have the opportunity to learn about the daily life of the locals.

Gallery: Goddess Stream

Today's highlight is undoubtedly the Three Gorges Dam, spanning the Yangtze River and once one of the world's largest power stations. Afterwards, transfer to the passenger center in downtown Yichang to board the high-speed train to Shanghai. Your tour guide will meet you at Shanghai Railway Station and take you to your hotel.

Starting at the Jade Buddha Temple, stroll along the riverside promenade and enjoy the beautiful views of the Oriental Pearl Tower. Visit the Shanghai Silk Museum and continue exploring the exquisite Jade Garden, a shining jewel among all traditional Chinese gardens on the south bank of the Yangtze River. Change pace and leisurely wander along the tree-lined boulevards of the former French Concession. Today's itinerary concludes with a walk along the Bund, a microcosm of 1920s Shanghai. Tonight, you might enjoy watching a spectacular acrobatic performance, which is optional and requires advance booking.

Gallery: The Bund in Shanghai

You are free to explore Shanghai at your own pace. Afterwards, transfer to the airport for your return trip. If you are interested, you can take the Maglev train to Pudong Airport, or have a driver take you directly there.