Shanghai, Yichang, Chongqing, Xi’an, Luoyang and Beijing

Upon your arrival at Shanghai Airport, a private vehicle will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel for check-in. You will then have free time to spend at your leisure; you may choose to rest at the hotel to adjust to the time difference, or head out to explore the surroundings independently.

We will gather in the hotel lobby in the morning to begin a relaxing day of sightseeing. Our first stop is the Yu Garden—a quintessential example of classical Ming Dynasty garden architecture—where you can immerse yourself in the exquisite, poetic charm of the Jiangnan region. After lunch, we will head to the Jade Buddha Temple, one of Shanghai's most renowned Buddhist sites, where you can enjoy a light afternoon tea at the temple's vegetarian restaurant.

Gallery: Yu GardenJade Buddha Temple

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In the morning, we will gather in the hotel lobby and take a direct, air-conditioned private vehicle to Zhujiajiao Ancient Town—a historic Jiangnan water town boasting a history of over 1,700 years. At noon, we will travel directly from Zhujiajiao via air-conditioned private vehicle to Tianzifang—a labyrinthine network of narrow lanes created through the renovation of traditional *Shikumen* alleyways within the former French Concession.

Gallery: Zhujiajiao water town 1Zhujiajiao water town 2

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In the morning, depart from Shanghai Station via high-speed train bound for Yichang East Station. Upon your arrival at Yichang East, your tour guide will meet you at the station; after dinner, proceed to Maoping Pier to board the ship.

Shore excursion to Three Gorges Dam (museum, 185 platform, memorial park). Optional vertical ship lift (fee). Sail Xiling Gorge toward Chongqing.

Gallery: Three gorges dam 1Three gorges dam 2

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After an early breakfast, transfer to a smaller boat to tour either Shennong Stream or Goddess Stream. The boat then sails through Wu Gorge, followed by Qutang Gorge.

Gallery: Goddess Stream 1Goddess Stream 2

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In the morning, visit [Shibaozhai] (the "Pearl of the River"—an architectural marvel consisting of a wooden stilt-house structure perched atop a solitary riverine peak). In the afternoon, visit [Fengdu Ghost City] or [Shuanggui Mountain] (featuring legends of the Ghost City, the Bridge of Helplessness, and the Boundary between Yin and Yang—an intriguing cultural experience). In the evening, enjoy the Captain's Farewell Banquet.

Gallery: Fengdu Ghost CityShuanggui Mountain

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Disembark Chaotianmen; Liziba metro view; Chongqing West to Xi’an North by high-speed train; dinner in Xi’an.

Gallery: Liziba metro view

We will gather in the hotel lobby in the morning and take a direct, air-conditioned private vehicle to the Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang. Explore the Emperor's subterranean legion—the massive military formation of a thousand warriors in Pit 1 is a truly awe-inspiring sight. Gain insight into traditional Chinese jade carving craftsmanship, and observe master artisans performing live carving demonstrations and showcasing the jade polishing process.

Gallery: Terracotta Warriors 1Terracotta Warriors 2

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In the morning, we will gather in the hotel lobby and take an air-conditioned private vehicle directly to Xi’an North Station. From there, we will travel by high-speed train to Luoyang Longmen Station, followed by another air-conditioned private transfer directly to the Longmen Grottoes.

Gallery: Longmen Grottoes

Drive to Dengfeng — Shaolin Temple & pagoda forest; optional kung fu show. Train from Zhengzhou East to Beijing West; dinner in Beijing.

Today is a day to travel back in time and marvel at Chinese imperial history, as you will spend the majority of your time at the Forbidden City - the Ming and Qing Dynasties Treasure. You'll be picked up from the hotel lobby by your guide and driven to the Forbidden City. Before entering the Forbidden City, you will have the opportunity to explore Tiananmen Square. With your experienced guide by your side, you can learn the history of the Forbidden City's intricate architecture and ornamentation. Even if you're not normally into history, you'll find that you're drawn in. Later that day, you'll journey to the Temple of Heaven, where ancient emperors offered sacrifices and prayed for a bountiful crop. In addition to the impressive architecture, the area is frequented by locals for sport and recreation.

Gallery: Forbidden city 1Forbidden city 2

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In the morning, gather in the hotel lobby for a direct transfer via air-conditioned private vehicle to the Badaling Great Wall Scenic Area. Take a cable car to the summit, then stroll along the Great Wall to admire panoramic views of the winding wall and the majestic mountains in the distance. Enjoy a meal at a top-rated local restaurant. Afterward, you will proceed along the Sacred Way to visit the Ming Tombs.

Today you are saying goodbye to China. Enjoy some free time on your own until you're taken to the airport for your flight. Thank you for traveling with us and wish you a pleasant flight.