Day 1: Departure

Your adventure begins today as you board an overnight flight to Beijing, ready to explore China’s rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture.

Day 2: Arrival in Beijing

Upon arrival at Beijing Capital Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in Beijing, where you can settle in and rest after your long flight. This is a great time to relax and prepare for your upcoming adventures. The day is free for you to rest and adjust to the local time zone, ensuring you’re ready to explore the next day.

After some rest (optional), enjoy a leisurely walk through the historic hutongs, discovering hidden teahouses and artisan shops.

Dinner Suggestion: Savor Peking Duck at Siji Minfu, a local favourite.

🏨 Stay at: Peninsula Hotel Beijing (Deluxe Suite)

Meals Included: Breakfast,

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Beijing – Forbidden City & Hutong Discovery

Private guide & car

The Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven

Start your first full day in China with a guided tour of the Forbidden City, one of the largest palace complexes in the world, which served as the imperial residence for nearly 500 years. The history and architecture of the Forbidden City will leave you in awe. Afterward, head to the Temple of Heaven, an iconic symbol of Beijing, where emperors used to perform rituals. Following your tour, you’ll stroll through Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world, before stopping at a local restaurant for a delicious lunch.

Evening: Experience a traditional tea ceremony at Ming Dynasty Teahouse. (Optional)

🏨 Stay at: Peninsula Hotel Beijing (Deluxe Suite)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch

Day 4: Beijing Great Wall & Summer Palace

Private tour with English speaking driver/guide

The Mutianyu Great Wall(with round way cable car), Hutong Walking Tour in Dongcheng District

An early start takes you to the Mutianyu Great Wall, a less-crowded section with breathtaking views. Ride the cable car up for a scenic hike, then opt for an exhilarating toboggan ride down.

Later: Explore the historic alleys (Hutongs) of Dongcheng District, a window into old Beijing’s traditional way of life. This guided walking tour takes you through narrow lanes, hidden courtyards, local markets, and cultural landmarks while uncovering the stories behind these centuries-old neighborhoods.

Later, hop on a rickshaw for a hutong tour, where you’ll visit a local family and take part in a dumpling-making experience.

Evening suggestion: Take a sunset stroll around Houhai Lakes, enjoying the lively atmosphere.

🏨 Stay at: Peninsula Hotel Beijing (Deluxe Suite)

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch

Day 5: Bullet Train to Xi’an – Ancient Capital Awaits

Today, you’ll visit the Summer Palace, where you can take a scenic boat ride on Kunming Lake and explore the beautiful Garden of Virtue and Harmony. This peaceful retreat from the city offers a glimpse into the royal life of the Qing Dynasty. Afterward, you’ll transfer to the Beijing West Railway Station for your high-speed train ride to Xian. The journey takes about four hours, and upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel.

🏨 Stay at Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Hotel Xian (Premium Room)

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch

Day 6: Xian – Terracotta Warriors & Horses Museum

Your guide will take you to the Terracotta Warriors & Horses Museum, where you’ll explore thousands of life-sized soldiers guarding Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb. Afterward, enjoy a delicious Shaanxi-style lunch. In the afternoon, walk or cycle along Xi’an’s Ancient City Wall, soaking in panoramic views. As evening falls, embark on a tuk-tuk street food tour in the Muslim Quarter, sampling spiced lamb skewers, biangbiang noodles, and crispy sesame pancakes at hidden local spots. For an optional night experience, visit the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, watch a Tang Dynasty Show, or unwind at a rooftop bar before returning to your hotel.

Optional; In the late afternoon, take part in a Chinese calligraphy lesson with a local artist before walking or cycling along Xi’an’s Ancient City Wall.

🏨 Stay at Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Hotel Xian (Premium Room)

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch

Day 7 – Xian

Small Wild Goose Pagoda and Xi’an Museum, Bell Tower, Drum tower, Cooking dumplings, Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

Your guide will take you to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda and Xi’an Museum, where you’ll explore ancient Buddhist relics and the city’s rich history. Next, visit the iconic Bell Tower and Drum Tower, offering stunning views of the old city and a glimpse into Xi’an’s past. For lunch, enjoy a hands-on dumpling-making experience, learning the art of crafting Xi’an’s famous stuffed dumplings before savoring your creations. In the afternoon, visit the impressive Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a sacred site from the Tang Dynasty, surrounded by beautiful gardens. Afterward, return to your hotel or enjoy an optional evening fountain show at the pagoda square.

🏨 Stay at Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Hotel Xian (Premium Room)

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch

Day 8: Xian to Lijiang

-Xian to Lijiang flight (2,5h)

-Private hotel transfers

Early in the morning, your guide will transfer you to Xi’an Airport for your 08:25 flight to Lijiang (HO1873, Economy Class). Upon arrival at 11:05, your local guide will greet you and take you to the InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort, where you’ll check into your Junior Suite. After a short rest, begin exploring Lijiang Ancient Town, a UNESCO-listed treasure filled with cobbled streets, traditional Naxi courtyards, and flowing canals. Stroll through Sifang Street, visit hidden alleys, and soak in the town’s timeless charm. Enjoy your lunch at local restaurant, sampling authentic Yunnan cuisine. In the afternoon, visit the Black Dragon Pool, a serene park with stunning views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain reflected in its waters. Afterward, return to your hotel to relax or continue exploring at your own pace.

🏨 Stay at InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort（Junior Suite）

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch

Day 9: Lijiang & Surroundings

Blue Moon Valley, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Spruce Meadow), Baisha Murals at Baisha Village,

Your guide will take you to Blue Moon Valley, where you’ll admire stunning turquoise lakes and cascading waterfalls. Next, ride a cable car to Spruce Meadow on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, enjoying breathtaking alpine views. After a Yunnan-style lunch, visit Baisha Village to see the ancient Baisha Murals, a fusion of Naxi, Tibetan, and Han artistry.

Optional: For a cultural experience, join a Dongba calligraphy session or a traditional tie-dye workshop, learning age-old Naxi crafts. Afterward, unwind at a local teahouse or return to your hotel for a relaxed evening.

🏨 Stay at InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort（Junior Suite）

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch

Day 10: Tiger Leaping Gorge

Trekking

Your guide will take you on a scenic drive to Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest and most spectacular canyons in the world. Hike along the upper trail, taking in breathtaking views of the rushing Jinsha River, dramatic cliffs, and snow-capped peaks. Stop at Tiger Leaping Rock, where legend says a tiger once leaped across the gorge to escape a hunter. Enjoy a lunch at a guesthouse with stunning mountain views before continuing your trek or exploring nearby viewpoints. In the afternoon, return to Lijiang for a relaxing evening at your hotel or an optional visit to a local market or teahouse.

🏨 Stay at InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort（Junior Suite）

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch

Day 11: Lijiang to Chongqing

Flight to Chongqing, explore the town & board the Century Voyage. Cruise start day

Early in the morning, your guide will transfer you to Lijiang Airport for your 09:10 flight to Chongqing (JD5609, Economy Class). Upon arrival at 11:00, your local guide will meet you and take you to Hongyadong, a unique stilted complex blending traditional architecture, shops, and riverfront views. After exploring, enjoy lunch, sampling authentic Sichuan cuisine. Next, visit the Liziba Light Rail Station, famous for its train passing directly through a residential building, a fascinating sight showcasing Chongqing’s urban landscape. In the late afternoon, head to the cruise pier to board the Century Voyage. Embark between 16:30-20:00, followed by a buffet dinner with designated drinks. At 20:00, attend a safety briefing, then join the Captain’s Welcome Party at 21:00 before the ship sets sail around 21:00-21:30, marking the start of your unforgettable Yangtze River cruise.

🏨 Stay at Century Voyage (Deluxe Cabin)

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 12: Yangtze River cruise

White Emperor City, Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, Goddess Stream

Start your day with morning exercise (06:30-07:00), followed by a buffet breakfast (06:45-08:30) before your shore excursion to White Emperor City (08:00-11:00), an ancient temple complex with stunning views of Qutang Gorge and rich historical legends. Around 11:45, enjoy breathtaking scenery as you cruise through Qutang Gorge, the narrowest and most dramatic of the Three Gorges. After a buffet lunch (12:00-13:30), continue sailing through the majestic Wu Gorge (13:45), known for its misty peaks and mythical beauty. In the afternoon, take a shore excursion to Goddess Stream (14:30-16:30), a serene waterway surrounded by towering cliffs and lush forests. Return to the ship for a dinner buffet (18:30-20:00) before joining the Guest Talent Show (20:30-21:30), where passengers can showcase their skills. End the day with midnight snacks (22:00-23:00) and a peaceful night on board.

🏨 Stay at Century Voyage (Deluxe Cabin)

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 13: Yangtze River cruise

White Emperor City, Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, Goddess Stream

🚘 Private guide & transfers

Start your day with morning exercise (06:30-07:00), followed by a buffet breakfast (06:45-08:30) before your shore excursion to White Emperor City (08:00-11:00), an ancient temple complex with stunning views of Qutang Gorge and rich historical legends. Around 11:45, enjoy breathtaking scenery as you cruise through Qutang Gorge, the narrowest and most dramatic of the Three Gorges. After a buffet lunch (12:00-13:30), continue sailing through the majestic Wu Gorge (13:45), known for its misty peaks and mythical beauty. In the afternoon, take a shore excursion to Goddess Stream (14:30-16:30), a serene waterway surrounded by towering cliffs and lush forests. Return to the ship for a dinner buffet (18:30-20:00) before joining the Guest Talent Show (20:30-21:30), where passengers can showcase their skills. End the day with midnight snacks (22:00-23:00) and a peaceful night on board.

🏨 Stay at Century Voyage (Deluxe Cabin)

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 14: Yangtze River cruise – Yichang – flight to Shanghai

🚘 Private guide & transfers

Start your morning with a buffet breakfast (06:30-08:00) while enjoying the stunning views as the ship cruises through Xiling Gorge (approx. 07:00), the longest and most varied of the Three Gorges. At 08:45, disembark at Maoping Pier (Yichang) for a shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam Project Site (08:45-11:30), where you’ll explore the River Closure Memorial Park and the Three Gorges Dam Museum, learning about this massive engineering marvel. Around 12:30, your guide will transfer you to downtown Yichang, where you’ll proceed to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, meet your local guide for a private transfer to your hotel, where you can relax or explore the city at your own pace.

🏨 Stay at The Peninsula（Deluxe Room)

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 15: Shanghai – Modern China’s Skyline

🚖 Private transfer to hotel

Your guide will take you to explore the historic Yuyuan Garden, a stunning classical Chinese garden filled with tranquil ponds, pavilions, and ancient rock formations. Stroll through the lively Yuyuan Bazaar, where you can shop for traditional handicrafts, souvenirs, and local snacks. After lunch, visit the Shanghai Tower, the city’s tallest skyscraper, and take the high-speed elevator to the 118th-floor Observation Deck for breathtaking panoramic views of the Shanghai skyline. Next, walk along Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s famous shopping street, lined with boutiques, malls, and historic buildings. After a delicious dinner, enjoy an evening Pujiang River Cruise from South Bund to Yangpu Bridge, where you’ll admire the glittering lights of Shanghai’s iconic skyline, including the Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower, and Lujiazui skyscrapers

🏨 Stay at The Peninsula（Deluxe Room)

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 16: Shanghai Zhujiajiao Water Town

🚘 Private guide & car

Your guide will take you on a scenic drive to Zhujiajiao Water Town, a charming ancient town known as the “Venice of Shanghai.” Stroll along its stone-paved alleys, cross elegant arch bridges, and admire traditional Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. Take a relaxing boat ride along the canals, soaking in the town’s tranquil beauty. Stop at a traditional teahouse, where you’ll enjoy a cup of fine Chinese tea paired with local snacks, experiencing the relaxing tea culture of the region. Afterward, savor a delicious lunch, featuring authentic Jiangnan cuisine. In the afternoon, return to Shanghai, where you can either relax at your hotel or explore more of the city at your own pace.

🏨 Stay at The Peninsula（Deluxe Room)

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch

Day 17: Departure from Shanghai – Homeward Bound

🚖 Private transfer to Pudong Airport
✈ International flight home

Your journey through China’s ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cities comes to an end. Safe travels home!

At the scheduled time we will pick you up at the hotel and transfer you to the airport just in time for your departure flight to and fly back to your destination.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast