🌟 About This Trip
Experience the perfect harmony of China’s imperial history and natural splendor on this 14-day grand tour. From the majestic Great Wall in Beijing and the silent Terracotta Army in Xi’an to the ethereal karst peaks of Guilin, every stop is a highlight. This itinerary features a special detour to the “Mountain City” of Chongqing—famed for its urban monorail that passes through buildings—followed by a luxurious 4-day Yangtze River cruise through the Three Gorges. Conclude your journey in the cosmopolitan metropolis of Shanghai, where tradition meets a futuristic skyline.
🗓️ Itinerary Summary
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – 4 | Beijing | Forbidden City, Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Hutong Rickshaw Ride |
| 5 – 6 | Xi’an | Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter |
| 7 – 8 | Guilin & Yangshuo | Li River Cruise, West Street, Reed Flute Cave, Countryside Tour |
| 9 | Chongqing | Ciqikou Old Town, Shancheng Alley, Liziba Monorail, Huguang Guild Hall |
| 10 – 12 | Yangtze Cruise | Fengdu Ghost City, Shennv Stream, Three Gorges Dam |
| 13 – 14 | Shanghai | The Bund, Yu Garden, French Concession, Jade Buddha Temple |
🏛️ Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
Upon touching down in Beijing, your personal tour guide will meet you at the arrivals hall exit. You will be escorted via private vehicle to your hotel to relax and recover from your journey.
Accommodations: Beijing
Day 2: Imperial Beijing: Forbidden City & Summer Palace
Explore the Forbidden City, the massive palace complex that served as the home of emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace, a royal masterpiece of landscaped gardens featuring beautiful temples and pavilions. Optional: Enjoy a Kung Fu Show in the evening.
Meals: B, L | Accommodations: Beijing
Day 3: Great Wall Adventure & Ming Tombs
Travel to the Mutianyu Great Wall, a scenic and less crowded section. Enjoy a round-trip cable car ride for panoramic views. Later, visit the Changling Tomb to learn about ancient imperial burial cultures and the architectural secrets of the Ming mausoleums.
Meals: B, L | Accommodations: Beijing
Day 4: Temple of Heaven & Hutong Rickshaw Ride
Visit the Temple of Heaven, where ancient rulers prayed for bountiful harvests. Later, take a rickshaw ride through the winding Hutongs to experience traditional neighborhood life. Sample unique local delicacies like Almond Tofu or Zhajiangmian before boarding a bullet train to Xi’an.
Meals: B, L | Accommodations: Xi’an
Day 5: Xi’an: Terracotta Warriors & Old City
Uncover the mysteries of the Terracotta Warriors, featuring thousands of life-sized vivid clay statues. Back in the city, enjoy a stroll along the Ancient City Wall and explore the vibrant Muslim Quarter for exotic snacks and colorful souvenirs. Optional: Tang Dynasty Music & Dance Show.
Meals: B, L | Accommodations: Xi’an
Day 6: Xi’an – Guilin: Reed Flute Cave
Fly to Guilin this morning. Upon arrival, explore the Reed Flute Cave, a “palace of natural arts” filled with illuminated stalactites and stalagmites. Transfer to your hotel for check-in.
Meals: B | Accommodations: Guilin
Day 7: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo
Embark on a scenic Li River cruise to Yangshuo. Drift past the iconic karst pinnacles that have inspired poets for centuries. In the afternoon, explore the bustling West Street. Optional: Enjoy the “Impression of Sanjie Liu” outdoor show.
Meals: B, L | Accommodations: Yangshuo
Day 8: Yangshuo Countryside – Train to Chongqing
Spend a leisurely morning exploring the tranquil villages of Yangshuo. In the afternoon, take a high-speed train (5-6 hours) to the hillside metropolis of Chongqing. Meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel.
Meals: B, L | Accommodations: Chongqing
Day 9: Chongqing Highlights – Embark on Yangtze Cruise
Explore Ciqikou Old Town and the historic Shancheng Alley. Witness the famous Liziba Monorail passing through a residential building and visit the Huguang Guild Hall for a Sichuan Opera face-changing performance. In the evening, board your Yangtze River Cruise ship.
Meals: B, L, D | Accommodations: Yangtze River Cruise
Day 10: Yangtze Cruise: Fengdu Ghost City
Begin the day with Tai Chi on deck. Disembark for a shore excursion to the legendary Fengdu Ghost City, a site rich in myths and Taoist traditions. Optional: Attend the “FengYan SanGuo” outdoor spectacle in the evening.
Meals: B, L, D | Accommodations: Yangtze River Cruise
Day 11: Yangtze Cruise: Three Gorges & Shennv Stream
Sail through the majestic Three Gorges. In the afternoon, switch to a smaller boat to explore the deep gorge of Shennv (Goddess) Stream. Optional: Morning shore excursion to White Emperor City.
Meals: B, L, D | Accommodations: Yangtze River Cruise
Day 12: Three Gorges Dam – Flight to Shanghai
Visit the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest power station. After disembarking in Yichang, transfer to the airport for your flight to the dazzling city of Shanghai.
Meals: B | Accommodations: Shanghai
Day 13: Shanghai Discovery
Visit the Shanghai Museum and the exquisite Yu Garden. Stroll through the tree-lined avenues of the Former French Concession and end your tour at the Bund, the iconic waterfront showcasing Old Shanghai’s 1920s grandeur. Optional: Shanghai Acrobatic Show.
Meals: B, L | Accommodations: Shanghai
Day 14: Departure from Shanghai
Enjoy free time until your private transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. Wishing you a pleasant journey!
Meals: B
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