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16-Day Memories of China with Yangtze Cruise & Tibet

Destinations: Beijing, Xian, Lhasa, Chongqing, Yangtze, Yichang, Shanghai

Tour Type: Private Tour

Tour Code: ct-12s

Overview: Create precious memories in this China tour: Beijing, Xi'an, Lhasa, Shanghai and a Yangtze River Cruise. One of our best sellers with great value and experience.

Great News for Tibet Travel

Tibet will reopen to foreign travelers in April 2013

Tibet will reopen to foreign travelers in April 2013

Tibet will be open to foreigners from April, 2013! No group size required, no nationality limitations. With your basic information (nationality, career and etc.) and a copy of passport, we will get the job done for you. >> Check it out

Day 1

Beijing Arrival (Flight not Included)

Destinations & activities: Hotel - Airport Transfer

Welcome to China! As you arrive in Beijing, you will feel warm welcome by your Beijing tour guide and driver. You will be escorted to hotel for check-in. Free time afterwards.

Meals: None

 

 
Hutong Visit
Visit a local family inside the Hutongs.
Day 2

Beijing

Destinations & activities: Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City, Hutong, a local pearl store

A fresh breakfast kicks start your morning. This morning we will visit the largest public square, Tian'anmen Square. Afterwards, we will enter the Forbidden City to track down history's imprints. Stop by a local pearl store. Have lunch in a nice restaurant

Afternoon is spent visiting the maze-like Hutong. A visit to a local family is essential!

 

- Smart Tips:

  • For Lois Friedland, guide and writer from About.com, Hutong is where she reveals China's history.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch at Ba Guo Bu Yi Restaurant

      

     
    Mutianyu Section
    Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall
    Day 3

    Beijing

    Destinations & activities: Temple of Heaven, Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall, Bird's Nest and Water Cube, a cloisonné factory

    In morning, we will drive up to the Great Wall at Mutianyu Section, where you will take a cable car ride up the peak and a slide-way ride downwards. Visit a local cloisonné store before lunch.

    In the afternoon, you will visit the Temple of Heaven, where Chinese emperors used to worship God with their sacrifices. Later, you will go for a walk outside the Bird's Nest and Water Cube.

     

    - Smart Tips:

  • Free time ideas: Chaoyang Theater offers you a night-time spectacle, Chaoyang Acrobatics Show, ranked #5 on Trip Advisor.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch at Xinshuangquan Restaurant

     

     
    Summer Palace
    Summer Palace
    Day 4

    Beijing to Xi'an (By Overnight Train No.Z19)

    Destinations & activities: Free time in Beijing, hotel - train station transfer

    Today you will have a whole free day in Beijing before the train departuring at 8:00pm. Refer to our suggested activities as follow.

     

    - Smart Tips:

  • Beijing Zoo is an all-time favorite for both kids and adults.
  • The Drum Tower still keeps drumming every hour from 9:30am to 4:30pm (except 12:30pm), 9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am etc. Aside the drumming show, the tower offers great view of how everything in Beijing is aligned with the Forbidden City.
  • A boat trip on Kunming Lake in the Summer Palace is essential for a relaxing China holiday. Or a less-crowded choice, go to the Old Summer Palace near it.
  • Meals: Breakfast

     

     
    Terracotta Army
    Terracotta Army is a highlight to your China tour!
    Day 5

    Xi'an

    Destinations & activities: Train station - hotel Transfer, Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a handicraft center

    Arrive in Xi'an in the morning, your tour guide will take you to some simple breakfast and help you check in. Later, you will visit the wonder of ancient China: Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Have lunch in a Sichuan restaurant nearby before a walk at a handicraft center.

    In the afternoon, you will be back to Xi'an downtown, waiting is the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, one of the biggest and most important Buddhism temples in China.

     

    Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch at A Wa Shan Zhai Restaurant

     

     
    Dumpling
    Make dumplings
    Day 6

    Xi'an

    Destinations & activities: Ancient City Wall, dumpling-making class and free time in Xi'an

    Today you will walk on the Ancient City Wall. Later, take a tour around this ancient defense system.

    At noon, you will attend a cooking class to learn dumpling-making and enjoy your hand-made dumplings. Afterwards, you will be free in this ancient yet lively city.

    - Smart Tips:

  • For foodies, march to the Muslim Quarter for some halal food or snacks alike.
  • Reviewed as a "hidden gem". the Gao's Grand Courtyard hides behind the Muslim Quarter, inviting you for an insightful visit. Shadow Puppet Show (20CNY / Person) here is said to be one of the best in the country.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch at Hantang Tianxia Dumpling Restaurant

     

     
    Lhasa
    Lhasa life
    Day 7

    Xi'an to Lhasa (By Flight No.TBA)

    Destinations & activities: Hotel -airport transfer, free time in Lhasa

    Have some free time in Xi'an before the flight to Lhasa, a mysterious land luring almost every traveler.

    After arrival and check-in, you will have some free time in Lhasa.

     

    - Smart Tips:

  • Foreign travelers are not allowed to travel without a guide in Lhasa, but getting around the neighborhood for just a couple of hours won't be a problem.
  • Tianhai Night Market is a famous night market, located in Minzu Road of the western suburb of the city.
  • The No.1 cafe recommended by TripAdvisor, Summit Cafe allows some leisure time.
  • Meals: Breakfast

    Sera Monastery
    Sera Monastery in Lhasa
    Day 8

    Lhasa

    Destinations & activities: Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery and Barkhor Street

    Today, you will visit the highlights of Lhasa. Firstly, visit the famous Jokhang Temple. Have lunch in a Tibetan-style restaurant.

    Afternoon, you will visit one of the most important monasteries in Lhasa: Sera Monastery. Later, your Lhasa tour guide will lead your way in a free stroll in Barkhor Street.

     

    - Smart Tips:

  • Tibetan carpet, Thangka(a painted or embroidered banner), Tibetan fresco painting, butter sculptures and other stuff can be found in Barkhor Street, which can be something nice to bring home.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch at Lhasa Kitchen

     

     
    Potala Palace
    Potala Palace in Lhasa
    Day 9

    Lhasa

    Destinations & activities: Potala Palace, Norbulingka, Drepung Monastery

    Nobody can miss the impressive Potala Palace in their Tibet tours. Today you will spend some time here. Have steak at a Tibetan restaurant.

    In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace in Tibet: Norbulingka. Later, you will go to another monastery, Drepung Monastery. This monastery used to be home for Dalai Lamas before the Potala Palace.

     

    Meals: Breakfast, Steak Lunch at Steak House Restaurant

     

     
    Yangtze River Cruise
    Yangtze River Cruise
    Day 10

    Lhasa to Chongqing (Flight No.TBA)

    Destinations & activities: Hotel - airport transfer, pier transfer

    Today, a flight will take you to Chongqing. Your Chongqing tour guide will transfer you to the pier. Board on Yangtze River Cruise and enjoy your first night!

    Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch and Dinner on the cruise

    Yangtze River Cruise
    Amazing views of Yangtze River
    Day 11

    Yangtze River Cruise

    Destinations & activities: Welcome banquet, dance party, shore excursion to Shibaozhai; Fengdu Ghost City (Optional upon request)

    Waking up in the wave sound of the Yangtze River, you will embrace the morning of nature. Today you will take a short visit to Shibaozhai. Shibaozhai, literally meaning Stone Treasure Fortress, and its riverside location is what allows the historic hill site much of its beauty. The sheer vertical cliffs below it stand more than 56 meters tall, thus creating much curiosity over the centuries. The red pavilion found there was first built in 1750 during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) and has since been restored. Inside, visitors can see many interesting artifacts since each of the 12 floors is dedicated to a famous general from the Three Kingdoms Period (220-265), a local scholar, or a known Chinese poet.

     

    - Smart Tips:

    Fengdu Ghost City is not included in our itinerary, but it's available to book after you get on the cruise. Cost will be your own exspense.

    Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch and Dinner on the cruise

     
    Yangtze River Cruise
    Getting deep inside the gorges
    Day 12

    Yangtze River Cruise

    Destinations & activities: Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, Shennong Stream, crew performance

    On your spectacular Yangtze River cruise today, the first gorge of the day will be Qutang Gorge and then later pass through Wu Gorge. After lunch, you will have the chance to go on land to visit Shennong Stream, a tributary of the Yangtze River. It is a dramatic piece of natural beauty with water rushing past karst caves, vertical cliffs, numerous waterfalls, three-colored springs, an ancient plank path, and much more. As well, there is an option to visit the White Emperor City, also known as Baidi city (price not included).

    The crew will later put on a performance for your entertainment, and the vessel will sail through the 5-step ship locks, bringing you back to Yangtze.

     

    - Smart Tips:

    White Emperor City is an option upon your request. Please inform the crew if you'd visit it. Cost will be on your own.

    Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch and Dinner on the cruise

     
    Three Gorges Dam
    Imposing view at Three Gorges Dam
    Day 13

    Yichang to Shanghai (By Flight No.TBA)

    Destinations & activities: Three Gorges Dam Site, hotel - airport transfer

    Today you will get to Yichang. Visit the imposing site of Three Gorges Dam.

    Later today, a domestic flight will take you to Shanghai. Check in upon arrival.

    Meals: Breakfast

     
    The Bund
    The Bund
    Day 14

    Shanghai

    Destinations & activities: Oriental Pearl TV Tower (with Shanghai History Museum inside), Yuyuan Garden, City God Temple, The Bund, Nanjing Road, a silk factory

    Oriental Pearl TV Tower is our first stop. Inside the tower, Shanghai History Museum offers an informative visit with its waxwork display.Have lunch in a famous  restaurant.

    Then will visit Yuyuan Garden, a classical private garden in the style of Southern China. It is located right in the hustle and bustle of the Temple of City God, which you will also pay a visit to. Stop at Jiangnan Silk Factory to learn how silk is made. Take a walk along the Bund. Nanjing Road with shops ranging from street-style chic to high-end brands is our last stop for today.

    Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch at Seagull Restaurant

     
    The Former French Concession
    A walk in the Former French Concession is pleasant, Shanghai.
    Day 15

    Shanghai

    Destinations & activities: Free time in Shanghai

    Have yourself some solo adventure in Shanghai.

    Meals: Breakfast

     

     
    Day 16

    Shanghai Departure(Flight not included)

    Destinations & activities: Hotel to airport transfer

    You will be transferred from your Shanghai hotel to the airport in time for your flight home. Thanks for taking this China tour with us. Hope to see you soon!

    Meals: Breakfast

    Hotels and Accommodation

    Dates and Prices

    Terms & Conditions

    Price Inclusion

    • Entrance fees.
    • Meals listed in the itinerary.
    • Private transfers.
    • Private English-speaking guide and driver.
    • Hotels listed in the itinerary.
    • Service Charge & Taxes.
    • China Life Tourist Accident/Casualty Insurance.
    • Luggage Transfers.

    Price Exclusion

    • International Airfare or Train Tickets to enter or leave China.
    • China Entry Visa Fees.
    • Excess Baggage Charges.
    • Personal Expenses.
    • Any meals that are not mentioned in the tour itinerary.
    • Single Room Supplement.

    Special Terms

    • Price may change during some Chinese festivals.
    • Price is subject to change based on exchange rate.
    • We accept both on-line payment (by Paypal® and Moneybookers®) and wire transfer.
    • A deposit of 10% ot the total cost is required when you confirm your booking.
    • For Cancellation Refunds, please click here.

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    From USD

    $ 3,059 Per Person

    Private Tour

    With Private Guide + Driver

    Tour Highlights

    • Professional guided visits at all key sites
    • Free time for your exploration
    • Unfold Tibet's mystery
    • Mind-easing Yangtze River Cruise
    • Giant Pandas in Chongqing

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