China Impression Journey - Private - 13 Days

Your journey begins in Beijing, a city rich in history and intrigue. Upon arrival at Beijing International Airport, our tour guide will welcome you and arrange your transfer to the hotel. After checking in, you'll have some free time to relax and recover from your flight.

This morning you meet your guide in the hotel lobby as you embark on a journey through Beijing's rich history.

Your first stop is Tian’anmen Square, the largest public square globally. We’ll stroll across it before visiting the Forbidden City, an extraordinary imperial palace showcasing ancient Chinese architecture. Ascend to Jingshan Park for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City from Coal Hill.

Enjoy lunch at a local Chinese restaurant, offering a taste of authentic cuisine.

Then drive to the beautiful Back Lakes (Houhai), a historic area brimming with charm. Explore Nanluoguxiang Alley, renowned for its blend of tradition and trendy boutiques. Our exploration concludes with a stop at a traditional tea house.

Return to your hotel to relax after today's tour. You are welcome to ask our guide for evening activity recommendations, such as a local night show or a Peking duck dinner.

Your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby to start the day's exploration.

You begin at the Temple of Heaven, where you'll witness locals practising morning exercises in the square. Experience traditional Chinese activities such as Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and square dancing, gaining insights into local life and meeting real folk masters.

Next, visit a jade store before heading to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, a favourite among international guests. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a nearby local restaurant.

Spend your afternoon exploring the Mutianyu Great Wall. Choose to hike or take the cable car to explore its remarkable construction and quality. For a touch of fun, consider the toboggan ride down.

Return to the hotel. On the way, feel free to plan your evening activities. Options include a relaxing foot massage or exploring the lively nightlife at Houhai and Sanlitun bar street.

You will meet you in the hotel lobby for a half-day leisure tour before departing Beijing.

You will visit the Summer Palace, China’s largest and best-preserved imperial garden. This impressive site features Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, inspired by the scenery of Hangzhou’s West Lake. You can enjoy a boat ride on Kunming Lake, which offers a delightful perspective of the garden's beauty.

Savour an à la carte lunch at a popular local restaurant. The atmosphere might be bustling, but the flavours are well worth it.

After lunch, you will transfer to the high-speed train for a 5.5-hour journey to Xi’an. Upon arrival, your Xi’an tour guide will greet you at the station and assist with your transfer to the hotel.

Meet in the hotel lobby to commence your tour of the ancient city.

You travel to the Terracotta Warriors, a renowned archaeological site featuring life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots arranged in battle formation. A shuttle bus will facilitate our visit. We'll also stop at a pottery figurine factory, where you can try your hand at crafting a figurine.

Enjoy a Chinese lunch near the Terracotta Warriors site. This afternoon, you'll visit the Bell Tower, China's largest and most well-preserved bell tower.

Next, we'll explore Gao's Courtyard, an excellent opportunity to admire ancient architecture and discover the local arts of paper-cutting and shadow puppetry. You can then stroll through the bustling Muslim Quarter, perfect for shopping and sampling a variety of local snacks.

Return to the hotel. This evening, you are encouraged to enjoy the Tang Dynasty Show, which includes dinner, at your own cost.

Pack your belongings and check out of your hotel. We will meet you in the lobby to begin a leisure day in Xi'an before heading to Guilin.

You will explore the Ancient City Wall, one of China's oldest and best-preserved city fortifications. A bicycle or sightseeing car will be provided for a tour along the wall. Next, you will visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a key landmark of Xi'an and a symbol of China's ancient capitals. You will have the opportunity to enjoy the North Plaza Fountain Show here.

After lunch, you will drive to Xi'an Airport, stopping at the Hanyang Mausoleum along the way. This is China's largest museum by floor space. We will then fly to Guilin, where your Guilin tour guide will greet you at the airport and assist with your transfer to the hotel.

This morning meet in the hotel lobby to start your exploration of the Li River with a scenic cruise.

Enjoy a deluxe cruise along the Li River, complete with a buffet lunch on board. As we journey towards Yangshuo, take in the enchanting landscape. Opt for the sun deck or relax by a window to marvel at the picturesque views. Upon arrival, stroll along West Street or hop on a sightseeing car to the parking area.

You will cycle through the Yulong River area, soaking in the serene beauty of the river and the surrounding hills, as well as the charm of the Yangshuo countryside.

You drive back to Guilin. For your evening, we highly recommend the Night Cruise on the Li River, where the scenery is beautifully illuminated.

We will meet you in your hotel lobby to begin exploring Guilin, a city renowned for its natural beauty. You start with a visit to Reed Flute Cave, celebrated for its stunning stalactites and stalagmites illuminated in vibrant colours.

Following this, you make a brief stop at a pearl store before heading to Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin's iconic natural landmark, resembling an elephant drinking from the Li River. You have the option to climb to the top for a panoramic view of the hills and rivers.

Afterwards, enjoy a leisurely walk along the Li River and a short visit to the intriguing Golden and Silver Twin Pagodas.

Later, you will take a high-speed train to Chongqing. Upon arrival, your Chongqing tour guide will assist you in transferring to Chaotianmen Wharf for check-in aboard the Victoria Cruise. The ship departs from Chongqing at 9:00 p.m.

Start your day with a choice of coffee or tea as the sun rises. Embrace the peacefulness of the morning by participating in a Tai Chi session on board. Afterwards, enjoy a buffet breakfast.

Join us for a morning excursion to Fengdu Shuanguishan National Park. Alternatively, you may opt for a visit to the Fengdu Ghost City at an additional cost, an intriguing site steeped in local folklore. Return to the ship for a buffet lunch.

In the late afternoon, join the Captain's Welcome Reception, which includes a buffet dinner. For an evening out, consider attending the "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" show at FengYan SanGuo, available as an optional excursion.

Please note: Shore excursions and docking arrangements may vary due to seasonal conditions, water levels, canal traffic, and climate. The daily schedule will be provided on board. Personal expenses such as internet access, laundry, and bar charges are not included.

Start your day with a refreshing cup of coffee or tea. Join us for a Tai Chi session on the upper deck, a serene way to welcome the morning. Enjoy a buffet-style breakfast.

You have the option to explore White Emperor City. This excursion, priced at RMB295 per person, includes a 20-minute coach ride to Baidi Temple, where you'll have two hours to delve into its fascinating history and mystique.

We will sail through the dramatic Qutang Gorge, renowned for its towering cliffs and stunning vistas. Indulge in a buffet lunch. Continue our scenic journey through the beautiful Wu Gorge, noted for its lush, forested peaks.

Participate in a shore excursion to either Goddess Stream or Shennong Stream, contingent on river conditions. Discover the natural beauty and cultural lore of these picturesque areas.

Join us for the Captain's Farewell Banquet, featuring a set-menu dinner, to celebrate the journey we've shared. Enjoy an entertaining cabaret performed by our talented crew. Check out and settle any outstanding bills during this timeframe.

After enjoying a buffet breakfast on board, you disembark at the Mapping cruise terminal for a shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam Site, a marvel of modern engineering and the world's largest hydroelectric project. Following your visit, you transfer to the passenger centre in downtown Yichang.

Board the high-speed train to Shanghai. Upon arrival, your Shanghai tour guide will meet you at the train station and assist with your transfer to the hotel.

You will meet in the hotel lobby before setting out to explore both the historical and modern aspects of Shanghai.

You'll begin by wandering through the Shikumen, traditional alleyways where Eastern and Western architectural styles converge. These historic buildings are still home to local residents. Your journey continues with an orientation walk along the Bund, once a bustling centre of foreign trade in the late 19th century.

Next, you'll visit Yuyuan Garden, a quintessential example of classical Chinese gardening, nestled in the heart of Shanghai. Enjoy an à la carte lunch at a lively local restaurant, renowned for its delicious fare. Your afternoon begins at the Jade Buddha Temple, followed by a trip to the silk museum.

Afterwards, you'll reach the bustling Lujiazui Central Business District. Here, you have some free time to relax on the Riverside Promenade with a coffee break. Your day concludes with a visit to Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in the city, where you'll embark on your 'Top of Shanghai' experience, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

Return to the hotel. We highly recommend attending the ERA Acrobatic Show, a popular and captivating evening entertainment option in Shanghai.

Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You might wish to explore more of the city or relax with some final shopping. Later, you'll be transferred to the airport for your return flight.

For a unique experience, we can arrange for you to take the Maglev train to Pudong Airport—an exciting ride on one of the world's fastest trains. Alternatively, we can provide a direct transfer to the airport by car. Safe travels and we hope to see you again soon.