Yin and Yangtze - 15 day tour

After breakfast, our first stop today will be the iconic Tiananmen Square, where Chairman Mao’s tomb lies and various monuments to the people are located. While we won't enter the tomb, we will get to view the exterior.

Following this, we'll enter the Forbidden City, a magnificent palace complex which served as the seat of power for Chinese emperors over five centuries. With over 800 buildings and 9,000 chambers, this is one of China's best preserved historical treasures.

In the afternoon, delve into Beijing's hutongs, a maze-like network of ancient alleyways that form the city's historical core. Wander through these charming lanes, where generations of families have lived, and discover traditional courtyards and compact houses. Afterward, you'll take a leisurely stroll along Wangfujing Pedestrian Street, a renowned shopping avenue at the heart of the city.

In the evening, enjoy a Beijing dining experience by savouring a Peking roast duck dinner, typically enjoyed wrapped in thin pancakes, with spring onions and hoisin sauce!
Overnight: Beijing  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Beijing - Luoyang. After breakfast this morning, we'll head to the railway station for a comfortable 2nd class high-speed train journey to Luoyang, which will take approximately 4-4.5 hours. Luoyang is one of the four ancient Chinese capitals, renowned for its magnificent peony blooms and the celestial Longmen Caves.

After meeting our local guide and enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, prepare to be captivated by the Longmen Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These remarkable caves are perched densely along the cliffs lining the Yi River, and they house the world's most extensive collection of celestial art treasures, boasting the largest array of statues to be found anywhere on Earth. This enduring art form, etched into the stone, has not only withstood the test of time but has also borne witness to the reign of over 10 dynasties spanning more than 1,400 years.

In the evening, we'll take a stroll through Old City Shizi Steet, a renowned food street in old city Luoyang. Here, you'll have the chance to follow tantalizing aromas and sample a wide variety of local flavors.
Overnight: Luoyang  |  Breakfast, Lunch

Luoyang - Xi'an. Rise and shine, today we'll catch an early morning train bound for Xi'an. Enjoy a swift yet scenic journey as we head toward this ancient city. Upon arriving in Xi'an, we'll start our day with a bike ride along the Xi'an City Wall. This remarkable structure stands as one of the oldest and best-preserved among the few remaining Chinese city walls.

Afterwards, get ready for the sensory delights of Xi'an's Muslim Quarter, a bustling neighborhood in the heart of the city. Here, the air is thick with the mouthwatering aromas of sizzling lamb skewers and fragrant spices emanating from the food stalls that line the narrow alleys. Engage with the warm and welcoming locals, witness their skilled craftsmanship in action, and let the diverse flavors tantalize your taste buds.

Not far from the Muslim Quarter, discover the majestic courtyard of the Gao Family. Within these hallowed walls, a unique spectacle awaits—a 15-minute shadow puppetry show, an art form believed to originate from this province. These performances breathe life into simple yet vibrant leather or paper figures, spinning enchanting narratives that have captivated audiences for generations.

Then, pay your respects at the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a serene contrast to the bustling Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Within this peaceful Buddhist complex, you'll discover intriguing exhibits in the Xi'an Museum.

Tonight, roll up your sleeves and try your hand at making dumplings, a local delicacy that is also a true form of culinary art. Enjoy the delicious dumplings you've created, accompanied by a cup of rice wine.
Overnight: Xi'an  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Today's the day you'll get to meet China's famous fuzzy mascots - the panda! After breakfast, we'll take a short drive out of town to visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

China's giant pandas are considered the most endangered mammals on the planet, with less than 1500 remaining in the wild. Of this number, 80% of them are located in Sichuan Province. This center is dedicated to breeding, research, and education. The facility covers over 92 acres, providing ample space for giant pandas and other rare and endangered animals. While here, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Panda nursery to get close to the center's infant population!

After the panda visit, explore the Wenshu Monastery, built during the Qing Dynasty under the guidance of Zen Master Ci Du Hai Yue in 1697. Make sure to visit the teahouse located inside the temple grounds, where you can enjoy a fine cup of green tea and some of the best vegetarian food in the city. Afterwards, we'll head to Jinli Street, an ancient pedestrian street in the old city, filled with food stalls and vendors of every description. We'll also visit the Wuhou Memorial Temple, a peaceful temple set amongst expansive gardens.

In the evening, enjoy an unmissable Chengdu experience – a hotpot dinner! Chengdu is renowned for its hotpot, which offers a unique combination of spiciness and numbing flavors.
Overnight: Chengdu  |  Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we'll embark on a trip to the Great Buddha of Leshan, which is close to Chengdu. Marvel at the iconic colossal Buddha statue, and don't forget to join the queue for a brief boat ride on the Minjiang River to capture a panoramic view of the Giant Buddha in all its glory. The statue is carved into the red sandstone face of Lingyun Hill and overlooks the treacherous confluence of the Min, Qingyi, and Dadu rivers below it. The dimensions of the Buddha are immense, with 8 meter feet, 7 meter drooping ears, a 28 meter span of shoulders, and a 5.6 meter nose.

Afterwards, we'll enjoy lunch, and if time permits, make a stop at the ancient town of Huanglongxi on our way back to Chengdu. Huanglongxi offers a glimpse into the past with its quaint streets, traditional architecture, cobbled pathways, age-old temples, and bustling market stalls.

Tonight, enjoy the evening at leisure. You can relax, explore the city further, try local foods or even consider attending a Sichuan Opera performance at the Shufengyayun Theater!
Overnight: Chengdu  |  Breakfast, Lunch

Chengdu - Chongqing - Yangtze River Cruise. After breakfast, we'll head to the train station, where you'll hop aboard a comfortable 2nd class high-speed train bound for Chongqing, a city famously known as the 'Mountain City.'

Upon your arrival in Chongqing, you'll step into the heart of excitement as you board our extraordinary Yangtze River Cruiser. It's not just a cruise; it's an adventure that unfolds over the next three thrilling nights! Enjoy the glow of mesmerizing sunsets and dive into the historical significance of the mighty Yangtze River, often referred to as the lifeblood of China.
Overnight: Yangtze & Three Gorges  |  Breakfast

River Cruising. Good morning from the magnificent Yangtze River! Spanning an impressive 6,340 kilometers, the Yangtze ranks as the third longest river globally. This waterway gracefully divides China into distinct north and south regions as it meanders through eight diverse provinces. Our journey primarily explores the upper reaches of the river, including the renowned Three Gorges. Prepare to be captivated by sheer and natural beauty that these gorges offer.

Day 1 of our cruise begins with a shore excursion to the Jade Emperor Scenic Area, nestled near Fengdu. Here, you'll witness the world's largest image of the Jade Buddha. Depending on river conditions, an alternative excursion might take you to Shibaozhai, home to a remarkable wooden pagoda.

On Day 2 of the cruise, we visit the Three Gorges, a masterpiece sculpted by nature itself. Your journey will take you through the first two of these remarkable gorges: Qutang Gorge, the shortest and narrowest, and Wu Gorge, stretching approximately 40 kilometers.

Prepare for a change of scenery as you transfer to another vessel for a leisurely excursion through the enchanting gorges of Goddess Stream. If river conditions permit, an alternative excursion to the gorges of Shennong Stream might be on the agenda. To top it off, you'll enter Xiling Gorge, the longest and deepest of the Three Gorges.
Overnight: Yangtze & Three Gorges  |  Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2

Yangtze River Cruiser - Yichang - Shanghai. As the sun rises over the Yangtze, your adventure on the river continues. Today, we bid farewell to our cruise and embark on an exciting morning tour of the Three Gorges Dam. The dam stretches across the Yangtze River at Sandouping in the heart of the Xiling Gorge and holds the title of the world's largest power station.

Following a morning of sightseeing, the time has come to disembark our cruise. You'll be transferred to the nearby city of Yichang and from there, we'll board a fight to Shanghai, where the journey continues. Shanghai is a true melting pot of cultures and experiences, offering travelers an array of areas to explore.

The rest of the evening is at leisure, allowing you to enjoy the dynamic city of Shanghai at your own pace.
Overnight: Shanghai  |  Breakfast