China Golden Triangle with Yangtze Cruise

Duration: 11 Days | 10 Nights
Destination: Beijing, Great Wall, Hutong, Xian, Chongqing, Yichang, Shanghai

Day 1 Arrival in Beijing by flight
Arrive at the airport of Beijing. You will be picked up at the exit of Arrival Hal, and transfer to your hotel. Free for the rest of the day.

Meal: no meal
Accommodation: Beijing Tiantan Hotel or same class (4*, 3 nights)

Day 2 Beijing City Tour to Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven
In the morning, pay a visit to Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of architecture and landscape design where the ancient emperors used to pray for the God's bless of the whole nation. You may see many local retirees to do morning exercises there. In the afternoon, go across the Tiananmen Square, the largest city square in the world. Then go to the Forbidden City, which is protected by high walls and a moat on all four sides and consists of dozens of halls and courtyards. Admire one of world's most legendary ancient royal palaces and the treasures kept on display.

Meal: B, L,
Note: The Forbidden City is closed on Monday, and has a daily visitor limit. We might have to adjust the visit time based on the result of the reservation.

Day 3 Explore the Great Wall and Hutong
Excursion to the Great Wall to at Juyongguan. The Great Wall is one of the great wonders in the world and the symbol of China. The section of the Great Wall was built in Ming Dynasty was used to serve as the northern barrier defending the capital and the imperial tombs. Visit a Jade Factory to see how the precious stones are processed and turned into Chinese cherished treasures. Later, transfer to Beijing city, meander down to the Hutongs at Houhai area. Hutongs are unique street design in Beijing and regarded as a window into Beijing folk life.

Meal: B, L

Day 4 Visit Summer Palace, Bullet Train to Xian
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel, then drive to visit the Summer Palace, Qing’s Imperial rulers’ favorite summer residence. UNESCO inscribed Summer Palace a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1998. Have lunch and then take afternoon high speed train from Beijing to Xi'an. The train from Beijing to Xian takes 4.5hrs - 5.5hrs with highest speed at 300kmh (186mph). Arrive in Xian. Be met & transferred to your hotel.

Meal: B, L
Accommodation: Xian Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel (4*, 2 nights)

Day 5 May 1 Guided Xian Tour to Terracotta Army, Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim quarters
Visit the Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses Museum in the morning, which is one of the most important archaeological finds in the 20th century, and a UNESCO World Heritage. Drive back to downtown area and visit the Wild Goose Pagoda, it was first built in Tang Dynasty for the storage of Buddhist scriptures taken from India by Monk Xuanzang and now becomes the city emblem. Then have a stroll at Muslim Quarters, which is close to where the Bell Tower and Drum Tower are located. You will have loads of chances to taste the local snacks.

Meal: B, L

Day 6 Visit Xian Ancient City Wall, take bullet train to Chongqing
In the morning, visit to the Ancient City Wall of Xian, which was built under the rule of the Hongwu Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang as a military defense system. It exhibits the "complete features of the rampart architecture of feudal society". It has been refurbished many times since it was built in the 14th century. Later, transfer to take bullet train to Chongqing (5-5.5 hrs). After arrival in Chongqing, the guide will meet you and take you to board the cruise ship, usually departing at 9.00pm.

Meal: B, L
Accommodation: Yangtze Gold Cruises or similar class (3 nights)

Note:
1. The Cruise company has a compulsory service charge of RMB150 per person which is to be paid upon check-in. This is not included in our quotation.
2. The cruise itinerary is subject to alteration dependent on sailing conditions.

Day 7 Three Gorges' Cruise
Wake up in the intoxicating scenery and join the Taichi class on board. Enjoy shore excursion to "the Ghost City" – Fengdu (included). Attend captain's welcome dinner party tonight. The cruise will also offer optional shore excursions during the trip. The tourists can decide whether to take them or not.

Meal: B, L, D

Day 8 Three Gorges' Cruise
Today you'll get a close look of the enchanting landscape as you board a small boat and cruise along a tributary to the Yangtze to explore the exceptionally beautiful Lesser Three Gorges (included). Have fun and taste delicious foods at captain's farewell party.

Meal: B, L, D

Day 9 Disembark the cruise, the Three Gorge Dam, take bullet train from Yichang to Shanghai
Shore excursion to the amazing Three Gorge Dam (included), which is the world's largest power station in terms of installed capacity (22,500 MW). Later, the guide will pick you up after sightseeing and transfer to Yichang for lunch. Then take high speed train to Shanghai (6.5 hrs).

Meal: B, L
Accommodation: Anting Villa Hotel Shanghai (4*, 2 nights)

Day 10 Shanghai City Tour: Yu Garden, The Bund, the former French Concession
Visit the Yu Garden and the adjacent market, with 400 years' history, this private garden features traditional architectural style of Yangtze Delta. Then, head for the Bund and Nanjing Road: The Bund is the famous waterfront to see new-erect modern skyscrapers and aged buildings of the colonial period. Then Nanjing Road is the busiest shopping street in Shanghai. Visit a silk center/factory to see and get the knowledge of one of the best products made in China traditionally. Lastly, at the former French Concession, you will visit Fuxing Park, which was built during the colonial period, now turned into a great place for locals to enjoy their leisure time, then walk along a pedestrian street at Xintiandi, composed of traditional street format of Shanghai Shikumen.

Meal: B, L

Day 11 Shanghai Departure by flight
Free time at leisure until transferring to the airport for the flight home or to your next destination. Bon Voyage!

Meal: B

Tour Price:
• Price shown is for a person based on twin share accommodation, for the travel period indicated.
• All prices displayed are subject to availability and can be withdrawn or varied without notice.
• Prices are guaranteed once booking is confirmed by us and paid in full by the due date.
• Depending on your needs and group size (individual, couple, family, group, etc.) we will provide the final pricing for your tour.
• Itineraries are subject to change without prior notice due to weather conditions, emergencies on board or any unforeseen situation.

Inclusions:
• Private transfers airport/train station-hotel-airport/train station;
• Private tour escorted by an English-speaking guide and private air-con tourist bus;
• Accommodations: 4 star hotels or similar standard with daily breakfast;
• Meals specified as B=breakfast, L=Lunch, and D=dinner;
• Yangtze Cruise with all the meals (B, L, D) included on board, porter fee for one piece of baggage of each client at Chongqing/Yichang docks;
• Domestic train (second class): Beijing-Xian, Xian-Chongqing and Yichang-Shanghai;
• First entrance fees.

Exclusions:
• International flights and visa arrangement;
• Excess baggage charge;
• Tips to guides and drivers;
• Tips to the cruise staff (AU$35);
• Optional tours & Personal expenses;
• Medical insurance and emergency evacuation insurance.

Please refer to our Standard Booking Conditions for booking terms and conditions.