Captivating China

Day 2 Beijing.
After breakfast, visit the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world. Later, explore the Summer Palace and its ornate pavilions. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. (B,L)

Day 3 Beijing.
An included full-day tour of the legendary GREAT WALL OF CHINA at the Mutianyu section. Stretching approximately 4,000 miles and dating back to the Ming period, this startling edifice will stay etched in your memory forever. In the evening, enjoy a Peking Duck dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 4 Beijing–Xian.
This morning, visit the TEMPLE OF HEAVEN before your flight to Xian. (B,L)

Day 5 Xian.
Today, enjoy one of the highlights of your trip on a visit to the first emperor’s funeral vault to see the amazing TERRACOTTA WARRIORS. Nothing will prepare you for this incredible display of 8,000 life-sized model warriors, chariots, and horses. Later, visit the ancient city wall, built in 1378 and surrounding the old city. In the evening, enjoy the Tang Dynasty show, which includes dinner at the Tang Dynasty Palace Theatre & Restaurant. (B,L,D)

Day 6 Xian–Chengdu.
This morning, fly to Chengdu and journey through the beautiful scenery to Leshan to see the largest stone Buddha in the world. Carved into a mountain, it is said to date to the Tang Emperor, Tang Xuanzong (713 AD). Return to Chengdu for dinner and a well-deserved rest. (B,L,D)

Day 7 Chengdu.
This morning will surely be one of the highlights of your tour: a visit to the PANDA BASE RESEARCH CENTRE. You will have a chance to learn about these wonderful animals, as well as view them up close. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B,L)

Day 8 Chengdu–Chongqing (Embarkation)–Yangtze River Cruise.
After breakfast, transfer to the station for your morning train to Chongqing. Upon arrival, visit the old town area before boarding the MV President No. 7 for an exciting 3-night Yangtze River cruise. (B,L,D)

Day 9 Yangtze River.
Today, visit the SHIBAOZHAI PAGODA. (B,L,D)

Day 10 Yangtze River.
Another unforgettable day, with a shore visit to Shennong Stream. Also pass through Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and the west section of Xiling Gorge. Your cruise ship will then glide through the dramatic THREE GORGES DAM FIVE-STAGE SHIP LOCK. (B,L,D)

Day 11 Yangtze River–Yichang (Disembarkation)–Shanghai.
Today, visit the Three Gorges Dam project before sailing through the east section of Xiling Gorge. After lunch you will disembark your cruise at Yichang and transfer to the airport for an afternoon flight to Shanghai, where you will spend the next three nights. (B,L)

Day 12 Shanghai.
Immerse yourself in the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Shanghai and tour the surreal YU YUAN GARDEN with its Ming Dynasty miniature landscapes, as well as the SHANGHAI MUSEUM, the Bund, and famous Nanjing Road. After dinner, enjoy an extraordinary acrobatics show. (B,L,D)

Day 13 Shanghai–Hangzhou–Shanghai.
Board the bullet train for a day trip to Hangzhou. Set amid verdant greenery alongside West Lake, this 2,000-year-old city was the seat of China’s Song emperors and brims with historic relics and natural beauty. Begin with a CRUISE on West Lake before visiting a TEA PLANTATION in the Meijiawu Valley, famed for its Dragon-Well green tea. Enjoy a taste of this renowned tea and learn about its production process. After lunch, stroll on the ancient street of Hefang, visit a traditional CHINESE PHARMACY, and visit the former residence of Hu Xueyan—a fine example of Qing Dynasty architecture. In the evening, return to Shanghai. (B,L)

Day 14 Shanghai.
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)