Highlights of China

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Begin the day at Tiananmen Square, where Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. His mausoleum and the Monument to the People's Heroes stand in the centre of the square, which is surrounded by several important national buildings. At its northern end stands Tiananmen Gate, beyond which lies the Forbidden City, enclosed by imposing red walls. Explore the grand ceremonial halls of the Outer Court before continuing to the smaller buildings and courtyards of the former imperial private quarters. The
vast scale and richly decorated architecture of the palace complex are sure to leave a lasting impression.

In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Heaven in southern Beijing. Once reserved for emperors who came to pray for good harvests, the historic complex is now open to visitors. Its surrounding park is also a popular gathering place, where local residents meet to play cards, sing, and exercise.

Forbidden City

Temple of Heaven

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Today, continue your journey to Xi'an by high-speed train. The journey takes approximately five to six hours. Xi’an served as an imperial capital of China for centuries.

After arriving and taking a short rest at your hotel, visit the city wall. Dating from the Ming Dynasty, this 14-kilometre structure is China's largest and best-preserved ancient city wall. You can cycle along the top for interesting views across Xi'an's bustling inner city or enjoy a leisurely walk along the wall.

Xian City Wall

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The Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang, China's first emperor, is a highlight of many tours of China and was among the country's first sites to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Visit the three excavated pits and the exhibition hall displaying the bronze chariots discovered nearby. The remarkable preservation of this 2,200-year-old clay army is sure to impress.

In the afternoon, continue to Xi'an's iconic Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, located within the Buddhist Temple of Great Mercy. Built in the seventh century during the Tang Dynasty, it is one of China's oldest surviving structures.

End the afternoon at the Great Mosque in the city centre. Xi'an has had a large Muslim population since the Tang Dynasty, reflecting its role as both a starting point and destination along the Silk Road. Nearly 2,000 years ago, the city welcomed people and cultures from abroad, and that rich cultural and historical heritage remains visible today.

Terracotta Warriors

the Big Wild Goose Pagoda

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Continue to Luoyang aboard a modern high-speed train, travelling at speeds of up to 300 km/h.

Upon arrival, you will be taken to the renowned Longmen Grottoes. As Buddhism spread through China, grottoes containing Buddhist carvings began to appear in cliffs across the country from the fifth century onwards. Among the most famous are the Longmen Grottoes near Luoyang, carved into the cliffs along the Yi River. More than 2,000 grottoes contain countless statues of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in a remarkable range of sizes. The site has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for more than 20 years.

Longmen Grottoes

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In the morning, travel to Dengfeng, the birthplace of Shaolin kung fu. Visit the impressive Shaolin Monastery and the nearby Pagoda Forest. You may also choose to watch a kung fu demonstration performed by students from a local martial arts school.

Afterwards, continue to Zhengzhou and board a comfortable high-speed train to Yichang. The several-hour journey takes you across China to the upper reaches of the mighty Yangtze River. Your cruise ship will be waiting at the port. Settle into your comfortable, spacious outside cabin and look forward to four relaxing and fascinating days exploring China's longest river.

breakfast and lunch and dinner

Enjoy a scenic cruise through the Yangtze River's Three Gorges, each with its own distinctive landscape. Some stretches are narrow and dramatic, with steep cliffs rising from the water, while elsewhere the mountains slope more gently, making way for farmland and fruit orchards. A range of excursions has been arranged, including a visit to the Three Gorges Dam, a boat trip along a peaceful tributary of the Yangtze, and a visit to either Xiao Guan Shan Folk Culture Park or the “Ghost City” of Fengdu.

Please note that excursions are subject to change depending on weather and navigation conditions.

Yangtze River Cruise

breakfast and lunch and dinner

Enjoy a scenic cruise through the Yangtze River's Three Gorges, each with its own distinctive landscape. Some stretches are narrow and dramatic, with steep cliffs rising from the water, while elsewhere the mountains slope more gently, making way for farmland and fruit orchards. A range of excursions has been arranged, including a visit to the Three Gorges Dam, a boat trip along a peaceful tributary of the Yangtze, and a visit to either Xiao Guan Shan Folk Culture Park or the “Ghost City” of Fengdu.

Please note that excursions are subject to change depending on weather and navigation conditions.

Yangtze River Cruise

breakfast and lunch and dinner

Enjoy a scenic cruise through the Yangtze River's Three Gorges, each with its own distinctive landscape. Some stretches are narrow and dramatic, with steep cliffs rising from the water, while elsewhere the mountains slope more gently, making way for farmland and fruit orchards. A range of excursions has been arranged, including a visit to the Three Gorges Dam, a boat trip along a peaceful tributary of the Yangtze, and a visit to either Xiao Guan Shan Folk Culture Park or the “Ghost City” of Fengdu.

Please note that excursions are subject to change depending on weather and navigation conditions.

Yangtze River Cruise

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Arrive in Chongqing in the morning and bid farewell to your cruise ship. Home to more than 30 million people, Chongqing is China's largest city.

Begin with a visit to Eling Park, set on one of the city's hills and offering panoramic views across this Yangtze River metropolis. Continue to Ciqikou, a neighbourhood just outside the city centre and one of the few parts of Chongqing where historic buildings remain following the city's extensive redevelopment. The neighbourhood is centred around a single street lined with one- and two-storey houses, small restaurants, market stalls, and souvenir shops.

Later, board another high-speed train to Guilin. Travelling at speeds of up to 300 km/h, the journey takes approximately four hours. The area around Guilin is known for its green karst mountains and the Li River, which winds like a jade ribbon between the peaks and irrigates the surrounding farmland.

Upon arrival, continue directly to Yangshuo, a small town surrounded by some of the region's most beautiful karst formations. Popular with both domestic and international visitors,
Yangshuo is known for its lively atmosphere. Depending on your arrival time, you may have time for a walk or to explore the town's bustling main street.

Eling Park

Ancient Town of Ciqikou

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Today, explore the surrounding landscape in two different ways. First, relax on a bamboo raft ride through the karst countryside, drifting past steep hills, farmland, and villages.

Afterwards, there will be plenty of time for a bike ride or a longer walk through the stunning scenery, including a visit to Moon Hill.

Bamboo Rafting on Yulong River

Yangshuo Countryside Biking

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The morning is free for you to spend at leisure.

In the afternoon, transfer to Guilin Airport for your flight to Shanghai.

In the evening, head out to experience Shanghai's spectacular illuminated skyline.

Shanghai

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Begin the day with a tour of Shanghai's Old Town, which offers a glimpse of life in the city towards the end of the Qing Dynasty in the early 20th century. Today, the area is home to numerous souvenir shops and well-known restaurants, as well as the famous Yu Garden, a fine example of traditional southern Chinese garden design. Although popular with tourists, the garden remains a peaceful green oasis in the heart of the metropolis for local residents.

Next, visit the Bund, Shanghai's famous waterfront promenade. Historic trading houses line the west bank of the Huangpu River, while the ultra-modern skyscrapers of Pudong rise across the water. Take in a bird's-eye view of the city from the observation deck of Shanghai Tower before continuing to the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center in People's Square, where you can learn about the city's origins and development.

Afterwards, stroll along Nanjing Road, one of Shanghai's most popular shopping streets, and experience the energy of the city's lively shopping scene.

Yu Garden

Shanghai Tower

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Depending on your departure time, you will be transferred to Shanghai Airport for your return or onward flight.