12-Day Beijing – Xi’an – Chongqing – Yangtze Three Gorges Cruise – Shanghai Tour

Highlights

• Explore China’s Greatest Historical Treasures
  Discover the heart of ancient China through Beijing’s imperial landmarks, Xi’an’s legendary Terracotta Warriors, and Shanghai’s remarkable blend of tradition and modernity.

• From the Great Wall to the Three Gorges — China’s Iconic Landscapes
  Walk along the magnificent Mutianyu Great Wall and embark on a scenic Yangtze River cruise through the dramatic cliffs, valleys, and waterways of the Three Gorges.

• Journey Through China’s Ancient Capitals
  Follow the footsteps of emperors through Beijing and Xi’an, exploring royal palaces, ancient city walls, historic temples, and UNESCO-listed cultural treasures.

• Experience China’s Most Fascinating Cities
  Witness the contrast between Beijing’s imperial elegance, Xi’an’s ancient charm, Chongqing’s spectacular mountain-city scenery, and Shanghai’s futuristic skyline.

• Discover Scenic Beauty Beyond the Famous Sites
  Enjoy panoramic views from Jingshan Park, cruise through the Yangtze’s breathtaking landscapes, admire Chongqing’s riverside night views, and experience Shanghai’s iconic Huangpu River scenery.

• Travel Comfortably Across China
  Private transfers, expert local guides, high-speed rail journeys, and a premium Yangtze River cruise create a seamless journey across China’s most celebrated destinations.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

Your private driver and tour guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

No lunch or dinner included.

Overnight stay in Beijing.

Day 2: Beijing City Highlights

We start the day with Tian’anmen Square and the Palace Museum (Forbidden City), covering the Treasure Gallery and Nine-Dragon Screen. If Palace Museum tickets are fully booked, we will substitute it with Prince Gong’s Mansion. Later we head to Jingshan Park to enjoy a panoramic bird’s-eye view of the Forbidden City, followed by a traditional rickshaw tour through old hutongs.

Optional free time is available at Shichahai for independent exploration of local cafes and bars.

Lunch is served with authentic hutong family cuisine; dinner is on your own.

Accommodation remains in Beijing.

Day 3: Mutianyu Great Wall & Olympic Venues

Travel to Mutianyu Great Wall, with two transport options: round-trip cable car, or chairlift uphill plus toboggan downhill. After the wall tour, we pass by the exterior of the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube Olympic venues.

Optional evening tour includes a Peking duck feast and acrobatic show.

Lunch is a Chinese & Western buffet with complimentary red wine; dinner is self-arranged. Spend the night in Beijing.

Day 4: Beijing to Xi’an by High-Speed Train

Join a morning Tai Chi experience at the Temple of Heaven, then visit the Summer Palace with dragon boat rides(seasonal available). We take high-speed train to Xian(bottled water and light snacks will be prepared for the ride). Upon arrival in Xi’an, our local driver will pick you up, and we drive past the illuminated Big Wild Goose Pagoda at night before transferring to the hotel.

Lunch is Beijing soybean paste noodles; dinner is not included.

Overnight in Xi’an.

Day 5: Xi’an Terracotta Army & Folk Culture

Visit the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors(wireless tour receiver included). Next, we visit a cave dwelling local family, join a dumpling-making workshop, and experience crafting miniature terracotta figurines at a replica factory. In the afternoon, stroll the Muslim Quarter. 

Optional upgrades include Hanfu costume & makeup, Tang Dynasty music and dance performance, plus a traditional imperial palace feast.

Lunch features dumplings and farmhouse dishes; dinner is at your own expense.

Stay overnight in Xi’an.

Day 6: Xi’an to Chongqing by High-Speed Train

Optional morning self-guided activities: local morning market, then to visit the ancient Xi’an City Wall. Later board a high-speed train to Chongqing (travel time: 5.5 hours) （Mineral water, fruits and light snacks，sandwiches or rice balls are prepared for the high-speed train ride). Upon arrival at Shapingba High-speed Railway Station, you will be picked up by your private driver and tour guide. We head to Liziba Monorail Station to see the unique monorail running through an apartment building, then visit Hongya Cave, the iconic cliffside stilt-house complex of Chongqing.

Lunch：packed lunch on the train; dinner is self-paid.

Accommodation in Chongqing.

Day 7: Chongqing & Board Yangtze Cruise

Visit Dazu Rock Carvings and Ciqikou Ancient Town. Optional cultural experiences include Sichuan Opera Face-Changing show, traditional gaiwan tea tasting and Chinese brush calligraphy practice. After sightseeing, our private driver and guide will drop you off at the cruise terminal for boarding.

Finally, head to the cruise terminal to check in for the Three Gorges cruise ship.

Lunch is a feast of Chongqing local snacks, Dinner is not included.

Overnight onboard the Yangtze cruise vessel.

Day 8: Yangtze Three Gorges Sightseeing

Full-day scenic cruise along the Three Gorges.

Buffet lunch and buffet dinner are both served on the ship.

Overnight stay on the cruise ship.

Day 9: Yangtze Three Gorges Sightseeing

Continue full-day cruising through the Three Gorges scenic zone.

Buffet meals for lunch and dinner are provided onboard.

Remain overnight on the cruise ship.

Day 10: Yichang to Shanghai

After disembarking in Yichang, our driver transfers you to the railway station or airport. Two travel options are available: take high-speed train to Shanghai Hongqiao Station (8-hour ride; prepare sandwiches and fruit for meals); or take flight from Yichang Sanxia Airport to Shanghai Pudong Airport.

An optional upgrade is the Wengweng Cliff Restaurant, ranked the 9th best cliff restaurant worldwide (serving river fat fish with free tea tasting), or Weng Xiaoxiao Family Restaurant. Our driver meets you upon arrival in Shanghai and transfers you to the hotel.

No lunch or dinner included.

Overnight in Shanghai.

Day 11: Shanghai City Tour

Explore old Shanghai alleyways with a cycling experience at Wukang Road. Visit Jiuguang Department Store, featuring a humanoid robot experience hall, NIO electric car and battery swap station models, plus a complimentary robot coffee. We then tour the Silk Exhibition Center to learn the whole production flow from silkworms to silk fabrics and silk quilts, ascend the 118-floor observation deck of Shanghai Tower, Walk along the Bund International Architecture Complex with guide commentary, then enjoy the night view of Huangpu River.

Lunch is Shanghai soup dumplings; dinner is self-arranged.

Overnight in Shanghai.

Day 12: Departure from Shanghai

Private driver transfers you to Shanghai airport for your flight home.

No meals arranged.