12-Day China Tour Beijing Xian Shanghai Yangtze Cruise DMC

Forbidden City

After breakfast, your guide and driver will take you to Tiananmen Square, the heart of modern China. Learn about its historical importance and admire the grand buildings.

Next, explore the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through its vast halls and gates, discovering the history of the 24 emperors who once lived here. Then, enjoy a rickshaw ride through Beijing’s traditional Hutongs. These narrow streets offer a glimpse into local life, followed by an authentic lunch in the area.

In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Heaven, an architectural gem where emperors once held important ceremonies. After a short rest at your hotel, end the day with a special dinner of Beijing’s famous Peking duck.

For evening activities, you can choose between two captivating options:

• Kung Fu Show at Red Theater: Watch an exciting Kung Fu performance at 7:30 PM, showcasing the skill and beauty of traditional Chinese martial arts.
• Beijing Opera at Liyuan Theater: Enjoy a classic Peking Opera show from 7:30 to 8:30 PM, with vibrant costumes and unique performances. See the performers’ makeup preparations for a deeper cultural experience.

Mutianyu Great Wall

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic 70km drive to the Mutianyu Great Wall. This less crowded area offers stunning views and well-preserved Ming Dynasty architecture. It connects Gubeikou and Juyongguan, and is the longest section of the Wall in China. Take the cable car up and explore the highlights of Mutianyu on foot. Climb the watchtowers for panoramic views, perfect for photos. Afterward, take the cable car back down, or if you’re feeling adventurous, hike up or down for 40 minutes.

Next, visit the Sacred Path at the Ming Tombs, a 7km pathway leading to the tombs of 13 Ming Emperors. Walk through the largest archway in China and pass impressive stone statues of mythical creatures and officials.

On the way back to Beijing, stop for a photo at the Olympic Village. Admire the Bird's Nest and Water Cube aquatics center from the outside.

Summer Palace

After breakfast, check out of your hotel in Beijing and meet your guide and driver. They’ll take you to the Summer Palace, the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China. This UNESCO site is famous for its beautiful landscapes, centered around Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill. Explore the pavilions, bridges, and the 728-meter Long Corridor, filled with intricate paintings. 

After the visit, head to Beijing West Railway Station to board a high-speed train to Xian. The 5-hour journey offers views of China's diverse landscape as you travel over 1,000 kilometers.

When you arrive in Xian, your guide and driver will meet you at the station and take you to your hotel. Check in and enjoy the evening to relax and rest after your trip.

Great Tang Everbright City

In the morning, enjoy a private tour with a 40km drive to the famous Terracotta Warriors, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This remarkable site features over 8,000 life-sized soldiers, 130 chariots, and 670 horses, all part of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's tomb. Spend three hours exploring the three pits and learning about the Qin Dynasty, one of the most important periods in Chinese history.

Afterward, head back to Xian’s city center to visit the Ancient City Wall. This well-preserved fortification is the largest in China, stretching 13.75 km long, 12m high, and 15-18m wide. From the top, enjoy stunning views of Xian.

Next, explore the lively Muslim Quarter, where you can try local food and experience the unique Muslim culture of the area.

Return to your hotel for a short rest. In the evening, visit Great Tang Everbright City near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Enjoy the beautiful night views and have the chance to dress in traditional Chinese clothing, a perfect end to your cultural exploration of Xian.

Cable Car

In the morning, your guide and driver will take you to Xian North Railway Station for a high-speed train to Chongqing. The 4.5-hour journey allows you to relax and enjoy the changing scenery.

Once in Chongqing, you'll be met by your local guide and driver. Known as the "Mountain City," Chongqing lies at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers. It's famous for spicy hot pot and a mix of modern city life with traditional culture.

Your city tour starts with a visit to Chongqing Zoo, home to over 230 animal species. The highlight is the Panda Room, where you can see giant pandas in their natural habitat, along with rare animals like the South China Tiger and golden snub-nosed monkeys.

Next, enjoy a thrilling cable car ride across the Yangtze River, offering stunning views of the city's skyline and surrounding mountains.

After dinner, head to the port to board your Yangtze River cruise. As the ship departs, you'll enjoy the sight of Chongqing's illuminated cityscape reflecting on the river, marking the start of your journey through the Three Gorges, one of China's most scenic waterways.

Shibaozhai Pagoda

Start your morning on the Yangtze River cruise with a peaceful wake-up, enjoying the soft sunlight on the calm waters. You can join a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, led by a master, or simply relax with a cup of coffee.

Throughout the day, there are plenty of onboard activities. Attend a lecture on the Yangtze River's history and culture, join the Captain’s Welcome Party to meet other travelers, or enjoy evening performances with singing, dancing, and music.

A highlight of the day is the shore excursion to Shibaozhai Pagoda in Zhongxian County. This stunning 12-story wooden pagoda, built in the 16th century, sits atop a rocky hill 200 meters above the river. As you climb, you’ll explore Buddhist temples and halls, and be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Yangtze from the top. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for the stairs.

Optional Activity: For a different experience, you can visit Fengdu Ghost City for an extra fee. This site showcases buildings, statues, and stories related to Chinese views on the afterlife. The walk involves some distance, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

White Emperor City

Today, you'll experience the highlight of your Yangtze River cruise: the Three Gorges. As you sail through Qutang, Wu, and Xiling Gorges, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of towering cliffs and misty peaks. The onboard guide will share interesting facts about the history and geology of these stunning landscapes.

A special excursion awaits at Shennv Stream, where you’ll transfer to a smaller boat to explore this beautiful tributary. The narrow gorge offers close-up views of the surroundings, including ancient hanging coffins on the cliffs. Local Tujia people will perform traditional music and dance, adding a cultural touch to the natural beauty.

In the evening, join the Captain's Farewell Party for a festive dinner and celebration with your fellow travelers.

Optional Activity: If you're looking for more adventure, you can take an optional excursion to White Emperor City. Located at the entrance of Qutang Gorge, this historic site offers fascinating insights into Chinese culture and stunning views of the river.

Three Gorges Dam

On your final morning, you'll check out and disembark at Maoping Port. The main highlight of the day is a visit to the impressive Three Gorges Dam, one of the largest engineering feats in the world. Spanning 2,300 meters in length and rising 185 meters high, this hydropower station plays a crucial role in flood control and has a major impact on the Yangtze River region.

For those interested in an added thrill, there’s an optional excursion to experience the massive ship lift, offering a unique view of the dam.

After the dam tour, you'll be transferred by bus to Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal, arriving between 12:30 and 13:30. From there, you'll be escorted to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, a local guide will meet you and arrange a private transfer to your hotel.

Yu Garden

After breakfast, you'll spend the day exploring Shanghai’s mix of modern and traditional attractions. Your first stop is the Shanghai Museum, one of China’s top museums, known for its vast collection of ancient Chinese art. The museum, shaped like a bronze vessel, represents the ancient Chinese idea of "round sky, square earth." Inside, you'll see over 120,000 items, including ceramics, bronzes, calligraphy, jades, and paintings, all reflecting the depth of China’s history and culture.

Next, visit Yu Garden, a classic example of Chinese garden design in the city center. This peaceful retreat features winding paths, pavilions, and koi-filled ponds. Its design promotes harmony and tranquility, with traditional architecture and intricate decorations. Nearby, explore the busy Yuyuan Bazaar, where you can try local snacks and shop for traditional crafts.

In the afternoon, head to the Shanghai World Financial Center in the Pudong District. Take the elevator to the 100th floor for stunning views of the skyline and the Huangpu River, offering a unique perspective of Shanghai’s blend of modern and historical architecture. Next, enjoy a stroll along the Bund, Shanghai’s famous waterfront. Here, you’ll see colonial-era buildings alongside modern skyscrapers, perfect for photos and experiencing the city’s vibrant energy.

For evening activities, there are two options:

1. A Huangpu River Night Cruise to see the city’s skyline lit up from the water.
2. An acrobatic show at Shanghai Circus World (19:30–21:00), featuring incredible performances.

Tianzifang

In the morning, start your day at the Jade Buddha Temple, one of Shanghai's most famous Buddhist sites. This peaceful temple houses two stunning jade Buddha statues from Burma. The main highlight is the Sitting Buddha, carved from a single piece of white jade, standing 1.9 meters tall and decorated with semi-precious stones like agate and emerald. You’ll also see the Reclining Buddha, a symbol of the Buddha’s death, measuring about 1 meter in length. 

Afterward, head to Tianzifang, a lively arts district in the former French Concession. This area is known for its narrow streets lined with art galleries, boutiques, and cafés inside traditional Shikumen buildings. Here, you can find unique handmade crafts, local art, and souvenirs that showcase Shanghai’s creative culture. The area is both energetic and relaxed, making it ideal for a leisurely walk while enjoying the local vibe. 

In the afternoon, enjoy free time to relax or explore Shanghai at your own pace. Whether you choose to sit in a café or try local snacks and discover hidden spots, this is your chance to experience the lively atmosphere of the city.

Your trip ends with a private transfer to the airport. Your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel and make sure you have a smooth departure.

We hope you leave with great memories and stories from your time in China. Safe travels, and we look forward to hosting you again!