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Savour the natural grandeur of the Three Gorges on a relaxing Yangtze River Cruise – just one part of a wonderful tour that also includes China's enthralling cities of Shanghai, Xian, Beijing, and of course the unforgettable Giant Pandas of Chengdu.
Our Majestic Yangtze tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine.
Cruise this impressive river and see the man made marvel of the Three Gorges Dam
See these lovable creatures in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat
Come face to face with Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Terracotta Warriors
Walk along the awe-inspiring modern wonder that is China's most famous attraction
Coronavirus Update for China
China currently has one of the lowest rates of new infections with just 13 new daily infections reported yesterday* which makes us optimistic that we will return to life as normal and be able to enjoy our dream holidays soon. *Correct as of 26 April 2021.
This adventure is ideal for travellers with less time to spend and who want to see the very best bits of this incredibly diverse destination. We have designed the tour to make the most of the time available to showcase the key highlights and cities of China. This tour is also idea for those looking for a Yangtze River cruise.
Fly overnight to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the 'Paris of the East'. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Shanghai is China's great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Today's explorations include the classical Yu Garden, a stop in the old town and learning about the age-old silk production process at a silk factory. Later admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund and view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise. The skyscrapers and glimmering lights are a sight to behold, Shanghai is unlike any other city in the world. Tonight, sample some traditional Shanghainese cuisine.
Spend the morning seeing the sights of the ultramodern Pudong area, also known as the financial district of the city with its skyscraper buildings. Later, fly to Yichang where you will board the Yangtze River cruise vessel.
A man-made marvel, the Three Gorges Dam showcases a massive feat of engineering. But as you cruise upstream nature takes over, revealing some of the world's most dramatic scenery including the Three Gorges themselves. Over the next three days, take a side trip to the attractive Shennong or Goddess Stream and enjoy various shore excursions.
Disembark the cruise vessel in Chongqing, explore old Ciqikou, a district known for its porcelain production during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Ciqikou's narrow streets are perfect for a morning stroll to admire the historical, traditional architecture. Transfer to Chengdu and enjoy a delicious Sichuanese meal for dinner with the option of a performance of Sichuan Opera, famous for its 'face-changing'.
Begin this morning with a visit to Chengdu's famous Panda Conservation Centre, which allows you to see and learn about China's celebrated bears up close in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. A look around the informative museum gives an overview of the reserve's breeding programme. Later, take a bullet train to the former imperial capital of Xian. This evening a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing awaits.
After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China's first Emperor Qin Shi Huang has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life sized warriors. Visit the workshop of the craftsmen who recreate Terracotta Warriors in the style of their ancient counterparts. Watch the skilled production process and buy a souvenir warrior to take home. Later stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th century city walls that enclose Xian's old town, then join the optional tour to see Xian lit up at night.
Today, visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda and walk through the lively atmospheric alleys of the Muslim Quarter which are lined with Islamic food stalls. Later, fly to Beijing, China's capital city.
Head to Tiananmen Square, Beijing's symbolic heart, and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Entering through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, you will find a complex full of imperial riches. Also soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape, and end the day watching a Chinese acrobatic show.
This morning is dedicated to China's most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the sheer magnificence of the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that it crosses. In the afternoon, visit a jade factory then enjoy the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace as you wander through traditional Chinese gardens and view the exquisite architecture. This evening, savour Beijing's best-known delicacy-Peking duck.
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.
A short distance from Shanghai's major tourist attractions, the 5-star Jinjiang Huating hotel offers elegant guest rooms with large windows providing views of Shanghai. This beautiful hotel is home to the rooftop Moon View Restaurant, offering breathtaking city views and exquisite Chinese dishes.
The 4-star Xinliang Hotel is located in the heart of Chengdu, just a short distance from some of the cities key attractions. The hotel's interior was inspired by Bashu culture and blended with a modern charm. Enjoy the recreational facilities available to you, including a sauna and steamroom designed for escapism and relaxation.
A short distance from Xian's historic old town, the 4-star Lanxi International hotel features a terrace for you to enjoy, as well as an indoor pool and hot tub. The modern guest rooms offer a private bathroom, desk and flat screen TV.
The 4-star Mercure Beijing Downtown is very well connected across the city, with easy access to the city centre and multiple transport links. The elegant and spacious guests rooms offer free internet access and satelite TV.
The best times to visit China are in spring (April to May) and autumn, (September to October) when temperatures are warm and humidity low.
Places Visited: UK - Shanghai (2N) - Yangtze River Cruise (4N) - Chengdu (1N) - Xian (2N) - Beijing (3N) - UK
All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. If the dates we have available for this tour don't suit your needs, or you are not sure travelling as part of a group is for you, maybe a Private Tour would be more ideal. If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book.
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There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.
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