CHINA - ANCIENT CITIES & YANGTZE RIVER TOUR
Duration
15 Days
Tour Type
Escorted
From $ 6,199 per person Twin Share Land Only
From $ 1,799 per person Single Supplement
"Surcharges may apply"
Destinations on the tour
Beijing > Xi’an > Chengdu > Chongqing > Yangtze River > Nanjing > Yichang & Shanghai
Beyond the Express: A Customised Journey Deep into China’s Heart
Building on the incredible foundation of our signature China Express Tour, we’ve curated a premium upgrade designed for travellers seeking a truly immersive cultural experience.
From the historic streets of Beijing to the ultimate natural and wildlife wonders of the regions, this extended itinerary handles every minor detail so you can simply focus on the inspiration and enrichment of travel.
Why Book Your China Getaway with us?
At Business & Leisure Travel, we know that a truly great holiday requires meticulous planning before you ever leave home. Backed by decades of collective experience, our specialists take the stress out of complex international itineraries. We manage your flights, premium cruise bookings, visa requirements, and local coordination into one seamless, streamlined itinerary.
Ready to plan your dream holiday?
Let our expert travel consultants tailor this spectacular China itinerary to your exact pace, preferences, and budget.
- Accommodation
11 nights quality (4-5 star) accommodation with daily breakfast
- Train
Soft sleeper overnight train (Beijing – Xi’an)
- Transport
2nd class high speed train (Xi’an – Chengdu, Chengdu – Chongqing, Yichang – Nanjing, Nanjing – Shanghai)
Maglev Train Ticket
All transportation, daily tours and admission fees
- Cruise
3 night 5* Victoria Cruise (Downstream) Please note the cruise itinerary is subject to change.
- Meals
Most meals as indicated
- Tipping
Tipping for guide and driver
- Professional Guides
Professional English speaking guide
Tour Map & Dates
Departure Dates
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrive Beijing | -/-/-
You will be met on arrival in Beijing and transferred to your hotel to check in for the next four nights.
Day 2 | Beijing | B/-/D
Spend the day exploring the most popular highlights of magnificent Beijing. Feast on incredible Peking Duck.
Day 3 | Beijing | B/L/-
Break out your walking shoes! Today you will explore the Ming Tombs and learn about traditional jade carving, before walking along the famous Great Wall.
Day 4 | Beijing — Xi'an | B/L/-
Marvel at the wooden yet nail-less Temple of Heaven before walking through the old quarters of Beijing. Learn how to make delicious dumplings and enjoy lunch with a local family. Enjoy an afternoon train to Xi’an. On arrival, check in at hotel.
Day 5 | Xi'an | B/L/D
Transfer to the hotel for breakfast, in the afternoon visit the Provincial History Museum. Admire the thousands of treasures and relics preserved here. Finish the day with a delicious dumpling banquet and entertaining Tang Dynasty Show.
Day 6 | Xi'an | B/L/-
Today you will be in awe of the famous lifesize Terracotta Warrior Army and learn how the 6,000 replicas were painstakingly crafted. See the traditional Tang Dynasty era Wild Goose Pagoda.
Day 7 | Xi'an — Chengdu | B/-/D
Admire the Drum and Bell Tower Square, before wandering through the Muslim Quarter and local food market. Take the bullet train to Chengdu and enjoy a delicious Sichuan Hot Pot for dinner.
Day 8 | Chengdu | B/L/-
Get up close and personal with the famous Giant Pandas at the Reserve. Return to Chengdu and wander the three distinct alleys in Kuanzhai Alley.
Day 9 | Chengdu — Chongqing — Yangtze River Cruise | B/-/D
Take the high speed rail to Chongqing and explore the local parks and museums. After dinner you will board your luxury Victoria Cruise on the magnificent Yangtze River. Depart approximately 9:30pm.
Day 10 | Yangtze River Cruise | B/L/D
Wake up with tai chi and a buffet breakfast. Explore Fengdu Ghost City* before taking advantage of the onboard activities. Visit Shibao Pagoda, then enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Party and buffet dinner.
Day 11 | Yangtze River Cruise | B/L/D
Today you continue to sail through the Three Gorges, stopping at The White Emperor City* and Lesser Three Gorges or Shennong/Shennv Stream. Enjoy a farewell dinner then dancing or karaoke!
Day 12 | Yangtze River Cruise — Yichang — Nanjing | B/L/D
Finish your luxury cruise exploring the Three Gorges Dam. Transfer to Yichang by coach. Take the bullet train to the ancient capital Nanjing and check in for an overnight stay.
Day 13 | Nanjing — Shanghai | B/L/D
Visit the indescribable Dr. Sun Yat Sen Mausoleum (be prepared for stair climbing), then tour other Nanjing highlights such as the City Wall. Ride the bullet train to metropolitan Shanghai. From the charming Bund to the old streets of Chenghuang, you will not be disappointed in today’s activities. After a local dinner, enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the city from Shanghai Financial Center.
Day 14 | Shanghai | B/L/-
Free day at leisure to enjoy Shanghai at your own pace.
Day 15 | Depart Shanghai | B/-/-
Enjoy the last hours in Shanghai at your leisure before transferring to the airport by the Maglev Train!