Asia China

15 Day Amazing China with 3 Day Yangtze River Cruise

Sep 5-19, 2027

Single Supplement: $850

Plus flights.  Flights cannot be confirmed more than 11 months prior to the date of departure. Once flights are available, we will contact you to review itinerary options from your preferred gateway.

with aur from SFO.  Other cities available

Included Highlights

• Thanks to our small group size, we can get to the heart of our destination, visit places that other tours miss, and get to know the locals.
  • Exploration of Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world, and the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Have lunch with a local family in Beijing’s Hutong community
  • Travel to the extraordinary 2000-year-old Great Wall of China, one of the most spectacular structures ever built by man
  • Join the residents of Xian in Xingqing Park in their morning exercise
  • Visit the unforgettable archaeological site of the magnificent Terracotta Warriors entombed with China’s first Emperor Qin Shi Huang
  • Meet the famous Giant Panda bears at the Chengdu Panda Research Center
  • Embark on a 3-night Yangtze River Cruise that journeys through some of the greatest scenery in the world
  • Explore Yuyuan Gardens in the Old Quarter of Shanghai, built during the Ming Dynasty
  • Discover Fengjing Ancient Town, one of Shanghai’s most charming water towns

Must-See Inclusions:

• High-Speed Bullet Train Xian-Chengdu
• Meet the famous Giant Panda bears at the Chengdu Panda Research Center
• 2000-year-old Great Wall of China

Cultural Experiences:

• Visit the unforgettable archaeological site of the magnificent Terracotta Warriors entombed with China’s first Emperor Qin Shi Huang
• Meet the famous Giant Panda bears at the Chengdu Panda Research Center
• Embark on a 3-night Yangtze River Cruise that journeys through some of the greatest scenery in the world

Culinary Inclusions:

• 31 meals: 13 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 8 dinners
• Have lunch with a local family in Beijing’s Hutong community

DAY 1, Sunday – Depart for China
Depart for China

DAY 2, Monday – Arrive in Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, sprawling capital of modern China and transfer to your hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure
Overnight: Beijing

DAY 3, Tuesday – Forbidden City, Home Hosted Lunch in Hutong
Begin at huge Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world, built at the height of the Ming Dynasty. The square’s Gate of Heavenly Peace was once used as a staging ground for imperial edicts and by Mao Zedong himself to declare the founding of the People’s Republic in 1949. Enter the Forbidden City, once the residence of Chinese emperors from the Ming to the Qing dynasties. This extraordinary walled complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is truly a masterpiece of Chinese architecture, consisting of 800 buildings with more than 9,000 rooms. Then, continue to a typical Hutong neighborhood. Beijing’s Hutongs, a community of small residences centered around alleyways and courtyards, are dwindling in number as the city is modernized, but some have been preserved as “protected areas.” Special arrangements just for you to meet a local family and share lunch together in their home – they will be delighted to share their secret family recipe for dumplings, complete with demonstration. Next, visit a local pearl shop. This evening, join your Tour Manager for an orientation meeting, followed by dinner, featuring China’s world-famous Peking duck
Overnight: Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4, Wednesday – The Great Wall & Ming Tombs
Travel to the extraordinary 2000-year-old Great Wall of China, spanning nearly 4,000 miles of China’s northern frontier. Mount the ramparts of this ancient wonder to view beautiful mountain passes, plateaus, and grasslands from this 7th century defensive fortification. Stop at a local jade shop to admire wares crafted with one of China’s most famous materials. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the Sacred Way lined with mythical stone beasts and statues. Originally built to lead to the mausoleum, it was thought to be the “road leading to heaven.” Walk through the huge Memorial Stone Arch guarding its entrance continuing along the road to the 13 Ming Dynasty Tombs. Visit the Dingling Tomb, also known as the Underground Palace, the first Imperial tomb excavated in China, housing the remains of Emperor Wan Li and two of his wives. In the exhibition, you’ll also see many of the precious golden crowns and glittering jewels that were uncovered
Overnight: Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

shanghai

DAY 5, Thursday – Flight to Xian, Small Wild Goose Pagoda & Market Visit
This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Xian. Arrive in Xian, the ancient capital of eleven dynasties and an archaeological treasure trove. Have lunch at a local restaurant. Later, visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, one of the most famous Buddhist pagodas in China constructed during the Tang Dynasty. This brick and wood structure was only moderately damaged during the major earthquake in 1556 and still stands today as a compelling symbol of Xian. Then, on to the Muslim Quarter, a hub of the Muslim community in Xian. At the bustling Beiyuanmen Market, you’ll find a unique blend of Chinese and Islamic stalls with food and crafts. Tonight, dinner is at a local restaurant featuring Paomo, a local specialty
Overnight: Xian
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, Friday – Xian Antiquities with Terracotta Army
Morning visit to Xingqing Park, a hub of activity and join the residents of Xian in their morning exercise. Next, view the bronze chariot and horses, part of the Terracotta Army Museum. Afterward, visit an arts and crafts workshop gallery. Highlights include finely crafted terracotta figurines inspired by the Terracotta Army and beautifully polished lacquer furniture. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Then, a truly unforgettable experience! Arrive at the archaeological site of the magnificent Terracotta Warriors, a vast collection of more than 7,000 finely sculpted, life-size soldiers, horses and chariots that were entombed with Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor. This world-famous site discovered by farmers in 1974 is still being excavated today. This evening, attend an optional Tang Dynasty 6-course dinner, followed by a historical dance performance by the Tang Dynasty troupe
Optional: Tang Dynasty Show with Dinner (PM)
Overnight: Xian
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 7, Saturday – Xian City Wall, High-Speed Train to Chengdu
Begin the day with a visit to the ancient Xian city wall, which was started in 194 B.C. This is the most complete city wall that has survived in China, as well as being one of the largest ancient military defense systems in the world. Lunch is at a local restaurant. Afterward, board a high-speed train to Chengdu. Arrive and transfer to your hotel in this capital city of Sichuan Province. Tonight, try the famous China “Hot Pot” for dinner. Created over 1,000 years ago, this dish varies by region and is popular all over the country
Overnight: Chengdu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Sunday – View Giant Pandas, Visit Mahjong Parlor
This morning you’ll get to visit some of Chengdu’s most relaxed local celebrities, giant panda bears. You’ll travel to the Chengdu Panda Research Center which houses more than 80 giant pandas. The center is one of the largest panda breeding facilities in the world. Their livelihood in the wild is under threat from deforestation. After lunch at a local restaurant, join some residents in a local Mahjong parlor to watch this ancient Chinese game and have a few lessons from the experts. Later, attend the optional Sichuan Opera Show and be swept away and mesmerized by this exciting Sichuan show as artists take the stage in elaborate costumes to enact various performances
Optional: Sichuan Opera Show (PM)
Overnight: Chengdu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 9, Monday – Chongqing, Cruise Embarkation
Depart Chengdu and travel to Chongqing, gateway to the Yangtze River. Continue to Eling Park, located on a hill near the heart of the city. The park was established at the end of the Qing Dynasty in 1909 by a wealthy businessman. Discover hundreds of plant species during a stroll through the different parts of the well-tended gardens. Ascend to the lookout tower for stunning views of the Chongqing skyline. This evening, have dinner on your cruise ship and begin the scenic journey on the Yangtze River
Overnight: Yangtze River
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10, Tuesday – Cruise to Fengdu
Awaken this morning to the beautiful vistas on the river. Today, embark on an excursion to Xiaoguanshan Ancient Folk Culture Park* with its recreated ancient residential buildings, courtyards, temples, wood carvings and city gates. You might catch a glimpse of a local performance featuring traditional Chinese arts. Later, return to the ship
*Depending on river conditions, Xiaoguanshan tour may be substituted with a visit to Shibaozhai Temple
Overnight: Yangtze River
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11, Wednesday – Qutang and Wuxia Gorges
Wondrous views await you today. Sail through Qutang Gorge, the smallest of the three Yangtze Gorges followed by spectacular views of the surrounding mountain passes as you sail through the 25-mile-long Wuxia (Witches) Gorge, famous for its fabled Twelve Peaks. According to legend, the peaks are believed to be the spirits of 12 fairies, the most famous of them being the Shennu Feng (Goddess) Peak, topped by a huge rock resembling a kneeling maiden. The shore excursion takes you to visit the natural scenic wonders of the Shennv or Shennong Stream*. Finally, begin sailing downstream through Xiling Gorge. The longest and deepest section of the Three Gorges system, it comprises the Xietan, Qintan, and Kongling rapids in what is known as the Three Rapids of Xiling
*The visit of Shennong or Shennv stream is dependent upon water levels.
Overnight: Yangtze River
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12, Thursday – Three Gorges Dam, Disembarkation, Train to Shanghai
After breakfast, this morning’s excursion provides you with impressive panoramic views of the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest and most ambitious hydroelectric project ever undertaken by man, nearly six times the size of the Hoover Dam. This project has forever changed the landscape surrounding the Yangtze River. After disembarkation, have lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, transfer to the train station to board the train to cosmopolitan Shanghai, the fastest growing city in Asia, with its dramatic ever-changing skyline. Box dinner will be provided onboard the train
Overnight: Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 13, Friday – Yuyuan Gardens
Stroll this morning along the famous Bund walkway, with its gorgeous vistas of old and new Shanghai. Stop at a local silk carpet & embroidery shop and see how the fabric is woven into stunning designs by local craftspeople. Afterward, visit the classical YuYuan Gardens (Garden of Happiness) in the Old Quarter, built during the Ming Dynasty. This beautiful and serene sanctuary features pagodas, lakes, and magnificent pavilions. Next, proceed to the splendid Jade Buddha Temple, known for its impressive jade Buddha statues imported from Myanmar. Time at leisure for lunch and shopping in Shanghai. Tonight perhaps, explore some of the city’s world-class restaurants on your own
Overnight: Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 14, Saturday – Explore Fengjing Ancient Town
This morning, travel to Fengjing Ancient Town, one of Shanghai’s most charming water towns. Wander around town with its charming black and white houses and ancient bridges. Visit the wedding museum and learn about the local people’s wedding traditions. Following lunch, visit the site of People’s Commune from 1958 to 1984. Next, take a relaxing gondola ride along the small canals and admire the picturesque scenery. Conclude the tour with a visit to a local rice wine factory. Tonight, bid goodbye to China and to your Tour Manager during dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight: Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 15, Sunday – Depart China
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

Call 516 248 3496 or email ellen@wisewomentravel.com for more info.

Deposit of $1000 for the tour,. Travel insurance optional and recommended $256 per person.