Day 1 - Arrive Beijing
Welcome to Beijing, China’s vibrant and ever-evolving capital. A city of contrasts, Beijing seamlessly blends centuries of rich history with cutting-edge modernity. Marvel at six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, wander through ancient temples, and soak in the awe-inspiring architecture that ranges from the imperial grandeur of the Forbidden City to modern marvels like the CCTV Tower and Galaxy SOHO. This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers at your hotel before enjoying a welcome dinner, your first taste of authentic Chinese cuisine.
Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Beijing Temple of Heaven
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 - Beijing Sightseeing
Start your exploration of Beijing at Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square, flanked by monumental buildings that reflect the city’s communist past. Next, step into the grandeur of the UNESCO-listed Forbidden City, a sprawling palace complex home to 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Wander through the beautifully preserved courtyards, halls, and gardens, imagining life in imperial times. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore the city’s charming hutongs or indulge in a local café. Tonight, consider joining the evening Choice Experience for the spectacular Legend of Kung Fu show, a performance that brilliantly fuses traditional martial arts with modern theatre.
Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Beijing Temple of Heaven
Meals: Breakfast
Choice Experiences: Legend of Kung Fu Show

Day 3 - Beijing and the Great Wall
Today, tick off a bucket-list experience with a visit to the Great Wall of China at Juyongguan. This world-renowned engineering feat snakes across mountains, deserts, and plateaus, a testament to the vision and labour of generations past. Walk along its ancient stones, soaking in the awe-inspiring views and imagining the immense effort it took to build this fortification. Afterwards, visit a Jade factory before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. In the evening, relax at your hotel or join a Choice Experience for a traditional Peking Duck banquet, a culinary treat that perfectly caps a day of history and culture.
Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Beijing Temple of Heaven
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Choice Experiences: Peking Duck Banquet

Day 4 - Beijing to Xi’an
Spend the morning in Beijing with the option to visit the Temple of Heaven, an extraordinary example of Chinese architecture and religious symbolism, where the circular design represents heaven and the square, earth. In the afternoon, fly to Xi’an, a city steeped in history. Once home to emperors, warriors, and scholars, Xi’an retains its imposing 12-metre-high city walls and is famed worldwide for the Terracotta Army. This evening, enjoy free time to wander the bustling lanes of the Muslim Quarter and immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant street life.
Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Xi’an Bell Tower
Meals: Breakfast
Choice Experiences: Temple of Heaven / 798 Art District

Day 5 - Xi’an Sightseein
Prepare to be amazed at the Terracotta Army, one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological discoveries. Thousands of life-sized warriors, each unique, have silently guarded Emperor Qin Shi Huang for over 2,000 years. After learning their fascinating history, enjoy lunch before visiting the traditional Yaodong cave dwellings, a way of life still preserved in the region. Additional Choice Experiences include Gao’s Grand Courtyard, a 400-year-old Ming Dynasty residence, or a Tang Dynasty show with a dumpling banquet to finish the day with culture and cuisine.
Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Xi’an Bell Tower
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Choice Experiences: Gao’s Grand Courtyard / Tang Dynasty Show with Dinner

Day 6 - Xi’an to Chongqing and Yangtze River Cruise
Board a high-speed train to Chongqing, one of the world’s most densely populated cities, before embarking on your Yangtze River cruise. Marvel at the city sprawling over the riverbanks before settling on board your ship for a three-night journey through China’s most iconic waterway. Dinner is served onboard, giving you the perfect opportunity to relax and soak in your first views of the mighty Yangtze.
Hotel: Victoria Isabella
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 - Yangtze River Cruise
Wake up to the majestic scenery of the Yangtze River. Your first stop is Shibaozhai, a 12-storey wooden pagoda clinging to the cliffside. Explore its striking red pavilion and temple, then continue cruising. Choice Experiences today include Fengdu’s “Ghost City,” an eerie 2,000-year-old shrine complex, or the action-packed Romance of the Three Kingdoms evening show, featuring acrobatics and horse-riding stunts. Return to your ship after an unforgettable day of history, legends, and scenery.
Hotel: Victoria Isabella
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Choice Experiences: Fengdu Ghost City / Romance of the Three Kingdoms Show

Day 8 - Yangtze River Cruise
Today, enjoy more breathtaking river scenery. Choose to visit White Emperor City, where ancient rulers once gazed upon the Qutang Gorge, or hike Chijia Mountain for panoramic views of the Three Gorges. Cruise through the dramatic cliffs of Qutang, Wu, and Xiling Gorges, then take a motorboat along the serene Goddess Stream, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and lush greenery.
Hotel: Victoria Isabella
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Choice Experiences: Top of the Three Gorges / White Emperor City

Day 9 - Yichang to Shanghai
Begin the day with a view of the colossal Three Gorges Dam from the top deck of your ship. After disembarking at Maoping Port, transfer to Yichang Airport and fly to Shanghai, a city where history and ultra-modern skyscrapers coexist seamlessly.
Hotel: Ocean Hotel Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 - Shanghai Sightseeing
Start at The Bund, Shanghai’s famous waterfront lined with art deco and neoclassical buildings, before visiting a Silk Factory Outlet and shopping along Nanjing Road. In the evening, you may opt for a thrilling acrobatic show, a dazzling display of balance, strength, and skill.
Hotel: Ocean Hotel Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Choice Experiences: Shanghai Acrobatic Show

Day 11 - Shanghai Free Day
Spend your last day in China exploring at your own pace. Optional experiences include visiting the ancient water town of Zhujiajiao or exploring Shanghai’s galleries and cultural landmarks. Don’t miss tasting the city’s culinary delights along the way.
Hotel: Ocean Hotel Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast
Choice Experiences: Half-Day Zhujiajiao Experience / World Financial Centre & Tianzifang

Day 12 - Depart Shanghai
After a final breakfast, bid farewell to China and your fellow travellers. Take home memories of ancient dynasties, river adventures, and vibrant cityscapes as you head to the airport for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast
