Beijing - Xi'an - Chongqing - Yangtze River (cruise) - Shanghai 
Limited for time but wanting to discover some of the major attractions of China? Looking to experience a trip along the mighty Yangtze River? Then, without doubt, this is the tour for you!
A shortened version of the popular Legendary Yangtze Cruise, let China specialists Emperor Tours take you from Beijing, with its many iconic cultural sites to another of China’s ancient cities Xian – the birthplace of Chinese civilisation.
You’ll then travel on to Chongqing and along the picturesque Yangtze River surrounded by stunning scenery. Final destination is exhilarating Shanghai – surely one of the world’s most exciting and vibrant cities.
Take international scheduled flight from London Heathrow to Beijing.
(We can also arrange flights from other UK airports without any additional cost; upgrade to premium economy class or business class available on request)
On arrival at Beijing Capital Airport we’ll be met by our guide and taken by private transfer to the 5* Artyzen Habitat Dongzhimen Beijing, located in the centre of this amazing city.
Once we have freshened up we begin with a visit to the Temple of Heaven – built in 1420, it was the place where the Ming and Qing emperors worshipped the God of Heaven and prayed for a good harvest for the year.
Time permitting, we will visit the Olympic Village, Birds Nest Stadium and Water Cube.
Finally, we end our first day with a welcome dinner in a traditional Chinese restaurant.
We start the day with a visit to Tiananmen Square – the largest public square in the world.
Walking through the Gate of Heavenly Peace (with the late Chairman Mao’s huge portrait hanging over the gate), we enter the magnificent Forbidden City, a massive palace compound (home to 24 Emperors since the 15th century) which never fails to impress.
In the afternoon the tour continues visiting the enchanting Summer Palace with its lakes, gardens, teahouses and pagodas. The largest Imperial garden in the world is where Qing Emperors and Empresses stayed between May and October, to escape the pollution inside the city. End your day with a relaxing boat ride on the beautiful Kunming Lake.
Today we travel outside the city to the world famous Great Wall of China at Mutianyu. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the largest man-made structure on earth and one of the Great Wonders of the World. Spend time just taking in the breath taking, panoramic views!
In the afternoon we visit the Ming Tombs where 13 Ming Emperors are buried in historical and palatial mausoleums, surrounded by the spectacular Tiger and Dragon Mountains.
The evening is time to relax with a traditional Peking duck banquet!
This morning you have your own leisure time.
In the afternoon we fly to Xi’an – the ancient capital of China. Upon arrival we transfer to the 5* Grand Mercure Hotel Xian On Renmin Square in the city centre.
Later we visit the Ancient City Wall, originally built during the Tang Dynasty, it is the most complete, surviving city wall in China today.
We also visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda – initially built in 589, it’s known as the best-preserved Buddhist temple complex.
In the evening relax and enjoy a spectacular Tang Dynasty Dinner Show.
Today begins another highlight of our tour – a visit to the amazing Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Built over 2,000 years ago, to guard the tomb of Emperor Qinshihuang, over 7,000 life-size soldiers, horses and chariots lay undiscovered until 1974 when they were uncovered by a farmer. This is truly one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century and now a must-see UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the afternoon we return to the city and visit the landmark, stately Bell Tower – beautifully lit as night falls with enchanting red lanterns.
There’s also time to browse around the colourful and vibrant local food market in the old Muslim Quarter.
This morning we fly to Chongqing, the ‘Mountain City’. Reputed for its wonderful scenery, it is surrounded by water on 3 sides.
On arrival we will visit the local market and old town, giving you an insight to traditional Chinese culture.
Following dinner we board our 5* Yangtze River Cruise ship for the start of our Yangtze adventure!
Optional extension to visit the Panda Research Base in Chengdu instead of Chongqing as follows – morning we take a flight to Chengdu. On arrival visit the Giant Panda Breeding Centre – one of the most important centres in China for the captive conservation of giant pandas and a highlight of any visit to Chengdu. Afternoon we take a high-speed bullet train to Chongqing. After dinner we board our 5* Yangtze Cruise.
Early birds among us can take the opportunity to learn Taichi on the upper deck before breakfast.
After breakfast there will be a shore excursion to Fengdu – the ghost city, where Chinese people believe spirits meet after death (this may change to Shibaozhai or Wanxian County, depending on the water level).
*Cruise schedule may be subject to change, depending on the water level.
Our cruise today takes an excursion to the beautiful Daning River through its lesser Three Gorges, or a small boat trip to the Shennong Stream – where we can drift along the crystal clear water and be dazzled by the strength and bravery of boat-trackers.
Cruise staff will prepare a scrumptious farewell dinner and cabaret for us this evening.
After breakfast we will visit the Three Gorges Dam construction site – the largest water engineering project in history, which will create millions of migrants and generate enough power to feed the country’s fast developing economy.
We disembark the cruise at Yichang around noon time and have lunch.
Afterwards we take a short flight to Shanghai – a vibrant modern city often referred to as the “Oriental Paris”. You’ll be staying at the centrally located art deco 5* Okura Garden Hotel.
We begin our tour today to the Jade Buddha Temple – one of the few working monasteries in the city.
We then continue to the Old Town and the enchanting Yuyuan Garden, a place of peace and comfort in the heart of bustling Shanghai, dating back to the Ming Dynasty.
We then take a leisurely walk on the Bund – Shanghai’s famous colonial waterfront. Here you’ll be treated to breathtaking views Shanghai’s skyline on both sides of Huangpu River.
Finally today we visit the Shanghai Museum, which possesses a collection of over 120,000 precious works of art.
In the evening we’ll be entertained by the famous State Shanghai Acrobatic show.
Today is your last full day in China. You have the whole day free to indulge in some last minute shopping or exploring and experience local cuisine under your own steam!
Time to return home! After breakfast you’ll transfer to Shanghai airport for your flight home.
For those customers who wish to take advantage of the 3 day Hong Kong extension – click extensions tab above.
Visit the website to see more!
Within the expansive Renmin Square heritage and entertainment area, this modern hotel is 2 km from Xi’an railway station, and 2 km from the 14th-century Xi’an Drum Tower and museum.
Visit the website to see more!
5* Century Cruise
The only fleet with all ships built after 2003, with a Grand Atrium Lobby in every cruiser, private balconies in all cabins and with the largest standard cabins of any Yangtze fleet. Century Cruise also offer five star service, with European hospitality experts providing personal management on every ship and international five star quality all-cotton linen and bathroom products.
For more information click here
5* Okura Garden Hotel Shanghai
Situated along Huai Hai Road in the heart of Shanghai, the Okura Garden Hotel Shanghai retains the vestiges of the French Club, which was built in the City’s French Concession in 1926, and to this day preserves its beautiful Art Deco atmosphere. Delight in the exquisite harmony of a stylish European atmosphere and traditional Chinese culture, then step out into the expansive 28,000 metre squared garden for a stroll or a chat in the refreshing breeze.
For more information click here
4 + * Harbor Plaza Metropolis
Harbour Plaza Metropolis is situated in the heart of Kowloon, overlooking the spectacular world-famous Victoria Harbour. Conveniently located near the MTR Hung Hom Station, it is just minutes away from Kowloon’s renowned Tsim Sha Tsui shopping districts.
For more information click here
After breakfast you will transfer to Shanghai airport for your flight to Hong Kong.
Upon arrival in Hong Kong you’ll be met and transferred to the 4+* Harbor Plaza Metropolis Hotel in the heart of Kowloon overlooking the spectacular, world-famous Victoria Harbour.
The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore.
In the morning we take you on a half day tour including Victoria Peak – at 554m above sea level the highest point in Hong Kong and the perfect birds eye viewpoint of this spectacular city. We also visit shopping heaven at Stanley Market as well as the intriguing, Aberdeen Fishing Village – famous for its community living on traditional junks and a fabulous destination for seafood dining.
The rest of the day is free.
You’ll have the whole day to explore further and take in more of the sights and sounds of Hong Kong.
We’ll then organise a late evening transfer to Hong Kong airport for your overnight flight home.
Optional extra nights in Hong Kong are available – please ask a member of our team for further details.
Arrive back in the UK in the morning. Your taxi will be waiting upon your arrival to transfer you back home.
Tour Price includes:
Tour Price excludes:
FLIGHT TIMES: 9.5 hours direct from London Heathrow to Beijing.
TIME DIFFERENCE: +7 hours in summer time / +8 hours in winter time (BST).
CURRENCY: Chinese Yuan (official name Ren Min Bi) £1 = approx. 9 CYN.
MONEY: You can take Sterling cash with you and exchange in China – hotels and banks all provide a currency exchange service. Credit cards are widely accepted and there are ATM machines for withdrawing cash in local currency.
TIPPING: Tipping is at your own discretion. We recommended £5 (approx. 45 CYN) per day for your tour guide but it’s entirely up to you based on how good you think your guide and driver are.
VISA: All visitors to China are required to apply for a Chinese visa in advance of travel. Upon booking Emperor Tours will provide visa forms and detailed instructions explaining the application process.
LANGUAGE: The official language spoken in China is standard Mandarin (Pu Tong Hua).
BEST TIMES TO VISIT: Generally Spring and Autumn months – end of March to early June and September to early November.
FESTIVALS: Here are the main Chinese festivals and what you will expect to see and experience during these festivities…
Chinese New Year – 1st-15th of the first lunar month
Scrolls and paper-cut pictures, firecrackers and fireworks, New Year visits to family and friends, eating celebratory dishes.
Lantern Festival – 15th day of the first lunar month
Lanterns and fireworks, guessing lantern riddles, folk dances and eating celebratory dishes.
Qingming Festival – April 4th or 5th of the solar calendar
Tomb sweeping, Spring outings and kite flying.
Dragon Boat Festival – 5th day of the 5th lunar month
Dragon boat racing, eating celebratory dishes and tying five-colour silk thread.
Double Seventh Festival – 7th day of seventh lunar month
Praying for skillful hands, appreciating the stars, and eating noodles, and wontons.
Mid-autumn Festival – 15th day of the 8th lunar month
Appreciating and offering sacrifice to the moonlight and eating moon cakes.
Chongyang Festival – 9th day of the 9th lunar month
Eating Chongyang cake, drinking chrysanthemum wine, climbing mountains and appreciating beautiful chrysanthemums.
Winter Solstice – Dec. 21st, 22nd or 23rd in solar calendar
Eating dumplings in Northern areas and sticky puddings in Southern areas.
Laba Festival – 8th day of the 12th lunar month
Eating laba rice porridge.
NOTE: A lunar month is the time between two successive syzygies (new moons or full moons).
FOOD & DRINK: Our China Group Tours include most meals however if you are venturing out to eat on your own all our hotels are in city centres so it’s very easy to find local restaurants. Your guides will be more than happy to recommend restaurants of various cuisines to you. It’s not expensive to eat out in China – a simple meal in a local restaurant costs around £10 per person.
It’s advisable not to use the minibar in your hotel room as it can be very expensive, and you can find cheap soft drinks, beer and wine in supermarkets. Emperor Tours provide bottled water for guests and your hotel will also provide free bottled water in your room.
SOCIAL ETIQUETTE: China is a fairly relaxed country regarding etiquette, but there are a few things to be aware of:
Greetings and goodbyes – shake hands but never kiss someone’s cheek.
Religion – dress sensitively when visiting Buddhist (especially in Tibet) and Taoist temples, churches and mosques.? You should avoid touching monks, especially women.
Eating and drinking – its polite to help fill your neighbour’s plate at the dinner table and toast the host and others at the table. At the start of dinner, wait until toasting starts before drinking from your glass.
Gestures – don’t use too many hand movements or excessive body language.
HEALTH ADVICE: Before you travel, please make sure that you have obtained appropriate medical / travel insurance. There is no compulsory requirement for vaccination – the common recommendations are Hepatitis A and Typhoid and Malaria tablets are required if you travel to Yunnan Province or Hainan Island.
If travelling in Summer months, please bring sunscreen, mosquito repellent etc.
It is not safe to drink tap water in China – please drink boiled water or bottled water only.
