Tour Duration: 12 day(s)
Group Size: 10 - 30 people
Specialty Categories: Ecotourism
Season: March - December
Airfare Included: No

The Yangtze River (Chang Jiang) is the third largest river in the world, just behind the Nile and the Amazon. The Three Gorges Dam Project remains a controversy worldwide since its construction and it is the largest construction project in China after the Great Wall. In fact, Sun Yat- Sen, the father of modern China was the pioneer of the project. He proposed to build a hydroelectric dam at the Three Gorges in 1919. Upon the dam's construction completion in 2009, the Three Gorges Dam will become the largest hydroelectric dam in the world; some of its primary functions include generating electrical power from Chongqing to cities as far as Shanghai and preventing notorious Yangtze River floods. Around 100 towns were “drown” due to a water rise in 2003 and the sceneries at the Three Gorges has changed ever since. Be sure to enjoy the gorgeous view throughout your cruise!

The tour includes a 3-night cruise on the Yangtze River aboard Victoria Cruise line -The Yangtze River is the longest in China and third longest river in the world. Tour World Heritage Sites in Beijing, such as the Great Wall. Visit the 8th wonder of the world - the Terra Cotta Warriors in Xian and much more...

Your Itinerary

Day 1: USA / Beijing. Depart the United States today to begin your Yangtze River adventure. Cross the International Date Line and en route to China.

Day 2: Beijing. Arrive in Beijing late this afternoon. Your English-speaking guide and driver will meet you upon your arrival and transfer you to the hotel.

Day 3: Beijing. Explore the Great Wall today. China's first emperor Qin Shihhuang commanded thousands of workers to build the ancient wall in an attempt to guard China's northwestern border. After lunch, continue on to the Sacred Way lined with willow trees and statues guarding the road to the tombs.(B) (L)

Day 4: Beijing. Visit the extensive grounds of the Forbidden City to view the palace's most important halls, pavilions and cultural relics this morning. Continue your tour at Tiananmen Square. Initially designed for political rallies and important gala events, today the square is usually crowded with kite flyers, strolling couples and exercising athletes. After lunch, visit China's largest temple and altar--the Temple of Heaven. Built in 1420, Ming and Qing emperors prayed for good harvests in the prayer hall of the temple.(B) (L)

Day 5: Beijing / Xian. After breakfast, explore the Summer Palace and its gardens, halls, pavilions, courtyards and the world's longest covered corridor decorated with ornate patterns and scenes from Chinese literature. Empress Dowager Cixi's infamous Marble Boat, constructed with funds from the China's Navy is permanently moored along the edge of Kunming Lake. This afternoon, visit the ancient hutong neighborhoods before departing China's capital. The oldest hutongs were constructed during Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties. You will be able to see the best-preserved neighborhoods that represent the history, culture and lifestyle of old Beijing. Get onboard your overnight train to Xian after dinner.(B) (L) (D)

Day 6: Xian. Arrive in Xian this morning and be prepared to visit the breathtaking Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, which is also known as the 8 th World Wonder. You will see more than 8,000 lifelike Terracotta soldiers and their horses, chariots and weapons that have been carefully excavated and restored. Careful observers will notice that each terracotta soldier has its unique facial expression. In the afternoon, visit Xian's ancient city wall and enjoy the panoramic views.(B) (L)

Day 7: Xian / Chongqing. After breakfast, visit the Shaanxi Provincial History Museum for an in-depth look at China's extensive history. Constructed in the Tang Dynasty style, the museum currently has 2,000 historical and cultural items on display; in fact, they are just small representations of the entire priceless relics collection. After lunch, get onboard your afternoon flight to Chongqing. Upon your arrival, your English-speaking guide and driver will transfer you to the cruise ship. Set sail late this evening.(B) (L)

Day 8: Yangtze River Cruise. This afternoon, you will enjoy a shore excursion to either the market town of Wanxian or the city of Fengdu (City of Ghosts). Return to your cruise ship this evening for a special Captain's welcome dinner as your ship resumes its voyage.(B) (L) (D)

Day 9: Yangtze River Cruise. Sail through the first two gorges: Qutang and Wuxia Gorge as you enter Kuimen Gate. Then explore the beautiful Lesser Three Gorges, where you will go upstream along the pristine waters by boat, pass by farmland and villages, and at the same time enjoy the spectacular countryside sceneries. Return to your ship this afternoon and resume your journey. Sail through the ship locks of the Three Gorges Dam this evening.(B) (L) (D)

Day 10: Yangtze River Cruise. Early this morning, sail through the last and most treacherous of the Three Gorges: the Xiling Gorge before arriving in Yanjiawang for a comprehensive Three Gorges Dam visitors' center tour. In the afternoon, take a quick flight to Shanghai and check into your hotel.(B) (L)

Day 11: Shanghai. After breakfast, visit the Yu Yuan Garden that is constructed in 1559. The gorgeous garden has ancient trees, ponds, bridges, sculptures and more than 40 buildings. Pass by the main shops and restaurants in the neighboring Yu Yuan Bazaar on your way to lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Jade Buddha (Yufo) Temple. The temple is comprised of three main halls and two courtyards. This Buddhist temple draws its name from the two large jade Buddha carvings brought to Shanghai from Burma in 1882.(B) (L)

Day 12: Shanghai / USA. Your guide and driver will provide a transfer to the airport this morning for your international flight home to the USA.(B)

Notes:

- Prices listed above include Super Deluxe (5-Star) hotels, in the event that a 5-Star hotel does not exist in a city, we use a top-class hotel in that city.
- In the event that less than 10 people sign up for a tour, Lotus Travel reserves the right to cancel the tour and a full refund to participant.
- For private package tour under 10 passengers or different scheduled tour, please contact us for a price quote.
- Tour price includes sightseeing and meals as noted in the itinerary, international & intra-China airfare, private transfers and ground transportation, hotel accommodations, and an English speaking guide and driver.
- Price does not include airport tax, passport or China Visa fees, tips to guides and driver or expenses of a personal nature.