Day 1Shanghai
Upon arrival in Shanghai, transfer to your hotel for a luxurious three night Special Stay.
Day 2Shanghai
Stroll along the famous Bund and compare its heritage buildings to those in Yu Gardens. Explore the Pudong area. Admire the view from Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in Pudong.
Day 3Shanghai
Freechoice: Wander through the Shanghai Museum and People’s Square before exploring the French Concession district and Xintiandi, or take an organised shopping tour of Shanghai’s markets. Alternatively, take a cruise on the Huangpu River.Later, spend your free time exploring the famous Nanjing Road. Tonight enjoy the agility and skill of the renowned Shanghai Acrobats.
Day 4Shanghai > Suzhou
Travel to the ancient water city of Suzhou and cruise along the tributaries of the Grand Canal before visiting a traditional silk mill. Overnight in Suzhou.
Day 5Suzhou > Hangzhou
In Suzhou, known for its classical gardens, visit the Humble Administrators Garden and Masters of the Nets Garden. Travel to Hangzhou and be awed by the Impressions of West Lake. Stay for two nights.
Day 6Hangzhou
Cruise the famous West Lake before visiting Six Harmonies Pagoda, featured in the works of poets and artists alike.Freechoice: Learn about the Chinese cultural pillars or explore Hangzhou’s Buddhist heritage. Alternatively, explore the Xixi Wetlands by boat.
Day 7Hangzhou > Xi’an
Fly to Xi’an and walk the ancient city wall. Tonight enjoy the Tang Dynasty Cultural Show with dinner. Spend the next two nights in Xian.
Day 8Xi’an
EnrichGaze at Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s amazing Terracotta Warriors in the company of a museum curator.Enjoy a stroll around the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Thanksgiving Temple.EnrichBe treated to a special private after hours viewing of ancient artefacts at a local museum and learn about the history of Shaanxi Province from the museum’s curator.SundownersEnjoy refreshments overlooking the Big Wild Goose Pagoda at sunset.
Day 9Xi’an > Beijing
Wander through the Muslim Quarter. Later, fly to Beijing and enjoy two nights at your hotel, located close to the Forbidden City and many shopping malls.Freechoice Dining: Choose between mixed Asian at Lost Heaven or Western dishes at The Exchange.
Day 10Beijing
Wander through Tiananmen Square and enter the mysterious Forbidden City. Eat lunch with a local family in a traditional home in the hutongs before a rickshaw ride through the laneways.Freechoice: Look forward to the Peking Opera or the spectacular Kung Fu Show.
Day 11Beijing > Gubei Water Town
Today visit China’s most iconic attraction – the Great Wall at Mutianyu. Continue to the new Gubei Water Town at Simatai located beneath the Great Wall and learn about ancient industries before cruising the canal through the ancient town. Spend the night at your hotel located within the town.SundownersEnjoy an enchanting evening enjoying a drink with your fellow travellers by the canal overlooking the illuminated Great Wall.
Day 12Beijing > Yichang > Yangtze River Cruise
Spend the morning at leisure exploring Gubei Water Town before travelling by cable car to admire the expansive view from the Simatai section of the Great Wall. Later, fly to Yichang to join your cruise ship, Yangzi Explorer. On board enjoy included wine and beer with your lunch and dinner.
Day 13Yangtze River Cruise
Inspect the Three Gorges Dam project site. Later, sail through Xiling Gorge while sampling afternoon tea. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s reception.
Day 14Yangtze River Cruise
Glide through the dramatic gorges of Shennong Stream by longboat (sampan). Later, traverse Wu Gorge, known for its sheer rock walls, and dramatic Qutang Gorge.
Day 15Yangtze River Cruise
Join an insightful excursion to Fuling to see the 816 Underground Project. Tonight, mingle at the Taste of China gala dinner in your finest Chinese outfit.
Day 16Yangtze River Cruise > Chongqing > Kunming
Disembark and visit the ancient town of Ciqikou, known for its porcelain. Fly to Kunming for a two night stay. Tonight sample ‘across-the-bridge’ noodles, a delicacy of the region.
Day 17Kunming
Explore the remarkable Stone Forest, a natural ‘forest’ of limestone rock formations.
Day 18Kunming > Lijiang
Fly to the ancient town of Lijiang. Enjoy a three night Special Stay at your perfectly located hotel.Freechoice Dining: Choose between local cuisine or a Brazilian themed restaurant.
Day 19Lijiang
Explore Black Dragon Pool and Lijiang’s World Heritage-listed Old Town.
Day 20Lijiang
Visit the nearby Baisha Frescoes and eat lunch in a local village. Observe the Impressions Lijiang outdoor cultural show before driving to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain National Park. Ride a gondola up to Spruce Meadow.
Day 21Lijiang > Shangri-la
Drive to Shangri-la via the dramatic Tiger Leaping Gorge.EnrichSpend time with a Tibetan family. Learn about their traditions, unique way of life and taste yak butter tea.Upon arrival check in for your overnight Special Stay.
Day 22Shangri-la > Chengdu
EnrichExperience a private meditation session with a Lama at Songzanlin Monastery.Mingle and enjoy afternoon tea with local kindergarten children before your flight to Chengdu.
Day 23Chengdu
EnrichA special day as you’ll enjoy an enchanting close encounter with rare giant panda cubs.Visit one of the best preserved Han Dynasty sites, Jiezi Ancient Town before your farewell dinner tonight.
Day 24Chengdu
Bid farewell to China.
