21 Day 5 Star China Uncovered with Yangtze River, Chengdu & Guangzhou

Welcome to Shanghai, China’s vibrant city on the Huangpu River.

Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel, the rest of the day is free to spend as you wish. 

Special Information: 
Some flights may depart the night before and fly overnight, to arrive on Day 1. 

There are no scheduled activities today. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 2pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will set off to explore the most iconic attractions in Shanghai.  

Our first stop will be the Bund, the infamous waterfront which is lined with colonial-era buildings and offers stunning views of Pudong’s modern skyline across the Huangpu River.

We will then explore Xintiandi, a district that has been redeveloped into a car-free shopping and entertainment district with traditional mid-19th century shikumen, or stone gate houses, now serving as book stores, cafes and restaurants. 

We will also spend about an hour or so learning about these shikumen, once the primary form of housing in Shanghai, and the unique architectural style that blends both Western and Chinese elements in today’s Shanghai.

The afternoon can be spent as you wish, either exploring the city on your own or participating in activities which will be booked and paid for via your Tour Leader. You may wish to further explore Shanghai with a ride on the Maglev train to visit the Pudong New Area and this evening, a cruise on the Huangpu River. 

Optional tours:
Afternoon Shanghai insight tour  (CNY500pp)
Catch the Maglev train, the world’s fastest bullet train service, to Pudong New Area (Lujiazui Financial and Trade Zone) and see Shanghai’s economic and social hub filled with new developments and architecturally outstanding buildings such as Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Century Park, the Shanghai World Financial Center, the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium and more. 

Huangpu River night cruise (CNY400 pp)
Sail along the Huangpu River, taking in the stunning night views of Shanghai's illuminated skyline. The contrast between the colonial-era Bund and the futuristic
skyscrapers of Pudong is truly breathtaking. As you cruise, enjoy commentary about the history and significance of the landmarks you pass, including the Oriental Pearl Tower, the Shanghai Tower, and the historic Waibaidu Bridge.

Inspiring Highlights

• Tour the Bund and Shanghai skyline 
•  A visit to Xintiandi, a redeveloped area with shikumen
  

Special Information:
Optional tours are booked and paid locally with your tour leader.

After breakfast this morning we will travel by bus to Suzhou to visit one of the most spectacular gardens in the country, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Master of the Nets Garden. Look out for the cypress tree dating back to the Ming Dynasty.
After exploring these very special gardens you will learn about the ancient Chinese craft of silk making, from silkworms to beautiful silk products on a tour of a silk factory.

Spend some time exploring the city of Suzhou on your own or join a Grand Canal Cruise which will be booked and paid for via your Tour Leader. 

Optional tour:

Grand Canal Cruise  (CNY 250 pp)
Cruise along the ancient Grand Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the longest man-made waterway in the world. The canal dates back over 2,500 years and was a critical part of China's trade and transportation system. As you glide through the water, observe the daily life of the locals living along the canal. The tour offers a unique perspective on Suzhou's rich history and culture.

This afternoon you will board a high speed train to Beijing.

Inspiring Highlights

• A visit to UNESCO World Heritage Site, Master of the Nets Garden
• Learn about the ancient Chinese craft of silk making and tour a silk factory

Special Information: 

Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Optional tours are booked and paid locally with your tour leader.

Welcome to the bustling capital city of Beijing! 

After breakfast, we will visit the world's largest public square, Tiananmen Square, a symbol of national pride and the location of many significant events including the flag raising ceremony which occurs daily at sunrise. 

A 20-30 minute drive to see our next icon, the Lama Temple, also known as Yonghe Temple. It is one of the largest and most significant Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world. It was originally the royal residence of the prince who would become the Yongzheng emperor. It remains an active place of worship today. 

After, experience a traditional Chinese tea ceremony at a tea house. While tea ceremonies in Japan are highly ritualised, in China they’re more about spending time with friends and loved ones in a relaxed setting. 

The afternoon can be spent as you wish, either exploring the city on your own or join a tour which will be booked and paid for via your Tour Leader. 

Optional tours:
Golden Mask Dynasty Show (CNY 375 pp)
The Golden Mask Dynasty, a stage show with unique storytelling, choreographed dances and colourful costumes, and merges the new China with the old, or a tour of the centuries-old hutongs of Beijing. 

Optional tour: Hutony Life Tour (CNY 300 pp)
On this tour you will explore the hutongs in the old town of Beijing. These rapidly disappearing traditional neighbourhoods offer a glimpse into the Beijing of the past.

Inspiring Highlights

•  Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square 
•  Lama Temple, one of the largest and most significant Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world
•  Traditional Chinese tea ceremony at a tea house

Special Information:
Optional tours are booked and paid locally with your tour leader.

After breakfast we will set off for an exciting second day in the capital where you’ll be able to tick off two more UNESCO sites. 

Our first stop is the Forbidden City, the imperial palace complex at the heart of Beijing. Building commenced in 1406 by Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty and was home to 24 emperors in the following 505 years. It took 14 years to construct and consists of 980 surviving buildings. 

Next, we head to the Temple of Heaven, also the brainchild of Emperor Yongle. The 273 hectare complex was visited by Ming and Qing emperors annually to pray for a good harvest.

This evening you are free to dine out in Beijing or, you can enjoy an optional Peking duck banquet dinner which can be booked with your Tour Leader.

Optional tour:

Peking Duck Banquet Dinner (CNY 300 pp)
An authentic Peking Duck Banquet served with all the traditional accompaniments and unlimited drinks and Baijiu, a Chinese rice wine . This iconic dish has been served in Beijing since the imperial era.

Inspiring Highlights

•  Forbidden City, imperial palace complex
•  Temple of Heaven, where emperors would pray for a good harvest

Special Information:
Optional tours are booked and paid locally with your tour leader.

After breakfast we will travel by bus (around 1.5 hours) to the Great Wall - one of the most highly-anticipated  days on the tour. We will be exploring the Juyongguan Pass section of the wall, one of the most well-preserved. Built in 770 – 476 BC, this section is a closed loop with two watchtowers, which provide the perfect spot for photos.

We will return to the hotel where the rest of the day can be spent at leisure.

Inspiring Highlights

•  A visit to the Great Wall - a UNESCO site and a highlight of the tour 

Special Information: 

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Beijing and board the high speed train to Xi’an in central China 

When we arrive, we will head off on a 2-3 hour walking tour of the Muslim Quarter’s food street. We will taste local delicacies, learn about this vibrant street market today and its history. 

Later, you will have the option to enjoy a delicious dumpling feast dinner and Tang Dynasty performance or you are free to make your own arrangements for your evening in Xi’an.

Optional tour:

Tang Dynasty Performance (CNY 350 pp)
Xi'an is known for its diverse range of dumplings. Enjoy a banquet featuring a variety of stuffed dumplings, each with different fillings and shapes. Enjoy a performance that recreates the music, dance, and costume of China’s Tang Dynasty. The show is a vibrant spectacle that celebrates the cultural achievements of one of China’s most prosperous eras.

Inspiring Highlights

•  Muslim Quarter’s food street - an opportunity to taste local delicacies

Special Information: 
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Optional tours are booked and paid locally with your tour leader.

After breakfast, we will visit Xi’an’s main attraction, the site of the Terracotta Warriors, one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. The Terracotta Army, discovered by Chinese farmers, is a collection of around 2,000 life-size sculptures, all unique, depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. Although the site is open to the public, it's important to note that it is an active dig site; archaeologists believe there are an additional 6,000 figures yet to be uncovered.

We will continue onto a well-preserved ancient Buddhist site, the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. It is one of two of the most significant pagodas in Xi’an; the other is the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. The Small Pagoda was built in 652 and offers insights into the architectural style of the Tang Dynasty. It is a beautiful place to stroll around, and more tranquil than the larger site.

Inspiring Highlights

• The Terracotta Warriors - home to around 2,000 life-size sculptures
• Small Wild Goose Pagoda - one of the most significant pagodas in Xi’an

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Xi’an airport to board your flight to Yichang. 

Upon arrival in Yichang, you’ll be transferred to the embarkation point of your Yangtze River cruise.

Enjoy the scenic views along the way, building anticipation for the thrilling experiences that await. Once on board the ship, settle into your comfortable accommodation and get acquainted with the amenities. Join a welcome briefing that offers valuable insight into the upcoming itinerary and planned activities, setting the stage for a memorable cruise along the breathtaking Yangtze River.

Special Information: 

Dinner this evening will be at a local restaurant before your cruise embarkation

Start your day off with a hearty breakfast before heading out on your first shore excursion to the remarkable Three Gorges Dam Site. This engineering marvel holds the title of being the largest and most expensive project of its kind globally, stretching an impressive 2,335 metres in length and towering 181 metres in height. Despite its positive impact on clean energy production and reducing China's reliance on coal, the dam is not without its controversies. Explore the intricacies of this colossal structure and its regional impact as the day unfolds. 

In the evening, you're invited to join the Captain's Welcome Banquet. This delightful event not only promises a culinary feast but also provides a chance to connect with fellow travellers and revel in the camaraderie of your Yangtze River Cruise experience.

Optional Shore Excursions:

Tribe of Three Gorge (CNY 295pp)
Explore the Tribe of the Three Gorges, immersing yourself in the unique blend of Ba and Shu cultures. Discover traditional customs, witness local craftsmanship, and enjoy the picturesque surroundings. Engage with the local community, gaining insights into their daily lives and cultural practices.

OR

Quyuan Birthplace (CNY 100pp)
Built in 820 AD, it is one of the best places to learn about Qu Yuan, one of the greatest poets of ancient China. Qu Yuan was also listed by UNESCO as one of the World Famous Cultural People in 1953. Quyuan Temple covers an area of 14,000 square kilometres and includes forests of cypresses.

OR

Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift (CNY 325pp)
The largest and the most sophisticated ship lift in the world, with a lifting height of about 113 metres. During the peak season, this optional activity welcomes people from different ships so in some cases, you may not be able to get a seat but standing is permitted. 

Inspiring Highlights

•  A visit to the Three Gorges Dam site 
•  Captain’s Welcome Banquet

Special Information:
Optional shore excursions are booked and paid for onboard your cruise

Today, you'll disembark from the cruise ship and head to the captivating Shennong Stream, depending on the cruise ship's itinerary. Here, you'll get to fully appreciate the dramatic and unique beauty of the Yangtze River, set against the impressive Qutang and Wu gorges. During this excursion, explore the Ancient Plank Road and Mangling Stairway, discovering remnants of early settlements showcased in the form of hanging coffins suspended high on the limestone cliff faces. These coffins, holding the remains of Tujia people's descendants, provide a poignant glimpse into ancient traditions. Among the breathtaking scenery of steep ridges and peaks, lush vegetation, and vibrant wildlife, including monkeys and tropical birds, the landscape serves as a living testament to the natural wonders of the region.

Optional Shore Excursions

White Emperor City (CNY 295pp)

Perched atop Baidi Mountain on the northern bank of the Yangtze River in Fengjie County, the White Emperor City is an ancient temple complex with a storied history that has inspired numerous poems. This landmark, offering sweeping views of the western end of Qutang Gorge, is so iconic that it graces the back of the Chinese 10-yuan bill. Visitors have the opportunity to partake in a trip to this historical site when river conditions permit, immersing themselves in the timeless beauty and cultural significance of this revered location. 

OR

Three Gorges Summit (CNY 325pp)

Three Gorges Summit is the highest peak of the famous Three Gorges area. At an altitude of 1388 metres, this viewpoint is the best spot to see a panoramic view of the Yangtze River.

Inspiring Highlights

•  Gain a different perspective of the Yangtze River from the Qutang and Wu gorges 
•  Explore the hanging coffins, Ancient Plank Road and Mangling Stairway 

Special Information:
Optional shore excursions are booked and paid for onboard your cruise

A newly discovered natural wonder, Snow Jade Cave in Fengdu will be loved by geology enthusiasts. It is an underground labyrinth of streams and caves featuring beautiful stalactites. It was created 50,000 years ago but only recently discovered by local farmers, and it is the youngest karst cave in China. 

Optional Shore Excursions 

Fengdu Ghost City (CNY 295pp):

Situated on Ming Mountain, the Fengdu Ghost City, famously known as the City of Ghosts, is a complex featuring temples, shrines, and monasteries adorned with depictions of instruments of punishment and paintings of demons. It vividly showcases the Chinese people's imaginative interpretation of hell. If you're up for an exploration that melds mythology and culture, Fengdu Ghost City awaits your brave spirit.

OR

Mt. Wuling Great Rift Valley + lunch onshore (CNY 295pp)

An unexpected side of China, Mt. Wuling Great Rift Valley is a spectacular sight. Known as the ‘Most Dynamic Valley of China’, with forest coverage of over 92.7%, and more than 2000 species of animals and plants, the highest peak is 1,985 metres. It’s also referred to as ‘Nature’s Oxygen Bar’ by the local people, due to the hills, forests, springs, caves, falls, lakes, pools, and gorges found here. 

Back on board, this evening you will enjoy Captain's Farewell Banquet. A delicious feast can be expected and the chance to reminisce about your cruise experience and bid your fellow China adventurers farewell.

Inspiring Highlights

•  See the natural wonder, the Snow Jade Cave 

Special Information:
Optionlal shore excursions are booked and paid for onboard your cruise

After breakfast you will disembark the ship at Chongqing and be transferred to the train station to board a bullet train to Chengdu (approximately 2 hours). We hope you enjoyed your 5-star cruise on the mighty Yangtze! 

Upon arrival in Chengdu, you will be transferred to the hotel for check in; the rest of the day can be spent as you wish, relaxing or exploring the city of Chengdu.

After breakfast, you will come face-to-face with China's national treasure, the panda, at the Chengdu Panda Breeding Centre. This sprawling centre stands as the world's largest panda breeding facility, nurturing an impressive panda population of 215 individuals as of the end of 2022. You will learn all about this creature and the centre’s work. 

As the capital of Sichuan province, Chengdu's reputation for its renowned hot pot (huo guo or fire and pot) is well known. You will be able to select your own ingredients (usually beef, lamb, pork and vegetables such as  potato, radish, and bamboo shoots) to be cooked in a communal pot of spiced broth. It is common to have a yin and yang pot where the pot is divided into a spicy and non-spicy broth to suit all tastes.

Inspiring Highlights

• Meeting China’s treasure, the panda at the renowned Chengdu Panda Breeding Centre
• Feasting on Chengdu’s popular dish, hot pot

After breakfast and checking out, we will head to the train station to board a high-speed train to Guilin (around a 5-6 hour journey).

Once you arrive, you will be transferred to the hotel to check in, and the rest of the day can be spent as you wish. 

Special Information:
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.

After breakfast this morning, we will go on a four-hour cruise of the Li River. 

The Li River is famed for its scenic natural beauty, appearing in many ‘best of’ lists as well as being a UNESCO site. The 83 km river runs from Guilin to Yangshuo, with both of the sides of the river showcasing an amazing karst landscape. Yangshuo itself is known for its picturesque countryside dotted with ancient towns and postcard-perfect scenery. 

Inspiring Highlights

•  Li River cruise, a UNESCO site

Special Information: 
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

After a leisurely breakfast, the day is yours to spend how you wish - rest and relax at the hotel, explore Yangshuo or perhaps join the optional tour. 

Yangshuo is a place where time has stood still. Streets and homes remain in their original style, preserving the layout of this very special ancient city. There is no shop-until-you-drop to be had here. Instead, immerse yourself in the classic nature scene of China seen in famous paintings (and on the 20 yuan note!): limestone karst hills that rise up dramatically from the valley. It is unspoilt and ready to explore - a good way is by bicycle.

Optional tour:

Rural Idyll Tour plus villagers home visit (CNY 300 pp)
Explore the idyllic countryside of Yangshuo where you'll be surrounded by picturesque rice paddies and dramatic karst mountains. Visit a local villager's home to gain insight into rural life in China. Learn about traditional farming practices and daily life in a small Chinese village.

After breakfast this morning we will be visiting a very unique natural attraction just 5-km from the city centre. Reed Flute Cave, also known as ‘The Palace of Natural Art.’ It’s about 240 metres deep and 500 metres long, and its stalagmites, stalactites and stone pillars formed around 180 million years ago. While stepping out of the cave be sure to notice the abundant reeds that grow and are used to make flutes, giving the cave its name. 

We will also take the opportunity to stop by a pearl shop to learn about the cultivation process.

Inspiring Highlights

• Reed Flute Cave and exploring the 180 million year old natural attraction
• Pearl shop tour, learning about pearl cultivation 

Special Information: 
Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will bid farewell to Guilin and board a high speed train to Guangzhou. Known as the ‘Flower City’, Guangzhou has a 2,200-year-old history and sits just northwest of Hong Kong on the Pearl River.

When you arrive, you will be transferred to the hotel to check in. You will have some time to rest or explore the city before our exciting evening activity: a night tour of the city with a dim sum dinner. You’ll see the city’s iconic landmarks such as Canton Tower, IFC, Haixin Sha and Zhujiang New Town and indulge in delicious dim sum and other specialties of the region. 

Inspiring Highlights

•  Guangzhou night tour and dim sum dinner, the perfect way to end your China tour

Special Information: 
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Today marks the end of your incredible tour through China.

Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight. 

Special Information: 

Check out: Check-out time is generally between 10am-12pm. If required, you are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or alternatively please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time.

Return to your home airport, where your journey comes to an end.

Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.