13 Day China with 4 Day Yangtze River Cruise & Flights from $3199 per person

Prices are per person on a twin share basis. Different dates may use different hotels and cruise ships. Please ask for upgrades to higher class cabins for as little as $100 per person. Ask about pricing flying your favourite airline or alliance

DAY 1, Friday – Arrive in Shanghai
Arrive in Shanghai, the thriving metropolis on China’s eastern coast. This dynamic city is constantly changing and growing, with an unforgettable skyline. Remainder of the day is at leisure to rest, relax and acclimate to the time change
Overnight: Shanghai

DAY 2, Saturday – Shanghai City Tour
This morning, see some of the city’s major highlights. Begin at the lively Bund, Shanghai’s popular promenade; stroll along the park-like waterfront and experience the old world charm. After, on to the Jade Buddha Temple, one of the most active Buddhist temples in Shanghai, dating back to the Qing Dynasty. Return to the hotel late afternoon and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Tonight, gather together at your hotel’s restaurant for an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager about the exciting trip that awaits you, followed by a Welcome Dinner
Overnight: Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 3, Sunday – Full Day in Shanghai
Today, is at leisure in Shanghai. Join the optional full day tour to Suzhou, including lunch and a cruise on the Grand Canal. Morning departure from Shanghai for the drive to Suzhou, known as the “Venice of the East”. Upon arrival in this charming city, relax on a boat ride along the narrow waterways of the legendary Grand Canal. Later, walk along bustling Pingjiang Road, where the locals gather for entertainment and food and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Then, continue to the beautiful and fragrant Garden of the Master of the Nets, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to Shanghai later this evening
Optional: Full Day Suzhou with Lunch
Overnight: Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Monday – Fly to Yichang, Embark Cruise
Morning is at leisure for independent explorations in Shanghai. In the afternoon, visit the classical Yuyuan Garden in the Old Quarter, built during the Ming Dynasty, a quiet and serene sanctuary in this frenetic city, with its scenic pavilions, ponds, and streams. Afterward, continue to a silk carpet and embroidery shop in Shanghai to understand more about this ancient Chinese craft; see some of the beautiful creations, unusual styles and masterful techniques. Lunch is at a local restaurant. Later, transfer to the airport for the flight to Yichang, the second largest city in Hubei province after Wuhan, its capital. Upon arrival, continue to the port for embarkation on your cruise ship. This evening, you’ll begin the scenic journey on the fabled Yangtze, the longest river in China and the third longest river in the world. You’ll be warmly welcomed aboard by the friendly international staff. A memorable voyage awaits you
Overnight: Yangtze River
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 5, Tuesday – Xiling Gorge
This afternoon, an optional tour to the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest and most ambitious hydroelectric project ever undertaken by man, nearly six times the size of the Hoover Dam. In addition to producing electricity, the dam was constructed to increase the Yangtze River’s shipping capacity and reduce the potential for floods. This project has forever changed the landscape surrounding the Yangtze River and has also forced the relocation of people who once lived along the river. Tour the massive site to see this impressive achievement of engineering. Following the visit, return to the ship as it cruises upstream and enters the dramatic Xiling Gorge, the longest and deepest section of the Three Gorges
Optional: Yangtze River Shore Excursion Package – Three Gorges Dam
Overnight: Yangtze River
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, Wednesday – Wu Gorge & Qutang Gorge
Awake this morning to beautiful vistas on the river. Sail through the Wu Gorge, famed for its magnificent Twelve Peaks. Today, your optional tour will take you either on a scenic journey up Shennong Stream, traveling in small boats between rolling hills and rocky cliffs or on a scenic journey up Shennv Stream, the journey is accompanied by local folk songs and dances. Continue through the Qutang Gorge, the smallest of the three gorges, flanked by lush terraced hillsides
Optional: Yangtze River Shore Excursion Package – Shennv Stream or Shennong Stream
Overnight: Yangtze River
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Thursday – Cruise to Shibaozhai
The ship arrives this morning at Shibaozhai, built during the Ming Dynasty. This pagoda is sometimes referred to as one of the eight construction wonders of the world, built into the side of a rocky cliff face and constructed without the use of nails. This vermilion 12-story pagoda stands impressively over 100 feet high. The optional tour highlights the main attraction of the temple, with its traditional Chinese design. The structure is inspired by the mountains with patterns and figures that vary from odd to extraordinary. Climb the stairs and experience the most spectacular sights of the valleys below
Optional: Yangtze River Shore Excursion Package – Shibaozhai
Overnight: Yangtze River
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Friday – Disembark Cruise; Fly to Xian
Disembark the Yangtze River cruise this morning in Chongqing, a major metropolis and one of the top emerging cities in China. Continue to Eling Park, located on a hill near the heart of the city. The park was established at the end of the Qing Dynasty in 1909 by a wealthy businessman. Discover hundreds of plant species during a stroll though the different parts of the well-tended gardens. Ascend to the lookout tower for stunning views of the Chongqing skyline. Later, transfer to the airport for the flight to Xian, ancient capital of eleven dynasties and an archaeological treasure trove
Overnight: Xian
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 9, Saturday – The Terracotta Army
Morning visit to Xingqing Park, a hub of activity where you may have the chance to join the residents of Xian in their morning exercise, singing and dancing. Afterward, stop at a lacquer furniture shop to learn more about this technique. Lunch is a local restaurant. Then, an unforgettable experience! Visit the archaeological site of the magnificent Terracotta Warriors, a vast collection of life-size soldiers, horses and chariots that were entombed with China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. This world-famous site, discovered by local farmers in 1974, is still being discovered and excavated today, more than forty years since the time of its unearthing. This evening, an optional Tang Dynasty 6-course dinner followed by a historical dance performance by the Tang Dynasty Troupe
Optional: Tang Dynasty Dinner with Entertainment
Overnight: Xian
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 10, Sunday – Flight to Beijing
Depart Xian on a flight to Beijing, sprawling capital of modern China. The afternoon is at leisure. Feel the pulse of this city of contrasts with its astonishing history and wondrous sights. Join the optional half-day Hutong Tour which begins with a Rickshaw ride through the old narrow streets and alleyways. See the courtyard homes which once covered all of Beijing – only a few still survive today. Hear more about “old China” from a local family who will welcome you to their home
Optional: Half Day Hutong Tour (PM)
Overnight: Beijing
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 11, Monday – Great Wall of China, Summer Palace
An amazing day! Travel to the extraordinary 2000-year-old Great Wall of China, one of the most spectacular structures ever built by man, spanning nearly 4,000 miles of China’s northern frontier. En route, stop at a local jade shop to admire wares crafted with one of China’s most famous materials. Then it’s time to climb the ramparts of this ancient wonder to view breathtaking mountain passes, plateaus, and grasslands from this 7th-century defensive fortification. Afterward, a relaxing lunch in a local restaurant. Continue to the fabled Summer Palace, a resort of the Empress Dowager with its palace grounds, filled with a variety of picturesque gardens and architectural structures. Take a relaxing boat ride across the lake and enjoy the stunning scenery before strolling along the sprawling palace. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a Beijing restaurant
Overnight: Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12, Tuesday – The Forbidden City, Beijing Zoo
Start your day with a visit to a huge Tiananmen Square, the largest public plaza in the world built at the height of the Ming Dynasty. The square’s Gate of Heavenly Peace was once used as a staging ground for imperial edicts and by Mao Zedong himself to declare the founding of the People’s Republic in 1949. Next, enter the Forbidden City, which served as the Imperial Palace until 1912. The extraordinary and immense walled complex is truly a masterpiece of Chinese architecture; its complex consists of 800 buildings with more than 9,000 rooms. Then, continue to a local pearl shop to learn about the famous Chinese pearls. Have lunch at a local restaurant before heading to the Beijing Zoo to see the famous Pandas – a must for all travelers to China. Tonight enjoy a Farewell Dinner featuring China’s famous Peking Duck
Overnight: Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 13, Wednesday – Depart China
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai Puxi, Shanghai ★★★★★

This deluxe hotel is located within the commercial center of Shanghai.

Novotel Beijing Peace, Beijing ★★★★

This first class hotel is a short walk away from the Wangfujing shopping street.

Novotel Xian SCPG, Xian ★★★★

This first class hotel is about a ten minute drive away from Xian’s north city wall.

Century Glory Cruise, Chongqing ★★★★

Century Glory, the newly constructed luxury cruise ship, is the new shining star of Century Cruises. ** Please note ship varies depending on departure date. All Century Cruises vessels are classed as 4 star rating.

Full Day Suzhou with lunch – Day #3 AUD$100 per person

This morning, depart your hotel for a 2.5 hour drive from Shanghai to Suzhou. Located in Jiangsu Province, this ancient city enjoys the name of “Venice of the East”. Your day begins on the famous Grand Canal, the longest man made Canal in the world. Travel leisurely down the narrow waterways and under the stone bridges. From your boat you will see the daily life of the people who inhabit the banks of the canal in this ancient city. Later, enjoy free time along Pingjiang Road, a famous street in Suzhou among locals for gathering, entertainment and food, and a favorite among visitors for its rich culture and sightseeing opportunities Stop for lunch at a local restaurant followed by a visit to the Garden of the Master of the Nets. This privately owned garden is one of the most perfectly proportioned in Suzhou.The garden demonstrates Chinese garden designers’ adept skills for synthesizing art, nature, and architecture to create unique metaphysical masterpieces. Return to Shanghai late this evening.

Pickup details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 11 hours.

Yangtze River Optional Shore Excursion Package – Day #40 AUD$123 per person

(1) Visit Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest electricity-generating plant;

(2) Visit the natural scenic wonders of the Shennv Stream;

(3) Visit Shibaozhai, an interesting pagoda built into the side of a hill.

Tang Dynasty Dinner & Show – Day #9 AUD91 per person

Dine on Imperial set menu of 6 courses. All while you enjoy the beat of Chang’ an music. After dinner, enjoy the celebrated Tang Dynasty show, a one-thousand-year-old dance performed by the passionate Tang Dynasty Troupe. This historical performance is a national art, reflective of the glory and richness of China’s Tang Dynasty. Transfers to and from your hotel included.

Pickup details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 4 hours.

Half Day Hutong Tour – Day #10 AUD$54 per person

In Old China, Hutongs (lanes no wider than 9 meters) are formed by lines of siheyuan (compounds comprising of rooms around a courtyard) that connect the ancient city surrounding the Forbidden City. As is tradition, the houses of Old Beijing were constructed in this form on the basis of Fengshui: the ancient Chinese practice of design and spatial arranging. On this tour, travel by rickshaw through Beijing’s unique Hutong area to absorb the culture and traditions of Old China, including a visit with a local family. Here you will have the opportunity to interact and discover the similarities and differences of the Hutong people. Transfers to and from your hotel included.

Pickup details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 3 hours.

For most Australian and New Zealand passport holders you may require a full visa for travel to China, even as a tourist. Transit visas (issued on arrival) are available for some short visits. If you require a full visa, you must get this prior to travel. This is not included in the price. Assistance with paperwork can be provided for a fee, but this is no guarantee of Visa being issued.

The website of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Australia has detailed information on the eligibility of Australians for various visa types. For foreigners already travelling or residing in China, all visa queries should be directed to the Foreigners Entry and Exit Administration Section of the local Public Security Bureau (PSB).

Fingerprint scanning of foreign nationals (aged between 14 to 70 years) on arrival, commenced in 2017.

Chinese authorities strictly enforce penalties for entry and exit visa violations. Ensure you depart China before your visa expiry date. Penalties for visa violations range from fines to detention. Fines are imposed for each day overstayed, including if you’re in detention. The period of detention can range from five to 30 days, depending on the severity of the violation.

Australians who become involved in a criminal matter or investigation, or directly or indirectly involved in a civil or commercial dispute, may be prevented from departing China until the matter is resolved. See Laws.

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) can change at short notice. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of China for up-to-date information.

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