Unmissable China & Yangtze Cruise
Unmissable China & Yangtze Cruise
Unmissable China & Yangtze Cruise
16 Days Starting and ending in United Kingdom
Visiting: Shanghai, Suzhou, Yangtze River, Chongqing, Chengdu, Xi'An, Beijing
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LCGR
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
15 - 35
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Please make us aware of any specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
If you've more time to explore China, this comprehensive tour is ideal. It begins with a three-night stay in Shanghai and a chance to discover the city's highlights on a tour. Then, you'll travel by train to Yichang and embark on a four-night cruise of the Yangtze River. After disembarking the ship your journey continues by train to Chengdu, where you'll visit the Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Centre. Next stop is Xian, home of the famous Terracotta Army before your holiday comes to an end in Beijing. You'll have three nights here to explore highlights including the Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square and the incredible Forbidden City. You'll also head to Badaling to walk along part of the iconic Great Wall of China.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Uk - Shanghai
Location: Shanghai
Accommodation: Overnight Flight
Meals Included: No Meals
Make you own way to the airport or be collected by our Private Chauffeur (if you've pre-booked) for your flight to Shanghai today.
Day 2 : Shanghai
Location: Shanghai
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Jin Jiang Tower Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
On arrival in Shanghai, we will transfer you to your hotel, where you'll stay for three nights. Shanghai by night is dazzling and at its heart is the Huangpu River, with its constant and extraordinary stream of water traffic. This evening after dinner, why not join our optional cruise along the Huangpu River. Sights you'll see include the Yangpu and Nanpu Bridges, the Monument to the People's Heroes, the Bund, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the Wu Song ancient gun fort relics and the Pudong Business District, which boasts a dramatic skyline.
Day 3 : Shanghai
Location: Shanghai
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Jin Jiang Tower Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Shanghai is also pretty special by day too, and offers many sightseeing possibilities. Your included tour squeezes plenty in, with highlights including the thronging shopping thoroughfare of Nanjing Road, the world's longest shopping precinct. You'll also see the classic Yu Yuan Gardens, visit the ornate Jade Buddha Temple and stroll along the Bund - the city's famous riverside boulevard which is lined with magnificent former colonial buildings. Here you will enjoy an afternoon tea, an English tradition immensely popular in Shanghai. This evening you have a chance to watch the incredible Shanghai Acrobats, and you'll even have the chance to meet them if you join this amazing optional excursion, which also includes dinner.
Day 4 : Suzhou
Location: Suzhou
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Jin Jiang Tower Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You're going to spend the day exploring Suzhou, which is located on China's historic Grand Canal. This beautiful 2,500-year-old city is famed for its landscaped gardens and traditional architecture, and many of the gardens you will see date back as far as the 10th century and are still intact. As you wander around you'll see narrow canals crossed by stone bridges and lined with rickety wooden houses. You'll also take a boat trip on the canal to see this historic town from a different perspective. The Humble Adminstrator's Garden, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most famous and best-preserved gardens in China, and we will visit this today after a rickshaw ride through Suzhou's winding lanes. Another highlight today will be a visit to the Institute of Silk Embroidery, where you will see artists at work creating elaborate pieces which can take months, even years to complete.
Day 5 : Yangtze Cruise
Location: Yangtze River
Accommodation: Century Glory Cruise Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we board a high-speed train to Yichang, which gives you the opportunity to sit back, relax and take in the views. On arrival we will transfer to the pier where we'll board our ship and embark on a scenic Yangtze River cruise. Your comfortable vessel has been specially designed to navigate the Yangtze and is your base for the next four nights.
Relax this evening and discover the great facilities on board!
Day 6 : Yangtze Cruise
Location: Yangtze River
Accommodation: Century Glory Cruise Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you'll cruise through the magnificent Three Gorges region. An optional shore excursion is available to the recently-completed unique ship lock with a ship lift, the worlds largest.
If river conditions are favourable, a further optional excursion will be available - 'Tribe of the Three Gorges', which will give you a fascinating glimpse of the traditions and culture in this part of China.
On board the ship this evening, enjoy the captain's cocktail reception.
Day 7 : Yangtze Cruise
Location: Yangtze River
Accommodation: Century Glory Cruise Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will visit the picturesque Goddess Stream, which flows into the Yangtze.
We'll also sail into the tranquil beauty of the Wu Gorge, famed for its forest-covered mountains and sheer cliffs, then through the Qutang Gorge. Although this is the smallest of the three, measuring just 500 feet wide and five miles long, it's also the most dramatic. River conditions permitting, you might be tempted to join an optional shore excursion to White Emperor City. This ancient temple located on the top of a mountain affords spectacular views. Round off the day with dinner and a cabaret show.
Day 8 : Yangtze Cruise
Location: Yangtze River
Accommodation: Century Glory Cruise Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
If you wish, you can start the day with a Tai Chi session on board the ship. Today we'll visit Fengdu Ghost City, known for its shrines, temples, statues and monasteries dedicated to the afterlife. This evening enjoy a show with the crew on board the ship.
Day 9 : Chongqing - Chengdu
Location: Chongqing, Chengdu
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Tianfu Sunshine Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you'll disembark the ship in Chongqing and set off to explore further by land. You'll start with a visit to Ciqikou Old Town, whose history can be traced back more than 1,700 years. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties it was known for its production of porcelain, and more than 20 ancient kiln sites have been discovered here. Its houses also date back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties, so admire incredible architecture made from bamboo and timber. The village is also a great place to watch local women at work in embroidery workshops and to stop for tea, as there are more than 100 tea bars to choose from. You'll also see the Guild Hall, a magnificent complex of houses, prayer houses and shops built by immigrants during the Qing Dynasty. We'll then transfer you to the railway station where we'll board a high-speed train and journey to Chengdu.
Day 10 : Chengdu
Location: Chengdu
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Tianfu Sunshine Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Your day begins with a fantastic tour of the Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Centre to view these endangered creatures. We visit in the morning as this is when the Pandas are at their most active, when they feed and play. The afternoon will be spent exploring Jinli Street, where you can sample local delicacies and visit tea houses and silk workshops. You will also find many restaurants serving Sichuan snacks, including San Da Pao, a sweet treat made from rice drenched in syrup, so why not give it a try. This evening, if you want to soak up more of China's traditions, you've the option to attend a Face Changing Show, which features a number of different acts performing opera, music, comedy, fire-breathing, puppetry and the famous face-changing act, which has to be seen to be believed. Performed in a traditional tea house, dinner is also included.
Day 11 : Chengdu - Xian
Location: Chengdu, Xi'An
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Grand Noble Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We make our way by high-speed train to Xian today, the 'City of Eternal Peace' and home of the famous Terracotta Army. Your sightseeing begins right away with a visit to the Tomb of Emperor Jingdi, also known as Hanyangling, where you can see small clay figures of people, animals and warriors discovered here. Next we'll visit the ancient and beautifully preserved City Wall, where we will board buggies which will take us from the south gate to the east gate. After checking into your hotel there will be the chance to discover Xian by night on an optional excursion. You will see the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower which are both beautifully illuminated, providing a lovely setting for the many traditional restaurants and modern shopping malls of the area. You will also visit the west gate of Xian’s City Walls before we drive to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Here you'll be able to watch the locals who come to dance here in the squares, as well as a colourful dancing fountain. We also include a visit to the Muslim Market, famous for its many food stalls, each selling its own specialties, so why not try one of the dishes on offer.
Day 12 : Xian
Location: Xi'An
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Grand Noble Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today's the day that you are going to see one of the world's most remarkable sights, the Terracotta Army at Li Shan Mountain. Discovered in the 1970s by farmers digging a well, this collection of at least 6,000 life-size terracotta figures was interred in 200 BC with the first Qin emperor. The warriors, representing individuals of the Imperial Guard, are grouped in battle order, rank by rank. Some are mounted on horse-drawn chariots and others are armed with spears, swords and crossbows. This dazzling display of Chinese military power is quite simply breathtaking. We will also visit the Green Tea House, where there may be an opportunity to meet one of the farmers who discovered the warriors. After lunch we will return to Xian where the rest of the day is at leisure, and you can choose to explore the City Walls by bicycle if you wish. After a special dumpling dinner, there's the option to see a Tang Dynasty show. This is listed as one of the top 10 things to do in Xian and is performed by the world-renowned Shaanxi Song and Dance Troupe, so comes highly recommended.
Day 13 : Xian - Beijing
Location: Xi'An, Beijing
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Beijing Chaoyang U-Town
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
An exciting way to start the day is by taking a high-speed train to Beijing. This is a city of bustling street markets, ancient temples and exquisite palaces, which stand beside the vast 20th century civic buildings created by Chairman Mao and his people. With three nights here, there's plenty of time to discover all its highlights. Today you'll visit the Summer Palace and, if weather conditions are favourable, you'll enjoy a cruise on Kunming Lake. We'll get together this evening for dinner in one of the city's restaurants. If you wish, you can also attend an optional Kung Fu show, which tells the story of a young boy who dreams of becoming a Kung Fu master, and the many difficulties he encounters on the road to enlightenment.
Day 14 : Beijing
Location: Beijing
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Beijing Chaoyang U-Town
Meals Included: Breakfast
The chance to walk along the ramparts of the Great Wall of China at Badaling, one of the world's most iconic sights, is an incredible start to your day. Here, you can explore at your own pace, walk between the wall's watch towers or simply take in the breathtaking scenery.
Day 15 : Beijing
Location: Beijing
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Beijing Chaoyang U-Town
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
You can cross another of China's iconic highlights off your list today, as we head to Tiananmen Square. This is bordered by the Qianmen Gate, the Great Hall of the People and the Gate of Heavenly Peace. We'll go through the gate, which forms the entrance to the incredible Forbidden City, to admire the magnificent buildings that house the Imperial Palace. The afternoon is free for you to explore Beijing at leisure, or perhaps join our optional excursion to discover the city's hutongs on a walking tour. These narrow streets are formed by ancient residences built around courtyards and we'll have the chance to visit local families to see how they live in this traditional way. Later this evening we'll meet up again for a farewell dinner of Peking duck.
Day 16 : Beijing - Uk
Location: Beijing
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we'll transfer you to the airport for your flight back to the UK. Upon arrival, either make your own way home or your Travelsphere Private Chauffeur Service will be waiting for the journey home (if you've pre-booked).
What's Included
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Accommodation
4 star hotels plus American Victoria Fleet vessel -
Return flights from Heathrow with British Airways
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10 nights in 4-star hotels plus 1 night in flight
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4 nights full-board cruise sailing
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36 meals: 14 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 11 dinners and welcome drink
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Overseas transfers, other transportation and porterage
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Travelsphere Holiday Director and Specialist Local Guide
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
Excursions Included
- Tour of Shanghai
- Discover the ancient water town and gardens of Suzhou by boat and rickshaw
- Four-night Yangtze River cruise
- Visit Chongqing's Old Town
- Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Centre visit
- Discover Jinli Street in Chengdu
- The Tomb of Emperor Jingdi
- Xian tour with a visit to the City Wall
- The world-famous Terracotta Army
- Visit the Summer Palace in Beijing
- Boat ride on Kunming Lake
- The Great Wall of China with cable car ride
- Beijing landmarks including Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden city
- Bullet train journeys
- Traditional meals including Peking Duck and Chinese Dumplings
Accommodation
- Jin Jiang Tower Hotel
- Jin Jiang Hotel Shanghai is situated in downtown Shanghai. Hotel facilities include three restaurants, café, Lobby Lounge, Gymnasium, Beauty Salon and Sauna.
- Victoria Fleet Cruise Ship
- Your cruise ship, part of Victoria’s fleet, boasts well-furnished, comfortable cabins, all of which are outside and feature private balconies and bathrooms with shower. Excellent facilities on board also include a restaurant, reading room, fitness centre, gift shop and beauty salon. Your cruise includes all meals, with Western and Chinese-style buffets at breakfast, lunch and dinner, and a captain’s farewell banquet. Please note: The cabin size and decor will vary dependent on the vessel. There is a mandatory one-off service charge of US$25 per person, which is payable locally.
- Tianfu Sunshine Hotel
- The 4-star Tianfu Sunshine in Chengdu is located in the downtown area of the city.
Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar and Wi-Fi. Bedrooms have private facilities and air-conditioning.
- Grand Noble Hotel
- The 4-star Grand Noble Hotel is ideally located in the commercial centre of Xian.
Hotel facilities include a restuarant and a bar/lounge. Bedrooms have private facilities, air-conditioning and a TV.
- Crowne Plaza Beijing Chaoyang U-Town
- The Crowne Plaza U-Town Beijing is situated directly next to Beijing U-Town, which is home to a variety of shops and restaurants, making it perfect for relaxing and entertainment.
Other hotel amenities include an indoor pool, fitness centre, bar and Hopfenstube German restaurant.
Rooms are furnished with private bathrooms, minibar, air-conditioning and flat-screen TV.
Optional Excursions
- Shanghai Acrobatic show with dinner
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Shanghai by night cruise
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Magical Face Changing Show with dinner
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Xian by night
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Tang Dynasty Show, Xian
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Kung Fu martial arts show, Beijing
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Rickshaw ride around the Beijing's Hutong area
Check out our Q&As
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No. Min age is 18 years.
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
Requirements do change, and you must check the up to date position in good time before departure so that you have the correct documentation and are adequately vaccinated. Information on health is available from your GP surgery and from the National Travel Health Network and Centre www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
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Are flights included in this tour?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Travelsphere’s Flexibility Promise has been created to give you complete peace of mind and make you feel confident when booking your holiday with us. We have also been awarded the WTTC safe travels stamp which recognises businesses and destinations worldwide that have adopted a new set of global protocols to support the return of 'Safe Travel' around the world.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Travelsphere has been operating escorted touring holidays for 60 years
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Travelsphere, we are committed to operating our business operations responsibly, with integrity and always act ethically in all our business dealings and relationships. We are committed to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure slavery and human trafficking does not take place in our own business or in any of our supply chains
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
You will receive Holiday conformation upon booking, and then several documents detailing any adddiotnal information and the optional excursions that you can book before you travel. The final information covering your flights, hotels and itinerary will be sent to you around 14 days before your departure date.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, we do not offer single share options
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No, Im afraid not
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If we can accomadate a change in date - we will always do our best to help you. Just pick up the phone and ask one of our friendly advisors - and make sure you have your booking number to hand.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Our Travelsphere Cares programmes, in partnership with the Planeterra Foundation, support local projects and social enterprises by helping them earn an income from tourism. We simply donate a portion of the funds from our tours, so it’s great to know that when you travel with us you are helping to change lives and turn travel into real impact.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Like minded travellers
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All of our accommodation providers will be working to the very highest standards of hygiene – you already always enjoy a private room of your own on all of our trips, all of our partners will be guided by local government operational standards of hygiene and the new protocols we have issued to them.
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Travelsphere allows you to make 4 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 75 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Travelsphere allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform travelsphere, 75 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Travelsphere requires a minimum deposit of 21% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 84 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travelsphere charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Book with Confidence
When you book your holiday with Just You, you can have complete peace of mind. Your money is 100% protected through our Independent Trust Fund, any money you pay to us is held by them & governed by 3rd?party trustees. It is also a condition of our ATOL license and is regularly monitored by the Civil Aviation Authority. We don’t receive any money until after you’ve come back from your holiday – so your money is 100% protected no matter what. If you have any questions you can speak to one of our friendly and knowledgeable holiday advisors.