Best Of China & The Yangtze River
14 Days
Tour Description
Ancient wonders. Modern cities. Timeless traditions. Like a classic Chinese dumpling, this tour of China is filled with flavour, zest, and delectable elements of surprise. From the hutongs of Beijing to the longtangs of Shanghai, you’ll savour every Far East experience you’ve ever craved, including a rickshaw ride through Beijing’s narrow alleyways, a walk along the Great Wall, and a 3-night cruise through the magnificent Three Gorges of the winding, wondrous Yangtze, Asia’s longest river. This truly hands-on vacation will teach you the ancient art of tea making, the calming practice of tai chi, and the delicate art of making traditional dim sum, the dumpling whose name means “to touch the heart.” Expect additional flutters when you enter the Forbidden City, stand before Xi’an’s Terracotta Army, and observe the daily habits of the native pandas of Chengdu.
Traveller Notes
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect holiday—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi (where available).
Traveller Notes
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect holiday—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi (where available).
Priced From:
$ 8288pp *
Start Location: Beijing, China
End Location: Shanghai, China
Major Destinations: Beijing ,Xi'an,Chengdu,Yangtze River,Hangzhou,Shanghai
Breakfast Meals Included:
13
Lunch Meals Included:
10
Dinner Meals Included:
6
Itinerary
Day
1
ARRIVE IN BEIJING, CHINA
Welcome to China!
Hotel rooms are available for a mid-afternoon check-in.
Day
2
BEIJING
Treasures of the Forbidden City
Your full-day sightseeing starts with a visit to Tian'anmen Square. Next, explore the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest palace complex in the world. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Summer Palace, a beautifully preserved imperial garden. Tonight, savour a special Peking duck welcome dinner. (B,L,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORY & MYSTERY Visit the largest public square in the world at Tian'anmen Square. Translated, this Gate of Heavenly Peace carries great cultural significance as the site of many important events in China's history, including the protests and 1989. The Forbidden City harkens back to China's great emperors, showcases ancient Chinese architecture, landscaped gardens, and displays of rare art and artifacts.
Day
3
BEIJING-GREAT WALL EXCURSION
Heaven's Gates & the Great Wall
This morning, visit the Temple of Heaven, founded in the 15th century. Then, head north to a village where the Great Wall of China is well preserved and walk along the wall for sweeping vistas. This mammoth fortress once stretched 4,000 miles across China's barren northern terrain from the Bohai Sea to the Gobi Desert. Return to Beijing for some time at your leisure. (B,L)
FREE TIME TIPS EXPLORE MORE You may wish to attend a performance of the Peking Opera, a traditional form of Chinese theatre, or a kung fu show. This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with My Account.
Day
4
BEIJING-XI'AN
Hutongs & Hot Noodles
Take a [LF] rickshaw ride through one of Beijing's hutongs, the city's ancient alleys. Enjoy a local noodle lunch before a short flight brings you to Xi'an this afternoon. (B,L)
LOCAL FAVOURITE
EPIC RIDE Travel by rickshaw through the ancient alleyways and courtyards of Beijing to take in the true culture of its hutongs and Siheyuan. Get an insight to the old lifestyle in these cultural icons of Chinese tradition.
Day
5
XI'AN
Silent Sentinels
Sightseeing begins with an enormous tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, accidentally discovered by local farmers in 1974. Marvel at the legion of Terracotta Warriors that has been guarding this burial site for 2,000 years. Later, visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, and Xi'an's ancient City Wall, built in 1378. (B,L)
FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE Tonight, consider a performance of the Tang Dynasty dinner show, featuring a colourful assemblage of classical performances. This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with My Account.
Day
6
XI'AN-CHENGDU
The Many Faces of Chengdu
This morning, transfer to the train station for your high-speed train to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province and known for its flavourful food. Visit Jinli Cultural Street, a pedestrian street lined with ancient buildings with the architectural stylings from the late Qing dynasty. Also see People's Park, where you may see local residents playing mahjong or practicing tai chi. Tonight, enjoy a Sichuan hot pot dinner followed by a [LF] face-changing performance. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVOURITE
CULTURAL GEM Bian lian (face changing) is a traditional Chinese technique in which performers use masks to reflect mood changes of their character. An important aspect of Sichuan opera, the faces change faster than your eye can detect, using secrets passed down from generation to generation.
Day
7
CHENGDU
Beauty in Black & White
Journey through the mountainous scenery to the Wolong Giant Panda Nature Reserve, home to over 170 pandas. Learn how this area protects and rehabilitates these beautiful animals. This afternoon and evening at yours to explore this city more. (B,L)
FREE TIME TIPS
TIME & TRADITIONS Enjoy a free afternoon and evening in Chengdu. Your Tour Director will have expert advice on the best ways to relax and enjoy Chengdu this afternoon. Your GlobusGO mobile app has directions and recommendations as well!
Day
8
CHENGDU-CHONGQING (EMBARKATION)-YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE
Gorgeous Gorges of the Yangtze
Take the high-speed train to Chongqing, China's capital during World War II. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and visit the Three Gorges Museum. Enjoy some free time in the Ciqikou ancient town, also known as Little Chongqing before boarding your ship for a 3-night cruise through the breathtaking Three Gorges of the Yangtze. (B,L,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Embark on an adventure on the Yangtze River along the most scenic section of this UNESCO World Heritage region of the Three Gorges. Breathtaking sights and legendary stories flow through the Qutang, Wu, and Xiling gorges gracing the middle reaches of this iconic river.
Day
9
CRUISING: MOUNTAIN SHUANGGUI
Stories of the Song Dynasty
Your shore excursion today takes you to Mountain Shuanggui, known for its picturesque scenery and featuring cliff brush writings dating to the Song dynasty. Return to your ship where the afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy a variety of onboard activities. This evening, your Captain hosts a welcome party and dinner. (B,L,D)
FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE You may choose to take an optional shore excursion to Fengdu, known by many in China as the "Ghost City," to visit the mountaintop shrines.
Day
10
CRUISING: QUTANG GORGE-WU GORGE-GODDESS STREAM
Narrow Escapes
Early this morning, you may choose to start your day with a tai chi lesson on the sun deck or simply relax and enjoy the scenery. Later, sail downstream through the first and second of the three gorges - Qutang Gorge. After lunch, disembark for a boat excursion down Goddess Stream. Along the way, see picturesque scenery and mysterious hanging wooden coffins. (B,L,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SPECTACULAR SERENITY Sail through the shortest but most dramatic gorge, and Wu, known for its quiet beauty and forest covered mountains. You can nearly touch the perpendicular walls rising from the riverbanks as your Captain negotiates this narrow gap.
Day
11
CRUISING: (DISEMBARKATION) THREE GORGES DAM SITE-YICHANG-HANGZHOU
The Power of Water
This morning, visit the awe-inspiring hydroelectric marvel of Three Gorges Dam Site, the largest dam of its kind in the world. After lunch in Yichang, board your flight to Hangzhou, one of China's seven ancient capitals. (B,L)
Day
12
HANGZHOU-SHANGHAI
Timeless Traditions
Start your tour of Hangzhou with a [LF] sampan cruise on West Lake, A UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then visit Linyin Temple, followed by a demonstration of the tea-making process and lunch at a local tea farm. This afternoon, settle in for a comfortable drive to Shanghai, China's most populous city. (B,L)
LOCAL FAVOURITE
EPIC RIDE Flanked by temples, gardens, pavilions, and causeways, West Lake has inspired many artists and scholars for centuries. Enjoy the morning sun glowing on the water as you cruise on a sampan, a traditional wooden boat.
Day
13
SHANGHAI
Dumplings & Dynasties
This morning, stroll along the Bund, the city's riverfront boulevard lined with historic buildings, banks, and trade houses. Then, visit Yu Yuan Gardens, dating back to the Ming Dynasty. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION At dinner, get a taste of xiaolongbao, Shanghai's most famous dish. These tasty soup dumplings are handmade with at least 18 intricate folds to close the top. The broth is the star, so eat lovingly!
Day
14
SHANGHAI
So Long, Farewell
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Dates & prices
Dates
Prices
Status
Departure Date :
2025-10-17
Return Date :
2025-10-30
Twin :
8288 NZD
Open
Departure Date :
2025-10-03
Return Date :
2025-10-16
Twin :
8628 NZD
Open
Departure Date :
2025-05-09
Return Date :
2025-05-22
Twin :
8288 NZD
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