Luxury China Tour Along the Yangtze River
Majestic Yangtze
Beijing — Xian — Yangtze River Cruise — Shanghai
Places Where You'll Stay
Beijing (3 nights)
Day 1 - 3
Xi'an (2 Nights)
Day 4 - 5
Yangtze Cruise (3 Nights)
Day 6-8
Shanghai (3 Nights)
Day 9 - 11
Ancient Capitals to the Three Gorges: China by Land and River
This privately guided luxury journey reveals China through its most storied capitals and its greatest waterway—anchored by a five-star Yangtze River cruise through the legendary Three Gorges. Designed for travelers seeking cultural icons and immersive scenery, Majestic Yangtze pairs China’s imperial foundations with a serene river passage shaped by centuries of history.
China’s dynastic legacy comes into focus through encounters with places built to project permanence. Walk the Great Wall as it traces mountain ridges beyond the capital, then pass through the vast courtyards and ceremonial halls of the Forbidden City, where imperial life once unfolded in carefully ordered rituals. Temple gardens and historic hutong neighborhoods offer quieter counterpoints, grounding grandeur in the rhythms of daily life.
The country’s early unification and Silk Road legacy emerge through monumental archaeology and living streetscapes. Life-sized Terracotta Warriors stand in silent formation, guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor, while ancient city walls, pagodas, and lantern-lit promenades reveal a continuity between past and present that feels distinctly alive.
The journey then shifts to the Yangtze River, where time slows and the landscape becomes the narrative. Aboard a luxury cruise vessel, days unfold between emerald cliffs and mist-softened gorges as river towns drift past at water level. Guided excursions bring the river’s stories ashore—ancient temples tucked into hillsides, legendary “ghost cities,” and the immense Three Gorges Dam, where myth, engineering, and modern China converge.
As the journey returns to land, classical gardens and historic neighborhoods offer moments of calm before the city’s contemporary energy reappears. Canal-lined lanes, traditional pavilions, and skyline views along the Bund provide a fitting contrast to the river’s quiet power.
Expertly arranged end to end, Majestic Yangtze weaves imperial history, river scenery, and refined cruising into a cohesive journey—revealing China through movement, continuity, and place.
What makes this tour unique
Shanghai with a Water-Town Counterpoint: Conclude with Yu Garden, Bund skyline views, and Zhujiajiao’s canal-lined lanes, where an older Jiangnan world endures.
Why Choose This Tour
- For Travelers Who Want China’s Icons Plus the Yangtze – Ideal for those who want Beijing and Xi’an’s essential history complemented by a world-renowned river journey.
- For Those Who Prefer Scenic Travel With Ease – Best suited to travelers who want dramatic landscapes without constant packing and transit, letting the cruise deliver scenery in comfort.
- For Culture Lovers Who Enjoy Context and Continuity – Designed for travelers who want dynastic heritage, living river lore, and modern engineering woven into one coherent story.
- For Travelers Who Value a Calm, Restorative Mid-Journey Pace – A strong fit for those who appreciate a quieter center—slow days on the water that balance the intensity of China’s great sights.
TOUR INCLUDES:
- First Class high speed train between Beijing & Xian
- All internal flights within China
- 11 nights’ accommodations at deluxe hotels and your choice of four Yangtze River cruises
- Hotel breakfasts daily
- Lunches and dinners per itinerary
- Private Tour: all excursions and transfers by private car with chauffeur and expert local guides (shore excursions on shared basis).
- Carefree travel with 24/7 Support
*Departure dates vary by cruise selection; please refer to the pricing chart for details.
TOUR ITINERARY:
Days 1–3: Beijing – Where Imperial Grandeur Meets Everyday Life
Begin your adventure in China’s capital, a city where millennia-old palaces rise beside modern high-rises, and quiet temple courtyards hum alongside lively hutong alleyways. Over three days, explore Beijing’s legendary sites, savor its iconic flavors, and discover hidden corners that reveal the city’s soul.
Day 1 (Welcome to China!): Arrive in Beijing, where your personal guide will meet you for a private transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure—perhaps strolling along Wangfujing or simply relaxing after your journey.
Day 2 (Hike the Great Wall of China): Head northwest to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall—a less-crowded, beautifully preserved stretch lined with 22 watchtowers. Ride the cable car up, walk along the ramparts, and take in sweeping mountain views before returning to the city for a stroll through Beijing’s historic hutongs, where families have lived for generations. Dinner tonight features Beijing’s celebrated Peking Duck at one of the city’s finest restaurants. (B,L,D)
Day 3 (Imperial Palaces & Temples): Explore Beijing’s most revered landmarks: Tiananmen Square, the monumental gateway to the nation’s history; the Forbidden City, a vast imperial complex once reserved for emperors; and either the Temple of Heaven or the Summer Palace, both masterpieces of Ming-era design. After lunch at a local restaurant, take a leisurely stroll along Qianmen’s lively pedestrian lanes before returning to your hotel for time to relax—perhaps with a cocktail or afternoon tea. (B,L)
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Try your hand at dumpling-making
Enjoy tea tasting at a local tea house
Extend your stay: hike remote sections of the Great Wall, then stay in Gubei water village (2 days)
Days 4–5: Xian– Gateway to the Ancient Silk Road
Once China’s capital for 13 dynasties, Xian is a living museum of the nation’s history — from its imposing city walls to the legendary Terracotta Army.
Day 4 (From Beijing to Xian): This morning, board a high-speed train to Xian, watching the countryside rush past at up to 300 km/h. On arrival, walk atop the ancient City Wall, where watchtowers and ramparts offer sweeping views of the old city within and the modern skyline beyond. In the evening, stroll through Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, a lively promenade of Tang-style architecture, street performances, and open-air markets. Check in for your two-nights’ stay. (B)
Day 5 (See the Terracotta Army): Stand face-to-face with the silent ranks of the Terracotta Warriors, thousands of life-sized soldiers and horses crafted to guard the tomb of Qin Shi Huang. After lunch, visit the elegant Big Wild Goose Pagoda, its tiered silhouette rising gracefully above the city. In the evening, savor Shaanxi’s signature hot pot, followed by a colorful Tang Dynasty cultural performance. (B,L,D)
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Storied, enduring, and endlessly fascinating, Xi’an is where China’s history comes to stand beside you. Once the starting point of the Silk Road...
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Try your hand at Biángbiáng (hand-pulled) noodle-making
Visit Huaqing Palace: one of the Four Great Royal Gardens in China
Extend your trip: See the Giant Pandas in Chengdu (2 days)
Days 6–9: Yangtze River & The Three Gorges
Sail the legendary Yangtze River, where misty cliffs, timeless villages, and tranquil waters reveal China’s poetic heart—an unforgettable journey of beauty, culture, and quiet discovery.
Day 6 (From Ancient Capital to Trendy City): This morning, explore the fascinating Yangling Tombs, a glimpse into China’s Han Dynasty past where delicate figurines and ancient relics reveal daily life from two millennia ago. Fly onward to Chongqing, a dramatic “mountain city” where skyscrapers cling to cliffs above two mighty rivers. Time permitting, wander lively districts like Xiahao Lane and Changjiahui, where gleaming towers rise beside centuries-old streets, before embarking on your Yangtze River journey downstream. Dinner will be served at a local restaurant or on board your cruise this evening. (B,D)
Day 8 (Yangtze River Cruise – The Three Gorges): Today, sail into the heart of the Three Gorges, a region of staggering natural beauty and mythic renown. Glide through Qutang Gorge, where sheer cliffs rise dramatically on either side, before boarding a smaller boat for a serene journey along the Shennv Stream. Here, emerald canyons and hidden shrines whisper stories of ancient civilizations, including the mysterious hanging coffins of the Ba people. Continue through Wu Gorge, its mist-veiled peaks and echoing birdsong creating a scene of haunting tranquility. (B,L,D)
Day 9 (From the Three Gorges Dam to the Bright Lights of Shanghai): This morning, stand before the awe-inspiring Three Gorges Dam, a modern engineering marvel and enduring symbol of China’s ingenuity. After disembarking in Yichang, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. (B)
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Days 9–11: Shanghai – China’s Cosmopolitan Showcase
A dazzling mix of tradition and modernity, Shanghai is a world-class city where historic neighborhoods meet cutting-edge architecture.
Day 9 (Journey to Shanghai): Upon disembarking your Yangtze River cruise, fly onward to Shanghai. Upon arrival, your guide will escort you to your hotel for a restful evening in the heart of this dynamic metropolis. (B)
Day 10 (City Highlights): Discover Old Town’s winding lanes and Yu Garden, a Ming-era masterpiece. Continue to the Shanghai Museum, home to treasures spanning China’s dynasties. Enjoy a lunch of Shanghai’s famed soup dumplings before heading to Tianzifang, a charming maze of art galleries, boutiques, and cafes. Cap off the evening with the ERA Acrobatics show, a breathtaking spectacle where athleticism, music, and light converge into one dazzling finale. (B,L)
Day 11 (Neon Skyline to an Ancient Water Village): This morning, journey to Zhujiajiao, a charming 11th-century water town where stone bridges, arched lanes, and willow-lined canals evoke a bygone China. Glide along narrow waterways aboard a traditional sampan, stroll through lively morning markets, browse local handicrafts, and savor the gentle rhythm of countryside living amid this picturesque retreat. Return to Shanghai in the afternoon and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. (B)
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Day 12 Farewell Shanghai
Your private transfer brings you to Shanghai Pudong Airport, where your guide ensures a seamless departure for your flight—concluding a bespoke China holiday of luxury, discovery, and unforgettable experiences. (B)
PRICE CHART:
| 2026 Price Chart (Tour Operates from March – November) | ||
Cruise Option | Twin Sharing | Single Supplement |
| Victoria Sabrina (departs Sun) | 8,475 | 2,195 |
| Century Oasis (departs Sun) | 8,575 | 2,275 |
| Century Voyage (departs Mon) | 8,775 | 2,525 |
| Yangzi Explorer (departs Sat) | 10,275 | 3,475 |
| Tour requires minimum of 2 passengers to operate | ||
- Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
- Price includes all entrance fees, domestic air taxes, hotel taxes & service charges
- Price excludes personal expenses, beverages, gratuities to guides, drivers and cruise staff
- China visa required for entry. Not included in package. Passport must NOT expire within 6 months from end of trip.
- All hotels, cruises, and land services are subject to availability at time of reservation.
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