PERFECT FOR:
- Nature & Animal Lovers, Photographers
- History & Architecture Buffs
- Those seeking the road less traveled
- In-depth tour of China’s top spots
- Returning travelers to China
A Private China Tour – Beijing, Yangtze River Cruise, Xian, Jiuzhaigou, Chengdu, Shanghai
17 Days / 15 Nights – Tour Code (CYE) – Private Tour – Departs Monday / Friday*
Our Yangtze & The Pandas Explorient tour boasts several of China’s most remarkable scenic regions, featuring the spectacular Jiuzhaigou Valley and the mighty Yangtze River’s famed Three Gorges.
Starting with Beijing, travelers have the opportunity to step foot upon some of the most remarkable sights known to mankind. Visit the ancient and present-day capital’s revered landmarks, such as the Forbidden City, the imperial palace for the Ming and Qing dynasties; Summer Palace, a grand imperial palace and a royal garden of the Qing Dynasty; Tiananmen Square, the largest city square in the world; Temple of Heaven, the largest temple compound and one of the most strictly protected cultural heritages of China, formerly privy only to the great Emperor himself; Beijing’s Old Quarters (Hutongs), showcasing the capital’s modest homes and traditional way of life, accented by chic sidewalk cafes and quaint art galleries; and of course, the magnificent Great Wall of China, the symbol of Ancient Chinese civilization built two millenniums ago.
Next, embark on a fantastic river journey on board one of the Yangtze’s newest and most luxurious floating hotels for an unforgettable cruise along China’s longest and most revered waterway. Cruising in style, passengers are rewarded with amazing sights of the mighty Yangtze, including the impressive Three Gorges, the culturally inspiring Shennong Stream, and the massive Three Gorges Dam, China’s largest construction project since the Great Wall. After four days of indulgence and relaxation, we continue our scenic journey to Sichuan Province on a road less traveled to the Jiuzhaigou scenic region. Designated as a World Natural Heritage Site and a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1992, Jiuzhaigou is a heaven of natural wonders, boasting an arsenal of spectacular waterfalls, colorful alpine lakes, deep valleys and breathtaking snow-capped mountains that wows even the most seasoned traveler.
After seven memorable days of scenic beauty, we return to civilization and touch down on Sichuan’s Capital of Chengdu. In addition to being renowned for its beloved Giant Pandas, Chengdu charms the visitor with its laid-back atmosphere, ancient architecture and sensational Sichuan cuisine. Visit the Panda Breeding & Research Center, where monumental strides have been made toward the conservation of the endangered Giant Panda species since its inception in 1987, when six of these gentle giants were rescued from the wild. Today, you’ll have a chance to observe roughly one hundred of these amazing animals that were once on the brink of extinction. And awarded the City of Gastronomy by UNESCO, Chengdu is home to a plethora of culinary delights – so be sure to bring your appetite for some tantalizing Sichuan cuisine!
Last but not least, we conclude our China trip with some R&R and excitement in Shanghai, China’s flagship city that showcases the country’s trendiest fashion, finest cuisine, latest technological marvels and a skyline that is out of this world.
TOUR INCLUDES:
-
Economy class Air via Cathay Pacific from USA
- All air and ground transportation within China
- 15 nights deluxe hotel and cruise accommodation per itinerary
- Hotel breakfasts daily
- Other meals per itinerary including full board on Yangtze Cruise (food only)
- Private Tour: Transfers and sightseeing provided by private car, driver and professional guides
BEIJING (3 nights)
- 3 nights at The Regent Beijing
- 2 full days of private sightseeing, including the Great Wall at Mutianyu with cable car ride, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, and Hutongs
- Evening “Legends of Kung Fu” Performance
YANGTZE CRUISE (4 nights)
- 4 nights aboard the Century Legend | Century Paragon
- Daily Shore excursions (join basis)
XIAN (2 nights)
- 2 nights at The Westin Xian
- 1 Tang Dynasty dinner and cultural performance
- Full-day private sightseeing, including the Terracotta Army excavation site, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, City Wall and Muslim Quarters
JIU ZHAI GOU (2 nights)
- 2 nights at Sheraton Jiuzhaigou Hotel
- Extensive private sightseeing of the Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou scenic areas
CHENGDU (2 nights)
- 2 nights at St. Regis Chengdu
- Full-day private sightseeing of Panda Research & Breeding Center and Sanxingdui Museum.
SHANGHAI (2 nights)
- 2 nights at Hyatt-on-the-Bund
- Full-day private sightseeing including the Bund, Old Town, Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, Urban Planning & Exhibition Center and Tianzifang Art District
- Evening Shanghai Acrobatics Performance
**Departures featuring Century Paragon and Century Legend depart on Monday & Friday, respectively
Day 1 (Mon/Fri) Depart North America
Depart USA for Beijing via Cathay Pacific Airways, connecting in Hong Kong.
Day 2 (Tue/Sat) Beijing
Upon arrival, after clearing immigration and customs, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Day 3 (Wed/Sun) Beijing
Today visit the spectacular Mutianyu section of the Great Wall with cable car ride. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to Beijing City and enjoy a tour of its Old Quarters (Hutongs) by rickshaw, visiting a local family residence and the Bell & Drum Tower. This evening, enjoy a Peking Duck Dinner, followed by a spectacular Legends of Kung Fu Show. (B,L,D)
Day 4 (Thu/Mon) Beijing
A full-day tour today includes visits to the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven and Tiananmen Square. (B,L)
Day 5 (Fri/Tue) Beijing / Yichang
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Yichang. Upon arrival and after dinner at a local restaurant (time permitting), transfer to Century Cruise for your Yangtze River Journey. (B,D) ****Cruise Sailings: Century Paragon (Friday) / Century Legend (Tuesday)****
Day 6 (Sat/Wed) Cruise (Sandouping)
Pass through Xiling Gorge East and enjoy a visit to the site of the Three Gorges Dam at Sandouping, the World’s largest reservoir and electricity-generating facility. This evening, enjoy the captain’s welcome party. (B,L,D)
Day 7 (Sun/Thu) Cruise (Wushan)
Today, cruise through the legendary Three Gorges: Qutang, Wu and Xiling. This afternoon, enjoy an unforgettable experience by journeying along the Shennong Stream. A tributary of the Yangtze River, the crystal clear stream flows swiftly from north to south through deep gorges, and a sampan tour will allow you to experience breathtaking scenery along this newly unspoiled river. (B,L,D)
Day 8 (Mon/Fri) Cruise (Shibaozhai)
Today’s shore excursion takes you to Fengdu to visit Snow Jade Cave. Discovered in the mid-1990’s, the cave is over 1,022 miles long. At present, it is the youngest cave discovered in China. The cave houses many spectacular karst formations like the waterfall, the stone hair, stone shield, coral and some shaped like animals. (B,L,D) ***Note: Shore excursion may be changed to Wanxian or another alternative location as dictated by local conditions.***
Day 9 (Tue/Sat) Chongqing / Xian
Disembark the cruise after lunch and transfer to the airport for your flight to Xian. (B,L)
Day 10 (Wed/Sun) Xian
Today’s full-day tour includes the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the City Wall, Shaanxi Provincial Museum, and the Tomb of the Emperor Qin Shi Huang Di with its Terracotta Army. Tonight, enjoy a Tang Dynasty dinner and cultural show at the Tang Dynasty theater. (B,L,D)
Day 11 (Thu/Mon) Xian / Jiuzhaigou
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Jiuzhaigou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, commence sightseeing of the Huanglong scenic area. Dinner at your hotel. (B,D)
Day 12 (Fri/Tue) Jiuzhaigou
A full-day tour of Jiuzhaigou, including visits to Panda Lake, Peacock River and Nourilang Waterfall. (B,L,D)
Day 13 (Sat/Wed) Jiuzhaigou / Chengdu
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Chengdu. Upon arrival, enjoy brief sightseeing of the city before transferring to your hotel. This evening, enjoy an International Buffet Dinner at your hotel. (B,D)
Day 14 (Sun/Thu) Chengdu
Enjoy sightseeing of Sanxingdui Muesum, a site of sacrificial pits that were unearthed with more than one thousand gold, bronze, and jade objects, shocking the entire country and shaking the world. Among other things, the finds proved that Sanxingdui was the capital of the ancient Shu Kingdom more than 3,000 years ago. Includes lunch at a local restaurant. (B,L)
Day 15 (Mon/Fri) Chengdu / Shanghai
Enjoy a morning visit of the Panda Research & Breeding Center in Chengdu before transferring to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel. (B)
Day 16 (Tue/Sat) Shanghai
Full-day city sightseeing of Shanghai features the Old Town and its Yu Garden, Urban Planning & Exhibition Center, the Bund, Shanghai Museum and the art district of Tianzifang, famed for its Old Shanghai Shikumen houses in a laid-back atmosphere with cobbled streets lined with art galleries, cafes and restaurants. Tonight, enjoy a Shanghai Acrobatic Show. Enjoy a Western lunch at one of Shanghai’s exclusive restaurants located on the Bund. This evening, enjoy a breathtaking Shanghai Acrobatics Performance. (B,L)
Day 17 (Wed/Sun) Return Home
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)
****END OF PROGRAM****
| 2021 Air & Land Price Chart (Tour operates March – November) | ||||
| Departs Mon / Fri | Land Only | West Coast | East Coast | Single Supplement |
| March | 6,985 | 8,175 | 8,275 | 2,125 |
| Apr. – May* | 7,145 | 8,325 | 8,425 | 2,325 |
| Jun. – Aug. | 6,995 | 8,595 | 8,795 | 2,225 |
| Sep. – Oct. | 7,185 | 8,375 | 8,475 | 2,475 |
| November | 7,085 | 8,275 | 8,375 | 2,195 |
|
Tour requires minimum of 2 passengers to operate West Coast: LAX/SFO/SEA East Coast: JFK/EWR/BOS/IAD/ORD |
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- Price includes all entrance fees, domestic air taxes, hotel taxes & service charges
- Price excludes personal expenses, beverages, gratuities to guides and drivers
- For Air & Land Option
- U.S. & Foreign departure taxes, fees and fuel surcharges are not included (Approx. $200 – subject to change)
- When Trans-Pacific travel takes place on a weekend (Fri-Sun), add $50 per person each direction.
- *June rates apply for departures between May 24-31 (due to peak season airfares)
- Land-only price includes China Domestic Airfares
- A visa is required for China. Not included in package. Passport must NOT expire within 6 months from end of trip
- All flights, hotels and land services are subject to availability at time of reservation
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HIGHLIGHTS
- Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong Scenic Area
- Yangtze River Cruise & the Three Gorges
- Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace
- Terracotta Army excavation site & Yangling Tombs
- Panda Research & Breeding Center
- Shanghai’s bright lights & big city vibes
Price Starting From:
$8,175
RELATED TOURS
ACCOMMODATIONS
Beijing – The Regent Hotel
Jiuzhaigou – The Sheraton Hotel
Yangtze Cruise – Century Sky
Xian – The Westin Hotel
Shanghai – Hyatt on the Bund
Chengdu – St. Regis Hotel
Yangtze Cruise – Century Paragon
WHAT PRIVATE TOUR MEANS
