Imperial China & the Yangtze River

18 Days from $4,199 USD

Please note: A visa is required for U.S. and Canadian passport holders to enter China.

Explore ancient China, a country deeply rooted in culture and history. See bustling Beijing, experience Xi’an and savor Shanghai. You’ll visit the Great Wall of China take a cruise full of breathtaking views, along the Yangtze River and be captivated by the beautiful harmony between East and West.

You are viewing the 2010 itinerary
The 2011 itinerary and pricing are different for this tour. Click here to view the 2011 itinerary.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Fly to China

Begin your journey with an overnight flight on a major airline to China.

Day 2 - Beijing

Welcome to Beijing! A Go Ahead representative greets you after you clear customs and accompanies you to your hotel.
Included meals: breakfast (in flight)

Day 3 - Beijing

Delve into more than 2,000 years of Beijing history with a series of guided sightseeing tours over the next three days. This morning, make your way across Tian’anmen Square and through the Imperial Palace, a maze of palaces also known as the Forbidden City. This afternoon, admire the architecture and gardens of Temple of Heaven Park.  
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Included entrances: The Imperial Palace

Day 4 - Beijing

Stroll along bridges and gardens on a visit to the Summer Palace on the shores of Kunming Lake. Stop for lunch before a shopping excursion to Wangfujing Street, a pedestrian area lined with shops. Savor one of Beijing’s historic culinary specialties tonight at an optional Peking duck dinner.   
Included meals: breakfast, lunch
Included entrances: Summer Palace

Peking Duck Dinner $59 USD

Peking Duck Dinner

While in Beijing, originally called Peking, trying the city’s signature dish is a must. Savor every bite as you dine on duck and side dishes and enjoy an authentic Chinese experience you’ll never forget.

Day 5 - Beijing

Head outside Beijing today to set foot on one of the world’s most astounding feats of human endeavor, the Great Wall. Then continue to the foot of Tainshou Hill, where the 13 Ming Tombs lie scattered, before your guided tour of a silk market. After tonight’s included dinner, attend an optional Kung Fu show.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Included entrances: Ming Tombs

Kung Fu Show $45 USD

Kung Fu Show

This exciting theatrical performance, The Legend of Kung Fu, tells a story of a young boy who dreams of becoming a kung fu master one day.  The show’s performers, a collection of some of the country’s best kung fu artists, put on a spectacular display that will leave you mesmerized.

Day 6 - Yangtze Cruise

Enjoy a free morning in Beijing. After an included lunch, fly to Yichang today to embark on your cruise of the Yangtze River. The largest river in Asia, the mighty Yangtze is said to be the cradle of Chinese civilization.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch (in flight), dinner

Day 7 - Yangtze Cruise

Make your way upstream today and pass through Xiling Gorge, the first and longest of the Yangtze River’s Three Gorges. Jagged cliffs of stratified rock loom over the river, which zigzags through Xiling Gorge. Continue to Wu Gorge, where mists hang over forest-covered mountains.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8 - Yangtze Cruise

Drift along the Lesser Three Gorges aboard a ferry and a peapod-shaped craft called a sampan during this morning’s included excursion. Reach Qutang Gorge and stare up at the steep, sheer cliffs for a view of the Meng Liang staircase.  
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 9 - Yangtze Cruise

Today your cruise ship docks for an on-shore excursion to either Wanxian, known as the “Gateway to Eastern Sichuan,” or Fengdu, site of 48 Tang temples.  
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 10 - Xi'an

Disembark from your cruise in Chongqing, where a local guide leads you on a tour of this mountain city. Your tour includes visits to the Chongqing Zoo, home to China’s famous pandas, and to the General Stillwell Museum. After lunch, board your flight for Xi’an.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Included entrances: General Stilwell Museum, Chonqing Zoo

Day 11 - Xi'an

On today’s tour of Xi’an, marvel at the Terracotta Warriors, an underground battle formation of 8,099 life-sized pottery warriors buried with Emperor Quin Shi Huáng. Visit the Great Wild Goose Pagoda and Temple of Great Goodwill. Tonight, opt to enjoy dinner in a local restaurant, followed by a not-to-be-missed Tang Dynasty Show performance.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch
Included entrances: Terracotta Warriors, Great Wild Goose Pagoda

Tang Dynasty Evening $75 USD

Tang Dynasty Evening

After a Chinese dinner at a local restaurant, enjoy a colorful performance of the famous Tang Dynasty’s period of rule over Xi’an portrayed through traditional Chinese dances, music and costumes. Regarded as the best Tang Dynasty performance in Xi’an, this event is sure to please.

Xi'an City Wall Tour $49 USD

Xi'an City Wall Tour

Embark on a walking tour of the ancient walls that circle the city of Xi’an. This is the most complete city wall in China, and is one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world.

Day 12 - Shanghai

This morning, opt to embark on a tour of Xi’an’s city walls before your flight to Shanghai. Upon your arrival, enjoy the rest of the day to relax or explore on your own before tonight’s group dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 13 - Shanghai

Shanghai’s unique history comes alive on today’s tour. Stroll along the Bund, the city’s waterfront promenade, and Yuyuan Garden, a classical Chinese garden. Visit an active Buddhist temple, home to 70 monks. Attend an optional Chinese acrobatic  performance this evening.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch
Included entrances: Yuyuan Garden, Jade Buddha Temple

Dinner & Acrobatic Show $55 USD

Dinner & Acrobatic Show

Enjoy a combination of delicious food and talented performers like you’ve never experienced before. After dinner, thrill your senses with a show that can only be likened to the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil in terms of its amazing music, creative stage props and incredible acrobatics among other impressive acts and stunts.

Day 14 - Shanghai

Embark on an included excursion to Suzhou, a moat-encircled city of gardens and canals. Your guide will lead you through the canals to the city’s best sights, including the Lingering Garden and Tiger Hill, a park teeming with historical legends.  The excursion also includes a visit to a silk factory.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch
Included entrances: Lingering Garden, Tiger Hill

Day 15 - Shanghai

Continue your explorations of the bustling city of Shanghai today.  
Included meals: breakfast

Day 16 - Hong Kong

This morning, travel to the airport aboard the Shanghai Maglev “Magnetic Levitation” Train, the fastest train in the world. It can reach 220 mph in under 2 minutes. Then board a flight to Hong Kong and transfer to your hotel. Begin exploring the city on your own this evening, or join our optional Hong Kong by Night excursion.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch

Hong Kong Evening $89 USD

Hong Kong Evening

Experience the magic of Hong Kong while taking in the city’s bustling nightlife.

Day 17 - Hong Kong

On your last day in China, explore Hong Kong on an included guided tour. Enjoy optional guided sightseeing of the city including Victoria Peek, Aberdeen Fishing Village and Stanley Market. Later, enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your group.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Guided sightseeing of Hong Kong $45 USD

Guided sightseeing of Hong Kong

Get a complete overview of Hong Kong Island’s most beautiful and significant sites. Then, take a tour of Stanley market, Repulse Bay and Aberdeen, the vibrant waterfront harbor resort.

Day 18 - Fly to United States

Continue your China exploration with two additional nights in Hong Kong or board your flight home.
Included meals: breakfast
(In the case of early morning departures, breakfast may not be provided.)

Extend Your Stay

Hong Kong
Add 3 nights in Hong Kong for only $399 USD (Single room: add $210 USD)

Hong Kong is complex. On the surface it seems that every building is a sculpture of glass and steel and every pedestrian is hurrying to a meeting. But look past the shiny new surfaces to the ancient culture that gives the city an exotic flavor and its citizens a unique outlook.

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