During the tour, you will visit the Mother River of China-Yangtze River and several cities lying on the River, such as Hangzhou, Chongqing, Yichang and Shanghai.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1 ：Departure (No meals)
Depart USA, heading for Beijing
Day 2 ：Beijing (No meals)
Arrive in Beijing. Travelers are warmly welcomed at the Capital Airport and transferred to hotel.
Day 3 ：Beijing (B/L/D)
Visit the Tian’an men Square, the largest city-center square in the world. From the square, visitors head to the Forbidden City which was the residence for the Ming and Qing emperors and the largest palace in the world with almost 10,000 rooms. And then we head to Hutong and have lunch at the local family. Tour the narrow alleyways and neighborhood residences via rickshaw. Later you visit the “Bird’s Nest” and “Water Cube”, the main 2008 Beijing Olympics venues.
Day 4 ：Beijing (B/L/D)
Today we visit the Great Wall of China in the morning. It’s truly one of the most amazing man-made constructions. After lunch we head to the Summer Palace, one of China’s grandest imperial gardens with its present outline created under Qing emperor Qianlong from 1749 to 1764.
Day 5 ：Beijing– Xi’an (B/L/D)
In the morning, visit the Temple of Heaven where the emperor prayed for bumper harvest and worshiped the God of Heaven. After lunch, take a short flight to China’s ancient capital Xi’an in the afternoon and then transferred to Hotel.
Day 6 ：Xi’an (B/L/D)
The Terra Cotta Warriors excavation site houses one of the most important archeological finds of our times. Thousands of Terra Cotta soldiers standing in battle formation, undisturbed for over 2000 year, guarding their emperor, Qinshihuang. After lunch, visit the ancient City Wall, which was the only complete city wall extant in China, then visit the Big Goose Pagoda.
Day 7 ：Xi’an– Chongqing (B/L/D)
Fly to Chongqing in the morning. Start city tour after arrival. Embark and overnight on board of the Yangtze Cruising boat.
Day 8 ：Yangtze River Cruise (B/L/D)
This morning you will have a Safety, Orientation & River Briefing. You will learn the geography & river lore of China. After lunch, disembark at Fengdu, the Ghost City for an excursion. In the evening Captain’s Welcome Party presents Chinese folk dance and music performance. You can enjoy the fun.
Day 9 ：Shennong Stream – Xiling Gorge – Sandouping (B/L/D)
Begin the passage with Qutang Gorge, the shortest and the grandest among the Three Gorges. Disembark at Badong for an excursion. The trip features natural beauty and an exciting boat ride drifting along the crystal stream. Afterwards pass the eastern section of Xiling Gorge and the river guide will be available to provide a narration. Then the boat will pass the ship locks of Gezhouba Dam.
Day 10 ：Yichang – Shanghai (B/L/D)
After breakfast visit the new Three Gorges Dam. Then pass the western section of Xiling Gorge. Exit the gorges at Yichang city in the afternoon. Drive to the airport for flight from Yichang to Shanghai. Upon arrival, transfer and check in at the hotel.
Day 11 ：Shanghai (B/L/D)
Visit the Yu Garden, the Shanghai Museum and Liuligongfang Museum. Enjoy the wonderful Acrobatic Show in the evening.
Day 12 ：Shanghai–Huangshan (B/L/D)
Leave Shanghai for Huangshan, it will take about 6 hours on coach. Upon arrival, check in at the Hotel.
Day 13 ：Huangshan (B/L/D)
After breakfast, head for Huangshan Scenic Area by coach; go up the mountain by Cloudy Valley cable car and visit the Beginning-to believe Peak (shixinfeng), Cloudy Dispelling Pavilion (paiyunting) and Fantasyland Area (west sea gorge). The Huangshan Mountain has an outstanding reputation in China; people always say that if you come back from Huangshan, there is no need to go to other mountains in China. Stay overnight at the hotel on the top of mountain.
Day 14 ：Huangshan (B/L/D)
After breakfast tour the Bright Summit, go down the mountain by Cloudy Valley cables cars and head for Tunxi by coach, visit the Old Street, Xidi and the Hongcun, which are ancient villages listed in the world cultural heritage. Preserved almost original, they give a picture-like tranquil scene and as if isolated from outside for hundreds of years.
Day 15 ：Huangshan– Hangzhou (B/L/D)
Leave Huangshan for Hangzhou in the morning, and it`s about 4 hours` drive. Upon arrival, visit the Lingyin Temple. Stay overnight at Hotel.
Day 16 ：Hangzhou (B/L/D)
Visit the Xihu (West Lake) this famous Lake and its environs have all the elements of a traditional Chinese garden but on a grand scale. Six Harmonies Pagoda, which is one of the true masterpieces of ancient Chinese architectures. Chayuan (tea garden) and the Huagangguanyu (watch fish from bank).
Day 17 ：Hangzhou– Suzhou (B/L/D)
Drive to Suzhou in the morning. Upon arrival visit the Wangshi Garden (Garden of the Master of the Nets), which is the smallest of the Suzhou residential gardens, yet it is the most impressive because of its use of space which creates the illusion of an area that is much greater than its actual size. And the Grand Cannel which was a huge project rivaling the Great Wall.
Day 18 ：Suzhou– Wuxi (B/L/D)
Drive to Wuxi in the morning. Upon arrival visit the Yuantouzhu, and Taihu.
Day 19 ：Wuxi– Shanghai (B/L/D)
Drive back to Shanghai in the morning. Upon arrival, shopping or free arrangements.
Day 20 ：Shanghai– Home (B)
Leave Shanghai for home.