12-Day Beijing-Chongqing-Yichang-Shanghai Tour
Experience the best of China with this 12-day Beijing and Yangtze River Cruise Experience, a perfect blend of ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, and modern charm. This tour begins in Beijing, where you'll explore iconic landmarks like the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and Tiananmen Square. Then, fly to Chongqing to embark on a luxurious Yangtze River cruise, discovering the beauty of the Three Gorges, ancient villages, and spectacular river views. Conclude your journey in Shanghai, China's lively global metropolis. Throughout the trip, you’ll enjoy top-tier accommodations, expert guides, private transfers, and the finest local cuisine, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience.
Itinerary
Our thoughtfully planned 12-day China tour ensures you make the most of your time in China's most iconic cities and natural landscapes, offering rich cultural experiences that will leave a lasting impression:
Day 1: Welcome to Beijing
Arrive in Beijing and settle into your luxurious hotel, where you can relax after your long journey. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the hotel facilities or taking a peaceful walk around the city. Enjoy a welcome dinner of the famed Peking Duck at a reknowned local restaurant as you settle in and get ready for the adventure ahead.
- Meals: Dinner
- Transportation: Private transfer to the hotel
Day 2: Journey Through Tian'anmen Square and the Forbidden City
Begin your adventure at Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world and one of the most important sights in China's modern history. Proceed to the Forbidden City, the imperial palace of Chinese emperors for almost 500 years. Marvel at its grandeur, walk through its grand halls, lush gardens, and learn about the lives of past dynasties and their rulers. In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Temple of Heaven, where emperors prayed for a good harvest.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 3: Explore the Great Wall and the Summer Palace
After breakfast, embark on a journey to the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved sections of the wall. Hike along the winding paths, and take in stunning views of the surrounding mountains and countryside as you learn about the wall's engineering and historical significance from your guide. In the afternoon, return to Beijing for a visit to the Summer Palace, an imperial garden with beautiful lakes, pavilions, and temples. Take a private boat ride on the serene Kungming Lake, once the favorite pastime of emperors.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 4: Discover the Hutongs and Embrace Beijing’s Tea Culture
Today, explore Beijing’s traditional neighborhoods – the historic Hutongs. Take a rickshaw ride through these ancient alleyways, experiencing the old-world charm of Beijing’s courtyard homes. In the afternoon, enjoy a traditional Chinese tea ceremony and learn about the art of tea making. Wrap up the day with a delicious dinner at a renowned Beijing restaurant, sampling local dumplings and noodles.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 5: Fly to Chongqing – Explore the Mountain City
Begin your day with a flight from Beijing to Chongqing, a vibrant city renowned for its hotpot cuisine, mountain landscapes, and lively culture. Upon arrival, indulge in Chongqing’s signature hotpot for lunch before taking a private tour of Ciqikou Old Town, where ancient architecture and bustling street life transport you back in time. Later, explore Hongyadong, a striking complex of stilted buildings in the heart of the city. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing stroll along the Jialing River, soaking in the stunning city skyline.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Flight from Beiing to Chongqing, private transfer to hotel
Day 6: Embark on the Yangtze River Cruise
This morning, board a luxury cruise ship in Chongqing to begin your Yangtze River journey. Settle into your elegant cabin and enjoy a grand onboard lunch. Spend the afternoon admiring the picturesque scenery as the ship glides along the river. Take part in enriching onboard activities such as Tai Chi lessons, cooking demonstrations, or cultural talks about the Yangtze River’s rich history. In the evening, relish a gourmet dinner as you watch the river views transform under the setting sun.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver, cruise transport
Day 7: Scenic Yangtze River – Explore Fengdu and Shibaozhai
Today, enjoy two fascinating shore excursions. In the morning, visit Fengdu, the “Ghost City,” where mystical temples and shrines reveal Chinese folklore surrounding the afterlife. In the afternoon, explore Shibaozhai, a magnificent 12-story wooden pagoda perched on the riverbank. Climb to the top for breathtaking panoramic views. Return to the ship to unwind with a delightful dinner, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the Yangtze River.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Cruise transport
Day 8: Discover the Three Gorges
Prepare for an unforgettable day as you journey through the Three Gorges, one of China’s most iconic natural wonders. Visit the monumental Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydropower project, to learn about its incredible engineering achievements. Then, marvel at the dramatic landscapes of Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge, where sheer cliffs and verdant mountains rise dramatically from the riverbanks. Return to the ship in the evening for a luxurious dinner and some time to relax.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Cruise transport
Day 9: Disembark in Yichang – Fly to Shanghai
After disembarking in Yichang, take a guided visit to the Three Gorges Dam site to delve deeper into its impressive history and significance. Later, board your flight back to Shanghai. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy some leisure time to relax or explore Shanghai’s vibrant streets. End the day with dinner at one of Shanghai’s finest restaurants, featuring exquisite cuisine paired with stunning views of the Huangpu River.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Cruise transport, flight to Shanghai
Day 10: Stroll Along the Bund and Yu Garden
After breakfast, spend your day exploring the Bund, Shanghai's famous waterfront promenade. Then, visit to the Yu Garden, an ancient Chinese garden surrounded by the bustling old town. Explore its traditional pavilions, rockeries, and serene ponds. Afterward, enjoy a stroll through the nearby Yu Bazaar, enjoying its street food and quaint shops.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 11: Experience Shanghai’s Cultural Treasures
Start your day with a visit to the Shanghai Museum, home to one of China’s most impressive collections of ancient artifacts. Next, take a leisurely stroll through the French Concession, a charming neighborhood renowned for its boutique cafés, colonial-era architecture, and vibrant art galleries. In the late afternoon, head to the Shanghai Tower, where you can take in breathtaking panoramic views of the city’s iconic skyline. Conclude your day with a delectable dinner at one of Shanghai’s Michelin-starred restaurants, paired with stunning views of the cityscape.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 12: Departure from Shanghai
On your final day in Shanghai, enjoy a relaxing morning or visit the fashionable shopping district of Nanjing Road before your transfer to the airport or railway station for your next departure. Take with you memories of an unforgettable adventure through the heart of China’s culture, history, and natural beauty.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Transportation: Private transfer to airport or railway station
Accommodations
You may choose 5-star or 4-star accommodation and cruise ships for your journey. The following list is a sample of hotels and cruises you may stay in. An alternative hotel or cruise of similar grade may be chosen if the following hotels or cruises are not available. All of our accommodations and cruises are carefully selected for comfort and convenience.
5-Star Hotels and 5-Star Cruise Ships List:
- Beijing
- JW Marriott Hotel Beijing
- The Regent Beijing
- Chongqing
- Hyatt Regency Chongqing Hotel
- Sheraton Chongqing Hotel
- Yangtze River Cruises
- Century Legend
- Victoria Jenna
- Yangtze Gold 8
- Shanghai
- Hilton Shanghai City Center
- Shanghai Marriott Marquis City Centre
4-Star Hotels and 4-Star Cruise Ships List:
- Beijing
- Novotel Peace Hotel
- Crowne Plaza Beijing Chaoyang U-Town
- Chongqing
- Glenview ITC Plaza Chongqing
- Hilton Chongqing
- Yangtze River Cruises
- Yangtze Princess
- Victoria Sophia
- Century Sun
- Shanghai
- Novotel Shanghai Atlantis
- Grand Central Hotel Shanghai
Inclusion/Exclusion
- What's Included:
- Panda Tourism's expert travel director and skilled professional driver
- Luxury 5-stars hotels with proven quality or comfortable high-end 4-stars hotels
- Inclusive of porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel service charges, tips, and local taxes covered
- Daily breakfasts and up to half of your evening meals included
- Iconic sightseeing highlights plus unexpected extras
- Audio headsets for special destination tours
- Private premium transportation coach/vehicle
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- Optional experiences and plenty of leisure time
- Flights and train rides within China included
- What's Not Included:
- International flights to and from China
- China visa fees
