9-Day Shanghai-Suzhou-Chongqing-Yichang Tour Vacation Package
Embark on a spectacular 9-day tour that begins in Shanghai and takes you on an unforgettable journey through the Yangtze River of China. After discovering the vibrant energy and rich history of Shanghai, you’ll fly to Chongqing to begin a luxurious Yangtze River cruise, exploring the breathtaking landscapes, ancient towns, and the awe-inspiring Three Gorges. Disembark in Yichang and return to Shanghai for a final dose of modern culture and historical wonders. With private transfers, expert guides, and world-class accommodations, this tour is designed to offer an unparalleled experience of China’s most iconic sights and natural beauty.
Itinerary
Our thoughtfully planned 9-day China Yangtze River Cruise and Shanghai tour ensures you make the most of your time in some of China's most magnificent landscapes and ancient cities, offering rich cultural experiences that will leave a lasting impression:
Day 1: Arrival in Shanghai – The Modern Metropolis
Arrive in Shanghai, China’s financial and cultural powerhouse. After checking into your hotel, enjoy a welcome dinner at a high-end restaurant with views of the Shanghai skyline, followed by a nighttime stroll along the historic Bund by Huangpu River.
- Meals: Dinner
- Transportation: Private transfer from the airport to the hotel
Day 2: Exploring Shanghai’s Iconic Landmarks
On your second day in Shanghai, enjoy a visit to the Shanghai Tower, the second tallest building in the world. Take an elevator ride to the observation deck to enjoy panoramic views of the city. Then, explore the classical beauty of Yu Garden and its ancient pavilions, ponds, and bonsai trees. After lunch, walk along Nanjing Road, Shanghai's famous shopping street, before having a scenic cruise dinner along the Huangpu River.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 3: Discover Suzhou – The Venice of the East
Today, you will take a day trip to Suzhou, known for its serene classical gardens and charming canals. Visit the UNESCO-listed Humble Administrator’s Garden, renowned for its elegant blend of traditional architecture, hills, flowers, and meandering streams. Next, explore the Master of the Nets Garden, a charming classical garden with pavilions, rockeries, and ponds dating back to the Southern Song Dynasty in the 12th century. Afterward, visit Tiger Hill, a beautiful park with the iconic leaning Tiger Hill Pagoda and serene landscapes filled with pavilions and stoneware. Learn about the park’s fascinating history from your guide. Return to Shanghai in the evening.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Round-trip high-speed train to Suzhou, private vehicle with professional driver
Day 4: Fly to Chongqing – Explore the Mountain City
After breakfast, take a flight from Shanghai to Chongqing. Known for its hotpot cuisine and dramatic landscapes, Chongqing is a city built right into the mountains. For lunch, indulge in Chongqing’s renowned hotpot, a spicy and flavorful meal. Enjoy a private tour of Ciqikou Old Town, a well-preserved area filled with ancient architecture, traditional shops, and vibrant street food. Later, visit Hongyadong, the distinct stilted ancient buildings right in Chongqing's city center. In the evening, take a stroll along the Jialing River, where you can enjoy breathtaking city views to wrap up your day in Chongqing.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Flight to Chongqing, private vehicle with professional driver
Day 5: Embark on the Yangtze River Cruise
This morning, board your luxury cruise ship in Chongqing for the start of your Yangtze River adventure. After settling into your spacious cabin, you will be welcomed with a grand lunch onboard. Spend the afternoon enjoying the scenic beauty as your cruise begins its journey down the river. Participate in onboard activities such as Tai Chi classes, cooking classes, or cultural talks about the history of the Yangtze River. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner on board while you take in the river views.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver, cruise transport
Day 6: Scenic Yangtze River – Explore Fengdu and Shibaozhai
Today, enjoy two shore excursions as your river cruise continues. In the morning, visit Fengdu, the "Ghost City," where you will explore temples and shrines dedicated to the afterlife. In the afternoon, visit Shibaozhai, a striking 12-story pagoda set on the banks of the river. The views from the pagoda are truly magnificent, providing a great photo opportunity. Enjoy the scenic surroundings of the Yangtze River as you return to the ship for a delicious dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Cruise transport
Day 7: Discover the Three Gorges
The highlight of your Yangtze River journey awaits today: the Three Gorges, one of China’s most stunning natural wonders. Visit the famous Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydropower project in the world. Continue to experience the awe-inspiring Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge, with their steep cliffs and dramatic landscapes. After your excursions, return to the ship for a relaxing evening, enjoy a gourmet dinner, and reflect on the stunning beauty of the river.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Cruise transport
Day 8: Disembark in Yichang – Fly to Shanghai
After disembarking in Yichang, you will visit the Three Gorges Dam site and learn about the monumental engineering behind the hydropower project. In the afternoon, take a flight back to Shanghai. Upon arrival, check into your comfortable hotel and enjoy some leisure time to explore the city further or relax. Have dinner at one of Shanghai's top restaurants, where you can savor exquisite dishes with a view of the Huangpu River.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Cruise transport, flight to Shanghai, private vehicle
Day 9: Departure from Shanghai
On your final day, enjoy some leisure time in Shanghai, whether shopping along the vibrant Nanjing Road or visiting a tranquil tea house. You will be transferred to the airport or railway station for your next departure, taking with you unforgettable memories of your cruise along the Yangtze River and exploration of some of China’s most famed cities.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Transportation: Private transfer to airport or railway station
Accommodations
You may choose 5-star or 4-star accommodations for your journey. The following list is a sample of hotels you may stay in. An alternative hotel of similar grade may be chosen if the following hotels are not available. All of our accommodations are carefully selected for comfort and convenience.
5-Star Hotels List:
- Shanghai
- 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
4-Star Hotels List:
- Shanghai
- Novotel Shanghai Atlantis
- Grand Central Hotel Shanghai
- Chongqing
- Glenview ITC Plaza Chongqing
- Hilton Chongqing
- Yangtze River Cruises
- Yangtze Princess
- Victoria Sophia
- Century Sun
- Yangtze Gold 5
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
