11-Day Yangtze River Cruise Tour
11 Days · From $2,199
Sail the Yangtze River with scenic gorges, cultural cities, and relaxed onboard comfort.
Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
Welcome to Beijing, China’s historic capital. Upon arrival at the airport or train station, your private guide from Bespoke China Travel will greet you and escort you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for rest or light exploration at your own pace.
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Day 2: Beijing
Today your private guide will take you to the UNESCO-listed Temple of Heaven, where emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties once prayed for good harvests. Afterward, visit the world-famous Forbidden City—the largest and best-preserved ancient imperial palatial complex in the world—where you’ll walk through grand halls, courtyards, and the inner world of China’s former emperors. On the return to the city, enjoy an exterior view of Beijing’s Olympic landmark architecture: the National Stadium (Bird’s Nest), the National Aquatics Center (Water Cube), and the National Speed Skating Oval (Ice Ribbon).
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Day 3: Beijing to Xi'an
Begin the day with a visit to the Badaling Great Wall, one of the most iconic and majestic sections of the Great Wall. Walk along its ancient stone steps and admire sweeping mountain views. Continue to Shichahai, one of Beijing's most picturesque historical neighborhoods, where you'll experience the charm of old Beijing. Special Included Experience: Traditional Hutong Rickshaw Ride Later, your guide will transfer you to the train station for a high-speed train to Xi'an. Upon arrival, you'll be met by your Xi'an guide and transferred to your hotel.
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Day 4: Xi'an
Today visit the world-renowned Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Special Included Experience: Terracotta figurine-making or restoration workshop After lunch, explore the Bell and Drum Towers and enjoy a leisurely cycling experience on the Ancient City Wall. Special Included Experience: Hanfu (traditional Chinese costume) experience In the evening, stroll through the Muslim Quarter and continue to the spectacular Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City, famous for its immersive lights, sculptures, and vibrant night scenes.
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Day 5: Xi'an
This morning, your guide will take you to visit one of Xi’an’s renowned museums—either the Shaanxi History Museum, Xi'an Museum, or the Shaanxi Archaeology Museum Qin-Han Hall—depending on availability. Each institution showcases China's rich ancient heritage and offers deep insight into the origins of Chinese civilization. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
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Day 6: Xi'an to Chongqing to Yangtze River Cruise
After breakfast, your guide will transfer you to the train station for a high-speed train to Chongqing. Upon arrival, your Chongqing guide will escort you to the pier to board your luxury Victoria Cruise. In the evening, attend the Captain's Welcome Reception and enjoy an introductory celebration as your relaxing Yangtze River journey begins.
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Day 7: Yangtze River Cruise (Fengdu – Zhongxian)
Enjoy a full day on the Yangtze River. In the morning, you may join an optional shore excursion in Fengdu, where you can explore Fengdu Ghost City, known for its mythical underworld culture and ancient temples. In the afternoon, an optional visit to Shibaozhai is available—an impressive 12-story wooden pagoda built against a sheer cliff face. As the ship sails onward, relax on deck and watch the dramatic river scenery unfold.
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Day 8: Qutang Gorge 、 Wu Gorge 、Xiling Gorge
Wake up to breathtaking river views as the cruise enters Qutang Gorge, the shortest but most powerful of the Three Gorges. Continue through Wu Gorge, famous for its misty mountains and the graceful Goddess Peak. In the afternoon, the ship passes Xiling Gorge, known for its rugged cliffs and winding waterways. Enjoy onboard activities or relax with panoramic views as you sail toward the Three Gorges Dam area.
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Day 9: Three Gorges Dam to Yichang to Shanghai
This morning, disembark to visit the world-famous Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydropower project ever built. After the tour, return to the ship and continue to Yichang Port, where your cruise concludes. From Yichang, take a high-speed train to Shanghai. Upon arrival, your guide will accompany you to your hotel for check-in.
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Day 10: Shanghai
Begin your day with an immersive walk along The Bund—a waterfront promenade lined with elegant European colonial-era buildings, offering postcard-perfect views of the Huangpu River and Pudong's futuristic skyline (home to Shanghai Tower, Oriental Pearl Tower, and more). After lunch, ascend Shanghai Tower—China’s tallest building—to its top-floor observation deck for sweeping 360° panoramic views of the city. Next, wander along bustling Nanjing Road—China’s iconic pedestrian shopping street—filled with shops, restaurants, and street performers. Escape the crowds at Yuyuan Garden, a classical Chinese garden with winding paths, lotus ponds, intricate pavilions, and rock formations. Explore the lively Yuyuan Bazaar (ideal for picking up souvenirs like jade carvings and silk products) before ending the day with a leisurely stroll through the tree-lined streets of the Former French Concession. This charming district is renowned for its colonial villas, cozy cafés, boutique shops, and laid-back atmosphere.
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Day 11: Departure from Shanghai
Your China adventure concludes today. Your private guide and driver will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to Shanghai Pudong International Airport for your departure flight. Wishing you a pleasant journey home. We wish you a pleasant journey home and look forward to welcoming you back to China in the future.
What's Included
- ✓Costs for a private, air-conditioned business vehicle throughout the tour.
- ✓Services of a private English-speaking tour guide.
- ✓Hotels, entrance fees to scenic spots (first gate tickets), and meals as listed in the itinerary.
- ✓Travel insurance coverage during the tour (details available on the Insurance Policy page).
- ✓Inter-city flights or high-speed train travel.
- ✓24-hour customer service support during the trip.
- ✓Service fees, covering tour planning, handling, operation, and communication costs.
- ✗Chinese Visa fees.
- ✗Round-trip ticket. (We offer Air Ticket Booking Service, if you need it, please let us know.)
- ✗Personal expenses.
- ✗Meals, transportation transfers, and tourist attraction fees not listed in the itinerary.
- ✗Optional activities recommended at scenic spots or other commercial establishments.
- ✗Luggage overweight charges.
- ✗Optional activities provided by the driver or guide.
- ✗Personal Accident Insurance during Travel .
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