Discover the Classic China and the Great Three Gorges
Yangtze River Cruise is highly recommended if you want a relaxing experience during your China vacation. Each day, enjoy onshore excursions, cultural lessons, and nightly performances on the ship, with the renowned Three Gorges Dam as a highlight of your journey.
This 14-day tour is a good choice for first-timers. From Hong Kong to Beijing, you can experience China's diverse landscapes and rich history.
The itinerary below is only one possibility. Tips to tailor-make your trip are offered as inspiration. Send us details of your preferences and our travel experts will customize this trip to suit your interests, tastes, and budget.
Suggested 14-Day China Tour
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 1-2 Hong Kong |
Victoria Peak, Aberdeen and Repulse Bay |
| 3-5 Guilin |
River cruise & rafting and countryside exploring |
| 6-8 Yangtze River Cruise |
Fengdu Ghost City, Shennong Stream and Three Gorges Dam |
| 9-10 Xi'an |
Terracotta Warriors and Traditional Opera |
| 11-14 Beijing |
Forbidden City and Great Wall |
Tour Map
Tour 'Wow' Points
Unwind During a Relaxing Yangtze River Cruise
Witness the beauty of the Three Gorges, experience local cuisine, and visit historical sites like the Three Gorges Dam.
Enjoy a Panoramic View of Hong Kong City
Experience the Peak Tram and get up to the Peak Tower. Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from Victoria Peak.
Cruising Leisurely Amidst the Stunning Karst Landscape
Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo by a nice 4-star boat, you will see karst peaks, lush forests, and bamboo groves lining the riverbanks.
Experience The Daily Lifestyle of the Local Farmers
Explore the peaceful villages in Yangshuo. Visit an old couple who still live in a traditional house, then take the ferry and local motorbike taxi to a local market.
Drifting Along the Yulong River on a Bamboo Raft
Bamboo rafting on the Yulong River involves floating down the river on a traditional bamboo raft steered by a local guide. The experience allows you to immerse yourself in the stunning natural scenery.
Enjoy a Chinese Opera Performance at a Traditional Theatre
Enjoy a cup of tea when watching the performances at the Muslim Quarter, which include Qin opera, shadow puppetry, Huayin Laoqiang (a type of Chinese opera), Sichuan opera face-changing, etc.
Get Close to the Mysterious Terracotta Warriors
Our experienced tour guides will lead you to appreciate the most essential parts, with vivid and interesting explanations that help you understand the history and culture behind the Terracotta Warriors.
Hike the Most Beautiful And Interesting Part of the Great Wall
The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is ranked top on Trip Advisor among all the Great Wall sections, for its picturesque scenery and beautifully-restored architecture. It normally takes about 2 hours to complete the hike. We arrange you a round-trip cable car to ascend and descend the Wall.
Learn About China's Imperial Past at the Forbidden City
The Forbidden City is well-known for its grand architecture, intricate designs, and rich history. Visitors can explore various halls, courtyards, and gardens within the vast complex to learn about China's imperial past.
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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Our China Highlights Beijing experience exceeded our expectations
What an amazing experience. Jiang our guide blew us away with his passion for and knowledge of his country. He made our Beijing visit a memorable experience. He ensured that our daily activities were personalised and seamless. He was very pro-active and flexible, and applied a personal touch, often sharing personal stories and finer details. more
Mar 2025, Jacques
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Eye opening and amazing China
In Beijing for 3 days. Laura is our private tour guide. She is amazing and very detailed oriented. She is also knowledgeable and always able to answers all our questions. Everything is taken care of by her from the moment we step into Beijing. Totally worry free. This is a amazing trip . She had also arranged a surprise for us once we know we came to China for our honeymoon, she arranged my wife to have traditional costume fitted so that we can have a memorable time at summer palace and greatwall. The pictures turned out amazing, and she helped us take so many great shots. At the end of the trip, she even surprised us with a small token gift, which was unexpected and very touching and sweet. Thank you for your warmth and sincerity, it's clear that she loves her job. Highly recommended to book with China Highlights. The entire process was great, and the staff is very responsive, very warm, very kind and helpful. more
Mar 2025, POWER W @powerw.369
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special time in Beijing
great time in Beijing ! Our guide Ethan was amazing . Our flight arrived late at night and as soon as we got our bags we saw his smiling face . He always had great ideas of places to go and extra things to do at night. He even organized a celibration for our wedding aniversary on the great wall of China, imagine coming to the top of the wall and finding flowers,wine & and a banner saying ``Happy Aniversary`` truely a once in a lifetime event . thank you Ethan & China highlights more
Mar 2025, Barbara J
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Suggested Itinerary
Your preferences design the real journey. We're ready to create a wonderful private China tour for you.
After arrival at Hong Kong airport, your guide will meet you to check-in at your hotel and have some time on your own to relax or explore near your hotel.
Take a half-day Hong Kong tour to Hong Kong Island, where you can visit the Victoria Peak, which is considered as a landmark of Hong Kong Island. Later, visit the Aberdeen.
After lunch, you will visit Repulse Bay. The bay is a popular beach it is relatively clean, and cozy, and has good public facilities like bathrooms and showers. We have then programmed some free time to explore or enjoy some shopping.
In the late morning, you will take the bullet train(High-speed train) to Guilin, which only takes 3 hours.
You will cruise downstream from Guilin to Yangshuo, to see the picturesque landscape. Bamboo groves, jagged, sharp-edged hills like broken teeth, a wide placid river and peaceful farm and village terrain. During cloudy days, the hills are surrounded by mist and tourists may feel they are cruising in a mystical paradise.
Go to the countryside of Yangshuo to experience the daily lifestyle of the local farmers. Explore the peaceful villages and visit an old couple who still live in a traditional house. Then you will take a ferry to Fuli, which is located on the east bank of the Li River. Like the local villagers, you will take a local motorbike taxi to the market.
Bamboo rafting along the Yulong River in Yangshuo offers breathtaking scenery with karst peaks, rice fields, clear waters, and green bamboo. The gentle current makes it easy for first-time rafters, allowing a complete escape into nature's wonders.
Enjoy your leisurely morning. Get ready to take the train to Chongqing at noon.
Upon arrival, the guide will escort you to board on the Yangtze River Cruise at sunset. Enjoy the first night of your Yangtze River Cruise.
Enjoy the relaxing Yangtze River Cruise and visit Fengdu Ghost City.
Fengdu is where the devil lives, according to Chinese legend. They say that spirits go to heaven, and evil goes to Fengdu. The town is overlooked by Ming Shan Hill, home of Tianzi, the King of the Dead. Return to the cruise after the visit. This is the second night on cruise, may you enjoy the sound of the water while sleeping at night.
Today you can do some Tai Chi on deck while cruising along the gorges in the early morning.
Later, you will take a shore excursion to visit the Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Shennong Stream. Qutang Gorge is the spectacular first of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River.Wu Gorge is the second of the Three Gorges, through which the Yangtze River flows. Shennong Stream is another tributary of the Yangtze River, and its fast-flowing, crystal clear water runs southwards through deep gorges. Return to the cruise after the visit.
Upon arrival in Yichang, you will visit the impressive Three Gorges Dam(about 3 hours).
The Three Gorges Dam Project was completed in 2009. Situated at Sandouping Town of Yichang City, Hubei Province, the Three Gorges Dam is the largest hydropower station in the world with an annual energy output of 84.7 billion kilowatt-hours.
Fly to Xi'an after the Three Gorges Dam visit.
Discovered accidentally in 1974, the terracotta army of over 7000 soldiers, archers, horses and chariots in full battle array has guarded Emperor Qin's tomb since 210BC. 1.5 hours from Xian, there is also an excellent museum and film about the history of the vaults..
The ancient city wall is a major landmark, and the best preserved, as well as the oldest and largest of the city defense systems in China. Walk on the wall and get a panoramic view of the city.
At the end of the day, go to a teahouse-style theater at Muslim quarter. The theater offers a rich and diverse range of performances. Here, you can enjoy a cup of tea while appreciating the splendid traditional cultural arts.
The Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a stunning multi-eave, brick structure with fifteen storeys, features black stone-framed doors on its north and south sides. The intricately carved arhats and grass designs on the lintel showcase the exquisite artistry of the early Tang Dynasty. Don't miss the opportunity to ring the bell for blessings and good luck.
Xi'an Museum is just near the pagoda. This museum collectively reflects the long history of Xi'an city, integrating with the small Wild Goose Pagoda, the national key protection culture unit, the ancient building groups of Janfu Temple, and the modern culture relic exhibition hall.
After your Xi'an tour, you will take the Bullet train to Beijing.
Carry on your trip with more Beijing tour highlights, beginning with Tian'anmen Square, which is the largest city square in the world and can hold about one million people for public celebrations or gatherings.
Then visit the Forbidden City. Savor every moment you get close to the ancient capital.
After lunch, you will visit the Summer Palace and take a relaxing boat trip on Kunming Lake.
You will explore more of Beijing today: Temple of Heaven, which is seen as the most impressive imperial temple.
After lunch, visit the Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall. The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is a masterpiece of restoration. It normally takes about 2 hours to complete the hike. In order to save time for you, we arrange a round-trip cable car to ascend and descend the Wall.
Time to say Goodbye. Your Beijing tour guide will see you off at the airport. Thank you for exploring China with us. Hope to see you again!
Hotel Selection
—the Icing on the Cake
Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.
Tour Price
Price includes:
- Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
- English-speaking local guide
- Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
- 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling
Tour Code: cht-75