Essential China and Yangtze River Cruise
10-Day Beijing, Chongqing, Yangtze, Yichang and Shanghai Tour
Experience the iconic sights of Beijing and see the magnificent Yangtze River, combined with the elegant Shanghai and ancient water town of Zhujiajiao for a relaxing visit to China.
Suggested Itinerary
Your personal guide and driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals, ready to transfer you to your hotel.
The Mutianyu Great Wall has gained reputation as a more rural section with magnificent views, but still at a convenient distance and accessible via a cable car. There is also a chance to toboggan down, which many guests especially love.
The Temple of Heaven is a spectacular complex of circular ceremonial buildings, used in ancient times for the annual sacrifices by the emperor. The surrounding park has some centuries old trees, which give the place a very serene feeling. Enjoy a walk in the park and take in the living culture, as locals dance or exercise.
Tiananmen Square is the center of the city, surrounded by the main governmental buildings, and gives a definite air of grandeur. From its north side, through the Gate of Heavenly Peace, the Forbidden City opens up in all its splendor, golden roofs decorated with mystical creatures and vast halls full of symbolism.
The Hutong Tour gives you first an overview by a rickshaw ride, and then takes you for a visit to a local person's home, for a more in-depth experience of what life there is like.
Three Gorges Museum tells a story of the Dam and showcases artifacts from the area. Ciqikou Old Town has a charming narrow alleyways leading to the river side, and delicious local snacks to try, before you head to the pier to board the Yangtze Cruise.
The elegant leaning pagoda in Shibaozhai has tempted visitors for centuries; in the old days they had to be hoisted up to the top with a pulley system, now there is a choice of steps. Fengdu Ghost City is an optional visit; a cable car ride to the top of the hill is a great addition to the day.
Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge are a stunning backdrop for today; a shore excursion to Shennong Stream lets you closer to the verdant bamboo groves, waterfalls and steep cliffs.
White Emperor City is an additional visit to an ancient town partially submerged in water, but thriving on the upper banks of the river. Crew's performance entertains you well into the night.
The Three Gorges Dam is awe-inspiring not only because of its size but also for the success in controlling one of the largest rivers on earth. From Yichang pier you will be taken to the airport for your flight to Shanghai.
Shanghai has an illustrious past and a bright future; Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall represents the latter, and Yuyuan Garden and Market the former with their beautiful temples and traditional landscaping in a Ming Dynasty garden.
The Shanghai World Financial Center ends the day with a stunning view of the cityscape from its viewing deck with a glass floor.
Good to Know:
An evening stroll on the Bund by the river is one of the best ways to spend an evening. Enjoy the colonial feel of this charming waterfront promenade.
A day visit to the picturesque Zhujiajiao Water Town is a wonderful way to see the ancient Chinese architecture and beautiful stone bridges, especially from onboard a cruise along the river, passing through the town.
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
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
|
The tour was of The Greta Wall of China
The tour was excellent. Selinda was very knowledgeable about all the aspects of our tour. Selinda was very interesting and knew so much Chinese history more
Mar 2024, Alice W
|
Beautiful Beijing with Ethan & Mr. Chen
Ethan, our wonderful guide, whose praises we can not sing loudly enough, was compassionate, caring, and overall endearing! His sense of ease and familiarity with each sight, which were unfamiliar wonders to us, provided a sense of peacefulness that facilitated full enjoyment - helped too by his punctuality and attention to detail. more
Feb 2024, apisn2023
|
The Highlights and High Life of Beijing with Ethan & Mr. Chen
Ethan, our wonderful tour guide, made our entire trip an absolute joy for us as he was extraordinarily caring, considerate, and generous. Having had the pleasure of taking in the sights of Beijing previously with another lovely guide, Angela, it was spectacular not only to show the family how fantastic the city is but also how high the quality of services provided by China Highlights are. Each day unveiled a new treasure, helpfully detailed by Ethan, and punctuated by delicious and varied local food. Our driver, Mr. Chen, was also a delight, and was equally as key to the overall experience as he was both attentive and almost mystically punctual! more
Feb 2024, Apis
|
Great Time in Beijing
Our 4-day experience in Beijing was unforgettable. Our guide, Selinda, opened the doors to the city's millennia-old history and culture with her knowledge, kindness, and courtesy. We discovered magnificent places, tasted delicious food, and stayed in clean hotels, all accompanied by safe and reliable transportation service. We recommend traveling with China Highlights. more
Feb 2024, Nicola B
|
3rd time the charm, is being charmed for the 3rd time.
This is my 3rd tour of Beijing in the last 18 months and I think that speaks a little to the quality of service you get with China Highlights. Each time the sites are the same but each tour guide managed to present them in new and wonderful ways. Also some attractions that were undergoing renovations have been completed, so there were new things to see as well.A big thanks to Mr. Michael, our tour this time around. He was very gregarious and knowledgeable about all the sites. more
Feb 2024, Jonathan Mueller
|
3rd time the charm, is charmed for the 3rd time
The sites stay the same but each time we have done this tour, the tour guides manage to make it feel like it is the first time you are experiencing it. And, with the constant renovations, this time we were able to see previous areas that were unavailable the last time we came. more
Feb 2024, Jonathan M
|
Great trip and experience!
From beginning to end, China Highlights was very courteous, responsive and attentive in planning and executing a great trip!Aspects and execution of the trip was as discussed and was an overall great experience. Our guide, Michael, was very kind and knowledgeable throughout the tour and would address all questions and help us take lots of photos. Would definitely travel with China Highlights again! more
Feb 2024, Karol
|
3rd the charm is charmed for the 3rd time
This is my 3rd tour of Beijing in the last 18 months and I think that speaks a little to the quality of service you get with China Highlights. Each time the sites are the same but each tour guide managed to present them in new and wonderful ways. Also some attractions that were undergoing renovations have been completed, so there were new things to see as well.A big thanks to Mr. Michael, our tour this time around. He was very gregarious and knowledgeable about all the sites. more
Feb 2024, jkjmueller
|
1 Day in Beijing
Nice views, Not too much people, Jessi (guide ) so friendly and she have a great service & she knows the answer of all your questions more
Feb 2024, Fernando J
|
Fabulous day!
Jesse He ,she is a nice tourist guide patience and take good care for us. We had a wonderful time in Beijing,we did the forbidden city and greatwall We love everything ! more
Feb 2024, Charon R
|
Private trip in Beijing and Luoyang
We spent 3 days in Beijing with Helen as our guide. We went to TianAnMen, Forbidden City and MuTianYu Great Wall to name a few. Helen took great care of us and is very attentive as I travel with my 60+ years old parents, from asking whether we need restroom breaks to making sure that our lunch were all according to our dietary needs more
Jan 2024, Iriana Iriana
|
An excellent day with Linda
Linda (Ling ling)is a great tour guide,provide a lot of knowledge and history of the great wall,and took us to taste very delicious food too,we had a very good time with her!highly recommend her! more
Jan 2024, Angeline Lim
|
Great time in Beijing with Bruce
We stayed in Beijing for three days altogether. We went to the summer palace. the Tian'an'men square, the Forbidden City,the Temple of heaven and the Great Wall. Our tour guide Bruce is very friendly and speaks English fluently. He explained every scenic spot to us patiently and humorously. my family are very satisfied with his service. more
Jan 2024, Mayra C
|
Bucket List Trip to China
My first stop in China was Beijing. Ethan was my guide there. Daily, they would pick me up and take me to the spots on the itinerary. He helped me plan outside activities like a Chinese acrobat show. He even walked me to my seat in my theater so I could easily find my correct chair. What was most helpful was Ethan waiting with me at the train station and even helping me on to my seat and giving the train attendant my meal order. Very little English was spoken by the train attendant. more
Jan 2024, Megan Sandbothe
|
Great Wall at Jinshanling
We went to the Great Wall at Jinshanling which is a very beautiful place which is not that busy. In fact most of the time it felt like we were alone on the wall.The tourguide (Jack) was very knowledgeable and very friendly.A big thumbs up more
Jan 2024, Onno
|
Private trip in Beijing and Luoyang
We spent 3 days in Beijing with Helen as our guide. We went to TianAnMen, Forbidden City and MuTianYu Great Wall to name a few. Helen took great care of us and is very attentive as I travel with my 60+ years old parents, from asking whether we need restroom breaks to making sure that our lunch were all according to our dietary needs. We had great 3 days in Beijing.We also visited Luoyang. Our travel advisor arranged a Business class seat for our high speed train to Luoyang. We were picked up at the station by our guide in Luoyang, Lisa. We then visited Dengfeng to see Songyang academy, shaolin temple, Luoyang grottoes. She also took care of us very well and very knowledgeable about the history. more
Jan 2024, lriana lriana
|
Beijing 2024
We traveled to Beijing with China Highlights in January 2024. Our tour guide Ethan was organized and knowledgeable which made our trip seamless and very interesting!! He helpfully suggested additional activities if we had time in the evenings and assisted us in booking tickets for them. Visiting the Mutianyu Great wall of China was a big highlight of our time in Beijing! more
Jan 2024, Lydia
|
Beijing 2024
We traveled to Beijing with China Highlights in January 2024. Our tour guide Ethan was organized and knowledgeable which made our trip seamless and very interesting!! He helpfully suggested additional activities if we had time in the evenings and assisted us in booking tickets for them. Visiting the Mutianyu Great wall of China was a big highlight of our time in Beijing more
Jan 2024, Explore49612084715
|
Beijing
Fantastic couple days in Beijing. Thank you to my guide Mark who eloquently relayed stories about China history and culture. more
Jan 2024, Steve P
|
Jack is an excellent guide
Jack is an excellent guide, very patient, punctual, wonderful command of english. I recommend him any day. more
Jan 2024, Brahma
|