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
What Our Customers Said
Amazing Beijing
The tour was scheduled perfectly, we had the opportunity to know many places and enjoy local food. Our guide Ivy exceed our expectations. She took care of every detail, taking care of us. I can say that she loves her job. moreJan 2023, Claudia
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Wonderful Experience
Very professional and knowledgeable. Our tour guide, Lily, went the extra mile on everything. Could not of asked for better planning. The explanations were detailed and interesting. The local restaurant choices were delicious. moreDec 2022, Robin C
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GREAT Forbidden City tour!
We took a guided tour with Ivy through the Forbidden City. She had everything perfectly organised, knew all the amenities and explained the most important facts around history and design of the palace in an enticing manner. Can absolutely recommend her as a guide, we had a great day! moreOct 2022, Adam A
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Beautiful Day at Great Wall in Mutianyu
We had a wonderful day visiting the Great Wall together with our guide, Ivy. The organisation - from the pick up to the return - was excellent, we had nothing to worry about. So It was a lovely and relaxed day profiting from the experience to the fullest without having to trouble about transport or tickets. Ivy explained well the history and knew about all nice parts of the part of the wall that we visited. She is very nice company. We had a very good experience. moreOct 2022, Nina
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Excellent time in Beijing
Ivy was a true professional who spoke excellent English and engaged us with stories of the very rich Chinese cultural heritage and history. We went away with so much more knowledge with her as our guide giving us a live commentary as we walked around. She brought us to the off the beaten track spots, less crowded corners of the attractions and very importantly, knew which toilets were clean and more foreigner friendly. Highly recommend Ivy to any future visitors to Beijin moreOct 2022, JCCEBJ
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Excellent time in Beijing
Zac from China Highlights organised a 3 day Beijing trip for my family during the Golden Week in China. moreOct 2022, JCCEBJ
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Excellent service
Our travel planner Monica is kind, very attentive, and there is no pressure or "hard sale". Great service and highly recommended! moreSep 2022, Julia
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A great tour
Our trip to Beijing was brilliantly organised and stress free. As usual with China Highlights our guide Ivy was really well prepared, knowledgeable and dealt with all the security, covid checks and tests etc. It made the trip really easy. moreAug 2022, Peter F
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