Welcome to China’s most populous city and center of trade and industry. Hotel rooms are available for immediate check-in.
Day 3: Thursday April, 19 (Shanghai)
Shanghai
Full day of sightseeing. Stroll along the Bund, the city’s riverfront boulevard lined with historic buildings, housing, banks, and trade houses. You’ll visit the SHANGHAI MUSEUM and experience the YU YUAN GARDENS. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and visit the CHILDREN’S PALACE, one of China’s famous kindergartens. Your Tour Director will host a WELCOME DINNER tonight as you meet your traveling companions. This evening you’ll be amazed at the fabulous ACROBATIC SHOW. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Friday April, 20 (Shanghai)
Shanghai-Yichang(Embarkation)-Yangtze River Cruise
Visit the ornate TEMPLE OF THE JADE BUDDHA before flying to Yichang. Board the Victoria Anna for a four-night CRUISE through the breathtaking Three Gorges of the Yangtze. (B,D)
Day 5: Saturday April, 21 (Shanghai)
The Three Gorges Dam Site
This morning visit the Three Gorges Dam Site where the Chinese progress toward building the largest dam of its kind in the world. After lunch sail through the Three Gorges ship locks and the Xiling Gorge. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Sunday April, 22 (Shanghai)
Shennong Stream or Daning River
This morning disembark for a BOAT EXCURSION down either the Daning River or Shennong Stream, depending on conditions. After lunch head upstream through the Qutang Gorge, the shortest but most dramatic gorge, and the Wu Gorge, known for its quiet beauty and forest-covered mountains. You can nearly touch the perpendicular walls rising from the riverbanks as your captain negotiates this narrow gap. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Monday April, 23 (Shanghai)
Wanxian or Shibaozhai or Fengdu
Depending on river conditions, one of the following shore excursions will be offered: Wanxian, “Gateway to Eastern Szechuan Province,” where you will see an acrobatic show, market, and possibly a school; Shibaozhai with its 400-year-old, twelve-story red wooden pagoda perched high on a cliff side; or Fengdu, where you’ll visit the Snow Jade Cave. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Tuesday April, 24 (Shanghai)
Chongqing (Disembarkation)-Xi’an
This morning bid farewell to your ship’s crew upon arrival in Chongqing, China’s capital during World War II. The city is high on a hill overlooking the Jialing and Yangtze Rivers. Board your flight to the city of Xi’an in central China. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Wednesday April, 25 (Shanghai)
Xi’an
One of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world when China dominated the silk trade, Xi’an today is an archaeological treasure-trove. Sightseeing begins with a visit to the nearby DAYAN PAGODA, built in 652 A.D. During lunch, enjoy a NOODLE MAKING DEMONSTRATION by a master chef and learn how Chinese noodles are made by hand. In 1974 the enormous tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, was accidentally discovered by local farmers. Marvel at the legion of terra-cotta warriors that has been guarding the burial site for 2,000 years. This evening enjoy “The Tang Dynasty” dinner show, featuring a colorful assemblage of classical performances. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Thursday April, 26 (Beijing)
Xi’an-Beijing
This morning visit the Xi’an city South Gate; you may even see some locals practicing their morning Tai Chi. Fly to Beijing, China’s capital city. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through one of Beijing’s HUTONGS, the city’s ancient alleys. During this visit, you’re welcomed into the courtyard of a family’s home, a daycare center, and a retirement community to experience life in this historic neighborhood. (B,L)
Day 11: Friday April, 27 (Beijing)
Beijing
Your full-day sightseeing starts with a visit to the FORBIDDEN CITY and its IMPERIAL PALACE, once the home of China’s Great Emperors. Nearby is TIAN’ANMEN SQUARE, the largest public square in the world spanning 100 acres. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and continue to the ZOO to see pandas. Next, see the former SUMMER PALACE, a complex of pavilions, temples and galleries set among beautifully landscaped grounds and situated on Kunming Lake. Tonight experience local culture at the PEKING OPERA, including a behind-the-scenes look at the colorful make-up being applied to the performers. (B,L,D)
Day 12: Saturday April, 28 (Beijing)
Beijing.
The GREAT WALL OF CHINA once stretched 4,000 miles across China’s barren northern terrain from the Bohai Sea to the Gobi Desert. Head north to a village where the Great Wall is well preserved and walk along the wall to enjoy sweeping vistas of this mammoth fortress. Then visit a CLOISONNE WORKSHOP where you will see local artisans use the techniques of this ancient art form to turn pieces of copper into colorful decorative items. After lunch in a local restaurant, you’ll visit the MING TOMBS, burial site for 13 of the 16 Ming emperors. This evening is the perfect finale to a great touring adventure as you’re hosted to a special Peking Duck FAREWELL DINNER. (B,L,D)
Day 13: Sunday April, 29 (Hong Kong)
Beijing-Hong Kong
Today fly to exciting Hong Kong. (B)
Day 14: Monday April, 30 (Hong Kong)
Hong Kong
This morning’s sightseeing begins with a cable car ride up VICTORIA PEAK for panoramic vistas of this one-of-a-kind port city. Continue to Repulse Bay, a popular beach area, and then to STANLEY MARKET, a narrow street jammed with stalls offering clothing, arts, and crafts. The afternoon and evening are free for independent exploration. Tonight an optional sunset cruise on Hong Kong’s magnificent harbor is recommended. (B)
Day 15: Tuesday May, 01 (Hong Kong)
Hong Kong.
A full free day to explore this exciting city. You may wish to join one of our optional excursions to view the giant Buddha on the island of Lantau or an excursion to learn about Hong Kong’s history before the British colonized the area. Shopping is a highlight of Hong Kong with markets, malls, and shops to fit any taste and budget. Your Local Host will be happy to offer selections to make the most of your day. (B)