Grand China and the Yangtze
TRIP OVERVIEW:
Grand China and the Yangtze - 20 Days - See the best of China on this Grand River Cruise and Tour. Explore the imperial treasures of Beijing, the splendors of Shanghai and the Terra Cotta Warriors of Xi’an. Discover Suzhou’s Humble Administrator Garden, a World Cultural Heritage site.
Cruise down the Yangtze River to see the Three Gorges with their sharp, cloud-enshrouded peaks. Marvel at Guilin’s awe-inspiring landscape as you cruise along the Li River, and Guilin’s Reed Flute Cave, a dripstone cave boasting stalactites and stalagmites in dazzling colors. Great natural wonders, scenic beauty, imperial splendor, and ancient history come together in a never-to-be-forgotten journey.
A fitting end to this Grand Cruise Tour is three days in Hong Kong.
Cruising Yangtze River with East King and East Queen
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: North America to Beijing
Day 2: Beijing
Your china elegance tour guide will greet you and take you to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Day 3: Beijing
Beijing is home to the sights that make China a must-see destination. Among the many fascinating places you will visit is the Forbidden City, the largest and most complete ancient imperial palace in the world, with more than 800 buildings and 9,000 rooms. After lunch, enjoy a behind-the-scenes rickshaw tour of the 700-year old hutongs (ancient lanes and alleyways) in the old residential area of Beijing. In the evening, treat yourself to a traditional Peking Duck feast.
Day 4: Beijing
A full-day journey takes you 40 miles north to the Great Wall. The original construction of the Great Wall started in the 7th century B.C. to keep out the warring invaders. Additional sections were added for nearly 4,000 miles. A walk along this Great Wall is truly inspiring. The afternoon is equally as memorable. Visit the Ming Tombs, home to the lavish burial chambers of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty. During the evening, enjoy a traditional Peking Opera performance.
Day 5: Beijing
Spend time at the Summer Palace, one of China's best-preserved imperial gardens. Enjoy this masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. Visit the Beijing Zoo, home to giant pandas. Then explore the brightly-painted Temple of Heaven where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshiped. In the evening, be our guest at an emperor’s dinner in the Winter Palace.
Day 6: Beijing to Xi’an
After a walk through Tiananmen Square, you’ll fly to the ancient city of Xi’an.
Day 7: Xi’an
Visit the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century, the life-sized Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses as they guard the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. Meet with a local farmer and see his cave home along the Yellow River. In the evening, enjoy a Tang Dynasty dinner and cultural show featuring music, dance, and traditional costumes.
Day 8: Xi’an to Shanghai
Prior to your flight to Shanghai, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a well-preserved ancient building and a holy place for Buddhists. After lunch, fly to bustling Shanghai and transfer to your deluxe hotel.
Day 9: Shanghai
Shanghai’s pulse matches the excitement of New York or London. Stroll the Bund promenade along the Huangpu River. Explore the alleyways of Old Town, and enjoy peaceful Yu Yuan Garden. Stop by the Children’s Palace where youngsters receive advanced training in art and music. And in the evening, enjoy the breathtaking Shanghai Acrobats whose circus-like acts originated during the Han Dynasty more than 2,000 years ago.
Day 10: Shanghai to Tongli to Suzhou
Visit Tongli, a river village known for its ancient bridges. This is the China of picture books, complete with narrow streets, simple homes, teahouses and intriguing shops. Spend time in the market and mingle with locals. After lunch, board a traditional boat in Suzhou and cruise canals that date back 1,000 years. In the evening, enjoy a gala at the Garden of the Master of the Fishing Nets, including special performances of native classical music and dance. This is a rare opportunity to experience a truly intimate and memorable evening.
Day 11: Suzhou to Yichang to Yangtze River Cruise
EAST KING or EAST QUEEN
Suzhou has been famous for its gardens for many centuries. According to a Chinese proverb, “In heaven there is paradise. On earth there is Suzhou.” The gardens are known for their delicate designs. A splendid example you will visit is the Humble Administrator Gardens, listed as a World Cultural Heritage site. Upon returning to Shanghai, you’ll fly to Yichang to board your luxurious EAST KING or EAST QUEEN ship.
Day 12 Three Gorges Dam Project / Five Steps Ship Lock
EAST KING or EAST QUEEN
Depart Yichang around 8:00am, sailing through the east Xiling Gorge. Arrive at the Yangjiawan Pier for shore excursion to the three Gorges Dam. Return to the Ship and sail through the five steps ship locks. (BLD)
Day 13 Xiling Gorge / Shennong Stream / Wu Gorge / Qutang Gorge
EAST KING or EAST QUEEN
Pass through Xiling Gorge, famous for its strangely shaped cliff faces and rock formations. Largest of the Three Gorges, it offers the "mountains beyond mountains" scenery of classic China. Take an excursion by boat up Shennong Stream enjoying the vistas of Parrot Gorge and Dragon Boat Gorge with their breathtaking scenery. Return to the cruise and continue through the wondrous Wu Gorge, a meandering landscape of dazzling peaks and rocks, forming a whimsical gallery of natural beauty. After visiting the dam site, which is scheduled for completion in 2009, Qutang Gorge finds the river carving its way between sheer precipices of overhanging mountains on both sides. Here one can see the original site of the famous Fenbi Wall, the ruins of ancient cliff roads and the Mengliang Steps. (BLD)
Day 14 Shibaozhai EAST KING or EAST QUEEN
Shore excursion to Shibaozhai, literally translated into English as the "Stone Treasure Fortress." Located in Zhong County at the south bank of the Yangtze River, 30 miles away from Wanxian, it was first built in Qing Dynasty in 1750 with a height of 56 meters. Shibaozhai is simply a rectangular rock with sheer cliffs, standing on the riverside. A red wooden pagoda, 12 stories high, was built against the rock wall. Visitors can climb to the top by spiral staircase in the pagoda, 160 meters above the river to gain a panoramic view of the winding river, the village and the countryside. (BLD)
Day 15: Yangtze River to Chongqing to Dazu
Disembark in Chongqing and travel to Dazu, one of the most important Buddhist sites in China. Its remote location helped Dazu remain a secret. The work of Dazu Rock Carvings began during the Tang Dynasty and continued in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Marvel at the more than 50,000 Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian rock carvings. Upon returning to Chongqing, enjoy dinner in the hotel.
Day 16: Chongqing to Guilin
In the morning fly to Guilin, a world-famous destination known for its spectacular scenery. Visit Guilin’s Reed Flute Cave, a dripstone cave boasting stalactites and stalagmites in dazzling colors. Discover why Guilin has been an inspiration to artists for centuries.
Day 17: Cruise down Li River
Enjoy a full-day cruise with lunch down the Li River. See the mist-covered mountains that loom above the river and quaint villages on its banks. In the evening, fly to Hong Kong and transfer to your deluxe hotel.
Day 18: Hong Kong
Discover the wonders of Hong Kong Island. Take the tram to Victoria Peak to enjoy the fabulous views. Visit Ching Ma Bridge. Dine on Dim Sum at Jumbo, a floating restaurant. Embark on a cruise at Aberdeen Fishing Village. And shop away at Stanley Market, a mecca for bargain hunters.
Day 19: Hong Kong
Enjoy the day at your leisure. This breathtaking city offers a vibrant blend of Eastern and Western culture and will leave you exhilarated. Recently reunited with China in 1997 after years of British rule, Hong Kong has always remained true to its Chinese roots and culture. Spend time discovering the traditions of this dynamic city known as the culinary and shopping capital of the East.
Day 20: Depart Hong Kong to North America
Enjoy breakfast before heading to the airport for your flight.
The order of sights seen on the itineraries on this page may be amended on occasion to allow for variations in internal flight times/operations, variables in sailing times, or other unforeseen operational considerations.
River Cruise - Grand China and the Yangtze
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River Cruises
Oct 23, 2007 - 12:46:29 AM
Oct 23, 2007 - 12:46:29 AM