Legendary China & Yangtze River Cruise

Depart from USA on an overnight flight to China.

Note: Depending on the departure time of your outbound flight, you may depart one day earlier.

If you purchased airline tickets from YMT, a representative will meet you at the airport and transport you to the hotel. Enjoy the day at leisure and join us later in the evening for a welcome dinner and tour briefing where you’ll meet your fellow travelers.

Meals: Dinner

Today, enjoy a guided tour of Beijing, a city where history, culture, and modern energy collide. This sprawling metropolis is home to over 20 million people, and every street here has a story to tell. Begin at the monumental Tiananmen Square, watched over by the solemn Mausoleum of Chairman Mao, a site marked by profound history. Then explore the Forbidden City, a 250-acre labyrinth of palaces, halls, and over 9,000 rooms, where emperors once ruled in opulent secrecy. After an included lunch, wander the serene paths of the Summer Palace, with its lakes, temples, and gardens offering a tranquil contrast to the city’s bustling energy.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today you’ll stand atop one of the most evocative stretches of the Great Wall at Mutianyu Great Wall. Wander through watchtowers and along gently undulating ramparts that have guarded these mountains for centuries. After this awe‑inspiring visit, enjoy an included Chinese lunch at a nearby restaurant before continuing to the modern symbols of Olympic ambition as you make a stop for photos at the futuristic latticework of the Beijing National Stadium and the geometric curves of the National Aquatics Center, vividly capturing another chapter of China’s story.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, you’ll be transferred to Beijing’s train station to board an early high-speed train bound for Xi’an, a journey of four to six hours through China’s changing landscapes in the comfort of second-class seating. Upon arrival, visit the Qin Er Shi Mausoleum Museum, where the legacy of China’s first emperors comes alive. As part of your immersive experience, enjoy a hands-on Chinese calligraphy lesson within the museum.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Explore the historic heart of Xi’an, once the grand terminus of the Silk Road and a vital hub of trade, culture, and innovation. Today, the city is best known for the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army, often called the Eighth Wonder of the Ancient World. Unearthed by farmers in 1974, this vast underground army features more than 8,000 life-sized soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses, and 150 cavalry horses, each exquisitely detailed and frozen in time. After an included lunch, explore the serene and historic Small Wild Goose Pagoda, built in 709 AD, whose elegant brick structure and peaceful surroundings offer a striking contrast to the grandeur of the Terracotta Army.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, board a short flight of approximately 90 minutes to the dynamic city of Chongqing. Begin your exploration with a panoramic sightseeing tour that captures the city’s dramatic skyline and winding riverbanks. Wander the historic streets of Ciqikou and browse shops offering delicate porcelain, traditional handicrafts, and unique souvenirs. Pause in charming tea houses and eateries that offer a taste of Chongqing’s past before it became a sprawling metropolis. Continue to the Chongqing Zoo to marvel at the adorable giant pandas, then explore the Three Gorges Museum, a treasure trove of history and culture. After an included dinner, board the elegant Victoria Isabella, your floating hotel for the next three nights, ready to set sail on the legendary Yangtze River.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Awake this morning to the gentle rhythm of the Yangtze River, the third-longest river in the world. This morning, you can choose an optional shore excursion (at an additional cost) to the enigmatic Fengdu Ghost City, a fascinating complex steeped in myth and tradition. In the afternoon, join an included shore excursion to explore the scenic Shuanggui Mountain, taking in panoramic views and rich local history. As evening falls, weather and river conditions permitting, guests may join an optional excursion (at an additional cost) to witness the dramatic Fengyan Sanguo Romance of the Three Kingdoms Show, a vivid retelling of legendary battles and heroes that brings China’s storied past to life under the river’s twilight sky.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, prepare to be captivated by the legendary Three Gorges—Qutang, Wu, and Xiling—each revealing dramatic cliffs, mist-shrouded peaks, and winding river passages that have inspired travelers for centuries. As you cruise along the Yangtze, take in the breathtaking scenery that unfolds on either side, where nature’s grandeur meets timeless history. Included is a serene excursion to a nearby tributary or stream, offering a closer glimpse of the river’s hidden corners. Later, those seeking more adventure, may join an optional excursion to the historic White Emperor City or the panoramic heights of the Peak of the Three Gorges, where sweeping vistas showcase the full majesty of this iconic waterway.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, embark on an unforgettable included shore excursion to the majestic Three Gorges Dam, a monumental feat of engineering that rises over 600 feet and stretches 1.5 miles across the river, making it the largest hydroelectric complex in the world. Later, board a shuttle to Yichang, and savor an included lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, transfer to Jingzhou Airport for your flight to the vibrant metropolis of Shanghai.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Discover Shangai on a guided tour today. Soak in the historic charm of French Concession, where tree-lined boulevards and colonial architecture recall Shanghai’s cosmopolitan past before 1946. Wander through Old Shanghai, where narrow lanes bustle with energy and echoes of bygone eras. Immerse yourself in artistry at the Shanghai Museum, home to exquisite collections of ancient Chinese art. After lunch on your own, explore the futuristic Pudong, where soaring skyscrapers and dazzling night illuminations showcase the city’s modern grandeur. Conclude with a leisurely riverfront stroll along The Bund. This evening, join a memorable farewell dinner hosted by your Tour Director, celebrating the rich experiences and unforgettable sights of your journey across China!

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Meals: Breakfast