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Home Yangtze River Cruises Essential China & Yangtze River Cruise
Essential China & Yangtze River Cruise
Yangtze River Cruises

YangtzeTour Code: CHT-YZ-06
Departure Date: You Choose
Destinations: Beijing / Chongqing / Yangtze / Yichang / Shanghai
Starting City: Beijing
Tour Price: from $1522
Ending City: Shanghai

Tour Feature: Land tour + well selected hotel + domestic flights/trains, private guided with your own English speaking guide ( unless otherwise specified), your own driver at your own pace and schedule.




Daily Itinerary 


Day 1
Place & Transport: Arrive in Beijing, Flight not included
Today's Activities: Airport to Hotel Transfer (Beijing)

Day 2
Place & Transport: Beijing
Today's Activities: Mutianyu Cable Car(One way), The Mutianyu Great Wall, Mutianyu slideway(One way), Temple of Heaven, Shahe Cloisonne Factory
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

Mutianyu Cable Car(One way) (10 minutes): This less-crowded section of the Great Wall is a about 2.5 hours' drive from downtown Beijing. A cable car takes you to a good section (avoiding a very steep climb), where you can walk along the wall, through the watch towers and enjoy superb views as it snakes across the hills and mountains. You can return by cable car, walk down or walk along the wall for about an hour to descend by chairlift. Wear good walking shoes and protection from the weather.

The Mutianyu Great Wall (1.5 hours): This less-crowded section of the Great Wall is a about 1.5-2 hours' drive from downtown Beijing. A cable car takes you to a good section (avoiding a very steep climb), where you can walk along the wall, through the watch towers and enjoy superb views as it snakes across the hills and mountains. You can return by cable car, walk down or walk along the wall for about an hour to descend by chairlift. Wear good walking shoes and protection from the weather.

Mutianyu slideway(One way) (10 minutes): It is a new kind of entertainment suitable to people regardless of age.Adopting the principle of acceleration of gravity, the pulley rushes down from top of the mountain and goes through a slideway of 1580 meters, which is exciting,breathe-taking,safe and comfortable.You can regulate the speed of the pulley, and enjoy the beautiful views of the Great Wall.

Temple of Heaven (1.5 hours): Situated in the southern part of the city, the temple of heaven covers the total area of 2,700,000 square meters. The temple was built in 1420A.D. It is the place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties would offer sacrifice to heaven and pray for good harvests. The main buildings of the temple including the Circular Mound Altar, Imperial Vault of Heaven and Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest.The surrounding gardens are full of interesting activities, particularly weekend mornings.

Traditional Mongolia Restaurant: Traditional Mongolia Restaurant is located near the Forbidden City. It serves northern Chinese food based on Mongolia cuisine. It brings Mongolia's long and distinguished cultural and literary history. A traditional Mongolian yurt (tent) is available on the third floor but a reservation is needed and a surcharge applies. Live performances of Mongolian music are sometimes preformed in the restaurant.

Shahe Cloisonne Factory : Sha He Cloisonne Factory manufactures and sells high quality Cloisonne ware. High quality Cloisonne also called “Copper - body and wire inlaid Enamel” requires an elaborate and complicated manufacturing process including hammering,filigree welding,enamel filling ,surface polishing and gilding. This is a popular place for those looking for special, quality souvenirs. China Highlights customers have the opportunity to see the manufacturing process. This is an exclusive offer for our customers! There is no pressure to buy!
Tel: 010-69737417
Address: Dingfu huang zhuang North District Beijing

Day 3
Sitting on RickshawPlace & Transport: Beijing
Today's Activities: Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City, Short Hutong Tour in Xicheng District, Lizexiang Pearl Store
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

Tiananmen Square (50 minutes): The world's largest city square and enduring symbol of China's national pride, surrounded by many imposing buildings including the Heavenly Gate (entry to the Forbidden City), Museums, government buildings and Chairman Mao's Mausoleum.

The Forbidden City (2 hours): The Imperial Palace, home to 24 Emperors between 1420 and 1911. Great squares, halls and gates contrast with the intricate networks of side halls, gardens, courtyards and quarters for those who lived in this 'city within a city'. The exhibitions, both permanent and temporary, are also absolutely fascinating. Expect to spend at least 2-3 hours, wear good walking shoes and protection from the weather.

Short Hutong Tour in Xicheng District (1 hour): Hutong is a maze of historic alleyways with old single storey traditional courtyard houses, which are now fast disappearing. In this one hour tour, you can hop on a rickshaw to ride through the narrow alleys as well as visit a local family then walk on the Silver Ingot Bridge (Yinding Bridge) and find out about the different thresholds of the courtyards.

Courtyard 7 Restaurant: Courtyard 7 is located in central area of Nan Luo Guo. Its well designed Chinese style modeling,the layout makes it antiquity and rusticity. Its special featured restaurant provides new modern French dishes. Seating in Courtyard 7, you may see the fusion of eastern and western culture, and smell apart of old and new fashion air. Here, you can not only taste delicious gourmet food, but also can enjoy a piece of pure land and haven in such a busy city. Courtyard 7 welcomes you stay and enjoy.

Lizexiang Pearl Store : China's freshwater pearls are celebrated throughout the world. See how they are produced including some of the latest technology, and learn how to spot a fake. The outlet also offers a range of items produced from pearls and pearl oysters which goes far wider than jewellery. China Highlights customers will see the seeds being planted in the live mussel and also how learn how to differentiate real pearls from fake. This is a great opportunity to buy genuine pearls, that come with a guarantee, for your family and friends but there is absolutely no pressure to buy.
Tel: 13801387486
Address: No.7.Changqing Yuan,Congwen district,Beijign City.

Day 4
Place & Transport: Beijing to Chongqing to Yangtze, Flight No. TBA
Today's Activities: Cruise pier Transfer (Chongqing), Hotel to airport Transfer (Beijing), Airport to Cruise pier transfer (Chongqing), Three Gorges Museum, Ciqikou Old Town, , Chongqing National Arts Institute Gallery , Board the ship from 5:00pm to 8:00pm and departs Chongqing at 10:00pm.(Dinner is not included)
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

Three Gorges Museum (2 hours): The best exhibits are those on the history of the Yangtze and, of course, the Dam. It also houses some excellent stone and terracotta sculptures, art and interesting artifacts, items from the war years, and temporary exhibitions. The museum faces the impressive People's Hall, built to resemble the Temple of Heaven, across a lively square, itself a hub of activity.

Ciqikou Old Town (1.5 hours): This lively old area has been partly restored, and remains an authentic and busy community. The old wooden houses and narrow streets furthest from the river are mostly unimproved, closer to the river there are craft and souvenir shops, teahouses and music, and lots of local food and snacks. The locals certainly love their food – this is a good chance to try some.

Cai Xiang Yuan Restaurant(Yangjiaping Branch): Located close to the Chongqing Zoo, Cai Xiang Yuan Restaurant serves with dishes are cooked with local flavors and ingredients. Cantonese dishes are also available.

Chongqing National Arts Institute Gallery : Located in the Chongqing People's Congress Hall, Chongqing National Arts Gallery showcases Chinese landscape paintings and oil-paintings. It has become a popular spot for foreign tourists looking for authentic, quality products.
Tel: 023-63874284
Address: In the People's Assembly Hall of Chongqing

Day 5
Place & Transport: Yangtze
Today's Activities: Cruise pier Transfer (Yangtze), Shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City (8:00-10:00am).
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch, Chinese Dinner, Chinese Lunch, Chinese Dinner

Fengdu is where the devil lives, according to Chinese legend. They say that spirits go to heaven, and evil goes to Fengdu. The town is overlooked by Ming Shan Hill, home of Tianzi, the King of the Dead. The whole place has an eerie feel to it with deserted streets, tower blocks, empty shops and banks. The only people here are those who make a living from visiting cruise boats.

Day 6
YangtzePlace & Transport: Yangtze
Today's Activities: Cruise pier Transfer (Yangtze), Shore excursion to Shennong Stream(1:30pm-5:30pm).You also have the option of visiting the White Emperor City(260RMB per person).
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch, Chinese Dinner, Chinese Lunch, Chinese Dinner

Shennong Stream is another tributary of the Yangtze River, and its fast-flowing, crystal clear water runs southwards through deep gorges. The stream races past large and small karst caves, flocks of swallows, sheer cliffs, deep gorges, waterfalls, three-colored springs, rapids, the ancient plank path, a suspended coffin in the cliff, groups of ancient tombs and marvelous karst formations.

Day 7
Place & Transport: Yangtze to Yichang to Shanghai, Flight No. TBA
Today's Activities: Cruise pier Transfer (Yichang), Airport Transfer (Yichang), Airport to Hotel Transfer (Shanghai), Shore excursion to The Three Gorges Dam Site. Arrive in Yichang at 1:00pm.
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

Three Gorges Dam, the largest water conservancy project ever undertaken by man and it has been a dream for several generations of Chinese people. The construction of the dam formally began in 1994. The body of the dam was completed in 2003, and the whole construction will be competed in 2009. It will be 2,335 meters long, 185 meters high, 18 meters wide on the top and 130 meters wide at the bottom.The tourists can get access to the top of the dam and enjoy different kinds of photo opportunities.

Day 8
Place & Transport: Shanghai
Today's Activities: Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, Yuyuan Market, The Shanghai World Financial Center, Jiangnan Silk Museum
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

Yuyuan Garden (1 hour): Located at a very busy marketplace in a complex of traditional-style buildings, backing onto Yu Gardens, you can find everything there from popular local snacks and food, crafts, antiques and souvenirs to Starbucks, teahouses and some great restaurants. There is a small (reconstructed) Temple (Chenghuang: Temple of the City Gods) in there as well.

Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall (1 hour): A short walk across Renmin Square from the Shanghai Museum, this is a fascinating insight into Shanghai's future. The 2nd floor has a giant walkaround model of the city, and other floors have great displays, interactive exhibitions and walkthroughs of aspects such as the ports, greening, leisure etc.

Yuyuan Market (30 minutes): Located next to the Yuyuan Garden and also known today as the City God Temple, it was built in the fifteenth century during the Ming Dynasty. The City God Temple is a Taoist temple which is composed of many halls such as the Grand Hall, Middle Hall, Bedroom Palace, Star Gods Hall and etc. The City God Temple has a great influence on the residents of Shanghai. The religious festivals of the temple are considered to be the festivals for all Shanghai people.

The Shanghai World Financial Center (40 minutes): The Shanghai World Financial Center is a super tall skyscraper. It is a mixed use skyscraper, which will consist of offices, hotels, conference rooms, observation decks, and shopping malls on the lower floors. The hotel component has 175 rooms and suites and goes by the name: The Park Hyatt, Shanghai. On September 14, 2007, the skyscraper reached 492.3 meters (1,615.2 ft) and became the tallest structure on mainland China, including Hong Kong, as well as the world's third tallest building (including unfinished ones), after the Burj Dubai and Taipei 101.

Old Shanghai Restaurant: Old Shanghai Restaurant is a old and famous local restaurant which serves typical Shanghai Food as well as different flavors from other parts of China.

Jiangnan Silk Museum: See how silk is produced from the cocoons of silk worms, and turned into the beautiful fabric we all know and love. Silk filled duvets are excellent value, and the showroom offers everything from small souvenirs to larger items. The beauty of real silk is that it's so light, and packs really easily.
Tel: 021-62660378
Address: 289, Ao'men Road, Putuo District, Shanghai

Day 9
ZhujiajiaoPlace & Transport: Shanghai
Today's Activities: Zhujiajiao Water Town, Zhujiajiao Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

Zhujiajiao Water Town (1 hour): Shaped like an ancient fan, it is an old town with hundreds of years of history. Thousands of architectures of Ming Dynasty and Qing Dynasty stand by the lakes and 36 stone bridges retain the ancient style.

Zhujiajiao Cruise (30 minutes): You have an opportunity to take a cruise on the river through the ancient town.

Day 10
Place & Transport: Depart Shanghai, Flight not included
Today's Activities: Hotel to airport Transfer (Shanghai)
Meals: Breakfast


Price Details for this tour (per person in US dollars)



Low Season (Dec. 01 - Mar. 31)

Your Group Size Tour Class Tour Price Single Room
Supplement
Inquiry
1 Person Superior $3065 $0 Inquiry
Deluxe $2529 $0 Inquiry
Tourist $2188 $0 Inquiry
2-5 Persons Superior $2090 $523 Inquiry
Deluxe $1717 $359 Inquiry
Tourist $1522 $214 Inquiry
6-9 Persons Superior $1881 $523 Inquiry
Deluxe $1508 $359 Inquiry
Tourist $1313 $214 Inquiry


High Season (Apr. 01 - Nov. 31)

Your Group Size Tour Class Tour Price Single Room
Supplement
Inquiry
1 Person Superior $3607 $0 Inquiry
Deluxe $2736 $0 Inquiry
Tourist $2368 $0 Inquiry
2-5 Persons Superior $2454 $670 Inquiry
Deluxe $1838 $415 Inquiry
Tourist $1611 $274 Inquiry
6-9 Persons Superior $2242 $670 Inquiry
Deluxe $1626 $415 Inquiry
Tourist $1399 $274 Inquiry
* Prices are in US dollars, for one person. Prices are for references only, may vary according to your travel time. Better discount is available when travel in low season from Dec to March.


Price Inclusions:

Entrance Fees: To scenic spots as listed in the itinerary.
Meals: All meals as specified in the itinerary.
If the restaurant indicated is not available on the day, your guide will arrange another restaurant from our list of approved restaurants. Breakfast is usually a western style buffet. We endeavor to ensure that a choice of western and Chinese breakfasts is supplied, however there may be occasions when only a Chinese breakfast is available in some remote locations.
Private Transfers: Transfers between airports, hotels and scenic spots while sightseeing in Beijing, Chongqing, Yangtze, Yichang, Shanghai by private air conditioned vehicle with a driver and English-speaking guide (as listed above).
Your comfort is our priority!
Guide: As outlined in the itinerary an English-speaking guide and driver will be provided in each city, who will remain with you throughout your time in that city. A new guide and a new driver will meet you at each city on your tour, to provide you with the best local knowledge available.
Hotels: Hotel fees are based on two people sharing one room with twin beds.
All hotels as listed in the above itinerary serve daily western or Chinese breakfast. All rooms are air-conditioned with private facilities unless specified.
Yangtze River Cruises: The price quoted for a Yangtze River Cruise includes all meals onboard, and all land excursions including the smaller cruise fee to Lesser Three Gorges or Shennong Stream. (Optional land excursions are available for a few ships which will be specially noted.) The price does not include any incidental charges, including room service, mini bar, laundry, and drinks and bar charges, tipping, etc.
The Pre-boarding Fee includes overnight accommodations on the ship the night before departure and breakfast in the morning.
Transportation: Beijing To Chongqing Transfer via: Flight, TBA (Our arrangements)
Yichang To Shanghai Transfer via: Flight, TBA (Our arrangements)
Airport Tax for Domestic Flights
Airport Tax and Fuel Fee for Flights if applicable
Service Charge & Government Taxes
Insurance:
The insurance is China Life Tourist Accident/Casualty Insurance.
Luggage Transfers: Between airports/cruise piers and hotels.
Arrangements: The tour cost includes planning, handling, operational and communication charges.


Price Exclusions:

International Airfare or Train Tickets to enter or leave China: USA-CHINA/CHINA-USA: China Highlights has negotiated special discount fares (restrictions apply) for selected flights operated by Air China from major US and China gateways. We are able to offer these special deals to confirmed customers.
China Entry Visa Fees
Excess Baggage Charges:
Passengers holding an adult fare or half fare ticket are entitled to a free baggage allowance of 20kg, for economy class. Total weight of carryon baggage for each passenger may not exceed 5kg. The size may not exceed 20x40x 55cm.
Personal Expenses: Expenses of a purely personal nature such as laundry, drinks, fax, telephone calls, optional activities, sightseeing or meals which are not included in the tour itinerary.
Meals: Any meals which are not specified in the tour itinerary.
Single Room Supplement: Important note for those who choose to pay a single room supplement fee: The fee only covers hotel single room supplements; it does NOT include use of a single cabin on the Yangtze River Cruise. Standard Yangtze River Cruise prices per person are based on 2 people sharing 1 cabin unless otherwise specified. If you would like to request a single cabin on the Yangtze River ship, please contact us to check cost and availability.




Note:


1. ForeignerCN.com is partnering with a local China tour operator China Highlights. Your inquiry will be operated by the professional travel advisers of China Highlights, and you will receive their response with a proposed itinerary and cost calculation within 1 working day .

2. If you have any other questions about tour booking, please contact China Highlights by calling 800-268-2918 (Toll Free in USA) at 9:00am to 6:00pm (GMT+0800), Monday to Friday.

 

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