China Yangtze

Today we depart for Beijing, China.

After arriving in Beijing, we transfer to our hotel for dinner. 

New Otani Chang Fu Gong (4 nights)

Our journey starts at Tian’anmen Square, the world’s largest public plaza. We then step into the Forbidden City, an ancient complex of golden-roofed palaces home to 24 emperors for over five centuries. We will explore these legendary courtyards to witness the peak of Ming and Qing dynasty power and artistry. Then, we discover the Temple of Heaven, a serene park where Ming and Qing rulers performed rituals to ensure bountiful harvests. We will marvel at the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, a circular wooden masterpiece built without a single nail. 

Winding through the heart of the city are the hutongs, a network of narrow alleyways central to Beijing’s community life for centuries. We will navigate these neighbourhoods by rickshaw to witness daily life and visit with a local family. We will shop at a local market for fresh ingredients, then learn to make Chinese dumplings together for a rewarding family lunch. Later, we visit the Summer Palace, an imperial retreat with China's best-preserved royal garden. We will enjoy a cruise on Kunming Lake for majestic views of the complex. 

Today’s highlight is a visit to the Great Wall of Mutianyu, whose origins date back over 2,000 years to the reign of Emperor Qin. The section we will explore at Mutianyu was built during the Ming Dynasty and is among the best-preserved. Back in Beijing, we stop at the National Stadium, known as the Bird’s Nest, for photos before enjoying a special Peking Duck dinner this evening. 

Xi’an, once the starting point of the Silk Road, combines the heritage of an ancient capital with the energy of a modern city. After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll head to Huyi District to experience rural life and learn about the region’s traditional folk-art traditions. 

Crowne Plaza Xi’an (2 nights)

Uncovered by chance in 1974, the Terracotta Army is a monumental UNESCO World Heritage Site guarding the tomb of China's first emperor. We will explore massive excavation pits to marvel at thousands of life-size terracota warriors, archers, and cavalry. Later, we head to the Beilin Museum, a treasure house of Chinese calligraphy and historical records. We then celebrate the region's golden age during a Tang Dynasty dinner show. This immersive performance recreates the prosperity of ancient Chang'an through traditional music, colourful dance, and acting. 

We visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built over 1,300 years ago to house sacred Buddhist scriptures brought from India. Next, we explore the Xi’an City Wall, one of the oldest and best-preserved military defence systems in the world. Standing atop this massive rectangular fortification, we can admire the contrast between the ancient city centre and the modern skyline stretching beyond. Late this afternoon, we transfer to the airport for our flight to the scenic city of Guilin. 

Sheraton Guilin Hotel (2 nights) 

Our day begins at Daxu Ancient Town, a historic riverside settlement where cobblestone streets and traditional wooden houses offer a glimpse into the local lifestyle. We continue to the city’s iconic symbol, Elephant Trunk Hill, named for its striking resemblance to a giant elephant drinking from the Li River. We then step into the natural wonder of Reed Flute Cave, a spectacular cavern illuminated by dramatic rock formations that have inspired travellers since the Tang Dynasty. 

We board a scenic cruise along the Li River, a journey defined by dramatic limestone peaks and lush bamboo groves. As we sail toward Yangshuo, we will enjoy lunch on board while passing traditional fishing villages and paddy fields. Upon arrival, we wander around town before visiting a local school for a cooking demonstration and a shared dinner. 

Green Lotus Hotel (1 night)

A high-speed train takes us from Guilin to the mountain city of Chongqing. After embarkation, the festive Captain's Welcome Reception marks the beginning of our Yangtze River cruise. 

Century Victory (3 nights)  

Our first shore excursion brings us to Fengdu Ghost City, a hillside complex of temples and statues overlooking the river. This legendary site portrays the Chinese afterlife through a vivid blend of Taoist and Buddhist lore, featuring mythological demons and scenes of moral justice. We return to the ship for an entertaining onboard show. 

Dramatic scenery awaits as we sail through Qutang Gorge, the shortest yet grandest of the Three Gorges, and Wu Gorge, famous for its mist-covered peaks. We will listen to expert commentary while passing these legendary peaks. Later, we board smaller motorboats to explore Shennv Stream, also known as Goddess Stream, where emerald waters wind through towering mountains. This pristine area offers an intimate look at local flora and a rare, authentic glimpse into the quiet rural life of the Yangtze.

After disembarking, we witness a marvel of modern engineering at the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric project. We will explore the site and the dedicated engineering museum before heading into Yichang. The afternoon is spent discovering the local charm of the city, including a visit to the Yichang Museum. Then, we transfer to the airport for our flight to the cosmopolitan metropolis of Shanghai.

Crowne Plaza Shanghai (3 nights)

We enter Old Town to explore Yu Garden, a classic Ming Dynasty masterpiece featuring elaborate pavilions and glittering ponds. After free time to wander nearby, we walk along the Bund. This waterfront promenade contrasts colonial-era buildings with futuristic skyscrapers. We continue to the Jade Buddha Temple, home to two magnificent white jade statues brought from Myanmar. This evening, we gather for dinner and a world-class acrobatic show. 

Known as the "Venice of the East," Suzhou is famous for its intricate canals and stone bridges. We will explore the Humble Administrator’s Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site representing the peak of Ming Dynasty design. After visiting the intimate Master of the Nets Garden, we enjoy a traditional canal cruise and learn about the local industry at a Silk Spinning Factory. Late this afternoon, we return to Shanghai for our farewell dinner.

We transfer to the airport for our flight back to Canada.