Day 01: Arrive Beijing

Upon arriving in Beijing, we will be greeted and transferred to our hotel (check-in is at 3:00 PM or later). We can spend the rest of the day unwinding from jetlag or begin our exploration. Having served as China's capital for over 800 years, Beijing stands as both the political center of the country and a cultural and historical epicenter. As one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, it has been at the heart of many important dynasties, including the Ming and Qing.

Overnight: Sunworld Hotel, Beijing (3 night)

Day 02: Beijing

Explore the wonders of Beijing today with our local guide. We start at the Temple of Heaven, an iconic structure from the 16th century, where we will observe local seniors engaging in their morning exercises, as well as practicing tai chi, square dancing, and playing cards as part of their daily routines. Next, enjoy a rickshaw tour of Beijing’s Hutongs, including a visit with a local family for an immersive glimpse into daily life. We'll also stop at a traditional courtyard to participate in a unique cultural experience: Peking opera face mask painting.

After savoring authentic Chinese cuisine for lunch, we continue to Tian’anmen Square, the largest city square in the world and a site of numerous history-changing events and ceremonies. We then explore the Forbidden City, China’s largest and most complete ancient complex, where 24 emperors resided over 500 years.

An optional Chinese Kung Fu Show at the Red Theater or Acrobatic Show is available this evening (at an additional cost). (B, L)

Day 03: Beijing

We begin our exciting day with a visit to the must-see Mutianyu Great Wall (round-trip cable car included), one of the most iconic sections, built in the mid-6th century during the Northern Qi—making it even older than the Badaling section. The scenic two-hour drive from downtown Beijing provides a glimpse of the surrounding countryside. After exploring this historic marvel, we’ll enjoy an à la carte lunch at a local restaurant near the Wall.

On our return to Beijing, we’ll stop for photos outside the famous 2008 Olympic venues, the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube. The tour concludes with a drop-off at our hotel. (B, L)

Day 04: Beijing/Xian (Train)

In the morning, we check out from the hotel and visit the final highlight in Beijing—the Summer Palace, China's largest and best-preserved imperial garden. The scenic Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake serve as the centerpiece of this royal retreat. We have the option to enjoy a boat ride on the lake for breathtaking views (optional, not included). A stroll along the Long Corridor, the world's longest covered walkway, allows us to admire its richly detailed and prestigious paintings.

Afterwards, we enjoy an à la carte lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Beijing West Railway Station to catch the high-speed train (2nd class seat, about 5-5.5 hours) to Xi'an. Upon arrival, our guide will meet us at the station and transfer us to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for leisure.

Overnight: Somerset Aparthotel Xindingheng, Xian (2 nights) (B, L)

Day 05: Xian

Today, we explore the historical and cultural treasures of Xi'an, starting with a visit to the iconic Xi'an City Wall, where we can opt for a bicycle ride (optional, not included).

Next, we head to the famous Terracotta Warriors. On the way, we’ll stop at a cave dwelling pottery workshop to learn how to craft a miniature terracotta warrior and discover the unique ancient housing style of northern China. After enjoying an à la carte lunch nearby, we’ll spend the afternoon exploring the Terracotta Warriors, a world-renowned archaeological wonder featuring soldiers, horses, and chariots in battle formation.

Returning to downtown, we’ll visit Bell Tower Square and stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter, where there’s time for shopping and sampling local snacks. The tour concludes with a drop-off at our hotel. (B, L)

Day 06: Xian/Guilin (Flight)

We begin the day with a leisurely morning to explore at our own pace. Later, our guide will meet us at the hotel and assist with check-out. Our first stop is Gao's Courtyard, a perfect spot to admire ancient residences and discover the local art of shadow puppetry.

Next, we visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda North Plaza, where we’ll pause for photos of this iconic Xi'an landmark and, if available, enjoy the impressive music fountain show at noon.

In the late afternoon or evening, we’ll take a flight to Guilin, a small city in Southern China renowned for its stunning natural beauty.

Overnight: Bravo Hotel, Guilin (2 nights)  (B, L)

Day 07: Guilin

We have an exciting day ahead, exploring ethnic villages and the stunning Longji Rice Terraces (Dragon's Back). Our local guide will pick us up from the hotel in the morning, and after a scenic two-hour drive from downtown Guilin, we’ll reach the magnificent terraces, which wind like giant steps around the mountainsides.

Lunch is arranged at a local restaurant in Ping'an Zhuang Village, nestled in the terraces, where we’ll taste local dishes cooked in bamboo, such as bamboo rice and chicken, infused with a light bamboo fragrance, offering a unique dining experience.

After lunch, we’ll have free time to explore the ethnic Yao and Zhuang villages, where locals have lived for generations in wooden houses. We’ll observe daily life, from villagers working in the paddy fields to women in traditional costumes doing needlework. We return to downtown Guilin around 3 PM, arriving at the hotel by approximately 5 PM, depending on traffic. (B, L)

Day 08: Guilin/Yangshuo/Guilin (Boat)

In the morning, we will be driven to Zhujiang Pier for the Li River Cruise, a scenic four-hour journey from Guilin to Yangshuo. As we cruise along the meandering river, we can savor the fairy-tale scenery surrounding us.

After disembarking, we’ll have time to stroll along the famous West Street and enjoy some leisure time before returning to Guilin for the night. (B, L – Lunch Box)

Day 09: Guilin/Chongqing (Train)

After breakfast, we’ll take the morning train to Chongqing, a journey of about 4.5 to 5 hours. Our Chongqing tour guide will be waiting for us at the train station.

Depending on the train and Yangtze River cruise schedule, if time permits, we’ll visit the Three Gorges Museum, the largest monographic museum in China dedicated to preserving the cultural relics and natural environment of Chongqing and the Three Gorges area. Located opposite the museum, the Chongqing People’s Hall is a great spot for photos, resembling the Temple of Heaven.

Next, we’ll explore Hong Ya Dong along the Yangtze River, known for its stilted buildings, vibrant culture, and delicious food. It’s a perfect place to stroll through the old streets and experience the local Ba-yu culture.

Later, we’ll transfer to the cruise terminal and check in to the cruise between 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM, with departure scheduled for 9:00 PM.

Overnight: Victoria USA Cruise/President Cruise  (2 nights) (B, L)

Note: Typically, the cruise departs from Chongqing Chaotianmen Terminal, but some cruises may leave from Fengdu or Fuling Terminal, requiring a 1.5 to 2-hour drive, depending on water levels and cruise arrangements. If the cruise departs from Fengdu or Fuling, the Chongqing city tour will not be included.

Day 10: Yangtze River Cruise

In the morning, enjoy an optional short shore excursion to Fengdu, known as the “Ghost City” in Chinese culture, depending on river conditions. The standard excursion will take us to Fengdu Shuangguishan National Park, with the option to visit Fengdu Ghost City for an additional fee.

This evening, the captain will host a welcome reception. We’ll have the option to watch the Feng Yan San Guo "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" Show as an additional excursion (at extra cost). (B, L, D)

Cruise Itinerary (subject to change):
06:30-08:30: Early Bird coffee and tea, Tai Chi on deck, and buffet breakfast.
09:00-13:30: Shore excursion to Fengdu Shuangguishan National Park or optional Fengdu Ghost City (extra cost), followed by buffet lunch on board.
16:00-21:30: Captain's Welcome Reception with buffet dinner, and optional Feng Yan San Guo Show in the evening.

Note: Shore excursions and docking arrangements are subject to season, water level, canal, and climate changes. Daily programs will be provided on board.
A service fee of RMB150 per passenger for the river guide and cruise crew is not included in the fare.
Personal expenses such as internet, laundry, drinks, and bar charges are also not included.

Day 11: Yangtze River Cruise

Today offers an optional excursion around 07:30 to White Emperor City, which provides a view of Qutang Gorge, famously depicted on the back of the Chinese 10-yuan bill (at additional expense). After returning to the ship, we’ll pass through the stunning Three Gorges: first, the dramatic Qutang Gorge, and then the majestic Wu Gorge, known for its deep valleys and forested mountains. After lunch, we’ll enjoy a scenic boat excursion to the Goddess Stream. (B, L, D)

Cruise Itinerary (subject to change):
06:30-07:00: Early bird coffee and tea, Tai Chi on the upper deck.
07:00-08:30: Buffet breakfast.
07:30-10:15: Optional shore excursion to White Emperor City (at additional expense).
10:45: Estimated time to sail through Qutang Gorge.
12:45: Estimated scenic cruising through Wu Gorge.
12:00-13:00: Buffet lunch.
15:15-18:15: Shore excursion to Goddess Stream (or Shennong Stream, depending on river conditions).
19:00-20:30: Captain’s Farewell Banquet (set-menu dinner).
21:00-21:45: Crew cabaret.
18:30-23:00: Check out and settle any bills.

Note: For the White Emperor City excursion, a 20-minute coach ride will take us to Baidi Temple, followed by two hours to explore the city’s rich historical significance.

Day 12: Yichang/Shanghai (Train)

In the morning, we’ll start with a visit to the impressive Three Gorges Dam (2.5-3 hours), the largest hydroelectric project in the world. After the tour, our local guide will take us to a local restaurant for lunch before transferring to the train station. From there, we’ll board the high-speed train (approximately 7.5 hours) to Shanghai, where our Shanghai guide will meet us at the station and assist with the transfer to the hotel.

Overnight: Sunrise on the Bund, Shanghai (2 nights) (B, L)

Day 13: Shanghai

On our last, yet still inspiring day in Shanghai, the largest and most modern city in mainland China, we begin by walking through the alleys of Shikumen’s Nong Tang, where we can observe the relaxed, everyday life of locals and discover Shanghai’s unique architectural style. Next, we visit Yuyuan Garden, a classic Chinese garden nestled in the heart of the city, followed by a stroll through the bustling Yuyuan Bazaar (Chenghuangmiao Old Street).

After an a la carte lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to The Oriental Pearl TV Tower, where we’ll explore the Shanghai City History Museum (formerly the Shanghai Wax Museum) to learn more about the city’s rich history and development. We’ll then take the elevator to the second sphere of the TV tower for a stunning bird's-eye view of Shanghai, before driving through Lujiazui, the financial and trade hub of Pudong, famous for its towering skyscrapers.

We end the day with a visit to The Bund, where we can admire the illuminated skyline along the Huangpu River and take in iconic landmarks like The Oriental Pearl TV Tower and other high-rise buildings across the river. (B, L)

Day 14: Depart Shanghai

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and are transferred to the airport in time for our departure flight. (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

We accept payments in US$, CA$ as well as in other convertible currencies like EUR, AUD and GBP. Tour prices have been costed in US$. CA$ price shown below is an indicative amount reached at by using the conversion rate at the time of web posting and will be applicable if there is no change in the conversion rate. Should the currency conversion rate change, the US$ pricing will prevail. Bestway Tours & Safaris offers a conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please click here

Notes

Inclusions

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 04 and a maximum of 18 participants

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

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