Golden Triangle and Yangtze Cruise
Summary
China is a vast country offering a wide range of exciting experiences. The ancient temples and artifacts link to a fascinating culture spanning over many dynasties with a colourful and rich history. Explore the ancient temples, walls and fortresses and discover how they were able to build such strong structures, then discover the modern buildings that boggle the mind in their size and enormity. The culture is vibrant and colourful whether exploring the northern city of Beijing or traversing the Yangtze with the picturesque countryside to enjoy.
On this trip you'll discover Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai form China’s ‘Golden Triangle’. These three cities are a must for any first time visitor to China offering iconic sights such as the Terracotta Warriors, The Bund, Summer Palace, Great Wall and many more besides. Added to this a cruise along the Yangtze River which will allow you to get off the beaten track and experience the formidable beauty of rural China.
Duration |
12 Days
Price
From $4,175.00 per person based on two adults sharing a roomBest time to go
Generally speaking, the best months to visit China are in the spring or autumn months of April, May, September and October as temperatures are warm and it is fairly dry.
Day 1
Overnight flight to Beijing.
Day 2: Raffles, Beijing (BB)
Upon arrival in Beijing, you’ll meet your guide who’ll transport you to your hotel. The rest of the day is spent at leisure where you can enjoy the hotel's facilities or explore this fascinating city.
Day 3: Raffles, Beijing (BB)
After breakfast, your guide will collect you at your hotel for a full day of sight-seeing. You’ll start at the mythical Temple of Heaven, followed by a short walk to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. You’ll then lunch before continuing to the Summer Palace, which acts as a beautiful oasis of green and blue in the middle of bustling Beijing.
Day 4: Raffles, Beijing (BB)
This morning you’ll again be met by your guide who’ll chauffeur you to the Badaling section of the Great Wall of China. This section is the best-preserved part of the Great Wall and hence is popular with tourists. On the way back to Beijing you’ll stop at the Ming Tombs, where 13 Ming emperors are buried and their mausoleums have been perfectly preserved. You’ll then be transferred back to your hotel via a short stop at some of the iconic arena used in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Day 5: Sofitel Legend Peoples Grand, Xi’an (BB)
Morning at leisure, followed by a transfer to the airport for your short flight to Xi’an, China’s ancient capital.
On arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel where you can enjoy the rest of the day exploring the local markets or simply relaxing at the hotel.
Day 6: Sofitel Legend peoples Grand, Xi’an (BB)
Today will start with a visit to the Terracotta Warriors - an army of clay soldiers buried alongside the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty. You’ll then return to Xi’an and enjoy lunch. The afternoon will be spent exploring Xi’an’s treasures, your guide will take you to the Wild Goose Pagoda and Great Mosque among other sites in and around the city.
Day 7: Sanctuary Yangtze Explorer, Chongqing - Yichang (FB)
After breakfast, your guide will take you for a short visit to the Xi’an’s city walls which are the largest ancient military defence system in the world and offer great views over the city.
You’ll then be transferred to Xi’an airport for the flight to Chongqing where you’ll embark on your luxury Yangtze cruise in the late afternoon. Full board is included while on the cruise
Day 8: Sanctuary Yangtze Explorer, Chongqing - Yichang (FB)
Today the incredible scenery on the Yangtze will be supplemented with an excursion to the relocated village of Fengdu. Fengdu was moved due to the construction of the Three Gorges Dam which increased the rivers' water levels. You’ll spend a couple of hours at this scenic village before returning to your cruise ship and continuing on your cruise.
Day 9: Sanctuary Yangtze Explorer, Chongqing - Yichang (FB)
On the second day of your cruise, the scenery will get even more spectacular as you pass through the Qutang, Xiling and Wu Gorges. You’ll then disembark the main boat to cruise the incredible Shennong Stream by traditional longboat.
Day 10: Park Hyatt, Shanghai (BB)
In the morning you’ll arrive at the massive Three Gorges Dam complex, the world's largest and most expensive engineering project. The project was also mired in controversy as it submerged a number of towns and cities and forced millions to relocate.
Disembark your cruise in the late afternoon and transfer to Yichang airport for your flight to Shanghai.
Upon arrival in Shanghai transfer to your hotel.
Day 11: Park Hyatt, Shanghai (BB)
Today’s itinerary is a full day private tour of Shanghai. You’ll start with a visit to Yuyuan Gardens and the iconic Old Bazaar, before being transferred to the mystical Jade Buddha Temple. You’ll then have lunch at a traditional restaurant before spending the afternoon in the Shanghai Museum famous for its vast collection of ancient Chinese art and artefacts. In the early evening, you’ll stroll along The Bund, lined by elegant French architecture and with incredible views across the Huangpu River. This area really comes into its own at night when the skyscrapers all light up.
Day 12: Departure
Transfer to Shanghai Pudong airport for your return flight.
Inclusions
All flights, transfers, meals, accommodation and activities as specified, local English speaking guides throughout
Exclusions
Transfers, meals and activities not specified, visas, insurance, gratuities and items of a personal nature.
Cleveland Collection tailor makes all itineraries to include highlights of your choice. Speak to one of our travel experts to create your perfect holiday based on your travel requirements.
*We try to keep our 'from prices' as accurate as possible, but please do be aware that when travelling at peak times such as Christmas and school holidays, prices shown will vary considerably.