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Iconic China with Yangtze Cruise - 07 Apr 2027 to 06 Oct 2027
Operated by Trafalgar
Tripcode: 4CLICM27
Overview
Destination:
China,
Duration:12 days
Type:Group tour (max 45)
Travel Period
April 2027 - October 2027
Travel with your Small Group from Shanghai to Beijing and see China’s big hitters without the fuss. Cruise the Yangtze through jaw-dropping gorges, come face to face with the Terracotta Warriors and walk the Great Wall. Check out Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Three Gorges Dam. You’ll zip between cities on high-speed trains, cruise ships and coaches — with the must-sees sorted and plenty of freedom to do your own thing.
Iconic Experience
- Shanghai: Walk the Bund with your Travel Director, where grand historic buildings line the Huangpu River and Shanghai’s modern skyline stretches across the water. Continue to Nanjing Road, alive with glowing signs and elegant storefronts, before visiting a silk factory to see how the material is produced and learn about its place in Chinese culture.
- Yangtze: As you arrive, the Yangtze stretches before you, the longest river in Asia and third longest in the world, its broad waters glinting in the light. After dinner, step aboard your cruise ship and settle in for three nights on the water, watching the current slip quietly past beyond the deck.
- Glide along the Shennong Stream by small boat, over clear green water between steep cliffs, with ancient hanging coffins set high in the rock and narrow valleys unfolding along the waterway.
- Weather permitting, visit Xiao Guan Shan Folk Culture Park, where weathered rooftops, carved timber and quiet courtyards sit above the shimmering Yangtze, offering a glimpse of the homes and traditions once found along the river.
- Chongqing: You’ll get to know Chongqing, a major river city built on steep hills above the Yangtze. Busy shopping streets, high-rises and older alleyways sit side by side and hotpot restaurants are packed most evenings, showing you how people here eat, shop and spend their time.
- Xi'an: Explore the vast underground tomb complex of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Stand before the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army, thousands of life-sized warriors, horses and chariots crafted over two millennia ago to guard the emperor in the afterlife. Each figure is unique, offering a powerful glimpse into ancient artistry and imperial ambition.
- Xi'an: Step inside 2,000-year-old Yaodong cave dwellings, built from naturally insulating, earthquake-resistant Loess earth. As modern homes replace them, your visit helps families restore their homes, keeping their heritage alive while embracing the future. Your visit also directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
- Beijing: Gain insights into this fascinating city during a sightseeing tour of Beijing. See the Great Hall of the People and Tiananmen Square before stepping through the south gate of the Forbidden City.
- Great Wall of China: Visit the Great Wall of China to marvel at the history of this renowned landmark.
- Beijing: Discover the significance of jade in Chinese culture during a visit to a traditional workshop. You’ll learn to tell genuine jade from imitation, explore the stone’s cultural and mineral origins, and even watch skilled artisans at work. More than a jewellery stop, this experience offers insight into a tradition shaped by 2,500 years of history and Confucian values.
Highlights:
Standard inclusions
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 11 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Lunch (L)
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- Many meals and daily breakfasts included
- 3 Night Yangtze Cruise.
- Luxury air-conditioned coach
- City orientation tours
- Audio Headsets provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences
- Extensive variety of Choice Experiences
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised
Itinerary
Expand all 
Collapse all
Collapse allArrive Shanghai
You’ve just landed in one of China’s most exciting cities — full of energy, flavour and hidden corners to discover. Arrive early? Head to the beautiful Yuyuan Garden, a peaceful spot with classical pavilions, koi ponds and winding walkways right in the middle of the city. Or keep it casual with a wander through nearby markets and street food stalls. However you ease in, your adventure kicks off tonight with dinner at a local restaurant — your first taste of Chinese cuisine and a chance to meet your small group crew.
Shanghai Sightseeing
Today kicks off with a guided sightseeing tour of Shanghai. You’ll stroll along the iconic Bund with your Travel Director, soaking up skyline views and stories of the city’s past. Then it's on to Nanjing Road, where shops and street life collide in true Shanghai style. You’ll also visit a silk factory to see how this delicate craft has shaped Chinese culture. The afternoon is all yours. Wander the leafy French Concession, track down the city's best dumplings or chill with a rooftop cocktail overlooking the river. This evening, why not join an Optional Experience and cruise the Huangpu River as the city lights sparkle around you? It's the perfect way to see Shanghai from a different angle and wrap up an unforgettable day.
Shanghai Free Day
It’s a free morning in Shanghai, and how you spend it is completely up to you. Go your own way or join an Optional Experience to take in jaw-dropping views from the Jinmao Tower. Later, fly to Yichang where your next adventure begins. Enjoy a local dinner before boarding your Yangtze River cruise, your floating home for the next few nights. With your bags unpacked and the river breeze on deck, it’s time to kick back and get ready for a slower, scenic pace as China’s landscapes unfold around you.
Yangtze River Cruise
Today is all about soaking up the epic scenery of the Yangtze River. Cruise through the Xiling Gorge, the longest and deepest of the famous Three Gorges, where misty cliffs tower above jade-green water. You’ll also pass by the mighty Three Gorges Dam, an engineering marvel. Back on board, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy the ship’s facilities — relax on deck, join a cultural talk or simply watch the landscapes drift by. Feeling curious? Choose from three incredible Optional Experiences: visit the Tribe of the Three Gorges, explore the legendary hometown of Qu Yuan, or witness the fascinating ship lift at the Three Gorges Dam. However you spend your day, the views are unforgettable.
Yangtze River Cruise
Start your day on a smaller boat, gliding along the Shennong Stream past steep cliffs, hanging coffins and hidden valleys. Back onboard, it’s all about the views as you cruise through the Wu Gorge and the narrow, dramatic Qutang Gorge — some of the most scenic stretches of the Yangtze. Want to dig a little deeper? Join an Optional Experience to White Emperor City, where ancient temples, legends and sweeping river views give you a real feel for this region’s history.
Yangtze River Cruise
Another day of scenic cruising on the Yangtze — so sit back, relax and enjoy the views. Later, stretch your legs with a visit to Xiao Guan Shan Folk Culture Park, where you’ll get a taste of local traditions and rural life. If river conditions change, no worries — you’ll head to the colourful Snow Jade Cave instead, filled with striking rock formations. Want something a bit spookier? Join an Optional Experience to Fengdu’s Ghost City, packed with eerie statues and wild legends. This evening, there’s an onboard entertainment show if you're up for a little fun before bed.
Yangtze River Cruise - Chongqing - Xi'an
Say goodbye to your Yangtze cruise this morning as you arrive in Chongqing, one of China’s most dynamic cities. Kick off with an orientation that includes a stop at Liziba Station, where you can watch a city train zip straight through a residential building — a wild bit of urban engineering. Then take a stroll through Jiefangbei, Chongqing’s lively pedestrian area packed with shops, street food and sky-high buildings. After soaking up the city buzz, jump on a high-speed train to Xi’an. Once you arrive and transfer to your hotel, the evening is yours. Walk the ancient city wall, check out the Drum Tower lit up at night or take it easy at a local teahouse. It’s your call.
Xi'an Sightseeing
Start your day at the legendary Terracotta Warriors and Horses, one of the greatest archaeological finds in the world. After exploring this ancient army, enjoy a noodle lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, take part in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a visit to the Yaodong cave dwellings — traditional homes carved into hillsides that are part of a disappearing way of life. Your visit helps support the families who live here. This evening in Xi’an is yours, or you can choose from two Optional Experiences: enjoy a Tang Dynasty show with dumpling banquet and a peek behind the curtain, or dive into Xi’an’s craft beer scene in the vibrant Muslim Quarter.
Xi'an - Beijing
Your morning in Xi’an is all yours. Grab a coffee, take a walk or join one of three Optional Experiences. You could start the day with a calming tai chi session in the park, cycle the top of the ancient city wall, or get creative in a calligraphy class. Later, board a high-speed train to Beijing and check in to your hotel. Once you’ve settled in, the evening is yours to explore. Stroll through the streets, find a dumpling spot or just take it easy — you’ve arrived in China’s buzzing capital.
Beijing Sightseeing
Kick off your day in Beijing with a sightseeing trip alongside your Travel Director. Stand in Tiananmen Square, one of the world’s largest public spaces, then step into the legendary Forbidden City — home to emperors for over 500 years. The afternoon is yours to explore, or you can join an Optional Experience to the peaceful Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Ming dynasty architecture. This evening, choose from two more Optional Experiences: grab dinner with a twist at SpaceLab, where your food arrives by rollercoaster-style track, or watch martial arts mastery live at the Legend of Kung Fu Show. Whether you go classic or quirky, Beijing doesn’t hold back.
Beijing and the Great Wall
It’s the big one. Today you’ll visit the Great Wall of China at Juyongguan, one of the most scenic and accessible sections of this world-famous wonder. Walk along the ancient stones, take in the views and tick off a serious bucket list moment. After, stop by a jade factory to see skilled craftspeople at work. The evening is yours to explore Beijing one last time. Hit the shops, find a rooftop bar or wander the local streets. Or, end on a high note with an Optional Experience and tuck into a classic Peking Duck dinner, served the traditional way. Then step into a local square to watch the city come alive with music, movement and locals square dancing. Feeling brave? Join in and make your final Beijing night one to talk about.
Depart Beijing
It’s the last day of your China adventure — time to pack up, swap contacts and say goodbye to your Small Group who’ve shared the journey. You’ll make your own way to the airport, but you’re heading home with unforgettable memories, epic stories and maybe a few new friends too.
Dates
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Operator
Trafalgar
The best of the world unlocked for you. Imagine unmissable experiences you’ve always dreamed of, getting to know the locals and having everything taken care of every step of the way. Here's what you'll experience: Must-sees to local secrets: Visiting bucket list sites are a highlight of travelling, however, travelling on your own can make them hard work. Don’t queue with other sightseers for hours, with Trafalgar our experts unlock doors – think exclusive access to the Vatican out of hours or a tour of Versailles and its grounds with an expert. This, coupled with the intimate glimpses and hidden gems our local specialists show you, are the life-changing experiences that make you feel like an insider, not a tourist. One-of-a-kind experiences: Thanks to our global network you’ll unlock local access to communities and people around the world. Our 100+ Be My Guest experiences are a signature Trafalgar exclusive, where you will enjoy the hospitality of locals as you are welcomed into their homes to hear their stories and learn about their cultures. In every destination, you’ll also enjoy unique “Stays with stories” accommodation: more than just a place to rest your head, they are part of the heritage and fabric of the communities you visit. Responsible travel at heart: When you choose Trafalgar, you are choosing to make your travels a force for good and support our goal to MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®. We recognise our responsibility to ensure we make a positive impact on the planet we call home, the people we visit, and the rich wildlife we find. We ensure that the impacts of our business and your travels are positive in two ways: through our TreadRight Foundation, and our 5-year sustainability strategy How We Tread Right.
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11 nights
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