China Tour With Great Wall, Yangtze Cruise & Chongqing
- Duration 14 Days
- Tour Type Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style Classic
About This Trip
Discover China's iconic landmarks with scenic river cruising on this diverse 14-day itinerary. Start in Beijing and visit the Great Wall, then continue to Xi'an and see the Terracotta Warriors. Touring the picturesque Guilin with a boat cruise down the Li River, as well as a countryside tour in Yangshuo. Then, detour to Chongqing, where you can catch a glimpse of the famous Liziba monorail passing through a building, before embarking on a 4-day Yangtze cruise, stopping to see some cultural and natural sites as you travel to the Three Gorges Dam. Move on to metropolitan Shanghai to see the modern Bund waterfront, ancient Yu Gardens, and historic French Concession.
Itinerary Summary
| DAY | PLACE | HIGHLIGHTS |
| 1 - 4 | Beijing | Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace |
| 5 - 6 | Xi'an | Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter |
| 7 - 8 | Guilin | Li River Cruise, West Street, Reed Flute Cave |
| 9 | Chongqing | Ciqikou Old Town, Shancheng Alley, Huguang Guild Hall |
| 10 - 12 | Yangtze River Cruise | Three Gorges Dam, Shennv Stream, Fengdu Ghost City |
| 13 - 14 | Shanghai | The Bund, Former French Concession, Yu Garden |
Suggested Itinerary
Touching down in Beijing, your personal tour guide will meet you at the arrival hall exit, with your name board and Odynovo's logo in hand. Later, you will be escorted to your hotel. The rest of the day is for you to relax and recover from your journey.
- Beijing
Forbidden City in Beijing
Today’s Highlights
- Admire the Elegant Architectures at the Forbidden City
- Stroll Through the Gardens of the Summer Palace
Your Day in Detail
Travel to Tiananmen Square in the morning and proceed to the beautiful Forbidden City's entrance. It is a palace complex that served as the residence of ancient China's emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. With the guidance of your knowledgeable guide, learn about the history and stories behind each palace. If the story fascinates you, you can stay for a longer period of time.
Spend the afternoon visiting the Summer Palace, a royal masterpiece of Chinese landscaped gardens. Walk around to observe the beautiful temples and pavilions.
Optional Activities
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Kung Fu ShowEnjoy an exciting performance of traditional Chinese martial arts, featuring powerful moves, impressive acrobatics, and dramatic stage choreography.
- B L
- Beijing
Mutianyu Great Wall in Beijing
Today’s Highlights
- Ride the Cable Car to the Mutianyu Great Wall
- Local Rickshaw Ride in Old Beijing Hutongs
Your Day in Detail
Today, you will see one of Beijing's most popular attractions, the beautiful Great Wall. Spend time at the Mutianyu Great Wall, which has beautiful views and is less crowded. It's convenient to take a round-trip cable car up and back down the mountain. And you may take your time strolling around the wall, taking in the magnificent scenery.
In the afternoon, dive into local communities divided by intricate lanes called Hutong. Take a rickshaw ride through the winding streets and feel the breeze, simply to experience more about local cultures.
- B L
- Beijing
Temple of Heaven
Today’s Highlights
- Watch Locals Practice Tai Chi at the Temple of Heaven
- High-Speed Train Journey to Xi'an
Your Day in Detail
Begin your day with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, where ancient rulers prayed to "heaven" for a bountiful crop. It's now a public park where you can regularly find locals doing Tai Chi and other forms of exercise.
After the tour, you will board a bullet train to Xi'an. You'll be met at the station by your guide and driven to your accommodation.
- B
- Xi'an
Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an
Today’s Highlights
- Meet the Life-Sized Terracotta Warriors
- Walk Along Xi'an's Ancient City Wall
- Taste Local Flavors at Muslim Quarter
Your Day in Detail
This morning, you will uncover the mysteries of the underground army of Terracotta Warriors and be astonished by the thousands of vivid clay statues there in life-size.
Returning to the city in the afternoon, absorb the red-lantern-lined city streets from the Ancient City Wall and then stroll through the Muslim Quarter, a place to glance at Chinese Muslims' life, to try some exotic snacks and collect colorful souvenirs.
Optional Activities
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Tang Dynasty Music & Dance ShowEnjoy a captivating performance of traditional Chinese music and dance inspired by the Tang Dynasty, featuring elegant costumes, graceful movements, and ancient melodies.
- B L
- Xi'an
Reed Flute Cave in Guilin
Today’s Highlights
- Walk Among Reed Flute Cave's Illuminated Stalactites
Your Day in Detail
Fly to Guilin in the morning. Upon arrival, your tour guide and driver will welcome you and escort you to explore the Reed Flute Cave, a light adventure through the forest of stalactites and stalagmites under dreamlike lights. After that, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in.
- B
- Guilin
Li River Cruise
Today’s Highlights
- Cruise Through the Karst Landscapes of the Li River
- Wander Through Yangshuo's Lively West Street
Your Day in Detail
Be taken to Zhujiang Pier (about 50 minutes) and start a Li River cruise down to Yangshuo. Along the river, immerse yourself in the picturesque scenery formed by karst pinnacles, which have inspired poets and painters for centuries.
After the cruise, your tour guide will accompany you to walk through the busy West Street and then arrive at your hotel.
- B L
- Yangshuo
Yangshuo Countryside
Today’s Highlights
- Explore Yangshuo's Local Life on Your Own
Your Day in Detail
Spend a leisurely morning in Yangshuo, freely exploring the surrounding villages. You may come across early-rising farmers at work and soak in the village's tranquil, healing atmosphere.
Later, take a high-speed train for an approximately 5.5 hours' ride to Chongqing, a hillside metropolis known for its striking skyline, bold spicy cuisine, and layered urban scenery. On arrival, meet your local guide at the station Three Gorges, and transfer to your hotel for check-in and rest.
- B L
- Chongqing
Liziba Monorail Station in Chongqing
Today’s Highlights
- Wander Through the Historic Lanes of Ciqikou
- Explore Chongqing's Layered Shancheng Alley
- Watch the Monorail Pass Through a Residential Building
- Discover Creative Spaces at Eling Second Factory
- Experience Sichuan Opera Face-Changing
- Board Your Yangtze River Cruise
Your Day in Detail
Begin your morning in Ciqikou Old Town, where stone-paved alleys, teahouses, and lively market stalls reflect Chongqing's timeless charm. Those curious about local flavors can sample a traditional breakfast here. Continue to Shancheng Alley, a window into the city's layered history, with remnants of old walls, wooden stilt houses, and wartime courtyards overlooking the Yangtze. Pause at the Liziba Monorail Station, famous for trains running through residential towers, before riding the light rail to Eling Park for sweeping views of the rivers and city skyline. Stroll downhill to Eling Second Factory, now a creative hub of cafés and studios, and enjoy a casual lunch at leisure.
In the afternoon, stop by the Huguang Guild Hall, where history and culture come alive through traditional courtyards, ornate carvings, and a lively performance of Sichuan opera face-changing and folk arts.
Finally, transfer to the port and board your Yangtze River Cruise, setting off on the next stage of your journey.
Optional Activities
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Chongqing Motorcycle Night-Shot Experience:Ride through Chongqing’s cyberpunk-style night views with a professional motorcycle rider, striking cinematic poses along the way and capturing your own 15-second cinematic clip. The experience takes place in a specially cleared area, making it both safe and fun, and it has become a trendy tourist check-in.
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Chongqing Drone Show:The drone show runs on a fixed schedule, usually starting around 8:30 PM on designated dates. If your visit to Chongqing happens to coincide with a show night, you can ask your guide to take you to watch it. The spectacular display is well worth seeing.
- B L D
- Yangtze River Cruise
Fengdu Ghost City
Today’s Highlights
- Explore the Legendary Fengdu Ghost City
- Join Cultural Activities Onboard
Your Day in Detail
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing and fun Tai Chi session on deck. When the ship docks at Fengdu, take a shore excursion to the legendary Ghost City, where myths and Taoist traditions come alive, with an optional cable car ride available at extra cost. Back on board, join cultural activities before evening.
- B L D
- Yangtze River Cruise
Shennv Stream
Today’s Highlights
- Relax Amid the Scenery of the Yangtze River
- Explore Shennv Stream by Wooden Boat
Your Day in Detail
The majesty of the Yangtze River presents itself to you, and you can only sit back to enjoy it. History fans may opt to the optional tour to the White Emperor City.
Be prepared to take in the beauty of Shennv Stream in the afternoon. Take a wooden boat to reach the deep gorge, admire the stunning scenery and have a chance to see the locals' daily life.
- B L D
- Yangtze River Cruise
Three Gorges Dam
Today’s Highlights
- Visit the Three Gorges Dam
- Disembark the Yangtze River Cruise in Yichang
Your Day in Detail
Today's highlight must be the Three Gorges Dam, which spans the Yangtze River and has been one of the largest power stations in the world.
The unforgettable Yangtze River cruise ends in Yichang. After disembarkation, you will be firstly transferred to the tourist center in Yichang city, where you will be met by your private guide and transferred to the airport for your flight to Shanghai.
- B
- Shanghai
The Bund in Shanghai
Today’s Highlights
- Discover China's Ancient Arts at Shanghai Museum
- Wander Through the Classical Yu Garden
- Stroll Along Former French Concession
- Take in Old Shanghai Along the Bund
Your Day in Detail
Discover the city from the Shanghai Museum, which houses an excellent collection of ancient exhibits, including ceramics, paintings, calligraphy, sculptures, etc. Move on to explore the exquisite Yu Garden, a shining star among all traditional Chinese gardens in the south of the Yangtze. Change tempo and have a leisurely walk through the tree-lined avenues of the Former French Concession. Ends today's tour with strolling on the Bund, where you can get a microcosm of Old Shanghai dating back to the 1920s.
Optional Activities
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Acrobatics ShowSee the skill and precision of Chinese acrobatics in a thrilling live performance, with daring stunts, impressive balance, and remarkable feats of agility that keep you on the edge of your seat.
- B L
- Shanghai
Today, you will be free until the tour guide picks you up and transfer you to the airport for your return flight. Say goodbye to China!
- B
What's Included in Your Private Tour
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A dedicated travel expert will work with you to design and arrange your itinerary based on your interests, travel style, schedule, and budget. Your trip can be adjusted as your plans take shape.
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Accommodation is selected based on location, quality, your preferences, and budget. Depending on the destination and itinerary, options may include international hotel chains, boutique hotels, and locally distinctive properties.
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Local guides are arranged in each destination, with strong language skills and in-depth local knowledge. Your guide will help you make the most of each destination while sharing local history, culture, and everyday life.
Guide arrangements may vary depending on your destination and itinerary. Please refer to your Tour Program for the specific guide arrangements for your trip.
If you have any special requirements for your guide, such as in-depth historical and cultural interpretation or expertise in a particular industry or subject, please let us know in advance so we can take your preferences into consideration when arranging your trip. -
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with a dedicated driver, as specified in the itinerary
- Domestic trains as specified in the itinerary
- Domestic flights as specified in the itinerary
- International flights for selected multi-country tours, as specified in the itinerary.
Transportation arrangements can be adjusted to suit your itinerary and travel needs.
*As each trip is tailor-made, transportation arrangements may vary by itinerary and destination. The final arrangements will be detailed in your Tour Program.*International flights to and from your home country are normally not included in the initial Tour Program. If you would like, your travel expert can also help arrange these flights upon request.
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- Breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D) as specified in the itinerary
- Additional meals can be arranged upon request
- Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request
FAQ About the Trip
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The Mutianyu Great Wall visit includes a round-trip cable car, so you won't need to tackle a strenuous climb. After reaching the Wall by cable car, you can focus on the most scenic sections rather than walking between every watchtower. Discuss with your travel expert in advance and choose the selected section, which is relatively gentle, with no steep slopes, making the visit comfortable for most people.
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Yes, you can take a flight instead of the train. You'll first transfer to Guilin airport by private car for the flight to Chongqing. However, direct flights from Guilin to Chongqing operate on a fixed schedule and are not available every day. Please check with your travel expert based on your travel dates to customize a best option for you.
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The Yangtze River cruise experience varies depending on the cruise line and your travel dates. Each cruise company has its own fixed sailing schedule, itinerary, and shore excursions. Typical stops may include Fengdu Ghost City, the War Fire of the Three Kingdoms show in Zhongxian, Baidi City, Shennv Stream, and the Three Gorges Dam in Yichang.
If you have a preferred cruise line, let your travel expert know in advance. Please note that the actual sailing route and shore excursions may change due to river conditions, weather, or navigation requirements.
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You'll find a good variety of activities on a Yangtze River cruise, from social and cultural programs to leisure facilities. Depending on the ship, you may enjoy guided sightseeing from the deck, a captain's welcome party, evening performances, Tai Chi lessons, or calligraphy demonstrations.
Ships may also offer facilities such as a gym, cinema, KTV, game room, reading room, and children's play area for you to enjoy at your leisure.
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Most days involve 2-4 hours of light walking at a relaxed pace, with private vehicle transfers between sites. Chongqing city tour has the most stairs and steep terrain, so it's important to clarify with your travel expert in advance about your expected walking level and arrange accordingly.
Your Travel Partner Every Step of the Way
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Before You Travel
- Personalized itinerary planning
- Professional advice from local experts
- Smooth booking support from start to finish
Every great journey starts with thoughtful planning. From the moment you contact us, we take the time to understand your travel style, interests, and expectations. Whether you’re looking for iconic highlights, local experiences, or a more relaxed pace, we help design a trip that truly fits you. -
While You Travel
- Expert local guides with deep knowledge
- 24/7 support for any on-the-go needs
- Flexible arrangements to suit your pace
Once your trip begins, we're right there with you behind the scenes. Our local guides, trusted partners, and support team work together to make your journey smooth, comfortable, and worry-free. From airport pickups to flexible day-to-day arrangements, we help you travel with confidence and ease. -
After You Return Home
- We welcome and value your feedback
- A travel team you can return to anytime
- Special benefits for your next journey
For us, the journey doesn’t simply end when the trip is over. We love staying connected with our travelers, hearing your feedback, and learning more about your experience. Your insights help us continue improving our services while also inspiring future travelers. Many of our guests travel with us again, or recommend us to family and friends, and that’s something we truly value.
Before You Travel
While You Travel
After You Return Home
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