China Luxury Vacation: Beijing, Shanghai & Yangtze River

Arrive in Beijing, where your private guide and veteran chauffeur will be waiting to welcome you and escort you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to recover from your journey. Depending on arrival time, you may choose to take a gentle walk in the surrounding area or simply relax at your own pace. Your guide will also be available to provide a brief orientation of Beijing, introducing the city's layout and what to expect in the days ahead, ensuring a seamless start to your journey in China.

Accommodation: The Peninsula Beijing or similar

Meet your guide and explore the Forbidden City, China's supreme seat of power for more than five centuries. Marvel at the grand palace architecture, intricate decorations, and richly detailed halls while gaining insight into the ceremonial and daily life of the imperial court.

Afterward, walk into the imperial Jingshan Park and climb to the hilltop viewpoint for panoramic views over the Forbidden City and central Beijing.

Later, explore the cultural heart of old Beijing through a curated hutong experience. Visit traditional courtyard residences, including former homes of notable historical figures, enjoy a short Peking Opera presentation accompanied by a traditional local drink, and stroll through the atmospheric lanes of a historic hutong neighborhood. End the day with Beijing Roast Duck, a signature dish celebrated for its crisp skin and tender meat.

Accommodation: The Peninsula Beijing or similar

Begin the morning at the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage site where ancient emperors once performed ceremonies to pray for good harvests. Participate in a Tai Chi session led by an experienced master practitioner in the park's tranquil surroundings, learning the core principles of this traditional practice through slow, flowing movements and mindful breathing. Afterwards, explore the temple complex and its elegant ceremonial architecture.

Then, visit the Summer Palace, the finest surviving imperial garden in China. Stroll along Kunming Lake, admire graceful pavilions and bridges, and discover the landscaped grounds that once served as a royal retreat from the summer heat.

Accommodation: The Peninsula Beijing or similar

Enjoy some free time before departing the city for the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, approximately a 1.5-hour drive from central Beijing. Upon arrival, take a cable car up to the ramparts, where the ancient wall gradually reveals itself as it stretches dramatically along the forested ridgelines. Walk along the restored pathways, take in sweeping mountain views, and experience the timeless scale of this world wonder before returning to your hotel near the Wall.

Accommodation: Brickyard Retreat at Mutianyu Great Wall or similar

Wake up near the Great Wall and enjoy a quiet morning in the fresh mountain air. Later, transfer to the railway station for your journey to Xi'an. Board a high-speed train in first class or business class seating for a journey of approximately four hours. The route takes you from northern plains into the historic heartland of China, offering ever-changing views along the way.

Upon arrival in Xi'an, your private guide and chauffeur will meet you at the station and escort you to your hotel.

Accommodation: Sofitel Legend People's Grand Hotel Xi'an or similar

Prepare for another day of awe-inspiring exploring, beginning with Terracotta Warriors. Accompanied by your guide, explore the excavation pits and learn about the army of life-sized clay soldiers created to guard the tomb of China's first emperor more than 2,000 years ago.

Afterward, return to the city and stroll through Muslim Street. Browse traditional snack stalls and experience a different side of Xi'an's cultural heritage.

Accommodation: Sofitel Legend People's Grand Hotel Xi'an or similar

Today immerse yourself in the life of the Xi'an locals. Pay a visit to a local family, learn how to make dumplings and other home-cooked dishes, then enjoy lunch with your hosts. If time allows, accompanied by your guide, visit a local market to handpick fresh ingredients.

In the afternoon, transfer to the railway station and take a high-speed train to Chengdu. On arrival, you will be welcomed by your guide and chauffeur to your hotel. Known for its unhurried rhythm of life, Chengdu embodies a distinctive blend of tea culture, culinary richness, and relaxed urban charm.

Accommodation: Upper House Chengdu or similar

Ready to meet the cute giant pandas? Arrive at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding early in the morning. Watch them feed and interact in their naturalistic habitats. Continue to Wenshu Yuan Monastery for a calligraphy experience, trying your hand at writing Buddhist scriptures while enjoying a cup of tea in a serene courtyard surrounded by incense, red walls, and bamboo groves.

Later, visit People's Park to experience Chengdu's everyday local life. Watch locals gathering in traditional teahouses, playing mahjong, dancing, or simply enjoying a relaxed afternoon in the park's unhurried atmosphere.

Accommodation: Upper House Chengdu or similar

Today, travel to the Sanxingdui Museum to marvel at the relics of the ancient Shu civilization. Discover the Bronze Sacred Tree and ceremonial bronze figures, offering a rare glimpse into one of China's most mysterious early civilizations.

Afterward, return to Chengdu and transfer to the railway station for your high-speed train to Chongqing. Upon arrival, you will be met and escorted to the pier to embark on your Yangtze River cruise. As the ship departs from Chongqing's illuminated waterfront, take in the glowing skyline while enjoying a relaxed evening on board.

Accommodation: Yangzi Explorer or similar

Ease into the morning with a Tai Chi session on the open deck, if you wish, followed by breakfast as the cruise sails along the Yangtze River.

Later, disembark for a shore excursion in Fuling with two optional excursions: explore Project 816, or visit the White Crane Ridge Underwater Museum followed by a visit to a local market.

Return on board for a relaxed afternoon with tea service and live music. In the evening, dinner is served as the ship arrives in Zhongxian, where you may choose between a Three Kingdoms-themed night show or a stroll through Zhongzhou Old Alley. Late-night snacks are available on board.

Note: The shore excursions and onboard arrangements are subject to change depending on the specific cruise vessel, cruise operator regulations, weather conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Accommodation: Yangzi Explorer or similar

Sail through the dramatic cliffs of Qutang Gorge in the morning, with breakfast served as the scenery unfolds along the river.

Midday brings a shore excursion in Wushan, offering two options: the scenic Goddess Sky Road, or a boat journey through the Lesser Three Gorges along the Madu River.

Continue cruising through Wu Gorge in the afternoon, known for its misty peaks and layered mountain scenery.

Dinner and live music are served on board in the evening, followed by the passage through the Three Gorges Ship Lift (subject to river conditions).

Accommodation: Yangzi Explorer or similar

Disembark in Yichang after breakfast and visit the Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydropower project, with panoramic viewing platforms and interpretive exhibitions. Alternatively, explore Quyuan Temple and the Three Gorges Resettlement Museum for a more cultural perspective.

After lunch, transfer to Yichang Railway Station and board a high-speed train to Shanghai. Settle in and enjoy the journey as the landscapes of central China gradually give way to the eastern plains.

On arrival in Shanghai, meet your guide for a private transfer to your hotel.

Accommodation: Upper House Shanghai or similar

Uncover the history of Shanghai's past and observe the development of this modern city. Start by exploring the Bund, and your expert guide introduces the origins of Shanghai and shares stories about the famous buildings from the early 20th-century foreign concession era.

Continue into the old city. Walk through Shikumen alleyways, visit historic guild halls and residential gardens, and experience the lively atmosphere around the City God Temple, blending local life, commerce, and street activity.

Conclude at the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall. Large-scale models and immersive displays present the city's future development and ongoing transformation.

Accommodation: Upper House Shanghai or similar

Time to say goodbye. You can have some leisure time until being transferred to the airport for your homebound flight.