Destinations: Arrive in Beijing

Activities:

You'll be met on arrival at Beijing airport. Free time rest of the day exploring the nearby streets, or resting and catching up on your jetlag. Beijing is a city of amazing contrasts – an ancient capital with incredible historical sites, and a bustling modern metropolis hosted the 2008 Olympics.

Destinations: Beijing

Activities:

After breakfast head out for Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest public square, which is closely linked to The Forbidden City, from which the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties governed for over 500 years. Later you'll visit the Temple of Heaven, where the Emperors prayed for good harvests and rain, or gave thanks for the harvest. Today's itinerary includes a visit to the old Beijing handicraft workshop.

Meals: lunch

Destinations: Beijing

Activities:

After breakfast, we will leave for Great Wall at Badaling, which stretches for over 6000km, and was originally built to protect China from the barbarians. You can walk and climb at your own pace.
In the afternoon, you will have chance to view exterior view of Olympic Venues. The 2008 Beijing Olympic Park and Olympic village have been opened to public from October, 2008. You may stop and take some photos and have a glimpse of the Olympic stadiums, such as Bird's Nest - National Stadium, and Water Cube - National Aquatics Center. Finally visit the Summer Palace, the most beautiful imperial garden in China. You can have a boat ride on the lake which is a best way to enjoy the beautiful view.

Meals: lunch

Destinations: Beijing to Xi'an

Activities:

You will be free in the morning until being transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Xi'an which is of the oldest cities in China. Xi'an was the national capital for over 1,000 years and was also the starting point of the Silk Road. On arrival we will take a half-hour's hike along the Ancient City Wall to familiarize ourselves with this fascinating cross cultural city. For the energetic we recommend a ride bike along the top of the wall (Bikes can be rented for around 20 yuan/hour)

Destinations: Xi'an

Activities:

You will visit Terracotta Warriors and Horses in the morning. It is part of the underground tomb of the Emperor Qin. Well over 7000 figures in full battle array are formed for battle in several large pits. Many of the figures - soldiers, archers, horses and chariots have been restored. In the afternoon we are going to the Bell Tower where you can get a bird's view of the city from the top. We will continue to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda where widely renowned Master Xuanzang (Monk Tripitaka) stored his collection of classic Buddhist artifacts brought from India.

Meals: lunch

Destinations: Xi'an to Chongqing to Yangtze

Activities:

Fly to Chongqing, gateway to the Yangtze. If time permits, exlore the Chongqing City on own. You are welcomed aboard the cruise in the evening.

Destinations: Yangtze River

Activities:

Your ship sails this morning. Cruise the Yangtze as it meanders through the heartland of China. Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the river and the facilities onboard. Today’s shore excursion is to Fengdu Ghost City.

Meals: lunch+dinner

Destinations: Yangtze River

Activities:

Cruise through the dramatic Three Gorges, beneath soaring limestone cliffs rising sheer from the water. Next, embark a small motorboat and journey through the tranquil Daning River and Lesser Three Gorges or Shennong Stream.

Meals: lunch+dinner

Destinations: Yangtze to Yichang to Shanghai

Activities:

Shore excursion to The Three Gorges Dam Site. Disembark at Yichang at noon. If time permits there will be optional sightseeing programs on your own cost at Yichang. Transfer to Yichang airport and fly to Shanghai, China’s most modern metropolis.

Destinations: Shanghai

Activities:

Today you visit the Jade Buddha Temple, the lovely old Yuyuan Garden, and the famous Oriental Pearl TV Tower (also known as the Pearl Tower, for its distinctive shape). The second-highest platform provides wonderful views over Shanghai and the Huang Pu River, and those with a good head for heights can choose to buy a ticket to continue on to the very top.

Meals: lunch

Destinations: Departure from Shanghai

Activities: Your time is your own, until you are ready to be transferred to the airport for your departure.