China Essence Tour with Chongqing & Yangtze Cruise

/5 935 Latest reviews

Tour Code: ODY-CN-2564

Destination:Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Chongqing, Yangtze Cruise, Shanghai

Duration

14 Days

Tour Type

Private & Bespoke

Tour Style

Classic

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About This Trip

This two-week journey showcases China's rich tapestry of imperial grandeur, natural wonders, and modern vibrancy. Stroll Beijing's royal landmarks and ancient hutongs, stand in awe before the Terracotta Army in Xi'an, cruise the postcard-perfect Li River in Guilin, and dive into wartime history in dynamic Chongqing. Then, relax aboard a scenic Yangtze River cruise before ending your adventure among the sparkling skyline and colonial architecture of Shanghai. Carefully crafted for flexibility and comfort, this itinerary blends must-see highlights with authentic local experiences.

Itinerary Summary

DAY PLACE HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 4 Beijing Forbidden City, Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Hutong
5 Xi'an Terracotta Warriors & Bronze Chariots, Muslim Street
6 - 8 Guilin Li River Cruise to Yangshuo, Reed Flute Cave, Leisure Time in Yangshuo's Countryside
9 Chongqing Liziba Station, Ciqikou Ancient Town, Shancheng Alley, Eling Park
10 - 12 Yangtze River Cruise Fengdu Ghost City, Goddess Stream, Three Gorges Dam
13 - 14 Shanghai The Bund, Shanghai Museum, Yuyuan Garden, Yuyuan Market, Former French Concession, Silk Workshop
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Itinerary

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Day 1: Beijing Arrival

Welcome to Beijing, China's vibrant capital and cultural heart.

Upon arrival at the airport, your personal guide will meet you at the exit and escort you by private vehicle to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to unwind, adjust to the time difference, or explore the city at your leisure.

Beijing

Day 2: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Summer Palace

Begin your day in historic Beijing with a visit to Tiananmen Square, the symbolic heart of modern China. Just steps away lies the majestic Forbidden City, where imperial architecture and centuries-old relics bring dynastic history to life.

In the afternoon, wander the tranquil gardens and pavilions of the Summer Palace. If weather permits, enjoy a peaceful boat ride across Kunming Lake. 

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Beijing

Day 3: Mutianyu Great Wall

No visit to China is complete without a walk on the Great Wall. This morning, travel to the Mutianyu section, a scenic and less crowded stretch famed for its watchtowers and forested surroundings. Take a cable car up and hike along the ancient stone path of the world's largest ancient fortification for stunning panoramic views.

In the afternoon, dive into local communities divided by intricate lanes called Hutong. Take a rickshaw ride to learn more about local cultures.

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Beijing

Day 4: Temple of Heaven, Hutong & Train to Xi'an

Start your day at the Temple of Heaven, an imperial sanctuary surrounded by lively park life where locals practice tai chi and traditional games. Listen to the stories about this architecture, and immerse in local people's vibrancy by partake in their exercise.

Then, board a high-speed train (approx. 5 hours) to Xi'an. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel with your guide's assistance.

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Xi'an

Day 5: Terracotta Warriors & Muslim Street

Today, explore Xi'an's most famous archaeological marvel - the Terracotta Army. Walk among thousands of life-sized clay soldiers that have guarded the tomb of China's first emperor for over two millennia. You may also be surprised by their expressions - each different from the others. In the afternoon, return to the city and stroll through the bustling Muslim Quarter, where lively street food stalls and souvenir shops line the lantern-lit alleyways.

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Xi'an

Day 6: Fly to Guilin, Karst Cave Exploration

This morning, fly to Guilin, a city famed for its otherworldly karst landscapes. Upon arrival, your guide will accompany you to the Reed Flute Cave, a natural gallery of stalactites and stalagmites artfully lit in vibrant colors. Learn about the geological forces that sculpted these formations over millions of years before checking into your hotel.

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Guilin

Day 7: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo, West Street

Today, explore the idyllic Li River, the most representative scenery of Guilin's karst landform. After breakfast, embark on a scenic cruise down the Li River to Yangshuo, gliding past limestone peaks, tranquil villages, and lush rice paddies. Depending on water levels, the journey typically takes 3.5 to 4.5 hours. Upon disembarkation, explore the lively West Street with your guide and check into your Yangshuo hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or explore independently.    

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Yangshuo

Day 8: Train to Chongqing

This morning, enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Yangshuo's countryside. You may wander through nearby villages, where rice paddies, winding country lanes, and limestone peaks create postcard-perfect scenery. If lucky, you might even come across a local market day, with villagers trading fresh produce and handmade goods in a lively rural fair.

Later, board a 5–6 hour high-speed train to Chongqing, enjoying the changing scenery from Guangxi's countryside to the southwestern mountains. On arrival, you'll be greeted at the station by your local guide and taken to your hotel, where you can settle in and unwind after the long ride.

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Chongqing

Day 9: Chongqing Highlights, Yangtze River Cruise

Start the day in Ciqikou Old Town, where traditional Bayu charm meets lively streets filled with snacks like sticky rice cakes and Chongqing noodles, along with shops selling tea, peppers, and local crafts. Continue to Shancheng Alley, a unique quarter that weaves together steep slopes, stairways, and residential blocks—offering a true sense of life in this mountain city. Then, pause at Liziba Monorail Station to witness the train passing through a building.

Ride the monorail to Eling Park for panoramic views before strolling down to Eling Second Factory, now a creative hub of cafés and studios, for a relaxed lunch. Afterwards, visit the Huguang Guild Hall, known for its ornate carvings and traditional performances over tea. Enjoy the dazzling sight of the Huangjuewan Interchange, then head onward to the port to set sail on your Yangtze River Cruise.

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Yangtze River Cruise

Day 10: Yangtze River Cruise

Greet the morning with a Tai Chi session on deck before docking at Fengdu. You may join the included excursion to Mount Shuanggui, known for its tranquil Buddhist temples and centuries-old trees. Alternatively, choose an optional tour to Fengdu Ghost City, rich in ancient folklore and Taoist legends. In the evening, enjoy the optional FengYan SanGuo Show, an epic outdoor performance inspired by Romance of the Three Kingdoms, complete with martial arts, theatrical storytelling, and stunning stage effects.

  

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Yangtze River Cruise

Day 11: Yangtze River Cruise

This morning, opt for a visit to the White Emperor City, perched above Qutang Gorge and famed for its ancient poetry and imperial history. Sail through Qutang Gorge's dramatic cliffs, then into the misty beauty of Wu Gorge. In the afternoon, take a side excursion to the enchanting Goddess Stream aboard a small boat, where you'll glide through a peaceful canyon dotted with waterfalls and hidden hamlets.

  

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Yangtze River Cruise

Day 12: Disembarkation & Train to Shanghai

Disembark at Yichang and visit the monumental Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydroelectric project. Walk along panoramic viewing platforms and learn about the dam's massive scale and engineering prowess. For a closer look, you may join an optional ferry tour through the dramatic ship elevator. Later, board a high-speed train to Shanghai and check into your hotel upon arrival.

  

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Shanghai

Day 13: Shanghai Old-Day Treasures

Start at the Shanghai Museum, showcasing centuries of Chinese art and artifacts. Continue to Yu Garden and its neighboring market, where classical design meets bustling street life. Learn about how locals greeting a day from the vendors' hawking and shoppers' baskets, and try traditional snacks on your own.

Then, visit a local silk workshop to learn about the fabrication of silk, or buy a lovely silk scarf as a souvenir. Wander through the leafy boulevards of the Former French Concession, a testimony to Shanghai's colonial history in the early 20th century. End your day with a walk along the Bund, where colonial facades face off with futuristic skyscrapers across the Huangpu River.

  

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Shanghai

Day 14: Shanghai Departure

Today, you will be free until the tour guide picks you up and transfers you to the airport for your flight departing Shanghai.

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What Our Clients Say

"Great Customized Service", "Trip of A Lifetime", "Exceed All Expectations"

Richee Family Adventures

05 Aug 2025

Second Honeymoon My wife and I celebrated our 20th anniversary by spending a few weeks touring around Asia. We loved how Odynovo worked with us to craft a tour of what we wanted to see and how we wanted to see it. This was our first time traveling with a private tour guide, and it was truly amazing. they took care of all transportation, tickets, and everywhere we went we had someone who not only spoke our language, but was also very well-versed in the places we were visiting. We saw Beijing and then took a bullet train to Xi'an. In both cities we had tour guides who had done this "a thousand times," and as a result knew all the tricks on where to take the best pictures, what lines to stand in, where to eat, and what not to waste your time seeing. At one point our guide pulled out ponchos from her backpack when it started to rain, while another helped us haggle for a good price on a new suitcase. We were surprised by how much we loved China, and it is safe to say that is because of the quality of service we got from Odynovo. Oh, and the hotels were great, too! In our first hotel my wife fell in love with her breakfast soup that she had to have every morning, while in Xi'an we were right around the corner from the Muslim Night Market and were able to get to it in less than 5 minutes of walking.We are already looking to see what tours we will be doing next through Odynovo, as the service was amazing, the quality was remarkable, and the cost was very worth it for what we received.
Shannon V

05 Aug 2025

Fabulous! We had a fabulous experience with our guide and Odynovo walking the Great Wall of China, and all other sites in Beijing. We loved our Peking duck dinner. It was fabulous. Thank you, Sammie/Jing for a great experience.
domotic d

05 Aug 2025

Beijing Beauty It started off with a friendly face at the airport, with Roy, our tour guide.The week has been such a pleasure and a treat. From adventures to The Great Wall, Temple of Heaven and the Forbidden City, to local markets, delicious Beijing food and roof top tea houses.Roy and our driver, Mr. Zhou, were prompt in picking us up and driving us around safely.The knowledge and fact about history and Beijing that Roy knows and explains is amazing and the fact he could answer my weird and inquisitive history questionsnwoth ease was a treat.He made it so easy to enjoy ourselves and absorb all that was around us, he even takes great photos too! 😊Polite, kind and thoughtful and ever patient in letting us take our time with things that interested us.I would highly recommend this tour and Roy again and again.
Zarah B

05 Aug 2025

Amazing travel experience My name is Zarah M. Babangida a Nigerian and i visited Beijing with my colleagues from the office. During our 5 day stay in Beijing, Ms. Eva Ma, was our Tour guide and from the minute we came through the Arrival Gate of the Airport, we were embraced by her alluring smile and warm welcome. She remained consistent with her warmth, a kind and intelligent professional who exuded unique passion not just for her job as a tour guide but, even more so as a proud Chinese woman. Her outstanding insight and knowledge of the sweet Chinese history and heritage left us in awe. I couldn't be more proud and thankful that she was assigned to our group and she made our stay exciting, fun-filled effortless and knowledge packed. I absolutely commend her dedication to work which she depicted throughout our stay. I recommend her to every visiting tourist because to know Eva, is to love her. If it were up to me, i will increase her bonuses or upgrade her salary as i am sure most tourists would want or revisit for her sake first and then perhaps other reasons.Thank you Eva and keep the passion up🙌.

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