Welcome to Beijing, the vibrant capital of present China! Upon your arrival, your private tour guide will put you at ease with a warm smile. Later, you will be transferred to your downtown hotel by private vehicle. After check-in, enjoy some free time to recover from your long flight.

Begin the city exploration from Tiananmen Square, one of the largest city squares in the world which has witnessed many events that changed the world. From there, continue to the Forbidden City, a majestic 13th-century imperial complex that served as the seat of power for over 500 years. In addition to visiting the three main halls along the central axis, survey palace chambers that are rarely explored by other travelers, admire exquisite sculptures and artifacts that showcase original splendor, and gain insights into the imperial court life.

Travel out of the city to visit the Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the best-preserved parts, which takes about 2 hours on the road. The winding Great Wall stands high on steep mountains, so round-way cable rides are included for you to get up and down easily and safely. On top of it, do some moderate hiking to enjoy a splendid 360-degree view.

Later on, your driver and guide will transfer you to taste the most iconic cuisine of Beijing - Peking Roast Duck.

Enjoy your morning at the Temple of Heaven, a magnificent architectural complex showcasing Eastern aesthetics. It was the place where ancient Chinese emperors prayed for bumper harvests, and now it has become a public park. There are many people around the retirement age doing exercises like playing Tai Chi. 

Then, take a high-speed train to Xi'an. On your arrival, your private guide will greet you and transfer your hotel.

Terracotta Warriors will be the top highlight of your Xi'an tour. Emperors in history wanted to live forever, but none of them succeeded - Emperor Qin Shihuang is no exception. Over 8,000 life-size pottery soldiers, horses, and chariots were buried to guard him in the afterlife. Facing such a grand array in battle formation, you can feel the strong military strength of the Qin Dynasty (221-206 B.C.).

Return to the city to visit the lively Muslim Street and the peaceful Great Mosque behind it.

Spend a memorable morning with a local family, get involved in the daily life of an average Chinese family, and acquire the techniques for making dumplings, hand-pulled noodles, or other traditional Chinese dishes. If time permits, you may join the host in strolling the market, procuring ingredients, and indulging deeper in the local lifestyle.

After that, a 4-hour high-speed train will take you to Chengdu. Upon your arrival, be met and taken to your hotel for rest.

The panda is a big reason why you are in Chengdu. You'd better head to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in the early morning when these lovely creatures are active. You can see pandas enjoying their breakfast and doing joyful exercises. After saying goodbye to them, try a world-known Sichuan Hot Pot as your lunch.

In the afternoon, soak in the local life and culture at the River Viewing Tower Park, where you will see or play Mahjong with the locals and taste a cup of traditional tea. As the tour concludes, roam Jinli Street steeped in an ancient cultural atmosphere, sampling authentic Sichuan Cuisine and browsing distinctive handicrafts.

Free morning for you to experience the slow life in Chengdu. In the afternoon, proceed to Chongqing by a high-speed train.

On arrival, your private tour guide will transfer you directly to board your cruise. In the evening, join the Captain's welcome reception as you embark on your journey along the majestic Yangtze River.

Start a relaxing day with Tai Chi on the deck. After breakfast, take a shore excursion to the 816 Underground Project, a massive Cold War-era nuclear installation. Delve into its historical significance and marvel at its colossal scale as you uncover secrets hidden deep within the mountain. Alternatively, visit the Underwater Museum of White Crane Ridge displaying centuries-old inscriptions before absorbing the energy of the bustling local market.

Relaxation time in the afternoon and learn about some traditional Chinese culture by taking part in the activities provided onboard.

In the early morning, the ship will take you past two of the well-known Three Gorges - Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge - in turn. Around 11 am, disembark and head to Shennong Stream. Traverse through towering cliffs and lush forests, witnessing cascading waterfalls and unique rock formations along the way. Enjoy a tranquil picnic lunch at Tracker's Village, nestled along the banks of Shennong Stream amidst nature's beauty.

Return to the ship for some leisure time. Around 6 pm, witness the grandeur of Xiling Gorge as the ship sails through.

Note: In low season, the itinerary of today may be a little different. It is subject to the cruise company.

After breakfast, disembark and take the excursion to the Three Gorges Project Dam, one of the world's largest hydroelectric power stations, measuring approximately 2,335 meters in length and standing about 185 meters tall. You can feel its immense scale and majestic grandeur, deeply experiencing the magnificence of human engineering prowess. Afterward, you will be transferred to do quick sightseeing in the city before your flight to Shanghai.

Upon your arrival, be greeted and taken to your hotel for a restful night.

Start your city journey from the Bund, where the sparkling modern skylines meet colonial buildings; then, tour the Yu Garden, located in the old town of Shanghai, where you will find another kind of traditional Chinese garden different from the royal gardens in Beijing.

This afternoon goes with a leisurely walk through the Former French Concession, from Fuxing Park to Bugaoli and Sipailou Road, discovering traditional stone arched gates and visiting a local market. The past, present, and future of Shanghai will catch your eye.

Spend today in exploring Zhujiajiao, a water town steeped in history and rich cultural heritage. Glide through winding waterways aboard a wooden boat, admiring ancient stone bridges and riverine houses. As you wander along the stone-paved old street, sample local delicacies and hunt for unique handicrafts to experience the charm of this Jiangnan water town.

Your guide will escort you on a private transfer to the airport in time for your home-bound flight.