Ancient Cities & Yangtze River Discovery

Ancient Cities & Yangtze River Discovery is a 15-day escorted tour exploring Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Yangtze River, Nanjing, Yichang, Shanghai. The program is designed to introduce the destination through a practical mix of guided sightseeing, local experiences and well-planned travel between each stop. Building on our fantastic China Express Tour, this upgraded tour also takes you to fantastic Chengdu to see the famous Giant Pandas.

You will also enjoy a luxurious 5* Yangtze River Cruise, with plenty of stops to explore the highlights along the way. Enjoy delicious local cuisine, comfortable transportation, high quality accommodation and much more! The day-by-day itinerary moves from Arrive Beijing through Chengdu through Depart Shanghai, giving the journey a clear sense of progression while allowing time to appreciate the character of each place.

Published inclusions cover 11 nights quality (4-5 star) accommodation with daily breakfast; Soft sleeper overnight train (Beijing - Xi’an); 2nd class high speed train (Xi’an – Chengdu, Chengdu – Chongqing, Yichang – Nanjing, Nanjing – Shanghai)
Maglev Train Ticket
All transportation, daily tours and admission fees; 3 night 5* Victoria Cruise (Downstream) Please note the cruise itinerary is subject to change. With an active-paced itinerary and experiences centred on back to nature, cruise, cultural and authentic, culinary, the tour suits travellers who value an organised holiday without losing sight of the places and experiences that make the region distinctive. Selected departure dates are published separately, making it easy to compare the available travel periods with your preferred plans.

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What’s included in the tour

Accommodation

11 nights quality (4-5 star) accommodation with daily breakfast

Train

Soft sleeper overnight train (Beijing - Xi’an)

Transport

2nd class high speed train (Xi’an – Chengdu, Chengdu – Chongqing, Yichang – Nanjing, Nanjing – Shanghai)
Maglev Train Ticket
All transportation, daily tours and admission fees

Cruise

3 night 5* Victoria Cruise (Downstream) Please note the cruise itinerary is subject to change.

Meals

Most meals as indicated

Tipping

Tipping for guide and driver

Professional Guides

Professional English speaking guide

Spotlight on China

Tour Map & Dates

Departure Dates

2026: Friday arrival (Except Dec, Jan, Feb)

Or Call Us On:

AU: 1300 842 688

NZ: 0800 842 688

Tour Itinerary

You will be met on arrival in Beijing and transferred to your hotel to check in for the next four nights.

Spend the day exploring the most popular highlights of magnificent Beijing. Feast on incredible Peking Duck.

Break out your walking shoes! Today you will explore the Ming Tombs and learn about traditional jade carving, before walking along the famous Great Wall.

Transfer via: Bullet Train(Duration: around 4.5 hours) 2nd Class Nanluoguxiang, a lane or hutong with a history of over 700 years dating back to Yuan Dyansty in 13th and 14th century. Running from north to south, this lane is about 800 meters long with 16 hutongs - 8 hutongs on each side of the lane. The lane is now famous for the cafes and bars and clothing and handcraft shops that line its hutong laneways as well as its traditional hutong and courtyards (siheyuan). Visit an ordinary family in a courtyard. Here we learn how to make Chinese dumplings with the family member as the lunch of today. This afternoon, transfer to railway station for the bullet train to Xi’an. On arrival, meet your driver and transfer to hotel.

Transfer to the hotel for breakfast, in the afternoon visit the Provincial History Museum. Admire the thousands of treasures and relics preserved here. Finish the day with a delicious dumpling banquet and entertaining Tang Dynasty Show.

Today you will be in awe of the famous lifesize Terracotta Warrior Army and learn how the 6,000 replicas were painstakingly crafted. See the traditional Tang Dynasty era Wild Goose Pagoda.

Admire the Drum and Bell Tower Square, before wandering through the Muslim Quarter and local food market. Take the bullet train to Chengdu and enjoy a delicious Sichuan Hot Pot for dinner.

Get up close and personal with the famous Giant Pandas at the Reserve. Return to Chengdu and wander the three distinct alleys in Kuanzhai Alley.

Take the high speed rail to Chongqing and explore the local parks and museums. After dinner you will board your luxury Victoria Cruise on the magnificent Yangtze River. Depart approximately 9:30pm.

Wake up with tai chi and a buffet breakfast. Explore Fengdu Ghost City* before taking advantage of the onboard activities. Visit Shibao Pagoda, then enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Party and buffet dinner.

Today you continue to sail through the Three Gorges, stopping at The White Emperor City* and Lesser Three Gorges or Shennong/Shennv Stream. Enjoy a farewell dinner then dancing or karaoke!

Finish your luxury cruise exploring the Three Gorges Dam. Transfer to Yichang by coach. Take the bullet train to the ancient capital Nanjing and check in for an overnight stay.

Visit the indescribable Dr Sun Yat Sen Mausoleum (be prepared for stair climbing), then tour other Nanjing highlights such as the City Wall. Ride the bullet train to metropolitan Shanghai. From the charming Bund to the old streets of Chenghuang, you will not be disappointed in today’s activities. After a local dinner, enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the city from Shanghai Financial Center.

Free day at leisure to enjoy Shanghai at your own pace.

Enjoy the last hours in Shanghai at your leisure before transferring to the airport by the Maglev Train!

Ancient Cities & Yangtze River Discovery

Ancient Cities & Yangtze River Discovery

Destinations on the tour

Beijing>Xi'an>Chengdu>Chongqing>Yangtze River>Nanjing>Yichang>Shanghai