The journey
China’s more than 5,000 years of history both inform and contrast with its modern incarnation as one of the most rapidly evolving nations on earth. On this far-reaching journey that melds China’s past and present, discover historic Beijing as well as the bustling metropolis of Shanghai. Behold the iconic Terracotta Warriors, go up close to giant pandas and explore the storied Yangtze River in comfort aboard an all-balcony river cruiser.
Complete package information
China’s more than 5,000 years of history both inform and contrast with its modern incarnation as one of the most rapidly evolving nations on earth. On this far-reaching journey that melds China’s past and present, discover historic Beijing as well as the bustling metropolis of Shanghai. Behold the iconic Terracotta Warriors, go up close to giant pandas and explore the storied Yangtze River in comfort aboard an all-balcony river cruiser.
Day Day 1
A world capital that is home to over 20 million souls, Beijing is the political nerve center of the nation. Worldway’s longstanding connections in China offer you special access to some of its most extraordinary people and places.
Day Day 2
Benefit body and soul with a privately led tai chi lesson taught by a master instructor at the Temple of Heaven. Visit history-laden Tiananmen Square before exploring the grandeur of the Forbidden City. Enjoy a special welcome dinner at your hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day Day 3
Travel to the well-preserved Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China. Ride a cable car to the top to take in sweeping mountain views. Return to the city for a revealing walk through a Hutong, a neighborhood of alleyways dating to the Yuan dynasty. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day Day 3.1
Day Day 4
Fly to Xi’an, a modern city cloaked in over 3,000 years of history. Once the eastern terminus on the Great Silk Road, Xi’an has become a melting pot of Central Asian and Chinese influences. Enjoy a dumpling-making demonstration led by a chef, followed by lunch. Visit the old city’s Muslim Quarter, with its teeming market and 14th-century Great Mosque, which features Chinese architecture and central Asian embellishments. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day Day 5
Visit the excavation site of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, accompanied by an on-site specialist. Learn the latest secrets discovered about this life-size army created during the Qin Dynasty to protect China’s first emperor in his afterlife. More than 8,000 remarkably crafted soldiers are spread throughout three dig pits, each revealing a unique face. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day Day 5.1
Day Day 6
Travel by bullet train to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, where Chinese dishes beloved around the world originated. After a zesty Sichuan hot pot lunch, immerse yourself in local life at People’s Park, where you learn about traditional matchmaking. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day Day 6.1
Day Day 7
Visit the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center for the rare opportunity to observe these endangered creatures roaming their specially designed habitat. Then ride by high-speed rail to Chongqing, where you embark Yangzi Explorer II. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day Day 7.1
Day Day 8
Take in the scenery along the Yangtze as you partake in tai chi on deck. In the small city of Fuling, visit the 816 Nuclear Military Plant or opt to check out the Baiheliang Underwater Museum. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day Day 8.1
Day Day 9
Yangzi Explorer II navigates the Qutang Gorge before docking at Wushan. Disembark to explore among the high peaks near the river. Back on board, pass through the majestic Wu and Xiling Gorges. Arrive at the Three Gorges Dam, where you pass through the ship lift, a fascinating experience seldom allowed for your type of vessel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day Day 9.1
Day Day 9.2
Day Day 10
Disembark in Yichang and fly to Shanghai, arriving in time for lunch. Then settle in to your elegant hotel on the city’s historic Bund. A worthy rival of New York and Paris, Shanghai offers cultural and culinary treasures as well as a colorful nightlife. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day Day 11
Explore dynamic Shanghai, where stunning modern skylines meet classic street markets and gardens. Head to the observation deck of the Shanghai Tower for panoramic views. Then explore Shanghai Museum East, viewing exceptional collections of historic art, ceramics, jade, and bronze wares. Relax with free time this afternoon before finishing your day with a refreshing cocktail. Meals: Breakfast
Day Day 12
Discover the lively and historic French Concession with a local historian. Then walk Shanghai’s Historic Jewish Quarter and learn how it became a haven for Jews fleeing Europe in World War II. Later, visit Old Town and the 16th-century Yu Garden. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day Day 12.1
Day Day 13
After breakfast, take your private transfer to the airport for your departing flight. Meals: Breakfast
Booking process: Submit an enquiry for Iconic China and a Yangtze Cruise; a Worldway specialist verifies live availability, supplier terms, routing, rooming and guest requirements before confirmation.
Payments: Deposit, balance deadline, currency conversion and any gateway fees are confirmed in writing before payment. No automatic charge is made from this information page.
Changes & cancellation: Worldway Travels Group rules can vary by departure, cabin, aircraft, hotel and season. Final cancellation penalties are shared on the quote and invoice before booking.
Travel documents: Passport validity, visas, insurance, medical requirements and local taxes remain traveller responsibilities unless specifically included in the confirmed proposal.
Can this journey be tailored?: Yes — every element can be refined to your dates, pace and interests by our specialists.
How do I reserve?: Contact our team and we'll confirm availability and secure your preferred departure.
This page is designed as a complete pre-booking dossier. Final supplier availability, taxes, route permits, aircraft positioning, visas, insurance, rooming and cancellation rules are reconfirmed by Worldway before payment or ticketing.
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