12 Days Beijing Chengdu Yangtze River Shanghai Tour
Tour Overview
The Yangtze River Cruise is a unique sightseeing experience that allows you to enjoy the magnificent scenery and rich history and culture of the Yangtze River. This 12-day family adventure blends cultural immersion with scenic wonders.
Beginning in Beijing, we will take you to Tian’anmen Square and the Forbidden City. Excite the kids with a Mutianyu Great Wall hike and a thrilling toboggan ride. Chengdu offers panda encounters and tranquil moments in People’s Park. Then, cruise the Yangtze from Chongqing, and unveil Three Gorges and cultural shows. Finally, you will enjoy the panoramic view of the city and local cuisine in Shanghai. This tailored itinerary combines history, wildlife, and modernity to ensure an enriching and enjoyable experience for the whole family.
Highlights of this tour:
1. Discover Beijing’s rich history and vibrant local culture by exploring the city’s Forbidden City and strolling through its ancient hutongs.2. Ascend Mutianyu Great Wall with kids on a chairlift, slide down on a toboggan, and savor a picnic lunch with breathtaking views.
3. See the adorable pandas at the Chengdu Research Base.
4. Sail through Three Gorges, explore Shibaozhai Pagoda, and enjoy cultural shows on the cruise.
5. Ascend Shanghai World Financial Center, explore Yuyuan Garden, and savor Cantonese cuisine, and capture the essence of Shanghai’s modernity and tradition.
6. Discover the engineering marvel of Three Gorges Dam, navigate primitive Shennv Steam, and be surrounded by the spectacular landscape of the Yangtze River.
7. Enjoy a free day to explore Zhujiajiao Water Town, visit Hangzhou or Suzhou, or immerse yourself in the old alleys and markets of Shanghai.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Welcome to Beijing
Upon your arrival in Beijing, your dedicated guide and driver will warmly greet you at the airport and facilitate a smooth transfer to your hotel. Once settled, take the rest of the day at your leisure to explore the vibrant city. Consider wandering through nearby neighborhoods, sampling local cuisine, or simply relaxing and acclimating to the surroundings.
Meal: N/A
Accommodation: in Beijing
- Day 2: Beijing City TourTian'anmen Square, Forbidden City, Old Hutongs, Dumpling Making
Today we will start with a visit to Tian'anmen Square, the largest city square in the world. Tian'anmen was once the place where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties held grand ceremonies. Continuing on, we walk to the Forbidden City, an immense complex of ancient buildings, renowned as the largest and most complete wooden architectural complex in China and one of the world's five great palaces. The Forbidden City's architecture features a rigorous layout and symmetrical central axis, reflecting ancient Chinese philosophical thought and architectural aesthetics. Here, you can admire various exquisite buildings and cultural artifacts.
Forbidden City In the afternoon, explore the charming old Beijing hutongs, interact with a local family, and partake in a hands-on dumpling-making session. Optionally, you can experience Chinese knot-tying or paper-cutting to deepen your cultural immersion.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Beijing
- Day 3: Great Wall AdventureMutianyu Great Wall, Beijing Roast Duck
The Great Wall, a marvel in the history of world architecture, awaits just an hour's drive away at Mutianyu. Unlike Badaling, the Mutianyu section is known for its tranquility and picturesque landscapes, featuring more watchtowers. Your guide will lead your child to ascend the Great Wall via a chairlift and enjoy a toboggan descent for an exhilarating experience. You can opt for a picnic lunch on the Great Wall.
After our Great Wall adventure, we will return to the city to enjoy a delicious Peking Roast Duck at a famous local restaurant. Beijing Roast Duck, once a dish exclusive to the imperial court, originated during the Northern and Southern Dynasties (420 - 589) period in China. It features high-quality duck meat roasted over charcoal, resulting in a lustrous red color and tender, succulent texture that is rich but not greasy.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Beijing
Sliding down the toboggan - Day 4: Beijing to Chengdu by FlightPanda Post Office, People's Park
Take a morning flight to Chengdu, the land of pandas. Upon landing, a local guide and driver will take you to your hotel to check in. After settling in, your guide will take you to the Panda Post Office to craft a postcard in Chinese.
Later, explore Chunxi Road and encounter the world's largest panda statue. Conclude the day with a leisurely visit to People's Park, one of the earliest modern parks in China (originally established in 1911). It is a comprehensive park that integrates landscaping, culture, leisure, and entertainment. Here, you will encounter babbling streams, and diverse sculptures, have the opportunity to sip tea, and embrace the leisurely pace of urban life.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Chengdu
Panda Post Office - Day 5: Chengdu TourChengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Jinsha Site Museum, Jinli Street
After breakfast, head to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Here, your child will witness giant pandas leisurely munching on bamboo, sunbathing lazily, or climbing trees. He/she can get up close to these national treasures in the observation room and learn more about the pandas' habits through the guide's explanations.
Following lunch, visit the Jinsha Site Museum. This archaeological site has yielded numerous precious artifacts, showcasing the prosperity and grandeur of the ancient Shu state (221 - 263). Inside the museum, you'll see a variety of artifacts such as gold, jade, and pottery, with the most valuable items being the exquisite gold mask.
Baby Pandas in Chengdu Giant Panda Base As the day unfolds, meander through the lively Jinli Street. For those interested, an optional Panda Volunteer Program or a day tour to Dujiangyan Panda Base can be arranged for an even closer panda encounter.
Today's final stop is Jinli, a pedestrian street that blends ancient tradition with modern charm. It is one of the most representative historical and cultural districts in Chengdu. Strolling along the cobblestone streets of Jinli feels like stepping through time and space, back to the bustling ancient times. For those interested, an optional Panda Volunteer Program or a day tour to Dujiangyan Panda Base can be arranged for an even closer panda encounter.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Chengdu
- Day 6: Yangtze Cruise from Chongqing
Take the morning high-speed train to Chongqing, then be escorted to Chaotianmen Dock between 18:00 and 20:00, where you will board your Yangtze River cruise. Settle into your cabin and look forward to the adventure ahead.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: on Cruise
Chaotianmen Dock - Day 7: Yangtze Cruise Activities and Shore ExcursionTai Chi, Shibaozhai Pagoda
Get up in the early morning, a series of activities await you on the cruise ship.
Join the teacher on the deck to practice Tai Chi, feeling the rhythm of ancient Chinese philosophy blending with the picturesque morning scenery of the Yangtze River. Following this, a local cultural expert will provide insights into the history and culture of the Yangtze River, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the profound heritage of this mother river of China.
As the cruise sails along the Yangtze, you can engage in activities on board at your leisure or relax on comfortable sofas with a cup of coffee, enjoying the scenery along the banks of the Yangtze River.
In the afternoon, we will explore the Shibaizhai Pagoda onshore. This 12-story pagoda is beautifully decorated on each floor, showcasing traditional Chinese architectural art. Inside the tower, Buddha statues are enshrined, providing a sacred place for local residents and visitors to worship. You may choose to take an optional excursion to Fengdu Ghost City. Legend has it that this place is the seat of the underworld, with numerous myths and legends and unique cultural traditions.
The day ends with a welcoming banquet and a festive party on board.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Accommodation: on Cruise
Shibaozhai Pagoda - Day 8: Three Gorges AdventureThree Gorges, Shennv Stream
Wake up to the breathtaking scenery of the Three Gorges, the essence of the Yangtze River landscape. The towering peaks, the rushing river, and the fascinating rock formations create a spectacular view. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the cruise ship while taking in the magnificent sights.
The cruise sails towards the pristine Shennv Stream. Switching to a smaller boat, you'll navigate through picturesque waterways surrounded by lush greenery and striking cliffs. Witness a performance featuring the traditional music, dance, and costumes of the local Tujia ethnic minority. Through their captivating performance, you'll gain insight into their rich cultural heritage. For those interested in optional activities, you can explore the White Emperor City, a historical site with cultural significance.
Take a smaller boat to sail down the Shennv Stream After that, return to the cruise ship for lunch and some relaxation. Prepare for the Captain's Farewell Party in the evening, a celebration filled with music, dance, and an opportunity to mingle with fellow passengers.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Accommodation: on Cruise
- Day 9: Departure to ShanghaiThree Gorges Dam
Today, you will explore the engineering marvel of the Three Gorges Dam. It is currently the largest hydropower station in the world, and its construction has effectively alleviated the flood disaster in the Yangtze River basin. After that, take the bus arranged by the cruise company to Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal. A local guide will then escort you to Yichang East Railway Station for a high-speed train journey to Shanghai.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: in Shanghai
Three Gorges Dam - Day 10: Shanghai City TourShanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, Shanghai World Financial Center, Yu Garden
The day of exploration in Shanghai begins with a visit to the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, where you can see the historical changes, future development, and overall planning of Shanghai. Through multimedia technology, the exhibition hall vividly demonstrates the urban evolution of Shanghai since its opening in 1843. area vividly displays the urban evolution of Shanghai since its opening in 1843.
Later, ascend the Shanghai World Financial Center for panoramic views of the city. You will marvel at the skyline, the Huangpu River, and iconic landmarks. After that, indulge in a Cantonese culinary experience for lunch.
Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall In the afternoon, have a leisurely visit to the enchanting Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden with picturesque pavilions, koi-filled ponds, and traditional architecture. You will also stroll through the adjacent Yuyuan Bazaar for unique shopping opportunities.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: in Shanghai
- Day 11: Free Day in Shanghai
Today, you will enjoy a day of flexibility in Shanghai. You can consider exploring the picturesque Zhujiajiao Water Town or opt for a day tour to Hangzhou or Suzhou. Alternatively, immerse yourself in Shanghai's old alleys, visit local markets, and perhaps even pick up a few phrases in Shanghainese.
Zhujiajiao Water Town, located in Qingpu District, Shanghai, is one of the best-preserved ancient water towns in the Jiangnan region. It boasts numerous historic buildings, scenic spots, traditional crafts, and delicious local cuisine.
Suzhou is renowned as the "City of Gardens" in China, with famous gardens like the Humble Administrator's Garden and Tiger Hill.
Hangzhou, centered around West Lake, features notable natural and cultural attractions, including the Lingyin Temple and the Meijiawu Tea Plantation.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: in Shanghai
Zhujiajiao Water Town - Day 12: Departure from Shanghai
Enjoy your last moments in Shanghai with a relaxing morning before your driver escorts you to catch your flight or train to your next destination or home.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A
