China Senior Discovery Tour with Yangtze Cruise - 13 Days

The Tian’anmen Square is the world’s largest and renowned public square where many historical events once took place.
The Forbidden City (UNESCO) is the imperial place where the emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties ruled for nearly 500 years (1420-1911). Experience the architectural splendor of the palaces, ceremonial courtyards, and private quarters.

Good to know: Usually the guide service for a full day tour is about from 9:00 to 17:00, and the evening time is on your own. If needed, your guide is happy to offer some tips or help you buy tickets for evening entertainment.

Ideas for leisure time: If you are interested in Chinese Kung Fu, the Legend of Kung Fu is a good choice for tonight. It is stunning Kung Fu show with a great story line and martial arts skills.

The Great Wall is one of the most spectacular structures ever built by humans and is the only one visible from space.
Take an outside tour to the Olympic Stadium, nicknamed Bird's Nest, and the National Swimming Centre, also known as the Water Cube.

Ideas for leisure time:

1. Enjoy the Peking Duck dinner at time-honored restaurant - Quanjude or Bianyifang. The duck is characteristic with its crispy skin, tender meat and the fragrance from the fruit-wood.

2. Watch a breathtaking acrobatic show at Chaoyang Theater or Tiandi Theater.

The Temple of Heaven (UNESCO), where ancient Chinese emperors made sacrifices to Heaven and prayed for bountiful harvests, demonstrates the supreme achievement of traditional Chinese architecture.
The Summer Palace (UNESCO) is the largest imperial garden in the world. Emperors of successive dynasties created a summer retreat of Chinese gardens and pavilions, around the tranquil waters of Kunming Lake.

The Museum of Terracotta Warriors and Horses (UNESCO) is one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world. More than 6000 life-sized terra cotta warriors, archers, infantrymen, horses, and bronze chariots have silently guarded the tomb of China's First Emperor for over 2,200 years.

Ideas for leisure time: Enjoy a tasteful Dumpling Banquet followed by an exquisite traditional Tang Dynasty Show.

Good to know: If you have an extra day in Xi’an, you could explore the Mount Hua and get impressed of its unique natural beauty. Or to take a day trip to Luoyang by bullet train and visit the Longmen Grottoes, one of the Three Most Famous Buddhist Grottoes in China.

The Shaanxi History Museum, a national comprehensive museum in Xi’an, highlights the development of Chinese civilization more than 5,000 years.
The Great Mosque, which blends Islamic mosque styles and traditional Chinese architectural elements, acts as one of the oldest and best-preserved Islamic mosques in China
The Muslim Snack Street is full of mouth-watering delicacies and snacks.

Upon arrival in Yichang, transfer and embark on your Yangtze River Cruise Ship. The Yangtze River originates on the Tibetan Plateau and traverses a distance of 3900 miles before flowing into the East China Sea, near Shanghai. It has been the lifeline in China for millennia.

Today, start sailing for a distance of 430 miles in all the great gorges. In the morning, you could enjoy the spectacular view from the deck or you could take an optional tour to Fengdu - China's "City of Ghosts" (CNY 280 per person). In legend, Fengdu was a ghost city and the entrance of heaven or hell, and the imaged ghost statures here reveal ancient Chinese religion and belief. After lunch, take a shore excursion to the Shibaozhai. The Shibaozhai is a 12-storey wooden pavilion built in the Ming Dynasty, which looks like a giant bonsai on the Yangtze River. A cofferdam was built around the Shibaozhai to protect it from the rising water level caused by the construction of the Three Gorges Dam. After returning to the cruise, you will be invited to the Captain's Welcome Party.

This morning sail into Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest and probably the most fascinating one. Later sail through Wu Gorge. It is well-known for the legend of 12 fairy maidens became the 12 peaks of Wu Gorge. Then you could take an optional tour to White Emperor Town, which is famous for historical temples and legends (CNY 280 per person). After lunch change to the "peapod" boat for sailing deep into the Shennong Stream for a 3 hours exploration. The contrasting heights of these gorges and the narrowness of the river make this area one of the most dramatic scenes in the world. Notice the ruins of the ancient plank road along the cliff face as well as the coffins suspended from the cliffs above. Afterwards, sail through the Five-step Ship Lock.

In the morning take a shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam Site, the largest dam and hydroelectric project in the world. Then sail down the Xiling Gorge. Later, disembark at Yichang and transfer to the airport or train station.

Ideas for leisure time:

If you arrives at early afternoon and have no plans, you could take an optional trip to Zhujiajiao. With a history of 1700 years, this is an ancient water town prized for its lovely rivers, stone bridges, and historical buildings.

Owing to its ingenious design in Ming and Qing dynasties, the Yu Garden becomes a real museum of Chinese ancient architecture.
The Bund,featured outstanding European colonial architectures, is full of new skyscrapers and historical buildings in the center of Shanghai.

Ideas for leisure time:

1. Acrobatic Shows in Shanghai are known as the best in China. You can never imagine how exciting the show is.

2. Or you could take a Huangpu River Night Cruise which is the perfect way to enjoy the gorgeous night view of Shanghai.