Yin and Yangtze - 15 days
15 Days Starting in Beijing, China and ending in Shanghai, China
Visiting: Beijing, Great Wall of China, Juyongguan Pass, Xi'an, Leshan, Chengdu, Chongqing, Yangtze River, Yichang, Nanjing, Suzhou, Shanghai
Tour operator:
Tour code:
234/YAY
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 24
Age range:
16-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 15-day journey through China with the "Yin and Yangtze" tour, exploring the country's rich history and breathtaking landscapes. Begin in Beijing, where you'll visit iconic sites like Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, and savor a traditional Peking duck dinner. Experience the awe of the Great Wall at Huanghuacheng, and marvel at the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an. Travel by high-speed train to Luoyang to explore the Longmen Caves and witness Kung Fu at the Shaolin Monastery. Cruise the majestic Yangtze River, passing through the stunning Three Gorges, before concluding your adventure in the vibrant city of Shanghai. Along the way, enjoy unique experiences such as a dumpling-making class, a Chinese acrobatic show, and a visit to the Chengdu Panda Research Center. This small group adventure promises an unforgettable exploration of China's cultural and natural wonders.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Beijing
Location: Beijing
Saturday. Hello China! Arrive Beijing Capital Airport and included airport transfer to our hotel.
Day 2 : Beijing
Location: Beijing
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, we explore the heart of Beijing, including the vast Tiananmen Square where Chairman Mao’s tomb lies and the Forbidden City. Later we take an exciting rickshaw ride through the Hutongs of Beijing and this evening, we enjoy an eye boggling Chinese acrobatic performance.
Day 3 : Great Wall
Location: Great Wall of China
Accommodation Name: quaint hotel near Juyongguan Pass
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a free morning, we drive to Badaling to walk a section of the famous Great Wall. This evening we spend the night at our quaint hotel near Juyongguan Pass, which offers views of the Great Wall.
Day 4 : Juyongguan Pass
Location: Juyongguan Pass
Accommodation Name: Sleeper Train
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Juyongguan - Xi’an. We rise early this morning and head (5 min bus drive) to the Great Wall at Juyongguan Pass when it opens to beat the crowds. We then visit to a Jade Carving Centre and after lunch head to the Pearl Market in Beijing, before travelling by express soft sleeper train to Xi’an.
Day 5 : Xi'an
Location: Xi'an
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Arrival Xi'an. Today's highlight is the Terracotta Warrior archaeological site. Standing in battle-ready formation and numbering into the thousands, the Terracotta Army is Xian’s most popular sight and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, 13 years after the army was discovered. Built by local craftsman during the 3rd century BC for emperor Qinshihuang, the life-sized warriors and horses were designed to offer protection in the afterlife. We also visit a clay workshop specialising in making replica figurines of the Terracotta Warriors, followed by the vibrant Muslim Quarter. Tonight, we welcome you to join the optional Tang Dynasty Show, which includes dinner, a traditional performance and transfers (bookable locally).
Day 6 : Xi'an
Location: Xi'an
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Xi’an - Chengdu. This morning we enjoy a leisurely bike ride atop the Xi’an City Wall. Dating back to 1370 the 12m-high walls are some of the few remaining urban fortifications still standing in China today and after extensive restorations the City Walls offer ample opportunities from which to explore Xi'an. Our final stop for today is one of Xian’s most iconic landmarks, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
Late this afternoon we take a high speed train to Chengdu. Reaching speeds of up to 300km per hour the journey is an experience in itself!
Day 7 : Giant Buddha Of Leshan
Location: Leshan
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Driving to Leshan our morning is spent exploring the UNESCO-listed Great Buddha, which is carved into the red sandstone face of Lingyun Hill overlooking the confluence of the Min, Qingyi and Dadu rivers below it. We return to Chengdu and the remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 8 : Chengdu
Location: Chengdu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Wake up with a visit to the famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. First opened in 1987 with just six pandas, after years of successful breeding projects the population now stands at over 80. Visitors can learn all about a panda's development and see both baby and adults pandas as well as the smaller red pandas. Later we visit the Wenshu Monastery, built during the Qing Dynasty. The temple is a hidden gem with few tourists visiting and a stop must be made at the delightful teahouse located inside the temple grounds. The evening is spent at leisure. On most nights Sichuan Opera is performed at the Shufengyayun Theatre.
Day 9 : Chengdu
Location: Chongqing
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Chengdu - Chongqing - Yangtze River cruiser. Early today we transfer to Chongqing, the start point for our exciting Yangtze River cruise. Before boarding the cruise we may stroll along Chongqing’s People’s Square, in the city centre.
Day 10 : Yangtze & Three Gorges
Location: Yangtze River
Accommodation Name: Yangtze River Cruiser
Meals Included: Breakfast
Yangtze River cruise. Good morning from the River Yangtze! The first gorge we pass, Qutangxia Gorge is the shortest and narrowest yet the most impressive. Next comes Wuxia Gorge lined by twelve sheer peaks. Finally is Xiling Gorge, the longest at 75km
Day 11 - 12 : Yangtze & Three Gorges
Location: Yangtze River
Accommodation Name: Yangtze River Cruiser
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Yangtze River cruise. Good morning from the River Yangtze! The first gorge we pass, Qutangxia Gorge is the shortest and narrowest yet the most impressive. Next comes Wuxia Gorge lined by twelve sheer peaks. Finally is Xiling Gorge, the longest at 75km
Day 13 : Nanjing
Location: Nanjing
Meals Included: Breakfast
Nanjing. Spend the morning at leisure. After lunch and embark on a city sightseeing tour which includes the Fuzi Miao (Temple of Confucius) and the Memorial Hall of the Nanjing Massacre.
Day 14 : Suzhou
Location: Suzhou
Meals Included: Breakfast
A short train journey East is Suzhou, where we enjoy a cruise on the Grand Canal and explore the Lingering Garden.
Day 15 : Shanghai
Location: Shanghai
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we travel by road to bustling Shanghai. Rest of day at leisure.
What's Included
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Daily meals
Daily breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners, inclusive of traditional Peking Duck dinner in Beijing, dumpling-making experience in Xi'an & Hotpot dinner in Chengdu.
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Accommodation
11 nights in 4-star hotels and 3 nights on a Yangtze River Cruiser.
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Chinese acrobatic performance
Enjoy a Chinese acrobatic performance during the tour.
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High-speed train tickets
3 High-speed train tickets: Beijing to Luoyang; Xi'an to Chengdu & Chengdu to Chongqing (2nd class).
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Xi'an City Wall bike ride
Participate in a bike ride on the medieval City Wall of Xi'an.
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Beijing Capital Airport arrival transfer
Arrival transfer from Beijing Capital Airport on day 1.
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Explore Shanghai
Explore Shanghai at your own pace or join optional tours.
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Touring of major cities
Touring of Beijing, Huanghuacheng Great Wall, Luoyang, Xi'an & Chengdu.
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English speaking specialist guides
English speaking specialist guides at local sights.
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Private transportation
All relevant transfers and transportation in private A/C vehicles.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visa
International flights and visa are not included.
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Tip for your tour guide
Tip for your tour guide is not included.
We recommend you allow USD$5 - 7 per day, per traveller as a tip for your guide.
Tipping your guide and driver is an entirely personal gesture. -
Departure airport transfer
Departure airport transfer is not included.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance Fees: USD$130-150 per person, paid in local currency.
Age Policy
16+ if accompanied by an adult
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with high-speed trains between major cities, private A/C vehicles for local transfers, and a scenic Yangtze River cruise, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey.
Accommodation
Enjoy 11 nights in 4-star hotels and 3 nights aboard a Yangtze River Cruiser, offering comfort and style throughout your journey in China.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 11 nights in 4-star hotels and 3 nights on a Yangtze River Cruiser.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes daily breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 6 dinners. This includes a traditional Peking Duck dinner in Beijing, a dumpling-making experience in Xi'an, and a hotpot dinner in Chengdu.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour includes high-speed train tickets for travel between Beijing to Luoyang, Xi'an to Chengdu, and Chengdu to Chongqing. All relevant transfers and transportation are in private air-conditioned vehicles.
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Is there an opportunity to see pandas during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where you can see both adult and baby pandas.
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What activities are included in Xi'an?
In Xi'an, the tour includes a visit to the Terracotta Warriors, a bike ride on the medieval City Wall, a visit to the Muslim Quarter, and a dumpling-making experience.
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Will there be any cultural performances during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a Chinese acrobatic performance in Beijing and a shadow puppetry show in Xi'an.
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Is there a cruise included in the itinerary?
Yes, the tour includes a Yangtze River cruise from Chongqing to Yichang, exploring the Three Gorges.
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Are there any optional activities in Shanghai?
Yes, in Shanghai, you have free time to explore the city or join optional group tours, such as a full-day city tour or a visit to Zhujiajiao Water Town.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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