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Highlights of China with Yangtze Cruise

16days from

£3,625^*per person

Overview

Experience the contrasts of China with the megacities of Shanghai and Beijing, a cruise down the Yangtze, and visits to the Great Wall, Terracotta Army, as well as a chance to see the legendary pandas. this escorted tour of China is not to be missed.

Start in Beijing, exploring Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square, and the Forbidden City, the sprawling imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests, and China’s iconic Great Wall, a striking fortress with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Stroll through the Summer Palace, a beautifully landscaped royal retreat, and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony, savouring classic Chinese teas. Travel by high-speed train to Xi’an to witness the Terracotta Army of more than 2,000 warriors, wander the bustling Muslim Quarter, stroll along the City Wall, and admire the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, followed by an optional evening Tang Dynasty performance.

Next, head to Chengdu, home of the giant panda, to visit the Panda Research Centre, sip tea at People’s Park, and walk through Kuanzhai Alley, lined with traditional courtyards, shops, and teahouses. Board a Victoria Cruises ship in Chongqng for a three-night journey down the Yangtze River, sailing through dramatic cliffs and landscapes of the Three Gorges, with optional excursions available along the way. Your time in ancient Suzhou includes the Lingering Garden, a canal boat ride, and a visit to a silk museum, while the Shanghai experience features the Oriental Pearl Tower and a walk along the Bund.

Itinerary

Fly to Beijing - Travel from the UK on an overnight flight to Beijing.
Arrive in Beijing and welcome dinner - This afternoon, you’ll land in Beijing, China’s vast, lively capital, and be welcomed by your local tour manager and city guide upon arrival, before heading to a local restaurant for dinner.
Included tour of Beijing with local lunch - After breakfast, begin your day in Beijing with a visit to Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world, before exploring the Forbidden City, the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties between 1420 and 1911, and the first UNESCO World Heritage Site of the tour. This magnificent palace encompasses 114 buildings, including an important imperial library, and showcases centuries of history and culture. Continue to the striking Temple of Heaven, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, where emperors once held ceremonies to pray for good harvests. This complex of ritual buildings is set amid gardens and ancient pine woods, and its overall design symbolises the harmony between earth and heaven, a concept central to Chinese cosmology. At lunchtime, enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine at a local restaurant, followed later by a chance to sample Beijing’s most famous dish, Peking roast duck, at the historic Quanjude restaurant, which has been serving this specialty for more than 150 years. There should be some time this afternoon to relax or to explore at your own pace.
Included visit to the Great Wall of China and Qianmen Street - Following breakfast, today’s wish-list highlight is a visit to the Great Wall of China, at Badaling. This remarkable fortification, stretching over 1,500 miles across northern China, was originally constructed more than 2,000 years ago. You can choose to walk up to the wall or, if you’d prefer, take a cable car ride up (at your own expense), where the views from the top are breath-taking! Returning to Beijing, your guide will take you to Qianmen Street. This pedestrian thoroughfare is lined with mock-period frontages. It was once part of the imperial route to the Temple of Heaven and later became one of the city’s busiest commercial hubs. As you wander, observe the former craftsman workshops, theatres, and warehouses sitting alongside popular outlets.
Included visit to the Summer Palace, a tea ceremony experience, and a high-speed train journey to Xi’an - Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before visiting the Summer Palace, the former summer retreat of China’s emperors and their families. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is positioned around the vast Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, and is renowned for its landscaped gardens, ornate pavilions, pretty bridges and the famous marble boat. Next, visit a traditional Chinese tea centre, where you’ll take part in a tea ceremony experience. A skilled tea master will prepare three classic varieties, such as green, black, and oolong, while explaining their origins, distinctive qualities, and traditional health benefits. You’ll then have lunch at a local restaurant. Later, board your first high-speed train for the journey to Xi’an. On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel. This evening’s dinner features a speciality of Xi’an, a selection of delicious local dumplings, the region’s signature dish.
Included visit to the Terracotta Army and Muslim Quarter and optional Xi'an Tang Dynasty show - When you’ve had breakfast, you’ll experience another unforgettable excursion on this tour – a visit to the world-famous Terracotta Army. Buried over 2,000 years ago to guard the mausoleum of Qin Shihuang, China’s first emperor, this extraordinary site was unearthed in 1974 and revealed thousands of life-sized warriors, horses, and chariots, each uniquely detailed down to their armour and expressions. It remains one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. In the afternoon, explore the Muslim Quarter, one of Xi’an’s most well-known cultural and culinary districts. Your tour manager will introduce the area’s history and food culture, including landmarks such as the Great Mosque. Before returning to your hotel, take some time to view the Bell Tower from the outside and capture some photos. Your hotel is just a 15-minute walk, so you can return later on if you wish. Dinner will be at leisure, either at your hotel or a nearby restaurant. You can then choose to witness the grandeur of ancient China with the Xi’an Tang Dynasty Show, a spectacular performance that brings to life the music, dance, and culture of the Tang Dynasty. This spectacle features traditional costumes, dance, and live music, highlighting the culture of China’s Tang Dynasty.
Included visit to the Xi’an City Wall, Small Wild Goose Pagoda and high-speed train journey to Chengdu - Have breakfast before travelling to Xi’an City Wall, one of the oldest and largest city walls in China, originally built in the 14th century during the Ming Dynasty. Next, visit the Small Goose Pagoda, a Buddhist pagoda constructed over 1,300 years ago during the Tang Dynasty, known for its slender brick design and historical significance as part of the Jianfu Temple complex. After lunch, board a second high-speed train to Chengdu. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Included visit to the Panda Research Centre, the People’s Park teahouse, and Kuanzhai Alley - Enjoy breakfast, then join your tour manager for a visit to the Panda Research Centre, one of China’s leading conservation facilities dedicated to the protection of the giant panda. Chengdu is known as the ‘home of the panda’, and this centre plays a vital role in breeding, research, and education. You can observe pandas in a carefully designed, natural environment and, depending on the season, may even see young cubs alongside the adults. Return to the city to explore People’s Park, a green space popular with locals for morning exercise, games, and socialising. Here, you’ll join the tradition of drinking tea in a classic teahouse, and see the famous Marriage Corner, where parents gather to share details about their unmarried children in the hope of arranging a match. Later, discover Kuanzhai Alley, a quarter dating back to the Qing dynasty. The district combines traditional courtyard architecture with teahouses, restaurants, and small shops. It’s an ideal place to sample local snacks, enjoy some free time to explore, and take photographs before lunch at a local restaurant. In the evening, experience a traditional Chinese hot pot dinner, a popular and social way of dining, where a simmering pot of broth is placed at the table, and a variety of meats, vegetables, and noodles are cooked together and shared.
Included visit to Wenshu Temple, high-speed train journey to Chongqing, ride on the Liziba Monorail and board Yangtze Victoria Cruise - Today, after breakfast, head to the Wenshu Temple, one of Chengdu’s best-preserved Buddhist monasteries and an active place of worship. Known as the spiritual heart of the city, the temple complex includes peaceful gardens, opulent halls, and surrounding markets. Later, travel on another high-speed train to Chongqing, at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers. On arrival, discover Chongqing’s striking cityscape during a half-day tour. Travel into the heart of the city, Jiefang Bei (Liberation Monument). This monument is a major landmark and the central point of the downtown area. It was originally built in the 1940s to commemorate China’s victory in World War II. Take a short ride on the famous Liziba Monorail, where the track runs directly through a residential building before visiting Kuixing Pavilion, which offers views over the city and a close-up look at Chongqing’s distinctive “8D architecture,” with buildings connected on multiple levels. This evening, have dinner at a local restaurant before a short panoramic drive through Chongqing to see the illuminated skyline. Later, board your Victoria Cruises ship for a three-night sailing along the Yangtze River, the longest river in Asia. There are optional excursions that you can book during your journey.
Onboard Yangtze cruise and visit to Mount Shuanggui near Fengdu - Your first breakfast onboard is followed by some time sailing downstream and observing daily life along the banks. A shore excursion will take you to Mount Shuanggui, near Fengdu. This site is known for its centuries-old temples, peaceful grounds, and literary connections. Lunch will then be served back onboard, and you can take advantage of the spacious viewing decks and enjoy the on-board lectures. This evening, a Captain’s welcome reception will be followed by a buffet dinner with the option to enjoy an additional shore excursion.

Onboard Yangtze Cruise, travel through the Three Gorges - Today, after breakfast, your cruise takes you into the dramatic landscapes of the Three Gorges, one of China’s most famous natural wonders. You’ll sail first through the Qutang Gorge, the narrowest and most remarkable stretch, bordered by sheer cliffs that rise from the water. Next comes the Wu Gorge, renowned for its forested peaks often covered in mist. Later, you’ll transfer to a smaller vessel for a leisurely excursion along the Goddess Stream, a tranquil tributary lined with steep cliffs and lush vegetation. Returning to your ship, you’ll continue into the Xiling Gorge, the longest of the three, stretching for 41 miles, and the deepest, with towering limestone walls and dramatic bends in the river. Enjoy a Captain’s farewell dinner on your final evening.
Disembark, visit to the Three Gorges Dam, and a high-speed train journey to Suzhou - After breakfast on board, you’ll disembark for a guided visit to the Three Gorges Dam, an extraordinary feat of modern engineering. Spanning the Yangtze River at Sandouping in the Xiling Gorge, it is the largest hydroelectric power station in the world. Later, transfer to Yichang station to board a final high-speed train to Suzhou. A packed lunch will be provided for your journey. On arrival in Suzhou, you’ll travel to your centrally located hotel, set on a pedestrian street close to a wide choice of restaurants and cafés. This evening, dinner is at leisure, giving you the chance to relax and explore local dining options at your own pace.
Included visit to the Lingering Garden, a cruise on Suzhou's canals and visit to a Silk Factory and Silk Museum - Enjoy breakfast in your hotel before visiting the Lingering Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Suzhou’s most celebrated classical gardens. A 40-minute cruise along Suzhou’s ancient canals follows, gliding past whitewashed houses with black-tiled roofs and stone bridges, a setting that has earned the city its nickname, the ‘Venice of the East’. Today's visits also include a Silk Factory and Silk Museum, where you can learn about Suzhou’s centuries-old silk production. Have lunch at a local restaurant, featuring traditional Suzhou cuisine, before a short transfer to Shanghai. On arrival, check into your centrally located hotel, with dinner at leisure.
Included visit to the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Urban History Development Museum, Shanghai's Bund and East Nanjing Road and optional Shanghai evening river cruise - After breakfast, head on over to the Oriental Pearl Tower, a symbol of Shanghai’s skyline, and travel up by lift to the observation deck, sitting at 259 meters, to see the city from above and take photos. Head back down to the Shanghai Urban History Development Museum at the base, housing interactive displays and lifelike wax figures that depict the city’s evolution from a small fishing village into a buzzing metropolis. Next, stroll along the Bund, Shanghai’s famous riverside promenade, where colonial-era buildings sit opposite the futuristic skyscrapers of Pudong. Afterwards, enjoy some free time on East Nanjing Road, a pedestrian street and the most well known in China, perfect for shopping. Lunch is served at a local restaurant with traditional Chinese dishes. This evening will be at leisure, or you can experience the magic of Shanghai after dark with an evening cruise along the Huangpu River, where the city’s skyline and Bund are illuminated. Glide past the futuristic skyscrapers of Pudong, including the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower, while admiring the colonial-era architecture lining the Bund. This hour-long cruise offers incredible photo opportunities and a relaxing way to see the city at night with a knowledgeable guide.
Morning at leisure, optional Shanghai tour, and fly back to the UK - Following a final breakfast and morning, continue sightseeing or enjoy some last-minute shopping at your leisure. You can also choose to join an optional city tour of Shanghai. Begin at Fuxing Park, where you can observe locals engaging in morning exercises, singing, and social activities. Next, explore the Xintiandi district, a lively commercial and entertainment area developed from renovated Shikumen (Stone Gate) houses. These unique residences, originating in the late 19th century, feature stone-framed gateways, black wooden doors, and small inner courtyards. Stroll through the narrow alleys, or Nongtang, which were once the heart of Shanghai’s community life, before stopping for lunch to taste Shanghai Xiaolongbao (delicate soup-filled dumplings with thin wrappers and rich, flavourful broth). Return to the hotel in the early evening for a farewell dinner of traditional Chinese cuisine before transferring to the airport for your midnight departure from Shanghai.

What's Included

Holiday Highlights

Experience the world-famous Great Wall of China, the largest man-made project in the world
Discover Beijing with a tour covering Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven
In Xi’an, witness the Terracotta Army, featuring more than 2,000 warriors and horses
Travel up to the top of the Oriental Pearl Tower
Visit the Summer Palace in Beijing, a former royal retreat, and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony experience
Take a stroll down Qianmen Street, a well-known commercial and cultural pedestrian street in the heart of Beijing
Walk around the Xi'an City Wall, one of the oldest, largest, and best-preserved Chinese city walls, and the Small Wild Goose Pagoda
Spend time in the Panda Research Centre in Chengdu, drink tea at a classic teahouse, visit Wenshu Temple and explore historic Kuanzhai Alley
Ride on the Liziba Monorail in Chongqing as it travel through an apartment block
Glide down the Yangtze River with three nights aboard a Victoria Cruises’ ship
Sail through the Three Gorges, one of China’s most famous natural wonders, and choose from a range of onshore optional excursions
Wander around the Lingering Garden, cruise Suzhou's canals, and visit a Silk Factory and Silk Museum
Visit the Shanghai Urban History Development Museum, Shanghai's Bund, and East Nanjing Road
Observe the sights of Shanghai at night with an optional evening river cruise
Sample an assortment of popular Chinese dishes, including Beijing duck, dumplings, and a traditional hot pot
Enjoy the convenience of four high-speed train journeys across the country

Our Price Includes

13 nights’ mixed-board accommodation in Beijing (3 nights), Xi’an (2), Chengdu (2), onboard a Victoria Cruises ship (3), Suzhou (1), and Shanghai (2), plus two nights on the aircraft
13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and nine dinners, including a Beijing duck dinner, a dumpling dinner, a hot pot dinner, a welcome dinner, and a farewell dinner
One soft drink is included with meals
Tour of the main sights of Beijing over three days
Visit the Great Wall of China and Qianmen Street in Beijing
Visit the Summer Palace and tea ceremony experience in Beijing
Visit the Terracotta Army and Muslim Quarter in Xi’an
Visit the City Wall and the Small Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi’an
Visit the Panda Research Centre, the People’s Park teahouse, Wenshu Temple and Kuanzhai Alley in Chengdu
Ride on the Liziba Monorail in Chongqing
Visit to Mount Shuanggui along the Yangtze River
Visit the Lingering Garden, cruise Suzhou’s canals, and visit a Silk Factory and Silk Museum
Visit the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Urban History Development Museum, Shanghai's Bund, and East Nanjing Road in Shanghai
Return flights to Beijing and from Shanghai
Four high-speed train journeys
Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel and transfers throughout
Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager with a local guide in each city

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Dates and Prices

Accommodation

Highlights of China with Yangtze Cruise Touring Hotels -

Introduction
You will be staying in a series of comfortable hotels that are conveniently located for your tour itinerary.

Mercure Beijing Downtown, Beijing (nights 2-4)
Located in the central business district, this relaxed hotel is surrounded by shops and restaurants. There is an indoor swimming pool, a gym, and a restaurant with Chinese or Western-style breakfast available. Modern guestrooms have TVs, mini-bars, safes, hairdryers, tea/coffee-making facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Please note: The tour departing on Monday, 19 October 2026, will stay at the Hampton by Hilton Beijing GuoMao CBD instead.

Xi'an Crystal Orange Yongningmen Hotel, Xi’an (nights 5-6) – 2026 departures
Housed within Xi’an’s ancient walled centre, this charming hotel promises a comfortable retreat in the heart of the city. There is a well-appointed fitness suite, a 24-hour concierge service and free Wi-Fi throughout. The hotel also features a restaurant, which serves buffet-style breakfasts and traditional Asian cuisines. Guestrooms are soundproofed and air-conditioned throughout, and include irons, TVs and tea/coffee-making facilities.

Grand Noble Hotel, Xi’an (nights 5-6) – 2027/28 departures
Positioned in the central business district, this sleek hotel is a 15-minute walk from the Bell Tower, a major landmark in Xi’an. Guests can choose from six dining options, and enjoy a spa and wellness centre, as well as a fitness centre, and a lobby bar. Comfortable guestrooms have a mini-bar, safe, tea/coffee-making facilities, and free Wi-Fi.

Holiday Inn Express Gulou, Chengdu (nights 7-8)
Placed in the heart of downtown Chengdu, this high-rise hotel is within walking distance of many shops, restaurants, and the metro station. Air-conditioned guestrooms have TVs, mini-fridges, sitting areas, tea/coffee-making facilities, and free Wi-Fi. A simple restaurant offers a buffet breakfast.

Victoria Cruises ship, Yangtze River (nights 9-11)
Victoria’s ships are built specifically for the Yangtze River and designed for passengers to relax in style with comfortable accommodations, attentive service, and gourmet dining, while taking in the river’s landscapes from both the staterooms and the ship’s public areas. Superior cabins have private balconies, bathrooms with bathtubs and showers, and Wi-Fi access. There are two dining rooms that offer Western and Chinese dishes, as well as a complimentary soft drink with meals. On-board entertainment includes Tai Chi Chuan classes, lectures on Chinese history and culture, fashion shows, as well as evening entertainment like karaoke, dancing, and the Victoria cabaret. There is also a boutique, a fitness room, a health clinic, a massage room, and a reading area.

Youngor Central Hotel, Suzhou (night 12)
With an ideal location in the centre of Suzhou, this hotel is close to many attractions. There is a fitness centre, a 24-hour front desk, a lobby bar, and a breakfast room. Simple guestrooms have a TV, a mini-bar, and free Wi-Fi.

Shanghai Metropark Jichen Hotel, Shanghai (nights 13-14)
Housed in a multi-story building, this hotel is close to an assortment of restaurants. Facilities include a fitness centre and three dining options. Guestrooms have TVs, mini-bars and free Wi-Fi.

Other Information

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 50 minutes.

Luggage allowance

You are permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg.

Passports and Visas

British Citizens require a visa to enter mainland China. Your passport must be valid for six months after the date you arrive in China and contain two blank pages. Those aged 14 to 70 years are required to attend a Visa For China Application Centre, in person, where a scan of your fingerprints is taken as part of the application. There are visa centres in London, Manchester, Belfast and Edinburgh. The Travel Visa Company can also assist you with all your visa requirements. You can call them on 01270 904 002 or email NewmarketHolidays@thetravelvisacompany.co.uk. Note that additional charges will apply. If you are not a British Citizen other conditions may apply. On arrival in China you may need to pass through medical screening which usually means, but is not limited to, body temperature scanning.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made. In many developing countries access is sometimes not as easy as at home. Should you have walking difficulties, getting around monuments and attractions may be harder and, in some cases, impossible. Should you have any concerns whatsoever please do contact us prior to travel.

Itinerary changes

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure. The order of the itinerary in Beijing may vary depending on ticket availability, however all sights listed will be included.

Changes to your hotels

Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.

Holiday code

N2846

Holiday provided by Newmarket Holidays (for Metro Travel Offers)

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE: This holiday is sold and operated by Newmarket Holidays (ABTOT 5509, ATOL 2325, ABTA V7812), you can be 100% sure that your money is safe.

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