Board an international flight bound for Beijing, eager to begin our China vacation. Spend the night aboard as our flight crosses the International Date Line.

We arrive in Beijing, the capital city of China. Greeted by our local guide in the arrivals hall and transferred to our luxury accommodations for a good night's rest.

*Airport transfers are not included for land-only travelers.

Today, we begin our exploration of Beijing with a visit to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. The Forbidden City, the former residence of the Ming and Qing emperors. Spanning 720,000 square meters, it remains the world’s largest palace complex. Just beyond lies Tiananmen Square, once the main gate to the Imperial Palace, now stands as a symbol of modern China, surrounded by the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China, the Mao Zedong Memorial Hall, and the Monument to the People’s Heroes. Enjoy a traditional Chinese lunch along the way. Take a stroll along Qianmen Street, a historic avenue once linking the Imperial Palace with the outer city. Restored for the 2008 Olympics, it now captures the charm of early 20th-century Beijing. Photo stops at the city’s Olympic landmarks — the Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) and the Water Cube (National Aquatics Center). Enjoy the evening at leisure or join the optional Peking Roast Duck dinner, featuring Beijing’s signature dish roasted over fruitwood and served with classic condiments and delicate pancakes—a flavorful finale to your day in the capital.

*Please bring your passport for the Forbidden City & Tiananmen Square tour. Entry is only permitted if it matches the reservation information on file, and tickets are nonrefundable if entry is denied. Please note: the schedule is subject to change. Morning and afternoon activities may be adjusted depending on the reservation timings.

Spend the day at the iconic and must-see Great Wall, one of the few man-made structures visible from low Earth orbit. This massive defensive barrier was built to protect the Chinese heartland from northern invasions. Stretching an astonishing 4,000 miles across nine provinces, the Great Wall is a feat of ancient engineering. Construction began under Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor, around 200 B.C., and was completed during the Ming Dynasty in 1640. Visit the Sacred Way —a peaceful, tree-lined avenue guarded by grand stone statues that once marked the imperial path to the Ming Tombs. Lunch along the way features local Chinese cuisine. Today, enjoy ample time to walk the Great Wall’s ancient path and experience one of China’s most iconic landmarks.

*Cable car rides at the Great Wall are not included.

Today, we continue our journey by flying to Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi Province and one of China’s oldest cities. With over 3,100 years of history, Xi’an is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China and was known as “Chang’an” before the Ming Dynasty. It also marks the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and is famously home to the Terra Cotta Warriors. Upon arrival in Xi’an, enjoy the evening free or join the optional tour with dinner featuring Xi’an’s local flavors. Visit Asia’s largest musical fountain, admire the historic Big Wild Goose Pagoda—a well-preserved ancient building and holy Buddhist site, rated a National Key Cultural Relic Preserve and AAAA Tourist Attraction—and stroll through the Tang Ever Bright City, a beautiful Tang Dynasty-inspired complex.

Witness the awe-inspiring Terra Cotta Warriors by visiting the Terracotta Army Museum, one of China’s greatest archaeological treasures. Discovered by chance in 1974, this extraordinary archaeological find attracts thousands of visitors to Xi’an each year and is considered one of the most significant discoveries of the modern era. Three excavation pits are open to the public. Spend time admiring the detailed soldiers, horses, and chariots arranged in battle formation. With insights from expert guides, uncover the history of this underground army and the legacy of China’s first emperor. Enjoy a local Xi’an lunch along the way. Stop at Bell and Drum Tower Square for a photo opportunity, followed by a visit to the vibrant Muslim Quarter to experience the local culture and flavors. Tonight, join the optional tour to experience the Tang Dynasty Show, a captivating song and dance performance celebrating the cultural brilliance and prosperity of the Tang Dynasty (618–907).

Fly to Chongqing, a vibrant city nestled among lush mountains at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. Enjoy a smooth transfer through its dramatic skyline before boarding your cruise ship. Settle in and soak up the scenery as your unforgettable journey along the majestic Yangtze River begins. The ship sets sail at 9:00 PM, gliding into the night toward the wonders ahead.

Today, enjoy your time on the Yangtze River Cruise as you sail along the Yangtze River. During the day, take a shore excursion to Mountain Shuanggui, located near Fengdu. Known for its stunning natural scenery and historic sites, Mountain Shuanggui offers a glimpse into local life and the region’s rich cultural heritage. Depending on river conditions, an alternate excursion may be offered to Shibaozhai, a picturesque site featuring an impressive wooden pagoda that rises high above the river. This iconic pagoda is known for its unique architectural design and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. After the excursion, return to the ship to continue your cruise through the scenic Yangtze River and Three Gorges.

Today, journey through the majestic Three Gorges, a true wonder of the Yangtze River. Begin with Qutang Gorge, just 5 miles long and 500 feet wide at its narrowest point—its sheer cliffs and towering peaks offer a dramatic and unforgettable sight. Continue into Wu Gorge, stretching 25 miles, where misty, forested mountains create a dreamlike landscape of quiet beauty. Later, transfer to another vessel for a peaceful cruise along the Goddess Stream, known for its crystal-clear waters and steep green ravines. Depending on river conditions, this may be replaced with a visit to the picturesque Shennong Stream. Enter the awe-inspiring Xiling Gorge, the longest and deepest of the three at 41 miles, where rugged cliffs and winding waters showcase the raw power and beauty of nature.

Disembark this morning and embark on a tour of the Three Gorges Dam, located at Sandouping in Xiling Gorge. As the world’s largest power station, the dam is an extraordinary feat of engineering, playing a crucial role in flood control, hydroelectric power generation, and improving navigation along the Yangtze River. Take in the immense scale of the project and learn about its significance to both the local region and China as a whole. After the dam tour, you will be transferred to Yichang and then board a flight to Shanghai, where you will be welcomed by the city’s striking skyline and dynamic atmosphere.

Spend the morning discovering Shanghai’s unique mix of tradition and modernity. Stroll along The Bund, known for its colonial architecture and stunning views of the city’s futuristic skyline. Explore Nanjing Road, one of the world’s busiest shopping streets, lined with luxury boutiques, malls, and local shops. Continue to the City God Temple Area, a vibrant neighborhood filled with traditional architecture, bustling markets, and authentic street food. Visit Xintiandi, a trendy pedestrian zone blending historic Shikumen buildings with modern cafés, shops, and restaurants. In the evening, enjoy free time or enhance your experience with the optional tour featuring the Oriental Pearl Tower for panoramic city views, followed by a Huangpu River Cruise to see the skyline sparkle at night. End the evening with a delicious Shanghai-style dinner, a perfect finale to your day.

Our voyage through China ends as we board our international flight back to the US.

*Airport transfers are not included for land-only travelers.