Best of China

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Indulge in a private lunch at the Great Wall of China.

Today, set out for the Great Wall of China, which winds its way from the Yellow Sea up into the Gobi Desert for more than 6,000 kilometres. Travel back to Beijing this evening and indulge in an authentic Peking Duck banquet served with all the traditional accompaniments. 

Day 4: Beijing, Yichang, Embark Ship 

After the morning at leisure, transfer to the airport and fly to Yichang. On arrival, transfer to your luxury river ship and settle in for your cruise along the Yangtze River.

Stay: Four Nights: the luxurious Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer 

Day 5: Xiling Gorge, Three Gorges Dam 

Cruise along the Yangtze River through China’s most picturesque area, the spectacular Three Gorges region. Pass through the longest of the Three Gorges, Xiling Gorge, cruising through Yellow Ox Gorge and under Huangling Temple, built around 770 BC – 476 BC and set amid groves of orange and pomelo trees. Later this afternoon, arrive at the Three Gorges Dam and take a tour of the world’s largest engineering project. After the Captain’s Welcome Reception this evening, enjoy a special Welcome Dinner. 

Day 6: Shennong Stream, Wu Gorge, Qutang Gorge

Rise early to participate in a tai chi class atop the ship’s Observation Deck for a relaxing start to your day. Following breakfast, disembark for a tour of Fengdu, a graceful little ‘Ghost City’ that lies in the foothills of the mountains by the river. Fengdu is noted for its bustling markets and the many Buddha and Tao temples gathered on Ming Mountain. Alternatively, you may choose to take a ‘Relocation Tour’, which will give you an insight into the impact of the Three Gorges Dam project on local farming communities and the surrounding area. In the afternoon, choose from a range of activities. Perhaps attend a Chinese brush painting and calligraphy demonstration, learn how to play the ancient game of Mahjong, learn a few words of Mandarin, or participate in a dumpling making session run by the ship’s talented chef. In the evening, enjoy the Emperor’s Farewell Dinner, a Chinese banquet feast. 

Disembark your ship for the final time in Chongqing this morning. A strategic port since ancient times, Chongqing was established in the 11th century and has a dramatic history, having played a key role in World War II due to its mountainous landscape. Head to the Chongqing Zoo, where more than 200 varieties of wild and rare animals are on display, including the endangered Giant Pandas. This beautiful creature is fast replacing the dragon as China’s emblem and has been kept in zoos since the early Han Dynasty – over two thousand years ago. Later, visit a local restaurant for a hotpot lunch before transferring to the airport for your flight to Xi’an.

Stay: Two Nights: Xi’an, Shangri-La Hotel 

Today you will discover the attractions of Xi’an, one of the oldest cities in China with more than 3,000 years of history. The city was one of China’s Four Great Capitals and is the eastern point of the famous Silk Road. Visit the ancient city wall, one of the largest military defensive systems in the world, constructed in the 14th century during the early Ming Dynasty. Afterwards, travel to a clay factory where impressive terracotta soldiers are still made today. Spend the afternoon at the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses and the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum. Here lie the three excavation pits where the collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the warriors of Qin Shi Huang, the First Emperor of China, were first unearthed by farmers in 1974. Watch a panoramic movie telling the story of the warriors and enjoy time to visit the three excavation pits where over 8,000 terracotta soldiers, horses, chariots and weapons are arranged in vast columns. 

Transfer to the airport and fly to Shanghai. On arrival, ride the high-speed Maglev train and watch the kilometres race towards an exhilarating 300 kilometres. Once predominantly a fishing and textiles town, rapid growth has seen Shanghai transform into a globally significant metropolis. Check in to your hotel overlooking the Huangpu River. Beyond the crisp cool veneer, Shanghai's architectural heritage is like nowhere else. From Jesuit cathedrals, Jewish synagogues and Buddhist temples to home-grown lòngtáng laneways and shíkùmén housing, lift the lid to a treasure chest of architectural style with time at leisure. 

Day 11: Shanghai 

This morning, be joined by a local guide for an orientation tour through downtown Shanghai. Stop at the Oriental Pearl Tower and take an elevator to the viewing deck, where you will delight in panoramic views of the city. Standing at 468 metres high, it is one of the city’s tallest buildings and is brightly lit in different LED sequences at night. After lunch visit an authentic local silk factory for an insight into the history of Chinese silk manufacturing. This evening, after dinner at your leisure, enjoy premium seating at a thrilling acrobatic show. 

Day 12: Shanghai 

FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Sightseeing

Choose your activity this morning. Perhaps cruise the Huangpu River through the heart of the city, then explore Yu Garden and enjoy a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. Regarded as one of the most lavish gardens in China, Yu Garden was built over a period of 20 years by Pan Yunduan who wanted to impress his father, a high-ranking official in the Ming Dynasty. Following your tour, sit down to a dim sum lunch. Alternatively you may prefer to take part in a hands-on cooking class, during which you will learn how to make Shanghai dumplings. Your final option is a full day excursion to Jinxi, an ancient water town. Although only an hour from bustling Shanghai, Jinxi is worlds away in pace and serenity. Less developed than other nearby water towns and largely untouched by tourism, Jinxi’s romantic charm is best appreciated during a guided walking tour. Wandering through the covered corridors along the Jinxi River, you’ll discover ancient bridges arching over the town’s many water alleys. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and time at leisure before returning to the city. 

After breakfast this morning, transfer to the airport for your flight home.