Enchanting China & the Yangtze River with Hong Kong

19 days
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River Cruise
Marvel at natural wonders, ancient treasures, and fascinating cultures on this unique journey through China and along the Yangtze River. Start in Beijing, where you will visit the Forbidden City with its Imperial Palace, sample authentic Peking Duck, and walk along the incomparable Great Wall of China. You will also explore one of the city’s ancient alleys by...

Overview

Trip type
River Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Deluxe 3-night cruise from Chongqing to Yichang in a Deluxe Stateroom with two lower beds, private facilities, and balcony
    • Sightseeing including headsets; visit the Forbidden City, Imperial Palace, Tian’anmen Square, Great Wall, and Temple of Heaven; Peking Duck welcome dinner; Peking Opera performance or Legend of Kung Fu Show; hutong tour by rickshaw
    • Sightseeing including headsets; visit the Terracotta Warriors including the VIP viewing area and Dayan Pagoda; noodle-making demonstration; calligraphy class; “Tang Dynasty” dinner show
    • Walking tour of ancient Lijiang town; visit Black Dragon Pool, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and the Museum of Naxi Dongba Culture including a Dongba character lesson with a priest; Lijiang Impression Show
    • Li River cruise; visit a tea farm
    • Visit a local zoo to see pandas and the Stillwell Museum; hot pot lunch; begin your Yangtze cruise; private welcome reception
    • Walking tour
    • Boat excursion down one of the Yangtze’s lesser gorges
    • Sightseeing of the impressive dam site
    • Sightseeing including headsets; visit the Bund, Yu Yuan Gardens, a silk factory, and the Shanghai Museum; dim sum lunch; walking tour of the French Concession; see an acrobatic show

What's this trip about?

    Marvel at natural wonders, ancient treasures, and fascinating cultures on this unique journey through China and along the Yangtze River. Start in Beijing, where you will visit the Forbidden City with its Imperial Palace, sample authentic Peking Duck, and walk along the incomparable Great Wall of China. You will also explore one of the city’s ancient alleys by rickshaw and experience a cultural performance at the Peking Opera or the Legend of Kung Fu show. In Xi’an, see the famed Terracotta Warriors up close from a special VIP viewing area and learn how to write ancient Chinese calligraphy. Travel to Lijiang, where you will explore the medieval Old Town, visit beautiful Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and witness an impressive show created by the co-director of the 2008 Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony. Here you will also learn about the culture of the Naxi people, one of China’s minority ethnic groups. Next, fly to Guilin, one of China’s most beautiful areas, where you will partake in a traditional tea ceremony and cruise the magical Li River. Next, in Chongqing, see pandas at a zoo and begin your Yangtze River cruise with a private welcome reception. Shore excursions include a walking tour of a riverside community to see its beautiful pagoda, a tour of the Three Gorges Dam site, and a small boat cruise on the emerald-green waters of Shennv Stream. In Shanghai, walk along the Bund, see stunning displays of ancient bronze and jade at the Shanghai Museum, and enjoy a traditional dim sum feast. You will also attend a high-flying acrobat show and take a fascinating walking tour through the former French Concession where tree-lined streets and Art Deco architecture transport you to a bygone era. Final stop is exciting Hong Kong. Take a cable-car ride up Victoria Peak for panoramic views and a visit of Aberdeen fishing village for a sampan ride on the stunning harbor. Free time on your own gives you a chance to explore the many markets, taste some authentic Chinese food, listen to the sounds of the city, or take an optional excursion. All this and more await you on this remarkable vacation!

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Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeOperator does not provide
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityArrive in Beijing
End CityHong Kong

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Asia
  • China
  • Hong Kong

Attractions

  • Beijing
  • Chengdu
  • Chongqing
  • Guilin
  • Hong Kong
  • Lijiang
  • Shanghai
  • Three Gorges Dam
  • Yangtze River
  • Yichang

Activities

  • Culture
  • River cruise

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1

Arrive in Beijing, China. Welcome to China’s capital city. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Day 2

Beijing. Your full-day sightseeing starts with a visit to the FORBIDDEN CITY and its IMPERIAL PALACE, once the home of China’s great emperors. Nearby is 100-acre TIAN’ANMEN SQUARE, the largest public square in the world. After lunch, enjoy some time at your leisure. This evening, enjoy a special PEKING DUCK WELCOME DINNER at an award-winning restaurant in your hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 3

Beijing. The GREAT WALL OF CHINA once stretched 4,000 miles across China’s barren northern terrain from the Bohai Sea to the Gobi Desert. Head north to a village where the Great Wall is well preserved, and walk along the wall to enjoy sweeping vistas of this mammoth f...

Day 4

Beijing–Xi’an. This morning, visit the TEMPLE OF HEAVEN and enjoy a rickshaw ride through one of Beijing’s HUTONGS, the city’s ancient alleys. Experience life in this historic neighborhood as you are invited into the courtyard of a family’s home for tea. Later, fly to Xi’an. (B,D)

Day 5

Xi’an. One of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world when China dominated the silk trade, Xi’an today is an archaeological treasure trove. Sightseeing begins with the enormous tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, accidentally discovered by local far...

Day 6

Xi’an–Lijiang. This morning, visit the Xi’an City Wall South Gate and learn to write like a local during a traditional Chinese CALLIGRAPHY CLASS; you may even see some locals practicing their morning tai chi. This afternoon, fly to Lijiang, home to the Naxi people, one of China’s minority ethnic groups. (B)

Day 7

Lijiang. This morning, take a WALKING TOUR through Lijiang’s medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by 16,000-foot-plus mountains. Then, visit the MUSEUM OF NAXI DONGBA CULTURE to learn about the ancient culture, or Dongba, of the Naxi people, whic...

Day 8

Lijiang–Guilin. This morning, take a short trip outside of Lijiang to the 18,464-foot-high Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Here you will witness the impressive LIJIANG IMPRESSION SHOW, created by the co-director of the 2008 Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony. The show featu...

Day 9

Guilin. Limestone mountains, their needle peaks hidden in mist, rise from the green plain surrounding Guilin. The scene conveys a sense of mystery that artists have tried to capture for centuries. Savor unique vistas during a leisurely CRUISE on the Li River and enjoy...

Day 10

Guilin–Chongqing (Embarkation)–Yangtze River Cruise. Today, take a morning flight to Chongqing, China’s capital during World War II. Upon arrival, eat lunch at a local HOT POT restaurant, then visit a local ZOO to see pandas as well as the STILLWELL MUSEUM. After dinn...

Day 11

Cruising: Shibaozhai. The morning is at your leisure to enjoy a variety of onboard activities. You may choose to start your day with a tai chi session on the Sun Deck, take a swim in the pool, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery. After lunch, take a WALKING TOUR of ...

Day 12

Cruising: Qutang Gorge–Wu Gorge–Shennv Stream. Again, enjoy the morning at your leisure on the ship. You may choose to take an optional shore excursion to Baidi Cheng, known as the “White Emperor City,” to see the Baidi Temple. Later in the morning, sail downstream th...

Day 13

Cruising: Three Gorges Dam Site–Xiling Gorge–Yichang (Disembarkation)–Shanghai. This morning, visit the THREE GORGES DAM SITE, the largest dam of its kind in the world. Afterward, sail through Xiling Gorge, the last of the three gorges, before bidding farewell to your...

Day 14

Shanghai. Start your day with a stroll along the Bund, the city’s riverfront boulevard lined with historic buildings, housing, banks, and trade houses. Then, visit YU YUAN GARDENS, dating back to the Ming Dynasty, and a SILK FACTORY to learn about the silk-making proc...

Day 15

Shanghai. This morning, visit the SHANGHAI MUSEUM, with stunning displays of ancient bronze, jade, and ceramics. Then, take a WALKING TOUR of the former French Concession, once Shanghai’s leading residential and retail area. Today, the qualities that made the area so ...

Day 16

Shanghai–Hong Kong. Today, fly to exciting Hong Kong. (B)

Day 17

Hong Kong. This morning’s sightseeing begins with a CABLE-CAR ride up Victoria Peak for panoramic vistas of this one-of-a-kind port city. Drive by Repulse Bay, a popular beach area, then to the Aberdeen fishing village for a SAMPAN RIDE on the harbor. Next stop is STA...

Day 18

Hong Kong. Take advantage of a full free day to explore this exciting city. You may wish to join our optional excursion to view the giant Buddha on the island of Lantau. Shopping is a highlight of Hong Kong, with markets, malls, and shops to fit any taste and budget. Your local host will be happy to suggest ways to make the most of your day. (B)

Day 19

Hong Kong. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,429
Price per day$286
Last Updated: 2/22/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Avalon Waterways.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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CRUISING ELEVATED.
Innovative, transformative, original. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and
away from the ordinary. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts you in the captain’s seat to navigate your journey, fuel your passions and steer clear of the unexpected as you cruise down the world’s most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. One step aboard our modern, luxurious Suite Ships with the grandest views in cruising and you’ll see how the tides they are a-changin’. 

Welcome to a new wave in cruising. Welcome aboard Avalon Waterways.

IT DOESN’T GET ANY SUITER.
Enjoy the perfect blend of elegance and ease – where little touches are bold, gestures are grand and the views even grander. There’s a reason our ships are the critics’ darlings and favorites among our most discerning guests. Our boutique-hotel-inspired Panorama Suites feature the industry’s only Open-Air Balconies with the widest-opening windows in cruising and decadent Comfort Collection beds that face the ever-changing scenery.

PACK YOUR PASSIONS.
As you set sail down the world’s most legendary waters, we’ve curated a collection of the most intriguing experiences to immerse yourself in – both on board and off.

SEE MORE THAN THE SEA/
On a typical cruise, you see waves, water and more water. On an Avalon cruise, legendary landmarks and postcard-perfect landscapes are always in view. Dock to discovery takes mere minutes. 

LET’S DISH.
While we naturally present the signature delicacies of the regions you visit, we enrich the gastronomic journey by offering multiple dining venues, bringing unexpected culinary experiences to the table.

What they’re known for
River cruises to classic and exotic destinations with a luxury flair and personalization options.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Fairmont Beijing The Fairmont Beijing Hotel, located in the heart of Beijing, offers top quality amenities, unique architecture, and superlative décor. Guestrooms come primed with first class amenities, including cutting edge technology, hand-selected linens and spa inspired bath products. Whether you indulge at the opulent Willow Stream Spa or dine in one of the award-winning restaurants this luxury hotel is sure to make for a comfortable stay. Beijing China 8 Yong An Dong Li Shangri-La Hotel, Xi'an Return from a day of travel to the elegant interior of the Shangri La Hotel Xian. Enjoy dinner at one of the hotel's restaurant where you can relax and unwind recalling a day of new experiences and life enriching tales. If you choose to stay in for a day, spa services and a swimming pool will revitalize you for your next adventure. Xian China 38B Keji Road InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort Obsidian woods and intricate latticework gleam in ochre light beneath the timber beams of our Lobby's high ceiling. Enjoy the view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain that's framed in the vast windows. Walk out of the back door and you're in Lijiang Old Town, where elaborate wooden houses line the streets, and bridges arc over glimmering waterways. Lijiang China 276 Xianghe Road Shangri-La Hotel, Guilin Guilin's newest international luxury hotel sets a new standard for luxury and service, placing it among the best hotels in this remarkable city. Located on the banks of the picturesque Li River just a 10 minute drive from Die Cai Mountain, as well as the city center and the famous pedestrianized tourist street. Guilin China 111 Huan Cheng Bei Er Lu Fairmont Peace Hotel Fairmont Peace Hotel, a 'luxurious Art Deco masterpiece', brilliantly reinvented for the 21st century where old fashioned glamour sparkles with a new luster. This landmark hotel served as a glamorous playground for the elite, where every night was an extravagant gala event and veritable Parisian fashion show. Situated just steps from the famous Bund promenade and unrivaled shopping on Nanjing Road, it is the perfect place to explore Shanghai's spectacular scenery and vibrant lifestyle. Shanghai China 20 Nanjing Road East Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong The Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel is ultra-modern, located in bustling Tsim Sha Tsui district, the livliest and most popular shopping and entertainment area in Hong Kong. Enjoy the city's most spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and world-class service amidst tranquil surroundings, inspirational architecture and design and fine dining. Hong Kong China 64 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon,
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Age Requirements
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Optional Activities
WCY|Enchanting China & the Yangtze River
Additional Information
Trip ID
AVALON-WCYE

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