Grand China and the Yangtze

18 days
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USTOA

River Cruise
From man-made marvels—the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Terra-cotta Warriors—to scenes of natural beauty that inspire artists and poets, discover the vast range of this sprawling nation. Beijing offers imperial grandeur and atmospheric old-world neighborhoods; Shanghai flaunts dizzying skyscrapers and surprising art deco mansions; Hong Kong mixes East and We...

Overview

Trip type
River Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • 16 days of captivating, fully escortedexcursions with English-speaking localexperts
    • Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise/Tour Manager throughout your trip(except in Hong Kong)
    • State-of-the-art portable audio headsetsystem on select excursions throughout your trip
    • Exclusive VIP benefits onboard
    • Group photo and commemorative gift
    • Exciting evening entertainment, including a Kung Fu show in Beijing, a Tang Dynasty show in Xi’an, and the Shanghai Acrobats

What's this trip about?

    From man-made marvels—the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Terra-cotta Warriors—to scenes of natural beauty that inspire artists and poets, discover the vast range of this sprawling nation. Beijing offers imperial grandeur and atmospheric old-world neighborhoods; Shanghai flaunts dizzying skyscrapers and surprising art deco mansions; Hong Kong mixes East and West and the best shopping in the world. Yet China is a country where gardeners have devoted a thousand years to creating an ideal landscape in Hangzhou. The Li River, where bamboo boats float through scenery lifted from watercolor paintings, and the Reed Flute Cave, offering rainbow-colored stalactites and stalagmites, bring poetry to motion. Old and new, grand and intimate, China offers wondrous contrasts just waiting to be uncovered.

Compare to similar trips

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeOperator does not provide
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityBeijing
End CityDepart Hong Kong

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • 50 Plus

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic Sightseeing
  • River Cruise

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

2018 version

Cruise Direction: Beijing to Hong Kong

Day 1 Beijing

Arrive at the Beijing airport and be greeted by a Uniworld representative who will escort you to the opulent Ritz-Carlton, Beijing.

Day 2 Beijing

Your adventure begins with two quintessential experiences in China’s capital of Beijing. Off limits to commoners for 500 years, the Forbidden City was once considered the cosmic center of the universe (and for good reason, as you’ll see for yourself). Peking Duck is a...

Day 3 Beijing

Today is a Bucket List Moment kind of day, as you stand at last atop the ancient stones of China’s most iconic site—the Great Wall. The views are spectacular! You’ll also take a rickshaw ride through the city’s ancient hutongs—historic neighborhoods that date back to ...

Day 4 Beijing, Fly to Xi’an

Leave the hustle and bustle of Beijing behind today and head north to the serenity of the Summer Palace, home to one of China’s most beautiful classical gardens. From there, plunge into the past in China’s first capital, Xi’an, where you’ll be treated to a traditional...

Day 5 Xi’an

Xi’an’s famous  terra-cotta army has been called the 8th wonder of the world, and it’s certainly the most extraordinary archeological find of the 20th century. Prepare to be amazed! You’ll also visit one of the holiest Buddhist temples in China and enjoy a traditional...

Day 6 Xi’an, Fly to Hangzhou

Intrepid explorer Marco Polo called Hangzhou the greatest city he’d ever seen, but don’t take his word for it—judge for yourself as you get your first glimpse of this ancient Chinese capital today, celebrated throughout the centuries for its extraordinary natural beau...

Day 7 Hangzhou

China’s classically designed gardens and landscapes are a cultural treasure revered around the world, and you’ll see one of the best examples today at Hangzhou’s idyllic West Lake. Another highlight: Lingyin Temple, one of the country’s oldest Buddhist sites, providin...

Day 8 Shanghai

After days of iconic sites and timeless Chinese landscapes, Shanghai and its futuristic skyline can be something of a shock to the system. Yet beyond the building boom and the avant-garde architecture, you can still find traces of Shanghai’s colorful and fascinating c...

Day 9 Shanghai

Today you have the luxury of an entire day to explore Shanghai however you wish. Tonight, experience yet another cultural highlight of your journey—a thrilling performance by the dazzling and gravity-defying Shanghai Acrobats.   Spend the day exploring Shanghai on you...

Day 10 Shanghai, Fly to Yichang (Embark)

From Shanghai you'll fly to Yichang. Featured Excursions:

School visit in Yichang

Arts, sciences, languages, athletics—Yichang International School, Longpanhu, aims to give its students a strong and broad educational base, with the goal of creating citiz...

Day 11 Yichang, Cruising the Yangtze River

The Three Gorges Dam was a hugely expensive and controversial undertaking, a project that involved relocating entire villages threatened by the rising waters of the Yangtze. The dam itself is an engineering marvel that you can see from a breathtakingly up-close perspe...

Day 12 Cruising the Yangtze River, Goddess Stream

Today is destined to be a highlight of your journey—a full day cruising the Yangtze River’s mystical, beautiful and completely mesmerizing Three Gorges, with scenery that has captivated artists and poets for thousands of years. Featured Excursions:

The magical ...

Day 13 Cruising the Yangtze River, Shibaozhai

Do you believe in magic? The bright red Shibo Pagoda was originally built into the side of a mountain peak, but that peak became an island after the completion of the Three Gorges Dam. Step ashore to do some exploring, perhaps climbing to the top to ensure that all yo...

Day 14 Chongqing (Disembark), Fly to Guilin

Visitors have been seeing all sorts of fantastic things in Reed Flute Cave ever since the Tang Dynasty. What do the cave’s curiously shaped limestone formations look like to you? There’s only one way to find out…   Disembark in the busy port of Chongqing, where you’ll...

Day 15 Guilin, Cruising the Li River, Yangshuo

The landscapes of the Li River look like a Chinese scroll painting come to life, with its conical limestone karsts, mist-shrouded mountain peaks, terraced rice paddies, grazing water buffalo and fishing villages seemingly frozen in time. You’ll see all this and more o...

Day 16 Guilin, Fly to Hong Kong

When it comes to China’s best-known cultural icons, there are few things more iconic than tea and panda bears. Experience both today with a visit to a 400-year-old tea plantation and a park that a pair of giant pandas call home. Featured Excursions:

Giant panda...

Day 17 Hong Kong

Hong Kong presents a dizzying juxtaposition of East and West, ancient and modern. This bustling, glittering, multicultural city is famous for its soaring skyscrapers, fabulous shopping,  Star ferries crisscrossing Victoria Harbor and the lingering traces of its Britis...

Day 18 Depart Hong Kong

You’ve been on the adventure of a lifetime with your grand China tour; today, you will be transferred to the Hong Kong International Airport for your flight home, carrying marvelous memories with you—and perhaps some wonderful souvenirs as well.

2019 version

Cruise Direction: Beijing to Hong Kong

Day 1 Beijing

Arrive at the Beijing airport and be greeted by a Uniworld representative who will escort you to the opulent Waldorf Astoria.

Day 2 Beijing

Your adventure begins with two quintessential experiences in China’s capital of Beijing. Off limits to commoners for 500 years, the Forbidden City was once considered the cosmic center of the universe (and for good reason, as you’ll see for yourself). Peking Duck is a...

Day 3 Beijing

Today is a Bucket List Moment kind of day, as you stand at last atop the ancient stones of China’s most iconic site—the Great Wall. The views are spectacular! You’ll also take a rickshaw ride through the city’s ancient hutongs—historic neighborhoods that date back to ...

Day 4 Beijing, Fly to Xi’an

Leave the hustle and bustle of Beijing behind today and head north to the serenity of the Summer Palace, home to one of China’s most beautiful classical gardens. From there, plunge into the past in China’s first capital, Xi’an, where you’ll be treated to a traditional...

Day 5 Xi’an

Xi’an’s famous terra-cotta army has been called the 8th wonder of the world, and it’s certainly the most extraordinary archeological find of the 20th century. Prepare to be amazed! You’ll also visit one of the holiest Buddhist temples in China and enjoy a traditional ...

Day 6 Xi’an, Fly to Hangzhou

Intrepid explorer Marco Polo called Hangzhou the greatest city he’d ever seen, but don’t take his word for it—judge for yourself as you get your first glimpse of this ancient Chinese capital today, celebrated throughout the centuries for its extraordinary natural beau...

Day 7 Hangzhou

China’s classically designed gardens and landscapes are a cultural treasure revered around the world, and you’ll see one of the best examples today at Hangzhou’s idyllic West Lake. Another highlight: Lingyin Temple, one of the country’s oldest Buddhist sites, providin...

Day 8 Shanghai

After days of iconic sites and timeless Chinese landscapes, Shanghai and its futuristic skyline can be something of a shock to the system. Yet beyond the building boom and the avant-garde architecture, you can still find traces of Shanghai’s colorful and fascinating c...

Day 9 Shanghai

Today you have the luxury of an entire day to explore Shanghai however you wish. Tonight, experience yet another cultural highlight of your journey—a thrilling performance by the dazzling and gravity-defying Shanghai Acrobats. Spend the day exploring Shanghai on your ...

Day 10 Shanghai, Fly to Yichang (Embark)

From Shanghai you'll fly to Yichang. Featured Excursions:

School visit in Yichang

Arts, sciences, languages, athletics—Yichang International School, Longpanhu, aims to give its students a strong and broad educational base, with the goal of creating citiz...

Day 11 Cruising the Yangtze River

The Three Gorges Dam was a hugely expensive and controversial undertaking, a project that involved relocating entire villages threatened by the rising waters of the Yangtze. The dam itself is an engineering marvel that you can see from a breathtakingly up-close perspe...

Day 12 Cruising the Yangtze River, Shennong Stream

Today is destined to be a highlight of your journey—a full day cruising the Yangtze River’s mystical, beautiful and completely mesmerizing Three Gorges, with scenery that has captivated artists and poets for thousands of years. Featured Excursions:

The magical Shennong Stream

Day 13 Cruising the Yangtze River

Today you will visit the 816 Underground Project nuclear installation near Fuling. Featured Excursions:

Fuling—816 Underground Project

This evening enjoy a Farewell Dinner onboard.

Day 14 Cruising the Yangtze River, Chongqing (Disembark), Train to Chengdu

Today, you will disembark in the busy port of Chongqing, where you’ll be transferred to the train station to board a First Class bullet train to Chengdu. Featured Excursions:

People's Park and Kuanzhai Alleyway

Day 15 Chengdu

Today in Chengdu, you will visit the Panda Breeding Research Base and Sanxingdui Museum. Featured Excursions:

Panda Breeding Research Base and Sanxingdui Museum

Day 16 Chengdu, Fly to Hong Kong

Today you'll board a plane to fly from Chengdu to Hong Kong.

Day 17 Hong Kong

Hong Kong presents a dizzying juxtaposition of East and West, ancient and modern. This bustling, glittering, multicultural city is famous for its soaring skyscrapers, fabulous shopping, Star ferries crisscrossing Victoria Harbor and the lingering traces of its British...

Day 18 Depart Hong Kong

You’ve been on the adventure of a lifetime with your grand China tour; today, you will be transferred to the Hong Kong International Airport for your flight home, carrying marvelous memories with you—and perhaps some wonderful souvenirs as well.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $10,999
Price per day$611
Last Updated: 8/8/2018

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.

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Uniworld.

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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Bradley Acuff

Jan 2023

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Personnel were all very polite and happy to serve.

Personnel were all very polite and happy to serve. Service was timely and ...

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Jan 2023

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The staff is most efficient and kind.

The staff is most efficient and kind.

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Leslie Gleiser

Jan 2023

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The service on the Tosca was OUTSTANDING.

The service on the Tosca was OUTSTANDING. The crew was very attentive, concerned always that we had what we needed and wanted. They could not be more helpful! It was...

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Tour Operator

Uniworld

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Award-winning Uniworld—the world's ONLY authentic boutique cruise line™—offers itineraries in spectacular destinations throughout Europe, Russia, and Asia. The company’s European fleet features luxurious ships with an average capacity of 130 guests, the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the river cruise industry, enticing shore excursions, world-class gourmet cuisine, impeccable hospitality, and numerous other all-inclusive benefits.

In 2004, Uniworld was acquired by The Travel Corporation (TTC), a highly successful international travel group founded by Stanley Tollman. TTC has more than 30 top brands, including Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, and Contiki, as well as Red Carnation Hotels, a renowned collection of four- and five-star luxury properties.

TTC has made major investments in Uniworld's ships, crew, and staff, with an eye towards providing guests with all the elements of an unforgettable Six-Star Experience: Expertise; Service; Luxurious Ships, Uniquely Designed; Culinary; Choice; and Truly All-Inclusive. Combining the tour planning and hotel management expertise of TTC’s sister companies with Uniworld’s decades of superior nautical experience has created an entirely new category of luxury river cruising.

In partnership with its sister company, Red Carnation Hotels, Uniworld takes pride in its long-lasting relationships with guests, for whom there is “No request too large, no detail too small.” Uniworld employs a professionally trained, dedicated, English-speaking staff, so guests never have to worry about communication.

What they’re known for
Posh all-inclusive river cruises with fascinating shore excursions in destinations across Europe and Asia.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
  • 17 buffet breakfasts, 13 lunches, 12 dinners
  • Peking duck Welcome Dinner with complimentary wine in Beijing
  • Captain’s Welcome Reception and Farewell Dinner with complimentary wine onboard the ship
  • Special-themed meals: hutong family- hosted lunch in Beijing, traditional dumpling banquet and Tang Dynasty dinner in Xi’an, and dim sum lunch in Shanghai
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
Uniworld-14

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