Highlights of China & the Yangtze (2021)

11 days
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
99%
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USTOA

River Cruise
The very word “China” conjures up images of ancient temples and monuments, rice paddies and panda bears, and this compelling journey features all these and more.
34%
$8,609
From$5,699
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Overview

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

What's this trip about?

    The very word “China” conjures up images of ancient temples and monuments, rice paddies and panda bears, and this compelling journey features all these and more.

Details

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

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Asia
  • China

Attractions

  • Beijing
  • Shanghai

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • River cruise

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map
2019 version

Beijing to Shanghai

Day 1 - Beijing
Port - Beijing Arrive at the Beijing Airport. If your cruise/tour package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the opulent Ritz-Carlton Beijing. This stunning hotel is located in the heart of the city, where modernity, exemplary service and rich Chinese tradition seamlessly blend together.

Day 2 - Beijing
Port - Beijing Your adventure begins with two quintessential experiences in China’s capital city. Today, you’ll experience a myriad of cultural gems, including the Forbidden City and Peking duck, a dish originally prepared for Chinese emperors.

Excursion(s)
- The imperial heritage of China’s capital – Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and Peking Duck lunch with afternoon Temple of Heaven visit and Tai Chi class Excursion Price - $70

Delve into the mystique and majesty of China’s imperial legacy today, beginning in Tia...

Day 3 - Beijing
Port - Beijing Certain images immediately spring to mind when you think of China; looming largest is, of course, the Great Wall, which you will visit today. You’ll also experience a traditional teahouse and a rickshaw ride through the city’s ancient hutongs, where you’ll enjoy lunch.

Excursion(s)
- Culture, history and intrigue: hutongs, teahouse and the Great Wall Excursion Price - $70

Expand your experience of Beijing’s amazing culture with a visit to the hutongs, the historic residential neighborhoods that developed around the Forbidden City during the 15th...

Day 4 - Beijing, Fly to Xi’an
Port - Xi’an Leave dynamic Beijing behind today and head north to the lush lakeside Summer Palace, home to one of China’s most beautiful classical gardens. From there, plunge into the past in China’s first capital, where you’ll celebrate your first night in Xi’an with a traditional dumpling banquet.

Excursion(s)
- Grace and art—Beijing’s Summer Palace and Xi’an’s traditional dumpling banquet Excursion Price - $70

Even emperors suffered in Beijing’s summer heat, so they built a lake just north of the city and then added a series of palaces and pavilions on the banks of that la...

Day 5 - Xi’an
Port - Xi’an Xi’an’s 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. You’ll also enjoy a traditional Tang Dynasty dinner show with fabulous food, music and vibrant costumes.

Excursion(s)
- China’s first capital—Terra-cotta Army, Great Mosque with old quarter visit and Tang Dynasty dinner show Excursion Price - $70

In 1974 a farmer digging a well stumbled upon one of the 20th century’s most astonishing archaeological finds: a massive army of terra-cott...

Day 6 - Xi’an, Fly to Chongqing (Embark), Cruising the Yangtze River
Port - Chongqing Before you leave Xi’an for Chongqing, you have one more expedition, a visit to the Jade Carving Center, or Jade Factory, as it’s also known. Watch artisans carving intricate designs and learn what to look for when buying this special stone. Then, transfer to the airport and fly to Chongqing, where you’ll board your ship.

Excursion(s)
- Jade Factory visit Excursion Price - $70

Jade has been cherished in China for 10,000 years; it is valued for its intrinsic beauty, of course, but it also has tremendous symbolic meaning. Watch artisans carving intricate designs and learn what to look for when buying this special stone.

Day 7 - Cruising the Yangtze River
Port - Fuling Near Fuling, you’ll be offered the extraordinary chance to visit the 816 Underground Project, a giant nuclear installation, which the military started constructing in the mountains in the 1960s. It boasts 18 man-made caves, more than 130 roads and tunnels,...
Excursion(s)
- Fuling—816 Underground Project Excursion Price - $70

Venture to the site of the 816 Underground Project—a giant nuclear installation that the military started constructing in the mountains in the 1960s as the world’s superpowers set off on a nuclear arms race. For y...

Day 8 - Cruising the Yangtze River, Shennong Stream
Port - Yichang A full day cruising the Yangtze River’s mystical, beautiful and completely mesmerizing Three Gorges and Shennong Stream await. In the evening, you’ll savor a special Captain’s Farewell Dinner on this final night of your Yangtze River cruise.

Excursion(s)
- The magical Shennong Stream Excursion Price - $70

This morning, early-bird tea and coffee are available in the Explorer Bar. Before today’s activities, you can partake in traditional Chinese exercises before savoring an international breakfast buffet. After, climb a...

Day 9 - Cruising the Yangtze River, Yichang (Disembark), Fly to Shanghai
Port - Yichang The Three Gorges Dam was an expensive and controversial undertaking, a massive project that involved relocating entire villages as well as submerging a number of cultural treasures behind the rising waters of the Yangtze River. The dam itself is an extraordinary engineering marvel, one that you can see up close today.

Excursion(s)
- Powering China’s future—Three Gorges Dam Excursion Price - $70

Get an up-close view of a contemporary man-made wonder as your ship navigates the five-stage locks of the massive Three Gorges Dam, located in Yichang. Known the world over, the dam harnesses the power o...

Day 10 - Shanghai
Port - Shanghai After days of ancient warriors and timeless Chinese landscapes, Shanghai and its futuristic skyline can be something of a shock to the system. Enjoy a taste of both old and new today, as well as dim sum and a performance by the gravity-defying Shanghai Acrobats.

Excursion(s)
- Spectacular skyscrapers, famous dim sum and acrobats Excursion Price - $70

Call it the once and future boomtown. Shanghai, China’s one-time window to the West, is once again its commercial capital, and this morning’s tour will take you to some of this engaging city’...

Day 11 - Depart Shanghai
Port - Shanghai Check out of your hotel and transfer to the Shanghai Pudong International Airport for your flight home, or extend your trip with a memorable optional extension to Hong Kong.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,699
Price per day$518
Last Updated: 3/17/2024

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.

Uniworld Reviews & Ratings

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Other Uniworld Reviews

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Bradley Acuff

Jan 2023

Provided byUniworld

Personnel were all very polite and happy to serve.

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

M

Marie Rossiter

Jan 2023

Provided byUniworld

The staff is most efficient and kind.

The staff is most efficient and kind.

L

Leslie Gleiser

Jan 2023

Provided byUniworld

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.

Why we love this operator
They have the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the river cruise industry and a reputation for excellent service.
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

Ship & cabin information
Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer
Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer
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 .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Trip ID
Uniworld-195

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