13 DAYS, BEIJING,XIAN,CHONGQING,YANGTZE CRUISE AND SHANGHAI

Our guide will pick you up at Beijing airport and transfer you to the hotel. Relax during the remainder of the afternoon and evening to recover from the jet lag.

- Tiananmen Square: This vast iconic space that has retained a symbol of China’s enduring nationalism covers 40.5 hectares (100 acres) close to the geographical center of Beijing.  In the center of the world’s largest square stands Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum and the periphery is surrounded by imposing governmental buildings including the National Museum of China and the Heavenly Gate, the entrance to the Forbidden City.

- The Forbidden City: The world's most extensive preserved palace complex, the Imperial Palace was constructed over a 14-year period beginning in 1406.  The home to 24 Emperors from 1420-1911, the city is a maze of great squares, halls, gates, gardens, and living quarters.  This “city within a city” is composed of 980 surviving structures exemplifying traditional Chinese palatial architecture, covering nearly 720,000 sq meters (7.8 million sq ft).

-Heaven and Earth (TianDiYiJia): Hidden behind the walls of a beautifully restored courtyard mansion nearby the Imperial Palace you will find TianDiYiJia.  Known as ‘Heaven and Earth’ in English, this luxurious Chinese restaurant boasts stylishly ornate traditional designs, serving refreshingly unique fusion cuisine. 

- Temple of Heaven: One of the purest examples of Ming architecture, the Temple of Heaven is a truly symbolic, beautifully balanced structural masterpiece, holding great significance in the historic evolution of China's enduring civilization.  Magnificent gardens filled with Beijing residents enjoying morning Tai Chi or relaxing under shaded trees surround the temple.

- Dinner at Dadong Duck Restaurant: With a reputation as one of Beijing's finest dining establishments, the Dadong Duck Restaurant is the perfect place to experience a traditional Peking duck dinner in a uniquely modern style.
 

- Great Wall at Mutianyu: Located just 80 kilometers from Beijing’s city center in Huairu County is the longest restored, accessible section of the Great Wall.  Mutianyu stretches 22 kilometers and is composed of solid slabs of granite, gravel, and earth reaching 8 meters at its highest point and 5 meters at its widest span.  A series of 22 watchtowers spaced approximately 1-kilometer apart mark this run of the Great Wall.  Constructed first in the Qi Dynasty (550-577), Mutianyu was rebuilt in 1568 and remains in that condition today.  Stunning views in all directions make it a perfect location to experience the Great Wall.

 
Lunch at Local Restaurant: Have lunch at Xiaolongpu, the local cuisine restaurant on the food of the Mutianyu Great Wall. It provides the local organic food, the fresh vegetable and trout. 

 
-Olympic Stadium: Some of the world most internationally well-known architects helped to create a new identity for Beijing to prepare for the 2008 Olympic Games.  Structures such as the National Stadium, commonly known as the 'Birds Nest’, and the Olympic Swim Stadium, or ‘Water Cube’, have become iconic structures that represent a turning point in China’s modern history.  Venture through both of these intriguingly fascinating complexes that speak to the exciting future of a rapidly changing Beijing.

- Summer Palace: Spend the morning basking in the peaceful elegance of the Summer Palace.  First erected during the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234) as a retreat for royal courts, the Summer Palace is widely regarded as one of the world’s most noted classical gardens.  Covering 294 hectares, of which is water, the Summer Palace is seen as the quintessential Chinese garden, achieving a purely seamless unity with nature.
 
- Boat-transfer in the Summer Palace: For a truly unique experience, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the royal gardens of the Summer Palace by ferry boat.
 
After Lunch you will be transferred to airport for your flight to Xian;
After you arrive in Xian, you will be met and transferred to your hotel; U China Travel guide will assist you check in and after a break depart hotel for Dinner and Evening Show:
 
- Evening Show at Tang Yuegong: Experience traditional dancing and singing as it was performed during Xian’s reign as China’s capital in the Tang Dynasty.

- Terracotta Warriors: An accidental discovery in 1974 revealed the guarded tomb of Emperor Qin.  Dating back to 210BC, the Emperors tomb was securely guarded by an army of 7,000 terracotta warriors and archers with horses and chariots in full battle dress.  Each figure is unique, and their painstaking repair and excavation continues in 3 sites, which are protected inside enormous hangars. Just an hour and a half from Xian, there is also an excellent museum, which hosts a film about the history of the vaults. In order to preserve the historical discovery, no flash photography is allowed inside the hangars.

- Banpo Museum: The museum was established in 1958 on the site of an ancient clan commune dating back more than 6,000 years. Today 2 exhibition halls display items from the site such as stone tools, spinning wheels, pottery and daily living utensils. Just over an acre of land is dedicated to the third exhibition space, demonstrating traditional methods of pottery making, shelter construction, and burial practices.

Shanxi Historical Museum: As the birthplace of ancient China, the history represented at the Shaanxi Historical Museum in southern Xian portrays the enduring history of Chinese civilization. Four major galleries in large, Tang-style buildings house a vast and impressive collection of beautifully displayed relics.  You will find that most exhibitions have been presented in both English and Chinese, but our guide will happily help you translate if necessary.

 
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda:  The clean, simple line of this Pagoda stands five stories tall on the grounds of the Da Ci’en Temple in a southwestern suburb of Xian.  A major Buddhist site, the simple, elegant brick Pagoda stands in the grounds of the attractive Da Ci'en Temple. The Pagoda was built in the 7th century to house the Buddhist materials that Xuanzang brought back from his epic journey to India. Composed of several large halls, the Pagoda houses magnificent statues and murals depicting Buddhist figures.
 

City Wall: Explore the exquisitely intact city walls of Xian.  Walk, ride a bike, or take an electric scooter along the 14 kilometer circuit of ramparts, gates, and watchtowers that make up one of the oldest and best-preserved ancient urban defense systems in the world.  Great views span both sides of the spectacular city wall.

In the morning, take the flight to Chonging; after arrive in Chongqung on the way to the Yangtze River Cruise, visit:
 

- Dazu Grottoes: The Dazu Grottos are about a 2 hour drive outside of Chongqing. The Grottos have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The carvings combine elements of the three great religious influences in Chinese history: Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. There are 75 sites made up of over 50,000 statues dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907) when the works were first started. Much of the work was completed by monks and nuns who devoted their whole lives to the carvings, especially during times of war. Due to their remoteness they have survived relatively untouched and have only been open to visitors since 1980.
 

 
- Ciqikou Old Town: Ciqikou is an ancient town and port along the Jialing River. Many call this town “Old Chongqing” for its ability to give us a taste of how an old river town used to look and feel. Many narrow streets and wooden houses have remained unrestored and show us what life might have been like during its heyday in the Ming and Qing Dynasties with teahouses, temples, shops and local food. A trip to Ciqikou would not be complete without trying a local specialty called Hot Pot before boarding.
 
Transfer to Victoria Cruise: Victoria Cruises: For over a decade, Victoria has been the leader in Yangtze cruising, because of the quality of the fleet, the outstanding service and innovative itineraries. It’s an American-managed company. The ship provides comfortable twin-share cabins with private bathroom and picture windows and multi-lingual cruise directorsnot changed.

The morning will be spent onboard, but after lunch we will dock at Fengdu. Fengdu, according to Chinese and Taoist legend, is a ghost town. The town was built over 1800 years ago and was modeled after the Chinese hell of Taoist mythology. To many this town is a kind of gateway between worlds and you will be able to see this in many of the temples and building built around demon-themes. 

Note: The cruise itinerary is subject to change according to ship company's adjustment, weather situation or similar without prior notice.

We cruise past 2 of the famous 3 gorges:

Qutang Xia (Qutang Gorge) might be the shortest (5 miles) and narrowest (500 feet) section of the Three Gorges, but it is definitely the most spectacular. The 25-mile long Wu Xia (Witches Gorge) is surrounded by cliffs so high and steep that even the sun cannot penetrate many of these areas. While in the area we will also visit the "small 3 gorges" on motorized sampans. Many have said that the “small 3 gorges’ are beautiful and more beautiful than the official ones. In the evening we will pass the western section of the last of the three gorges (Xiling Gorge) and pass the 3 gorges dam ship lock.

In the morning we will visit the site of the world’s largest hydro-electric dam, the 3 Gorges Dam. After seeing this we will sail on past the eastern section of the Xiling Gorge to Yichang where we will arrive around noon. After showing you around the city, we will go to the airport to catch our flight to Shanghai; After you arrive in Shanghai, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Shanghai;

Jade Buddha Temple:  The Jade Buddha Temple was established in 1882 when a Chinese monk named Huigen imported two jade Buddha statues from Burma.  Although the original temple was destroyed during the 1911 revolution that overthrew the Qing Dynasty, the jade Buddha statues were saved, and relocated in a new temple that was constructed in 1928. This famous Buddhist temple located in the Western part of Shanghai is a quiet escape from the modern flourishing city.

Shanghai World Financial Center: This 101-story tall skyscraper completed construction and was opened to the public in mid-2008. It Reaches 492 meters (1,515 ft) above the hustle and bustle of Shanghai.

 
Yuyuan Garden:  Peacefully situated within the bustling center of Shanghai close to the Yuyuan Bazaar is the Yuyuan Garden.  This exquisite 5-acre garden is famous for its design.  Meandering paths lead visitors across bridges, past rockeries, around picturesque lakes, and through decorative halls and pavilions.  The intentional location of trees and shrubs within the garden serve as frames for charming views and create a sense of peace and harmony throughout the garden.

Watch the acrobatics show at Era (Best Acrobatics in China)

Zhujiajiao Water Town: If you are looking for an escape from the excitement of the big city, visit the ancient water city of Zhu Jia Jiao.  Located in a suburb of Shanghai City, this fan-shaped town characterized by its 36 ornate bridges, each uniquely designed, connects streets filled with ancient architecture dating back from the Ming and Qing dynasties.

 
Jewish Area Tour: Shanghai is a city not only of modern splendor, but also of rich historical merit. With its diverse past steeped in international relations and foreign influence, the city sheds light on a chapter in world history unfamiliar to many in China and abroad. U China Travel is delighted to feature a half-day tour of Shanghai's Jewish District to add yet another layer of richness to its extensive history. The tour provides insight into the significant influence the immigrant Jewish community had on the city's economic and architectural growth, highlighting the achievements of one of its most prominent families, the Sassoon's. In Shanghai's Hongkew District the tour visits the Ohel Moshe Synagogue, a museum documenting the history and experiences of the more than 20,000 Jewish immigrants that sought refuge in Shanghai at the height of WWII.

After Breakfast you will be transfer to airport to catch your flight.

Note: If you choose to stay on in Shanghai for a few extra days, or arrive a few days early in Beijing, please let us know, and we'd be happy to extend your hotel bookings, or arrange additional tours for you.