<p>Beijing Qianmen Jianquo Hotel</p><p></p><p>Would you like to begin your vacation with an additional Hotel in Beijing? Ask us how.</p><p></p><p></p><p>Day 1 - Overnight Flight</p><p></p><p>Set out on a journey that takes you to Beijing, Xian, Chengdu and Shanghai. Your adventure also includes a 4-night cruise on the captivating Yangtze River.</p>

<p>High 78° Low 59° | Rain 2" | Jianguo Hotel Qianmen </p><p></p><p>Arrive in the ancient capital of China. As the political center of China for the past 800 years, and the world’s third most populous city, Beijing is rich in history with both modern and traditional architecture.</p>

<p>Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | High 78° Low 59° | Rain 2" | Jianguo Hotel Qianmen </p><p></p><p>We begin our day with a stroll through iconic Tiananmen Square. Afterwards, set out to discover the Forbidden City, an awe-inspiring 15th-century complex of palaces, courtyards and gardens that were once the home of the Ming and Qing emperors. The remainder of your day is at leisure. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. </p>

<p>Breakfast & Lunch | High 78° Low 59° | Rain 2" | Jianguo Hotel Qianmen </p><p></p><p>Today’s destination is the Great Wall of China, one of the world’s most incredible wonders. Learn about the wall’s history before taking a memorable walk on the Juyongguan section, one of the most famous passes along this epic structure. After this bucket list event, visit a jade museum to learn about the jade-making process. </p>

<p>Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | High 78° Low 59° | Rain 2" | Jianguo Hotel Qianmen </p><p></p><p>Your day begins at the spiritual Temple of Heaven (a UNESCO World Heritage site), a complex of buildings that symbolizes the connection between the earth and heaven. Afterwards, take a rickshaw ride through the hutongs, the traditional alleys of Beijing. Meet a local family and enjoy a dumpling-making class before a traditional calligraphy lesson. Then, share a simple lunch with them. Later, take part in a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. Tonight, dine on delicious Peking Duck, a favorite of the emperors. </p>

<p>Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | High 76° Low 61° | Rain 4" | Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel </p><p></p><p>Fly to the ancient city of Xian where the legendary Silk Road comes to an end. This evening, dine on delicious Shui Jiao dumplings. </p>

<p>Breakfast & Lunch | High 76° Low 61° | Rain 4" | Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel </p><p></p><p>Today, explore the incredible excavation site of the Terracotta Warriors. This vast clay army of 8,000 soldiers was created to guard China’s first emperor in the afterlife. You'll be amazed at the detail – each statue has a different face. Next, visit the Xian Arts and Ceramic exhibition center to see life-sized models of the warriors being made. At lunch enjoy a Xian specialty – hand-pulled noodles – with a demonstration on how they are made. </p>

<p>Breakfast & Dinner | High 83° Low 70° | Rain 3" | Century Cruises </p><p></p><p>After a short flight to Yichang, board your ship for a 4-night cruise up the Yangtze River. Relax as this exciting leg of your journey gets underway. </p>

<p>Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | High 83° Low 70° | Rain 3" | Century Cruises </p><p></p><p>You may choose to begin your day with a tai chi lesson on the sundeck as we sail towards the dramatic Xiling Gorge, the longest section of the Three Gorges. Discover the state-of-the-art site, Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric project. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s welcome dinner and show. </p>

<p>Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | High 83° Low 70° | Rain 3" | Century Cruises </p><p></p><p>Take in the tranquil surroundings on a ride up the remote Shennv Stream in traditional pea boats. Upon returning to the ship, enjoy the majestic vistas as we sail through Wu Gorge, known for its 12 forest-covered peaks. This afternoon, continue on past the dramatic cliffs that surround the Qutang Gorge.</p>

<p>Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | High 83° Low 70° | Rain 3" | Century Cruises </p><p></p><p>Arrive at Shibaozhai (Precious Stone Fortress). This imposing hill along the banks of the river is adorned with a 9-story red pagoda. You may climb the stairs to the top for a picture perfect view of the river and surrounding countryside. </p>

<p>Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | High 77° Low 66° | Rain 2" | Chengdu Tianfu Sunshine Hotel </p><p></p><p>We disembark this morning in the mountain city of Chongqing and travel to Chengdu, the capital of the Sichuan Province. Spend time on your own strolling through its ancient streets. Come to know the leisurely lifestyle and teahouse culture that make this city so captivating. Tonight, sample the fresh, bold flavors of the local Sichuan cuisine. </p>

<p>Breakfast & Lunch | High 77° Low 66° | Rain 2" | Chengdu Tianfu Sunshine Hotel </p><p></p><p>Your morning begins with a visit to the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. Learn how China’s national treasure is being brought back from the edge of extinction. Your guided tour allows you the rare opportunity to see the Giant Panda in its natural environment. The sanctuary is also home to the rare Red Panda. Enjoy an afternoon visit to the Du Fu Thatched Cottage, the former home to the poet known as the "Shakespeare of China." End your day by exploring Jinli Ancient Street with its traditional-style buildings.</p>

<p>Breakfast & Lunch | High 80° Low 69° | Rain 5" | Hongqiao Jin Jiang Hotel </p><p></p><p>Board a flight to Shanghai, the economic capital of the People’s Republic of China. This bustling city’s futuristic skyline will leave you speechless. Experience the modern side of China as you take the super-fast Maglev train into central Shanghai. Later this evening prepare to be amazed at a Chinese acrobatics show. </p>

<p>Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | High 80° Low 69° | Rain 5" | Hongqiao Jin Jiang Hotel </p><p></p><p>Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Shanghai. Famous for its impressive colonial buildings, you’ll feel as though you have returned to 19th-century Europe. Explore Old Town’s narrow streets and relax in the tranquil Yuyuan Garden before discovering ancient Chinese art and historical treasures during a visit to the Shanghai Museum. Set out for the waterfront district, known as the Bund, which runs along the Huangpu River. Enjoy lunch at a celebrated local restaurant known for its xiao long bao soup dumplings. Then explore the past as we visit a silk museum. Later, celebrate your adventure with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. </p>

<p>Breakfast - Your adventure comes to an end today. </p><p></p><p></p><p>Post Night - Hongqiao Jin Jiang Hotel Shanghai</p><p></p><p>Would you like to end your vacation with an additional stay in Shanghai? Ask us how.</p><p></p>