China, Mountain Adventure, National Parks, Panda
About this Tour
From Chengdu’s panda conservation centre and teahouse culture to the skyline of Shanghai, this 10-day journey links some of China’s most distinctive experiences in one well-paced route. Begin in Sichuan, where giant pandas, historic gardens, and local life introduce the relaxed character of western China. Continue by high-speed rail to Chongqing, a dramatic mountain city shaped by steep streets, river views, and layered urban heritage. A three-night Yangtze River cruise then carries you through the celebrated Three Gorges, combining striking scenery with historic sites and major engineering landmarks. The journey concludes in Shanghai, where classical gardens, colonial-era waterfront architecture, and modern skyscrapers present a vivid contrast between tradition and innovation.
About China
China is a vast and diverse country known for its rich history, ancient wonders, and vibrant traditions that span thousands of years. From the Great Wall to the Terracotta Warriors, China offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Tour Highlights
- Discover the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in the cool morning hours
- Explore Du Fu Thatched Cottage and gain insight into the legacy of one of China’s best-known poets
- Experience Chongqing through its hillside streets, riverside views, Liziba station, and the Yangtze River Cableway
- Visit the Baiheliang Underwater Museum & Fuling Zhacai History Memory Hall or the remarkable 816 Underground Project during your Yangtze cruise
- Sail through the dramatic landscapes of Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and the western section of Xiling Gorge
- Observe the scale of modern engineering at the Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift and Gezhou Dam Ship Lock
- Explore Shanghai’s contrasts at Yu Garden, the Bund, and the modern skyline of Pudong
- Conclude with a visit to Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, known for its canals, stone bridges, and Jiangnan character
Moments from this Tour
What’s Included
- Transportation: High-speed trains or optional domestic flights, and Luxury Coach
- Lodging: 4-5 Star Hotels and Cultural boutique inns with daily breakfast (twin-sharing basis)
- Meals: As per itinerary with complimentary daily drinking water
- Activities and Tickets: All listed entrance fees and guided experiences as specified in the itinerary
- Tour Guide: Professional English-speaking local guides for listed sightseeing arrangements
What’s Excluded
- International flights and airport taxes
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Tour guide gratuities (recommended 10% gratuity)
- Personal expenses, optional activities, and any items or attraction tickets not mentioned in the Inclusions section
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Single supplement
- Visa fees (if applicable)
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Chengdu
Upon arrival in Chengdu, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to rest after your journey or begin getting acquainted with the city.
In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring regional Sichuan cuisine.
Day 2: Panda Experience and Chengdu Highlights
This morning, visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where you can observe giant pandas in a leading conservation and research setting.
Continue to Du Fu Thatched Cottage, then enjoy the local atmosphere of Renmin Park with time for tea in a traditional teahouse. Later, stroll through Kuanzhai Alley, where restored courtyards reflect both historic and contemporary Chengdu life.
Day 3: Chengdu to Chongqing by High-Speed Rail
After breakfast, travel by high-speed rail to Chongqing, one of China's most distinctive inland cities, known for its steep terrain and dramatic river setting.
On arrival, begin exploring with the Yangtze River Cableway, the well-known rail-through-building view at Liziba Station, and walks through Shancheng Lane and Shibati.
The day continues with time in Longmenhao Old Street or Xiahaoli, before concluding with evening views from Nanbin Road and Hongya Cave.
Day 4: Chongqing City Tour and Embarkation
Begin the day at Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, the commercial centre of Chongqing, where modern towers surround the city's historic monument.
Continue to Bai Xiang Ju, a residential landmark that offers a glimpse into old Chongqing, then visit Kuixing Tower and E'ling Park for a quieter perspective on the city's layered urban landscape.
Later, explore Testbed 2 Art Street before transferring to the port to board your Yangtze River cruise, where a welcome reception and dinner are served on board as the vessel sets sail.
Day 5: Yangtze Cruise, Shore Excursion & Three Kingdoms Night Show
Today is devoted to the landscapes and cultural sites along the Yangtze River. Depending on docking arrangements, you may choose one of the following shore excursion options:
In the evening, attend the open-air performance Feng Yan San Guo, inspired by the era of the Three Kingdoms.
Day 6: Three Gorges Scenic Sailing
Choose one of the following shore excursion options:
Throughout the day, the cruise passes through Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and the western section of Xiling Gorge, where sheer cliffs and narrow passages create some of the most memorable scenery on the Yangtze.
In the evening, enjoy the Captain's Farewell Dinner and an onboard performance by the crew.
Day 7: Yichang to Shanghai by Flight
This morning, the cruise passes the Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift and Gezhou Dam Ship Lock, offering an impressive view of modern river engineering, subject to operational conditions.
2. If the Three Gorges Ship Lift is unavailable due to weather or other conditions, the itinerary will be adjusted to include a visit to the Three Gorges Dam and a cruise through Xiling Gorge, followed by arrival at the Three Gorges Tourist Center.
After disembarkation in Yichang, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai.
Day 8: Shanghai Highlights
Explore Yu Garden, a classical Ming Dynasty garden that offers a striking contrast to the modern skyline beyond.
Continue to the Shanghai Museum, then walk along Nanjing Road to the historic Bund, where grand colonial-era buildings face the contemporary towers of Pudong across the Huangpu River.
The day presents a well-balanced introduction to Shanghai's historic and modern character.
Day 9: Zhujiajiao Ancient Town
Travel to Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, an ancient canal settlement known for its stone bridges, narrow lanes, and well-preserved Jiangnan atmosphere.
Visits include Kezhi Garden, the Qing Dynasty Post Office, and Fangsheng Bridge, followed by a hand-rowed boat ride through the waterways.
Afterwards, return to Shanghai and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 10: Shanghai Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) according to your flight schedule.
Itinerary Note: To ensure the best possible travel experience, the order of visits and daily arrangements may be adjusted by the guide based on local conditions, travel time, visitor traffic, weather, cruise docking arrangements, and operational considerations. All key included experiences will be arranged as appropriately as possible throughout the journey.
Hotel Rating System
Although some hotels on this itinerary may appear to have a lower star rating on international booking websites, they are officially classified by the China National Tourism Administration. This government-regulated system evaluates hotels based on a strict set of standards for quality, facilities, and service. Some differences in rating systems and cultural expectations may account for the variation in online ratings. To ensure consistency, hotel standards are referenced according to the local official rating system and our supplier quality review.
Customer Cancellation Policy View refund eligibility and cancellation fee details
We understand that plans can change. Our cancellation policy is designed to be as fair and transparent as possible:
| Cancellation Timing | Refund | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 60 days or more prior to departure | 80% | 20% |
| 59 to 35 days prior to departure | 50% | 50% |
| 34 days or fewer prior to departure | No Refund | 100% |
Travel Insurance Recommended: We recommend purchasing travel insurance to help protect your trip investment in the event of unforeseen circumstances.