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.
4CanGo Small Group Program
Our 4CanGo departures are confirmed to operate as soon as four guests are booked, with a maximum of ten travelers per departure. Once the minimum is met, your trip goes ahead, so you can plan with confidence and enjoy the attentive pace that only a small group allows.
Online booking is set up for parties of four or more. If you are traveling solo or with a group of three or fewer, please contact us and we will arrange your booking directly. We are glad to build flexible arrangements around your preferred dates, group size, and travel style.
Quality of service is our priority. Every Horizon itinerary is planned by a team led by a founder with more than 20 years in the travel industry, specializing in both U.S. national park tours and international travel. We are committed to delivering a personalized and memorable journey.
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 White Crane Ridge Underwater Museum or explore 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
- Enjoy a complimentary sightseeing boat excursion through the Three Gorges Ship Elevator and Eastern Xiling Gorge
- 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 private luxury coach
- Lodging: 5 Star Hotels and Cultural boutique inns with daily breakfast, plus 3 nights aboard a Yangtze River cruise in a Deluxe Cabin on Deck 2 (with optional cabin upgrades available), based on double occupancy
- Meals: As per itinerary with complimentary daily drinking water
- Tour Guide: Professional English-speaking local guides for listed sightseeing arrangements
- Included Sightseeing & Signature Experiences: Entrance fees and required advance reservations where applicable, together with guided sightseeing and the following scheduled experiences:
- Chengdu: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Du Fu Thatched Cottage, Renmin Park, and Kuanzhai Alley.
- Chongqing: Yangtze River Cableway; the rail-through-building view at Liziba Station; Shancheng Lane and Shibati; Longmenhao Old Street or Xiahaoli; evening views from Nanbin Road and Hongya Cave; Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, Bai Xiang Ju, Kuixing Tower, E’ling Park, and Testbed 2 Art Street.
- Yangtze River Cruise: Guided shore excursions in Fuling and Fengjie; scenic sailing through Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Western Xiling Gorge; onboard cultural activities and performances; and seasonal experiences as specified in the itinerary.
- Complimentary Sightseeing Boat Excursion: The Three Gorges Ship Elevator and Eastern Xiling Gorge experience, subject to operating conditions.
- Shanghai and Zhujiajiao: Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum, Nanjing Road, and the Bund; Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, including Kezhi Garden, the Qing Dynasty Post Office, Fangsheng Bridge, and a hand-rowed boat ride.
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 center 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 confirmed embarkation port to board your Yangtze River cruise. Settle into your balcony cabin, enjoy a welcome buffet dinner, and attend the cruise safety briefing. The Captain’s Welcome Reception will take place according to the onboard program.
Day 5: Yangtze Cruise and Fuling Shore Excursion
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 afternoon, return to the ship for leisure time and onboard cultural activities as the cruise continues downstream.
On departures where it is scheduled, attend the large-scale live performance War Fire of The Three Kingdoms Show, inspired by the history of the Three Kingdoms.
Day 6: Fengjie and Three Gorges Scenic Sailing
This morning after breakfast, choose to join one of the following shore excursion options:
In the afternoon, sail through Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge, where sheer cliffs, narrow passages, and misty peaks create some of the most memorable scenery on the Yangtze.
Selected winter sailings include a small-boat excursion to Wushan Goddess Stream, where steep canyon walls and quiet waterways reveal a more intimate side of the gorge landscape. On other departures, this excursion is arranged when the previous evening’s War Fire of The Three Kingdoms Show is canceled or not scheduled.
Continue through Western Xiling Gorge before enjoying dinner and an onboard performance presented by the crew.
Day 7: Yichang to Shanghai by Flight
After breakfast, disembark from the main cruise ship at Zigui Port (Maoping) and transfer to a sightseeing boat for the complimentary Three Gorges Ship Elevator experience.
Pass through this remarkable engineering system before continuing through Eastern Xiling Gorge, where steep riverbanks and layered mountain scenery provide a memorable conclusion to your Yangtze journey.
2. The sightseeing boat excursion is a complimentary program and remains subject to weather, navigation, and operational conditions. If the Ship Elevator cannot operate, the cruise company will arrange an alternative program according to local conditions. No refund applies if the complimentary program cannot be provided or guests choose not to participate.
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.
Scheduled Departure Dates
Select a year below to view currently scheduled small-group departure dates.
2026 4 departures
October
November
December
2027 17 departures
January
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
2028 Dates to be announced
2028 Schedule
2028 departure dates will be announced once confirmed. Priority waitlist is open.
Scheduled departures are subject to availability and final operational confirmation. Additional departure dates may be available on request.
Accommodation Selection
Hotels are selected for their location, facilities, service standards, and overall guest experience, rather than by formal star classification alone. Star ratings, where referenced, follow local standards and are provided for general reference only. Hotel assignments are finalized for each departure based on availability and operational requirements, with selections made to maintain the intended level of comfort and overall guest experience.
Age Requirements
Travelers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or authorized adult responsible for their supervision and well-being throughout the tour. All travelers should be able to safely and comfortably participate in the itinerary.