China Explorer with the Yangtze Cruise

Start your Beijing adventure on Day 1 with a smooth transfer to your luxury hotel. You will enjoy a 3-night stay in Beijing. On Day 2, you will visit the Mutianyu Great Wall, including a cable car ride to one of the best-preserved sections of this iconic landmark; the Forbidden City, a massive imperial palace that housed 24 emperors; and Tian’anmen Square, the world’s largest public square and a symbol of national pride. Day 3 is your free day. We recommend exploring the iconic landmarks, such as the Garden of Preserving Harmony at the Summer Palace or wandering the atmospheric Hutongs to try local Jianbing. Also, make sure to check out the Temple of Heaven’s divine architecture. After your well-rounded stay in Beijing, you will board your high-speed bullet train to Xi'an on Day 4.

SSAW Garden Hotel Beijing

The SSAW Garden Hotel sits in Dongcheng, one of Beijing’s most historically loaded neighbourhoods, with the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and Jingshan Park all close by. Rooms are comfortable whether you book a Deluxe Room or one of the larger suites, and Wi-Fi is included throughout your stay. The hotel has its own restaurant, a bar, meeting facilities, and a concierge team. Beixinqiao Subway Station is a short walk away, and Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is around 30 minutes by car.

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After approximately 4.5 hours on the bullet train, you will reach Xi’an, one of the four great ancient capitals of China. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for a 2-night stay. In the evening, enjoy a guided food tour by tuk-tuk through Xi’an's bustling streets and narrow alleyways. The route combines well-known local favourites with hidden neighbourhood eateries, giving you the chance to sample a range of regional dishes and a locally brewed craft beer. Along the way, your guide will share insights into the city's culinary heritage and the communities that have influenced it over the centuries. On Day 5, you will visit the Terracotta Warriors, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring more than 8,000 underground statues created over 2,200 years ago. You will also explore the Ancient City Walls, one of the most complete defensive systems in China. On the morning of Day 6, you will transfer to the Xi’an North Railway Station for your bullet train to Chengdu.

On Day 6, after a 3 to 4.5-hour bullet train ride, you will arrive in Chengdu and transfer to the 4-star Holiday Inn Express Huanhuaxi for a 3-night stay in a King Standard Room with breakfast included. After breakfast on Day 7, you will begin by exploring the Panda Research Base to see pandas in their natural state. You will also see Du Fu Thatched Cottage, the "Poet Sage's" historic home, and the scenic Huanhua Stream Park. Day 8 offers a full-day trip to Mount Emei, where you will take a cable car to the 3,077 m Golden Summit to see the majestic Samantabhadra statue, Huazang Temple, and cloud and mountain views. On Day 9, you will transfer to the railway station for your train to Chongqing.

Holiday Inn Chengdu Oriental Plaza

Holiday Inn Chengdu Oriental Plaza sits in the city’s financial district. Rooms come with a 42-inch TV, free Wi-Fi, and double-glazed windows that actually keep the city noise out. Dining spans three options: Cafe C for buffet meals, Nimbus for Cantonese and Sichuan dishes, and a 29th-Floor Executive Lounge with city views during evening hours. There is also an indoor heated pool, fitness centre, and family suites with smart home controls. Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) is about 40 minutes away by car.

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Upon arriving in Chongqing, meet your guide and ride the Yangtze River Cableway, a 1,166-meter aerial corridor offering bird’s-eye views of the mountain city. Next, witness the "8D magic" at Liziba Light Rail Station, where trains run directly through a residential building. Wander through Hongyadong, a cluster of traditional stilted buildings known as the "real-life Spirited Away." At night, these buildings glow beautifully against the Jialing River. As you stroll among the traditional Bayu stilted buildings, sample local Bayu-style snacks before transferring to the pier to embark on your cruise.

On the evening of Day 9, you will step aboard your three-night Yangtze River cruise from Chongqing to Yichang, staying in a Standard Cabin on a full-board basis. Over the next two days, you will sail through the majestic Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge, with visits to Fengdu Ghost City and the scenic Shennong Stream. Experience the world-record Three Gorges Dam and its massive five-step ship lock. Onboard, enjoy Tai Chi, cultural lectures and vibrant nightly crew shows before disembarking in Yichang, completing an unforgettable journey through China’s scenic heartland.

Yangtze River Cruise

Yangtze River Cruise is a luxury floating hotel with well-appointed cabins. You have four main room types to choose from: Standard Cabins with twin beds, Junior Suites if you would like a bit more floor space, Deluxe Suites with separate sitting areas, and Presidential Suites that come with their own private decks. Onboard, you can enjoy Tai Chi, cultural lectures, and spa treatments, while nights come alive with Captain’s parties and cabaret shows. Facilities often include a gym, library, and even a cinema. The cruise usually departs from Chongqing’s Chaotianmen Dock (28 km from Jiangbei Airport), offering a fantastic way to explore China’s heartland.

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On Day 12, you will catch a flight from Yichang to Shanghai. Once you arrive, a transfer will take you to your hotel, where you can settle into your Comfort Double Room and catch up on some rest. After a good breakfast on Day 13, you will spend the full day diving into the best of Shanghai. The morning starts at the Jade Buddha Temple to see those two famous, translucent white jade statues, followed by a stroll through the peaceful courtyards and pools of Yuyuan Garden. You will then visit the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower, one of Shanghai’s most recognisable landmarks, and enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline before heading to Nanjing Road, known as the “First Commercial Road in China,” for some world-class shopping. To wrap up the day, you will head to the Bund to soak in the incredible waterfront views as the city lights up. Finally, on Day 14, you will be transferred to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) for your flight back to London.

SSAW Hotel Shanghai The Bund

SSAW Hotel Shanghai The Bund sits in the Huangpu District, ten minutes on foot from both Yu Garden and the Bund. Rooms are quiet and comfortable, fitted with KingKoil mattresses, free mini-bar drinks, rainforest showers, and free Wi-Fi. The 4th-floor terrace restaurant serves a buffet breakfast worth waking up for. Concierge, luggage storage, fitness centre, and currency exchange are all on hand. While Yu Garden Metro Station is just around the corner, the hotel is 40 minutes away from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG).

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