5-Star China & Yangtze Cruise

Today, you'll depart Australia (or New Zealand) for Xi'an, China. Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel.

Xi'an serves as one of China’s four ancient major capitals and the historic starting point of the Silk Road. As the cradle of Chinese civilization across 13 dynasties, the city seamlessly blends thousands of years of imperial history with a modern, vibrant urban landscape.

Please note:
• Some travellers may depart on Day 0.
• Some travellers may have an overnight layover in China with accommodation and transfers provided by the airline.
• Some travellers may have an overnight layover in an Australian city with airport accommodation provided (excluding transfers).
• Some travellers may arrive early in the morning of Day 2.

Overnight: Sheraton Xi’an Hotel or similar

Meals included: In-Flight

Today's highlight will be a visit to the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. Unearthed near Xi’an, the thousands of life-size sculptures of soldiers, chariots and horses are considered a world wonder. With different facial expressions and weaponry adorning each soldier, the Terracotta Warriors were believed to have been created to accompany the Qin Emperor into the afterlife. This site is among the top archaeological excavations of the 20th century. You will be amazed by the scale of the Terracotta Warriors Army. En route, you'll also visit the Terracotta Warriors Reproduction Factory.

Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to take part in an optional activity, or explore Xi'an at leisure.

Optional Tour: Xi'an at Night with Grand Tang Dynasty Everbridge City & Dinner
Tonight, enjoy an early dinner of local cuisine at a restaurant. You'll then head to Grand Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City, the only large-scale Tang style architectural complex pedestrian street in China. As the top destination for showcasing and experiencing Tang culture in Xi’an, it has attracted a large number of tourists with its unique Tang culture and technological exhibitions. Datang Everbright City is brightly lit at night with antique style buildings shining brilliantly between the turns of light and shadow, recreating the magnificent Tang Dynasty. On the way back to the hotel, the view of the Ancient City Wall is another highlight for the nightlife in Xi'an. Not included, paid on tour. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Overnight: Sheraton Xi’an Hotel or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, visit Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This impressive site stands in the grounds of the ancient Jianfu Temple and has a dates back over 1,300 years.

Then, transfer to Xi’an Railway Station for a high-speed train ride (or a domestic flight) to Beijing. Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet and transfer you to the hotel.

Beijing is the monumental capital of China, blending over three millennia of history with dynamic, ultra-modern architecture. As the political and cultural heart of the country, it offers visitors an incredible juxtaposition where ancient alleys stand alongside gleaming skyscrapers

Please note:
• High-speed train tickets are subject to availability. If train tickets are unavailable, a domestic flight will be provided in place of this. Train and/or domestic flight tickets will be distributed by your tour guide on arrival in China and in some cases you may find a domestic flight within China included in your attached international flight ticket.
• If you do not provide your passport details at least 60 days prior to departure you may not be in the same train carriage or on the same train as your companions and other group members.
• Seating arrangement on high-speed trains consists of a row of 2 seats and a row of 3 seats. Due to this, we cannot guarantee you a seat right next to your travel companion on this journey.
• Accommodation in Beijing will be on a twin share basis (2 single beds), regardless of the bedding preference you select, due to restrictions in place by the accommodation providers.

Overnight: Wyndham Beijing North or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast this morning, you'll visit Tiananmen Square. It is one of the largest public squares in the world, serving as the symbolic and geographical heart of Beijing and hosts some of the country's most important architectural monuments, governmental buildings and museums.

Afterwards, you'll see the Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City. Known officially as The Palace Museum, the Forbidden City was originally constructed by Emperor Yong Le, who was the third Emperor of the Ming Dynasty. The palace was built between 1406 and 1420 but was burnt down, rebuilt, sacked and renovated countless times, so most of the architecture you can see today dates from the 1700s and onwards.

Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to take part in an optional activity, or explore Beijing at leisure.

Optional Tour: Summer Palace and Beijing Zoo with Dinner
Take a trip to the majestic Summer Palace, a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. The natural landscape of hills and open water is combined with artificial features such as pavilions, halls, palaces, temples and bridges to form a harmonious ensemble of outstanding aesthetic value.
Then head to the Panda House, the crown jewel of Beijing Zoo. Since the successful captive breeding of the first giant panda in 1963, and the world’s first successful artificial insemination in 1978, the zoo has been at the forefront of panda conservation.
Finish with a delicious dinner experience that will allow you to savour authentic regional flavours.
Not included, paid on tour. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Please note: Scheduling of attractions and activities may be alternated for the days in Beijing (Days 3 to 5).

Please note:
• There is a daily limit on the number of tickets available for The Forbidden City, therefore entry is likely, but cannot be guaranteed as it is subject to availability. In the unlikely event that tickets can not be secured, a visit to The Temple of Heaven will be offered instead.
• The Temple of Heaven, founded in the first half of the 15th century, is a dignified complex of fine cult buildings that are set in gardens and surrounded by historic pine woods. In its overall layout, it symbolises the relationship between earth and heaven which stands at the heart of Chinese cosmogony and also recognises the special role played by the emperors within that relationship.

Overnight: Wyndham Beijing North or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you'll travel to a Jade museum and factory to learn the history of jade, observe skilled artisans at work as they create their intricate designs and shop for a souvenir. In Chinese, jade is pronounced as “Yu” and has a history of at least four thousand years in China.

You'll then take a scenic drive through the countryside and mountains to reach China’s most renowned monument, the Great Wall. Along the way, you'll enjoy a picnic lunch.

On arrival at the Great Wall, you'll visit the less-touristy and more original Juyong Pass, avoiding other sections that are the most accessible and consequently, the most crowded. The Great Wall meanders through China’s northern mountain ranges from the Yellow Sea to the Gobi Desert which is a distance of more than 5,600 kilometres.

Afterwards, return to Beijing where you may take part in an optional activity, or enjoy some time at leisure.

Optional Tour: Hutong Pedicab Tour & Dinner
In the afternoon, take the opportunity to join an optional tour (not included, paid on tour) of Beijing’s 700-year-old Hutongs (narrow lanes) area by old-fashioned pedicab. You will also visit a local family to experience the local customs and enjoy a delicious home-cooked dinner. The optional tour also includes visiting Shichahai, a historic scenic area consisting of three lakes (Qianhai, Houhai and Xihai) which surround places of historic interest, scenic beauty and remnants of old-style hutong and courtyard local residences. Not included, paid on tour. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Please note:
• Scheduling of attractions and activities may be alternated for the days in Beijing (Days 3 to 5).
• The old-fashioned pedicab operation may be suspended without prior notice and a replacement optional tour will be offered.

Overnight: Wyndham Beijing North or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

After breakfast, you'll head to a traditional Chinese health centre where you’ll learn about acupuncture, herbal medicine and other wellness practices that are integral to traditional Chinese medicine.

You'll then travel by high-speed train (or domestic flight) to Suzhou. Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you and then escort you to check into the hotel.

Often called the "Venice of the East," Suzhou is one of China's most historic and culturally rich cities, celebrated for its elegant stone bridges, tranquil canal networks, exquisite silk industry, and UNESCO-listed classical gardens.

Please note:
• High-speed train tickets are subject to availability, and if train tickets are unavailable a domestic flight will be provided in place of this. Train and/or domestic flight tickets will be distributed by your tour guide on arrival in China and in some cases you may find a domestic flight within China included in your attached international flight ticket.
• If you do not provide your passport details at least 60 days prior to departure you may not be in the same train carriage or on the same train as your companions and other group members.
• Seating arrangement on high-speed trains consists of a row of 2 seats and a row of 3 seats. Due to this, we cannot guarantee you a seat right next to your travel companion on this journey.

Overnight: Renaissance Suzhou Wujiang or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, you will visit the famous UNESCO-listed Lingering Garden before stopping by a silk spinning factory as China is renowned for its exquisite silk. Afterwards take the opportunity to cruise along the Grand Canal (not included) to view life along China’s ancient waterway.

Optional Activity: Grand Canal Cruise
Take the opportunity to cruise along the Grand Canal to view life along China’s ancient waterway. This optional activity is paid on tour, see Important Information for pricing.

Afterwards, travel to Shanghai (approximately 120 kilometres distance) to check into your hotel.

Shanghai serves as China’s financial capital and premier global megacity. Situated at the mouth of the Yangtze River, it is disected by the Huangpu River into historic Puxi on the west bank and futuristic Pudong on the east. Known historically as the "Paris of the East," it seamlessly blends classical Chinese traditions with European colonial architecture and high-tech urban design.

Tonight, there is an optional activity to watch a thrilling Chinese Acrobatic Show “ERA: The Intersection of Time”.

Optional Activity: ERA and The Intersection of Time
Tonight there is an optional activity to watch a superb and thrilling Chinese Acrobatic Show “ERA: The Intersection of Time” or similar. This optional activity is paid on tour, see Important Information for pricing.

Overnight: Sheraton Waigaoqiao Shanghai or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, visit the famous Bund, a five-block riverfront promenade with many of Shanghai's banks and trading houses. You'll discover that Shanghai is divided by the Huangpu River with modern mega-high rises on the eastern side and traditional European-style architecture on the western side.

Afterwards you'll have the chance to step back in time at the Shanghai History Museum, a landmark museum that comprehensively reflects the local history of Shanghai.

In the afternoon, you can join an optional activity or explore Shanghai at leisure.

Optional Activity: Half-Day Shanghai Tour
Join a half-day tour of Shanghai visiting the exquisite Yu Garden which is believed to have been built more than 400 years ago. Other attractions include Xintiandi, Old Town and Nanjing Road. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Optional Tour: Huangpu River Night Cruise
In the evening, take the opportunity to join the optional night cruise on the Huangpu River. Not included, paid on tour. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Please note:
• If the Shanghai History Museum is closed, you'll visit Suzhou Museum in place of this visit on Day 6 or Day 7 of the tour.
• The order of Suzhou and Shanghai from Day 6 to 8 may be swapped due to operational considerations however, all inclusions will remain the same.

Overnight: Sheraton Waigaoqiao Shanghai or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, transfer to Shanghai Railway Station for a high-speed train ride to Yichang (approximately 6.5 hours).

Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you at the railway station to escort you to check-in to your Yangtze River cruise onboard a Victoria Cruise Line ship, then settle in to your Balcony Cabin.

Please note: Cruise staff may offer cabin upgrades and additional optional shore excursions when on tour. All offers are subject to availability and will be communicated and paid for on tour. Additionally, since boarding is between 17:30 to 23:00, dinner is not included tonight. An onboard restaurant will be available for you to purchase meals this evening.

Overnight: Victoria Jenna Cruise or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam, a stunning example of human achievement and a hallmark of an emerging China. It is the world's largest hydroelectric power station and one of the most massive engineering projects in human history. Spanning 2.3 kilometres in length and standing 185 metres high, the structure generates immense renewable power, controls seasonal river flooding and enables large ship navigation deep into inland China.

Victoria cruise ship departs upstream through the west section of Xiling Gorge in the late afternoon, the first of these dramatic slices through the surrounding mountains. The new reservoir has altered the landscape and, with more than a million people relocated, the scenery is now of a wild countryside and the physical embodiment of thousands of beautiful Chinese landscape paintings. Watch the fog move in as it appears to turn the mountains into ghostly sculptures and enjoy a sumptuous Captain’s Dinner for your evening meal.

An additional optional shore excursion is available in the morning (river conditions permitting) to the Tribe of the Three Gorges and the recently-completed unique ship lock with a ship lift (not included - paid on tour).

Overnight: Victoria Jenna Cruise or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Transfer to another vessel for an excursion through Shennong Stream small gorges, which are narrower than the Three Gorges, but very impressive. Enter the 45-kilometre-long Wu Gorge, known for its quiet beauty, forest covered mountains and cliffs so sheer that the sun barely penetrates the precipices. Then sail through Qutang Gorge, the shortest (8 kilometres), narrowest and most dramatic gorge.

Depending on river conditions, an alternate excursion may be substituted to the gorges of Goddess Stream.

An additional optional shore excursion is available in the late afternoon (river conditions permitting) to White Emperor City and “Return to the Three Gorges” Live Show (evening). Not included, paid on tour.

Overnight: Victoria Jenna Cruise or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

This morning, after breakfast, experience an adventurous shore excursion to Snow Jade Cave.

The cave's interior is China's only pure-white, jade-like example. It continues to expand due to erosion in the surrounding karst landscape. At 1,644 metres, of which 1,161 metres has been explored, the Snow Jade Cave is spread over three levels. Inside, both the 8-metre Stone King's Flag (石旗王) and the 4-metre-high Stone King's Shield (石盾王) are the largest of their type in the world. There are also numerous examples of corals.

An additional optional shore excursion is available (river conditions permitting) to Fengdu’s 'Ghost City', known for its statues of ghosts and devils on Mingshan Hill (not included - paid on tour).

Overnight: Victoria Jenna Cruise or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Today, your cruise arrives in Chongqing where you will disembark.

Often nicknamed the 'Mountain City' due to its hilly terrain, this vibrant metropolis is a spectacular blend of hyper-modern innovation and ancient history. The city is famous for its mind-blowing urban landscape and complex, multi-layered topography. It's a place where you can exit a building on the ground floor and find yourself on the 22nd floor of a different street.

First, you will enjoy a walk outside the Great Hall of the People, an iconic landmark that ranks in the top 10 of classical Asian architecture of the 20th century and the Classic Chinese Centennial Building of the 20th century. Then head to Liziba Subway Station and experience the Chongqing monorail passing directly through a residential building, an architectural marvel that has become very hot in social media. Last, enjoy some free time in Hongya Cave, multi-level shopping and dining known for its traditional stilted architecture.

Afterwards, transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Meals included: Breakfast

Please note some flights may arrive +1 days.

Meals included: None

Today, you'll depart Australia (or New Zealand) for Xi'an, China. Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel.

Xi'an serves as one of China’s four ancient major capitals and the historic starting point of the Silk Road. As the cradle of Chinese civilization across 13 dynasties, the city seamlessly blends thousands of years of imperial history with a modern, vibrant urban landscape.

Please note:
• Some travellers may depart on Day 0.
• Some travellers may have an overnight layover in China with accommodation and transfers provided by the airline.
• Some travellers may have an overnight layover in an Australian city with airport accommodation provided (excluding transfers).
• Some travellers may arrive early in the morning of Day 2.

Overnight: Sheraton Xi’an Hotel or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

Today's highlight will be a visit to the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. Unearthed near Xi’an, the thousands of life-size sculptures of soldiers, chariots and horses are considered a world wonder. With different facial expressions and weaponry adorning each soldier, the Terracotta Warriors were believed to have been created to accompany the Qin Emperor into the afterlife. This site is among the top archaeological excavations of the 20th century. You will be amazed by the scale of the Terracotta Warriors Army. En route, you'll also visit the Terracotta Warriors Reproduction Factory.

Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to take part in an optional activity, or explore Xi'An at leisure.

Optional Activity: Xi'an At Night with Grand Tang Dynasty Everbridge City & Dinner
Tonight, enjoy an early dinner of local cuisine at a restaurant. You'll then head to Grand Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City, the only large-scale Tang style architectural complex pedestrian street in China. As the top destination for showcasing and experiencing Tang culture in Xi’an, it has attracted a large number of tourists with its unique Tang culture and technological exhibitions. Datang Everbright City is brightly lit at night with antique style buildings shining brilliantly between the turns of light and shadow, recreating the magnificent Tang Dynasty. On the way back to the hotel, the view of the Ancient City Wall is another highlight for the nightlife in Xi'an. Not included, paid on tour. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Overnight: Sheraton Xi’an Hotel or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, visit Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This impressive site stands in the grounds of the ancient Jianfu Temple and has a dates back over 1,300 years.

Then, transfer to Xi’an Railway Station for a high-speed train ride (or a domestic flight) to Beijing. Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet and transfer you to the hotel.

Beijing is the monumental capital of China, blending over three millennia of history with dynamic, ultra-modern architecture. As the political and cultural heart of the country, it offers visitors an incredible juxtaposition where ancient alleys stand alongside gleaming skyscrapers

Please note:
• High-speed train tickets are subject to availability. If train tickets are unavailable, a domestic flight will be provided in place of this. Train and/or domestic flight tickets will be distributed by your tour guide on arrival in China and in some cases you may find a domestic flight within China included in your attached international flight ticket.
• If you do not provide your passport details at least 60 days prior to departure you may not be in the same train carriage or on the same train as your companions and other group members.
• Seating arrangement on high-speed trains consists of a row of 2 seats and a row of 3 seats. Due to this, we cannot guarantee you a seat right next to your travel companion on this journey.
• Accommodation in Beijing will be on a twin share basis (2 single beds), regardless of the bedding preference you select, due to restrictions in place by the accommodation providers.

Overnight: Wyndham Beijing North or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast this morning, you'll visit Tiananmen Square. It is one of the largest public squares in the world, serving as the symbolic and geographical heart of Beijing and hosts some of the country's most important architectural monuments, governmental buildings and museums.

Afterwards, you'll see the Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City. Known officially as The Palace Museum, the Forbidden City was originally constructed by Emperor Yong Le, who was the third Emperor of the Ming Dynasty. The palace was built between 1406 and 1420 but was burnt down, rebuilt, sacked and renovated countless times, so most of the architecture you can see today dates from the 1700s and onwards.

Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to take part in an optional activity, or explore Beijing at leisure.

Optional Activity: Summer Palace and Beijing Zoo with Dinner
Take a trip to the majestic Summer Palace, a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. The natural landscape of hills and open water is combined with artificial features such as pavilions, halls, palaces, temples and bridges to form a harmonious ensemble of outstanding aesthetic value.
Then head to the Panda House, the crown jewel of Beijing Zoo. Since the successful captive breeding of the first giant panda in 1963, and the world’s first successful artificial insemination in 1978, the zoo has been at the forefront of panda conservation.
Finish with a delicious dinner experience that will allow you to savour authentic regional flavours.
Not included, paid on tour. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Please note: Scheduling of attractions and activities may be alternated for the days in Beijing (Days 2 to 4).

Please note:
• There is a daily limit on the number of tickets available for The Forbidden City, therefore entry is likely, but cannot be guaranteed as it is subject to availability. In the unlikely event that tickets can not be secured, a visit to The Temple of Heaven will be offered instead.
• The Temple of Heaven, founded in the first half of the 15th century, is a dignified complex of fine cult buildings that are set in gardens and surrounded by historic pine woods. In its overall layout, it symbolises the relationship between earth and heaven which stands at the heart of Chinese cosmogony and also recognises the special role played by the emperors within that relationship.

Overnight: Wyndham Beijing North or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you'll travel to a Jade museum and factory to learn the history of jade, observe skilled artisans at work as they create their intricate designs and shop for a souvenir. In Chinese, jade is pronounced as “Yu” and has a history of at least four thousand years in China.

You'll then take a scenic drive through the countryside and mountains to reach China’s most renowned monument, the Great Wall. Along the way, you'll enjoy a picnic lunch.

On arrival at the Great Wall, you'll visit the less-touristy and more original Juyong Pass, avoiding other sections that are the most accessible and consequently, the most crowded. The Great Wall meanders through China’s northern mountain ranges from the Yellow Sea to the Gobi Desert which is a distance of more than 5,600 kilometres.

Afterwards, return to Beijing where you may take part in an optional activity, or enjoy some time at leisure.

Optional Activity: Hutong Pedicab Tour & Dinner
In the afternoon, take the opportunity to join an optional tour (not included, paid on tour) of Beijing’s 700-year-old Hutongs (narrow lanes) area by old-fashioned pedicab. You will also visit a local family to experience the local customs and enjoy a delicious home-cooked dinner. The optional tour also includes visiting Shichahai, a historic scenic area consisting of three lakes (Qianhai, Houhai and Xihai) which surround places of historic interest, scenic beauty and remnants of old-style hutong and courtyard local residences. Not included, paid on tour. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Please note:
• Scheduling of attractions and activities may be alternated for the days in Beijing (Days 2 to 4).
• The old-fashioned pedicab operation may be suspended without prior notice and a replacement optional tour will be offered.

Overnight: Wyndham Beijing North or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

After breakfast, you'll head to a traditional Chinese health centre where you’ll learn about acupuncture, herbal medicine and other wellness practices that are integral to traditional Chinese medicine.

You'll then travel by high-speed train (or domestic flight) to Suzhou. Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you and then escort you to check into the hotel.

Often called the "Venice of the East," Suzhou is one of China's most historic and culturally rich cities, celebrated for its elegant stone bridges, tranquil canal networks, exquisite silk industry, and UNESCO-listed classical gardens.

Please note:
• High-speed train tickets are subject to availability, and if train tickets are unavailable a domestic flight will be provided in place of this. Train and/or domestic flight tickets will be distributed by your tour guide on arrival in China and in some cases you may find a domestic flight within China included in your attached international flight ticket.
• If you do not provide your passport details at least 60 days prior to departure you may not be in the same train carriage or on the same train as your companions and other group members.
• Seating arrangement on high-speed trains consists of a row of 2 seats and a row of 3 seats. Due to this, we cannot guarantee you a seat right next to your travel companion on this journey.

Overnight: Renaissance Suzhou Wujiang or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, you will visit the famous UNESCO-listed Lingering Garden before stopping by a silk spinning factory as China is renowned for its exquisite silk. Afterwards take the opportunity to cruise along the Grand Canal (not included) to view life along China’s ancient waterway.

Optional Activity: Grand Canal Cruise
Take the opportunity to cruise along the Grand Canal to view life along China’s ancient waterway. This optional activity is paid on tour, see Important Information for pricing.

Afterwards, travel to Shanghai (approximately 120 kilometres distance) to check into your hotel.

Shanghai serves as China’s financial capital and premier global megacity. Situated at the mouth of the Yangtze River, it is disected by the Huangpu River into historic Puxi on the west bank and futuristic Pudong on the east. Known historically as the "Paris of the East," it seamlessly blends classical Chinese traditions with European colonial architecture and high-tech urban design.

Tonight, there is an optional activity to watch a thrilling Chinese Acrobatic Show “ERA: The Intersection of Time”.

Optional Activity: ERA and The Intersection of Time
Tonight there is an optional activity to watch a superb and thrilling Chinese Acrobatic Show “ERA: The Intersection of Time” or similar. This optional activity is paid on tour, see Important Information for pricing.

Overnight: Sheraton Waigaoqiao Shanghai or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, visit the famous Bund, a five-block riverfront promenade with many of Shanghai's banks and trading houses. You'll discover that Shanghai is divided by the Huangpu River with modern mega-high rises on the eastern side and traditional European-style architecture on the western side.

Afterwards you'll have the chance to step back in time at the Shanghai History Museum, a landmark museum that comprehensively reflects the local history of Shanghai.

In the afternoon, you can join an optional activity or explore Shanghai at leisure.

Optional Activity: Half-Day Shanghai Tour
Join a half-day tour of Shanghai visiting the exquisite Yu Garden which is believed to have been built more than 400 years ago. Other attractions include Xintiandi, Old Town and Nanjing Road. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Optional Tour: Huangpu River Night Cruise
In the evening, take the opportunity to join the optional night cruise on the Huangpu River. Not included, paid on tour. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Please note:
• If the Shanghai History Museum is closed, you'll visit Suzhou Museum in place of this visit on Day 5 of the tour.
• The order of Suzhou, Wuxi, Hangzhou and Shanghai from Day 4 to 10 may be swapped due to operational considerations however, all inclusions will remain the same.

Please note:
The order of Wuxi, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Shanghai from Day 6-10 may be swapped due to operational considerations, but all inclusions will remain the same.

Overnight: Sheraton Waigaoqiao Shanghai or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, transfer to Shanghai Railway Station for a high-speed train ride to Yichang (approximately 6.5 hours).

Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you at the railway station to escort you to check-in to your Yangtze River cruise onboard a Victoria Cruise Line ship, then settle in to your Balcony Cabin.

Please note: Cruise staff may offer cabin upgrades and additional optional shore excursions when on tour. All offers are subject to availability and will be communicated and paid for on tour. Additionally, since boarding is between 17:30 to 23:00, dinner is not included tonight. An onboard restaurant will be available for you to purchase meals this evening.

Overnight: Victoria Jenna Cruise or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam, a stunning example of human achievement and a hallmark of an emerging China. It is the world's largest hydroelectric power station and one of the most massive engineering projects in human history. Spanning 2.3 kilometres in length and standing 185 metres high, the structure generates immense renewable power, controls seasonal river flooding and enables large ship navigation deep into inland China.

Victoria cruise ship departs upstream through the west section of Xiling Gorge in the late afternoon, the first of these dramatic slices through the surrounding mountains. The new reservoir has altered the landscape and, with more than a million people relocated, the scenery is now of a wild countryside and the physical embodiment of thousands of beautiful Chinese landscape paintings. Watch the fog move in as it appears to turn the mountains into ghostly sculptures and enjoy a sumptuous Captain’s Dinner for your evening meal.

An additional optional shore excursion is available in the morning (river conditions permitting) to the Tribe of the Three Gorges and the recently-completed unique ship lock with a ship lift (not included - paid on tour).

Overnight: Victoria Jenna Cruise or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Transfer to another vessel for an excursion through Shennong Stream small gorges, which are narrower than the Three Gorges, but very impressive. Enter the 45-kilometre-long Wu Gorge, known for its quiet beauty, forest covered mountains and cliffs so sheer that the sun barely penetrates the precipices. Then sail through Qutang Gorge, the shortest (8 kilometres), narrowest and most dramatic gorge.

Depending on river conditions, an alternate excursion may be substituted to the gorges of Goddess Stream.

An additional optional shore excursion is available in the late afternoon (river conditions permitting) to White Emperor City and “Return to the Three Gorges” Live Show (evening). Not included, paid on tour.

Overnight: Victoria Jenna Cruise or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

This morning, after breakfast, experience an adventurous shore excursion to Snow Jade Cave.

The cave's interior is China's only pure-white, jade-like example. It continues to expand due to erosion in the surrounding karst landscape. At 1,644 metres, of which 1,161 metres has been explored, the Snow Jade Cave is spread over three levels. Inside, both the 8-metre Stone King's Flag (石旗王) and the 4-metre-high Stone King's Shield (石盾王) are the largest of their type in the world. There are also numerous examples of corals.

An additional optional shore excursion is available (river conditions permitting) to Fengdu’s 'Ghost City', known for its statues of ghosts and devils on Mingshan Hill (not included - paid on tour).

Overnight: Victoria Jenna Cruise or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Today your cruise arrives in Chongqing where you will disembark.

Often nicknamed the 'Mountain City' due to its hilly terrain, this vibrant metropolis is a spectacular blend of hyper-modern innovation and ancient history. The city is famous for its mind-blowing urban landscape and complex, multi-layered topography. It's a place where you can exit a building on the ground floor and find yourself on the 22nd floor of a different street.

First you will enjoy a walk outside the Great Hall of the People, an iconic landmark that ranks in the top 10 of classical Asian architecture of the 20th century and the Classic Chinese Centennial Building of the 20th century. Then head to Liziba Subway Station and experience the Chongqing monorail passing directly through a residential building, an architectural marvel that has become very hot in social media. Last enjoy some free time in Hongya Cave, multi-level shopping and dining known for its traditional stilted architecture.

In the afternoon, you can enjoy free time at leisure or join some optional activites

Optional Activity - Ciqikou Ancient Town Tour (Afternoon)
Your optional afternoon will start in Ciqikou Ancient Town, an old town preserved in sprawling modern Chongqing. It's an old sleepy town built in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The town's name, Ciqikou, means porcelain harbor, and the community prospered from the porcelain trade. It offers a glimpse of the peaceful laid-back life in Chongqing countryside. Then proceed to Jiefangbei Square. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the government built a seventh floor six-sided cylindrical at the intersection of the national road, the livelihood road, the civil liberties road and the minister road in downtown Chongqing. It was called "people's liberation monument" and originally surrounded with low buildings. Now Jiefangbei is Chongqing's CBD with all the big shops and department stores, here you can see the most prosperous side of Chongqing. Last stop at Kuixing Pavilion, a place where scholars in ancient times prayed and made wishes. With a history of over 200 years, it has now become a popular city landmark among locals and tourists alike.

Optional Activity - Yangtze Two-rivers Night Cruise (Evening)
Chongqing Two Rivers Night Cruise is one of the name cards of Chongqing. It offers a chance to behold Chongqing’s renowned night view, where the city's mountainous skyline, encircled by the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, comes alive with a mesmerizing display of lights. As the cruise glides smoothly, passengers can leisurely take in the sights while passing by major highlights of Chongqing downtown, fully immersing in the city’s nocturnal charm. Last proceed to a secrete spot where you will have a full night view of this amazing city.

Optional Activity - Chongqing Hot Pot Dinner (Evening)
Enjoy a traditional Chongqing Hot Pot Dinner.

Overnight: Hilton Hotel Chongqing or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Early in the morning, transfer to Chongqing West Railway Station for a high-speed train ride to Zhangjiajie (approximately 3 hours).

Were you impressed by the Hallelujah Mountains in the film Avatar? The real ones are in Zhangjiajie. There are 243 peaks and more than 3,000 pinnacles and spires in the national park. Scenes from the film come to mind when the peaks are caught in the right light, or when the early morning mountain mist rolls in around them. In 1982, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park became China’s first National Forest Park.

On arrival in Zhangjiajie, take the Ten-Li Gallery Monorail Train (one-way) to see one of the most famous attractions in the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – Ten-Li natural Gallery. There are dense woods, fragrant flowers and grotesque rocks that make the valley seem like a natural art gallery. Over 200 rocks vividly mimic human and animal profiles on both sides of the walking path, extending deep into the valley. Many natural pictures formed on the precipices seem like paintings hanging on the cliffs. Afterwards, visit Gold Whip Stream, a brook at the foot of the towering mountains. The 400-metre-high cliff by Gold Whip Stream is spectacular. One thing to watch out for is the wild monkeys along the stream.

Finish the day at your hotel in Zhangjiaje for an evening at leisure.

Overnight: Wyndham Hotel Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today enjoy the day at leisure, or take the opportunity to join in some optional activities.

Optional Activity - Yuanjiajie Scenic Area Tour (Day)
Travel to the nearby Yuanjiajie Scenic Area and ride the famous Bailong Lift which looks like a giant dragon soaring up to sky. The Guinness World Records confirms it as the highest and fastest elevator with the maximum loading capacity in the world. The machinery might be a bit incompatible with nature, but standing at its feet you will admire the power and wisdom of humankind. It reaches the mountain top in two minutes and everyone will be shocked at the sight of the mountains before their eyes. Paddy fields and houses are visible among the green hillside. The mountain trail invites you to walk around the area and enjoy vistas. Major highlights in Yuanjiajie Scenic Area includes Bailong Lift, Fields and Gardens in the Air, No.1 Natural Bridge under Heaven, Hanging Waterfall, Mihun Bridge and Tujia Village. Not included, paid on tour. Please see current pricing in Important Information.


Optional Acivity - Tianmen Fox Fairy Show (Evening)
Alarge-scale outdoor musical drama that uses the Tianmen Mountain and its surrounding valley as a stage backdrop. It tells the story of a mythical fox fairy who falls in love with a human woodcutter, based on a local Chinese folktale and features hundreds of performers, local singers and high-tech effects. Not included, paid on tour. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Overnight: Wyndham Hotel Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, enjoy the day at leisure, or take the opportunity to join an optional tour.

Optional Activity: Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge
See the famous Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, the world’s longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge spanning over two mountains in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. Not included, paid on tour. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

This afternoon drive to Changsha and check into your hotel.

Overnight: Howard Johnson Huachen Plaza Changsha or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, you will transfer to the airport for your return flight back to Australia (or New Zealand).

Please note:
• Standard check-out time is 12:00 and luggage storage is available at the front desk for those with later fights.
• Some travellers may be required to depart a day later and additional accommodation and transfers will be provided free of charge. This will not apply to passengers departing before 02:00 the following day as they will be transferred to the airport the day prior.

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

Please note some flights may arrive +1 days.

Meals included: None