Day 1 - Hometown - Beijing
Depart from your hometown to Beijing and spend the night on international flights.
Via city: Beijing
Check in: In flight
Meals: Breakfast: None / Lunch: None / Dinner: None
Begin your journey with an overnight flight to Beijing, preparing to explore China’s historic capitals, cultural landmarks and modern cities. International and domestic flights are included with eligible cabin categories. Ask Nanci to confirm your departure airport, flight arrangements and package inclusions before booking.
Day 2 - Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, China’s capital, where centuries of imperial history meet a modern city. Transfer to your hotel, where your guide will assist with check-in. Enjoy free time to relax after your journey.
Via city: Beijing
Check in: Sheraton Beijing Lize Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast: None / Lunch: None / Dinner: None
Day 3 - Beijing
Explore Beijing’s imperial history, beginning with Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. This UNESCO World Heritage Site served as the palace of Chinese emperors for nearly 500 years. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring Peking duck.
Via city: Beijing
Check in: Sheraton Beijing Lize Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast: Included / Lunch: Included / Dinner: Included
Day 4 - Beijing
Visit the Great Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and walk along its historic pathways while taking in the sweeping views. In the afternoon, explore the Summer Palace (Yiheyuan), a former royal retreat celebrated for its gardens, palaces and lake. Stroll along the Long Corridor, admire the Marble Boat and enjoy the peaceful setting of Kunming Lake.
Via city: Beijing
Check in: Sheraton Beijing Lize Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast: Included / Lunch: Included / Dinner: Included
Day 5 - Beijing - Xi'an
After breakfast, explore Beijing’s historic hutongs and visit a local courtyard home before lunch. Then fly to Xi’an, one of China’s oldest cities and a starting point of the ancient Silk Road. On arrival, transfer to your hotel. Dinner is not included.
Via city: Beijing - Xi'an
Check in: Hilton Xi'an or similar
Meals: Breakfast: Included / Lunch: Included / Dinner: None
Day 6 - Xi'an
Visit the Terracotta Army, created to guard Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb more than 2,000 years ago. Admire the life-size warriors and horses, each crafted with distinctive features. Local farmers discovered this extraordinary archaeological site in 1974. In the afternoon, visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. End the day with dinner and a Tang Dynasty dance performance.
Via city: Xi'an
Check in: Hilton Xi'an or similar
Meals: Breakfast: Included / Lunch: Included / Dinner: Included
Day 7 - Xi'an - Chongqing
After breakfast, travel from Xi’an to Chongqing, known as the “Mountain City.” Enjoy dinner before transferring to your hotel.
Via city: Xi'an - Chongqing
Check in: Hyatt Regency Chongqing Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast: Included / Lunch: Included / Dinner: Included
Day 8 - Chongqing - Century Glory Tour
After breakfast, visit Chongqing Zoo to see its pandas, then explore the city. In the afternoon, board your ship for the Yangtze River cruise. Ask Nanci to confirm the ship and cabin assigned to your selected departure.
Via city: Chongqing
Check in: Century Glory (5-star cabin with private balcony)
Meals: Breakfast: Included / Lunch: Included / Dinner: Included
Day 9 - Yangtze River Tour
Continue your journey along the Yangtze River, one of the most important rivers in Asia. This portion of the itinerary focuses on the experience of traveling through the river region.
Via city: Fengdu
Check in: Century Voyage (5-star cabin with private balcony)
Meals: Breakfast: Included / Lunch: Included / Dinner: Included
Day 10 - Yangtze River Cruise - Three Gorges
Travel through the most scenic stretch of the Yangtze as it forces its way through a spectacular series of limestone ridges known as the Three Gorges. Cruise through Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest and most spectacular of the three large gorges. Then, board a smaller boat for an excursion through the Goddess Stream. Sail through these remarkable canyons flanked by towering cliffs. Along the way, you can see fascinating sites including the hanging coffins of the Ba people and the ancient plank road carved into the cliffside. Continue through Wu Gorge, renowned for its magnificent scenery.
Via city: Chongqing
Check in: Century Glory (5-star cabin with private balcony)
Meals: Breakfast: Included / Lunch: Included / Dinner: Included
Day 11 - Yangtze River Cruise - Yichang - Shanghai
Conclude your Yangtze River cruise with a visit to the Three Gorges Dam. Learn about its role in flood control and the communities affected by its construction. After the tour, travel by coach from Yichang to Wuhan, then transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai.
Via city: Yichang - Wuhan
Check in: Shanghai Marriott Hotel Yangpu Riverside or similar
Meals: Breakfast: Included / Lunch: Included / Dinner: Included
Day 12 - Shanghai
Start your day in Lujiazui, taking in Shanghai’s modern skyline and the Oriental Pearl Tower. Next, head to Nanjing Road to browse shops, taste local snacks and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Continue to the Bund to admire its historic European-style architecture and views across the river. In the afternoon, visit the City God Temple, sample local snacks and explore the rock gardens of Yuyuan Garden.
Via city: Shanghai
Check in: Shanghai Marriott Hotel Yangpu Riverside or similar
Meals: Breakfast: Included / Lunch: Included / Dinner: Included
Day 13 - Shanghai
Start your morning in Zhujiajiao Ancient Town. Stroll along the old streets, admire the Ming and Qing-style buildings, and enjoy the charm of the water town by boat. In the afternoon, explore the ancient alleys of Shanghai in Tianzifang and visit cultural attractions to learn about the city's past. As night falls, enjoy the city's bright skyline on the Huangpu River.
Via city: Shanghai
Check in: Shanghai Marriott Hotel Yangpu Riverside or similar
Meals: Breakfast: Included / Lunch: Included / Dinner: Included
Day 14 - Shanghai - Home City
After breakfast, we will head to Shanghai Pudong International Airport for the return flight. This marks the end of the trip.
Via city: Shanghai
Check in
Meals: Breakfast: Included / Lunch: None / Dinner: None
What's Included With Your Legend of China and Yangtze River Cruise 14-Day Luxury Tour
PRICE INCLUDES
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International and domestic flights with eligible cabin categories; confirm airports and flight arrangements with Nanci.
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12-night stay in a premium hotel and cruise
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All air taxes and fuel surcharges
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Round-trip coach transportation
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Access and entrance fees, as shown in the itinerary.
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Professional English Guide
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Meals shown in the itinerary.
Cabin Options & Pricing:
Starting at $5,599 per person depending on deck and sailing date
Deluxe Cabin Category
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2nd Floor Deluxe Cabin – $5,599 per person
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3rd Floor Deluxe Cabin – $5,699 per person
Upgraded Categories
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5th Floor Deluxe Cabin – $5,899 per person
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6th Floor Superior Deluxe Cabin – $5,999 per person
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4th Floor Junior Suite – $6,199 per person
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4th Floor Executive Suite – $6,699 per person
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4th Floor Voyage Suite – $7,899 per person
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6th Floor Presidential Suite – $8,199 per person
Solo-traveler promotion ended December 21, 2025. Contact Nanci for current rates.
Trip Highlights
This journey combines China’s historic cities with a Yangtze River cruise:
• Beijing’s Great Wall, Forbidden City and Summer Palace
• Xi’an’s Terracotta Army
• Yangtze River cruising through the Three Gorges
• Shanghai sightseeing and the Bund
• Hotel and cruise accommodations, guided sightseeing and scheduled meals
• Flight and transfer inclusions depend on your selected package; ask Nanci to confirm all arrangements before booking.