Land tours within China · International airfare not included
Yangtze Cruise & Golden Cities
YANGTZE CRUISE · SMALL GROUP

Yangtze Cruise & Golden Cities

15 Days / 14 Nights · Beijing → Xi’an → Chengdu → Yangtze River Cruise → Shanghai · Tour ID T2C-YC-15 · Updated October 2026

Max 16 travelersNo forced shoppingNo commission stopsLicensed local operator

01Route Overview

Tour ID

T2C-YC-15

Duration

15 days / 14 nights

Route Cities

Beijing → Xi’an → Chengdu → Yangtze River Cruise → Shanghai

Group Style

Small group · max 16 · private departures available

Guide & Transport

Licensed English-speaking guides on land + English-speaking cruise staff · private AC vehicle, high-speed rail & cruise ship

Hotel Standard

4★ hotels in Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu & Shanghai + premium Yangtze river cruise cabin

02Who This Tour Suits

Ideal for

Families, seniors and travelers who prefer a relaxed pace

May not suit

Travelers seeking adventure itineraries — cruise days are gentle

Fitness level

Gentle; ship has elevators, sightseeing requires moderate walking

Walking intensity

Light-to-moderate daily walking; sightseeing days include stairs

Accessibility

Some sites have uneven terrain — please advise us of any needs at booking

Free time

Most evenings are free for you to explore at your own pace

From

USD $1,399 / person

twin share · land only · no international airfare

Preferred travel date
Your name
Group sizeMin 1 · Max 16
PaceLeisurely · scenic cruise days included
Deposit$50 / person

How many travelers?

2
Trip total$2,798
Deposit$100
Book Now — $100 Deposit Chat on WhatsApp
  • Prices, dates and availability are confirmed by a real consultant.
  • You pay only a small deposit to hold your place.
  • Deposits are paid on a secure escrow page — we never store your card.

03Day-by-Day Itinerary

Select a day to see that day's activities, transport, meals and hotel.

Day 1 · U.S. to Beijing

Meals: In-flight meals
DaytimeBoard your international flight bound for Beijing, China
DaytimeWhen you land, our local tour guide will meet you at the airport and shuttle you straight to your hotel for check-in
Tonight in Beijing

Overnight stay

Standard hotel or comparable property, Beijing

Beijing

Route Sketch — Beijing → Xi’an → Chengdu → Yangtze River Cruise → Shanghai

BeijingXi’anChengduThree GorgesShanghai
TransportSightseeingMeals / Free timeStay

Static route sketch — not a real-time map or navigation.

Day 1 / 15

Day 2 · Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City (Backup: Temple of Heaven)

Meals: Breakfast
DaytimeAfter breakfast, walk through Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public plazas anywhere in the world
DaytimeNext, explore the Forbidden City — the royal imperial palace commissioned by the Ming Dynasty’s…
Tonight in Beijing

Overnight stay

Standard hotel or comparable property, Beijing

Beijing

Route Sketch — Beijing → Xi’an → Chengdu → Yangtze River Cruise → Shanghai

BeijingXi’anChengduThree GorgesShanghai
TransportSightseeingMeals / Free timeStay

Static route sketch — not a real-time map or navigation.

Day 2 / 15

Day 3 · The Great Wall of China

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DaytimeAfter breakfast, stop at a jade culture museum to learn about China’s 4,000-year jade tradition (the stone is pronounced “yu” in Mandarin)
DaytimeWatch master craftsmen carve elaborate jade art pieces live…
Tonight in Beijing

Overnight stay

Standard hotel or comparable property, Beijing

Beijing

Route Sketch — Beijing → Xi’an → Chengdu → Yangtze River Cruise → Shanghai

BeijingXi’anChengduThree GorgesShanghai
TransportSightseeingMeals / Free timeStay

Static route sketch — not a real-time map or navigation.

Day 3 / 15

Day 4 · Beijing to Xi’an

Meals: Breakfast
DaytimeAfter breakfast, visit a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) wellness center to learn about acupuncture, herbal remedies and other core ancient healing therapies
DaytimeYou’ll travel to Xi’an via high-speed…
Tonight in Xi

Overnight stay

Standard hotel or comparable property, Xi’an

Xi

Route Sketch — Beijing → Xi’an → Chengdu → Yangtze River Cruise → Shanghai

BeijingXi’anChengduThree GorgesShanghai
TransportSightseeingMeals / Free timeStay

Static route sketch — not a real-time map or navigation.

Day 4 / 15

Day 5 · The Terracotta Army

Meals: Breakfast
DaytimeToday’s highlight is the Museum of the Terracotta Army
DaytimeUnearthed just outside Xi’an, thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, chariots and horses rank among the world’s greatest archaeological…
Tonight in Xi

Overnight stay

Standard hotel or comparable property, Xi’an

Xi

Route Sketch — Beijing → Xi’an → Chengdu → Yangtze River Cruise → Shanghai

BeijingXi’anChengduThree GorgesShanghai
TransportSightseeingMeals / Free timeStay

Static route sketch — not a real-time map or navigation.

Day 5 / 15

Day 6 · In-Depth Xi’an Cultural Tour & Second Terracotta Army Visit

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
MorningSpend your morning at Xingqing Park, a lively urban green space where you can watch local residents practice traditional morning fitness routines
DaytimeNext, view the bronze chariot and horse relics…
Tonight in Xi

Overnight stay

Standard hotel or comparable property, Xi’an

Xi

Route Sketch — Beijing → Xi’an → Chengdu → Yangtze River Cruise → Shanghai

BeijingXi’anChengduThree GorgesShanghai
TransportSightseeingMeals / Free timeStay

Static route sketch — not a real-time map or navigation.

Day 6 / 15

Day 7 · Xi’an Ancient City Wall to Chengdu by High-Speed Rail

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DaytimeStart the day touring Xi’an’s Ancient City Wall, originally built starting in 194 BC
DaytimeIt’s the most intact surviving ancient city wall in China and one of the world’s largest ancient military defense…
Tonight in Chengdu

Overnight stay

AC Hotel Chengdu North or comparable property, Chengdu

Chengdu

Route Sketch — Beijing → Xi’an → Chengdu → Yangtze River Cruise → Shanghai

BeijingXi’anChengduThree GorgesShanghai
TransportSightseeingMeals / Free timeStay

Static route sketch — not a real-time map or navigation.

Day 7 / 15

Day 8 · Giant Panda Base & Local Mahjong Culture Experience

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
MorningThis morning, visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding — home to more than 80 pandas and one of the world’s largest professional panda conservation facilities
DaytimeWild panda habitats…
Tonight in Chengdu

Overnight stay

Standard hotel or comparable property, Chengdu

Chengdu

Route Sketch — Beijing → Xi’an → Chengdu → Yangtze River Cruise → Shanghai

BeijingXi’anChengduThree GorgesShanghai
TransportSightseeingMeals / Free timeStay

Static route sketch — not a real-time map or navigation.

Day 8 / 15

Day 9 · Chengdu to Chongqing | Board Yangtze River Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DaytimeDepart Chengdu and drive to Chongqing, the gateway city to the Yangtze River
DaytimeNext, explore Eling Park, built in 1909 by a wealthy Qing Dynasty merchant on a central urban hill
DaytimeWander its…
Tonight in Yangtze

Overnight stay

Yangtze River Cruise Vessel

Yangtze

Route Sketch — Beijing → Xi’an → Chengdu → Yangtze River Cruise → Shanghai

BeijingXi’anChengduThree GorgesShanghai
TransportSightseeingMeals / Free timeStay

Static route sketch — not a real-time map or navigation.

Day 9 / 15

Day 10 · Shuanggui Mountain National Forest Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DaytimeWake up to spectacular river valley scenery
DaytimeToday’s shore excursion takes you to Shuanggui Mountain National Forest Park, renowned for stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage
DaytimeThe…
Tonight in Yangtze

Overnight stay

Yangtze River Cruise Vessel

Yangtze

Route Sketch — Beijing → Xi’an → Chengdu → Yangtze River Cruise → Shanghai

BeijingXi’anChengduThree GorgesShanghai
TransportSightseeingMeals / Free timeStay

Static route sketch — not a real-time map or navigation.

Day 10 / 15

Day 11 · Cruise Through Qutang & Wuxia Gorges

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DaytimeToday’s voyage brings jaw-dropping gorge scenery
DaytimeFirst, sail through Qutang Gorge, the shortest of the three Yangtze Three Gorges
DaytimeContinue cruising along the 25-mile-long Wuxia Gorge, famous for…
Tonight in Yangtze

Overnight stay

Yangtze River Cruise Vessel

Yangtze

Route Sketch — Beijing → Xi’an → Chengdu → Yangtze River Cruise → Shanghai

BeijingXi’anChengduThree GorgesShanghai
TransportSightseeingMeals / Free timeStay

Static route sketch — not a real-time map or navigation.

Day 11 / 15

Day 12 · Disembark Cruise | Three Gorges Dam | Travel to Shanghai

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DaytimeAfter breakfast, disembark your cruise ship and head to the Three Gorges Dam — the world’s largest hydroelectric facility, nearly six times bigger than the Hoover Dam
DaytimeThis groundbreaking engineering…
Tonight in Shanghai

Overnight stay

Standard hotel or comparable property, Shanghai

Shanghai

Route Sketch — Beijing → Xi’an → Chengdu → Yangtze River Cruise → Shanghai

BeijingXi’anChengduThree GorgesShanghai
TransportSightseeingMeals / Free timeStay

Static route sketch — not a real-time map or navigation.

Day 12 / 15

Day 13 · The Bund & Yu Garden

Meals: Breakfast
MorningThis morning, stroll the iconic Bund riverside promenade, where you’ll get striking side-by-side views of Shanghai’s historic colonial architecture and modern glass skyscrapers
DaytimeStop at a local silk,…
Tonight in Shanghai

Overnight stay

Standard hotel or comparable property, Shanghai

Shanghai

Route Sketch — Beijing → Xi’an → Chengdu → Yangtze River Cruise → Shanghai

BeijingXi’anChengduThree GorgesShanghai
TransportSightseeingMeals / Free timeStay

Static route sketch — not a real-time map or navigation.

Day 13 / 15

Day 14 · Fengjing Ancient Water Town

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DaytimeTravel to Fengjing Ancient Water Town, one of Shanghai’s most charming canal villages lined with traditional black-and-white Hui-style homes and ancient stone bridges
DaytimeVisit the local Wedding Museum…
Tonight in Shanghai

Overnight stay

Standard hotel or comparable property, Shanghai

Shanghai

Route Sketch — Beijing → Xi’an → Chengdu → Yangtze River Cruise → Shanghai

BeijingXi’anChengduThree GorgesShanghai
TransportSightseeingMeals / Free timeStay

Static route sketch — not a real-time map or navigation.

Day 14 / 15

Day 15 · Depart Shanghai for the U.S.

Meals: Breakfast
DaytimeYou will be transferred to Shanghai Airport to board your return international flight back to the United States
NoonImportant Hotel Note: Standard checkout time is 12:00 noon
DaytimeComplimentary luggage…
Tonight in China

Overnight stay

Confirmed & inspected — shared with your consultant

Selected city

Route Sketch — Beijing → Xi’an → Chengdu → Yangtze River Cruise → Shanghai

BeijingXi’anChengduThree GorgesShanghai
TransportSightseeingMeals / Free timeStay

Static route sketch — not a real-time map or navigation.

Day 15 / 15

04What's Included, What's Not & Traveler Rules

✓ Included

  • All accommodations in twin-share rooms
  • Daily breakfast; lunches & dinners as marked in the itinerary
  • Licensed English-speaking guides
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle & in-route trains/cruise as shown
  • Entrance tickets to all listed sights
  • Airport transfers on arrival & departure days
  • 24/7 emergency line while you travel

× Not included

  • International flights to/from China
  • China visa fees
  • Meals not marked in the itinerary
  • Tips & gratuities (at your discretion)
  • Personal expenses, travel insurance
  • Optional activities not listed

Traveler Rules

Solo travelers & single rooms

Own room available with a single supplement (priced on request); roommate pairing available at no extra charge when possible.

Children & age rules

Children welcome with adult supervision — please ask about age rules and family pricing.

Dietary needs

Vegetarian, vegan, halal and allergy needs are accommodated when advised at booking.

Accessibility

Please advise us of mobility or accessibility needs — we will do our best to adjust hotels and pacing.

Luggage

One suitcase plus one carry-on per person is recommended; larger items may affect transfers.

Tipping

Gratuities are at your discretion and never required.

Inclusion details and traveler rules follow the version reviewed and approved by the operating agency in your booking contract.

Grouping, Cancellation, Rescheduling & Refunds

Minimum Group

We run each tour with a small confirmed group (typically 4–16 travelers). If a departure cannot meet its minimum, you may reschedule or receive a full refund.

Cancellation by You

Free full refund when you cancel 30+ days before departure. Within 30 days, the deposit is non-refundable as it holds your places, hotels and tickets.

Rescheduling by You

Date or itinerary changes are possible before final confirmation — contact your consultant. Your deposit can be transferred to a new departure.

Cancellation by Us / Major Change

If we cancel a departure or make a major change to the tour, you get a full refund of everything paid. Force-majeure cases follow the same full-refund principle.

How Refunds Are Paid

Refunds are processed by the licensed operating agency shown in your contract, to the original payment method, within the timeline stated in your booking contract.

Cancellation, rescheduling and refund rules follow the contract and the version reviewed by the operating agency.

05See It Through Travelers' Eyes

Real footage from travelers in China — public sources credited below. Guest reviews are verified before publication.

Great Wall at sunrise — Simatai, Beijing

Great Wall at sunrise — Simatai, Beijing

Source: CGTN Africa · Eastern China Discovery · Beijing

Yulong River bamboo rafting — 4K

Yulong River bamboo rafting — 4K

Source: Nomadic Land · Featured in Guilin & Li River requests

The Bund at night — Shanghai, 4K

The Bund at night — Shanghai, 4K

Source: Pathfinder CN · Eastern China Discovery · Shanghai

06Frequently Asked Questions