15 Day Amazing China with 3 Day Yangtze River Cruise
Beijing | Xian | Chengdu | Century Cruises or Victoria Cruises, Yangtze River | Shanghai
15 Days | 14 Nights
Starting at $2929 Land Only and $4139* Air & Land per person
Departure Dates: December 03, 2026
Amazing China with Yangtze River Cruise takes you on an unforgettable 15-day journey through China’s most iconic cities and breathtaking landscapes. Explore Beijing’s Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Great Wall before discovering the legendary Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an. Meet adorable Giant Pandas in Chengdu and experience a scenic three-night cruise along the majestic Yangtze River through the spectacular Three Gorges. Conclude your adventure in vibrant Shanghai, where historic gardens, modern skylines, and charming water towns create the perfect finale. This immersive tour blends ancient history, rich culture, natural beauty, and authentic local experiences for an extraordinary journey across China.
Tour Highlights
Thanks to our small group size, we can get to the heart of our destination, visit places that other tours miss, and get to know the locals.
- Exploration of Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world, and the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Have lunch with a local family in Beijing's Hutong community
- Travel to the extraordinary 2000-year-old Great Wall of China, one of the most spectacular structures ever built by man
- Join the residents of Xian in Xingqing Park in their morning exercise
- Visit the unforgettable archaeological site of the Terracotta Warriors entombed with China's first Emperor Qin Shi Huang
- Meet the famous Giant Panda bears at the Chengdu Panda Research Center
- Embark on a 3-night Yangtze River Cruise that journeys through some of the greatest scenery in the world
- Explore Yuyuan Garden in the Old Quarter of Shanghai, built during the Ming Dynasty
- Discover Fengjing Ancient Town, one of Shanghai's most charming water towns
DAY 1, Sunday - Depart for China
Depart for China
DAY 2, Monday - Arrive in Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, the sprawling capital of modern China and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure
Overnight: Beijing
DAY 3, Tuesday - Forbidden City, Home Hosted Lunch in Hutong
Begin at Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world, built at the height of the Ming Dynasty. The square's Gate of Heavenly Peace was once used as a staging ground for imperial edicts and by Mao Zedong himself to declare the founding of the People's Republic in 1949. Enter the Forbidden City, once the residence of Chinese emperors from the Ming to the Qing dynasties. This extraordinary walled complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a masterpiece of Chinese architecture, consisting of 800 buildings with more than 9,000 rooms. Then, continue to a typical Hutong neighborhood. Beijing's hutongs - communities of small residences centered around alleyways and courtyards, are dwindling in number as the city modernizes, but some have been preserved as "protected areas." Special arrangements have been made just for you to meet a local family and share lunch together in their home. They will be delighted to share their secret family recipe for dumplings, complete with demonstration. Next, visit a local pearl shop. This evening, join your Tour Manager for an orientation meeting, followed by dinner, featuring China's world-famous Peking duck
Overnight: Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4, Wednesday - The Great Wall & Ming Tombs
Travel to the extraordinary 2000-year-old Great Wall of China, spanning nearly 4,000 miles of China's northern frontier. Mount the ramparts of this ancient wonder to view beautiful mountain passes, plateaus, and grasslands from this 7th century defensive fortification. Stop at a local jade shop to admire wares crafted with one of China's most famous materials. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the Sacred Way lined with mythical stone beasts and statues. Originally built to lead to the mausoleum, it was thought to be the "road leading to heaven." Walk through the huge Memorial Stone Arch guarding its entrance, then continue along the road to the 13 Ming Dynasty Tombs. Visit the Dingling Tomb, also known as the Underground Palace, the first Imperial tomb excavated in China, housing the remains of Emperor Wan Li and two of his wives. In the exhibition, you'll also see many of the precious golden crowns and glittering jewels that were uncovered
Overnight: Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 5, Thursday - Flight to Xian, Small Wild Goose Pagoda & Market Visit
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Xian, the ancient capital of eleven dynasties and an archaeological treasure trove. Arrive and have lunch at a local restaurant. Later, visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, one of the most famous Buddhist pagodas in China constructed during the Tang Dynasty. This brick and wood structure was only moderately damaged during the major earthquake in 1556 and still stands today as a compelling symbol of Xian. Then, on to the Muslim Quarter, a hub of the Muslim community in Xian. At the bustling Beiyuanmen Market, you'll find a unique blend of Chinese and Islamic stalls with food and crafts. Tonight, dinner is at a local restaurant featuring Paomo, a local specialty
Overnight: Xian
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6, Friday - Xian Antiquities with Terracotta Army
Morning visit to Xingqing Park, a hub of activity where you may have the chance to join the residents of Xian in their morning exercise. Next, view the bronze chariot and horses, part of the Terracotta Army Museum. Afterward, visit an arts and crafts workshop gallery. Highlights include finely crafted terracotta figurines inspired by the Terracotta Army and beautifully polished lacquer furniture. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the archaeological site of the magnificent Terracotta Warriors, a vast collection of more than 7,000 finely sculpted, life-size soldiers, horses and chariots that were entombed with Qin Shi Huang, China's first emperor. This world-famous site discovered by farmers in 1974 is still being excavated today. This evening, attend an optional Tang Dynasty 6-course dinner, followed by a historical dance performance by the Tang Dynasty troupe
Optional: Tang Dynasty Show with Dinner (PM)
Overnight: Xian
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 7, Saturday - Xian City Wall, High-Speed Train to Chengdu
Begin the day with a visit to the ancient Xian city wall, which was started in 194 B.C. This is the most complete city wall still standing in China and one of the largest ancient military defense systems in the world. Lunch is at a local restaurant. Afterward, board a high-speed train to Chengdu. Arrive and transfer to your hotel in this capital city of Sichuan Province. Tonight, try the famous China "Hot Pot" for dinner. Created over 1,000 years ago, this dish varies by region and is popular all over the country
Overnight: Chengdu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8, Sunday - View Giant Pandas, Visit Mahjong Parlor
This morning you'll get to visit some of Chengdu's most relaxed local celebrities, giant panda bears. You'll travel to the Chengdu Panda Research Center which houses more than 80 giant pandas. The center is one of the largest panda breeding facilities in the world. Their livelihood in the wild is under threat from deforestation. After lunch at a local restaurant, join some residents in a local Mahjong parlor to watch this ancient Chinese game and have a few lessons from the experts. Later, attend the optional Sichuan Opera Show and be swept away and mesmerized by this exciting Sichuan show as artists take the stage in elaborate costumes to enact various performances
Optional: Sichuan Opera Show (PM)
Overnight: Chengdu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 9, Monday - Chongqing, Cruise Embarkation
Depart Chengdu and travel to Chongqing, the gateway to the Yangtze River. Continue to Eling Park, located on a hill near the heart of the city. The park was established at the end of the Qing Dynasty in 1909 by a wealthy businessman. Discover hundreds of plant species during a stroll through the different parts of the well-tended gardens. Ascend to the lookout tower for stunning views of the Chongqing skyline. This evening, have dinner on your cruise ship and begin the scenic journey on the Yangtze River
Overnight: Yangtze River
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10, Tuesday - Visit Mt. Shuanggui Park
Awaken this morning to the beautiful vistas on the river. Today, visit Mt. Shuanggui, a national forest park, which offers scenic beauty and a rich history. The ship will set sail this evening
Overnight: Yangtze River
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11, Wednesday - Cruising through the Qutang and Wuxia Gorges
Wondrous views await you today. Sail through Qutang Gorge, the smallest of the three Yangtze Gorges followed by spectacular views of the surrounding mountain passes as you sail through the 25-mile-long Wuxia (Witches) Gorge, famous for its fabled Twelve Peaks. According to legend, the peaks are believed to be the spirits of 12 fairies, the most famous of them being the Shennv Feng (Goddess) Peak, topped by a huge rock resembling a kneeling maiden. This afternoon debark the ship and visit the natural scenic wonders of the Shennv or Shennong Stream. Later, return to the ship as it sails through Xiling Gorge tonight
*The visit of Shennong or Shennv stream is subject to water levels.
Overnight: Yangtze River
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12, Thursday - Cruise Disembarkation, Three Gorges Dam, Travel to Shanghai
After breakfast, disembark the cruise and continue to the Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest and most ambitious hydroelectric project ever undertaken by man, nearly six times the size of the Hoover Dam. This project has forever changed the landscape surrounding the Yangtze River. Tour the massive site to see this impressive achievement of engineering. Then have lunch at a local restaurant. In the evening, after dinner, transfer to the airport for your flight* to cosmopolitan Shanghai, the fastest growing city in Asia, with its dramatic ever-changing skyline
*Due to potential flight schedule changes, flights may operate from either Yichang or Shashi to Shanghai, or travel may be arranged by train instead, approximately a 6-8 hour journey.
Overnight: Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 13, Friday - Yuyuan Garden
Stroll this morning along the famous Bund walkway, with its gorgeous vistas of old and new Shanghai. Stop at a local silk carpet & embroidery shop and see how the fabric is woven into stunning designs by local craftspeople. Afterward, visit the classical YuYuan Garden (Garden of Happiness) in the Old Quarter, built during the Ming Dynasty. This beautiful and serene sanctuary features pagodas, lakes, and magnificent pavilions. Next, proceed to the splendid Jade Buddha Temple, known for its impressive jade Buddha statues imported from Myanmar. Free time for lunch and shopping in Shanghai. Tonight, perhaps, explore some of the city's world-class restaurants on your own
Overnight: Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 14, Saturday - Explore Fengjing Ancient Town
Travel to Fengjing Ancient Town, one of Shanghai's most delightful water towns. Wander around town with its lovely black and white houses and ancient bridges. Visit the wedding museum and learn about the local people's wedding traditions. Following lunch, visit the site of People's Commune from 1958 to 1984. Next, take a relaxing gondola ride along the small canals and admire the picturesque scenery. Conclude the tour with a visit to a local rice wine factory. Tonight, bid goodbye to China and to your Tour Manager during dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight: Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 15, Sunday - Depart China
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
Hotels/Plans Available for Departure Dates
| Cabin C(included) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Beijing Xinqiao Hotel | Beijing | |
| Courtyard By Marriott Xian North | Xian | |
| Howard Johnson Hi-Tech Plaza Chengdu | Chengdu | |
| Century Oasis Cruise | Chongqing | |
| Victoria Cruises Ship | Chongqing | |
| Century Glory Cruise | Chongqing | |
| Century Voyage Cruise | Chongqing | |
| Century Victory Cruise | Chongqing | |
| Marriott Shanghai Yangpu Riverside | Shanghai | |
| Hengshan Garden Hotel | Shanghai | |
| Cabin BUpgrade from +$50 |
|---|
| Cabin AUpgrade from +$100 |
|---|
Select a Date to Book
2027 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $850 | ||||
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| Book By Oct 08 | Book After Oct 08 | Book By Oct 08 | Book After Oct 08 | |
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Package Includes:
- Small groups of maximum 22 travelers guaranteed
- Flights San Francisco-Beijing, Shanghai-San Francisco
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices - All intra-flights: Beijing-Xian & Yichang-Shanghai
- 13 nights accommodations
- 3 nights Beijing
- 2 nights Xian
- 2 nights Chengdu
- 3 nights Century Cruises or Victoria Cruises, Yangtze River
- 3 nights Shanghai
- Hotel & cruise porterage
- All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
- High-speed bullet train Xian-Chengdu
- 31 meals: 13 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 8 dinners
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned vehicles
- Services of local English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Comprehensive, guided sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary
- Active itinerary with unique cultural features
- Tips for porters, wait staff & local guides on included services
- Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
Optional tours and gratuities (unless otherwise specified).
Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers, but does include flights Beijing-Xian & Yichang-Shanghai.
High-speed trains in China - Due to limited storage space on high-speed trains in China, only one small piece of luggage (44 lbs) per passenger is permitted onboard for your personal belongings.
Passport information must be submitted to Gate 1 Travel at least 60 days prior to departure.
Cruise itineraries are subject to change. Alternative sites may be visited depending upon water levels and hours of daylight.
While on the cruise, passengers are subject to the cruise line Terms & Conditions which can be viewed at Terms & Conditions. Passengers are responsible for reviewing these terms, including all fitness-to-travel requirements and restrictions.
Accommodation Details:
Triple rooms cannot be accommodated on this program.
Monday departures are scheduled to sail on Century Paragon. Tuesday departures except Sep 22, are scheduled on the Century Victory; the Sep 22 departure will sail on the Victoria Anna. Thursday departures are set for the Century Voyage, Friday on the Century Oasis, and Saturday on the Century Glory. Sunday departures will sail on Victoria Jenna. Please note: all ship assignments are subject to change based on local conditions.
Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates. All travelers are responsible to check if a visa is required for all countries on their itinerary.
Contact Jaya Travel for more information about the 15 Day Amazing China with 3 Day Yangtze River Cruise Tour
*Prices are land only per person based on double occupancy. Restrictions apply. For complete terms and conditions, please call 1-877 FLY JAYA (359-5292).