Flavors of China & the Yangtze

14 Day Tour from Beijing to Shanghai


Vacation Overview

Ancient wonders. Modern cities. Timeless traditions. Like a classic Chinese dumpling, this tour of China is filled with flavor, zest, and delectable elements of surprise. From the hutongs of Beijing to the longtangs of Shanghai, you’ll savor every Far East experience you’ve ever craved, including a rickshaw ride through Beijing’s narrow alleyways, a walk along the Great Wall, and a 3-night cruise through the magnificent Three Gorges of the winding, wondrous Yangtze, Asia’s longest river. This truly hands-on vacation will teach you the bold strokes of Chinese calligraphy, the calming practice of tai chi, and the delicate art of making traditional dim sum, the dumpling whose name means, “to touch the heart.” Expect additional flutters when you enter the Forbidden City, stand before Xi’an’s Terracotta Army, and observe the daily habits of the native panda at Chengdu’s Giant Panda Research Base.

Itinerary

 

Day 1 ARRIVE IN BEIJING, CHINA

Ni Hao China Welcome to Beijing, China’s capital city. Hotel check-in available mid-afternoon.

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Day 2 BEIJING

Square Root of an Empire Your full-day sightseeing starts with a visit to Tian’anmen Square, the largest public square in the world. Next, explore the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest palace complex. Once the home of China’s great emperors, today it showcases ancient Chinese architecture, landscaped gardens, and displays of rare art and artifacts. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant, followed by free time to explore on your own. This evening, enjoy a special welcome dinner featuring Peking duck, Beijing’s most famous dish.

LOCAL FAVORITE
DUCK DYNASTY Venture out to a popular local restaurant for a traditional dinner featuring Peking duck. Taking up to three days to prepare, this is as much an art as it is a meal. Ducks are usually roasted over fruitwood until the skin is crisp, before being sliced and served with steamed pancakes, sweet bean sauce, cucumber, and scallions. To enjoy it in the traditional way, take a pancake in one hand, then using chopsticks (or a fork if desired) coat a piece of duck with the sweet bean sauce and spread it over the pancake. Then, fill the pancake with more duck and condiments of your choice. Finally, roll it up with your hands and enjoy!


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Day 3 BEIJING. EXCURSION TO THE GREAT WALL

Walling Out Today, drive out of the city to visit the Great Wall of China, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to Beijing for some leisure time this evening.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
STONE DRAGON The Great Wall of China once stretched 4,000 miles across China’s barren northern terrain from the Bohai Sea to the Gobi Desert. Although the wall can’t be easily seen from space as you may have heard. its curvy shape is reminiscent of a dragon when seen from above. Head north to a village where the Great Wall is well preserved and walk along the wall to enjoy sweeping vistas of this mammoth fortress.

FREE TIME TIPS
SHOWTIME Tonight, you may choose to attend a performance of the Peking Opera, a traditional form of Chinese theater, or attend the Legend of Kung Fu Show, with a fusion of kung fu, dance, and acrobatics. This and many more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus.


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Day 4 BEIJING–XI’AN

From Ancient Alleys to a Walled City This morning, visit the Temple of Heaven and enjoy a rickshaw ride through one of Beijing’s hutongs. Later, a flight brings you to Xi’an, where the massive city wall reflects the city’s wealth and status dating back to when China dominated the silk trade.


LOCAL FAVORITE
LASTING TRADITIONS Explore a hutong, one of the city’s ancient alleys, which are quickly disappearing. Experience life in this historic neighborhood as your travel by rickshaw and visit the courtyard of a family’s home to learn more about their life.


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Day 5 XI’AN

Timeless Treasures This morning is dedicated to the impressive Terracotta Army complex, one of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries. During lunch, enjoy a noodle-making demonstration by a master chef and learn how Chinese noodles are made by hand. Next, visit the Dayan Pagoda, built in 652 AD. This evening, attend the “Tang Dynasty” dinner show, featuring a dazzling assemblage of classical performances.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
AN ARMY FOR THE AGES Xi’an is an archaeological treasure trove and home to the enormous tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, complete with a legion of Terracotta Warriors that have been guarding the burial site for 2,000 years. Accidentally discovered by local farmers in 1974, some 8,000 life-sized figures are visible, each individually unique, with an astounding level of detail including weapons, horses, and chariots. Considering the site is largely unexcavated the full scale is unimaginable.


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Day 6 XI’AN–CHENGDU

Lessons Learned & Rapid Rail This morning, visit the Xi’an city wall and participate in a traditional Chinese calligraphy class. You may see locals practicing morning tai chi. Next, travel by high-speed train to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province and known for its delicious food.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EPIC RIDE Your high-speed train from Xi’An to Chengdu travels through the central Shaanxi Plain, Qinling Mountain, and into the Sichuan Basin, offering changing landscapes and scenery with a feast for the eyes. Gaze out your window across the vast and fertile plains dotted with farms and farmhouses, and whiz through tunnels and across bridges for a memorable train trip to Chengdu – also called “Heavenly State.”


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Day 7 CHENGDU–CHONGQING (EMBARKATION)–YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

Pandas & Piers This morning, visit the Giant Panda Research base. After lunch, board your high-speed train to Chongqing, China’s capital during World War II. Upon arrival, transfer to the pier and board your ship for a 3-night cruise through the breathtaking Three Gorges of the Yangtze.

LOCAL FAVORITE
PANDA PARADISE Marvel at these beautiful animals as you explore the park, which is focused on educating visitors on giant panda and wildlife conservation. Here, the panda’s natural environment has been recreated with streams, caves, and bamboo forests. Combined with a variety of climbing apparatuses and other enrichment programs, the pandas enjoy the space needed to thrive both mentally and physically.


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Day 8 CRUISING: FENGDU AREA

Tao-wering Scenery This morning’s shore excursion brings you to the Jade Emperor Scenic Area near Fengdu. Here, see the 100-foot-tall statue depicting the Jade Emperor, an important deity in Chinese Taoism. Return to your ship where the afternoon is at your leisure. This evening, the Captain hosts a welcome party, followed by dinner and a performance by the ship’s crew.

FREE TIME TIPS
ON SHIP & SHORE Enjoy a variety of onboard activities or you may choose to take an optional shore excursion to Fengdu, known by many Chinese as the “Ghost City,” to visit the mountaintop shrines.


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Day 9 CRUISING: THREE GORGES

Gorges & Goddesses Early this morning, you may choose to start your day with a tai chi session on the Sun Deck or simply relax and enjoy the scenery. Sail through two gorges—Qutang and Wu prior to lunch. This afternoon, join a boat excursion down Goddess Stream. Along the way, see picturesque scenery and the mysterious hanging wooden coffins. Before returning to your ship, you will also board a wooden boat on a smaller section of the stream, where the crew will sing songs as you glide across the stunning deep emerald-green waters surrounded by densely forested hills.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
GORGE-OUS VIEWS As you sail today, you’ll experience the famed Three Gorges, one of nature’s extraordinary sculptures. In the morning, sail through the first and second gorges—Qutang Gorge, the shortest but most dramatic gorge, and Wu, known for its quiet beauty and forest-covered mountains. You can nearly touch the perpendicular walls rising from the riverbanks as your Captain negotiates this narrow gap. Later, enter Xiling Gorge, the longest and deepest of the gorges.


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Day 10 CRUISING: (DISEMBARKATION) THREE GORGES DAM–YICHANG–HANGZHOU

More Power This morning, visit the Three Gorges Dam Site, the largest hydroelectric dam in the world. After lunch in Yichang, board your flight to Hangzhou, one of China’s seven ancient capitals.

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Day 11 HANGZHOU

Paradise on Earth Enjoy a full-day tour of Hangzhou starting with a visit to Lingyin Temple followed by Fei Lai Feng, a unique mountain famous for its cluster of caves with hundreds of stone Buddha statues. After lunch, be transported back in time during a walking tour along Hefang Street. End the day with a cruise on West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT A wondrous collection of ancient bridges, causeways, temples, and palaces was visited by Marco Polo in 1290, where the explorer was so struck by the beauty of the lake, leading locals to call Hangzhou “Paradise on Earth.”


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Day 12 HANGZHOU–SHANGHAI

Shanghai Surprise Transfer to Shanghai, China’s center of trade and industry. Start your sightseeing with a stroll along the Bund, the city’s riverfront boulevard lined with historic buildings, housing, banks, and trade houses. Then, visit Yu Yuan Gardens, dating back to the Ming Dynasty, and a silk factory to learn about the silk-making process. Lunch features xiaolongbao, Shanghai’s most famous dish. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

LOCAL FAVORITE
DUMPLING DELIGHT For lunch stop at a local restaurant to sample xiaolongbao. These tasty soup dumplings are handmade with at least 18 intricate folds to close the top. The broth is the star so, to avoid wasting a single drop, gently pick up the dumpling, dip in sauce, and transfer to a Chinese soup spoon.

FREE TIME TIPS
ABSURD AERIALS You may consider joining an optional tour to see a performance by the spectacular Shanghai acrobats. This and many more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus.


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Day 13 SHANGHAI

Museum & Mosey This morning, visit the Shanghai Museum, featuring stunning displays of ancient bronze, jade, and ceramics. Then, take a walking tour of the former French Concession, once Shanghai’s leading residential and retail area. The afternoon is at your leisure. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & HERITAGE Today, the qualities that made the former French Concession area so popular endure—from quaint, tree-lined streets and exquisite architecture to charming shops and fashionable restaurants and bars. Along the way, see the famous Art Deco Cathay Theatre, explore the narrow lanes of Xintiandi, and visit Fuxing Park, where locals play chess, dance, practice tai chi, and more.


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Day 14 SHANGHAI

Until we meet again Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.


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Vacation Highlights

Depending on Yangtze River conditions, alternate shore and small boat excursions may be substituted during your cruise.

Hotels

Beijing

Crowne Plaza Beijing Chaoyang U-Town

Superior First-Class

Perfectly located in the Central Business District, the luxurious Crowne Plaza Beijing Chaoyang U-town fuses modern sophistication with classical Chinese touches.

Xi'an

Crowne Plaza Xi'an

Superior First-Class

Crowne Plaza Xi'an is centrally located within the tallest building in Xi'an, Shaanxi Xinxi Tower, with easy access to the city's historical sites. Professional, personalized and warm guest service plus attention to detail is the dominant culture of Crowne Plaza Xi'an.

Chengdu

Holiday Inn Chengdu Oriental Plaza

First-Class

Perched on Chengdu's remarkable Financial Street and next to a metro station, Holiday Inn Chengdu Oriental Plaza offers easy access to the city's famous sites.

Hangzhou

Holiday Inn Hangzhou City Center

Superior First-Class

The Holiday Inn Hangzhou City Center is in the heart of vibrant Hangzhou, close to shops and restaurants. The picturesque West Lake is a short 20 minute drive.

Shanghai

Grand Central Hotel Shanghai

Superior First-Class

Built in 2009, the Grand Central Hotel Shanghai is a 15-minute walk to the Bund waterside promenade and offers all the modern amenities.

Dates and Prices

View the following dates and prices to find just the right date for your vacation. Below you'll find the date the vacation starts and the date you'll return.  

Once you've selected your date, you'll move to the next step to get an airfare quote and to begin booking your vacation. When you book your flights with us, you'll find we offer competitive and hassle-free airfares, plus you'll receive free airport transfers for flights coordinated with vacation dates and you'll avoid strict Internet terms and conditions.

The price listed does not include your airfare from Canada. Once you click "Book Now", you will be able to receive an air quote.

Departure
Details
Tour
Start Date
Return
Date
Land/Cruise
Price Only
 Status
Victoria Sabrina 2024-04-20 2024-05-03
$5,365
Not Available
Victoria Sabrina 2024-05-04 2024-05-17
$5,365
Not Available
Victoria Sabrina 2024-05-18 2024-05-31
$5,365
Not Available
Victoria Sabrina 2024-06-08 2024-06-21
$5,325
Not Available
Victoria Sabrina 2024-07-06 2024-07-19
$5,325
Not Available
Victoria Sabrina 2024-08-03 2024-08-16
$5,325
Not Available
Victoria Sabrina 2024-08-17 2024-08-30
$5,325
Not Available
Victoria Sabrina 2024-09-07 2024-09-20
$5,365
Not Available
Victoria Sabrina 2024-09-21 2024-10-04
$5,365
Not Available
Victoria Sabrina 2024-10-05 2024-10-18
$5,365
Not Available
Victoria Sabrina 2024-10-19 2024-11-01
$5,365
Not Available



Dates & Prices do not include international air travel.

Travel Terms & Conditions

The purchase of any travel services offered by Globus, constitutes a contractual arrangement between you and Globus, and represents your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand the Terms & Conditions prior to booking. These Terms & Conditions cover Deposit & Final Payment information, Air-Inclusive Deposits & Final Payment, Revisions & Revision Fees, Air Arrangements, Participation, Travellers Who Need Special Assistance, Young Travellers, Smoking, Price Policy, Visas and Passports, Hotels & Accommodations, Baggage Allowance, Travel Documents, Not Included in the Land Price, Refunds, Service Inquires After the Vacation, Holidays, Safety, Photos & Pictures, Optional Excursions, and Responsibility.
View full Terms & Conditions


Important Notes

  • The “Starting at” or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on twin occupancy and any applicable port charges, non-commissionable taxes and fees and intra-vacation flight are included in the price shown. Any included overnight stay in Canada, applicable GST/HST is also included in the price shown. International airfare, however, is not included. If price is crossed out, the new price shown includes a limited time promotional offer(s). Please review current promotions or deals for additional information.
  • Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change.
  • A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $250 per person per vacation is required for Globus to reserve space for you. View full Terms & Conditions for limited exceptions.
  • Charges not included in the land vacation price: airfare to/from the start/end of your vacation; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal Customs and Immigrations; agricultural tax; GST/HST/PST or other per person taxes imposed by government entities; passports; visas and vaccinations; transfers; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ships' crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); additional excursions and activities not listed as 'included' in the itinerary; porterage at airports or train stations; Travel Insurance premiums; and all other items of a personal nature.

Booking your Vacation with Air

For air departure dates within 331 days, you'll be offered a choice of carriers and flight schedules as well as price points to choose from when selecting your flights. Your schedule will be provided to you at the time of booking (schedules are subject to change by carriers). Globus offers 2 air options: Flex Air and Instant Purchase Air. Flex Air allows flexibility if you want to make changes to your vacation schedule. Instant Purchase Air may offer additional airline options but has more restrictions. Some vacations may only offer one Air type option.

Guaranteed air-inclusive prices: air is only available to passengers travelling from Canada (with some exceptions from the United States, depending on the selected itinerary). An additional $300 per person non-refundable air deposit is required for Flex Air booked in conjunction with any land vacation (i.e. air-inclusive vacation). Air can only be booked by Globus in conjunction with a vacation package. Instant Purchase Air requires air payment in full at time of booking (i.e. air-inclusive vacation) plus a non-refundable service fee of $80 per person. Once booked, Instant Purchase Air is non-refundable, and non-changeable. Once your airfare is confirmed and Globus has received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed.

Air-Inclusive Vacations — Applicable Taxes & Fees

Air inclusive price quotes will include all government-imposed taxes and fees applicable at the time of booking and will be shown as a Total Amount. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply. At the time of booking your air-inclusive vacation online, carrier Websites will be provided to check baggage fees, or you can visit www.iflybags.com for up-to-date baggage pricing/restrictions. The total airfare price, the base airfare price, and the applicable government taxes and fees are broken-out line-by-line and shown while booking online and on the invoice after your travel is booked. For return travel from some countries, international travellers are required to pay entry and/or exit fees at the airport. These fees will be collected by the local government and are payable by the traveller at time of travel. Your confirmation booking information will contain information about these fees.