Itinerary
Day 1 ARRIVE IN BEIJING, CHINA
Welcome to China! Hotel rooms are available for a mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2 BEIJING
Treasures of the Forbidden City Your full-day sightseeing starts with a visit to Tian’anmen Square. Next, explore the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest palace complex in the world. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Summer Palace, a beautifully preserved imperial garden. Tonight, savor a special Peking duck welcome dinner. TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORY & MYSTERY Visit the largest public square in the world at Tian’anmen Square. Translated, this Gate of Heavenly Peace carries great cultural significance as the site of many important events in China’s history, including the protests and 1989. The Forbidden City harkens back to China’s great emperors, showcases ancient Chinese architecture, landscaped gardens, and displays of rare art and artifacts.
Day 3 BEIJING-GREAT WALL EXCURSION
Heaven’s Gates & the Great Wall This morning, visit the Temple of Heaven, founded in the 15th century. Then, head north to a village where the Great Wall of China is well preserved and walk along the wall for sweeping vistas. This mammoth fortress once stretched 4,000 miles across China’s barren northern terrain from the Bohai Sea to the Gobi Desert. Return to Beijing for some time at your leisure. FREE TIME TIPS EXPLORE MORE You may wish to attend a performance of the Peking Opera, a traditional form of Chinese theater, or a kung fu show. This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus.
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Day 4 BEIJING-XI’AN
Hutongs & Hot Noodles Take a 
rickshaw ride through one of Beijing’s hutongs, the city’s ancient alleys. Enjoy a local noodle lunch before a short flight brings you to Xi’an this afternoon. LOCAL FAVORITEEPIC RIDE Travel by rickshaw through the ancient alleyways and courtyards of Beijing to take in the true culture of its hutongs and Siheyuan. Get an insight to the old lifestyle in these cultural icons of Chinese tradition.
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Day 5 XI’AN
Silent Sentinels Sightseeing begins with an enormous tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, accidentally discovered by local farmers in 1974. Marvel at the legion of Terracotta Warriors that has been guarding this burial site for 2,000 years. Later, visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, and Xi’an’s ancient City Wall, built in 1378. FREE TIME TIPS EXPLORE MORE Tonight, consider a performance of the Tang Dynasty dinner show, featuring a colorful assemblage of classical performances. This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus.
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Day 6 XI’AN-CHENGDU
The Many Faces of Chengdu This morning, transfer to the train station for your high-speed train to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province and known for its flavorful food. Visit Jinli Cultural Street, a pedestrian street lined with ancient buildings with the architectural stylings from the late Qing dynasty. Also see People’s Park, where you may see local residents playing mahjong or practicing tai chi. Tonight, enjoy a Sichuan hot pot dinner followed by a face-changing performance. LOCAL FAVORITECULTURAL GEM Bian lian (face changing) is a traditional Chinese technique in which performers use masks to reflect mood changes of their character. An important aspect of Sichuan opera, the faces change faster than your eye can detect, using secrets passed down from generation to generation.
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Day 7 CHENGDU
Beauty in Black & White Journey through the mountainous scenery to the Wolong Giant Panda Nature Reserve, home to over 170 pandas. Learn how this area protects and rehabilitates these beautiful animals. This afternoon and evening at yours to explore this city more. FREE TIME TIPSTIME & TRADITIONS Enjoy a free afternoon and evening in Chengdu. Your Tour Director will have expert advice on the best ways to relax and enjoy Chengdu this afternoon. Your GlobusGO mobile app has directions and recommendations as well!
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Day 8 CHENGDU-CHONGQING (EMBARKATION)-YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE
Gorgeous Gorges of the Yangtze Take the high-speed train to Chongqing, China’s capital during World War II. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and visit the Three Gorges Museum. Enjoy some free time in the Ciqikou ancient town, also known as Little Chongqing before boarding your ship for a 3-night cruise through the breathtaking Three Gorges of the Yangtze. TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDERS Embark on an adventure on the Yangtze River along the most scenic section of this UNESCO World Heritage region of the Three Gorges. Breathtaking sights and legendary stories flow through the Qutang, Wu, and Xiling gorges gracing the middle reaches of this iconic river.
Day 9 CRUISING: MOUNTAIN SHUANGGUI
Stories of the Song Dynasty Your shore excursion today takes you to Mountain Shuanggui, known for its picturesque scenery and featuring cliff brush writings dating to the Song dynasty. Return to your ship where the afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy a variety of onboard activities. This evening, your Captain hosts a welcome party and dinner. FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE You may choose to take an optional shore excursion to Fengdu, known by many in China as the “Ghost City,” to visit the mountaintop shrines.
Day 10 CRUISING: QUTANG GORGE-WU GORGE-GODDESS STREAM
Narrow Escapes Early this morning, you may choose to start your day with a tai chi lesson on the sun deck or simply relax and enjoy the scenery. Later, sail downstream through the first and second of the three gorges – Qutang Gorge. After lunch, disembark for a boat excursion down Goddess Stream. Along the way, see picturesque scenery and mysterious hanging wooden coffins. TOUR HIGHLIGHT SPECTACULAR SERENITY Sail through 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.
Day 11 CRUISING: (DISEMBARKATION) THREE GORGES DAM SITE-YICHANG-HANGZHOU
The Power of Water This morning, visit the awe-inspiring hydroelectric marvel of Three Gorges Dam Site, the largest dam of its kind in the world. After lunch in Yichang, board your flight to Hangzhou, one of China’s seven ancient capitals.
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Day 12 HANGZHOU-SHANGHAI
Timeless Traditions Start your tour of Hangzhou with a sampan cruise on West Lake, A UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then visit Linyin Temple, followed by a demonstration of the tea-making process and lunch at a local tea farm. This afternoon, settle in for a comfortable drive to Shanghai, China’s most populous city. LOCAL FAVORITEEPIC RIDE Flanked by temples, gardens, pavilions, and causeways, West Lake has inspired many artists and scholars for centuries. Enjoy the morning sun glowing on the water as you cruise on a sampan, a traditional wooden boat.
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Day 13 SHANGHAI
Dumplings & Dynasties This morning, stroll along the Bund, the city’s riverfront boulevard lined with historic buildings, banks, and trade houses. Then, visit Yu Yuan Gardens, dating back to the Ming Dynasty. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner. TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURE & TRADITION At dinner, get a taste of xiaolongbao, Shanghai’s most famous dish. These tasty soup dumplings are handmade with at least 18 intricate folds to close the top. The broth is the star, so eat lovingly!
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Day 14 SHANGHAI
So Long, Farewell Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.
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