Yangtze River Panorama

This popular programme is the perfect combination of China’s must see attractions with the spectacular scenery afforded by its natural landscapes. From the palaces and Great Wall of Beijing, to Xian’s Terracotta Warriors and the awe inspiring panorama of the mighty Yangtze River’s Three Gorges. Visit Chengdu’s endangered and cuddly Pandas in Sichuan Province and discover the enchanting colour of Yunnan Province’s many cultures, in a place called “Shangri - La”.

TOUR ITINERARY

Days 1-2: Australia/Beijing

Fly to Beijing with Singapore Airlines, where upon arrival we will be welcomed by our National Escort and transferred to our hotel for 2 nights. Our welcoming banquet includes a sample of the delicacy ‘Peking Duck’.

Day 3: Beijing

Beijing is a city full of wonders. Our first day of sightseeing includes an exciting walk on the Great Wall and a visit to the Temple of Heaven. We will be entertained by a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic Show in the evening.

Days 4-5: Chengde

Famous for its beautiful gardens and lakes, Chengde was a renowned holiday resort for the imperial court during the Qing Dynasty. Our visit includes the Imperial Mountain Villas and exceptional temples built for Tibetan and Mongolian warlords. Stay overnight in Chengde and return to Beijing tomorrow afternoon.

Day 6: Beijing/Xian

Visit the treasure filled Forbidden City, stroll along famous Tiananmen Square past Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum and then explore the exquisite Summer Palace before boarding our overnight sleeper train to Xian.

Days 7-8: Xian

Arrive in the historic city of Xian for 2 nights. Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda and in the evening enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao banquet. Tomorrow we visit one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th Century – the life size Terracotta Warriors, followed by a visit to the ancient City Wall, one of the few remaining in all of China. Complete this magical day with a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing in the evening.

Day 9: Xian/Wuhan

Visit the renowned Shaanxi Museum, where thousands of priceless relics are housed and walk through the lively Muslim Quarter, where we will visit the Great Mosque and explore the interesting Islamic food markets. Afterwards board our overnight sleeper train to Wuhan.

Day 10: Wuhan/Yangtze Cruise

Arrive in Wuhan in the morning. Visit the Yellow Crane Tower and East Lake before transferring by coach (6 hours approx) to board our Yangtze River Cruise vessel for the next 4 nights.

Days 11-13: Yangtze River Cruise

Enjoy a tour to the Three Gorges Dam, before cruising along the mighty Yangtze River, through the magnificent Three Gorges and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Enjoy side-trips to places such as the tranquil Shennong Stream.

Days 14-15: Chengdu

Arrive in Chongqing in the morning and transfer by coach to Chengdu to stay for the next 2 nights. Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province, renowned for its natural beauty as well as its popular and distinct cuisine. During our time here we will visit Mt Qincheng, the dramatic and lush mountain forests of Sichuan, the ancient Dujiangyan Irrigation Project and the city’s colourful local markets before feasting on a sumptuous Sichuan Banquet. We will also visit the famous Panda Reserve to see these endearing animals being reared in wooden surroundings reminiscent of their natural habitat.

Day 16: Chengdu/Kunming

Board our scenic sleeper train to Kunming, the renowned ‘City of Eternal Spring’. Enjoy striking views of mountain ranges and hills.

Days 17-18: Kunming

Arrive in Kunming today, the capital of Yunnan Province and visit the Bird and Flower Market before sampling the ‘Across the Bridge Noodles’ this evening, a specialty of the area. The next day we will take a full day tour to the picturesque Stone Forest, where massive limestone columns form a vast forest of surreal shapes and images.

Days 19-20: Lijiang

This morning we will fly to the ‘living museum’ city of Lijiang for a 2 night stay. Spend the afternoon exploring the quaint, cobbled streets of the Old Quarter. Tomorrow visit the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, which soars to 5,500 metres high, where we will enjoy the spectacular scenery, followed by a tour of the Baisha Frescoes. In the evening attend the acclaimed Naxi Ancient Music Show.

Days 21-23: Zhongdian

Drive to Zhongdian today visiting the Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the most dramatic and deepest gorges in the world on the way. Zhongdian is often called ‘Little Tibet’ because of the Tibetan culture thriving here. Stay for 3 nights. See the Baishui Terrace, where spring water cascades down over layers of white, limestone pools. On the last day we visit the Napa Hai Lake and the Songshanlin Monastery, built by the 5th Dalai Lama over 300 years ago.

Days 24-25: Dali

Drive to Dali today, where we will visit Xizhou Village and explore the bustling, local market and an ancient courtyard home. We will also see Bai women demonstrate their traditional tie-dying technique in Zhoucheng Village. On arrival in Dali check into our hotel for 2 nights and explore the Ancient Quarter. The next day we visit the picturesque Three Pagodas and enjoy a cruise on stunning Erhai Lake. In the evening stroll down Foreigner’s Street absorbing the local atmosphere of the market stalls.

Day 26: Kunming

Fly back to Kunming and transfer back to the hotel for our final night in China.

Day 27: Depart Kunming

Enjoy the morning at our leisure before boarding our flight home.

Day 28: Arrive Australia

Arrive this morning filled with many happy memories.

Price Guide

Travel Info

Country Info

Inclusions

Exclusions

Images from Yangtze River Panorama