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Best of China & the Yangtze River 2025
14 Day Tour from Beijing to Shanghai
Tour Description:
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 ancient art of tea making, 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 pandas of Chengdu.
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Dates & Pricing
Start Dates Listed Below are US departure dates, please verify specific dates with your Pavlus Travel Planner
| Thursday 17 Apr 25 — Thursday 01 May 25
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $5,324 | Get a Quote | |
| Thursday 08 May 25 — Thursday 22 May 25 | Starting at $5,114 | Get a Quote | |
| Thursday 05 Jun 25 — Thursday 19 Jun 25 | Starting at $4,614 | Get a Quote | |
| Thursday 17 Jul 25 — Thursday 31 Jul 25
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $5,074 | Get a Quote | |
| Thursday 21 Aug 25 — Thursday 04 Sep 25 | Starting at $5,114 | Get a Quote | |
| Thursday 18 Sep 25 — Thursday 02 Oct 25 | Starting at $5,114 | Get a Quote | |
| Thursday 02 Oct 25 — Thursday 16 Oct 25
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $5,074 | Get a Quote | |
| Thursday 16 Oct 25 — Thursday 30 Oct 25 | Starting at $5,114 | Get a Quote |
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & SightseeingDepending on river conditions, an alternate shore excursion may be offered during the cruise.
MEALS
MEALS ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 1
Hotel rooms are available for a mid-afternoon check-in
Day 2
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
Day 3
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
Day 4
Take a [LF] 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
Day 5
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
Day 6
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 [LF] face-changing performance
Day 7
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
Day 8
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
Day 9
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
Day 10
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
Day 11
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
Day 12
Start your tour of Hangzhou with a [LF] 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
Day 13
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
Day 14
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.
Accommodations
Accommodations| Beijing | Xi'an | Chengdu | Yangtze River | Hangzhou | Shanghai |
Crowne Plaza Beijing Chaoyang U-Town
Superior First-Class
No. 3 Sanfeng North Area Chaoyang District Beijing China
Perfectly located in the Central Business District, the luxurious Crowne Plaza Beijing Chaoyang U-town fuses modern sophistication with classical Chinese touches.
Superior First-Class
No. 3 Sanfeng North Area Chaoyang District Beijing China
Perfectly located in the Central Business District, the luxurious Crowne Plaza Beijing Chaoyang U-town fuses modern sophistication with classical Chinese touches.
