Day 01 Arrive Beijing (D)
Arrive in Beijing. Met and transferred to hotel for a 1 night stay, take a leisurely stroll on the Tiananmen Square in the afternoon, the biggest public square in the world, before attending the welcome dinner.
Day 02 Beijing to Wuhan, then to Jingzhou (B/L/D)
Morning flight to Wuhan, the capital of Hubei Province. In central China, it lies at the confluence of the Yangtze and Han rivers, comprised of three towns – Wuchang, Hankou and Hanyang. As one of the four famous towers in ancient China, Yellow Crane Tower is the symbol of Wuhan, located on the south bank of the Yangtze River. Hubei Provincial Museum, established in 1953, is one of the most important research and collection institutions. More than 140,000 collections, mainly from a big tomb excavated in 1978, which dated back to the period of Warring States (400BC), are well preserved here, including 645 pieces of first class cultural relics and 16 pieces of national treasures. Drive about 3 hours to reach the ancient city of Jingzhou. Transfer to hotel for a 1 night stay.
Day 03 Jingzhou to Yichang (B/L/D)
Though Jingzhou now is a city of moderate size in Hubei Province, it is one of the very few ancient cities still surrounded by the city wall. Since Jingzhou was the capital of 20 kingdoms during both the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, over 2000 years ago, it is not surprising that valuable artifacts have been found buried in the many tombs there. These relics are exhibited at the fine Jingzhou Museum, also an important research centre. Drive about 2 hours to Yichang, renown as “Gateway to the Three Gorges” for a very long time. It is where the middle and upper reaches of the Yangtze River are divided, very advantageous geographic location. Short stay here to be transferred to the pier to board the Yangtze River cruise boat upstream to Chongqing.
Day 04 Yangtze Cruise (B/L/D)
Early in the morning leaving Yichang Pier, enter the east section of Xiling Gorge. Moor at Yangjiawan Pier for a shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam Project, would be the largest hydro-electric project in the world after completed in 2009. Resume sailing through the longest gorge among the three, 76 kilometres. |
Day 05 Yangtze Cruise (B/L/D)
Dependent on the water levels, take a boat ride to Daning River through its Lesser Three Gorges or to Shennong Stream along its swift waters. 44 kilometres long Wu Gorge is renowned for its mysterious beauty. Deepest water and fascinating peaks. In the gaze of the Goddess Peak, reach the 8 kilometres long Qutang Gorge. The shortest but the most dramatic with peaks up to 1,240 metres high looming over the rolling river.
Day 06 Yangtze Cruise (B/L/D)
On the north bank, in the distance, a red wood pavilion 12-storey high getting in sight. Constructed in Qing Dynasty about 300 years ago, Shibaozhai was built against a protruding 220-metre rectangular rock with sheer cliffs. A spiral staircase leading to the top.
Day 07 Chongqing (B/L/D)
Disembark at Chongqing in the morning. Used to be the capital during the Anti-Japanese War, Chongqing now is a metropolis under the direct jurisdiction of the Central Government. The Yangtze and Jialing rivers meet here, the city is divided into three parts, known as a city of mountains, rivers and fog. Visit the old town, a relic from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The newly opened Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum on displayed many relics from the sites during the construction of the Three Gorges Dam Project and the areas affected by the rise of water. The night view of this mountain city boasted to compare with Hong Kong. An optional evening show of Sichuan opera and local folk performances in the very Chinese style guildhall at Chaotianmen Dock. Transfer to hotel for a 1 night stay.
Day 08 Chongqing to Chengdu via Dazu (B/L/D)
Drive to Chengdu, en route to visit Dazu. Famous for its rock carvings dated back to Tang Dynasty, more than 1000 years ago. Different from the other grottoes in China, Dazu Rock Carvings covered not only Buddhism, but also Taoism and Confucianism. Especially the part of Baodingshan, are more secular and real to life, more inclined to tell the abstract Buddhist doctrines through the lives of ordinary people. Continue to drive about 3.5 hours to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. Transfer to hotel for a 2 nights stay. |
Day 09 Chengdu (B/L/D)
With a history of over 2000 years, Chengdu was named “the Land of Abundance”. Out to Guanxian County, located on the upper reaches of Minjiang River, is one of the world’s first irrigation systems – Dujiangyan. In Guanghan City, about 40 kilometres from Chengdu, there is a most exciting new museum – Sanxingdui Museum. It is recognized as one of the most important ancient remains in the world for its vast size, lengthy period and enriched cultural contents. There is a chance to taste the renowned Sichuan cuisine. Followed is a show of Sichuan opera, well-known for its elaborate face masks.
Day 10 Chengdu to Xi’an (B/L/D)
Not far from the city centre is the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding and Research Base. The goal is breeding pandas in captivity. Local tea houses are where the Chengdu people can expose their relaxed attitude to life. Take the afternoon flight to the next ancient capital city – Xi’an. Transfer to hotel for a 2 nights stay.
Day 11 Xi’an (B/L/D)
No city like Xi’an attracts the people all over the world to be there for its rich tourist resources. As capital for 11 dynasties, over 1,100 years, Xi’an witnessed the heyday of the Chinese feudal society. Drive out of the city to visit the remarkable Terra-Cotta Warriors with the Bronze Chariots & Horses, which were not unearthed until 1974 and acclaimed as the 8th wonder of the world. In the afternoon visit the Grand Mosque and the Muslim quarter, one of the largest Mosques in northwest China, characterized in Chinese style. Option of Tang era music and dance show with dinner in the evening.
Day 12 Xi’an to Beijing (B/L/D)
In the morning visit Ming Dynasty City Wall. This wall is the best preserved ancient martial fortress in China nowadays. Followed by Shaanxi Provincial Museum. Before heading to the airport to Beijing, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Transfer to hotel for a 1 night stay.
Day 13 Depart Beijing (B)
Transfer to the airport for flight back home. |
