Day 1 – Depart Home City
Fly to Beijing, the political, economic and cultural centre of the People’s Republic of China.

Day 2 – Arrival in Beijing
Transfer to hotel. Remainder of the day at your leisure.

Day 3 – Beijing B/L
Full day tour of the city, including Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, and Forbidden City, and a visit to the hutong neighbourhoods for insight into an historic area of Beijing that is fading fast. Optional activities are available this day.

Day 4 – Beijing B/L
Guided visit to the Great Wall of China with time to discover and climb the wall at your leisure. Visit to Summer Palace Evening at your leisure. Optional Peking Duck Dinner is available this evening.

Day 5 – Beijing - Xian B/L
Fly to Xian. Head to one of Xian’s landmarks, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, stop at the City Wall, one of the few of China’s old city walls still standing. A dumpling lunch is included today. Optional dinner & show is available this evening.

Day 6 – Xian B/L/D
Visit the site of the Terra Cotta Warriors for a guided tour & commentary. Return to city enjoy a dumpling lunch before a walk in the bustling old quarter nearby the Bell & Drum Towers. Marvel at the Tang Dynasty inspired cultural pedestrian streets offering further insight into the Tang period, of which Xian (or Chang’an) was capital.

Day 7 - Xian - Guilin B/L/D
Fly to the city scenic city of Guilin, a land of beautiful karst formations located on the banks of the meandering Li River. Visit the stunning Reed Flute Cave, the Elephant Trunk Hill, a natural stone landmark of Guilin in the shape of an elephant refreshing itself in the river. You may wish to venture off to the night market for some shopping or independent discovery.

Day 8 – Guilin & Li River Cruise B/L/D
Scenic boat trip down the Li River for approx 4 hours. Enjoy lunch while admiring the stunning scenery along the river before arriving in the colorful town of Yangshuo. On your own to discover this charming riverside town. Dinner at a local restaurant. Optional show is available this evening.

Day 9 – Guilin - Chongqing - Yangtze River Cruise B/L/D
Flight to Chongqing, Time permitting orientation tour of the city followed by dinner & board the ship for your 3 night cruise through the beautiful natural scenery, cultural sights, and majestic Three Gorges of the Yangtze River.

Day 10 – Yangtze River Cruise B/L/D
Shore excursion to Shibaozhai, a red hillside temple. Optional excursion to the Fengdu ‘Ghost City’.

Day 11 – Yangtze River Cruise B/L/D
Arrive at Badong for the Shennong Stream excursion (hanging coffins, natural scenery and hear Tuja Songs). Enter Wu Gorge, quiet beauty, forest-covered mountains and cliffs. Sail through Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest and most dramatic of all the gorges. An optional excursion will be offered, on own account, to the White Emperor City.

Day 12 – Yangtze River Cruise - Hangzhou B/L
Visit Three Gorges Dam Site, pass through the Three Gorges Dam 5-stage Shiplocks, the largest hydroelectric project in the world. Disembark around noon. Fly to Hangzhou. The rest of the day is free at your leisure.

Day 13 – Hangzhou
Take a walk through a Tea Plantation, see one of China’s most notable Buddhist Temples, Ling Yin Temple, take a boat ride on fabled West Lake, walk about the Huagang Park and the old street of Qinghefang.

Day 14 – Hangzhou - Tunxi B/L/D
Depart for Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), UNESCO World Heritage Site & National Park that gave inspiration for some of the scenes in the movie Avatar. The Yellow Mountains, picturesque natural landscape where walks, scenery and a colorful sunset offer a different experience in China. En route, take a guided tour of Hongcun Village. evening at your leisure.

Day 15 – Yellow Mountains B/L/D
Take a cable car up to the summit of Huangshan. Visit the North Sea scenic area, Lion Peak, Pentip Peak Shi Xin Peak, and other key sites. Later, in the afternoon take a cable car down and return to the hotel for the evening at your leisure.

Day 16 – Tunxi - Suzhou B/L
Enjoy the morning to explore the old town of Tunxi. After lunch travel to Suzhou (approx. 5 hour drive)

Day 17 – Suzhou B/L/D
Visit the impressive Suzhou Museum, Stroll through the typical Qing Dynasty-style Lingering Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards, discover Pingjiang Road, an ancient street with shops, cafes, teahouses, and an artsy feel. A boat ride on the Grand Canal is included. Stop at the Silk Factory and learn about the city’s history of silk production.

Day 18 – Suzhou - Shanghai B/L/D
By road to Shanghai where you’ll enjoy a city tour. Visit the colonial Bund waterfront, lining the Huangpu River with unimpeded views of the modern Pudong Skyline, the impressive Shanghai Museum & stroll through the historic & trendy Xintiandi neighbhourhood. See the mid 19th century Shikumen, or Stone Gate, buildings flanking narrow alleys and streets. Walk about the Yu Garden & the nearby bazaar among the historic architecture of the old city & shopping in Nanjing Road. Optional activity is available this day.

Day 19 – Shanghai B
Enjoy the full day at your leisure. Optional tour is available this day.

Day 20 – Shanghai - Vancouver B
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Checkout at 12 noon.