China Blue Dragon Exploration

Upon arrival at Beijing Capital Airport, your local guide will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. You can relax after your flight or choose to join an optional afternoon excursion to the Temple of Heaven. This iconic site, known for its striking triple-roofed Hall of Prayers for Abundant Harvests, symbolises the connection between heaven and earth. During the visit, we explore the Altar of the Circular Mound and the Echo Wall. The surrounding park is a lively spot where locals gather for singing, dancing, chess, and calligraphy. Don’t miss the “Corner of Love,” where parents meet to find matches for their children. Overnight in Beijing.

Please Note: This is a Spanish-speaking tour, however, an English guiding service can usually be arranged. Please contact us if you would like to book this tour in English.

After breakfast at the hotel, spend the day at your leisure exploring Beijing at your own pace. Discover the city’s unique mix of ancient history and modern life by wandering through the bustling hutongs, visiting hidden teahouses, or relaxing in tranquil parks such as Beihai and Jingshan, where locals practise tai chi and play traditional instruments. Sample authentic street food, browse markets like Panjiayuan, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this dynamic metropolis. Alternatively, you may join our optional city tour (not included), meeting your guide in the hotel lobby around 08:30. This tour includes visits to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, a prime example of Ming Dynasty architecture. Enjoy lunch in a local home before taking a cyclo-rickshaw ride through the old hutong districts, followed by a guided walk. The afternoon concludes with visits to the Silk Market and the trendy The Place district. Overnight in Beijing.

After breakfast, we set out for a memorable day of exploration beginning with a visit to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, situated 80 kilometres north of Beijing. This quieter stretch offers a more peaceful experience, with the option to climb the wall on foot or take a cable car both ways (cable car fees payable locally). Following lunch nearby, we return to the city to explore the Summer Palace, the final imperial garden of the Qing Dynasty. The day concludes with a visit to the Olympic Park to see the iconic Bird’s Nest stadium and Water Cube aquatic centre. Overnight in Beijing.

After breakfast, we transfer you to the railway station for a high-speed train journey to Xi’an. On arrival early afternoon, your local guide will meet you and escort you to the city. We visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, originally built to safeguard Buddhist relics brought from India along the Silk Road. Next, explore the Xi’an Museum and its Tang Dynasty-style park. Here, you will have the chance to learn about Chinese calligraphy and discover the rich history of Xi’an—formerly known as Chang’an—which dates back to prehistoric times. Overnight in Xi’an.

After breakfast at the hotel, we visit the Terracotta Warriors Museum, home to thousands of life-sized sculptures of soldiers, horses, and chariots buried with China’s first emperor. Discovered in 1974, this remarkable archaeological site offers a unique glimpse into ancient Chinese history and military craftsmanship. Following lunch on-site, we return to Xi’an to visit a jade workshop, where you can learn about this precious stone’s significance and craftsmanship. Afterwards, we take a stroll through the bustling Muslim Quarter, a lively area known for its vibrant street food and market atmosphere. We then visit the Great Mosque, an architectural fusion of Chinese and Islamic styles centred around a distinctive square courtyard. In the evening, you may choose to attend an optional Tang Songs and Dances show, featuring traditional performances accompanied by a dumpling banquet (not included).

After breakfast, we transfer you to the train station for a high-speed journey to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, renowned for its bold cuisine and vibrant culture. Arriving around midday, your local guide will welcome you and take you to explore the lively Jinli district, known for its traditional architecture and bustling atmosphere. We then visit People’s Park, a favourite local spot where you can relax in charming tea houses and observe daily life. Take a moment to enjoy a cup of tea in this tranquil setting. Finally, we explore a local market to discover the distinctive spices that define Sichuan’s famous gastronomy. Overnight in Chengdu.

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a free morning to relax or explore at your own pace. Later, we visit the Chengdu Panda Research Base, where you can observe giant pandas, including newborns and playful cubs, in a naturalistic setting. Following lunch at a local restaurant, we transfer to the train station for a high-speed journey to Chongqing. Upon arrival, your English-speaking guide will meet you and escort you directly to the port to board your cruise vessel. This three-night voyage along the Yangtze River offers a chance to experience the river’s remarkable landscapes and appreciate its significance as China’s longest waterway. Overnight on board.

After breakfast on board, we offer an optional visit to Fengdu, known as the ‘ghost town’, where you can explore the intriguing temples on Mingshan Mountain (payable locally). As the cruise continues, take in the peaceful rural scenery of southern China while enjoying a buffet lunch on board. In the afternoon, we visit either Shuangguishan Park or Shibaozhai Temple, depending on water levels, before returning to the ship. The evening features a welcome dinner hosted by the captain, followed by a special performance by the ship’s staff. Overnight on board.

After breakfast, you have the option to visit the historic White Emperor City, a site closely linked to the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history (optional, payable locally). Around midday, the cruise will pass through the spectacular Qutang Gorge, the first of the famous Three Gorges. The journey continues with stunning views of the Wu Gorge, known for its steep cliffs and lush greenery. After a buffet lunch on board, disembark for a traditional wooden boat excursion along the Shennong River, a scenic tributary that supports local farming communities. Later in the afternoon, return to the ship as it sails through the final gorge, Xiling. The day concludes with a buffet dinner on board. Overnight on the cruise.

After breakfast on board, your English-speaking guide in Yichang will escort you to visit the impressive Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric project. Following the tour, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before boarding a train bound for Shanghai. Dinner is not included during the journey, so we recommend purchasing a meal before departure. Upon arrival in Shanghai in the evening, your local guide will meet you and accompany you to your hotel for check-in.

After breakfast at the hotel, you have a full day at leisure to explore Shanghai at your own pace or join our optional excursion to experience the city’s striking blend of old and new (not included). We begin with a stroll through People’s Park, a tranquil green space where locals gather for exercise and relaxation. Next, we visit the exquisite Mandarin Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden featuring elegant pavilions, koi ponds and rockeries. From there, we wander through the bustling streets of Shanghai’s Old Town, rich in traditional architecture and history. After lunch at a local restaurant, we walk along the iconic Bund, admiring its impressive colonial-era buildings. Then we take a ferry across to Pudong and ascend to the 88th floor of the Jinmao Tower for sweeping views of the city skyline. Our tour continues with a visit to a silk workshop before a leisurely walk through the former French Concession, a lively district known for its blend of historic charm and contemporary boutiques and cafés. Overnight in Shanghai.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy some free time to relax or explore Shanghai at your own pace. When ready, your driver will transfer you to Shanghai International Airport for your departure flight.