China Blue Dragon Experience

Upon arrival at Beijing Capital Airport, your local guide will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and recover from your journey or to begin exploring China’s vast capital city at your own pace. Overnight in Beijing.

After breakfast at the hotel, we begin with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, an impressive architectural landmark distinguished by its triple-tiered blue roofs, symbolising the link between heaven and earth. Following lunch at a local restaurant, we take a leisurely walk through Tian’anmen Square, a vast and historically significant public space at the heart of Beijing. The day concludes with a tour of the Forbidden City, the grand imperial palace that served as the residence of Ming and Qing dynasty emperors, offering a remarkable glimpse into China’s imperial past. You will stay 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, located 80 kilometres north of Beijing. This quieter stretch offers a more tranquil experience, with the option to climb the wall on foot or take a cable car (available locally for an additional charge). Following lunch nearby, we return to the city to explore the Summer Palace, the final imperial garden of the Qing Dynasty, renowned for its classical landscaping and historic pavilions. The day concludes with a visit to the Olympic Park, where you can admire the striking architecture of the Bird’s Nest stadium and the Water Cube aquatic centre. We then return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Beijing.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a leisurely morning at your own pace. In the early afternoon, we transfer you to the railway station for a high-speed train journey to Xi’an. Upon arrival, your local guide will welcome you and escort you to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax or explore the city independently. Overnight in Xi’an.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a full day at leisure in Xi’an to explore the city’s rich history and vibrant culture at your own pace. You might visit the Xi’an Museum to view ancient artefacts and gain insight into the city’s past. Alternatively, take a peaceful stroll around the Small Wild Goose Pagoda and its surrounding gardens, a tranquil spot in the city centre. For a unique perspective, you could cycle or walk along the ancient city wall—one of the most complete and well-preserved in China—offering excellent views across Xi’an. Should you prefer a guided experience, you may choose to join an optional full-day city tour (not included), which features visits to a local park where you can observe traditional morning exercises, the former Gao Family Residence with its puppet show and Qinqiang opera performance, the Great Wild Goose Pagoda with a calligraphy lesson, and concludes with a Tang Dynasty music and dance show accompanied by a dumpling banquet. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Xi’an.

After breakfast, 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 for a visit to a jade workshop, where you can observe traditional carving techniques. Afterwards, we take a leisurely walk through the bustling Muslim Quarter, known for its lively markets and street food. The day concludes with a visit to the Great Mosque, an architectural blend of Chinese and Islamic styles centred around a distinctive square courtyard. Overnight in Xi’an.

After breakfast, we transfer to the train station for a high-speed journey to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, renowned for its spicy cuisine and rich culinary heritage. Upon arrival, your local guide will welcome you and take you to People's Park, a popular spot where locals relax in traditional tea houses. Here, we pause to enjoy a cup of tea in this tranquil setting. Next, we visit Wenshu Temple, a serene Buddhist temple exemplifying Sichuan architectural style, followed by a stroll around the nearby pedestrian area. We then transfer to the hotel for check-in and an evening at your leisure.

After breakfast at your hotel, we visit the Chengdu Panda Research Base, where you can observe giant pandas up close, including newborns and playful cubs. 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 Yangtze River cruise. This relaxing three-night voyage will carry you through the spectacular scenery of China’s longest river, offering a unique perspective on the region’s natural and cultural landscape. Overnight on board.

After breakfast on board, we visit Shuangguishan Park, subject to water level conditions. You may also choose to explore Fengdu, the legendary ‘ghost town’ (optional, payable locally), where the temples on Mingshan Mountain offer a glimpse into traditional Chinese beliefs about the afterlife. As we continue cruising, take in the tranquil rural landscapes of southern China while enjoying a buffet lunch on board. In the evening, join us for a welcome dinner hosted by the captain, followed by a special performance prepared by the ship’s staff. Overnight on board.

After breakfast, you have the option to visit the legendary White Emperor City (additional cost payable locally), where you can explore the rich history of China’s Three Kingdoms period. Around midday, the boat will pass through the impressive Qutang Gorge, the first of the famous Three Gorges. The journey continues with stunning views of the Wu Gorge, known for its dramatic mountains and lush greenery. Following a buffet lunch on board, disembark for a traditional wooden boat excursion along the Shennong River, a scenic tributary of the Yangtze that remains vital to local farming communities. Later in the afternoon, rejoin the ship as it navigates the final gorge, Xiling. The day concludes with a buffet dinner on board. Overnight on the cruise.

After breakfast on board, your Yichang guide will accompany you as you disembark for a visit to the remarkable Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric project. Following the tour, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Yichang before boarding a train bound for Shanghai. Dinner is at your own expense during the journey—purchasing a meal before boarding is recommended. Upon arrival in the evening, you will be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, we explore the striking blend of old and new Shanghai. Our first stop is the exquisite Mandarin Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden renowned for its detailed pavilions, koi ponds, and rockeries. We then stroll through the bustling streets of Shanghai’s Old Town, where traditional architecture and rich history come to life. Following lunch at a local restaurant, we visit a silk workshop to learn about the traditional craft of silk-making. In the afternoon, we tour the tranquil Jade Buddha Temple, home to remarkable jade statues, before finishing the day with a comprehensive walk along the iconic Bund. Here, colonial-era buildings stand alongside modern skyscrapers, offering a vivid contrast along the Huangpu River. We return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Shanghai.

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