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Inspirational China & Yangtze Cruise

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From £4,449

Duration 16 Days

Departures from: Nov 2025 - Oct 2027

Book now

From £4,449

Duration 16 Days

Departures from: Nov 2025 - Oct 2027

Book now

Discover
Itinerary
Accommodation
Optional Excursions
Dates

Tour Overview

This is the ultimate tour exploring China, start in the buzzing city of Shanghai, we'll stroll The Bund, famous riverside boulevard and visit Yuyuan Gardens and Jade Buddha Temple.

Before joining a majestic four night cruise exploring the Yangtze River, our ship has great facilities - two restaurants, two lounges, three bars, fitness centre, reading room and gift shop. Your cabin will have its own private balcony to take in the views. On disembarking we'll see some incredible Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture, before travelling onto to Chengdu, to visit the research base for giant panda breeding. In Xi'an we will see the City Walls and of course, viewing the Terracotta Army is our highlight, there are over 6000 life size terracotta figures each one slightly different. Our final stop is Beijing where we will visit Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Summer Palace and walk part of the Great Wall of China.

Your Holiday Includes

Return flights from London
9 nights in 4 and 5 star hotels, 4 nights cruising the Yangtze and 1 night in flight
34 included meals: 13 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 9 dinners
Just You Holiday Director
Overseas transfers, internal flights, other transportation and porterage

Included Holiday Highlights

Tour of Shanghai
Journey on the high speed China railway (CRH)
Sail for four night's on the Mighty Yangtze
Visit Cigikou's Old Town
Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Centre
Discover Jinli Street in Chengdu
Xi'an City Tour and City Walls
Traditional dumpling dinner
Xi'an by night tour
The World-Famous Terracotta Army
Visit the Summer Palace in Beijing
Boat ride on Kunming Lake (weather permitting)
The Great Wall of China
Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City
Discover Beijing city's Hutongs by rickshaw
Peking duck dinner

Itinerary

Day 1 UK - Shanghai

Depart on your scheduled flight to Shanghai today.

Next day

Day 2 Shanghai

On arrival in Shanghai, we will transfer to your hotel, where you'll stay for two nights. Shanghai by night is dazzling and at its heart is the Huangpu River, with its constant and extraordinary stream of water traffic and the famous riverside boulevard, the Bund, which is lined with magnificent former colonial buildings.
This evening, you could join the optional Huangpu River cruise to enjoy Shanghai by night. Sights you'll see include the Yangpu and Nanpu Bridges, the Monument to the People's Heroes, the Bund, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the Wu Song ancient gun fort relics and the Pudong Business District, which boasts a dramatic skyline.
Meals included: D

Next day

Day 3 Shanghai

We'll take a tour of Shanghai this morning including the world's longest shopping thoroughfare namely Nanjing Road, the miniature of Chinese residential wonders Yuyuan Gardens, the pilgrim-crowded Jade Buddha Temple and the panoramic and popular boulevard, The Bund, which is lined with magnificent colonial-style buildings. This evening you have a chance to explore the city in your own time.
Meals included: B,L

Next day

Day 4 Shanghai - Yichang

This morning we’ll catch a high-speed train to Yichang, which is a good opportunity to sit back, relax and appreciate the views of the midlands of China. On arrival we will travel to the pier where we embark on a scenic Yangtze River cruise journey.

Meals included: B,L,D

Next day

Day 5 Yangtze Cruise

Today you'll cruise through the magnificent Three Gorges region, where we will stop for shore excursions including the Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric dam in the world. You could join an optional excursion, available to book on the ship, to the world's largest ship lock with ship lift. Later, you'll experience the spectacular scenery of the Xiling Gorge, the deepest and longest of the three stretching for 41 miles. If river conditions are favourable you could join another optional 'Tribe of the Three Gorges' which will give you a fascinating insight into the traditions and culture of this part of China. Enjoy the captain's welcome dinner and entertainment onboard the ship this evening. Meals included: B,L,D

Next day

Day 6 Yangtze Cruise

If you wish you could start the day with a Tai Chi lesson on board the ship. We'll then transfer to another vessel, which will enable us to cruise through the picturesque Goddess Stream, which flows into the Yangtze. Back on the ship, we'll sail into the tranquil beauty of the Wu Gorge, famed for its forest-covered mountains and sheer cliffs, then through the Qutang Gorge. Although this is the smallest of the three, measuring just 500 feet wide and five miles long, its also the most dramatic. River conditions permitting you may choose to join an optional excursion to White Emperor City. This ancient temple located on the top of a mountain affords spectacular views. Round off the day with dinner. Meals included: B,L,D

Next day

Day 7 Yangtze Cruise

It's your last day sailing on the Yangtze. You might choose to visit Fengdu Ghost City, known for its shrines, temples, statues and monasteries dedicated to the afterlife. This evening join your captain for a farewell dinner. Meals included: B,L,D

Next day

Day 8 Chongqing - Chengdu

Today you'll disembark in Chongqing. We continue our tour with a visit to Ciqikou Old Town - its history can be traced back more than 1,700 years. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties it was known for its production of porcelain, and more than 20 ancient kiln sites have been discovered here. Its houses also date back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties, so admire incredible architecture made from bamboo and timber. The village is also a great place to watch locals at work in embroidery workshops and to stop for tea, as there are more than 100 tea bars to choose from. You'll also see the Guild Hall, a magnificent complex of houses, prayer houses and shops built by immigrants during the Qing Dynasty.
Later we'll travel to the railway station for our high-speed train journey to Chengdu.
Meals included: B,L,D

Next day

Day 9 Chengdu

Your day begins with a fantastic excursion to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to view these lovely but endangered creatures.
This afternoon we'll stroll along Jinli Street, where you will find tea houses, silk workshops as well as local delicacy restaurants and snack vendors.
This evening you could choose to attend the optional Face Changing Show, which features a number of different acts performing opera, music, comedy, fire-breathing, puppetry and the famous face-changing act, which has to be seen to be believed. The show is performed in a traditional tea house, dinner is also included with this optional excursion.

Meals included: B,L

Next day

Day 10 Chengdu - Xian

We make our way by high-speed train to Xian today, the 'City of Eternal Peace' and home of the famous Terracotta Army. Your sightseeing begins right away with a visit to the Hangyangling Museum, also known as the tomb of Emperor Jingdi, where you can see small clay figures of people, animals and warriors discovered here. Next we'll visit the ancient and beautifully preserved City Wall.
After a special and authentic Dumpling dinner, you will enjoy the Xian by night excursion. You will see the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower which are both beautifully illuminated, providing a lovely setting for the many traditional restaurants and modern shopping malls of the area. You will also visit the west gate of Xian’s City Walls before we drive to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Here you'll be able to watch the locals who come to dance here in the squares, as well as a colourful dancing fountain. We also include a visit to the Muslim Market, famous for its many food stalls, each selling its own specialties, so why not try one of the dishes on offer.
Meals included: B,L,D

Next day

Day 11 Xian

Today's the day that you are going to see one of the world's most remarkable sights, the Terra-Cotta Warriors Museum at Li Shan Mountain. Discovered in the 1970s by farmers digging a well, this collection of at least 6,000 life-size terracotta figures was interred in 200 BC with the first Qin emperor. The warriors, representing individuals of the Imperial Guard, are grouped in battle order, rank by rank. Some are mounted on horse-drawn chariots and others are armed with spears, swords and crossbows. This dazzling display of Chinese military power is quite simply breath-taking. After lunch we will return to Xian where the rest of the day is at leisure. This evening is free to explore or take the opportunity to see a stunning Tang Dynasty show, which is listed as one of the top 10 things to do in Xian and is performed by the world-renowned Shaanxi Song and Dance Troupe, so comes highly recommended. Meals included: B,L

Next day

Day 12 Xian - Beijing

We will travel by bullet train, to the nation’s legendary capital city - Beijing. A city of bustling street markets, ancient temples and exquisite palaces, which stand beside the vast 20th century civic buildings created by Chairman Mao and his people. With three nights here, there's plenty of time to discover all its highlights. Upon arrival you'll be transferred to visit the Summer Palace and, if weather conditions are favourable, enjoy a boat ride on Kunming Lake. Meals included: B,L,D

Next day

Day 13 Beijing

You can tick off another one of China's highlights today - Tiananmen Square. This magnificent square is bordered by the Qianmen Gate, the Great Hall of the People and the Gate of Heavenly Peace. We'll go through the gate, which forms the entrance to the incredible Forbidden City, to admire the magnificent buildings that house the Imperial Palace. This afternoon you will join a Hutong tour to discover the city's Hutongs by rickshaw. These narrow streets are formed by ancient residences built around courtyards and we'll have the chance to visit local families to see how they live in this traditional way.
This evening we have free time or join an optional excursion to the breath-taking Beijing acrobatic show with dinner. Meals included: B,L

Next day

Day 14 Beijing

A walk along part of the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu is an amazing start of today. One of the world's most iconic sights, this lesser-known section of the wall boasts wonderful architecture and is possibly the best restored section.
We also include a leisurely cable car ride to the highest part of this section, for amazing views of the surrounding woodland. Once there you can explore at your own pace, walk between the wall's watch towers or simply take in the breath-taking scenery. Later this evening we'll meet up again for a Peking duck farewell dinner.
Meals included: B,L,D

Next day

Day 15 Beijing - UK

We'll transfer to the airport for our return flight to the UK. Meals included: B

Next day

Day 16 UK

You'll arrive back in the UK today.

Additional Information

Please note: To introduce you to China's many sights, our itineraries are very full with some early starts and long days, but they are also extremely rewarding.

Accommodation (as specified or similar)

Jin Jiang Tower

Jinjiang Tower Is located in the Huaihai Road Central Business District Shanghai Jin Jiang Toer close to Xin Tian Di and People's Square. The hotel features include an indoor swimming pool, health club, many restaurants, including a buffet restaurant which serves lunch and dinner. Facilities include a 24-hour front helpdesk and concierge services. Rooms are equipped with satellite televisions, minibar, in-room safe and complimentary toiletries.

Next accommodation

Victoria Jenna Cruise Ship

Part of the leading Yangtze cruise line Victoria Cruises, the Victoria Jenna is a luxury river cruise ship, recently refurbished. Facilities include two restaurants, three bars, a fitness centre, reading room, artists corner and gift shop. All cabins have private balconies to take in the spectacular gorge views.

Next accommodation

Tianfu Sunshine Hotel

The 4-star Tianfu Sunshine in Chengdu is located in the downtown area of the city.

Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar and Wi-Fi. Bedrooms have private facilities and air-conditioning.

Next accommodation

Xi'an Dajing Castle Hotel

The Dajing Castle Hotel is located in the heart of Xi’an, close to Yongning Gate, the south gate of the ancient city wall. The hotel offers a daily breakfast buffet in the restaurant, has a lounge bar, a spa and free WiFi. Each en-suite room has a flat-screen TV, a minibar and a safety deposit box.

Next accommodation

Swissotel Beijing

The Swissotel Beijing is conveniently located close to the centre and many attractions. Facilities include an indoor swimming pool and fitness centre, three restaurants and bar. Guest rooms have safe and tea/coffee making facilities.

Optional Excursions

Experience even more of your destination by adding one or more optional excursions to your holiday before you set off. Take a look below at the extra trips you can enjoy on this tour.

Acrobatic Show with dinner

One of the most loved attractions in Shanghai is the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe founded in 1951. People from all over the world come to witness the gravity defying stunts and amazing feats of balance and strength that are synonymous with a performance by these world-renowned acrobats. The Troupe performs a humorous show focusing on Chinese traditional features. In the 90-min show the performance is slick and entertaining with acts including the hoop diving, tightrope walking and the ‘ball of death’ motorcycle stunt. Your excursion will include an evening meal.

Evening show - Minimal Walking - Amazing Performance

One of the most loved attractions in Shanghai is the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe founded in 1951. People from all over the world come to witness the gravity defying stunts and amazin...

From

£45

Add at checkout

Tang Dynasty Show

This is a great night out in Xian and listed as one of the top 10 of things to do, the Tang Dynasty Show you are going to see is performed by Shaanxi Song & Dance Troupe which has a world-renowned reputation and is also the largest performing group in western China. The young performers are highly gifted and have been training in the arts since 1982. Watch Chinese music and dance which originated in the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907), this in turn gives you an insight into the ancient, rich and prosperous life style of the era. Considered the golden age of Chinese culture, this evening’s show of Tang folklore takes place with performers who are distinguished by their costumes of splendid extravagance and colours. The show begins with an ancient Chinese musical instrument ensemble and then later the cultural dance segment begins. A truly spectacular event.

Evening show – Minimal Walking – Unmissable

This is a great night out in Xian and listed as one of the top 10 of things to do, the Tang Dynasty Show you are going to see is performed by Shaanxi Song & Dance Troupe which ...

From

£32

Add at checkout

Face Changing Show Including Dinner

Tonight, you can see a real variety show, featuring a number of different local acts ranging from opera, music, comedy, fire breathers, puppets, hand shadow and the famous face changing act. (Has to be seen to be believed, you will marvel at how it is done). The venue is in an old cultural tea house and this show is highly recommended by our customers. Your excursion will include evening meal.

Evening show – Minimal Walking – Cultural Experience

Tonight, you can see a real variety show, featuring a number of different local acts ranging from opera, music, comedy, fire breathers, puppets, hand shadow and the famous face cha...

From

£42

Add at checkout

Huangpu River Cruise by Night

Cruising on the Huangpu River is an important tradition in Shanghai. Architectural buildings on the West Bank of Huangpu River stand opposite various modern skyscrapers on the East Bank. Take our boat tour along the Huang Pu River where you can take a glimpse of Yangpu Bridge, Nanpu Bridge and see many of Shanghai's famous sites such as the People's Hero Monument, the Bund (Wai Tan), the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and the dramatic skyline of the Pu Dong business district. Also, in view of the river is the bustling International Passenger Station of Shanghai Harbour, the docks and the Wu Song ancient Gun Fort relics.

1 hour cruise - Minimal Walking - Scenic

Cruising on the Huangpu River is an important tradition in Shanghai. Architectural buildings on the West Bank of Huangpu River stand opposite various modern skyscrapers on the East...

From

£40

Add at checkout

Further Information

Deposit information

When you book a holiday, you will be asked to pay a deposit, this will be made clear at the time of booking. In most cases we will charge the following deposit amount;

UK Holidays - £150 per person
European Holidays - £200 per person
Worldwide Holidays - £400 per person
Ocean and River Cruise - £400 per person

On some holidays we may charge a slightly higher deposit, to cover any costs we have to pay immediately to secure your booking with our suppliers. This will be made clear at the time of booking.

If you choose a tour that is within 84 days of departure you will need to pay the full balance when you book.

Our cancellation policy

If you decide to cancel your confirmed booking you must notify us (or your travel agent) in writing, as soon as possible. Since we incur costs in cancelling your arrangements, you will have to pay the applicable cancellation charges up to the maximum shown below.

More than 75 days before departure - Loss of deposit only
43 - 74 days - 50% of tour price
29 - 42 days - 75% of tour price
15 - 28 days - 90% of tour price
Day of Departure - 14 days - 100% of tour price

Our full cancellation policy can be found in our booking terms and conditions, section 8.

How do I find out Entry and Health Requirements for my holiday?: We have partnered with Sherpa, an on-line self service tool that allows you to search up-to-date information regarding travel entry requirements for all countries and also allows you to apply for eVisas or eTAs via their on-line portal. Just click on this link to find out more – Travel requirement & Visa Service.

You can also refer to the Foreign Travel Advice section on the gov.uk website: Foreign travel advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Click on your destination and then click on 'Entry Requirements'. For Health Requirements, the Department of Health also offers travellers health advice on www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, click on country information to locate your destination.

It is important to remember that passport, visa and health requirements can change before departure; therefore, we recommend you regularly familiarise yourself with the latest requirements before you travel. If you cannot travel because you have not complied with any passport/entry/immigration requirements, we are unable to accept any responsibility.

For some destinations, it is not always discernable that a visa is required for entry at the border. For example, for some customers, to travel to the United States, an ESTA may be required. For Canada, an ETA and to India, an e-visa may be needed. Please do check your requirements to avoid any unnecessary cost and delays.

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