Inside China

From the winding Great Wall to the dramatic landscapes of the Three Gorges, experience the timeless beauty of a changing China. Beginning in Beijing, venture to the ancient capital of Xi’an, cruise the Yangtze on the deluxe Yangzi Explorer, and discover cosmopolitan Shanghai. Immerse yourself in Chinese culture through discussions with local experts, and catch a glimpse of old China in traditional neighborhoods off the beaten track.

Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Beijing

Fly to Beijing, cross the international date line, and arrive on Day 2.
The Peninsula Beijing

Day 3 — Beijing

Spend the day exploring the imperial monuments of the city. Begin at the Temple of Heaven, a Ming dynasty temple complex where emperors held their prayer ceremonies. Then stroll across Tiananmen Square, the stage for many turning points in modern Chinese history—from the start of the Cultural Revolution to the demonstrations of 1989. Continue to the Forbidden City, home to the Ming and Qing emperors and some of the finest imperial architecture in China. View a collection of royal treasures and meander through the Imperial Gardens. Gather for a welcome dinner at an elegant restaurant overlooking Beihai Park.
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Day 4 — Beijing

Visit an organization dedicated to the restoration and preservation of the hutong, Beijing's traditional neighborhoods. Then follow an expert into hidden alleyways to see courtyard-style homes and learn about the principles of feng shui. Explore the Lama Temple, one of the largest centers of Tibetan Buddhism in the world. Tonight, savor Peking duck at a popular restaurant.
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Day 5 — Beijing

Set off on an excursion to a section of the Great Wall not seen by many visitors. Here, the wall follows the hillcrest, providing excellent views of the surrounding countryside. Stroll along the top of the wall, or go on an invigorating hike along an unrestored section. After lunch, return to Beijing by way of the Olympic Park.
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Day 6 — Beijing/Xi'an

Fly to Xi'an, China's capital for more than a thousand years and once the eastern terminus of the Silk Road. After a lunch of local specialties, check into our hotel. This afternoon, experience Xi'an from a unique perspective: on a bike or golf cart ride atop the massive Ming dynasty city wall.
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Day 7 — Xi'an

Meet a leading archaeologist to learn about the excavation of one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century: the life-size terra-cotta army that stands guard at the tomb of China's First Emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Enjoy special access to the VIP platform at the site. Later, meander through Xi'an's lively Muslim quarter and enjoy an insider's perspective on a tour of the Great Mosque. Tonight, gather for a 16-course dumpling feast.
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Day 8 — Xi'an/Chongqing

Stop at the tomb of the Han emperor Jing Di to view thousands of funerary figurines. The statues depict all walks of life—a contrast to the martial figures of Qin Shi Huang's tomb. Fly to Chongqing, the most populous city in the world. At the Chongqing Zoo, observe pandas and learn about efforts to conserve them. This evening, board our ship and glide down the river toward the Three Gorges.
M.S. Yangzi Explorer (B,L,D)

Days 9 & 10 — Yangtze River

Cruise past reconstructed villages and modern cities, witnessing life along the Yangtze—and the ways that the dam has changed it. Dock in the town of Fengdu and meet some of its residents. The next day, awaken early to witness our approach to the first of the spectacular Three Gorges. Board smaller boats to travel up a narrow tributary, passing terraced hillsides and traditional fishing boats. This evening, arrive at the Three Gorges Dam and enter its intricate lock system.
M.S. Yangzi Explorer (B,L,D daily)

Day 11 — Yichang/Shanghai

Disembark in Yichang and meet an engineer from the Three Gorges Dam project for a talk on the construction of the world's largest hydroelectric dam. After lunch, fly to Shanghai. Check into our historic hotel and discover one of the city’s great restaurants on your own tonight.
Garden Hotel (B,L)

Day 12 — Shanghai

Browse stunning collections of bronze, jade, and ceramics at the Shanghai Museum. After lunch overlooking the lively streets of Old Shanghai, stroll along the winding paths of Yu Yuan, a 16th-century classical garden in the heart of the city. Enjoy an evening at leisure.
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Day 13 — Shanghai

This morning, visit Longhua Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple that houses the largest pagoda in Shanghai. The remainder of the day is unscheduled for you to explore Shanghai on your own. Gather this evening for a festive farewell dinner.
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Day 14 — Shanghai/U.S.

Transfer to the airport for your return flight, arriving home the same day.
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