Private Journey Details
Discover the wonders of China, from the ancient imperial sites of Beijing to the stylish and modern city of Shanghai. Visit the Great Wall and the Temple of Heaven, view the legendary terra-cotta warriors in Xi’an, cruise the Yangtze River to the Three Gorges Dam, and explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Shanghai.Trip Highlights
- View Xi'an's terra-cotta warrior dig from the VIP viewing platform on a specially arranged tour.
- Glide through the spectacular Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, and stop to visit the Three Gorges Dam.
- In Beijing, meet a National Geographic grantee working to conserve the endangered snow leopard.
- Observe the giant panda and the rare South China tiger at the Chongqing Zoo.
Itinerary - 14 Days
Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Shanghai, China
Depart on an overnight flight to Shanghai. Arrive the following day and transfer to your hotel.
The Peninsula Shanghai
Day 3 — Shanghai
Meet your private guide for a full day of sightseeing in one of China's most westernized cities. Explore the Yu Gardens and the Old Quarter, browse a lively local street market, and peruse a magnificent collection of traditional Chinese art at the Shanghai Museum. This evening, attend a performance by an acrobatic troupe.
(B)
Day 4 — Shanghai/Zhujajiao/Shanghai
Accompanied today by your local guide, set out to the "water village" of Zhujajiao and meander among its graceful stone bridges, serene lakes, and lush gardens. Return to Shanghai to visit the Jade Buddha Temple, one of the city's major Buddhist temples. In the evening, you have the option to attend a performance at the newly reopened Shanghai Concert Hall (subject to performance schedules and ticket availability).
(B,L)
Day 5 — Shanghai/Yichang
Following a morning to explore Shanghai on your own, transfer to the airport for a flight to Yichang, situated on the banks of the Yangtze River. Settle into your cabin on board the comfortable Yangzi Explorer and embark on your river voyage.
Yangzi Explorer
(B,D)
Days 6, 7, & 8 — Yangtze River
Take a guided tour of the Three Gorges Dam, a monumental and controversial engineering feat soon to be the world's largest hydroelectric dam. Then pass through the legendary Three Gorges, which have inspired Chinese artists for centuries. Take in beautiful views as the ship slips through this dramatic landscape. Set out to explore by long-tail boat, and take an excursion to the river town of Fengdu.
(B,L,D)
Day 9 — Chongqing/Xi'an
Disembark in Chongqing and join your private guide for a visit to the Chongqing Zoo to view native species including the celebrated giant panda and the rare South China tiger. This afternoon, board a flight for Xi'an. Upon arrival, learn about the ongoing excavation of the tomb of the fourth emperor of the Han dynasty on a visit to the Yangling Museum.
Shangri-La Hotel (B)
Day 10 — Xi'an
On a full-day visit with your private guide, encounter an army of exquisitely detailed terra-cotta warriors at the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Enjoy an excellent vantage from the VIP viewing platform at Pit No. 1. After lunch at a dumpling restaurant, peruse fine exhibits ranging from Zhou bronzes to Tang dynasty porcelain at the Shaanxi Provincial Museum. Then take in a sweeping vista of the city and countryside at the 142-foot, 13-story Small Wild Goose Pagoda.
(B,L)
Day 11 — Xi'an/Beijing
With your private guide, see the ancient gates of the city wall, stroll through the vibrant Muslim quarter, and visit the stunning Great Mosque. If you choose, an optional private visit with the Great Mosque's imam may be arranged. Then board an afternoon flight to Beijing. This evening, meet with a National Geographic grantee researching the distribution of the endangered snow leopard in remote areas of China, Pakistan, and Mongolia to obtain information critical for their conservation.
The Peninsula Beijing (B)
Days 12 & 13 — Beijing
Spend the next day and a half with your local guide in and around Beijing. Explore Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and the Temple of Heaven. Take a cable car up to the winding Mutianyu section of the Great Wall and see the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube, the city's iconic Olympic sites. Take advantage of a final afternoon on your own to further explore the city.
The Peninsula Beijing (Day 12: B; Day 13: B, L)
Day 14 — Beijing/U.S.
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the U.S.
(B)
For more information on this National Geographic Private Journey, please call 1-866-572-1563.
National Geographic Private Journeys are unique itineraries designed for independent travelers. You'll explore fascinating places with private guides, and wherever possible, meet National Geographic experts at work in the field.
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Private Journey Costs
ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY
During your time in Shanghai, Chongqing, Xi'an, and Beijing, you'll be accompanied by private guides as noted in the itinerary. During the Yangtze River portion of this journey, excursions from the Yangzi Explorer are led by resident guides and are shared with approximately 15 other guests. The 124-passenger Yangzi Explorer is the smallest and most exclusive vessel plying the waters of the stunning Three Gorges region. Facilities include à la carte dining, Internet access, a spa, and an observation deck. Accommodations in Shanghai, Beijing, and Xi'an are all five-star hotels, selected for their service, amenities, and ideal location in the city centers. The performance at the Shanghai Concert Hall and the visit with the imam in Xi'an are offered at an additional cost; all other activities noted in the itinerary are included in the price.
Learn more about our accommodations.
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