The Experience

Unravel some of China’s mystery during with a choice of five- or seven-night tour. For both options, the adventure starts in Chongqing and continues with the current of the River Yangtze. After experiencing life around the Yangtze, travellers head back home or take a bullet train to Xi’an which is home to the famous Terracotta Warriors, considered to be the eighth wonder of the world. Those who wish to get more insight into the local history and customs can enjoy a range of optional excursions.

Five-Night Tour Itinerary

Day 1, Wed: Chongqing Arrival (IF):

Begin your journey with your international flight to Chongqing. Upon arrival at the Chongqing International Airport you will be greeted by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel.

Hotel: Chongqing Ramada Encore or similar

Day 2, Thu: Chongqing, Giant Panda, Chongqing - Yichang (B, D):

• After breakfast you will see the rare giant panda at Chongqing Zoo’s breeding center and get within close proximity to watch the giant pandas and their offspring. Afterwards you will be transferred to Yichang by high speed train). Upon arrival,  you will board the Yangtze River Cruise ship and begin your memorable Yangtze River Cruise trip.

Hotel: Victoria Cruise line

Day 3, Fri: Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D):

• Start the morning with an exercise on board in the presence of the beautiful Gorges. Spend your day out on an optional excursion or relax on board the cruise ship. This evening you will return to the ship and attend the Captain’s Welcome Banquet and enjoy the evening entertainment of a Chinese dancing ball.

Optional Excursion - Three Gorges Dam Site

• The Three Gorges Dam Site is one of the largest construction projects undertaken by mankind and is the biggest hydropower project in the world.

Optional Excursion – Tribe of the Three Gorges

• You may also want to visit the Tribe of the Three gorges, the only large scenic spot that has not been influenced by the Three Gorges Dam project, which showcases the abundant Ba Culture and Shu Culture.

Hotel: Victoria Cruise line

Day 4, Sat: Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)

• Today, you may choose to embark on the exciting optional excursions or for a leisure day on board the ship. In the afternoon you will continue to cruise into the western section of Xiling gorge.

Optional Excursion – Shennong Stream

• Board a ferry for a relaxing ride up this tributary of Yangtze, which has its own attractive gorges. This wild preserve is home to more than 1,000 types of trees, and is named for the legendary peasant and mythical founder of Chinese medicine, Shennong, who hiked the cliffs and collected herbs here.

Optional Excursion – White Emperor City

• You may also choose the optional excursion to visit the White Emperor City, an ancient temple that is located atop Baidi Mountain on the northern bank of the Yangtze River in Fengjie County.

Hotel: Victoria Cruise line

Day 5, Sun - Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)

• Today you will pass through the mountains of Eastern Sichuan. Participate in the optional excursions or pamper yourself with a massage and make the most of the last full day on your ship. Tonight, enjoy the farewell dinner and pack your bags in preparation for disembarking tomorrow.

Optional Excursion – Fengdu Ghost City

• Today’s optional excursion is the Fengdu Ghost City to see why it’s regarded as the “City of Ghosts.” The temples built on Ming Mountain depict the instruments of punishment and demon paintings, demonstrating the Chinese people’s imagination of hell.

Optional Excursion - Jade Emperor Scenic Area

• Jade Emperor Scenic Area is located on Mingshan Street, Fengdu County, Chongqing. It is an important core attraction of the Fengdu Ghost City in the Ming Mountain Scenic Area. From across the river, it faces Fengdu City, Xueyu Cave Scenic Area and Nantian Lake Scenic Area. There is a huge bust of the Jade Emperor on top of the mountain.

Hotel: Victoria Cruise line

Day 6, Mon: Chongqing Departure (B)

• Disembark the cruise and take an airport transfer for the flight back

Seven-Night Tour Itinerary (Xi’an Extension)

Days One-Five:

• Same as the five-night itinerary

Day Six: Chongqing – Xi’an (B)

Disembark the cruise and head to Xi’an; transfer to the hotel and leisure time

Day Seven: Xi’an - Terracotta Warriors, Moslem Street(B, L)

• Take a tour of Xi’an to discover the local gems including the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and the vibrant Moslem Street which is home to numerous food and souvenir stalls

Day Eight: Xi’an Departure

• Transfer to the airport for the flight back

Day Nine: Arrive Home in Australia

The Accommodation

• Chongqing Ramada Encore or similar in Chongqing
• Victoria Cruise line
• Grand Noble Hotel or similar in Xi’an