From Beijing to Shanghai to Tibet and the Yangtze River, this adventure is a virtual dim sum of China's greatest sites, majestic scenery, and wonderful people.
Day 1:
Depart home gateway city to BeijingDay 2:
BeijingArrive in Beijing and be greeted by a Uniworld representative who will escort you to your hotel.
Day 3:
BeijingYour first full day in Beijing takes in many of the city's major sites, such as historic Tiananmen Square and the ancient Forbidden City-a 250-acre complex of palaces, pavilions, courtyards, and gardens. Visit the imperial gardens of the Summer Palace and, in the evening, indulge in a traditional Peking Duck dinner. ( BB, L, D )
Featured Excursion: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Peking Duck feast
Day 4:
BeijingSee the sites of the 2008 Beijing Olympics and walk along the Great Wall, which has been built, rebuilt, and maintained over thousands of years. After this memorable experience, visit the lavish and historic Ming Tombs. In the evening, enjoy a performance at the Beijing Opera. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: The Great Wall, the Ming Tombs, and the Beijing Opera
Day 5:
Beijing, fly to Xi'anRide in a rickshaw for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Hutongs, the ancient alleyways located in the old residential area of Beijing, and enjoy lunch with a local family before you fl y to Xi'an and transfer to the hotel. Tonight, be treated to a sumptuous traditional dumpling dinner in Xi'an. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Hutongs tour with home-hosted lunch and dumpling dinner
Day 6:
Xi'anExamine the life-sized, awe-inspiring Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses, and then visit Xi'an's ancient City Wall. In the evening, be treated to a Tang Dynasty dinner and cultural show. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Terra Cotta Warriors, City Wall, and Tang Dynasty dinner and show
Day 7:
Xi'an, fly to LhasaFly to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, which has a fascinating history dating back more than 1,300 years. The former seat of the Dalai Lama, Lhasa embodies the culture of Tibetan Buddhism. Enjoy dinner at the hotel. ( BB, L, D )
Day 8:
LhasaSee the early Buddhist Da Zhao Temple, which is embellished with Nepalese and Indian touches and capped by a golden canopy. Visit the Tibet Museum, which houses a rich collection of prehistoric cultural relics. Catch a glimpse into the life of the local people with a visit to a Lhasa family home, and enjoy a dinner with a traditional folk show. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Da Zhao Temple, Tibet Museum, visit to Lhasa family, and folk show
Day 9:
LhasaMarvel at Lhasa's Potala Palace, perched atop Red Mountain. Gaze at its jewel collections and wander the chapels as pilgrims make offerings at the altars. Visit the Sera Monastery with its perfectly preserved murals and Maitreya, Bodhisattva, and Arhat statuary. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Potala Palace and Sera Monastery
Day 10:
Lhasa, fly to Chongqing, cruising the Yangtze RiverFly to Chongqing for a tour of the city and a glimpse of the giant pandas at the zoo before boarding your Victoria Cruise ship. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Chongqing city tour
Day 11:
Cruising the Yangtze RiverVisit the "Ghost City" of Fengdu or the port cities of Wanzhou or Shibaozhai, depending on water levels. (BB, L, Captain's Welcome Reception, D)
Featured Excursion: Fengdu, Wanzhou, or Shibaozhai
Day 12:
Cruising the Yangtze RiverCruise through Qutang and Wu Gorges, the Lesser Gorges, and the Three Gorges Dam locks. (BB, L, Captain's Farewell Dinner)
Featured Excursion: Lesser Gorges
Day 13:
Yichang, fly to ShanghaiVisit the construction site of the world's largest hydroelectric plant, the Three Gorges Dam. Disembark in Yichang and fly to Shanghai. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Three Gorges Dam
Day 14:
ShanghaiTour the many splendors of Shanghai. Savor a traditional dim sum lunch, and enjoy an evening performance by the amazing Shanghai Acrobats. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Shanghai city tour, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, and Shanghai Acrobats performance
Day 15:
Depart ShanghaiTransfer to the airport for your return flight home, or continue your tour with an extension to Hong Kong. (BB) Note: Substitute visits to other sites along the Yangtze River may occur depending on water levels or other uncontrollable factors.