Tour Code: TCYBX-2026-130-12C
Explore the route: click a numbered stop to see the visit details.
Welcome to Beijing, China’s magnificent capital, where centuries of imperial history meet the rhythm of modern life. Upon arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport or the railway station, your private local guide and dedicated driver will be waiting for you in the arrival hall to warmly welcome you and assist with your luggage.
You will then be transferred by private vehicle to your centrally located hotel for check-in, allowing you to settle in comfortably after your journey. Along the way, your guide will offer a brief introduction to Beijing, sharing insights into the city’s rich history, cultural highlights, and helpful tips to make your stay smooth and enjoyable. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
You may choose to relax at the hotel or take a gentle stroll nearby to get your first impressions of the city. If you feel like going out, your guide will be happy to recommend or accompany you to carefully selected local restaurants, based on your personal tastes and energy level.
Accommodation: Beijing
Hotel: Handpicked boutique hotel (Local 4-Star Standard or above)
Meals: Not included on arrival day
Morning: After breakfast, your private guide will meet you at the hotel and begin a full day of exploring Beijing’s imperial heart. Start with a visit to Tiananmen Square, the largest city square in the world and a place deeply woven into modern Chinese history. From here, cross the avenue and enter the magnificent Forbidden City, China’s most iconic cultural landmark and the former residence of emperors and their courts for over 500 years.
As you walk through its grand gates, ceremonial halls, and inner courtyards, your guide will bring the stories of imperial life, power, and tradition vividly to life. After leaving the Forbidden City, enjoy a short walk to Jingshan Park.
From the hilltop pavilion, take in one of the best panoramic views in Beijing — the golden rooftops of the Forbidden City to the south, and the tranquil landscapes of Beihai Park, Shichahai, and the Drum Tower to the north. For photography enthusiasts, a stop near the Corner Towers of the Forbidden City offers some of the most memorable angles in the city.
Afternoon: After lunch, drive to the outskirts of Beijing to visit the elegant Summer Palace, once the imperial family’s private retreat from the summer heat. Today, it stands as the largest and best-preserved royal garden in China. Stroll through its expansive grounds filled with grand halls, graceful pavilions, temples, bridges, and landscaped gardens.
Walk along the famous Long Corridor, decorated with thousands of vivid paintings depicting historical tales, legends, and scenes from classical literature, while enjoying views over the serene Kunming Lake.
Note: The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays. If needed, your guide may adjust the sightseeing order accordingly to ensure a smooth experience.
Evening: After the day’s sightseeing, return to your hotel. The evening is free for you to relax or explore Beijing further at your own pace.
Accommodation: Beijing
Hotel: Handpicked boutique hotel (Local 4-Star Standard or above)
Meals: Hotel breakfast included
Morning: Early in the morning, set out from your hotel with your private guide and driver toward the Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the most scenic and well-preserved sections of the Great Wall, located about 70 kilometers from Beijing. Dating back over 1,400 years, Mutianyu is known for its impressive watchtowers, lush mountain surroundings, and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to busier sections.
To ensure a comfortable experience, you will take a round-trip cable car, allowing you to enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding countryside before walking along the wall itself. As you stroll along the ramparts, admire the Ming Dynasty watchtowers and take in the dramatic landscape stretching across the ridgelines. Optional experience: For guests under 60 years old, an optional toboggan ride is available, sliding down from Watchtower No.
6 — a fun and memorable way to descend from the wall. Please note that during peak travel periods and Chinese holidays, waiting times may apply.
Afternoon: Continue your journey to the Sacred Way (Spirit Way), the ceremonial road leading to the Ming Dynasty Tombs, where thirteen emperors were laid to rest. Traditionally, emperors — regarded as the “Sons of Heaven” — were believed to travel between the celestial realm and the human world along this path.
Walk through the imposing Great Palace Gate, the largest stone archway of its kind in China, and pass rows of majestic stone animals and civil and military officials that have stood guard for centuries, creating a solemn and timeless atmosphere. After the visit, drive back toward Beijing, with a brief stop at the Olympic Park to view the exterior of two modern icons — the Bird’s Nest National Stadium and the Water Cube Aquatics Center.
Evening: After a full day of exploration, return to the city. If you wish, enjoy an optional dinner featuring Beijing roast duck, one of China’s most famous culinary specialties, known for its crispy skin and tender meat. Your guide will be happy to recommend a well-regarded local restaurant.
Accommodation: Beijing
Hotel: Handpicked boutique hotel (Local 4-Star Standard or above)
Meals: Hotel breakfast included
Morning: Temple of Heaven & Local Life. After breakfast, your private guide will take you to visit the Temple of Heaven, one of Beijing’s most significant historical landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This vast ceremonial complex was once used by emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties to perform solemn rituals, praying to Heaven for good harvests and harmony between nature and mankind.
As you explore the elegant halls, altars, and landscaped gardens, your guide will explain the symbolism behind the architecture and the ancient beliefs that shaped imperial China. Beyond its historical importance, the Temple of Heaven also offers a glimpse into everyday local life.
In the surrounding pine groves, you will see residents practicing tai chi, dancing, singing, and engaging in morning exercises — a lively and authentic scene that reflects modern Beijing’s rhythm and spirit.
Afternoon: High-Speed Train to Xi’an Your Beijing journey comes to an end today. After the visit, your guide will escort you to Beijing High-Speed Railway Station and assist you with boarding procedures. You will travel to Xi’an by high-speed train, a journey of approximately five hours, reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the changing landscapes along the way as you move from northern China toward the heart of ancient civilization.
Evening: Arrival in Xi’an Upon arrival at Xi’an High-Speed Railway Station, your local guide will be waiting to welcome you. You will then be transferred by private vehicle to your centrally located hotel for check-in and rest.
Accommodation: Xi'an
Hotel: Handpicked boutique hotel (Local 4-Star Standard or above)
Meals: Hotel breakfast included
Morning: This morning, depart for one of China’s most iconic archaeological discoveries — the Terracotta Warriors of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Visit the three main excavation pits, where thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots stand in silent formation, offering a powerful glimpse into the vast military force of China’s first emperor. Each figure is uniquely crafted, with distinct facial expressions, armor, and postures.
Your guide will provide detailed insights into the history, construction techniques, and ongoing preservation efforts of the Terracotta Army, highlighting their remarkable craftsmanship, durability, and the traces of original pigments that once gave these warriors vivid color over 2,000 years ago.
Afternoon: Return to Xi’an and explore the ancient City Wall, which has protected the inner city for over 600 years. Walking along the top of the wall offers panoramic views that blend Xi’an’s historic core with its modern skyline. If you prefer a more active experience, you may choose to rent a bicycle and cycle along the wall, a popular and enjoyable way to experience this impressive fortification at your own pace.
Evening: In the evening, visit Datang Everbright City (Great Tang All Day Mall), a lively pedestrian district inspired by the splendor of the Tang Dynasty. Stroll through illuminated streets filled with traditional architecture, cultural performances, and vibrant night scenery. The atmosphere after dark is especially enchanting, offering a striking contrast to the daytime city and a vivid sense of Xi’an’s historical grandeur brought to life.
Optional Experiences: Hanfu Experience – Try on traditional Han Chinese clothing and capture memorable photos in this elegant attire, a unique way to connect with ancient Chinese culture. Tang Palace Dance Performance – Enjoy a beautifully choreographed Tang Dynasty–style dance show (usually held between 8:00–9:00 PM).
Accommodation: Xi'an
Hotel: Handpicked boutique hotel (Local 4-Star Standard or above)
Meals: Hotel breakfast included
After breakfast, your private guide will meet you at the hotel and the day begins at a much slower, calmer pace. The first stop is the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, set inside a quiet park that feels worlds away from the busy streets of Xi’an. Compared with its more famous “sister,” the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, the Small Wild Goose Pagoda is more modest in scale and less crowded.
Built between AD 707 and 709, it rises 43.4 meters high and originally had 15 levels, 13 of which remain today. Its tall, rectangular shape gives it the appearance of a slender pyramid standing quietly among trees and open space. One of the pagoda’s most fascinating stories is its endurance.
Over the centuries, it has survived nearly 70 earthquakes and still stands today. Walking around the pagoda, you can appreciate its balanced proportions, refined details, and the sense of calm that surrounds it. This is a good moment to slow down, take photos, and simply enjoy the atmosphere.
Just a few steps away, continue to the Xi’an Museum. Inside, more than 130,000 artifacts trace the long history of the city — from jade objects and ceramics to seals, paintings, Buddhist statues, and stone carvings. As you move through the galleries, the stories of ancient Xi’an gradually come together, offering a deeper understanding of its role as one of China’s great capitals.
Afternoon: After the visits, you will be transferred to Xi’an High-Speed Railway Station. Board the bullet train to Chongqing and relax during the journey as the landscapes outside the window slowly change from the plains of central China to the hills of the southwest.
Evening: Upon arrival in Chongqing, a local guide will be waiting to meet you and accompany you to your hotel in the city center. After check-in, the rest of the evening is left open — time to rest after the journey or step outside for a first impression of this vibrant mountain city.
Accommodation: Chongqing
Hotel: Handpicked boutique hotel (Local 4-Star Standard or above)
Meals: Hotel breakfast included
Morning: Begin the day in Ciqikou Ancient Town, where Chongqing’s mountain-city story quietly unfolds. Walk along narrow stone-paved lanes lined with well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty houses, their upturned eaves stretching above the street. Traditional teahouses release the rich aroma of freshly brewed tea, while bamboo chairs and wooden tables host scenes of everyday local life.
Handmade Shu embroidery, wood carvings, and famous local snacks draw visitors to small workshops and storefronts. Take time to wander, explore, and experience the relaxed pace and authentic Bayu atmosphere.
Afternoon: Leave the ancient town behind and head to the heart of modern Chongqing — the Jiefangbei commercial district. The Liberation Monument rises solemnly among surrounding skyscrapers, while shopping malls, boutique stores, and busy food streets spread out in every direction. Stroll freely through the area, where the rhythm of a modern metropolis blends seamlessly with the city’s bold, energetic character.
This is a vivid contrast to the morning’s historic setting and a clear introduction to Chongqing’s contemporary lifestyle. Continue to Kuixinglou Plaza to experience one of the city’s most distinctive architectural features. Standing on the plaza, what appears to be ground level suddenly becomes a rooftop, while looking down reveals streets tens of meters below.
Elevated walkways, overlapping platforms, and buildings connected at unexpected angles offer a striking example of Chongqing’s unique “vertical city” design.
Evening: As dusk falls, arrive at Hongyadong, one of Chongqing’s most iconic landmarks. Built against the hillside, the traditional stilted buildings cascade toward the river, showcasing the architectural heritage of the Bayu region. As evening lights gradually illuminate the complex, Hongyadong transforms into a glowing riverside scene.
Warm golden lights reflect on the water below, creating a dramatic and unforgettable night view. After the visit, proceed to Chaotianmen Pier. During the boarding window between 18:00 and 21:00, complete embarkation procedures and board your Yangtze River cruise ship.
As the cruise departs into the night, accompanied by the breeze at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, your river journey officially begins.
Accommodation: Yangtze River Cruise
Overnight on board
Meals: Hotel breakfast included
Morning: Wake up to the gentle rhythm of the Yangtze River as the cruise continues through broad stretches of calm water and misty riverbanks. As the ship glides forward, enjoy a slower pace of travel, allowing time to take in the vast scenery of China’s longest river — a waterway that has nurtured civilization, inspired poets, and shaped life along its banks for thousands of years.
From the deck or lounge, watch the landscapes unfold as mountains, riverside villages, and passing boats drift quietly by, creating a sense that time itself has slowed.
Afternoon: After the cruise docks, disembark for a cultural shore excursion to one of the region’s most distinctive heritage sites — either Fengdu Ghost City or Shibaozhai Pagoda (the exact visit will be arranged according to river conditions and the cruise company’s final schedule).
At Fengdu Ghost City, explore a site steeped in legends of the underworld, where temples, statues, and symbolic scenes reflect traditional Chinese beliefs about life, death, and the afterlife. Alternatively, visit Shibaozhai, an extraordinary wooden pagoda built against a sheer riverside cliff. Its layered structure and ingenious construction offer a striking example of traditional Chinese architectural skill and creativity.
Evening: As night falls, return to the ship for the Captain’s Welcome Dinner. Enjoy a lively evening on board, featuring traditional Chinese music and folk dance performances. Dancers move to bright rhythms, melodies flow from traditional instruments, and the atmosphere becomes festive and warm.
You may choose to relax and enjoy the performance from your seat, or join in the celebration alongside crew members and fellow travelers, sharing an unforgettable evening on the river.
Accommodation: Yangtze River Cruise
Overnight on board
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Morning: As morning light filters through the cabin windows, enjoy a relaxed breakfast on board before disembarkation. After checking out, bid farewell to the cruise at Maoping Port and begin today’s highlight — a visit to the Three Gorges Dam. Located at the western end of the Xiling Gorge near Yichang, the Three Gorges Dam is the world’s largest hydroelectric project and one of China’s most ambitious engineering achievements.
From the viewing platforms, take in the full scale of the dam as it stretches across the Yangtze River, a striking example of modern engineering. With on-site explanations, gain insight into the decades-long planning, construction, and technological innovation behind this monumental project, and experience firsthand the power and significance of this national landmark. For those interested, an optional visit to the ship lift can be arranged.
As the world’s largest and most advanced vessel elevator, it allows ships to pass the dam vertically in around 40 minutes, offering a rare and immersive perspective on this extraordinary engineering feat.
Afternoon: Around midday, the visit concludes. Transfer by the cruise company’s arranged shuttle bus to Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal. A local guide will be waiting to assist you with boarding the high-speed train to Shanghai.
Settle in and relax during the journey as the landscapes gradually shift from the river valleys of central China to the broad plains of the east.
Evening: Upon arrival in Shanghai, your local Shanghai guide and driver will meet you at the railway station and escort you to your hotel. During the transfer, your guide will brief you on the arrangements for the coming days. After check-in, enjoy a well-deserved night of rest, or take a short walk to explore the area around your hotel.
Accommodation: Shanghai
Hotel: Handpicked boutique hotel (Local 4-Star Standard or above)
Meals: Breakfast on board the Yangtze River cruise
Morning: After breakfast, your private guide and driver will be waiting outside the hotel as today’s in-depth exploration of Shanghai begins. The first stop is Lujiazui, Shanghai’s futuristic financial district, where you will ascend to the very top of the city at Shanghai Tower. Standing at 632 meters, it is the tallest building in China and the third tallest in the world.
Board one of the world’s fastest elevators and rise swiftly to the 118th-floor observation deck at 546 meters above ground, where sweeping panoramic views reveal the vast scale and energy of this global metropolis. Following the skyline experience, continue by private vehicle to the Shanghai Museum East Branch.
The museum houses an outstanding collection spanning more than 5,000 years of Chinese history, from powerful Shang and Zhou dynasty bronzes to classical paintings and calligraphy, refined ceramics and jade, and intricate seal carvings. Each gallery offers a deeper understanding of China’s artistic legacy through internationally acclaimed masterpieces.
Afternoon: In the afternoon, step into the refined elegance of Yu Garden, one of the finest examples of classical Jiangnan garden design. Hidden within the bustling city, the garden feels like a quiet retreat, where pavilions, rockeries, ponds, and winding corridors are arranged with poetic balance and intention. As you stroll through the garden, the pace naturally slows, and the surrounding noise of the city fades away.
Adjacent to the garden, explore Yuyuan Old Street, a lively area filled with traditional shops and local flavors. This is an ideal place to enjoy Shanghai specialties such as Nanxiang soup dumplings and traditional pastries, or browse for Chinese handicrafts, including silk embroidery, folding fans, and other finely crafted souvenirs. Later, continue to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, Shanghai’s most famous commercial avenue.
Walk at a relaxed pace amid the vibrant flow of people, glowing neon signs, and historic storefronts, experiencing firsthand the rhythm and modern energy of the city.
Evening: As the day draws to a close, arrive at the Bund, widely regarded as Shanghai’s most iconic landmark. From the riverside promenade, enjoy unobstructed views of the Lujiazui skyline across the Huangpu River, where futuristic skyscrapers such as Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center, and the Oriental Pearl Tower rise dramatically into the sky.
Walking along the waterfront, centuries of history and modern ambition unfold side by side — colonial-era architecture on one bank, a bold vision of the future on the other. This striking contrast captures the essence of Shanghai and provides a memorable finale to the day’s journey.
Accommodation: Shanghai
Hotel: Handpicked boutique hotel (Local 4-Star Standard or above)
Meals: Hotel breakfast included
Morning: After breakfast, meet your guide and begin your final sightseeing day with a visit to the Shanghai Museum, one of China’s most important cultural institutions. The museum’s extensive collection spans thousands of years of Chinese history, featuring masterpieces of ancient bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, paintings, jade, and seal carvings.
As you move through the galleries, the evolution of Chinese civilization unfolds in a clear and engaging way, offering a thoughtful conclusion to your journey through China’s rich cultural heritage.
Afternoon: Continue to Wukang Road, one of Shanghai’s most charming and historic streets. Lined with plane trees and elegant European-style residences, this quiet avenue reflects the city’s early 20th-century character. You will stroll at a relaxed pace past heritage buildings, cozy cafés, and boutique shops, enjoying a more intimate and local side of Shanghai.
The atmosphere here is calm and refined — a gentle contrast to the grand landmarks visited earlier, and a perfect way to experience everyday Shanghai life.
Evening: The rest of the day is flexible. You may relax at the hotel, explore nearby neighborhoods, or ask your local Shanghai guide for dining and shopping suggestions that match your interests.
Accommodation: Shanghai
Hotel: Handpicked boutique hotel (Local 4-Star Standard or above)
Meals: Hotel breakfast included
After breakfast, enjoy free time until your scheduled departure transfer. Based on your onward flight or high-speed train time, your local Shanghai guide and driver will meet you at the hotel, assist with luggage, and transfer you privately to the airport or railway station. This marks the end of your 12-day private China journey from Beijing to Xi’an, Chongqing, the Yangtze River and Shanghai.
If you would like to extend your stay or visit another region of China, our team can help adjust the itinerary before final booking.
Accommodation: Not included (Departure day)
Meals: Hotel breakfast included
9 nights in carefully selected 4-star hotels in Beijing, Xi’an, Chongqing and Shanghai, plus 2 nights aboard the Yangtze River cruise. Final hotel and cabin names are confirmed according to availability and your selected standard.
Private local English-speaking guides are arranged in Beijing, Xi’an, Chongqing, Yichang/transfer support and Shanghai. During the Yangtze River cruise, guiding and onboard activities are provided by the cruise ship staff, not by a private guide from our company.
Private vehicles with drivers are included for airport, railway station and city transfers where specified. Cruise-company shuttle arrangements are used where the itinerary states they are part of the cruise disembarkation process.
Second-class high-speed train tickets are included for Beijing to Xi’an, Xi’an to Chongqing, and Yichang to Shanghai. Seat upgrades can be requested at extra cost.
Yangtze River cruise accommodation, standard onboard meals as listed, and the regular included shore excursion are included according to the cruise company schedule.
Entrance tickets for the listed sightseeing attractions are included unless an activity is marked as optional.
China local travel accident insurance is included during the itinerary period. This is not a substitute for comprehensive international travel insurance.
International flights, visas, passports and related travel documents are not included.
Comprehensive international travel insurance is not included. Guests should purchase coverage in their home country for medical care, trip interruption, baggage and personal liability.
Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks outside the listed hotel/cruise meals are not included unless confirmed in the final quotation.
Optional experiences such as the Great Wall toboggan, Beijing roast duck dinner, Hanfu experience, Tang-style performance, Three Gorges ship lift, upgraded cruise cabins and optional cruise excursions are not included unless added to your quote.
Shopping, laundry, phone charges, minibar use, personal purchases and gratuities for guides, drivers or cruise staff are not included.
The included local travel accident insurance is limited to the itinerary period in China. It does not replace comprehensive international travel insurance arranged before departure.
The route combines private city sightseeing with a Yangtze cruise. Local guides can adjust the pace of the listed city visits around opening hours and your interests. The cruise follows the ship’s timetable, with shared onboard activities and shore-excursion arrangements. Shanghai includes time for both major sights and local neighborhoods.
For better cabin choice, we recommend contacting us 4-6 months in advance. For peak seasons, preferred cabin locations, or holiday departures, 6-9 months ahead is better because cruise space is limited.
Yes. Private local English-speaking guides are arranged city by city for sightseeing and transfers in Beijing, Xi’an, Chongqing/Yichang and Shanghai. During the Yangtze River cruise, the ship provides its own onboard English-speaking service and scheduled activities.
The exact ship and cabin depend on your travel dates, cabin preference and real-time availability. After you confirm your preferred dates, we will check current cruise schedules and recommend the most suitable option before final booking.
Local Travel Accident Insurance is China-based coverage included during the itinerary period. Comprehensive International Travel Insurance is separate and should be purchased by guests before departure to cover medical care, trip cancellation, baggage and other broader risks.
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12-Day China Private Tour: Yangtze Cruise, Beijing, Xi’an & Shanghai
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