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DETAILED ITINERARY:

Days 01-02: Beijing

• Overnight flight to Beijing.
• Upon arrival on day 2, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel for a 3 night stay (approx. 1hr drive).
• Beijing is China’s charming capital city, blending rich history with modern appeal.
• Remainder of the day at leisure. Tour introduction in the evening or next day.

Day 03: Beijing

• Walk through Tiananmen Square and visit the Forbidden City (3-4 hours sightseeing).
• Experience a rickshaw ride through ancient hutongs and meet a local family.
• Visit the Temple of Heaven and watch or take part in an outdoor dance performance.
• Enjoy Peking duck for dinner in the evening.
• Note: If day 3 falls on a Monday, Forbidden City visit will be rescheduled.

Day 04: The Great Wall

• Early start and drive to Juyongguan Pass (approx. 2hrs) to walk on the Great Wall of China.
• Leisure time to explore the Great Wall at your own pace.
• Visit the Jade Factory and enjoy a walk through the Summer Palace.

Day 05: Beijing – Xian

• Morning transfer to Beijing airport for a 2 hour flight to Xian.
• Walk through Xian’s bustling Muslim Quarter.
• Enjoy a feast of Shui Jiao dumplings and a Tang Dynasty dance show in the evening.

Day 06: Xian

• Explore the Museum of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses (approx. 1 hr drive from hotel).
• Visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition Workshop.
• Stroll along Xian’s well-preserved city walls with leisure time to explore.

Day 07: Xian – Yangtze River Cruise

• Morning flight (1hr 30min) to Wuhan.
• Drive (5-6hrs) to Maoping docks and board a cruise ship for a 4 night Yangtze River journey (subject to river conditions).
• Receive a detailed cruise itinerary. Note: Many steps when embarking/disembarking the cruise ship.

Day 08: Yangtze River Cruise

• Visit the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric dam.
• Scenic viewing spot above the ship locks (approx. 1 hour sightseeing).
• Sail through the Xiling Gorge, the deepest and longest of the three gorges.

Day 09: Yangtze River Cruise

• Excursion to the Shennong Stream gorges on a smaller vessel.
• Cruise upstream through Qutang Gorge (shortest and most spectacular) and Wu Gorge (renowned for lush mountains and cliffs).
• Alternatively, travel along the Goddess Stream gorges depending on river conditions.

Day 10: Yangtze River Cruise

• Disembark for a short bus transfer to the Jade Emperor Scenic Area, home to the world’s largest image of the Jade Emperor (100ft) and over 200 Buddhist and Taoist sculptures (approx. 3hrs off the ship).
• Alternatively, visit Shibaozhai Temple or Fengdu Ghost City depending on river conditions.

Day 11: Yangtze River Cruise – Guilin

• Check out of your boat cabin early and disembark in Chongqing.
• Visit the Chongqing Zoo panda exhibit.
• Board a bullet train to Guilin (approx. 5 hrs).
• Remainder of the day at leisure to explore Guilin.

Day 12: Guilin – Yangshuo

• Enjoy a 4 hour cruise along the Li River to Yangshuo (1 night stay).
• Admire rural landscapes, limestone karsts, and fishing villages.
• Walk to your hotel with your guide (approx. 30mins; electric carts available at extra cost).
• Visit Yangshuo’s colourful local markets.

Day 13: Yangshuo – Guilin

• Morning exploration of Yangshuo’s countryside.
• Drive back to Guilin and visit the Reed Flute Cave and South China Pearl Factory.
• Photo stop along the Li River and meet a local cormorant fisherman.

Day 14: Guilin – Shanghai

• Morning stroll around Ronghu Lake, see the Sun and Moon Pagodas, and the Ancient South Gate.
• Afternoon flight (2hrs) to Shanghai (2 night stay).
• Evening cruise along the Huangpu River for panoramic city views.

Day 15: Shanghai

• Full day sightseeing in Shanghai’s city centre (approx. 3-4 hours on foot).
• Explore Yu Garden, the old town, and stroll along the Bund.
• Visit the Silk Factory and learn about silk production.
• Evening ERA acrobatic performance.

Day 16: Depart Shanghai

• Leisure time in Shanghai before transfer to the airport for your international flight home.

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