NON-Timeshare trip - Looking at Tour Options to China.....2013

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

Just spoke to the people at Peony Tours...

They do not have their 2012 itineraries out for Yangtze Essence 15 Days (Downstream) Tour Code: PCD
She said the itinerary can vary slightly year to year and that it could be 14 to 16 days.
Using the date example below I asked about pricing

4/15 $2,699 $309 $116 $3,124 $950

Right now it is actually $3,154 + $100 if flying from NY.
Land Only for this date is $2,535 - so $620-720 difference to get that R/T airfare that would cost 70,000 economy FF miles on One World/AA. (I pay more than that to fly to Aruba!)

Figure $150 pp early booking discount....

They do not currently do an "add-on" so if some wanted to stay longer in Shanghai or fly to Hong Kong and back, we would need to arrange that on our own but you can stay a total of 45 days! and still use their airfare to get back and forth to the USA.

Soooooooo, it looks as if I can plan ahead for this trip but not actually book it - don't these people understand how organized we are????

[Suzy Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Suzy]

Has anyone heard of these travel companies?

China Travel Agency,China Tours,Beijing Tour Packages,24/7 Service
China tours, China travel agency, China tour operator, Yangtze river cruise
Asia 360 Travel Co. : Destinations : China & Japan

I just returned from a trip on American Airlines, and their latest American Way Magazine included this article on pandas:
China | Wolf Park | Guests :: AmericanWay

The terracotta army, the Great Wall, Forbidden City in Beijing, the Bund in Shanghai, Li River. I'd like to see these. Anything else would be gravy. Pictures of the Li River that I've seen on the internet are gorgeous.

I think a trip during the Peony Festival in April 2013 would be a lovely time to visit.

[mpizza Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close mpizza]

The NY Times travel section is all about Asia this weekend www.travel.nytimes.com

Maria

[Suzy Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Suzy]

This is a Discovery Channel Adventures Tour:
Has anyone taken any of their tours?

China & Tibet Cultural Journey - Discovery Adventures

Day 1 Beijing (D)
Arrive at any time and transfer to hotel. Included Beijing Duck welcome dinner.

Day 2 Beijing (B,L)
Visit to Mutianyu section of the Great Wall and enjoy a picnic lunch. Attend a Shaolin Monks Kung Fu performance.

Day 3 Beijing and Overnight Sleeper Train (B,L)
Tour of Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven with free time in the afternoon. Overnight sleeper train to Xi'an.

Day 4 Xi'an (B,L)
Guided walk of Xi'an city wall and tour of Big Goose Pagoda and take a Chinese calligraphy and painting class. Evening visit to the Muslim Quarter and street markets.

Day 5 Xi'an (B,D)
Tour of the Terracotta Warriors and Tang Dynasty dinner show.

Day 6 Lhasa (B,D)
Fly to Tibet and tour of Jokhang Temple and Barkhor walk. Traditional Tibetan meal with dance and cultural show.

Day 7-8 Lhasa (2B,L)
Tour of Potala Palace and Sera Monastery. Option to hike, monastery visits and shopping.

Day 9 Chengdu (B,D)
Fly to Chengdu and attend a Sichuan opera. Traditional Sichuan hot pot dinner this evening.

Day 10 Chongqing (B)
Tour of Panda Breeding Center then board our riverboat.

Day 11-12 Yangtze River Boat (2B,2L,2D)
Yangtze River excursions including Fengdu Temple, Lesser Three Gorges or Shennon Stream (depending on the season). All meals included.

Day 13 Shanghai (B)
Tour of Three Gorges Dam then Flight to Shanghai. Orientation walk along the Shanghai Bund.

Day 14 Zhujiajiao/Shanghai (B,L)
Canal Tour of Zhujiajiao ancient canal town with boat ride, Shanghai Acrobats show.

Day 15 Shanghai (B)
Depart at any time.

[flexible Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close flexible]

Viking River Tour in China opinions requested

We planned to take China Focus Travel then met with the company's representatives and thought we'd pay them to customize a private tour. We've only been to Hong Kong & Shanghai for a day each in 2008.

Then Viking River Cruise's promotion on the tour below showed up in the search engine of the company we redeem our timeshare points for cruises at a rate where it would could us less than a million points so we'd only have to pay cash for taxes and port fees, insurance etc.

I'd be grateful for any feedback regarding Viking River Tours. We'd like to do some timeshare exchanges prior to this in SE Asia & Southern China prior to taking this tour on April 12. We are timing it to leave the option open to take the Diamond Princess from Bejiing-Vancouver which sails May 1.

Roof of the World River Cruises - Beijing-Tibet-Shanghai - 2012 Cruise Itinerary

Roof of the World 2012 (Shanghai - Tibet - Beijing)

Day 1 Shanghai
Fly to Shanghai, China’s largest city, then transfer to your hotel.* Here, you can see a thriving modern metropolis juxtaposed with the older sections of the city.

Day 2 Shanghai
This morning, tour Old Shanghai and the riverfront Bund district lined with banks and customs houses. After lunch, visit the Shanghai Museum; see its ancient ceramics, bronzes, calligraphy and other artifacts. Dine in a local restaurant, and then admire the dexterity of the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe at tonight’s performance. (B, L, D)

Day 3 Shanghai & Wuhan
Enjoy a free morning to further explore Shanghai. See the famous Jade Buddha Temple, view some of Shanghai’s distinctive modern architecture, or visit one of this multicultural city’s cathedrals, churches, synagogues or mosques. After lunch, fly to Wuhan, capital of Hubei Province, and tour the Hubei Provincial Museum before embarking your ship, docked close to Wuhan’s historic waterfront. A Western-style meal welcomes you aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 4 Jingzhou
Today, visit an elementary school sponsored by Viking River Cruises. You are greeted and entertained by the children, then return to your ship. For the next 150 miles, you travel the most scenic stretch of the Yangtze River through a spectacular series of limestone ridges known as the Three Gorges. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Three Gorges & Three Gorges Dam
This morning, cruise through Xiling Gorge, the longest of the gorges. After lunch, disembark for a tour of the Three Gorges Dam, completed in 2008. Learn about this immense engineering masterpiece and what it will mean to the surrounding area. After your tour, return aboard and cruise through the dam’s five-stage lock system. Dock overnight at Badong. (B, L, D)

Day 6 Three Gorges & Lesser Three Gorges
Cruise through Wu (Witches) Gorge, known for its magnificent scenery, during breakfast. Then, board smaller boats for an excursion through the dramatic Lesser Three Gorges. Return to your ship for lunch, and spend the afternoon sailing through Qutang Gorge, the shortest and narrowest of the three larger gorges. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Shibaozhai
After a morning of scenic cruising, visit the 12-story Shibaozhai Temple. This red pavilion is a gem of Qing Dynasty architecture. Cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 8 Chongqing & Lhasa
This morning, disembark in the mountain city of Chongqing. Enjoy a tour and lunch, then fly to Lhasa, the economic, spiritual and cultural center of Tibet. Experience Tibetan life with a family-hosted tea followed by dinner at a local restaurant. (B, L, D)

Day 9 Lhasa
Today, visit 1,300-year-old Jokhang Temple. After a local lunch, explore the maze-like Barkhor Market in old Lhasa and tour the Tibetan Museum to learn about the area’s history and culture. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Tibetan dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 10 Lhasa
This morning, tour the 13-story Potala Palace, winter home of the Dalai Lama since the 7th century. Later, visit Sera Monastery, an active temple with monks in training. Lunch and dinner in local restaurants. (B, L, D)

Day 11 Lhasa & Xian
Fly to Xian, key city of the Tang Dynasty. From 618 to 907 A.D., this dynasty presided over one of China’s most glorious cultural periods. This evening, you may choose to dine surrounded by the song and dance of this colorful era, or have dinner and relax at your hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 12 Xian
Today, tour Xian’s archaeological wonder: thousands of life-sized terra cotta warriors buried with Emperor Qin Shi Huang, each soldier and horse molded in incredible detail. This afternoon, tour the majestic 7-story Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Tonight’s activity is a nighttime marketplace tour. (B, L, D)

Day 13 Xian & Beijing
Morning free time in Xian—as always, your Program Director can help you plan your activities. After lunch, fly to Beijing, China’s former imperial capital whose rich history dates back more than 3,000 years. Check in to your hotel and dine there; your evening is free to relax. (B, L, D)

Day 14 Beijing
This morning, ride to nearby Badaling Hills. There, you behold one of the most impressive and best-preserved sections of the legendary Great Wall of China, and stand on its famous ramparts. A local lunch is followed by a visit to the Sacred Way, where you walk among the huge animal sculptures flanking the tree-lined avenue to the Ming Tombs. This evening you can relax and dine at your hotel—or, enjoy an optional evening featuring China’s famous Peking duck and the artistry of performers from the world-renowned Peking Opera. (B, L, D)

Day 15 Beijing
Today, visit massive Tiananmen Square, and then see the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its elegant palaces, pavilions and landscaped gardens, once open only to nobility. Later, tour the 700-acre Summer Palace and ride a dragon boat across its manmade lake. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 16 Beijing
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and proceed to the airport for your return flight.* (B)


Discover the many faces of China on this fascinating 16-day adventure. See the imperial treasures of Beijing, including the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. Meet several thousand Terra Cotta Warriors in Xian. Explore Shanghai, both ancient and contemporary—the “New York City” of China. Enjoy a 6-day Yangtze River cruise. Plus, experience Lhasa on the Tibetan plateau, set high in the Himalayas on “the roof of the world.” Spend three spiritually enlightening days visiting Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace and much more.
• 18 included guided tours
• 15 breakfasts, 14 lunches & 14 dinners
• Port charges included on all itineraries

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

Sounds wonderful - I have put off my plans until 2014 but am looking forward to hearing about your trip.

[flexible Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close flexible]

We are now in China - 17 Mar-4 May 2012

Arrived nonstop from REP - Siem Reap, Cambodia - great flight but 4:00 AM arrival was too early to take the Shanghai Maglev from PVG to Shanghai hotels - Shanghai Maglev Official Website (your airline boarding pass entitles you to a discount on the maglev)

17 March 2012 - Marriott Courtyard Shanghai-Pudong 838 Dong Fang Road,Pudong New Area Shanghai, 200122 China

We decided to pay $175 USD for a taxi from Marriott Shanghai/Pudong to http://www.wuzhenpengda.com after realizing that even if we could easily take Line 2 subway to the SHA Train Station, we would risk challenges departing the train to a bus, then finding a taxi & communicating where we needed to go. The 1st concierge suggested taking a train. One of the Executive Lounge attendants said taking a bus from Shanghai would be easier because we would only need to arrive then take a taxi. Eventually they called another concierge who called the http://www.wuzhenpengda.com since their address doesn't pull up in Google Maps and we were advised it would simply be easier to take a taxi the

18-25 March 2012 - http://www.wuzhenpengda.com/ - a DAE exchange
No.466, Longyuan Road,Wuzhen,Tongxiang city, China Ph: 0573-88468846

Marriott told us to take the subway's Line 2 to the Hongqiao Interntional Airport (aka SHA Shanghai International Airport) Train Station. It took me a while to realize these were interchangeable names and not different airports. This train station should get us closer to the Tongxiang City timeshare.

Information on the DAE site had: "By Train: When you arrive at Yantai Railway Station, you can transfer to Penglai by coach, ticket can be purchased at Bei Malu Coach Station with walking distance from the railway station. Coach departures every 15 minutes, costs RMB 18 and the travel time is 1 hour and 20 minutes. We suggest to take taxi or Bus No. 5 from Penglai Coach Station to Jingangwan Hotel, taxi costs approx. RMB 7. By Air: Take a taxi from Yantai Laishan Airport to Yantai Coach Station and take coach to penglai. Coach from Yantai to Penglai runs every 15 minutes between 6:00 to 18:00 daily. Price is RMB 18."

Since these 2 timeshare exchanges overlap by 2 days, we will wait until we get there to figure out how long at each resort. I am still uncertain what we will see or do 18-30 March. We hope the timeshare exchanges have internet we can access in our room.

23-30 March 2012 - RCI Exchange:
Ramada Hotel WuxiResort ID:A535No.190 Xicheng RoadWuxi,Jiangsu 214041ChinaPhone: 51083135555Website: www.ramadawuxi.comUnit: RESERVE Bedroom :HOTEL;NONE Kitchen Sleeps: 2 Maximum/ 2 Private

30 March 2012 - back to Marriott Courtyard Shanghai-Pudong 838 Dong Fang Road,Pudong New Area Shanghai, 200122 China (we plan to leave luggage here so we can travel with as little as possible 18-30 March).

Cruise Reviews, Cruise Deals and Cruises - Cruise Critic did not have "Roll Calls" for RCCL Legend of the Seas - Shanghai roundtrips - perhaps because most of the passengers do not speak English?

31 March- 7 April 2012 - Royal Caribbean Cruise Line (RCCL) Legend of the Seas - Shanghai RT - Cabin 7532

Date Port Arrive Depart Activity
31-Mar Shanghai, China 8:00 PM
01-Apr Cruising Cruising
02-Apr Xiamen, China 8:00 AM 3:00 PM Docked
03-Apr Cruising Cruising
04-Apr Kagoshima, Japan 11:00 AM 7:00 PM Docked
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiran_...k_Peace_Museum
05-Apr Beppu, Japan 11:00 AM 5:00 PM Docked
06-Apr Cruising Cruising
07-Apr Shanghai, China 5:00 AM

7-Apr - Royal Caribbean Cruise Line (RCCL) Legend of the Seas - Shanghai RT - Cabin 7532
9-Apr - Kagoshima, Japan
10 Apr - Jeju Island, South Korea
Jeju travel guide - Wikitravel
...ea - Bing Images FORM=IGRE
12 Apr Shanghai, China
Viking River Cruises - Four Seasons Hotel

12-27 April 2012 - Viking River Cruises - itinerary in http://www.timeshareforums.com/forum...tml#post464818
Shanghai Four Seasons Hotel
Yangze River Cruise
Tibet
Xian
Beijing

27 April - 5 May 2012 - RCI Points timeshare exchange
Blg-Beijing Longtou Apartment
Nanxinyuan West Road
Beijing Beijing 100021 China

4 May 2012 - Beijing Airport
PEK- HKG via Dragon Air (part of Cathay Pacific)
HKG - SFO on Cathay Pacific

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

We are now in China - 17 Mar-4 May 2012

Arrived nonstop from REP - Siem Reap, Cambodia - great flight but 4:00 AM arrival was too early to take the Shanghai Maglev from PVG to Shanghai hotels - Shanghai Maglev Official Website (your airline boarding pass entitles you to a discount on the maglev)

17 March 2012 - Marriott Courtyard Shanghai-Pudong 838 Dong Fang Road,Pudong New Area Shanghai, 200122 China

We decided to pay $175 USD for a taxi from Marriott Shanghai/Pudong to ÎÚÕòÅî´ï¶È¼Ù¾Æµê¹Ù·½Íø£Ê µÊ±ÍøÂçÔ¤¶© after realizing that even if we could easily take Line 2 subway to the SHA Train Station, we would risk challenges departing the train to a bus, then finding a taxi & communicating where we needed to go. The 1st concierge suggested taking a train. One of the Executive Lounge attendants said taking a bus from Shanghai would be easier because we would only need to arrive then take a taxi. Eventually they called another concierge who called the ÎÚÕòÅî´ï¶È¼Ù¾Æµê¹Ù·½Íø£Ê µÊ±ÍøÂçÔ¤¶© since their address doesn't pull up in Google Maps and we were advised it would simply be easier to take a taxi the

18-25 March 2012 - ÎÚÕòÅî´ï¶È¼Ù¾Æµê¹Ù·½Íø£Ê µÊ±ÍøÂçÔ¤¶© - a DAE exchange
No.466, Longyuan Road,Wuzhen,Tongxiang city, China Ph: 0573-88468846

Marriott told us to take the subway's Line 2 to the Hongqiao Interntional Airport (aka SHA Shanghai International Airport) Train Station. It took me a while to realize these were interchangeable names and not different airports. This train station should get us closer to the Tongxiang City timeshare.

Information on the DAE site had: "By Train: When you arrive at Yantai Railway Station, you can transfer to Penglai by coach, ticket can be purchased at Bei Malu Coach Station with walking distance from the railway station. Coach departures every 15 minutes, costs RMB 18 and the travel time is 1 hour and 20 minutes. We suggest to take taxi or Bus No. 5 from Penglai Coach Station to Jingangwan Hotel, taxi costs approx. RMB 7. By Air: Take a taxi from Yantai Laishan Airport to Yantai Coach Station and take coach to penglai. Coach from Yantai to Penglai runs every 15 minutes between 6:00 to 18:00 daily. Price is RMB 18."

Since these 2 timeshare exchanges overlap by 2 days, we will wait until we get there to figure out how long at each resort. I am still uncertain what we will see or do 18-30 March. We hope the timeshare exchanges have internet we can access in our room.

23-30 March 2012 - RCI Exchange:
Ramada Hotel WuxiResort ID:A535No.190 Xicheng RoadWuxi,Jiangsu 214041ChinaPhone: 51083135555Website: www.ramadawuxi.comUnit: RESERVE Bedroom :HOTEL;NONE Kitchen Sleeps: 2 Maximum/ 2 Private

30 March 2012 - back to Marriott Courtyard Shanghai-Pudong 838 Dong Fang Road,Pudong New Area Shanghai, 200122 China (we plan to leave luggage here so we can travel with as little as possible 18-30 March).

Cruise Reviews, Cruise Deals and Cruises - Cruise Critic did not have "Roll Calls" for RCCL Legend of the Seas - Shanghai roundtrips - perhaps because most of the passengers do not speak English?

31 March- 7 April 2012 - Royal Caribbean Cruise Line (RCCL) Legend of the Seas - Shanghai RT - Cabin 7532

Date Port Arrive Depart Activity
31-Mar Shanghai, China 8:00 PM
01-Apr Cruising Cruising
02-Apr Xiamen, China 8:00 AM 3:00 PM Docked
03-Apr Cruising Cruising
04-Apr Kagoshima, Japan 11:00 AM 7:00 PM Docked
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiran_...k_Peace_Museum
05-Apr Beppu, Japan 11:00 AM 5:00 PM Docked
06-Apr Cruising Cruising
07-Apr Shanghai, China 5:00 AM

7-Apr - Royal Caribbean Cruise Line (RCCL) Legend of the Seas - Shanghai RT - Cabin 7532
9-Apr - Kagoshima, Japan
10 Apr - Jeju Island, South Korea
Jeju travel guide - Wikitravel
...ea - Bing Images FORM=IGRE
12 Apr Shanghai, China
Viking River Cruises - Four Seasons Hotel

12-27 April 2012 - Viking River Cruises - itinerary in http://www.timeshareforums.com/forum...tml#post464818
Shanghai Four Seasons Hotel
Yangze River Cruise
Tibet
Xian
Beijing

27 April - 5 May 2012 - RCI Points timeshare exchange
Blg-Beijing Longtou Apartment
Nanxinyuan West Road
Beijing Beijing 100021 China

4 May 2012 - Beijing Airport
PEK- HKG via Dragon Air (part of Cathay Pacific)
HKG - SFO on Cathay Pacific

Great info and I bet more will be coming since you will be there that long.

Pat Not sure if you want to send faust a PM, I believe he has been here more than once.

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

Georgeanne, missed your posts it was a travel day for me. Please continue yo post your experiences.

Thanks Frank, I will.

[PeelBoy Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close PeelBoy]

We are now in China - 17 Mar-4 May 2012

Arrived nonstop from REP - Siem Reap, Cambodia - great flight but 4:00 AM arrival was too early to take the Shanghai Maglev from PVG to Shanghai hotels - Shanghai Maglev Official Website (your airline boarding pass entitles you to a discount on the maglev)

..................................................

4 May 2012 - Beijing Airport
PEK- HKG via Dragon Air (part of Cathay Pacific)
HKG - SFO on Cathay Pacific

From Shanghai to Wuzhen, I took a local train a few years ago, and the fare was like USD2-3, to jiaxing. From Jiaxing to Wuzhen, taxi cost like $12. Wuzhen is very small. The hotel is either at the east gate or the west gate (don't remember now). You can find the hotel in map at baidu dot com. Ask a local to print the hotel in Chinese for the taxi driver to take you there. Wuzhen is very small; a day or two is fine but a week is too long.

Penglai Jiagangwan Hotel (meaning Golden Harbor in the paradise) is available through DAE. Penglai means paradise where there is a temple of multi-Gods. The major attraction is Chang Dao, meaning Long Island, which is a military base controlling the Yellow Sea. I could have been the first Canadian "escorted" out by the local military, because it was not opened to foreigners until like two years ago.

Ramada Wuxi is not bad a hotel. TS exchange includes a free buffet breakfast at the top floor. The hotel is only 8 rmb by taxi away from the train station; otherwise, there is nothing around the hotel. It is not bad a home base to explore other towns/cities along the railway.

Beijing Longtou Apartment is the only TS hotel available via RCI within downtown Beijing; the other 3 properties are in the suburban and the driving time is about 1-2 hours. Longtou is a mediocre hotel but a convenient base to explore Beijing.

I did a Costa cruise from Shanghai in 2009. Kagoshima is beautiful, with Sakuajima as a must see. Sakua means cherry and jima means mountain. From the cruise terminal, I took a taxi to the ferry, which took me to Sakuajima. At the ferry terminal, there was free shuttle to Furusato Onsen (hot spring) by the sea.

Beppu is another hot spring town. I drove 5 hours last time from Osaca. Lots of seafood and even more temples.

Jeju is a must see. I was there during the World Cup Soccer in 2002. This island used to be an outdoor jail for criminals for Koreans but now the first destination for honeymooners. What a change.

Sorry, have not done the river cruise.

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

Scenic Yangtze Discovery 16 Days 14 Nights(2014)[RDR]Tour Code:RDR
Visiting:Beijing(4 nts) - Yichang - Yangtze River Cruise(4 nts) - Chongqing - Xian(2 nts) - Guilin(1 nts) - Yangshuo - Guilin(1 nts) - Shanghai(2 nts)



Day 1 | USA – Beijing, China
Our discovery of China and its Scenic Yangtze begins as the international jetliner takes off from the USA
Day 2 | Arrive in Beijing
The flight touches down at Beijing, the capital city of China. We deplane, pass through customs to retrieve our bags and enter the arrivals hall where the Ritz Tours guide awaits to take the group to our accommodations.
Day 3 | Beijing (AB ,L ,DP )
Beijing has been at the center of Chinese politics for the past 600 years, beginning when Ming emperor Yongle moved the capital of his country from Nanjing. The Ming and Qing dynasty emperors’ seat of power was conducted through his official dwelling at the Forbidden City*. An official UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, the Forbidden City is a sprawling palace complex consisting of 980 buildings. Adjacent to the Forbidden City is Tiananmen Square, the scene of numerous political events throughout China’s history. We continue on to visit the Summer Palace*, the summertime retreat of the emperor and his royal court. Surrounded by ornate bridges, gardens, pagodas, lush greenery, and tranquil Lake Kunming, the Summer Palace provided a cool respite for the imperial family from Beijing’s summer heat. Finish off the day’s sightseeing with photo stops at the two most famous sites from the 2008 Olympics: the Birds Nest stadium and the Water Cube. Tonight enjoy one of Beijing's most popular culinary delights-Peking Duck.
Day 4 | Beijing (AB ,L )
After breakfast board the bus as it takes us away from the big city to nation’s top attraction, the Great Wall* of China. Meandering its way for thousands of miles across northern China, the Great Wall is an undertaking that spanned multiple dynasties; construction could have begun even before China was unified under one emperor. It is at once the nation’s identity and a source of great pride. We spend some time walking atop its ancient steps, admiring the panoramic vistas. Continue the day’s sightseeing with a visit to the Sacred Way*, one that is lined on both sides by intricately carved statues of important historic men and mythical animals. Head back into the city for some free time in the evening.
Day 5 | Beijing (AB )
Two full days of exploration has left us in need of some free time. Take the entire day off to enjoy at your leisure. Explore the city at your own pace, lounge around at the luxury hotel, or perhaps take an optional excursion to the Hutongs of Old Beijing. The term “Hutongs” describes the narrow alleyways that crisscrossed the nation’s capital in its former glory. Take a rickshaw ride that ends at the house of a local resident that has graciously prepared lunch for us. A tour of the Hutongs is certainly a step off the beaten path.
Day 6 | Beijing – Yichang – Yangtze River Cruise (AB ,D )
After breakfast we check out and head towards the Temple of Heaven*, the place where China’s emperors came to pray for the coming harvest. This will be our last stop in Beijing before heading to the airport to catch a flight bound for Yichang, a city of 4M people located in the Hubei province that will serve as the starting point of our Yangtze River adventure. After touching down we’re picked up for a brief city tour if time permits, and then transferred to the docks where the Victoria Cruise ship awaits for us to board her. In the still of the night, our ship sets sail up the mighty Yangtze.
Day 7 | Yangtze River Cruise (B ,L ,D )
The Yangtze River is the third longest river in the world at 4,000 miles long and serves as a demarcation point that cuts the nation in half: Northern China and Southern China. The first shore excursion will be at the Three Gorges Dam, once a controversial project that displaced over one million locals and submerged numerous towns. We sail through the multiple locks that equalize the water level and approach the star attraction of our cruise, the famed Three Gorges. First up is Xiling Gorge, the longest of the Three Gorges and with its whirlpools and rapids, historically the most dangerous.
Day 8 | Yangtze River Cruise (B ,L ,D )
Today’s shore excursion is to either the Daning River Small Gorges or Shennong Stream. Switch out of our large luxury river cruise ship to board smaller vessels that will afford us access to these lesser tributaries of the mighty Yangtze. Return to our ship later in the day and we continue on to finish up the Three Gorges. Mist shrouded and mysterious, Wu Gorge is often compared to a woman. Look for Goddess Peak, which resembles the silhouette of a woman standing at the top of the mountain. Finally we arrive at Qutang Gorge, the shortest of the trio at just five miles but also the most visually stunning; narrow waters but with high canyon walls and cragged cliffs.
Day 9 | Yangtze River Cruise (B ,L ,D )
Today’s shore excursion is at Fengdu, an ancient town unlike any other in the world. Once we disembark our cruise ship, we are effectively leaving the earth and entering “hell.” Enter through the gates of hell, accessing chairlifts to go up the mountain to view the traditional depictions of the afterlife. In the minds of ancient Chinese, everyone goes to hell after they die; it’s just a matter of which level you end up in. Re-board our cruise ship for dinner and continue up the river. Depending on river conditions, today’s excursion to Fendgu may be substituted with the town of Wanzhou.
Day 10 | Yangtze River Cruise – Chongqing – Xian (B ,DH )
The conclusion of our Yangtze River journey is upon us as our ship arrives in the early morning at Chongqing. The largest municipality in all of China, it covers 32,000 sq mi and has a population of 29M. It is physically situated within the Sichuan Province and hence one can expect to experience exceeding spicy and tasty cuisine here. After a photo stop at the Grand Hall of the People and a visit to the Chongqing Zoo* to see the indigenous pandas, we head to the airport to head towards our next destination Xian.
Day 11 | Xian (AB ,L ,DS )
As one of China’s ancient capitals, Xian was the starting point of the famed Silk Road for merchants. Today Xian is the capital of the Shaanxi Province and one of central China’s most important centers of commerce and politics. The main attraction to be found here is the Terra Cotta Army* of China’s founding emperor Qin Shi Huang. Fully expecting to enter the afterlife possessing power, the Terra Cotta Army was built to accompany him into his next life. our bus stops at the ancient City Wall*. After Imperial Dumpling Dinner Banquet, we’re in for a special treat as we attend the world famous Tang Dynasty Stage Show.
Day 12 | Xian – Guilin (AB ,L )
We visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda* and Grand Mosque* before the group depart Xian on a flight bound for Guilin. Located in southern China, Guilin is one of her most beautiful and picturesque cities. Locals like to boast that the beauty of their city is “unmatched under heaven.” Judge for yourself as our bus approaches the city; the vista provided by the tree covered karst mountains is truly spectacular. We also note driving through town that Guilin has largely stayed free of heavy industrialization. Check in to our five star hotel to relax and take the rest of the day free at leisure.
Day 13 | Guilin – Yangshuo – Guilin (AB ,L ,DH )
The Li River is just 52 miles in length but is touted as having some of the most gorgeous natural scenery China has to offer. Our cruise of the Li River* allows us to take in the clear waters, mist-shrouded mountains, and timeless rural landscape as it slowly passes by. The cruise ends at Yangshuo, a quaint little town whose main attraction is West Street, lined by numerous shops and cafes giving us a taste of local life.
Day 14 | Guilin – Shanghai (AB ,L )
Our city tour of Guilin continues with the Reed Flute*, an ancient cave filled with stalactites and otherworldly rock formations which are lit up by multicolored lights. Our final stop before leaving Guilin is at Elephant Trunk Hill*, a rock formation at the Li River bearing an uncanny resemblance to the silhouette of an elephant with its trunk down drinking from the river. Board a short flight bound for Shanghai, the last city in our discovery of China. Known also as the “Pearl of the Orient,” Shanghai recent history in the past 100 years has been undeniably etched by foreign influences. Whether it be her strikingly distinctive skyline or her impossibly busy streets, Shanghai stirs the senses.
Day 15 | Shanghai (AB ,DS )
After breakfast our exploration of Shanghai commences with a visit to the Yu Garden*, built in the Ming dynasty (1577) by a wealthy man for his parents. Enjoy a stroll through the City God Temple Bazaar. Board the bus as it takes a slow drive through Nanjing Road, a favorite shopping paradise for locals and visitors alike. We take a stop at the Bund, a mile long stretch along the western banks of the Huangpu River lined by architecture of various European influences from the turn of the past century. Across the river is Shanghai’s Pudong district and the Orient Pearl Tower, one of the many distinctive high rises that comprise her famous skyline. Finally we spend some time perusing the over 100,000 pieces of ancient Chinese art arranged in different pavilions at the Shanghai Museum. Finish the day by attending a Chinese Acrobatics Show following dinner.
Day 16 | Shanghai – USA (AB )
Time surely flies as our vacation to China and the Yangtze River is at an end. Check out and bid adieu to Shanghai and China as our homebound international jetliner again crosses the Pacific Ocean to arrive back in the USA.

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

Tibet Highland & Yangtze River 16 Days 14 Nights(2014)[RDT]Tour Code:RDT
Visiting:Beijing(3 nts) - Xian(2 nts) - Lhasa(3 nts) - Chongqing - Yangtze River Cruise(3 nts) - Yichang - Shanghai(3 nts)



Day 1 | USA – Beijing, China
Board your flight to Beijing and you prepare to discover the mysteries and wonders of China’s Tibetan Highlands and the Yangtze River.
Day 2 | Arrive in Beijing
Greeted by your expert guide, your arrival in China’s capital city provides an opportunity to relax and acclimate yourself to your new environment. Casually explore Beijing or just unwind at the hotel.
Day 3 | Beijing (AB ,L ,DP )
Your Beijing visit begins with a walk through the historic Tiananmen Square. Travelling north, you arrive at the Forbidden City*, so called because historically none could enter without royal permission. From the city center, you make stops at the Summer Palace* and the 2008 Olympics sites, where you’ll stop to take photos of the 91,000 seat Bird’s Nest stadium and the stunning Water Cube aquatics center. Your day’s journey concludes with the Peking Duck Banquet.
Day 4 | Beijing (AB ,L )
Leaving central Beijing, you journey to the legendary Great Wall* of China. This 4,000 mile-long marvel has stood watch over China’s northern border for thousands of years. Take in its breathtaking views before traversing the ornately decorated Sacred Way* .
Day 5 | Beijing – Xian (AB ,DH )
Your stay in Beijing concludes at the Temple of Heaven*. Described as a masterpiece of architecture and landscape, you’ll be awestruck by the Temple’s history and construction. Continuing your exploration into China’s wonders, a short flight takes you to the “Eternal City” of Xian, so named because its sheltered location has preserved much of its 3,000-year history.
Day 6 | Xian (AB ,L ,DS )
The Terra Cotta Army* consists of a military regiment of life-sized statues commissioned by China’s first emperor to protect him in the afterlife. You’ll walk among thousands of these expertly crafted warriors while marveling at their eternal obligation. Then travel on to the Ming Dynasty City Wall*, the most intact city wall in China, and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda*. As the day ends, join your fellow explorers for dining and entertainment at the Imperial Dumpling Dinner and the Tang Dynasty Show.
Day 7 | Xian – Lhasa (AB ,DH )
From the plains of Xian, you’ll soar to nearly 12,000 feet into the capital of the Tibetan Autonomous Region, Lhasa. Despite its remote location, Lhasa is the center of Tibetan politics, history and culture. The inspirational beauty of this mountain prefecture speaks to the spiritual character of Lhasa, Tibet’s Holy City. This first day atop one of China’s highest cities will be spent at your leisure, allowing acclimation to Lhasa’s elevation.
Day 8 | Lhasa (AB ,D )
Winding through the byways of Lhasa, you discover the traditional residence of the Dali Lama, the Potala Palace*. Then explore the colorful local marketplace on Barkhor Street before making the pilgrimage to the Jokhang Monastery*, Tibetan Buddhism’s most sacred site.
Day 9 | Lhasa (AB ,L ,D )
Nestled among snow-capped mountains, you’ll make the trek out to Yamdrok Lake*, one of the three Holy Lakes of Tibet. Graced with turquoise waters, local legend claims that the lake is the incarnation of a Tibetan goddess. You’ll return to Lhasa to enjoy the rest of the day unwinding and mediating on your experiences.
Day 10 | Lhasa – Chongqing – Yangtze River Cruise (AB ,D )
A flight will bring you to the emerging megacity of Chongqing, which is also the home of giant pandas! Take a photo stop at the Grand Hall of the People and visit these exceptional animals at the Chongqing Zoo* before embarking on your awe-inspiring expedition along the mighty Yangtze River. This journey will be aboard Victoria Cruises’ well-appointed Executive Deck.
Day 11 | Yangtze River Cruise (B ,L ,D )
Downstream from Chongqing, you encounter the Ghost City of Fengdu. Here this astonishing 1,800 year-old site simulates the passage of the living into the underworld. If river conditions prohibit access to Fengdu, you’ll embark on an alternate excursion to the port city of Wanzhou, so-named because it is where a myriad of rivers converge and an important meeting point for traders.
Day 12 | Yangtze River Cruise (B ,L ,D )
Carved deep into the topography of the Yangtze, you arrive at the focal point of your river journey – the Three Gorges. Qutang, the smallest gorge, makes up for its size with spectacular canyons and dazzling switchbacks. Meanwhile Wu Gorge stands in sharp contrast with its serene beauty and 25-mile length. A small boat excursion to the Shennong Stream or the Daning River Small Gorges follows. They re-board the main ship to sail the longest and deepest of the Three, Xiling Gorge, through the ship-locks of the Three Gorges Dam.
Day 13 | Yangtze River Cruise – Yichang – Shanghai (B ,L )
Your last stop on the Yangtze is the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric power station, and a visual masterpiece to behold. Concluding your cruise in the city of Yichang, you board a flight to the showpiece of 21st century China, Shanghai.
Day 14 | Shanghai (AB ,DS )
Arriving in the world’s largest city, you’ll explore Shanghai through the elegant waterfront of the Bund, the City God Temple Bazaar, and the peaceful halls of Yu Garden*. In this bustling city, the world-class shopping district of Nanjing Road completes your city tour before you retire to dinner and the soaring spectacle of the Chinese Acrobatics Show.
Day 15 | Shanghai – Suzhou Optional Tour (AB ,DP )
Take the opportunity to explore Shanghai on your own, or join an optional tour of the gardens and canals of Suzhou. At the end of the day, you’ll gather with your fellow travelers at the Farewell Dinner Party.
Day 16 | Shanghai – USA (AB )
Taking in the breadth and depth of your travels, you board your return flight with rich and abundant memories. An optional trip extension is available to the storied island of Hong Kong.

[IreneLF Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close IreneLF]

#1 would get my vote because of Guilin, a place I've wanted to see since I first viewed it in EPCOT's China movie.
(but i don't think my vote counts)

[Pat H Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Pat H]

Irene, why wouldn't your vote count?

Pat, when are you planning on going? Prices?

[catwgirl Contributor - Bronze Find all posts View Profile Close catwgirl]

I'm with Irene. My non-vote would be Guilin, and I've been there. A landscape like you have never seen, fishermen (using cormorants to do the fishing for them, at night by lantern), and the fabulous huge Reed Flute Cave with stalactites and stalagmites galore. Oh my. Don't miss Guilin.

It's THAT good.