Overview
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As you walk along the Great Wall, marvel at its expansiveness. Also impressive are the Terracotta Warriors, built 2,000 years ago to protect the first emperor in his afterlife. You'll stand in awe as you take in the life-size soldiers, chariots, and horses.
On your 3-night Yangtze River cruise, enjoy the spectacular beauty and tiny villages as you cruise through the Three Gorges. A shore excursion takes you to see the 100-foot-tall Jade Emperor statue. In Hangzhou, more scenic beauty awaits on your cruise on West Lake, surrounded by mountains on three sides and known for its picturesque landscape and collection of ancient bridges, causeways, temples, and palaces. Also visit Fei Lai Feng, a limestone mountain with over 300 stone statues dating from the 10th to the 14th centuries, and Lingyin Temple (Temple of Soul’s Retreat), one of China's most famous Buddhist temples dating back 1,700 years.
Globus has included out-of-the-ordinary experiences, like a rickshaw ride through Beijing’s hutongs (ancient alleys) and a xiaolongbao lunch in Shanghai. Other thrilling experiences include a visit to the Giant Panda Research Base, rides on the bullet trains from Xi’an to Chengdu and Chengdu to Chongqing, a calligraphy class, sightseeing with Local Guides, and much more.
From the serene and picturesque landscapes to the vibrant cities and from the many historic sites to the modern accomplishments, this China tour is a once-in-a-lifetime vacation opportunity!
Highlights
Guided city sightseeing including headsets; visit Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City, Great Wall, and Temple of Heaven; LF hutong tour by rickshaw; LF Peking Duck welcome dinner
XI’ANSightseeing with a Local Guide including headsets; visit the Terracotta Warriors and Dayan Pagoda; noodle-making demonstration; “Tang Dynasty” dinner show; calligraphy class
CHENGDUSightseeing with a Local Guide; visit the LF Giant Panda Research Base
CHENGDU–CHONGQINGTravel by bullet train
YANGTZE RIVERThree-night cruise through the Three Gorges including the Jade Emperor Scenic Area, a boat excursion on Goddess Stream, and a tour of the Three Gorges dam site
HANGZHOUSightseeing with a Local Guide; visit the Lingyin Temple and Fei Lai Feng; walking tour along Hefang Street; cruise on West Lake
SHANGHAISightseeing with a Local Guide including headsets; visit Yu Yuan Gardens, a silk factory and the Shanghai Museum; LF xiaolongbao lunch; walking tour of the French Concession; farewell dinner
2020 Tour itinerary
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Total meals included:
- 13 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 6 dinners
ARRIVE IN BEIJING, CHINA.
Day1
Welcome to China! Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.
BEIJING.
Day2
Your full-day sightseeing starts with a visit to TIAN’ANMEN SQUARE, the largest public square in the world. Next, explore the FORBIDDEN CITY, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest palace complex. Once the home of China’s great emperors, today it showcases ancient Chinese architecture, landscaped gardens, and displays of rare art and artifacts. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant, followed by free time to explore on your own. This evening, savor a special LF PEKING DUCK WELCOME DINNER.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
BEIJING. GREAT WALL EXCURSION.
Day3
The GREAT WALL OF CHINA once stretched 4,000 miles across China’s barren northern terrain from the Bohai Sea to the Gobi Desert. Head north to a village where the Great Wall is well preserved and walk along the wall to enjoy sweeping vistas of this mammoth fortress. Return to Beijing for some time at your leisure. Tonight, you may choose to attend a performance of the Peking Opera, a traditional form of Chinese theater, or attend the Legend of Kung Fu Show, with a fusion of kung fu, dance, and acrobatics.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
BEIJING–XI’AN.
Day4
This morning, visit the TEMPLE OF HEAVEN and enjoy a rickshaw ride through one of Beijing’s LF HUTONGS, the city’s ancient alleys. Experience life in this historic neighborhood as you are invited into the courtyard of a family’s home to learn more about their life. A short flight brings you to Xi’an.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
XI’AN.
Day5
One of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world when China dominated the silk trade, Xi’an today is an archaeological treasure trove. Sightseeing begins with the enormous tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, accidentally discovered by local farmers in 1974. Marvel at the legion of TERRACOTTA WARRIORS that has been guarding the burial site for 2,000 years. During lunch, enjoy a NOODLE-MAKING DEMONSTRATION by a master chef and learn how Chinese noodles are made by hand. Next, visit the DAYAN PAGODA, built in 652 AD. This evening, attend the “Tang Dynasty” DINNER SHOW, featuring a colorful assemblage of classical performances.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
XI’AN–CHENGDU.
Day6
This morning, visit the Xi’an City Wall South Gate and attend a traditional Chinese CALLIGRAPHY CLASS. You may see some local residents practicing morning tai chi. Next, travel by BULLET TRAIN to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province and known for its flavorful food.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
CHENGDU–CHONGQING (EMBARKATION)–YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE.
Day7
Start your day with a visit to the LF GIANT PANDA RESEARCH BASE and marvel at these beautiful animals. After lunch, transfer to the train station and board your BULLET TRAIN to Chongqing, China’s capital during World War II. Upon arrival, transfer to the port and board your ship for a 3-night cruise through the breathtaking Three Gorges of the Yangtze.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
CRUISING: JADE EMPEROR SCENIC AREA
Day8
Your SHORE EXCURSION today takes you to the Jade Emperor Scenic Area, featuring a 100-foot-tall statue depicting the Jade Emperor, an important deity in Chinese Taoism. Return to your ship where the afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy a variety of onboard activites. You may choose to take an optional shore excursion to Fengdu, known by many Chinese as the “Ghost City,” to visit the mountaintop shrines. This evening, the Captain hosts a welcome party, followed by dinner and a special performance by the ship’s crew.
NOTE:Depending on river conditions, an alternate shore excursion may be offered.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
CRUISING: QUTANG GORGE–WU GORGE–GODDESS STREAM.
Day9
Early this morning, you may choose to start your day with a tai chi session on the Sun Deck or simply relax and enjoy the scenery. Later, sail downstream through the first and second of the three gorges—Qutang Gorge, the shortest but most dramatic gorge, and Wu, known for its quiet beauty and forest-covered mountains. You can nearly touch the perpendicular walls rising from the riverbanks as your Captain negotiates this narrow gap. After lunch, disembark for a BOAT EXCURSION down Goddess Stream. Along the way, see picturesque scenery and the mysterious hanging wooden coffins. Before returning to your ship, you will also board a wooden boat on a smaller section of the stream, where the crew will sing songs as you glide across the stunning deep emerald-green waters surrounded by densely forested hills.
Note: Depending on river conditions, the boat excursion may be on the Shennong Stream.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
CRUISING: (DISEMBARKATION) THREE GORGES DAM SITE–YICHANG–HANGZHOU.
Day10
This morning, visit the THREE GORGES DAM SITE, the largest dam of its kind in the world. After lunch in Yichang, board your flight to Hangzhou.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
HANGZHOU
Day11
Enjoy a full day tour of Hangzhou, one of China’s seven ancient capitals. Start with a visit to LINGYIN TEMPLE followed by FEI LAI FENG, a unique mountain famous for a cluster of caves with hundreds of unique stone buddha statues. After lunch, be transported back in time during a WALKING TOUR along Hefang Street. End the day with a CRUISE on West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its collection of ancient bridges, causeways, temples, and palaces.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
HANGZHOU–SHANGHAI.
Day12
Transfer to Shanghai, where you will start your sightseeing with a stroll along the Bund, the city’s riverfront boulevard lined with historic buildings, housing, banks, and trade houses. Then, visit YU YUAN GARDENS, dating back to the Ming Dynasty, and a SILK FACTORY to learn about the silk-making process. Stop at a local restaurant for lunch featuring LF XIAOLONGBAO, Shanghai’s most famous dish. These tasty soup dumplings are handmade with at least 18 intricate folds to close the top. The broth is the star so, to avoid wasting a single drop, gently pick up the dumpling, dip in sauce, and transfer to a Chinese soup spoon. Next, make a small hole to release the steam and allow the broth to cool. After it cools, sip up the broth and then swallow the dumpling. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. You may consider joining an optional tour to see a spectacular acrobatic show.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
SHANGHAI.
Day13
This morning, visit the SHANGHAI MUSEUM, featuring stunning displays of ancient bronze, jade, and ceramics. Then, take a WALKING TOUR of the former French Concession, once Shanghai’s leading residential and retail area. Today, the qualities that made the area so popular endure—from quaint, tree-lined streets and exquisite architecture to charming shops and fashionable restaurants and bars. Along the way, see the famous Art Deco Cathay Theatre, explore the narrow lanes of Xintiandi, and visit Fuxing Park, where locals play chess, dance, practice tai chi, and more. The afternoon is at your leisure. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
SHANGHAI.
Day14
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Things to note
- Small Group Discovery – We never allow more than 20 travelers on our Small-Group Discovery vacations, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the destination and local culture.
Hotels
It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
Crowne Plaza Beijing Chaoyang U-Town
Superior First-Class
Perfectly located in the Central Business District, the luxurious Crowne Plaza Beijing Chaoyang U-town fuses modern sophistication with classical Chinese touches.
Location
No. 3 Sanfeng North Area Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
Hotel Facilities
- Pool
- Elevator
- Restaurant On-Site
- Fitness Room
- Bar/Lounge
- Business Center
- Spa Services
- Laundry Available
- Beauty Salon
- Parking/Valet
- ATM
- Luggage Storage
- Currency Exchange
- Concierge desk
- Free WiFi
Room Facilities
- Non-smoking Rooms
- In-Room Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Internet Access
- Cable/Satellite
- Air Conditioning
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Television
- Room Service
- Coffee Maker
- Pay Movies
- Wake-Up Calls
- Desk
- Phone
- Mini-bar
Crowne Plaza Xi'an
Superior First-Class
Crowne Plaza Xi'an is centrally located within the tallest building in Xi'an, Shaanxi Xinxi Tower, with easy access to the city's historical sites. Professional, personalized and warm guest service plus attention to detail is the dominant culture of Crowne Plaza Xi'an.
Location
No. 1 Zhu Que Zhong Road, Xi'an, China
Hotel Facilities
- Spa Services
- Laundry Available
- Free WiFi
- Pool
- Ice Machine
- Fitness Room
- Restaurant On-Site
- Business Center
- Luggage Storage
- Parking/Valet
- Bar/Lounge
Room Facilities
- Air Conditioning
- Television
- In-Room Safe
- Phone
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Cable/Satellite
- Room Service
- Desk
- Hair Dryer
Holiday Inn Chengdu Oriental Plaza
First-Class
Perched on Chengdu's remarkable Financial Street and next to a metro station, Holiday Inn Chengdu Oriental Plaza offers easy access to the city's famous sites.
Location
231 Zhiquanduan East Avenue, Chengdu, China
Hotel Facilities
- Business Center
- Concierge desk
- Fitness Room
- Parking/Valet
- Laundry Available
- Free WiFi
- Bar/Lounge
- Pool
- Spa Services
- Elevator
- Luggage Storage
Room Facilities
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Desk
- Phone
- Television
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Internet Access
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Room Service
- In-Room Safe
- Coffee Maker
- Mini-bar
- Air Conditioning
- Hair Dryer
- Cable/Satellite
Victoria Anna
The Victoria Anna once again raised the bar for luxury cruising on the Yangtze when it was inaugurated in 2006. The Victoria Anna is the Yangtze's largest and most luxurious ship.
Location
, Yangtze River, China
Hotel Facilities
- Currency Exchange
- Free WiFi
- Elevator
- Gift Shop
- Ice Machine
- Fitness Room
- Spa Services
- Bar/Lounge
- Luggage Storage
- Restaurant On-Site
- Beauty Salon
Room Facilities
- Air Conditioning
- Window Opens
- Cable/Satellite
- Internet Access
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Hair Dryer
- Desk
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Television
- Phone
Holiday Inn Hangzhou City Center
Superior First-Class
The Holiday Inn Hangzhou City Center is in the heart of vibrant Hangzhou, close to shops and restaurants. The picturesque West Lake is a short 20 minute drive.
Location
No. 289, Jianguo North Rd, Hangzhou, China
Hotel Facilities
- Laundry Available
- Luggage Storage
- Business Center
- Fitness Room
- Restaurant On-Site
- Free WiFi
- Parking/Valet
- Pool
- Elevator
- Bar/Lounge
- Currency Exchange
- Concierge desk
Room Facilities
- Air Conditioning
- Pay Movies
- Mini-bar
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
- Coffee Maker
- Desk
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Hair Dryer
- Phone
- In-Room Safe
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Internet Access
Grand Central Hotel Shanghai
Superior First-Class
Built in 2009, the Grand Central Hotel Shanghai is a 15-minute walk to the Bund waterside promenade and offers all the modern amenities.
Location
505 Jiujiang Rd, Shanghai, China
Hotel Facilities
- Business Center
- Restaurant On-Site
- Bar/Lounge
- Ice Machine
- Pool
- Spa Services
- Free WiFi
- Fitness Room
- Luggage Storage
- Elevator
- Parking/Valet
Room Facilities
- Mini-bar
- Cable/Satellite
- Room Service
- Hair Dryer
- In-Room Safe
- Air Conditioning
- Phone
- Coffee Maker
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Desk
- Television
- Internet Access
