Experience China from a unique perspective with a luxurious 8-night, 5-star Yangtze River cruise, combined with visits to iconic destinations including Chongqing, Suzhou, and Shanghai.
This thoughtfully designed itinerary blends premium comfort, breathtaking scenery, and rich cultural experiences — perfect for first-time visitors to China or seasoned travelers seeking a new way to explore this fascinating country.
CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
8 nights onboard a 5-star Yangtze River cruise
All cabins feature private balconies
Sail through the spectacular Three Gorges region
Experience the world-famous Five-Stage Ship Locks
Full-board dining included onboard
Guided shore excursions included
A perfect balance of vibrant cities and stunning natural landscapes
GOOD TO KNOW
All cabins include private balconies
Cabin categories vary only by deck location
WHY THIS JOURNEY STANDS OUT
A rare China experience not commonly offered in the USA
Exceptional value for a luxury 5-star cruise vacation
Seamless travel experience with full organization throughout
A unique combination of culture, scenery, and comfort
PREMIUM ENGLISH-SPEAKING ESCORTED TOUR
Travel with the confidence and convenience of a professional English-speaking tour leader accompanying the group throughout the journey.
Daily assistance and coordination
Cultural insights and local explanations
Worry-free travel experience from start to finish
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS
Pre-tour: Beijing & Xi'an — 6 Days | From $588
Explore Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall, and the Terracotta Army before joining the main tour in Chongqing. Includes 5-star hotels, meals, and an English-speaking guide. Single supplement: $888.
Post-tour: Guilin & Hong Kong — 6 Days | From $666
After the cruise, discover the karst landscapes of Guilin and Yangshuo by bamboo raft, then explore the vibrant city of Hong Kong. Includes 5-star hotels, meals, and an English-speaking guide. Single supplement: $1,111.
Extensions are optional and not required for booking. Contact us to add them — a unified deposit of $600 per person applies to the main tour.
ITINERARY
Day 01 — USA to Chongqing
Depart from major cities across the USA for Chongqing, the famous mountain city located at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers.
Day 02 — Arrival in Chongqing
Meet and greet at the airport, followed by transfer to your hotel.
Hotel: Radisson Blu Plaza Chongqing or similar 5-star hotel
Day 03 — Chongqing (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
After breakfast, visit the ancient town of Ciqikou, the famous metro line passing through residential buildings, Hongyadong, and the lively Jiefangbei district. In the afternoon, board the luxurious 5-star Yangtze No. 2 cruise ship. Enjoy a grand welcome ceremony on deck before departure.
Accommodation: Yangtze No. 2 Luxury Cruise (private balcony cabins)
Day 04 — Yangtze River, Shibaozhai Excursion (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Morning coffee and Tai Chi, followed by a themed activity and garden party. Shore excursion to Shibaozhai — a nationally protected cultural heritage site featuring a multi-storey wooden pagoda-style fortress built using traditional mortise-and-tenon architecture dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Captain's reception in the evening.
Accommodation: Yangtze No. 2 Luxury Cruise
Day 05 — The Three Gorges of the Yangtze (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Three Gorges lecture in the morning. Enter Qutang Gorge — the "First Gorge of the Yangtze." Enter Wu Gorge — the "Gallery of One Hundred Li." Shore excursion to the Goddess Stream by small boat. Passage through the Five-Stage Ship Lock at 11:30 PM.
Accommodation: Yangtze No. 2 Luxury Cruise
Day 06 — Three Gorges Dam Excursion (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam — the world's largest hydroelectric project. Enter Xiling Gorge. Passage through Gezhouba Ship Lock.
Accommodation: Yangtze No. 2 Luxury Cruise
Day 07 — Jingzhou Excursion (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Shore excursion (choice of two): Option A — Jingzhou Museum (over 130,000 artifacts) and Ancient City Walls. Option B — Chu King Chariots and Horses Archaeological Site. Chinese calligraphy workshop in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Yangtze No. 2 Luxury Cruise
Day 08 — Wuhan Excursion (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Shore excursion to Yellow Crane Tower — one of the "Three Great Towers South of the Yangtze" — and the Hubei Provincial Museum, home to national treasures including the Sword of King Goujian and the bronze chime bells of Marquis Yi of Zeng.
Accommodation: Yangtze No. 2 Luxury Cruise
Day 09 — Jiujiang Excursion (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Shore excursion (choice of two): Option A — Mount Lushan, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Option B — Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Museum, showcasing over 600 years of imperial porcelain history.
Accommodation: Yangtze No. 2 Luxury Cruise
Day 10 — Mount Huangshan Excursion (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Shore excursion to Mount Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) — UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its uniquely shaped pine trees, dramatic granite peaks, seas of clouds, and hot springs. Farewell gala evening onboard.
Accommodation: Yangtze No. 2 Luxury Cruise
Day 11 — Nanjing to Suzhou (Breakfast / Dinner)
Arrive at Wumadu Pier in Nanjing. Disembark and transfer to Suzhou. Visit Shantang Street and the Lingering Garden.
Hotel: Pullman Suzhou or similar 5-star hotel
Day 12 — Suzhou to Shanghai (Breakfast / Lunch)
Visit the Suzhou Silk Exhibition Centre. Transfer to Shanghai. Visit the Bund, Nanjing Road, and the City God Temple. Free evening.
Hotel: Hilton Shanghai Hongqiao or similar 5-star hotel
Day 13 — Shanghai to USA (Breakfast)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA.
What is included:
Round-trip international airfare
3-night stay in 5-star hotels in Chongqing, Suzhou & Shanghai, plus an 8-night 5-star Yangtze River Cruise with a private balcony cabin (full board)
Meals as specified in the itinerary
Admission fees for all included sightseeing and excursions
Deluxe air-conditioned transportation throughout
All taxes and service charges
English-speaking tour leader throughout
What is not included:
Travel insurance
Optional tours and personal expenses
Beverages — Wine and spirits (unlimited soft drinks and beer are included during the Yangtze River cruise)
China visa fees (if applicable)
Gratuities for guides, drivers, porters, and cruise staff: US$210 per person
China Visa Assistance for US Travelers
A valid Chinese visa is required for U.S. passport holders traveling to China.
Before departure, travelers should apply for a Chinese tourist visa through the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in the United States. Depending on the applicant's supporting documents and approval by the Chinese authorities, visas are commonly issued as multiple-entry visas valid for 1 to 10 years.
XING Travel will take care of the entire process with you. We provide an official invitation letter, all required supporting documents, and step-by-step assistance to help you successfully obtain your Chinese visa.
Estimated visa and service fee: approximately US$350 per person.
Optional Extension — Beijing & Xi'an — 6 Days | +$588 / person before the main tour
The perfect complement for a first discovery of China. Extend your journey to China's most iconic destinations. Single room supplement: +$888. Included: 5★ hotels, meals (5 breakfasts / 3 lunches / 2 dinners), guided visits.
Day 1 – Arrival in Beijing
Arrival in Beijing, airport welcome by your guide. Transfer to 5★ hotel and check-in. Free time to begin discovering the Chinese capital.
Day 2 – Imperial Beijing
Tiananmen Square · The Forbidden City (Imperial Palace) · Temple of Heaven
Day 3 – The Great Wall
Full-day excursion to the Great Wall of China, one of the 7 Wonders of the World.
Day 4 – High-speed train to Xi'an
Arrival and check-in at 5★ hotel.
Day 5 – Terracotta Army
Visit to the UNESCO-listed Terracotta Army · Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Square. A fascinating journey into the history of the Qin Dynasty.
Day 6 – High-speed train to Chongqing
Upon arrival, welcome by our local team and transfer to 5★ hotel. Check-in and overnight stay in Chongqing.
Optional Extension — Guilin & Hong Kong — 6 Days | +$666 / person after the main tour
The perfect complement for a first discovery of China. Single room supplement: +$1,111. Included: 5★ hotels, meals (5 breakfasts / 3 lunches / 2 dinners), guided visits.
Day 1 – Shanghai → Guilin
Flight from Shanghai to Guilin. Welcome upon arrival at the airport and transfer to 5★ hotel. Check-in and free time.
Day 2 – Guilin → Yangshuo (bamboo raft cruise)
Departure to Yangshuo, in the heart of karst landscapes. Bamboo raft ride along the river. Discovery of the iconic scenery of southern China. A unique and relaxing nature experience.
Day 3 – Yangshuo → Guilin
Return to Guilin. Visits: Tea plantation · Elephant Trunk Hill (symbol of the city)
Day 4 – Guilin → Hong Kong
Departure by high-speed train to Hong Kong. Welcome upon arrival and hotel transfer. Free time to explore the city at your own pace.
Day 5 – Hong Kong (visit & lunch)
Half-day city tour: Victoria Peak · Iconic neighborhoods · Unique East-meets-West atmosphere
Day 6 – Departure from Hong Kong
Transfer to the airport and return flight.
