15 Days China Land & Water Small Group Tour: Chongqing, Pandas & Yangtze Cruise

The journey

Tour type: Maximum 16 travelers, guaranteed departures. The published day-by-day itinerary below is supplied for this route.

From $2,899 per person

Highlights

• Arrival in Beijing | Airport Pick-up and Hotel Check-in
• Beijing City Tour | Tian’anmen Square, Forbidden City (Closed on Mondays), Jingshan Park, Summer Palace
• Beijing Great Wall Tour | Mutianyu Great Wall, Glimpse of Bird’s Nest & Water Cube
• Beijing to Xian by High Speed Train | Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim Quarter

Day by day

• Day 1 — Arrival in Beijing | Airport Pick-up and Hotel Check-in: Nihao! Welcome to Beijing! Our local staff will meet you at the airport or station for a private escort to your hotel. Feel free to relax, recover from jet lag, or explore the surrounding area for the rest of the day. Enjoy your first night in China’s magnificent historic capital!
• Day 2 — Beijing City Tour | Tian’anmen Square, Forbidden City (Closed on Mondays), Jingshan Park, Summer Palace: Spend an entire day exploring the historic center of Beijing. You’ll visit famous landmarks that highlight the city's imperial past and wander through stunning royal gardens.
• Day 3 — Beijing Great Wall Tour | Mutianyu Great Wall, Glimpse of Bird’s Nest & Water Cube: After breakfast, travel northwest to the Mutianyu Great Wall, famous for its 23 Ming watchtowers and peaceful atmosphere. After a cable car ride to tower 14, explore the scenic western path. If you're feeling active, hike to the 20th watchtower for sweeping panoramic views of the ancient fortifications. This is the ultimate way to experience the majestic beauty and fulfill your Great Wall aspirations.
• Day 4 — Beijing to Xian by High Speed Train | Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim Quarter: After breakfast, take a high-speed train to Xi’an (4.5–5.5 hours), the historic capital of 13 dynasties. Upon arrival, meet your private driver at the station exit for a comfortable escort to your hotel. Enjoy your first evening in this ancient cultural hub.
• Day 5 — Xian City Tour | Terracotta Warriors, Ancient Wall, Bell Tower (or Drum Tower): After breakfast, travel 40km to Terracotta Army Museum. Created by Emperor Qin Shihuang, this archaeological wonder features 8,000 life-size statues. Visit Pit 1 to see 6,000 soldiers and horses, then explore Pit 2’s complex battle formations, including archers and chariots. These masterpieces showcase the ancient military precision designed to protect the Emperor’s eternal afterlife.
• Day 6 — Xian to Chengdu by High Speed Train | Chengdu Train Station Pick-up and Hotel Check-in: Today, you'll catch a high-speed train to Chengdu, which takes about 3–4 hours. Once you arrive, our local staff will meet you at the station exit for a private transfer to your downtown hotel. Enjoy a free afternoon exploring this relaxed city, famous for pandas and spicy Sichuan food.
• Day 7 — Chengdu Classic Tour | Chengdu Panda Base, Sanxingdui Museum, Jinli Old Street (or Plan B: City Tour in Peak Season): Today, fulfill your panda dream at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, the world’s largest facility for captive pandas. You’ll see them playing and eating, and maybe even spot newborn cubs in the nurseries. Don’t forget to visit the adorable red pandas and explore the Panda Museum secrets.
• Day 8 — Chengdu to Chongqing by High Speed Train | Liziba Metro, Kuixing Building, Jiefangbei, Hot Pot Dinner, Hongya Cave, Qiansimen Bridge: Take a morning high-speed train from Chengdu to Chongqing (approx. 1–2 hours). Welcome to the "Mountain City," an architectural marvel and one of the most dynamic urban centers in Southwest China.
• Day 9 — Chongqing - Wulong - Chongqing | Three Natural Bridges (Sightseeing Bus & Elevator Included), Glass Observation Deck: After breakfast, discover the Wulong Karst National Geological Park (2.5-hour drive), a UNESCO-listed marvel famous for its Three Natural Bridges. This epic landscape—featured in the Transformers franchise—is a must-see for anyone seeking dramatic karst formations and cinematic views.
• Day 10 — Board Yangtze Cruise: Today, you will be escorted to Chongqing Chaotianmen Port for embarkation. After checking into your Yangtze cruise, enjoy the afternoon at your leisure exploring the vibrant riverfront area. Your sophisticated cruise experience officially commences at 21:00.
• Day 11 — Yangtze River Cruise | Shore Excursion to Fengdu Ghost City or Similar: Today, your cruise will move quietly along the Yangtze River. You can wake up late and see the beautiful river in the soft sunshine. Eat your buffet breakfast and start your day! The cruise has many special activities. You can go on a trip to see old Chinese sites or stay on the ship to relax and learn about Chinese culture.
• Day 12 — Yangtze River Cruise | Three Gorges & Shennv Stream or Similar: Today, you have a full day to see the beautiful Three Gorges. First, you will sail through Qutang Gorge, which is famous for its high cliffs and the amazing Kui Gate. Next, you will go through Wu Gorge, which is very quiet and pretty. Finally, you will see Xiling Gorge, known for its rough water and rugged rocks. You can listen to the guide's stories and enjoy the breathtaking views from the ship.
• Day 13 — Yangtze River Cruise to Yichang & High Speed Train to Shanghai, Shanghai Train Station Pick-up & Hotel Check-in: After breakfast, you will check out and get off the ship at Maoping Port. Today you will see the Three Gorges Dam, the biggest water project in China. You can see the huge dam and the ship locks. The dam is very big; it is 181 meters high and 2,335 meters long across the Yangtze River.
• Day 14 — Shanghai City Tour | Shanghai Tower, Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden & Bazaar, Nanjing Road & The Bund: Today, you will see why people call this Shanghai the "Paris of the East." You will learn about its famous history and beautiful style.
• Day 15 — Departure from Shanghai | Hotel Check-out and Airport See-off: Your 15 Days China Group Tour is finished today. You can have free time in Shanghai until it is time to leave. We will take you to the airport or the train station for your flight or train.