Choosing the most distinctive Chinese cities is the key to the ideal itinerary for Canadians wishing to explore China. The Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the ancient hutongs offer the perfect gateway to discovering the rich history of the nation’s capital, Beijing. Chongqing, a mountainous metropolis with 30 million inhabitants, offers breath-taking and ever-changing landscapes. A cruise along the Yangtze River reveals the stunning Three Gorges and the impressive Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric project in the world as well as a must-see highlight. Shanghai, China’s largest and most modern city, showcases the country’s rapid development and remarkable transformation.
The excellence of this trip combines air travel, luxury cruises, premium buses, 5-star hotels, and 5-star cruise cabins with balconies. Accompanied by professional English-speaking guides, you will gain a deeper understanding of amazing China!
Day 01 - Canada Hometown – Beijing （China Airline/Air China/Air Canada）
Depart for Beijing on an international flight. Overnight on board.
Day 02 - Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, the imperial capital of China with a history over 3000 years. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a dedicated airport transfer service and then check in at the hotel.
Accommodation: Beijing Longcheng Wyndham Hotel Changping (five-star) or equivalent.
Day 03 - Beijing (Breakfast, Lunch)
After breakfast, begin your exploration of Beijing, the heart of China. Visit Tian'anmen Square, followed by a tour of the magnificent Forbidden City, the imperial palace with its iconic royal red walls. For centuries, this grand building was reserved exclusively for the royal family, barring access to ordinary citizens. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After the tour, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, and then visit another UNESCO World Heritage Site - the Temple of Heaven, where emperors prayed for good harvests.
Accomodation: Beijing Longcheng Wyndham Hotel Changping (five-star) or equivalent
Day 04 - Beijing (Breakfast, Lunch)
Visit one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, the Great Wall of China. This sandstone and earthen engineering marvel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built between the 3rd century BC and the 15th century AD, stretching approximately 4,000 miles. We explore its winding paths and admire the majestic panorama of its ramparts. Back in Beijing, visit the National Stadium (Bird's Nest) built for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games (exterior view for photos).
Accomodation: Beijing Longcheng Wyndham Hotel Changping (five-star) or equivalent
Day 05 - Beijing -Jingzhou (Breakfast)
After breakfast, free time or optional activity:
Optional activity + lunch (at your own expense US$50 /person): Take a pedicab ride through the hutongs, visiting the families who still live in this historic community and discovering the preserved courtyards. We will have lunch at a local family’s home.
Next, We fly to Jingzhou, an ancient historic city in Hubei Province located along the Yangtze River. Jingzhou is rich in history dating back over 2,000 years. The city was the capital of the Chu Kingdom during the Spring and Autumn Period and was home to 20 successive emperors.
Accomodation: Jingzhou Wyndam Hotel (five-star) or equivalent
Day 06 - Jingzhou– Yangtze River Three Gorges Cruise (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
After breakfast, visit the ancient city of Jingzhou, walk on the city walls, and visit the Jingzhou History Museum. Board the ship and begin the amazing Three Gorges Cruise.
Accomodation: M.S Yangtze 2 (five-star Cruise)
Day 07 - Yangtze River (Three Gorges) (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
After breakfast, we disembark to visit the Three Gorges Dam. It is the largest hydroelectric project in the world, taking nearly 20 years to build. You will be able to observe the inner workings of this immense structure up close and understand how it controls flooding and managed the relocation of nearly 1.25 million people.
Captain's Welcome Evening
Accommodation: M.S Yangtze 2 (five-star Cruise)
Day 08 - Yangtze River (Three Gorges) (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
We sail through the most beautiful section of the Yangtze River, enjoying the beauty and grandeur of the Three Gorges. We visit the Qutangxia Canyon, the shortest, narrowest, and most spectacular of the three great canyons. Next, we board a small boat to visit the Shennvxi River, passing through the large canyons lined with steep cliffs. Along the way, we see fascinating sites such as the hanging coffins of the Ba people, ancient cliff-cut trails, and much more. We sail through the Wu Canyon, renowned for its magnificent scenery.
Accommodation: M.S Yangtze 2 (five-star Cruise)
Day 09 - Yangtze River (Three Gorges) (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
After breakfast, we disembark to visit a Great Rift Valley.
Farewell Cruise Party
Accommodation: M.S Yangtze 2 (five-star Cruise)
Day 10 - Chongqing - Shanghai (Breakfast, Lunch)
We arrive in Chongqing, often nicknamed the "Mountain City."
Visit Chongqing Zoo (Panda), downtown Chongqing.
We fly to Shanghai, the largest and most modern city in China.
Accommodation: Five-star Sheraton Shanghai or equivalent
Day 11 – Shanghai (Breakfast, Lunch)
After breakfast, we visit the Shanghai Museum, which houses approximately one million pieces in 21 different categories. The collections of bronze, calligraphy, ceramics, and paintings are particularly impressive. We stroll along Nanjing Road, one of Shanghai's main shopping streets, and one of the busiest pedestrian streets in the world.
Optional activity (at your own expense, US$45/person): In the evening, board a cruise boat on Huangpu River for Shanghai’s magnificent nightscapes.
Accommodation: Five-star Sheraton Shanghai or equivalent
Day 12 – Shanghai -Canada (Breakfast)（China Airline /United Airline /Air Canada ）
After breakfast, we transfer you to Shanghai Pudong International Airport to conclude your trip.
