14 Day Captivating China

Welcome to China! You’ll be met at the airport and escorted to your hotel with a private transfer.

A city of roughly 22 million people, Beijing is bustling, energetic and it just doesn’t stop. There is plenty to see, do and, of course, eat – whether it’s dumplings at a night food market or a taste of traditional Peking duck. Given the capital’s rich history – 5,000 years of it – you’ll find magnificent palaces, and luxurious royal gardens and mausoleums. It’s home to important temples and several of China’s most famous tourist attractions, like the Forbidden City.

There will be a group meeting at 5pm with your tour leader and the other travellers in your touring group.

Your first Inspiring Stay at the lavish, award-winning Shangri La China World is the perfect introduction to this vibrant city. Unwind in your elegant, well-appointed room or take a dip in the indoor swimming pool.

Please note: Some flights may depart the day before.

Check in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day from as early as 6am through to late evening. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.

You’ll enjoy a day of guided sightseeing to discover Beijing’s iconic imperial treasures. The ultra-small size of your group – no more than 10 people – makes for a personal, in-depth experience.

We’ll visit Tiananmen Square, the site of several important events in Chinese history. At 440,000 square metres, it was built as a sign of the strength of Communism. It’s designed to hold one million people. Tiananmen means ‘Gate of Heavenly Peace’ and the north side of the square is flanked by this gate that leads to the Forbidden City. The square holds great cultural significance and also contains the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the National Museum of China and the Mausoleum of Chairman Mao Zedong.

Next we’ll visit the Forbidden City, directly opposite Tiananmen Square. The former Chinese imperial palace is a famous landmark of Beijing and a great place to learn about Chinese culture and history. It was the centre of imperial China during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Don’t miss the magnificent Meridien Gate or the Golden River Bridges, five richly-decorated white marble bridges. It’s undoubtedly China’s top tourist site so be prepared for crowds!

Afterwards, you’ll explore the hutongs of Beijing on an exclusive walking tour through the vast complex of courtyards and lanes. These old city lanes, rapidly-disappearing traditional neighbourhoods, offer an authentic glimpse into the Beijing of the past and its traditions.

Enjoy a Tai Chi class in the hutongs.

Tonight, enjoy your first Inspiring Taste, an authentic Peking duck banquet dinner served with all the traditional accompaniments at a local Michelin-starred restaurant. This famous roasted duck dish dates back to the Ming Dynasty, some 600 years ago. Peking duck is named after Beijing – peking is an older spelling.

Your excursion to the majestic Great Wall won’t disappoint – it’s one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It’s approximately a two-hour drive each way to the Mutianyu section, one of the best-preserved areas. All coach transportation on your luxury tour includes two seats for every guest, for maximum comfort.

Featuring guard towers dating back to the Ming dynasty, it used to serve as the northern barrier defending the capital and the imperial tombs. You’ll feel as if you have the whole way to yourself as you take your time strolling along the wall, that snakes through the hills and seemingly endlessly into the distance. Being perched on this incredible feat of engineering and surveying the spectacular surrounding countryside is a truly unforgettable experience.

Please note: The Great Wall of China does not have an option for a lift or gondola that takes you to the top. You will have 1 - 2 hours to visit. Usually, it takes 1.5 hours for the portion that you will be climbing. 

After breakfast, you’ll be taken to Beijing West Train Station to board the high-speed train to Xi’an. It’s almost a six hour journey but you’ll be travelling in comfort, in first class.

Upon arrival, your guide and driver will meet you.

Xi’an is one of the oldest cities in China and the final resting place of the first Emperor of China. It’s home to many historical sites and was the first Chinese city to open its doors to the world during the Tang Dynasty. Xi’an was the capital for 11 dynasties, over a period of more than 2,000 years.

This historic city is also known as a culinary destination. Tonight’s Inspiring Taste is the perfect chance to have a first taste of Xi’an with dinner at Xi’an Fanzhuang, a local traditional restaurant.

This morning, we’ll visit the incredible Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. Rich in Buddhist culture, this pagoda is a gem of Chinese ancient architectural history. The temple was originally used to keep sutras and figurines of the Buddha that were brought back from India in the seventh century. Over time, it has become a holy place for pilgrims.

Next we’ll see the ancient City Wall; the oldest, largest and best-preserved Chinese city walls. It was originally built during the old Tang Dynasty (618–907), then enlarged during the Ming Dynasty to protect the city. The entire wall is 13.7 km long, with a deep moat and 98 ramparts to defend against the enemy climbing up. We’ll take a cycling tour on the wall.

For lunch, try a traditional local food – steamed lamb bubble up.

In the afternoon we’ll go to Gao’s Grand Courtyard, a well-preserved traditional residence where we’ll enjoy the folk art of shadow puppetry.

We’ll end the day with a walking tour in the famous Muslim Quarter, with its many delicious local snacks and souvenirs.

This morning, it’s a drive of about an hour and a half to experience the magnificence of the famous Terracotta Warriors. View the enigmatic ranks of the underground Terracotta Army, the 2000-year-old army of clay statues that guarded the tomb of China’s first emperor until a chance discovery in 1974.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was one of the most significant archeological discoveries of the 20th century.

Enjoy a local lunch before heading back to Xi’an city centre. You’ll have a free afternoon to relax or explore.

You’ll be driven to Xi’an train station for your first-class bullet train to Chongqing. Upon arrival, you’ll be taken to enjoy a traditional hotpot lunch, a local favourite.

Then, you’ll embark on your luxury cruise downstream through this stunning section of the famed Yangtze River, a place of historic and cultural importance to China.

The Yangtze River is the largest river in Asia and the third largest in the world. The river begins in remote mountainous regions and winds its way through stunning gorges to bring life to millions of people. It’s famous for its impressive scenery, much like a dreamy landscape painting.

There will be a welcome safety briefing and the ship will depart from the port at about 9.30pm.

This morning, you’ll have the option of visiting well-known Fengdu Ghost City (additional expense). If you’d prefer to stay onboard, enjoy the lectures about the Yangtze and the Three Gorges Dam Project. Other activities and amenities will, of course, be available onboard.

In the afternoon, take a walking tour of legendary Shibaozhai Pagoda, with a rich history of more than 400 years. The literal translation of Shibaozhai is ‘precious stone fortress’, as the distinctive red stone pavilion was built against the side of a steep, rocky hill. This 12-storey temple was constructed in 1819 so people could reach the Buddhist temple at the very top. Before it was built, people reached its peak using a system of chains. You can climb to the top for a stunning panoramic view of the winding river, the village and the countryside.

Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s Welcome, with a cocktail reception in the lounge before dinner. There will be a cabaret show, based on the traditions and folklore of the famed Yangtze River.

This morning you will have the option of visiting the historic and cultural site of the White Emperor City (additional expense). If you prefer to stay onboard, the onboard lectures of the Yangtze and the Three Gorges Dam Project besides other activities will be available for your afternoon entertainment. Returning back to your Century Ship your cruise will sail through the magnificent Qutang and Wu Gorges.

The port of Wushan will be the starting point of your afternoon excursion to Shennv Stream, also known as Beauty Stream. You’ll change into a smaller boat to cruise up the newly created waterways, between narrow gorges and sheer cliffs where you can enjoy spectacular scenery – you’ll see evidence of early settlements in the form of hanging coffins suspended high up on the limestone cliff faces.

Tonight’s entertainment includes a talent show with the crew. Bingo and other games will be available after dinner.

After an early breakfast, you’ll disembark at Yichang and visit the Three Gorges Dam.

The dam is the largest – and most expensive – engineering project in the world, spanning 2,335 metres in length and 181 metres in height. Although the dam will produce clean energy to reduce China’s reliance on coal, it’s not without controversy.

You’ll then take the bullet train to Shanghai. Your journey in first class will take about seven and a half hours, arriving late.

Your Inspiring Stay at the stylish Le Royal Meridien Shanghai, located on one of Shanghai’s most important streets, provides the perfect base for enjoying this delightful city. Ascending 66 storeys over the expanse of Shanghai, it offers superior service and modern design. Take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the Huangpu River, People's Park and the spectacular Shanghai skyline from floor-to-ceiling glass windows in all guest rooms.

Shanghai, the largest city by population in the world, is renowned for its architecture, world-class museums and galleries. It’s a city of contrasts and the interesting blend of old and new is part of its charm.

We’ll take a break from the city and take a day trip to charming, ancient Zhujiajiao Water Town today, boasting a history of more than 1,700 years. Here you’ll find quaint, well-preserved old bridges crossing bubbling streams, small rivers shaded by willow trees and charming houses with courtyards. It’s a tranquil, serene place for reflection.

We’ll head to People’s Square and visit the Shanghai Museum, housed in a modern building with a distinctive round top to represent heaven and a square base to represent land. You’ll find five floors of ancient Chinese history, from ancient bronze and jade artifacts to old coins, paintings and ceramics. There are more than 120,000 pieces here across 11 galleries.

Then, get a different perspective of this enthralling city from the Jin Mao Tower Observation Deck, for a panoramic view of Shanghai from the 88th floor.

For lunch, enjoy a famed culinary delight of the region, a traditional xiao long bao.

We’ll take an afternoon stroll. Be amazed by the combination of traditional Chinese and Western culture by enjoying a walking tour along The Bund. This famous waterfront promenade is a must-visit. You’ll see historic buildings – a living museum of colonial history – and across the water, enjoy the contrast of the famous Shanghai skyline, with the modern skyscrapers of the Pudong District. Shanghai is home to some of the world’s biggest buildings. Try to spot the 632-metre-tall Shanghai Tower and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, with its distinctive pink spheres.

Then, pedestrian-friendly Nanjing Road is the best-known shopping street, also a thriving dining and entertainment precinct. It’s all here – big chain stores, iconic Chinese department stores like Sincere and Wing On, expensive boutiques and street vendors.

We’ll end the day with a glimpse of dazzling Shanghai from the Huangpu River on a relaxing cruise – enjoy the modern and colonial contrasts of the city and see famous attractions like Yangpu Bridge, the landmark Oriental Pearl Tower and the old iron Waibaidu Bridge.

Enjoy one last delicious breakfast this morning, before your Chinese adventure comes to an end.

At the appropriate time you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this extraordinary journey.

Check out: Passengers will be departing at various times throughout the day. Standard hotel check-out times will apply no matter what time your flight is scheduled to depart. Check-out time is generally anywhere from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or alternatively please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. Please note this service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost. Your tour guide (or hotel staff) will confirm the time of your airport transfer with you directly.

Arrive home today after your amazing adventure, we hope you have been Inspired!