Best of China & the Yangtze River with Hong Kong
Best of China & the Yangtze River with Hong Kong
$7018
Best of China & the Yangtze River with Hong Kong
17 Days
Visiting: Arrive In Beijing, China, Beijing, Beijing-Great Wall Excursion, Beijing-Xi’An, Xi’An, Xi’An-Chengdu, Chengdu, Chengdu-Chongqing (Embarkation)-Yangtze River Cruise, Cruising: Mountain Shuanggui, Cruising: Qutang Gorge-Wu Gorge-Goddess Stream, Cruising: (Disembarkation) Three Gorges Dam Site-Yichang-Hangzhou, Hangzhou-Shanghai, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Asia
Tour operator:
Tour code:
OCE-2025
Tour Overview
Ancient wonders. Modern cities. Timeless traditions. Like a classic Chinese dumpling, this tour of China is filled with flavor, zest, and delectable elements of surprise. From the hutongs of Beijing to the longtangs of Shanghai, you’ll savor every Far East experience you’ve ever craved, including a rickshaw ride through Beijing’s narrow alleyways, a walk along the Great Wall, and a 3-night cruise through the magnificent Three Gorges of the winding, wondrous Yangtze, Asia’s longest river. This truly hands-on vacation will teach you the ancient art of tea making,, the calming practice of tai chi, and the delicate art of making traditional dim sum, the dumpling whose name means “to touch the heart.” Expect additional flutters when you enter the Forbidden City, stand before Xi’an’s Terracotta Army, and observe the daily habits of the native pandas of Chengdu. Go farther into the Far East to Hong Kong. The region’s diverse neighborhoods and natural escapes are only matched by the varied ways to see them. Enjoy guided sightseeing aboard a Star Ferry cruise, a cable car ascent on Victoria Peak, and a ride on the “Ding Ding,” Hong Kong’s historic double decker tram.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Beijing,China
Location: Arrive In Beijing, China
Hotel rooms are available for a mid-afternoon check-in.
ARRIVE IN BEIJING, CHINA Welcome to China! Hotel rooms are available for a mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2: Beijing
Location: Beijing
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your full-day sightseeing starts with a visit to Tian’anmen Square. Next, explore the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest palace complex in the world. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Summer Palace, a beautifully preserved imperial garden. Tonight, savor a special Peking duck welcome dinner.
BEIJING Treasures of the Forbidden City Your full-day sightseeing starts with a visit to Tian’anmen Square. Next, explore the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest palace complex in the world. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Summer Palace, a beautifully preserved imperial garden. Tonight, savor a special Peking duck welcome dinner. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORY & MYSTERY Visit the largest public square in the world at Tian’anmen Square. Translated, this Gate of Heavenly Peace carries great cultural significance as the site of many important events in China’s history, including the protests and 1989. The Forbidden City harkens back to China’s great emperors, showcases ancient Chinese architecture, landscaped gardens, and displays of rare art and artifacts.
Day 3: Beijing-Great Wall Excursion
Location: Beijing-Great Wall Excursion
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, visit the Temple of Heaven, founded in the 15th century. Then, head north to a village where the Great Wall of China is well preserved and walk along the wall for sweeping vistas. This mammoth fortress once stretched 4,000 miles across China’s barren northern terrain from the Bohai Sea to the Gobi Desert. Return to Beijing for some time at your leisure.
BEIJING-GREAT WALL EXCURSION Heaven’s Gates & the Great Wall This morning, visit the Temple of Heaven, founded in the 15th century. Then, head north to a village where the Great Wall of China is well preserved and walk along the wall for sweeping vistas. This mammoth fortress once stretched 4,000 miles across China’s barren northern terrain from the Bohai Sea to the Gobi Desert. Return to Beijing for some time at your leisure. (B,L)FREE TIME TIPS EXPLORE MORE You may wish to attend a performance of the Peking Opera, a traditional form of Chinese theater, or a kung fu show. This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus.
Day 4: Beijing-Xi’An
Location: Beijing-Xi’An
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Take a [LF] rickshaw ride through one of Beijing’s hutongs, the city’s ancient alleys. Enjoy a local noodle lunch before a short flight brings you to Xi’an this afternoon.
BEIJING-XI’AN Hutongs & Hot Noodles Take a [LF] rickshaw ride through one of Beijing’s hutongs, the city’s ancient alleys. Enjoy a local noodle lunch before a short flight brings you to Xi’an this afternoon. (B,L)LOCAL FAVORITEEPIC RIDE Travel by rickshaw through the ancient alleyways and courtyards of Beijing to take in the true culture of its hutongs and Siheyuan. Get an insight to the old lifestyle in these cultural icons of Chinese tradition.
Day 5: Xi’An
Location: Xi’An
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Sightseeing begins with an 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 this burial site for 2,000 years. Later, visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, and Xi’an’s ancient City Wall, built in 1378.
XI’AN Silent Sentinels Sightseeing begins with an 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 this burial site for 2,000 years. Later, visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, and Xi’an’s ancient City Wall, built in 1378. (B,L) FREE TIME TIPS EXPLORE MORE Tonight, consider a performance of the Tang Dynasty dinner show, featuring a colorful assemblage of classical performances. This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus.
Day 6: Xi’An-Chengdu
Location: Xi’An-Chengdu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, transfer to the train station for your high-speed train to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province and known for its flavorful food. Visit Jinli Cultural Street, a pedestrian street lined with ancient buildings with the architectural stylings from the late Qing dynasty. Also see People’s Park, where you may see local residents playing mahjong or practicing tai chi. Tonight, enjoy a Sichuan hot pot dinner followed by a [LF] face-changing performance.
XI’AN-CHENGDU The Many Faces of Chengdu This morning, transfer to the train station for your high-speed train to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province and known for its flavorful food. Visit Jinli Cultural Street, a pedestrian street lined with ancient buildings with the architectural stylings from the late Qing dynasty. Also see People’s Park, where you may see local residents playing mahjong or practicing tai chi. Tonight, enjoy a Sichuan hot pot dinner followed by a [LF] face-changing performance. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITECULTURAL GEM Bian lian (face changing) is a traditional Chinese technique in which performers use masks to reflect mood changes of their character. An important aspect of Sichuan opera, the faces change faster than your eye can detect, using secrets passed down from generation to generation.
Day 7: Chengdu
Location: Chengdu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Journey through the mountainous scenery to the Wolong Giant Panda Nature Reserve, home to over 170 pandas. Learn how this area protects and rehabilitates these beautiful animals. This afternoon and evening at yours to explore this city more.
CHENGDU Beauty in Black & White Journey through the mountainous scenery to the Wolong Giant Panda Nature Reserve, home to over 170 pandas. Learn how this area protects and rehabilitates these beautiful animals. This afternoon and evening at yours to explore this city more. (B,L)FREE TIME TIPSTIME & TRADITIONS Enjoy a free afternoon and evening in Chengdu. Your Tour Director will have expert advice on the best ways to relax and enjoy Chengdu this afternoon. Your GlobusGO mobile app has directions and recommendations as well!
Day 8: Chengdu-Chongqing (Embarkation)-Yangtze River Cruise
Location: Chengdu-Chongqing (Embarkation)-Yangtze River Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take the high-speed train to Chongqing, China’s capital during World War II. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and visit the Three Gorges Museum. Enjoy some free time in the Ciqikou ancient town, also known as Little Chongqing before boarding your ship for a 3-night cruise through the breathtaking Three Gorges of the Yangtze.
CHENGDU-CHONGQING (EMBARKATION)-YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE Gorgeous Gorges of the Yangtze Take the high-speed train to Chongqing, China’s capital during World War II. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and visit the Three Gorges Museum. Enjoy some free time in the Ciqikou ancient town, also known as Little Chongqing before boarding your ship for a 3-night cruise through the breathtaking Three Gorges of the Yangtze. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDERS Embark on an adventure on the Yangtze River along the most scenic section of this UNESCO World Heritage region of the Three Gorges. Breathtaking sights and legendary stories flow through the Qutang, Wu, and Xiling gorges gracing the middle reaches of this iconic river.
Day 9: Cruising: Mountain Shuanggui
Location: Cruising: Mountain Shuanggui
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your shore excursion today takes you to Mountain Shuanggui, known for its picturesque scenery and featuring cliff brush writings dating to the Song dynasty. Return to your ship where the afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy a variety of onboard activities. This evening, your Captain hosts a welcome party and dinner.
CRUISING: MOUNTAIN SHUANGGUI Stories of the Song Dynasty Your shore excursion today takes you to Mountain Shuanggui, known for its picturesque scenery and featuring cliff brush writings dating to the Song dynasty. Return to your ship where the afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy a variety of onboard activities. This evening, your Captain hosts a welcome party and dinner. (B,L,D)FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE You may choose to take an optional shore excursion to Fengdu, known by many in China as the “Ghost City,” to visit the mountaintop shrines.
Day 10: Cruising: Qutang Gorge-Wu Gorge-Goddess Stream
Location: Cruising: Qutang Gorge-Wu Gorge-Goddess Stream
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early this morning, you may choose to start your day with a tai chi lesson 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. After lunch, disembark for a boat excursion down Goddess Stream. Along the way, see picturesque scenery and mysterious hanging wooden coffins.
CRUISING: QUTANG GORGE-WU GORGE-GODDESS STREAM Narrow Escapes Early this morning, you may choose to start your day with a tai chi lesson 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. After lunch, disembark for a boat excursion down Goddess Stream. Along the way, see picturesque scenery and mysterious hanging wooden coffins. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT SPECTACULAR SERENITY Sail through 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.
Day 11: Cruising: (Disembarkation) Three Gorges Dam Site-Yichang-Hangzhou
Location: Cruising: (Disembarkation) Three Gorges Dam Site-Yichang-Hangzhou
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, visit the awe-inspiring hydroelectric marvel of Three Gorges Dam Site, the largest dam of its kind in the world. After lunch in Yichang, board your flight to Hangzhou, one of China’s seven ancient capitals.
CRUISING: (DISEMBARKATION) THREE GORGES DAM SITE-YICHANG-HANGZHOU The Power of Water This morning, visit the awe-inspiring hydroelectric marvel of Three Gorges Dam Site, the largest dam of its kind in the world. After lunch in Yichang, board your flight to Hangzhou, one of China’s seven ancient capitals. (B,L)
Day 12: Hangzhou-Shanghai
Location: Hangzhou-Shanghai
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Start your tour of Hangzhou with a [LF] sampan cruise on West Lake, A UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then visit Linyin Temple, followed by a demonstration of the tea-making process and lunch at a local tea farm. This afternoon, settle in for a comfortable drive to Shanghai, China’s most populous city.
HANGZHOU-SHANGHAI Timeless Traditions Start your tour of Hangzhou with a [LF] sampan cruise on West Lake, A UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then visit Linyin Temple, followed by a demonstration of the tea-making process and lunch at a local tea farm. This afternoon, settle in for a comfortable drive to Shanghai, China’s most populous city. (B,L)LOCAL FAVORITEEPIC RIDE Flanked by temples, gardens, pavilions, and causeways, West Lake has inspired many artists and scholars for centuries. Enjoy the morning sun glowing on the water as you cruise on a sampan, a traditional wooden boat.
Day 13: Shanghai
Location: Shanghai
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, stroll along the Bund, the city’s riverfront boulevard lined with historic buildings, banks, and trade houses. Then, visit Yu Yuan Gardens, dating back to the Ming Dynasty. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner.
SHANGHAI Dumplings & Dynasties This morning, stroll along the Bund, the city’s riverfront boulevard lined with historic buildings, banks, and trade houses. Then, visit Yu Yuan Gardens, dating back to the Ming Dynasty. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURE & TRADITION At dinner, get a taste of 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 eat lovingly!
Day 14: Shanghai,Hong Kong
Location: Shanghai, Hong Kong
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, fly to Hong Kong, Asia’s vibrant commercial capital.
SHANGHAI–HONG KONG Hello, Hong Kong! Today, fly to Hong Kong, Asia’s vibrant commercial capital. (B)
Day 15: Hong Kong
Location: Hong Kong
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Sightseeing beings with a ride on the popular Star Ferry from Kowloon Island to Hong Kong Island.
HONG KONG Dim Sum & Then Some Sightseeing beings with a ride on the popular Star Ferry from Kowloon Island to Hong Kong Island. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHTTRADITIONS & TASTES Explore Hong Kong Island with a cable-car ride up Victoria Peak for panoramic views. Then, explore the old Sheung Wan neighborhood and visit the dried seafood market. Savor a dim sum lunch before traversing the Central District abroad the historic “Ding Ding” double decker tram.
Day 16: Hong Kong
Location: Hong Kong
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a full day at your leisure.
HONG KONG At Your Own Pace Enjoy a full day at your leisure. (B)FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE View the Giant Buddha on Lantau Island or take a full-day outing to historic Macau.
Day 17: Hong Kong
Location: Hong Kong
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.
HONG KONG Homeward Bound Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
UNESCO Sites
Forbidden City|Temple of Heaven|Terracotta Warriors|West Lake
Accommodation
Beijing:Hotel New Otani Chang Fu GongXi'an:Crowne Plaza Xi'anChengdu:Kempinski Hotel ChengduYangtze River:Victoria SabrinaHangzhou:Sofitel Hangzhou WestLakeShanghai:Crowne Plaza ShanghaiHong Kong:Harbour Grand Kowloon
Check out our Q&As
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Mar
2026 Apr
2026 May
2026 Jun
2026 Jul
2026 Aug
2026 Sep
2026 Oct
2026
Friday - Sunday
Apr 18, 2025 - May 04, 2025Friday - Sunday
May 09, 2025 - May 25, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jun 06, 2025 - Jun 22, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jul 18, 2025 - Aug 03, 2025Friday - Sunday
Aug 22, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025Friday - Sunday
Sep 19, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025Friday - Sunday
Oct 03, 2025 - Oct 19, 2025Friday - Sunday
Oct 17, 2025 - Nov 02, 2025Friday - Sunday
Mar 27, 2026 - Apr 12, 2026Friday - Sunday
Apr 17, 2026 - May 03, 2026Friday - Sunday
May 08, 2026 - May 24, 2026Friday - Sunday
Jun 05, 2026 - Jun 21, 2026Friday - Sunday
Jul 17, 2026 - Aug 02, 2026Friday - Sunday
Aug 21, 2026 - Sep 06, 2026Friday - Sunday
Sep 18, 2026 - Oct 04, 2026Friday - Sunday
Oct 02, 2026 - Oct 18, 2026Friday - Sunday
Oct 16, 2026 - Nov 01, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Globus requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.