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BEIJING – XIAN – WUHAN – YICHANG – THE YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE – CHONGQING – SHANGHAI – GUILIN – LONGSHENG (LONGJI) – YANGSHUO – HONG KONG (Optional Day Excursion to Suzhou and Hangzhou)
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China Prime Tours
THE MIGHTY YANGTZE (21 Days)
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EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT
Save $200 per person plus cruise cabin upgrade with VIP amenities with reservation and deposit submitted 90 days or more prior to departure!
Featured Location
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21 Days/19 Nights Tour
All Inclusive Land & Cruise Tour Fares From $4195 P/P
(after early bird discount with deposit 90 days or more prior to departure)
BEIJING – XIAN – WUHAN – YICHANG – THE YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE – CHONGQING – SHANGHAI – GUILIN – LONGSHENG (LONGJI) – YANGSHUO – HONG KONG (Optional Excursion to Suzhou and Hangzhou)
As our longest scheduled tour, the Mighty Yangtze gives you an in-depth and complete experience of both the ancient treasures and modern wonders of China by exploring all the major cities in mainland China and Hong Kong. By cruising on the Yangtze with the Five Star MV. President No. 8 Cruise Ship with private balcony, you will also experience the breathtaking sceneries of the famous Three Gorges. Many travelers have considered this trip a “once in a lifetime” experience for its great value and complete inclusion of all major cities and attractions. |
Itinerary
AB: American Breakfast • L: Lunch • D: Dinner • SD: Special Dinner
Day 01 (Mon) US/BEIJING
Take an international flight from the US to Beijing, China. Meals and snacks will be served on the plane. Movies will also be available during the flight.
Day 02 (Tues) BEIJING
Upon arrival in Beijing, you will be met and transferred to your hotel by our tour guide. For those arriving in Beijing earlier today, you may spend the rest of the day for leisure or join in the optional tours in Beijing.
(For information about optional tours, please click on “Option” of the top menu bar on this page.)
Day 03 (Wed) BEIJING (AB, L, SD)
Today you will visit Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the largest and most intact conglomeration of ancient structures of the imperial palace. This was the palace for 24 Ming and Qing Dynasty emperors who ruled China for over 500 years. Take a photo stop at the National Center for the Performing Arts, also known as the National Grand Theatre, designed by the French architect Paul Andreu. You will also tour the Summer Palace, the famous resort of Empress Dowager Ci Xi. Feast your eyes on the Long Corridor, Longevity Hill, and Kunming Lake. If time permits, you may also have the opportunity to see pandas at Beijing Zoo located nearby the Summer Palace. Attend a welcome Peking Duck Dinner tonight.
Day 04 (Thurs) BEIJING (AB, L)
The highlight today is a trip to the astonishing Great Wall of China at Juyongguan Pass, one of the most remarkable feats of mankind. After lunch, you will stroll along the Sacred Way guarding the Ming Tombs, lined with different statutes of animals such as lions, elephants, camels and etc. Later in the day, you will make a photo stopover at the Olympic Park where you will view the exterior of the Bird Nest-China National Stadium and Water Cube-China National Aquatic Center. Upon return to the city proper of Beijing, enjoy the foot massage for your relaxation and spend the rest of the evening for leisure.
Day 05 (Fri) BEIJING (AB, L)
This morning you will visit the UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site - the Temple of Heaven where emperors used to pray for good harvest. You will also attend a morning lesson of Taiji (also referred to as Taichi by the Westerners) exercise on the site of the Temple of Heaven given by a professional. Taichi is a type of internal Chinese martial art practiced for both its defense training and its health benefits. T’ai chi theory and practice evolved in agreement with many Chinese philosophical principles, including those of Taoism and Confucianism. After lunch, you enjoy your free afternoon for leisure or shopping. You may also take an optional tour of Hutong (Chinese alleyways) by riding aboard a rickshaw pedicab through the narrow lanes of the old residential quarters in the afternoon.
Hutongs are a type of narrow streets or alleys in Beijing, formed by lines of siheyuan, traditional courtyard residences. Many neighbourhoods were formed by joining one siheyuan to another to form a hutong, and then joining one hutong to another. Hutongs represent an important cultural element of the city of Beijing. Thanks to Beijing’s long history and status as capital for six dynasties, almost every hutong has its anecdotes, and some are even associated with historic events. In contrast to the court life and elite culture represented by the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and the Temple of Heaven, the hutongs reflect the culture of grassroots Beijingers. The hutongs are residential neighborhoods which still form the heart of Old Beijing. Taking a Hutong tour is a great way to enjoy the local cultures, giving you a unique opportunity to glimpse into the local resident's daily life.
Day 06 (Sat) BEIJING/XIAN (AB, SD)
After breakfast, you will take a flight to Xian, the ancient capital city for 11 dynasties in Chinese history. Upon arrival at the airport in Xian, you will be met and taken to tour the well preserved Ancient City Wall of Xian. After hotel check-in, enjoy some free time for leisure, before attending a dumpling dinner banquet, followed by an on-stage show of Tang Dynasty dance and music.
Day 07 (Sun) XIAN (AB, L)
The excursion today takes you to visit the Tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang and see the awesome Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses, widely regarded as the eighth wonder of the world. After lunch, you may enjoy the rest of the day for leisure or join the optional night walking tour of Muslim Street, known for the local yummy snacks and a variety of local artifacts.
Day 08 (Mon) XIAN/WUHAN/YICHANG (AB, L, D)
Today you will take a flight for Wuhan, where you will be met and transferred for a high speed train ride (or bus ride) to Yichang. If time permits, you may take a brief side trip in the city of Wuhan. Upon arrival in Yichang, you will be met and transferred to the pier in Sandouping to embark on the Five Star MV. President Cruise Ship No. 8. Spend the night onthe cruise ship. Ship departs late at mid night and enters Xiling Gorge.
Day 09 (Tues) THE YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE: XILING GORGE/THREE GORGES DAM (AB, L, D)
Enjoy this morning for leisure or attend the onboard cultural programs. You may also take an optional shore excursion of the Tribes of the Three Gorges to take a glimpse into the local life of Xiling Gorge. After lunch you will take a shore excursion of the Three Gorges Dam. Return to the ship in the afternoon, while the cruise ship will pass through the five level shiplocks of the well-known Three Gorges Dam, giving you a unique opportunity to experience the grandeur of the world’s biggest dam project. Attend Captain’s Welcome Party while ship continues sailing through the Xiling Gorge.
Day 10 (Wed) THE YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE: WU GORGE/BADONG/QUTANG GORGE: SHENNONG STREAM (AB, L, D)
Upon arrival in Badong this morning, you will be transferred to a pea- boat for Shennong Stream drifting to experience the breathtaking scenery. Return to the cruise ship for lunch on board while ship sails though Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge. Later in the afternoon, you may take optional shore excursion of the White Emperor City.
Day 11 (Thurs) THE YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE: FENGDU (AB, L, D)
This morning you will take an included shore excursion of Shibaozhai Pagoda, which literally means the Stone Treasure Fortress. In the afternoon, the ship is scheduled to arrive in Fengdu, the legendary home of the King of Hades-often referred to as the “ghost city: Go ashore to take an optional shore excursion of this “ghost city” and visit Mingshan Hill’s Temples. Continue sailing for Chongqing. Attend Captain’s Farewell Dinner Banquet, followed by the talent show performed by the crew tonight.
Day 12 (Fri) CHONGQING/SHANGHAI (AB)
Upon disembarking from the Yangtze cruise this morning, you will be met and taken for a brief city tour of Chongqing before taking a flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival at the airport in Shanghai, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day for leisure, or take an optional tour of Zhujiajiao Water Town in the afternoon.
Located on the outskirts of Shanghai, Zhujiajiao Water Town enjoys a history of more than 1700 years, has been well known for the well preserved cultures and ancient architectural style buildings including the unique old stone bridges.
Day 13 (Sat) SHANGHAI (AB, L, SD)
Shanghai, China’s largest city (home to 16 million people), is also China’s principal port on a deep estuary of the Yangtze River. Often regarded as “the Paris of the East,” Shanghai has retained the flavor of its past European influences.
The excursion today takes you to the Bund - a waterfront area that showcases many landmark buildings of western style built in the early 20th century, the bustling Nanjing Road, Chenghuangmiao Old Town, and Tianzifang, an old neighborhood with hidden alleyways full of boutiques and art galleries. You will also visit the well-known Shanghai Museum of Art and History, which ranks among the great museums of the world. Attend a farewell dinner celebration of Shanghai cuisine in the evening, followed by an optional cruise on Huangpu River to enjoy a fascinating night view of Shanghai.
Day 14 (Sun) SHANGHAI/SUZHOU/SHANGHAI (AB)
Today you could enjoy your free day for leisure, or take an optional excursion to Suzhou with lunch included.
Today you will take a bus or bullet train ride to Suzhou, noted for landscaped classic gardens. You will cruise on the world famous ancient Grand Canal of more than 2400 years history to experience the unique cultures and glimpse the daily life of the local residents. You will also visit the silk embroidery factory, the Master of Fishing Nets Garden and the ancient Panmen Gate, the only existing water & land gate. Take a stroll along the famous Shan Tang Street with a history of more than 1100 years, where you can still experience the past prosperity of Suzhou and its traditional cultures well preserved. Return to Shanghai in late afternoon.
Day 15 (Mon) SHANGHAI/HANGZHOU/SHANGHAI (AB)
Today you could enjoy your free day for leisure, or take an optional excursion to Hangzhou with lunch included.
Proclaimed by Marco Polo as "the most beautiful and splendid city in the world", Hangzhou has been well known for its stunning natural and cultural beauty. This morning you will take a bus or bullet train ride to Hangzhou for a full day sightseeing. You will cruise the scenic West Lake, the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, while enjoying the fascinating sceneries around the lake. View the goldfish at Flower Harbour at the West Lake, which is considered one of the top ten scenic attractions of the West Lake. Visit the Pagoda of Six Harmonies, originally built in the year 970 AD. You will also enjoy some time learning the Chinese tea culture at a tea orchard for the famous Longjin tea, which was once granted the status of imperial tea by the emperor in Qing Dynasty. The pan-rasted green tea is produced mostly by hand and renowned for high quality. Return to Shanghai by bus or bullet train in the afternoon.Today you could enjoy your free day for leisure, or take an optional excursion to Suzhou with lunch included.
Day 16 (Tues) SHANGHAI/GUILIN (AB)
Enjoy the free morning for leisure, before being picked up and transferred to the airport for your afternoon flight to Guilin, famous for its picturesque limestone peaks and rivers. Upon arrival at the airport in Guilin, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Day 17 (Wed) GUILIN/LONGSHENG (LONGJI)/GUILIN (AB, L, D)
After breakfast, you will take a day excursion by motor vehicle ride to Longsheng County known for the ethnic minority cultures and the amazing Longji Terraced Rice Fields. You will take a walking tour of the famous Longji Terraced Rice Fields which are built along the slope winding from the riverside up to the mountain top, giving a spectacular scenery. Longji (Dragon’s Backbone) Terraced Rice Fields received their name because the rice terraces resemble a dragon’s scales, while the summit of the mountain range looks like the backbone of the dragon. After lunch at the restaurant run by the local villagers, you will tour Ping An Village and a local market to experience the local culture of Zhuang ethnic group. Drive back to Guilin in late afternoon.
Day 18 (Thurs) GUILIN/YANGSHUO (AB, L, D)
This morning you will take a motor vehicle ride to Yangshuo, an incredibly beautiful town with its landscape dotted with karst peaks and the Li River winding around it. Upon arrival in Yangshuo, you will take a walking tour and stroll on the Xi Jie (West Street) which has attracted so many foreign tourists that it has been even called the “Global Village”. You will also take a relaxing cruise on the Li River while enjoying the haunting beauty of the mist-wrapped monolithic peaks along the riverbanks. Later in the afternoon, you may take optional hiking or biking tours if time permits. After dinner, attend the Folk Dance and Music Show given by the ethnic minority performers. Stay overnight in Yangshuo.
(For information about optional tours, please click on “Option” of the top menu bar on this page.)
Day 19 (Fri) YANGSHUO/SHENZHEN/HONG KONG (AB)
After breakfast, you will take a departure transfer to the train Station to board high speed bullet train to Shenzhen, a neighboring city across Hong Kong. Upon arrival at the airport in Shenzhen, you will be picked up and transferred directly to your hotel in Hong Kong, “The Pearl of the Orient”. You may stroll around for leisure or shopping for the rest of the day.
Day 20 (Sat) HONG KONG (AB)
Today’s half-day seat-in-coach tour of Hong Kong Island takes you to the Stanley Market, the Aberdeen Fishing Village, Repulse Bay and Victoria Peak for a breathtaking view of the city and its harbor. The rest of the day will be free for you to experience the vibrancy and vitality of urban Hong Kong on your own.
Day 21 (Sun) HONG KONG/US (AB)
After breakfast, you will take a departure transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
Tour Features
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All domestic air and ground transportation.
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13 nights hotel accommodations at five-star deluxe hotels.
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4 nights deluxe cabin with private balcony at Five-Star MV. President No. 7 Cruise Ship on the Yangtze River with shore excursions and three meals daily on board. In addition, for those who make tour reservation with deposit by Jan. 31st, 2019, their cruise cabins will be upgraded to executive deck with VIP amenities including complimentary offerings of house wine, beer and soft drinks at lunch and dinner on board, two hours complimentary access to Wi-Fi service on board, priority seating for evening shows on board and etc.
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Escorted tours and sightseeing with admission and English speaking tour guides in each city.
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38 meals: 17 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 10 dinners including Peking duck dinner, dumpling dinner banquet in Xian, and Shanghai cuisine farewell dinner party.
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Cultural entertainments: Tang Dynasty dance and music show with dinner in Xian, and shipboard singing and dancing show on the cruise.
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2024 Departures |
Land Tour Fares |
Single Supplement |
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8/31-9/20 9/07-9/27 10/05-10/25
10/12-11/01 10/19-11/08 |
$4895 |
$1850 |
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11/02-11/22 |
$4395 |
$1600
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The cruise itineraries including shore excursions are subject to seasonal change at the time of operation due to the construction of the Three Gorges Dam Project and the river conditions.
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The above land only prices are inclusive of the domestic air fares in China along with Chinese taxes and air fuel surcharges.
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The initial airport arrival transfer in Beijing and final airport departure transfer in Hong Kong are not included if your transpacific flight is booked on your own.
Transpacific Air Fares Booked Through Champion Holidays in Conjunction with the Above Itinerary
Complementary initial airport arrival transfer in Beijing and final airport departure transfer in Hong Kong are provided if your transpacific flight is booked with Air China through Champion Holidays in conjunction with the above tour schedule
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Gateway |
Mar. -
April |
May
1-19 |
May 20 -
Aug. 31 |
Sept. 1 -
Oct. 31 |
Nov. 1 -
Dec. 9 |
Dec.
10-23 |
Dec.
24-31 |
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LAX |
$1320 |
$1520 |
$1850 |
$1520 |
$1320 |
$1850 |
$1520 |
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JFK |
$1520 |
$1620 |
$1950 |
$1620 |
$1520 |
$1950 |
$1620 |
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The above preferred air fares are available based on limited spaces, and could be secured when reservation with full payment for international air fare is received more than 90 days prior to departure. The above air fares are subject to confirmation by Air China, the featured airlines;
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The above international air fares are inclusive of airlines fuel surcharges, and the government imposed taxes and fees including the September 11 security fee. Additional baggage charges may apply. For details about baggage allowance information, please check www.airchina.us.
For group reservation of 10 passengers or more taking the same tour, please contact us for group incentives.
All the optional tours are English guided tours with round trip transfers and applicable admissions included. Tips and gratuities are extra at customers’ discretion.
BEIJING:
Tour of Mutianyu Great Wall of China with one way cable car fare and lunch ( available on the arrival day in Beijing (Day 2 in the itinerary) for those from LAX)
(about 6-7 hours including time for transfers and lunch)-
Code: BJMTYGW $89 P/P
The Great Wall of China at Mutianyu section is located farther away from the city proper of Beijing, and is a lot less crowded in comparison with other sections of the Great Wall. The Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall stretches about 2 miles with 22 watchtowers for you to explore. Surrounded by woodland and streams, Mutianyu Great Wall possesses unique characteristics in its construction and gives you a breathtaking view.
Tour of Yonghe Lamasery (available on the arrival day afternoon in Beijing (Day 2 in the itinerary) for those from LAX)
(2.5-3 hours including transfer time)
Code: BJYL $40 P/P
Yonghe Lamasery, also known as Lama Temple, is one of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries in the world. The building complex originally served as the official residence for Prince Yong who later became an emperor in Qing Dynasty.
Tour of 798 Art District (available on the arrival day afternoon in Beijing (Day 2 in the itinerary) for those from LAX)
(3.5-4 hours including transfer time)
Code: BJ798 $40 P/P
"798" is located in the Dashanzi area, to the northeast of central Beijing.It is the site of state-owned factories including Factory 798, which originally produced electronics. Beginning in 2002, artists and cultural organizations began to divide, rent out, and re-make the factory spaces, gradually developing them into galleries, art centers, artists' studios, design companies, restaurants, and bars. It is often compared with New York's Greenwich Village or SoHo, attracting attention from all around. Bringing together contemporary art, architecture, and culture with a historically interesting location and an urban lifestyle, "798" has evolved into a cultural concept, of interest to experts and normal folk alike, influential on our concepts of both urban culture and living space.
Hutong Tour(available on Day 5)
(2.5-3 hours)
Code: BJHT $45 P/P
The tour allows you to tour Hutongs (Chinese alleyways) by riding aboard the rickshaw pedicab through the narrow lanes of the old residential quarters in Beijing. Hutongs are a type of narrow streets or alleys in Beijing, formed by lines of siheyuan, traditional courtyard residences. Many neighbourhoods were formed by joining one siheyuan to another to form a hutong, and then joining one hutong to another. Hutongs represent an important cultural element of the city of Beijing. Thanks to Beijing’s long history and status as capital for six dynasties, almost every hutong has its anecdotes, and some are even associated with historic events. In contrast to the court life and elite culture represented by the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and the Temple of Heaven, the hutongs reflect the culture of grassroots Beijingers. The hutongs are residential neighborhoods which still form the heart of Old Beijing. Taking a Hutong tour is a great way to learn about the local cultures, giving you the oppotunity to glimpse into the local residents' daily life.
Kung Fu (Martial Art) Show
(2.5-3 hours including transfer time)
Code: BJKF $40 P/P
The entertaining one hour thirty minutes show combines the performance of Chinese martial art with modern dance.
Beijing Opera (also known as Peking Opera) Show
(2.5-3 hours including transfer time)
Code: BJPO $40 P/P
Beijing Opera has been referred to as China’s national opera, which combines the traditional Chinese music, singing and dancing with all performers in the special costumes.
SHANGHAI:
Night Cruise on Huangpu River (available on the night of Day 14, the previous night before you leave Shanghai)
(2.5-3 hours including time for transfer to pier)
Code: SHNC $45 P/P
Enjoy a fascinating night view of the city of Shanghai by cruise on Huangpu River (about one hour cruise).
Tour of Zhujiajiao Water Village (may be available on the afternoon of Day 11, the arrival day in Shanghai)
(4-5 hours including transfer time)
Code: SHZJJ $45 P/P
Located on the outskirts of Shanghai, Zhujiajiao Water Village has been well known for the well preserved cultures and ancient architectural style buildings.
Jewish Heritage Tour(may be available on the morning of Day 14-depending on your schedule for flight to Guilin)
(3-4 hours including transfer time)
Code: SHJH $40 P/P
In the 1930s, more than thirty thousand Jewish refugees came and settled in Shanghai from Europe. The tour will take you to Huoshan Park for the Monument for Jewish Refugees, the Jewish ghetto in Hongkou District, Ohel Moshe Synagogue which now serves as Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum, and etc.
Tour of the Oriental Pearl Tower(may be available on the morning of Day 14-depending on your schedule for flight to Guilin)
( 3 hours including transfer time)
Code: SHOPT $45 P/P
Being the world’s third tallest TV & Radio Tower, the Oriental Pearl Tower has enjoyed a high popularity as a distinct landmark in Shanghai. With included admission, you will have access to the observation sightseeing deck to have a bird’s eye view of Shanghai. In addition, you will also visit the Shanghai Municipal History Museum in the tower.
Acrobatic Show in Shanghai
(2.5-3 hours including transfer time)
Code: SHAS $45 P/P
The one hour and thirty minutes acrobatic show in Shanghai has been considered the best acrobatic show in China.
Day Excursion to Suzhou with Lunch (Available on Day 12)
(8-10 hours including time needed for transfer by bus or bullet train)
Code: SZDT $119 P/P
Located one and half hour drive from Shanghai, Suzhou has earned the status of one of the top tourism cities in China for its ancient canals, stone bridges, pagodas and and meticulously designed classic gardens designated as the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Suzhou is also dubbed the" Venice of the East". This morning you will take a bus or bullet train ride to Suzhou. You will cruise on the world famous ancient Grand Canal of more than 2400 years history to experience the unique cultures and glimpse the daily life of the local residents. You will also visit the silk embroidery factory, the Master of Fishing Nets Garden and the ancient Panmen Gate, the only existing water & land gate. Take a stroll along the famous Shan Tang Street with a history of more than 1100 years, where you can still experience the past prosperity of Suzhou and its traditional cultures well preserved. Return to Shanghai in late afternoon.
"This was an excellent tour. The selection of places to see was perfect. All of our tour guides were excellent, particularly Mei in Shanghai. The pace of the tour was good for us."- J. Luse
"My husband and I agreed that we had an excellent time and all of the tour guides took very well care of us." - E. & R. Cathey
"We did so much and saw so much in those days-it was a remarkable experience. China is a beautiful and ever-changing country. We loved our visit and would definitely return." - D. Schautschick & C. Patrick
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