Yangtze River Panorama - Wendy Wu Tours

Days 1-2 : UK – Beijing

Fly overnight to Beijing, China's capital city. Our evening meal includes the local delicacy, Peking Duck.

Day 3 : Beijing

Walk on the Great Wall to appreciate its historical significance and then visit the unique Temple of Heaven. Enjoy a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic show in the evening.

Days 4-5 : Chengde – Beijing

Travel by train to Chengde, the former holiday resort of the Qing Dynasty and visit the imperial mountain villas and the exceptional temples built for Tibetan and Mongolian warlords. Stay overnight in Chengde and return to Beijing the next day.

Day 6 : Beijing – Xian

Sightseeing today includes a stroll through Tiananmen Square, past Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum to the treasure-filled Forbidden City, which has the largest and best preserved collection of ancient buildings in China. We also tour the exquisite Summer Palace before boarding the overnight train to the former ancient capital of Xian.

Days 7-8 : Xian

Arrive in Xian and visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda. In the evening we will enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao dumpling meal followed by a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing. The next day, visit one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century – the Terracotta Warriors, followed by a walk along the Ancient City Wall.

Day 9 : Xian – Wuhan

Visit the renowned Shaanxi Museum which is home to thousands of priceless relics. We also stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter to visit the Great Mosque and explore the Islamic food markets before boarding the overnight train to Wuhan.

Day 10 : Wuhan – Yangtze River Cruise

Arrive in Wuhan in the morning. Visit the Yellow Crane Tower and East Lake. Transfer to Yichang to board our Yangtze River Cruise vessel.

Days 11-13 : Yangtze River Cruise

Enjoy a tour of the Three Gorges Dam before cruising upstream through some of the most dramatic scenery in the world. Over the next three days, we will take a side-trip to the striking Shennong Stream in a pea-pod boat or visit the Lesser Three Gorges and enjoy various shore excursions along the way.

Day 14 : Chongqing – Chengdu

Disembark from our cruise vessel this morning and transfer to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. Visit Mt Qincheng, a holy Taoist mountain and explore the colourful markets. Enjoy a delicious Sichuan meal in the evening.

Days 15-16 : Chengdu – Kunming

Visit the famous Panda Reserve to see these adorable animals being reared in wooded surroundings reminiscent of their natural habitat. The next day, is at leisure before boarding the overnight train to Kunming, also known as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’.

Days 17-18 : Kunming

Arrive in Kunming this morning and explore the flower market. In the evening we sample the famous Across the Bridge Noodles. The next day, explore the picturesque Stone Forest where the huge limestone columns form surreal shapes and images.

Day 19 : Kunming – Lijiang

Fly to Lijiang, a UNESCO world heritage site and wander through the quaint cobbled streets and along the meandering waterways of the Old Quarter. We also visit Black Dragon Pool.

Day 20 : Lijiang

Visit the impressive Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, which soars to a height of 5500m. Take a chairlift to explore one of the highest meadows and tour the Baisha Frescoes. In the evening, enjoy the acclaimed Naxi Ancient Music Show and admire the traditional costumes.

Day 21 : Lijiang – Zhongdian

Visit Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the most dramatic and deepest gorges in the world and enjoy the truly breathtaking scenery that surrounds it. Continue by coach to Zhongdian.

Days 22-23 : Zhongdian

Explore the Baishui Terrace, where sparkling spring water cascades over layers of limestone pools. The next day, visit Napa Hai Lake and the Songshanlin Monastery built by a historical Dalai Lama over 300 years ago.

Days 24-25 : Dali

Travel by coach to the enchanting town of Dali. Here we explore Dali’s Ancient Quarter and visit Xizhou Village to explore the bustling local market and the Yen Family House, an ancient courtyard home. We also see Bai women demonstrate their traditional tie-dying technique in Zhoucheng Village. The next day, visit the Three Pagodas and enjoy a cruise on Erhai Lake. In the evening, stroll down Foreigners' Street and soak in the lively atmosphere of the market.

Day 26 : Dali – Kunming

Fly to Kunming. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Days 27-28 : Kunming – UK

Fly overnight to the UK via Hong Kong, arriving home the following day.