Beijing - Xian - Yangtze River Cruise - Shanghai
Imperial Wonders, The Timeless Yangtze, and Global Metropolises
Beijing - Xian - Yangtze River Cruise - Shanghai
- 11 Days, 10 Nights
- Double Occupancy
- September to April
- China
Details
This is the ultimate immersion into the soul of China—an epic journey that spans iconic imperial landmarks, the ancient roots of the Silk Road, a tranquil multi-day river voyage, and a brilliant leap into the future. By combining world wonders with a slow-paced luxury cruise through China’s interior, this carefully paced itinerary offers the perfect balance of grand exploration and peaceful reflection for solo travelers and intimate private groups.
Your adventure begins in northern Beijing, standing before the monumental stone battlements of the Great Wall and walking the vast, symmetric courtyards of the Forbidden City. From the imperial capital, you travel inland to Xi’an, the ancient cradle of Chinese civilization. Here, you will stand in awe before the silent, subterranean ranks of the legendary Terracotta Army before exploring the bustling street food alleys of the historic Muslim Quarter, alive with the aromas of roasted cumin and handmade noodles.
The energy shifts beautifully as you board a boutique luxury vessel for a multi-day cruise down the Yangtze River. As you drift effortlessly through the legendary Three Gorges, the world slows down. Towering emerald cliffs rise dramatically from the water through wreaths of morning mist, revealing ancient temples perched on mountain peaks and quiet, timeless riverside villages. This peaceful river retreat offers the perfect opportunity to relax, read, and process your journey in complete comfort.
Your grand loop culminates in Shanghai, China’s dazzling window into tomorrow. Leaving the quiet river canyons behind, you are welcomed by the leafy, stylish avenues of the French Concession and the grand colonial-era architecture of the Bund waterfront. At twilight, watch the futuristic, sci-fi skyline across the river ignite into a symphony of neon light—a thrilling finale to a journey that spans centuries of human history and natural majesty.
Choose this definitive itinerary when you want to truly experience the depth and scale of China without feeling rushed. It delivers an extraordinary mix of world-class monuments, deep culinary heritage, and breathtaking natural scenery, wrapped in an effortlessly comfortable and highly secure travel experience.
$3100
Payment Terms
- $ 200 deposit is required to secure your trip!
- Set up to 10 installments plan!
- 2 months before the trip, the total cost of the trip, a copy of all participants’ passports & your flight tickets are required.
What's Included in the trip?
Included
- 3 nights accommodation in 4* or 5* Luxury Hotel in Beijing
- 2 nights accommodation in 4* or 5* Luxury Hotel in Xian
- 3 nights Yangtze River Victoria series Cruise - 4* Boat with Twin/Double Cabin includes Meals while on Board (as listed in itinerary)
- 2 nights accommodation in 4* or 5* Luxury Hotel in Shanghai
- Daily Breakfast
- Private airport transfers
- Private Guided Forbidden City Tour (Bejing)
- Private Guided Mutianyu Great Wall Tour (Beijing)
- Private Guided Beijing Tour
- High speed train tickets from Beijing to Xi’an (second class seats)
- Private Guided Terracotta Warriors and Horses Tour (Xi’an)
- High speed train tickets from Xi’an to Chongqing (second class seats)
- Private Chongqing Tour
- High speed train tickets from Yichang to Shanghai (second class seats)
- Private Guided Shanghai City Tour
- Private Guided Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour
- English speaking professional guides on your activities
- All ground transportation for scheduled activities
- 24/7 support & concierge services during your trip via whats app from our Local Team
Not Included
- Any applicable visas (U.S. passport holders will require a visa prior to arrival)
- International flights arriving at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and departing from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
- All Lunches and Dinners
- Anything not mentioned
- Travel Insurance
- Optional Tours while onboard cruise (if you wish to partake you can pay directly onboard)
Note
You will arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and depart from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).
This offer is valid for a minimum of 2 guests.
Single Occupancy Fee
Prices are calculated based on double occupancy, meaning two people sharing one room (with a friend, partner, or family member).
Single Occupancy Extra Fee: $1500
Sample Itinerary
Please note this is a sample itinerary.
Your actual itinerary may vary based on your preferences and feedback.
Welcome to Beijing
You will arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and private transportation will take you to your luxury hotel. Enjoy your hotel and relax before the next day full of adventure.
Check in & Relax!
Guided Forbitten City Tour (Full Day)
Step into the heart of an empire as you traverse the vast expanse of Tiananmen Square before entering the majestic Forbidden City. This sprawling sanctuary of nearly a thousand buildings served as the home to twenty-four emperors, its golden roofs guarded by mythical stone creatures to beckon good fortune. After exploring the hidden courts of the palace, ascend the heights of Jingshan Park—a former royal playground—to witness a breathtaking panoramic view of the imperial city below.
In the afternoon, retreat to the serene Summer Palace, a masterpiece of Chinese artistry and the world’s most renowned “Museum of Royal Gardens.” Wander through a poetic landscape of tranquil lakes, ornate pavilions, and lush hills that perfectly blend imperial grandeur with natural beauty. This is a day of deep immersion into the soul of Beijing, where every corner reveals the legends and elegance of China’s storied past.
Guided Mutianyu Great Wall Tour (full day)
Start your morning with an authentic slice of Beijing life as you join locals for their sunrise exercises in the serene Temple of Heaven Park, a peaceful sanctuary where ancient spirituality meets modern community. From there, your journey reaches new heights at the Mutianyu Great Wall, a breathtaking architectural marvel that snakes across the rugged mountain ridges. Whether you choose to challenge yourself on the historic stone paths or opt for a thrilling cable car ride and toboggan descent, you will be awestruck by the sheer scale of this ancient defensive masterpiece. To cap off your epic day, enjoy a photo stop at the iconic Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, where the cutting-edge design of China’s Olympic legacy creates a stunning contrast against the city’s timeless horizon.
Guided Beijing Tour and transfer to Xi’an by high-speed train
Kick off your morning with an enchanting visit to the Beijing Zoo’s most famous residents—the adorable giant pandas. From there, immerse yourself in the spiritual mystery of the Yonghe Temple, Beijing’s largest and most magnificent Lama Temple, where vibrant Tibetan-style architecture and fragrant incense create an atmosphere of pure serenity. The adventure takes a nostalgic turn as you hop into a traditional rickshaw to weave through the historic Hutongs, catching an intimate, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the authentic daily rhythms of local life. Finally, trade the old-world charm for modern speed as you board a high-tech bullet train to the ancient capital of Xi’an, where your private driver awaits to whisk you away to your hotel for the next chapter of your journey.
Guided Terra cotta Warriors and Horses Tour (Full Day)
Prepare for an unforgettable encounter with history as you journey to the world-renowned Terracotta Warriors Museum, where an accidental 1974 discovery revealed a massive underground army of over 7,000 life-sized sculptures. You will stand in awe before the individualized facial features and unique poses of soldiers that have stood guard for millennia, while a cinematic presentation reveals the gripping story of their burial and excavation.
The day’s legends continue at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a 1,300-year-old architectural masterpiece built to house sacred Buddhist scriptures brought back from India. To finish your day, step through a portal to the past at Datang Everbright City. This vibrant district, filled with grand Tang Dynasty-style architecture and dazzling displays, offers a stunning “time travel” experience where the golden age of ancient China comes roaring back to life.
Transfer to Chongqing by high-speed train, Guided Chongqing Tour then board cruise
After breakfast, your driver will transfer you to the railway station for a sleek high-speed train ride to Chongqing. Upon arrival, you’ll join your local guide to explore the city’s highlights before setting sail.
Start at the Liberation Monument, the iconic heart of downtown, before heading to the magical Hongya Cave. This riverside stilt-house complex looks like it was plucked straight from a Miyazaki anime, blending traditional hilly architecture with vibrant local folk culture. Finally, head to Chaotianmen Port to board your ship and begin an epic cruise down the Yangtze River, where you’ll witness some of the world’s most breathtaking natural scenery and ancient cultural treasures.
As the afternoon unfolds, dive into the sensory explosion of the Bell and Drum Tower Square and the legendary Muslim Quarter. This is a paradise for food lovers and souvenir hunters alike, where you can feast on iconic Shaanxi street food while browsing for intricate antiques and Terracotta Warrior imitations. Finally, cap off your Xi’an adventure with an evening flight to Shanghai, where a private driver will be waiting to whisk you into the heart of China’s most dazzling, modern metropolis.
Yangtze River Cruise - includes breakfast lunch and dinner
Around 8:00 AM, go ashore at Fengdu to explore the legendary Ghost City, a mystical site perched on Ming Mountain with over 2,000 years of history. This “City of Spirits” is filled with intricate temples and statues that bring Chinese mythology and beliefs about the afterlife to life.
For those seeking a different pace, you may choose an optional guided excursion to Shuanggui Mountain. Known for its “strange and quaint” beauty, this lush sanctuary offers a peaceful escape through verdant forests, flowing streams, and tranquil trails.
12:00 – Buffet lunch
16:30 – Captain Welcoming party
18:00 – Buffet Dinner
19:00 – Optional on board “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” Live show
Yangtze River Cruise - includes breakfast lunch and dinner
08:00 – Optional excursion to White Emperor City (not private) – go ashore to visit the self-funded scenic spot “Baidi City”.
or Free time to relax on board where you can participate in cultural lectures, movie screenings, leisure massage, karaoke and other activities.
10:30 – Set sail, passing through Qutang Gorge
12:00 – Buffet lunch
13:30 – Stops at the Pier and changes to an environmentally friendly boat tour ticket includes scenic spot “Lesser Three Gorges”. The Lesser Three Gorges is a scenic area along the Daning River in China, known for its stunning natural beauty, steep cliffs, and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can enjoy boat tours through the narrow gorges, surrounded by lush greenery and unique rock formations.
or
Optional tour: to the Mini Three Gorges and Dachang Ancient Town.
17:30 – Scenic Cruising – Worge
19:00 – Buffet dinner
The excitement continues back in downtown Shanghai at Tianzifang, a vibrant creative enclave hidden within a maze of traditional residential alleys. This buzzing neighborhood is a treasure trove of unique souvenir shops, trendy cafés, and artisan boutiques tucked away in well-preserved Shanghainese neighborhoods. Whether you’re hunting for novel handicrafts, savoring an open-air coffee, or sampling local street food, rambling through these narrow lanes offers an intimate and stylish look at the authentic Shanghai lifestyle.
Yangtze River Cruise - includes breakfast then Transfer to shanghai by high-speed train
After breakfast, go ashore for an awe-inspiring excursion to the Three Gorges Dam. As the world’s largest hydroelectric station, this engineering marvel is a cornerstone of the Yangtze experience, playing a vital role in China’s flood control and green energy.
At 12:30 PM, your cruise concludes as a shuttle brings you into Yichang. From there, your private driver will transfer you to the station for a high-speed train journey to Shanghai. Upon arrival in the “Pearl of the Orient,” your local driver will be waiting to whisk you away to your downtown hotel to begin your stay in this dazzling metropolis.
Guided Shanghai City Tour
Your journey begins at the enchanting Yuyuan Garden, a Ming-dynasty sanctuary of peace built as a heartfelt tribute to family. The quiet gives way to the vibrant energy of Yuyuan Market, a treasure trove where you can haggle for handcrafted fans and feast on golden crab shell cakes. By afternoon, you’ll rocket to the 88th floor of the Jinmao Tower, standing high above the clouds for a spectacular panorama of the winding Huangpu River.
The exploration continues through the chic, stone-gate alleys of Xintiandi and the neon-lit pulse of Nanjing Road, where historic department stores meet modern flair. Your day culminates at the legendary Bund, a majestic waterfront promenade where grand colonial monuments face off against the glowing, futuristic skyline of Pudong in a stunning display of Shanghai’s past and future.
Check out and goodbyes
Say your goodbyes & await your private transfer back to the airport.
Travel Plan & Logistics
Accommodations
We will provide you with a list of accommodation options based on your budget and any preferences you provide to us once your trip is confirmed – this gives you the opportunity to select the hotel that best suits your taste.
Dates of travel
The best time to travel in the China is from September to April.
Flights
Flights are not included. However, we do provide assistance with finding the right flights for your dates.
Please email us at info@jovacations.com, with your preferred dates and state of departure and we will send over some options.
2 months before the trip starts
- The total cost must be paid by all the participants
- Sign the waiver
- Send us a copy of all participants’ passports
- Send us the flight tickets of all the participants
Need Help?
- +30 697 7071562
- info@jovacations.com
Cancellation Policy
Payments and Refunds
All deposits are non-refundable.
Cancellations 60+ Days Out: If you cancel your booking 60 days or more before the trip start date, you are entitled to a refund of all amounts paid toward the trip, excluding the non-refundable deposit and any applicable bank transaction fees.
Cancellations by Client
The deposit is non-refundable.
Payments made after your deposit:
- 60 days or more before the trip starts: free cancellation & refund, excluding the per-person deposit & bank transaction fees.
- 60-0 days before the trip starts, 100% cancellation fees apply.
Amendments and Transfers
Clients may transfer payments to a future trip or another participant before the payment due date, but this involves administrative fees. Amendments or cancellations made less than 60 days prior are subject to additional conditions.
Travel Insurance and Unused Services
Clients are responsible for obtaining travel insurance to cover cancellations, trip interruptions, or other unforeseen events. Missed or unused services are not refundable.
For full details, please visit the Terms and Conditions page.
