Destinations: Beijing + Chongqing + Yichang
Curated exclusively by PandaStudyTour, this 7-day premium journey bridges the grandeur of China's imperial past with the breathtaking natural wonders of the Yangtze River Three Gorges. Embark on a seamless adventure that takes you from the historic imperial capital of Beijing—where 600 years of royal legacy meets modern charm—to the majestic Yangtze River, where you'll sail in luxury aboard a 5-star cruise through towering gorges and iconic landmarks. Designed for discerning travelers, families, and enthusiasts of culture and nature, this shopping-free, leisurely-paced tour offers a private and refined experience, letting you explore the best of China's north and south in unparalleled comfort.
Core Highlights
Why Choose This Tour with PandaStudyTour?
This meticulously crafted itinerary blends Beijing's imperial heritage with the Yangtze's natural splendor, offering a balanced, leisurely pace perfect for international travelers and families. Unlike crowded group tours, we prioritize privacy and comfort—arranging private transfers, skip-the-line access to key attractions, and top-tier accommodation. PandaStudyTour's professional team handles every detail, from advance bookings of optional experiences to multilingual guidance, ensuring you can focus on savoring the beauty of China's history and nature without any hassle. It's the ultimate way to experience two of China's most iconic destinations in one unforgettable journey.
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing & First Taste of Imperial Charm
Upon your arrival at Beijing's airport or high-speed rail station, you will be greeted by a PandaStudyTour representative and transferred to a 4-star downtown hotel via private car. Spend the afternoon wandering Wangfujing Pedestrian Street to experience the bustling energy of the imperial capital. In the evening, you may optionally savor authentic Peking duck or stroll Qianmen Street to admire the ancient city's night view, with its traditional architecture and vibrant atmosphere.
Day 2: Imperial Core Tour of Beijing
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, visit Tiananmen Square, where you can admire the Monument to the People's Heroes and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong from the outside. Embark on an in-depth tour of the Forbidden City (Palace Museum), exploring the grand imperial palaces of the Ming and Qing dynasties and feeling the majesty of 600 years of royal history. In the afternoon, head to the Summer Palace, the largest surviving imperial garden in China—wander the Long Corridor, take a boat trip on Kunming Lake, and enjoy the beautiful lake and mountain scenery. In the evening, optionally watch a Peking Opera performance or a kung fu show to experience traditional Chinese art.
Day 3: Ancient Charm of the Great Wall
After breakfast, travel to Mutianyu Great Wall—one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall. Take a cable car to the top, stroll along the mountain ridges, overlook the rolling green mountains, and feel the impact of this world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, visit the Sacred Way of the Ming Tombs, admire the stone statues of humans and animals, and learn about the imperial mausoleum culture of the Ming Dynasty. Later, pass by the Bird's Nest and Water Cube to take photos of Beijing's modern landmarks. In the evening, optionally experience authentic old Beijing hot pot (Shuanrou) for a local culinary treat.
Day 4: Beijing to Chongqing & Cruise Embarkation
Begin your morning with a tour of the Temple of Heaven, a solemn complex of ancient buildings where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties offered sacrifices to heaven. Then take a rickshaw tour through old Beijing hutongs, visit a traditional courtyard house (Siheyuan), and experience the daily life of old Beijing residents. In the afternoon, take a private car to Beijing's airport for your flight to Chongqing (approximately 3 hours). Upon arrival in Chongqing, head to Chaotianmen Port to board your 5-star luxury cruise, complete check-in, and settle into your river-view balcony cabin. The cruise sets sail around 21:00, marking the start of your Yangtze River Three Gorges journey.
Day 5: Yangtze Cruise – Fengdu Cultural Exploration
Wake up to the gentle rhythm of the Yangtze River, join morning exercises on the deck, or admire the stunning sunrise over the river before enjoying a hearty buffet breakfast. In the morning, disembark to visit Fengdu Ghost City, a 2,000-year-old site known as the "Oriental Underworld" . Explore ancient buildings and deity sculptures, and learn about traditional Chinese folk beliefs of karma and the afterlife. The afternoon is free for leisure on the cruise—participate in a Yangtze culture lecture, relax on the observation deck, or enjoy afternoon tea with a view. In the evening, attend the captain's welcome dinner and enjoy a wonderful on-board cultural performance.
Day 6: Yangtze Cruise – Full Three Gorges Crossing
After breakfast, the cruise sails through Qutang Gorge, the shortest yet most magnificent of the Three Gorges. Stop to take photos at Kui Gate, the iconic scene featured on China's 10-yuan banknote . Disembark to visit White Emperor City, a historic "Poetry City" perched on the banks of the Yangtze, steeped in Three Kingdoms history and literary heritage . In the afternoon, sail through Wu Gorge, where you can overlook the misty Twelve Goddess Peaks in the distance. Transfer to a small sightseeing boat to explore Goddess Stream, venturing deep into the secluded canyon to see ancient hanging coffins and enjoy lively Tujia ethnic singing and dancing. In the evening, attend the captain's farewell dinner and relax on the deck to admire the serene Yangtze night view.
Day 7: Three Gorges Dam Tour & Departure from Yichang
Disembark at Maoping Port in the morning and visit the Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest water conservancy project . Explore key sites including Tanziling Ridge (the best spot for a panoramic view of the dam), 185 Observation Platform, and the River Closure Memorial Park to fully appreciate the grandeur of this modern engineering marvel. You may optionally experience the Three Gorges Ship Lift, a 40-minute "water-rising" adventure that showcases China’s technological prowess. After the tour, a private car will transfer you to Yichang's airport or high-speed rail station, bringing your unforgettable journey to a perfect end.
Important Reminders
PandaStudyTour is honored to be your guide, curating every detail to ensure a luxurious, hassle-free experience that lets you connect with the soul of China.
