Experience China from a unique perspective with a luxurious 9-night, 5-star Yangtze River cruise, combined with visits to iconic destinations including Shanghai, Suzhou, and Chongqing.
This thoughtfully designed itinerary blends premium comfort, breathtaking scenery, and rich cultural experiences — perfect for first-time visitors to China or seasoned travelers seeking a new way to explore this fascinating country.
CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
9 nights onboard a 5-star Yangtze River cruise
All cabins feature private balconies
Sail through the spectacular Three Gorges region
Experience the world-famous Five-Stage Ship Locks
Full-board dining included onboard
Guided shore excursions included
A perfect balance of vibrant cities and stunning natural landscapes
GOOD TO KNOW
All cabins include private balconies
Cabin categories vary only by deck location
WHY THIS JOURNEY STANDS OUT
A rare China experience not commonly offered in the USA
Exceptional value for a luxury 5-star cruise vacation
Seamless travel experience with full organization throughout
A unique combination of culture, scenery, and comfort
PREMIUM ENGLISH-SPEAKING ESCORTED TOUR
Travel with the confidence and convenience of a professional English-speaking tour leader accompanying the group throughout the journey.
Daily assistance and coordination
Cultural insights and local explanations
Worry-free travel experience from start to finish
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS
Pre-tour: Beijing & Xi'an — 6 Days | From $588
Explore Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall, and the Terracotta Army before joining the main tour in Shanghai. Includes 5-star hotels, meals, and an English-speaking guide. Single supplement: $888.
Post-tour: Guilin & Hong Kong — 6 Days | From $666
After the cruise, travel from Chongqing to discover the karst landscapes of Guilin and Yangshuo by bamboo raft, then explore the vibrant city of Hong Kong. Includes 5-star hotels, meals, and an English-speaking guide. Single supplement: $1,111.
Extensions are optional and not required for booking. Contact us to add them — a unified deposit of $600 per person applies to the main tour.
ITINERARY
Day 01 — USA to Shanghai Depart from major cities across the USA on an international flight to Shanghai, China's largest and most modern metropolis.
Day 02 — Arrival in Shanghai Arrival in Shanghai and meet your dedicated guide at the airport. Hotel: Hilton Shanghai Hongqiao or similar 5-star hotel
Day 03 — Shanghai to Suzhou (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner) Classic city tour of Shanghai: City God Temple, the Bund, and Nanjing Road. Depart for Suzhou. Visit Shantang Street and the Lingering Garden (Liuyuan), a masterpiece of classical Chinese garden design. Hotel: Pullman Suzhou or similar 5-star hotel
Day 04 — Suzhou to Nanjing, Board Cruise (Breakfast / Dinner) Visit the Suzhou Silk and Embroidery Exhibition Centre. In the afternoon, board the 5-star luxury cruise ship "Yangtze No. 2" to begin your unforgettable journey along the Yangtze River. Accommodation: Yangtze No. 2 Luxury Cruise (private balcony cabins)
Day 05 — Yangtze River, Mount Huangshan Excursion (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner) Shore excursion to Mount Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) — UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its uniquely shaped pine trees, dramatic rock formations, sea of clouds, and hot springs. Its highest peak, Lotus Peak, rises to 1,864 metres. Captain's welcome cocktail in the evening. Accommodation: Yangtze No. 2 Luxury Cruise
Day 06 — Yangtze River, Jiujiang Excursion (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner) Shore excursion (choice of two): Option A — Mount Lushan, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Option B — Taoyangli Imperial Kiln Museum in Jingdezhen, showcasing over 600 years of imperial porcelain craftsmanship. Accommodation: Yangtze No. 2 Luxury Cruise
Day 07 — Yangtze River, Wuhan Excursion (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner) Shore excursion to Yellow Crane Tower and the Hubei Provincial Museum, home to national treasures including the Sword of King Goujian and the bronze chime bells of Marquis Yi of Zeng. Accommodation: Yangtze No. 2 Luxury Cruise
Day 08 — Yangtze River, Yueyang Excursion (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner) Shore excursion to Yueyang Tower — one of China's most celebrated historic landmarks overlooking Dongting Lake — and Bianhe Scenic Street. Evening cultural workshop: lacquer fans, paper cutting, and DIY painted masks. Accommodation: Yangtze No. 2 Luxury Cruise
Day 09 — Yangtze River, Jingzhou Excursion (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner) Shore excursion (choice of two): Option A — Jingzhou Museum and Ancient City Walls. Option B — Chu King Chariots and Horses Archaeological Park. Afternoon lecture on the Three Gorges Dam and the five-stage ship lock system. Accommodation: Yangtze No. 2 Luxury Cruise
Day 10 — Three Gorges of the Yangtze (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner) Passage through Gezhouba Ship Lock. Cruise through Xiling Gorge. Shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam — the world's largest hydroelectric project. Passage through the Five-Stage Ship Lock in the evening. Accommodation: Yangtze No. 2 Luxury Cruise
Day 11 — Three Gorges, Goddess Stream (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner) Visit the Goddess Stream — a 15-kilometre tributary of the Yangtze named after the nearby Goddess Peak, known for its serene and unspoiled beauty. Enter Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge. Dumpling and tangyuan making activity onboard. Accommodation: Yangtze No. 2 Luxury Cruise
Day 12 — Yangtze River, Shibaozhai Excursion (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner) Shore excursion to Shibaozhai — a nationally protected cultural site featuring a remarkable multi-storey wooden pavilion built against a steep cliff, considered a masterpiece of traditional folk architecture in southern China. Captain's farewell gala in the evening. Accommodation: Yangtze No. 2 Luxury Cruise
Day 13 — Arrival in Chongqing (Breakfast / Lunch) Disembark in Chongqing. Visit the historic Ciqikou Ancient Town, the famous metro line passing through a residential building, Hongyadong riverside complex, and Jiefangbei district. Hotel: Radisson Blu Plaza Chongqing or similar 5-star hotel
Day 14 — Chongqing to USA (Breakfast) After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA.
What is included:
Round-trip international airfare
3-night stay in 5-star hotels in Chongqing, Suzhou & Shanghai, plus a 9-night 5-star Yangtze River Cruise with a private balcony cabin (full board)
Meals as specified in the itinerary
Admission fees for all included sightseeing and excursions
Deluxe air-conditioned transportation throughout
All taxes and service charges
English-speaking tour leader throughout
What is not included:
Travel insurance
Optional tours and personal expenses
Beverages — Wine and spirits (unlimited soft drinks and beer are included during the Yangtze River cruise)
China visa fees (if applicable)
Gratuities for guides, drivers, porters, and cruise staff: US$230 per person
China Visa Assistance for US Travelers
A valid Chinese visa is required for U.S. passport holders traveling to China.
Before departure, travelers should apply for a Chinese tourist visa through the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in the United States. Depending on the applicant's supporting documents and approval by the Chinese authorities, visas are commonly issued as multiple-entry visas valid for 1 to 10 years.
XING Travel will take care of the entire process with you. We provide an official invitation letter, all required supporting documents, and step-by-step assistance to help you successfully obtain your Chinese visa.
Estimated visa and service fee: approximately US$350 per person.
Optional Extension — Beijing & Xi'an — 6 Days | +$588 / person before the main tour
The perfect complement for a first discovery of China. Single room supplement: +$888. Included: 5★ hotels, meals (5 breakfasts / 3 lunches / 2 dinners), guided visits.
Day 1 – Arrival in Beijing Arrival in Beijing, airport welcome by your guide. Transfer to 5★ hotel and check-in. Free time to begin discovering the Chinese capital.
Day 2 – Imperial Beijing Tiananmen Square · The Forbidden City (Imperial Palace) · Temple of Heaven
Day 3 – The Great Wall Full-day excursion to the Great Wall of China, one of the 7 Wonders of the World.
Day 4 – High-speed train to Xi'an Arrival and check-in at 5★ hotel.
Day 5 – Terracotta Army Visit to the UNESCO-listed Terracotta Army · Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Square. A fascinating journey into the history of the Qin Dynasty.
Day 6 – High-speed train to Shanghai Upon arrival, welcome by our local team and transfer to 5★ hotel. Check-in and overnight stay in Shanghai.
Optional Extension — Guilin & Hong Kong — 6 Days | +$666 / person after the main tour
The perfect complement for a first discovery of China. Single room supplement: +$1,111. Included: 5★ hotels, meals (5 breakfasts / 3 lunches / 2 dinners), guided visits.
Day 1 – Chongqing → Guilin High-speed train from Chongqing to Guilin. Welcome upon arrival and transfer to 5★ hotel. Check-in and free time.
Day 2 – Guilin → Yangshuo (bamboo raft cruise) Departure to Yangshuo, in the heart of karst landscapes. Bamboo raft ride along the river. Discovery of the iconic scenery of southern China. A unique and relaxing nature experience.
Day 3 – Yangshuo → Guilin Return to Guilin. Visits: Tea plantation · Elephant Trunk Hill (symbol of the city)
Day 4 – Guilin → Hong Kong Departure by high-speed train to Hong Kong. Welcome upon arrival and hotel transfer. Free time to explore the city at your own pace.
Day 5 – Hong Kong (visit & lunch) Half-day city tour: Victoria Peak · Iconic neighborhoods · Unique East-meets-West atmosphere
Day 6 – Departure from Hong Kong Transfer to the airport and return flight.
