9 Days Golden Yangtze Cruise

Beijing, Chongqing, Yangtze River Cruise, Yichang, Shanghai

Traveler Reviews

Tour Code: TCT-Yangtze-01

Tour Type: Private Tour

Tour Highlights:

Best combination of Yangtze River and two gateway cities Beijing and Shanghai
Great short-term China tour to see the highlights of China
Enjoy the history and culture in Beijing, leisure on cruise but not boring, stunned by skyline of Shanghai
Free enquiry and tour can be customized according to your personal requests and interests

Best Travel Time: Suitable for the whole year, best from April to November.

Price from $ 1194

Free Inquiry

Tour Itinerary Prices & Includes Reviews Expand All

Itinerary Prices Reviews Expand All

Day 1Beijing

Transfer service to hotel

Meals: No Meals
Recommended Hotel: Citadines Ritan Service Apartment ★★★★

Arrive in Beijing, the capital city of China. You will be greeted and met by TCT tour guide at the airport and transferred to your hotel, whenever your flight arrives in Beijing. After check-in, free at leisure for the rest of the day.

Beijing City View

Day 2Beijing

Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Recommended Hotel: Citadines Ritan Service Apartment ★★★★

[09:00-09:30] Our guide will meet you up at the hotel lobby and start to explore the historical city of Beijing.

[09:30-12:30] You will reach the Tian’anmen Square, the largest public square in the world. Walk through the square and visit today’s highlight: Forbidden City , the largest and most complete ancient imperial palace in the world.

[12:30-14:00] Have lunch at a local Chinese restaurant enroute to experience the authentic Chinese food.

[14:00-16:30] Visit Temple of Heaven, which was used to pray for harvest by the emperors. It is China's existing largest structure for sacrifice to heaven. Shopping time at a tea store.

[16:30-17:30] Back to the hotel, en route you can plan for the night show or the Peking duck dinner with your guide and ask for suggestions.

Forbidden City

Day 3Beijing

Summer Palace, Mutianyu Great Wall, Olympic Park, the exterior of Bird Nest and Water Cube

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Recommended Hotel: Citadines Ritan Service Apartment ★★★★

[08:00-08:30] Our guide will meet you up at the hotel lobby and start to start your tour to explore Great Wall.

[08:30-12:30] Drive to Summer Palace, which is the existing largest, best-preserved imperial garden in China. Boat ride on Kunming Lake is included. Then drive directly to Mutianyu Great Wall.

[12:30-13:30] Lunch time at Xiaolongpu Restaurant,famous for the vegetable food, such as fried vegetables, dry-fried beans, sweet corn cake

[13:30-17:30] Visit Mutianyu Great Wall, which section is more popular among foreign visitors. Upon arrival, you can choose to hike on the Great Wall, or take cable car up and walk around. Drive back to Beijing city, while you can take a nap in the car. Visit the exterior Bird Nest and Water Cube, the amazing architectures that built for Beijing Olympic Games. After that you will experience Chinese tea at tea house.

[17:30-18:30] Back to the hotel, en route you can plan for the night activities, such as foot massage, houhai night bars and Sanlitun bar street.

Mutianyu Great Wall

Day 4Beijing - Chongqing

Fly to Chongqing, Eling Park, Chongqing People's Great Hall

Meals: Breakfast
On Board: Victoria cruise ★★★★★

Morning at leisure on your own, you could just relax at the hotel before transfer to airport to catch the morning flight for Chongqing.

Fly to Chongqing. Your Chongqing tour guide will wait for you at the airport.After lunch, have a visit to Eling Park displays the layout of Suzhou gardens. You can also take excursion to Kansheng Tower where the bird’s-eye view of the Yangtze Riverand Chongqing city is breathtaking. And then, continue to visit the Chongqing People Grand Hall which looks like the enlarged version of the sacramental Temple of Heaven in Beijing.

Drive to Chaotianmen wharf and check-in at the Victoria cruise, which Set sail from Chongqing at 9:00 p.m.

Chongqing City View

Day 5Yangtze River Cruise

Fengdu(optional), Shibaozhai

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch& Dinner
On Board: Victoria cruise ★★★★★

[06:30-08:30] Early Bird Coffee and Tea; Practice Tai Chi on board and Buffet breakfast.

[09:00-13:30] Activities on board as you like. Or take Additional Shore excursion to Fengdu with extra cost. Buffet lunchis served on board.

[16:00-21:00] Shore excursion to Shibaozhai. Late afternoon Captain's Welcome Reception with buffet dinner. Evening, enjoy the Minorities and Dynasty Costumes Show

Fengdu Ghost City

Day 6Yangtze River Cruise

White Emperor City (optional), Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, Godness Stream

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch& Dinner
On Board: Victoria cruise ★★★★★

[06:30-08:30] Early Bird Coffee and Tea; Practice Tai Chi on board and Buffet breakfast.

[07:30-10:15] Activities on board as you like. Or take Additional Shore excursion to White Emperor City with extra cost.

[10:45-13:00] Sailing through Qutang Gorge & Scenic cruising of Wu Gorge, buffet lunch is served on board.

[15:15-21:45] Shore excursion to Godness Stream. Evening enjoy Captain's Farewell Banquet and the Crew cabaret.

Three Gorges

Day 7Yichang - Shanghai

Three Gorges Dam

Meals: Breakfast
Recommended Hotel: SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund ★★★★

[06:00-07:45] Buffet breakfast

[07:45-11:15] Disembark at Maoping cruise terminal, Shore excursion to Three Gorges Dam Site; transfer to the passenger center in downtown of Yichang

[12:30-15:30] Your Yichang tour guide will wait for you at Yichang passenger center and transfer you to the airport.

Fly to Shanghai. Your Shanghai tour guide will wait for you at the airport and help you to transfer to the hotel.

Three Gorges Dam

Day 8Shanghai

Jade Buddha Temple, the exterior of Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Old Street, The Bund

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Recommended Hotel:SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund ★★★★

[09:00-09:30] Our guide will meet you up at the hotel lobby and start to explore the Modern city of China.

[09:30-12:30] Visit Jade Buddha Temple, which is famous for the seated Buddha, encrusted with jewels, which is said to weigh 1,000 kg.Then visit the exterior of Oriental Pearl TV Tower, while walking on Riverside Promenade Bingjiang Da Dao.

[12:30-13:30] Lunch time for the local special food, Dim Sum and Steamed Bun

[13:30-16:30] Visit Yuyuan Garden which is a Chinese classic garden in city downtown, shopping time at Shanghai Old Street and Nanjing Road which is the earliest commercial street in Shanghai, you could look for some special souvenirs and silk product there. After that, enjoy a leisure walk along the Bund, famous for groups of buildings known as "a Gallery of world architecture".

[16:30-17:30] Back to the hotel, en route you can plan for the night Acrobatic Show, especially the ERA show, which is one of the most popular evening entertainments in Shanghai.

The Bund

Day 9Shanghai

Transfer service to airport

Meals: Breakfast

Free day at leisure and be transferred to the airport for return flight. We can arrange the Maglev train ride to Pudong airport if you are interested in, or we will drive you directly to the airport.

Service Ends

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Tour Price (US$ per person)

Hotel Class	Group Size	Dec. ~ Feb.	Mar. ~ Nov.
Economy Hotel ★★★	2 ~ 5 pax	$1416	$1535
Economy Hotel ★★★	6 ~ 9 pax	$1194	$1313
Comfortable Hotel ★★★★	2 ~ 5 pax	$1513	$1656
Comfortable Hotel ★★★★	6 ~ 9 pax	$1292	$1434
Deluxe Hotel ★★★★★	2 ~ 5 pax	$1780	$2080
Deluxe Hotel ★★★★★	6 ~ 9 pax	$1558	$1858

Price includes:

♦ Domestic flight or high-speed train as specified
♦ Private transfer between the airport or railway station, attractions, and hotels
♦ Private licensed English-speaking guide and driver service
♦ Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast on sharing basis
♦ All attraction entrance fees as specified
♦ Meals mentioned in the itinerary, Chinese local food
♦ China Life Tourist Accident/Casualty Insurance

Price excludes:

* International Air tickets or Train Tickets to enter or leave China
* Tips to your tour guide and driver on your own discretion
* China Entry Visa Fees
* Personal expenses
* Optional tours, meals, activities and services

Remarks:

※ Prices are valid from Mar 1, 2019 to Feb 29, 2020, except Chinese public holidays, local fairs or events.
※ TCT reserves the right to adjust the price caused by exchange rate
※ No guide on the flight and Yangtze River cruise.
※ Recommended hotels are subject to change in actual booking
※ Special requirements should be advised to TCT in advance.
※ TCT reserves the right of final explanation for any change due to the reasons beyond our control.

Useful Information

Traveler Reviews Feedbacks & Photos >>

5.0

Salim A

5.0

When I planning our private trip to china I have read many trip adviser reviews and I have noticed Janet Chan’s name came up a number of times so i sent her an e-mail asked for the best two weeks private tour in China for 6 persons , whiten two days she replied me recommending 5 cities ( Zhangjiajie, hangzhuo , shanghai, Beijing , Guilin ) we went through the program which she sent to us it was excellent so we asked her to go ahead to arrange our journey . it was a great choice we made, The tour guides were knowledgeable and helpful. The hotels which reserved for us by TCT were excellent We can only say thanks for TCT and especially Janet Chan

diacamand

5.0

With Bonnie in TCT we organized a 12 days private tour, and she was really amazing. She organized more than 5 times our trip!!! She helped us with all duties, questions, everything!! All our guides were really good, high professional behavior, knowledge and advice. All of them did their best to let us to see as much as possible and gave us the best suggestions!!! Thanks a lot to Kurt in Beijing, Lee in Xian Susan in Guilin, Ken in Chongqing, Amber in Yichang and Vicky in Shanghai!!! GREAT!!! If you can ask for them, do it!! They were very professional, flexible and helpful. Thanks a lot, all of you, to make our trip unforgettable!!!

andyanne2017

5.0

We recently returned from a 16 day tour of China. Our holiday was organised by Rebecca Wei who was a pleasure to deal with. We arrived in Beijing and departed from Shanghai. There was lots to organise as we had two internal flights and three train journeys as well as three nights on a boat cruising the Yangtze river. All the arrangments fell into place like clockwork, our guides were excellent, spoke very good english and had a good knowledge of the places we visited. We saw some fantastic sights but some of the highlights for us were The Great Wall, The Yungang Grottoes, The Hanging Temple Datong, The terrracotta warriors and the muslim quarter in Xiang and the cruise on the Yangtze. We travelled in September so the temperatures were around 28C [ fine for us as we live in Durban] it is also a good time as the lines to get enterance to some places were very short. There was a lot of walking involved so comfortable walking shoes are a must as well as a sun hat. We stayed in a couple of "traditional" hotels which we loved and then some very upmarket hotels. The exception was the hotel in Xiang which scored 100% on location but had some very unfriendly staff a poor restaurant as well as putting us in an unrenovated room for the first night. We moved to the renovated floors for the other night which was much better. I should add here that this was a mistake by the hotel not TCT] My one regret is that we should have stayed a night in Wuzhen Water Town but that really was not practical as we had to leave our hotel in Shanghai at 4 in the morning to catch the flight home. We have some wondefull memories so thank you Rebecca and TCT for organizing a really interesting holiday Andrew and Anne B, DurbanSouth Africa

JrnyJunkie

5.0

The views are stunning and the boat that we were on had VIP seating for just our group with a private balcony to view the river.

mALTACettina

5.0

TCT made up a fantastic week tour for us starting with Guilin. We were met at the airport by Warren who could speak good English and we were transferred to Guilin Bravo Hotel which is a nice hotel.In the evening Warren asked if we would like to goon a river trip which proved fantastic,not only for the nice bridges and illuminated fine buildings but also for the cormorant fishing and music playing among others.Warren timed the boat tour so that after 8pm we would be near the Waterfall hotel to enjoy the water cascade from the 16th floor. Next morning we were taken on a day cruise that included lunch among the beautiful scenery upto Yangshue. Warren suggested that we go and see the beautiful spectacular show given every day with some 300 participants.We enjoyed this immensely though it was a bit rainy, but if it wasn't for Warren, we would have stayed all night looking for a taxi to take us to the hotel....Next day we first explored the village to see the old Banyan tree and other interesting sights and then we were taken by car back to Guilin airport. This trip was awful as the road is all broken but the driver was good at avoiding pot-holes! From Guilin we flew to Hangzhou where we found Vicky waiting for us. She took spoke good English and spent some time explaining to us the fantasy stories of lovers, serpents and dragons to be able to appreciate Chinese culture while we visited West Lake, Lingyin Temple. |After lunch at local restaurant we were taken to Meijiawu GreenTea plantation. The next day we we took the train to Shanghai. The waiting room was so crowded but Vicky got the tickets for us and stayed with us until we went on the train. At Shanghai train station we were met by Ryan. He could speak good English and had some jokes for us too! The same evening, we asked to go on a river cruise by night which proved breath-taking.The next day we were taken around Shanghai visiting Yuyuan garden TheBund among others. The highlight was the Oriental Pearl TV tower with its glass floors! The next day the driver picked us up from the hotel early in the morning so as to take the flight to Beijing. I can really say that TCT made a good job providing with a good varied programme and good tour guides, especially Warren at Guilin.

FromCanada514

5.0

We still can't believe that we've spent 11 days of dream in China, organized for us by TCT Guilin. The pick ups at the different airports went without a hitch. our guides were warm and so friendly, although a few were quite busy with their IPhone. The hotels recommended were outstanding. The breakfast at The Marriott were excellent. The terra cotta army in Xian is a marvel. The dumpling banquet in Xian was somewhat below our expectations though. The cruise on the Yang Tse river, a once in a lifetime experience though a bit too short. Don t hesitate to upgrade to the suite on the Victoria cruises (Victoria Selena), you won't regret it, a panoramic view of breath taking intensity....quite interesting shore excursions, they are worth the money. We would hesitate one second to book another and longer trip with TCT Guilin.

Alngina

5.0

When we booked our trip to China we had a limited time to see everything we wanted to but Janet Chan at TCT did an absolutely amazing job at ticking every box and more. The itinerary was perfect. Journeys and accommodation were meticulously planned and accomplished. Our guides too were excellent. Alex in Beijing, Ken in Xian, and especially Maria in Shanghai were so professional and efficient that we never felt like strangers in a strange land. Many thanks TCT, best trip ever.

MadonnaUpstate_ny

5.0

Tour developer Yocky and tour guide Leo did a great job introducing me to these 2 cities. I loved the Acrobatic Show and also the night boat ride on the Huangpu. The skyline of Shanghai is a riot of color and movement at night! And the gardens! Leo's English was very clear and easy to understand. I also appreciated his willingness to "open up" and tell me a little bit about his family, his life,his history, his routine. I would recommend a private tour with a guide and driver and if you're in Shanghai ask for Leo to be your guide!

johnhagnas

5.0

In september 2016 we (2 couples from Finland) started to plan for a real encounter with Asia. Quite soon the project grew and we decided to ask for help. Top China Travel made it easy for us in China. We gave rough guidelines and Janet made a proposal based on that. After some iteration (we did not want everything) we ended up in a plan. The plan was good, if not excellent, and the price within our budget. Deal! In april we spent three incredible weeks in China. Now we are back home and have digested the whole thing. We are very happy. Janet and her guides made it so easy for us and everything worked perfect. This is incredble, because we traveled around a lot. By train, car, air...tickets, time schedules, hotels...perfect! Thank you. In really recommend. John

574george

5.0

In April we had the pleasure of having Juli Liu as a tour guide for three days in Guilin China and the sourronding area. She speaks very good English. Is very friendly, knowledeable,and has a good sense of humor. She asked what we wanted to do and see and made suggestions of things she felt we might enjoy. She took us on a Li River day trip is not to be missed. She advised us on shopping and other things to do on our own. She did not rush us or try to push us to go to certain sights or stores. She stayed with us each day from early morning to what ever time we wanted. She even took us to an evening event after spending a full day showing us around. She also advised us on places to eat. We enjoyed her so much we wished we had allowed more time in Guilian. We plan on return to Guilian and will use Juli again.

mikremedios

5.0

We had a family reunion of sorts in China. Ten of us started in Shanghai, and went through Xian to Beijing. Lily was fantastic (and patient) to work with as we spent months arranging the details. All transfers went perfectly, and all of our guides went the extra mile to make the trip really memorable. We had Vickie in Shanghai, Sally in Xian and Cathy in Beijing; all were outstanding. We were traveling with my 83 yr old mother in law who needed extra care in certain places and all guides made sure she was handled with the utmost care and respect. It was awesome to see! I would highly recommend this company, and would hire them again in a heartbeat. Thank you Lily and all our guides for a fantastic trip!

geeta a

5.0

I booked my trip with Top China Travel,extremely professional and prompt.I was guided by the guides Cathy in Xian and Eric in Beijing,very knowledgable,knew the English language very well,knew history,stories,always ready to help with any of my problems that I feel I was travelling with companions.I was very happy and I know you

VanSalinas

5.0

I went to China on July (2017) and had a great experience with TCT. Our organizer was Janet and she was really helpful during our stay in China. They helped us with the itinerary and it was valuable choice to do the tour with an organizer in order to know more places. We had a great time during the 21 days we stayed in China and all the small problems we had, Janet took care of it. Felt really secure and look foward to have another experience with TCT!

murukankl

5.0

I went to China with my family( wife & two children) for sightseeing on 16th June 2017 for a seven days itinerary in China, three days in Hongkong & three days in Singapore . We booked our flight, hotel rooms and train tickets by our self from UAE. Hotel booking we made through Booking.com . After evaluating the charges of various tour operators in China through internet ,we engaged TCT ( Top China Travel ) for our sightseeing arrangement in China – Beijing , Xian and Shanghai. We requested for one private vehicle and English speaking guide. One Miss. Joyce was our contact person in TCT. Thanks for Joyce, she arranged everything perfectly . We reached Beijing at 2300hrs and our guide Mr. Jack receive us at Beijing airport and adrop us in the Shangri-la hotel. They provided a six setter Toyota van exclusively for us . Jack stayed with us till we completed check in to the room. Jack speak good English and sound knowledge about all the monuments, shopping area, good restaurants in Beijing area. We spent three days in Beijing- Great wall in cable car, Summer palace, Lama Temple, Beijing Zoo to see Panda and went to Xian by fast train. Train tickets we purchased online and they deliver to our hotel one day prior to our arrival in Beijing. Fast train is very neat and tidy. Seat arrangements are similar to flight- two seat on each side. There is a shelf for storing large size baggage neat the entrance. Hand baggage could be stored in the overhead storage area .Train was moving at a speed of 280-315 Km per hour, but we don’t feel any vibration inside the train. Clean toilets are provided in each compartments. It is advisable to take fast train instead of domestic flights in China. Xian our Guide was waiting for us at railway station –Miss. Christina . She also was very professional ,sound knowledge of xian sightseeing places. She use to give us a perfect description /history of each monuments to us in the vehicle on the way to each location. Terracotta warriors, Xian museum , Art museum are main highlights of Xian. We went Xian to Shanghai in flight . our Guide Christina accompany us to air port till we receive our boarding pass. In china an English speaking guide is essential to support us everywhere , since local people cannot communicate in English- even at KFC very difficult to purchase food. But in Xian Air port ,our 1700 Hrs flight cancelled at 2300hrs and send us to a local hotel by airline. Next day morning they arranged flight Xian to Shanghai . As per our fellow passengers flight cancellation is quite normal in China. Hence Fast train is always better for domestic trip . Due to flight cancellation our sightseeing time was very limited in Shanghai. TCT Guide Mr.Mark tried his best to show us maximum locations. Miss.Joyce was in touch with us in Whatsup and extended her full support to make our trip comfortable. In Beijing and Shanghai we cancelled few prearranged sightseeing due to bad weather and lack of time. But TCT refund the charges for such cancelled sightseeing . It is really appreciated, normally tour operators will not refund . We paid 30% of TCT charges to them by TT from Dubai and remaining amount by Cash US$ at Beijing . Our hotel Shangri-la at HaiDian -Beijing was very good and Sheraton at Xian & Shanghai was also comfortable . Most of the hotels in China serve pork items ,was the only thing not comfortable for my family. It is worth visiting China and I can recommend TCT since they are very cooperative , professional and reasonable price . Best time to visit China is during spring –ie April- May

Sharon H

5.0

This area is very nice, they still rice farm these teraces in season.
This is about the 2.5 hour drive up into the mountains 1 way.
There a small Village there that you can have lunch and hike up into the village.
We had a nice soup and hot tea for lunch here in the Village area. Everyone working here lives here, your dollars will help them enjoy their life here in this special area. Locals had a village home open for viewing. If you are interested in the history, local culture and people this wooden architecture is nice. There's a path, small road to wander into the actual village on that's not a hard walk. There are also about 500 stairs on the other side, I did both the stairs are not good for anyone with challenges. No handrails. The homes in the village span up the hillside about 500 meters.If you have time I think this is a nice day in the area. Go during daylight, that man road us very winding. Suggest a local driver and or guide. I love Top China Travel, Rebecca is fantastic she will arrange everything you need in Hong Kong, China for you with no hassles and at great value. Here's an idea, best photos are on my other camera. Getting close to the history and residents is a huge part of real traveling.Show less

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