China Highlights Express
The essential first-time itinerary: imperial Beijing, the Terracotta Army in Xi'an and futuristic Shanghai, linked by high-speed rail.
★★★★★4.9 218 reviews
From US$1,290 US$1,490/per person
Cruise · 12 days
Yangtze River Cruise Odyssey
Beijing, four nights afloat through the Three Gorges, and Shanghai — the classic river journey with shore excursions included.
The short version
This 12-day trip combines Beijing's imperial sights with four nights on a Yangtze river ship through the Three Gorges, ending in Shanghai. Shore excursions to the Qutang, Wu and Xiling gorges, the Three Gorges Dam and Fengdu are included. From US$2,190 per person.
- Beijing, four nights afloat, then Shanghai.
- All three gorges plus the Three Gorges Dam ship lift area.
- Balcony cabins as standard; shore excursions included.
- Chongqing hotpot before boarding and Shanghai skyline after.
Day by day
Your day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
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Day 12
What's included and what isn't
Includes
- 11 nights including 4 aboard
- Balcony cabin
- All shore excursions listed
- All internal flights and rail
- English-speaking guide on board and ashore
Not included
- International flights
- Chinese visa
- Onboard drinks and gratuities
- Optional cabin upgrades
Destinations on this route
Beijing
Beijing Municipality · 6 tours
Beijing is China's capital and the most efficient place to start a first trip: the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven and the hutong
Shanghai
Shanghai Municipality · 7 tours
Shanghai rewards two days: one for the colonial Bund and the museums, one for old-town gardens, food and the French Concession. Add a third for a cana
Sichuan
Sichuan · 2 tours
Sichuan Province is entered through Chengdu, its capital, and it holds more variety than any other province in China: giant pandas in the bamboo fores
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View tourFrequently asked questions
Which ship do you use?
We book the mainstream river fleet with balcony cabins and a lift-equipped dam passage. Tell us your budget and we quote two or three specific ships rather than a generic cabin class.
Is the cruise suitable if I get seasick?
Yes. The Yangtze is a river, not open sea, and between gorges the water is flat. Motion sickness is unusual.
What is the food like on board?
Buffet with a western section at every meal, plus a Chinese restaurant for dinner. Vegetarian options are available at every sitting.
Can I extend with Chengdu?
Yes. Chengdu is under two hours from Chongqing by rail and we add two nights for the pandas.
Explore next
Day tours
Practical guides
- Do I Need a Visa for China? Requirements, Costs and How to Apply
- China's 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit: Who Qualifies and How It Works
- Paying in China: Alipay, WeChat Pay, Cards and Cash
- China's High-Speed Rail: How to Book, What It Costs, How Fast It Goes
- Is China Safe for Tourists? Honest Risks and How to Avoid Them
- Best Time to Visit China: Month by Month, Region by Region
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