Compare Classic China & the Yangtze by Odysseys Unlimited vs China Tour: Culture and Nature Spotlight by Odynovo

Day 1

Depart U.S. for Beijing, China

Day 2

Arrive Beijing We arrive in the Chinese capital and transfer to our hotel. After time to relax we meet our tour director for a walking tour of the area surrounding our hotel. Dinner is on our own.

Day 3

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Beijing After this morning’s briefing with our tour director, we begin our discovery of this 2,000-year-old city at vast – and infamous – Tiananmen Square, and the Forbidden City, seat of imperial power during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368–1911). Tonight we enjoy a traditional Peking Duck dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Beijing/Great Wall Our day begins with a rickshaw ride through Beijing’s ancient back roads and alleys (hutongs). Here we visit the home of a local family for a rare glimpse of the traditional communal life­style that is fast disappearing. Then we make a brief photo stop at Olympic Park, site of the 2008 Olympic Games. This afternoon we encounter the Great Wall, the incredible collection of ancient defense installations (and UNESCO World Heritage site) that stretches more than 5,500 miles and where we visit the Mu Tian Yu section by cable car.

Day 5

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Beijing This morning we tour the splendid Temple of Heaven complex where China’s emperors once worshipped. Later this afternoon we tour the Summer Palace, the former royal retreat with beautiful gardens and temples that is now a park attracting both visitors and locals.

Day 6

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Beijing/Xian This morning we fly to Xian, once among the world’s greatest cities that devolved into a provincial backwater until the accidental discovery of the Terra Cotta Warriors in 1974 – considered among the most significant archaeo­logical finds of the 20th century. This afternoon we tour Xian’s ­impressive nine-mile city wall and moat. Tonight we enjoy a special dinner of traditional Chinese dumplings.

Day 7

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Xian Our day begins at Small Wild Goose Pagoda (c. 652 CE), among China’s most acclaimed Buddhist temples. After lunch we visit the museum hous­ing the renowned Terra Cotta Warriors, the more than 7,000 life-sized soldiers created to guard China’s first emperor in the afterlife. We see these astounding pieces, each with an individually sculpted face, stand­ing in military formation in three separate vaults. The entire complex is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Day 8

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Xian/Chongqing/Board Ship This morning we fly to Chongqing, where we visit the zoo housing the beloved pandas. Following dinner at a local restaurant, we board our Victoria Cruises ship and set sail this evening.

Day 9

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Yangtze Cruising – Shibaozhai or Fengdu Prized for its haunting natural beauty, the Yangtze is one of the world’s busiest and longest (3,600 miles) rivers. As we cruise along this storied waterway, this afternoon we visit either the Red Pagoda in Shibaozhai or the “ghost city” of Fengdu, with its complex of shrines, temples, and monasteries.

Day 10

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Yangtze Cruising – Qutang Gorge/ Wu Gorge/Small Gorges/Xiling Gorge It’s a day of beautiful scenery as we first pass through narrow Qutang Gorge, smallest of the Yangtze gorges, followed by tranquil Wu Gorge. Then we board a small sampan for a cruise through the stunning Small Gorges. Flanked by sheer cliffs and steep mountains, the Small Gorges recall scenes from ancient Chinese scroll paintings. Back on board our Victoria Cruises ship, late this after- noon we enter 42-mile Xiling Gorge, with its swift rapids and churning whirlpools. Tonight we enter the locks of the immense Three Gorges Dam.

Day 11

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Yangtze Cruising – Three Gorges Dam/Shanghai We tour the site of the immense Three Gorges Dam Project this morning then continue cruising to Yichang. Here we disembark and fly to Shanghai, the “Paris of the East.” Dinner tonight is on our own in this cosmopolitan city.

Day 12

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Shanghai Our day begins with a walking tour of the Xin Tian Di shopping and entertainment area of reconstituted traditional homes. We continue on to be­loved 16th-century Yu Yuan Gardens, whose plantings, courtyards, and pavilions create the illusion of moun­tains, caverns, and lakes. After lunch together we tour the acclaimed Shanghai Museum of ancient Chinese art and artifacts. Tonight we dine on our own then attend an acrobatics show.

Day 13

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Shanghai This morning we visit the Bund, the mile-long riverside embankment where foreign investors – and their buildings – once held sway over Shanghai. Still one of the city’s most popular attractions, the Bund draws visitors and locals alike. Then the remainder of the day is at leisure; your tour director will help you find your way from here, perhaps to the bustling Nanjing Road shopping district … to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower for a bird’s-eye view of this dynamic city … or to a scenic boat ride along the Huangpu River that bisects Shanghai. Tonight we toast our China adventure at a farewell dinner.

Day 14

Depart for U.S. We depart Shanghai for our return flights to the U.S.

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing 

Upon your arrival at the Beijing airport, you'll be warmly greeted by your guide and driver. They will accompany you to your hotel, giving you the option to relax or embark on your own exploration of this vibrant city. 

Overnight: Beijing 

Day 2: Unveiling the Forbidden City 

Today, delve into the enigmatic Imperial City. Begin at Tiananmen Square before entering the Forbidden City, the magnificent palace complex that served as the seat of Chinese emperors during

the Ming and Qing dynasties. Stroll through its vast palaces, courtyards, and marvel at the distinctive scarlet defense walls, exquisite glazed tiles, grand halls, and an array of priceless ancient artifacts. 

Later, ascend Jingshan Park for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Forbidden City's golden rooftops. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Overnight: Beijing 

Day 3: Exploring the Mutianyu Great Wall 

Prepare for an unforgettable day as you embark on a journey to the Mutianyu Great Wall. Ease into your adventure by taking the cable car, making the ascent of the Great Wall effortless. Once atop, relish panoramic views of the watchtowers stretching into the distance, set against a backdrop of lush, rolling hills and undulating mountains. Sitting in silent awe, you'll create lasting memories etched with the grandeur of this majestic landmark. 

Following this remarkable experience, your next stop will be the Ming Tombs, nestled amidst verdant mountains and pine forests. As you follow the stone carvings along the Sacred Road, you'll arrive at Chang Tomb. Surrounded by serene natural beauty, reflecting on the final resting place of these powerful rulers is truly humbling. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Overnight: Beijing 

Day 4: Beijing to Xi'an - Temple of Heaven 

Commence your day by visiting the Temple of Heaven, where ancient emperors conducted solemn ceremonial sacrifices. As you wander through ornate gates, you'll reach the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, an exquisite rotunda crowned with a three-tiered blue roof that symbolizes the heart of the temple. 

In the afternoon, you'll board a flight to Xi'an, a city that marks the beginning of the Silk Road and boasts a rich cultural heritage. Upon arrival, your guide will warmly welcome you and accompany you to your hotel. 

Meal: Breakfast 

Overnight: Xi'an

Day 5: Xi'an - Terracotta Warriors and Muslim Quarter 

Prepare to be amazed as you encounter the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors, a vast army of life sized soldiers crafted over two millennia ago. Each warrior bears a unique expression, standing proudly in their battle formation within massive underground chambers. 

Conclude your day by immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Muslim Quarter, a bustling enclave filled with enticing food stalls that waft with mouthwatering aromas. This lively district pulsates with the rich tapestry of Islamic culture, offering a sensory feast for all who explore it. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Overnight: Xi'an 

Day 6: Hanyang Tomb, Xi'an to Kunming 

Before departing Xi'an, explore the grandeur of the Hanyang Tomb, Emperor Jing's final resting place. This mausoleum is a trove of ancient Chinese treasures, known for its intricate stone carvings, vivid murals, and life-sized terracotta figures that offer a window into the splendor of the Han dynasty. 

Afterward, fly to Kunming, known as the City of Eternal Spring. Nestled in the fertile Yunnan plateau, Kunming enjoys a mild climate throughout the year. Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you at the airport and assist with your transfer to the hotel. 

Meal: Breakfast 

Overnight: Kunming 

Day 7: Stone Forest, Kunming to Jianshui 

Embark on an excursion to the Stone Forest, a surreal landscape of limestone pillars that stand in stoic silence across a rugged terrain. Shaped by natural forces over millennia, these karst formations resemble ancient trees frozen in stone. Your guide will unveil the geological wonders behind this ethereal panorama. Later, embark on a scenic 3.5-hour drive to Jianshui for an overnight stay. 

Meal: Lunch 

Overnight: Jianshui 

Day 8: Jianshui to Yuanyang, Twin Dragons Bridge

Once a vital frontier outpost, Jianshui preserves its historical allure. Explore the Chaoyang Gate and visit the Temple of Confucius. Secluded yet sublime, this Confucian retreat offers a glimpse into a scholarly life in harmony with nature. Meander through Zhu's Family Garden, an idyllic sanctuary with pavilions, streams, and stone bridges that capture the tranquil charm of Yunnan's lush surroundings. Stand atop the Twin Dragon Bridge and gaze down at the river below, where each of the 17 arches perfectly mirrors in the rippling surface. 

After savoring the scenic beauty of Jianshui Town, embark on a 3-hour drive to Yuanyang, renowned for its breathtaking rice terrace vistas. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Overnight: Yuanyang 

Day 9: Yuanyang's Enchanting Rice Terraces 

Embark on a captivating hike through the Bada and Shengcun Rice Terraces, where emerald and golden waves cascade down the mountainsides, creating a living masterpiece of natural art. 

After a satisfying lunch, venture into the Duoyishu Rice Terraces, and witness the sun setting the Laohuzhui Rice Terraces ablaze with fiery hues. 

Note: For those inclined, consider an early rise around 5 am to witness the breathtaking sunrise at the Duoyishu Terraces. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Overnight: Yuanyang 

Day 10: Yuanyang to Kunming 

Bid farewell to the rural wonders of Yuanyang and journey back to Kunming. Take this time to relax and recharge at the hotel, preparing for the adventures that await on the following day. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Overnight: Kunming 

Day 11: Kunming to Dali - Dali Ancient Town & Erhai Lake

Embark on a scenic train journey to Dali, a picturesque paradise nestled between mountains and the serene Erhai Lake. Explore Xizhou Town, where Bai homes with intricate architecture surround you. Each corner reveals overlapping arches and exquisitely carved gates, showcasing the artistic heritage of the Bai people. In this village nestled between lake and mountain, uncover the creative spirit that runs through Bai culture. 

Later, step into the timeless charm of Dali Ancient Town. Stroll along stone slab streets lined with whitewashed houses boasting sloping roofs and ornate eaves. As the sun sets behind the Cangshan Mountains, embark on a wooden boat ride on the tranquil waters of Erhai Lake. Behold the majestic peaks and ancient villages mirrored in the serene lake, transforming a static scene into a vibrant living tableau. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Overnight: Dali 

Day 12: Dali - Shuanglang - Dali, Cycling Tour around Erhai Lake 

Gear up for an exhilarating cycling tour around Erhai Lake. Pedaling along the lakeside, you'll be greeted by the mesmerizing azure waters and the embrace of the surrounding mountains. Along the way, you may encounter hidden temples, pagodas, and ageless villages, serenaded by the melodies of birds and the symphony of nature. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Overnight: Dali 

Day 13: Dali to Lijiang - Exploring Naxi Dongba Culture 

Your first stop is Shaxi Ancient Town, a beautifully preserved relay station along the ancient Tea and Horse Road. The white-walled, gray-tiled buildings along the riverbanks evoke a distant historical era. Ancient stone pathways and bridges link the shops, showcasing a charming simplicity and antiquity. 

Next, arrive at Lijiang Ancient Town, boasting 800 years of history. From Lion Hill, witness the panoramic view of the town, with the iconic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain standing majestically in the distance. Explore the Museum of Naxi Dongba Culture, which houses an extensive collection of Naxi cultural artifacts, offering profound insights into the lives, beliefs, and traditions of this enigmatic ethnic group. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Overnight: Lijiang

Day 14: Lijiang - Jade Dragon Snow Mountain 

Your adventure continues at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, where towering peaks stretch as far as the eye can see, presiding over a sea of rolling clouds and mist, their snow-covered summits gleaming in the sunlight. Near the mountain's base, immerse yourself in the rustic charm of Baisha Village. The day concludes at Black Dragon Pool Park, where its crystalline waters mirror the stately snow-capped mountain. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Overnight: Lijiang 

Day 15: Lijiang - Tiger Leaping Gorge 

Begin your day with a visit to the Iron Chain Bridge in Stone Drum Town. Traverse the creaking planks of the iron chain bridge as you gaze down at the swirling waters below. 

Next, make your way to the First Bend of the Yangtze River. In the distance, the Jinsha River resembles a gentle, fluttering silk ribbon, weaving in and out of the cyan canyon. At the furthest horizon stands the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, partly veiled in clouds and mist. 

Continue your journey to the legendary Tiger Leaping Gorge. Standing amidst the gorge's depths, you'll witness pristine azure waters swirling around lush hills, creating a scene of primal yet ethereal natural beauty. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Overnight: Lijiang 

Day 16: Lijiang to Guilin 

Enjoy a free morning to explore at your own pace. In the afternoon, you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Guilin. Upon arrival, your local guide will be there to greet you and assist with your hotel check-in. If time allows, you may opt to visit the Reed Flute Cave. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Overnight: Guilin 

Day 17: Guilin to Yangshuo - Li River Cruise

Embark on a leisurely cruise down the Li River, surrounded by lush green foothills and dramatic karst peaks that cast their reflections in the crystal-clear waters. Don't forget to capture the iconic scene that graces the 20 yuan note, featuring rugged mountains. 

Disembark in Yangshuo, a picturesque town nestled amidst postcard-perfect scenery. As twilight descends, take a leisurely stroll along West Street, browse for local handicrafts, and savor the flavors of local cuisine. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Overnight: Yangshuo 

Day 18: Yangshuo to Guilin, then to Shanghai 

This morning, the idyllic Yangshuo countryside beckons you to explore its picturesque beauty. Choose to wander, bike, or drive through the scenic landscapes at your own leisurely pace. Meander along winding paths, passing through green paddies and lush hills basking in the golden sunlight. Inhale the fresh, fragrant country air as time gently flows, mirroring the tranquil river currents. 

Should you wish to experience the daily life of a local farmer by visiting their house, please consult your guide in advance. 

After immersing yourself in the splendor of Yangshuo, return to Guilin and catch your flight to Shanghai, a vibrant and modern metropolis pulsing with energy. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Overnight: Shanghai 

Day 19: Shanghai - Exploring the Bund and Yu Garden 

After breakfast, embark on your exploration of Shanghai. Begin at the Shanghai Museum, home to an extensive collection of ancient Chinese artworks, including intricate calligraphy, vivid silks, and delicate porcelain. 

Next, take a leisurely stroll through the Yu Garden, immersing yourself in the enchanting charm of traditional Chinese garden architecture. Adjacent to the garden, the Yuyuan Market offers a delightful opportunity to savor local specialties and experience the vibrant local life.

Later in the day, venture to the Bund, where over twenty historical buildings of diverse styles stand sentinel, exuding an aura of old-world opulence and grandeur amidst the bustling traffic. 

Conclude your day at the Shanghai World Financial Center. Ascend to its observatory deck and be captivated by the panoramic view of this visionary metropolis. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Overnight: Shanghai 

Day 20: Departure from Shanghai 

Enjoy some leisure time before your guide escorts you to the airport for your return flight. Meals: Breakfast