Compare Three Gorges Explorer: Chongqing , Yichang , Chongqing by Victoria Cruises vs China – Panda Conservation Adventure by Discover Corps
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 6 days |
| Price From | $ 1,610 | $ 2,995 |
| Price Per Day | $ 201 | $ 499 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small ship cruise | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 6 Dinners |
5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches and 5 Dinners |
| Description |
During the trip three Gorges Explorer from Chongqing , Yichang , Sail from picturesque Chongqing, the “Mountain City”. Watch its impressive wooden pagoda and wonderful opportunity to Enter the most impressive and Dramatic Three Gorges, one of nature’s most extraordinary sculptures and visit to the Three Gorges Dam at Sandouping and most Majestic views of the Historic Sightseeings. |
China’s 1.3 billion people have witnessed an extraordinary change of pace as the face of their country has seen rapid economic expansion. However, the pull of tradition remains strong. We’ll bring you together with residents of the bustling capital city of Beijing and go beyond the city boundaries to share a homemade meal with a welcoming local family. You'll also see China from two completely different points of view - the bustling metropolis of Chengdu and the conservation hub of Dujiangyan. |
Day 1:
Depart Chongqing - 9:00 pm: Sail from picturesque Chongqing, the “Mountain City”.
Day 2:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Shibaozhai - Take a shore excursion to Shibaozhai, with its impressive wooden pagoda, appropriately named “The Pearl of the Yangtze”. Depending on river conditions, an alternate excursion may be substituted to Fengdu, visiting the new relocation village built for families who have moved as a result of the Yangtze’s rising waters brought about by the Three Gorges Dam. Additional Shore Excursion to Fengdu’s “Ghost City” (river conditions permitting), known for its statues of ghosts and devils on Mingshan Hill.
Day 3:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enter the Three Gorges/“Small Gorges”/Shiplocks
Enter the Three Gorges, one of nature’s most extraordinary sculptures. Pass through Qutang Gorge, the shortest (5 miles), narrowest (500 feet), and most dramatic. Enter 25-mile long Wu Gorge, known for its quiet beauty, forest-covered mountains, and sheer cliffs. Transfer to another vessel for a relaxing ride through the attractive gorges of Goddess Stream. Later enter Xiling Gorge, the longest (41 miles), and the deepest - its cliff walls rise to 4,000 feet. In the evening, sail through the Three Gorges Dam ship locks.
Day 4:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Three Gorges Dam - Morning visit to the Three Gorges Dam at Sandouping, the largest project of its kind in the world.
Day 5:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tribe of the Three Gorges - This excursion offers an interesting glimpse into local life in the Xiling Gorge region.
Day 6:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Shennong Stream “Small Gorges” / Wu Gorge / Qutang Gorge - Take an excursion through the Shennong Stream Small Gorges, which are narrower than the Three Gorges, but very impressive. Pass through Wu Gorge/Qutang Gorge.
Day 7:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
White Emperor City (Baidi Cheng) - Shore excursion to this ancient site overlooking the western end of Qutang Gorge. White Emperor City has long been a refuge for would-be kings and poets who have traveled here to be inspired by its majestic views. Legend has it that in 25AD, white vapor in the shape of a dragon rose from a well here, and Gong Sunshu, a soldier who had his headquarters here, declared himself the White Emperor. Remains of the city wall can be seen on the hill behind Baidi Mountain, and a temple built to commemorate Gong's reign dates back over 1,950 years. (B, L, D)
Day 8:
Meals: Breakfast
Arrive Chongqing at 9:00am
Day 1: Arrive and Enjoy a Sichuan Hotpot
Meals: Dinner
A warm welcome awaits at Chengdu International Airport where we’ll introduce you to your Discover Corps group. We’ll then whisk you away to your four-star hotel in Dujiangyan for a traditional welcome dinner. Enjoy a free evening to recharge before the morning's activities.
Day 2: Visit the Dujiangyan Panda Breeding Research Center to Begin Volunteering
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Your hands-on experience with the pandas begins today! We’ll introduce you to the conservationists at the Dujiangyan Panda Research Center who will introduce you to the pandas before your work begins. Your first task will be to help feed the pandas their bamboo breakfasts – an incredible way to start the day. After your own lunch, you will clean the fencing of the pandas gardens, clean their enclosures, break bamboo shoots for the pandas, and more to help the center. After volunteering, walk around the neighborhood before a local meal for dinner.
Day 3: Continue Lending a Hand at the Dujiangyan Panda Research Center
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
On your second day of volunteering, you’ll have the choice to help clean the enclosures before experiencing the magic of hand-feeding the pandas for a second time. These friendly animals will be familiar faces by now as you learn how to make special cakes for them and continue to provide the special care they need. Today, you’ll receive a certificate of recognition of your efforts.
In the late afternoon, head to the bustling city of Chengdu and enjoy dinner before a free night to explore the lively atmosphere of the city or relax in your hotel.
Day 4: Experience a Cooking Class with a Local Family
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Spend today joining a local family in the nearby markets gathering ingredients before a cooking class in their home. Learn how to make a number of Sichuan favorites before enjoying your lunch together. In the evening, watch a performance of a traditional Sichuan act of face changing, as well as other local performances.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Visit the Unforgettable Terracotta Warriors
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Hit the road this morning for the 1.5 hour drive to the Terracotta Warriors. Marvel at the over 6,000 warrior sculptures, each with a different face, and learn more about their importance in teaching us about ancient China. For lunch, sample the unique flavores of Hui Muslim food before a bike ride around the top of Xi'an's ancient city walls.
Day 6: Depart from Xi'an or Continue on to The Great Wall of China Optional Extension
Meals: Breakfast
It's time for those on the six-day trip to say their goodbyes before being transfered to the airport for their flight home. If you're staying with us for The Great Wall of China extension, you'll hop on a flight to Beijing for your first adventure.
