Itinerary

Days 1-2: USA or Canada/Beijing, China

    Fly overnight to Beijing, the capital and cultural heart of China. After arriving, your day is at leisure to settle into your hotel, conveniently located in central Beijing.
    The Peninsula Beijing
Day 3: Beijing

    Visit Tiananmen Square, the largest city square in the world. Pass through the Gate of Heavenly Peace and enter the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City was the imperial residence of the emperors and their families, once housing up to 100,000 people, including servants and soldiers. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. This evening, gather with fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.
    The Peninsula Beijing B D
Day 4: Beijing

    Travel to Mutianyu, the best-preserved and less-visited section of the Great Wall. The wall rides the highest point of the mountaintops and provides stunning views of the countryside. After lunch, visit the courtyard home of a feng shui master, and discover how the energy flow of your home can influence your life.
    The Peninsula Beijing B L
Day 5: Beijing/Xian

    This morning, fly to Xian, the ancient cradle of Chinese civilization. Stop at the Yangling Museum, built on top of the 2,000-year-old mausoleum of Han Dynasty emperor Jingdi. Walk on the glass floor over the tombs and watch as archaeologists carefully continue to excavate, a process that has yielded 20 satellite tombs (though the emperor’s remains unearthed). After lunch, visit the ancient City Walls.
    Shangri-La Hotel, Xian B L
Day 6: Xian

    Alongside a museum specialist, visit the Terra Cotta Warriors, more than 8,000 life-size military figures said to represent second-century Chinese military might. Then, meander through the markets and ancient winding lanes of the old city quarter and experience the curiously Chinese architectural style of the exquisite Great Mosque. It was built in the eighth century for Muslim worshipers who passed through Xian, the easternmost end of the Silk Road. Evidence of Xian’s status as a crossroads of culture can still be seen to this day in the facial features of its residents as well as their distinctive dress and cuisine. Enjoy the aromas of the food stalls selling roasted kebabs, curries and hand-made flat bread.
    Shangri-La Hotel, Xian B
Day 7: Xian/Chongqing

    Fly to Chongqing, gateway to the Three Gorges region. Visit the Huguang Guild Hall, with its many courtyards and intricate, wood-carved doorways. Later, a stop at the Stilwell Museum reveals the fruitful alliance between China and the United States during the Second World War. Later, board your river cruiser to begin your three-night Yangzi adventure.
    Sanctuary MS 'Yangzi Explorer' B L D
Days 8-9: Cruising the Yangzi River

    Sail through history as you travel the Three Gorges. On-board lectures keep you informed, shore excursions keep you engaged and each day brings something new. Stop at a local market, walking the lanes lined with booths selling local produce. During your cruise, you also have the opportunity to meet with two different families — one that was relocated as a result of the Three Gorges Dam Project construction, and another that still lives a traditional lifestyle. Learn about the hopes and dreams of these two families, and gain firsthand insight into the contrasts in their daily lives.
    Sanctuary MS 'Yangzi Explorer' B L D
Day 10: Yichang/Shanghai

    Visit the Three Gorges Project Exhibition Center to learn about this amazing and controversial undertaking that produces 22,500 megawatts of electrical energy. Disembark after lunch at Yichang. In the late afternoon, fly to cosmopolitan Shanghai.
    Fairmont Peace Hotel B L
Day 11: Shanghai

    Explore the Yu Garden, a 16th-century garden in the heart of the old Chinese Quarter. The Ming-period garden architecture includes ponds and bridges separating gardens. Afterward, stroll the famous Bund, the promenade along the Huangpu River. The rest of your afternoon is at leisure. This evening, gather with your fellow passengers for a farewell dinner.
    Fairmont Peace Hotel B D
Day 12: Shanghai/USA or Canada

    Board your homebound flight.
    B

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