To ensure a seamless experience, your guide will be waiting for you outside the secure customs area with a sign with your name on it. The guide will assist you in meeting up with your private driver and accompany you to your accommodation.

Enjoy a private transfer between the airport and your hotel with an English-speaking guide.

Spend the day exploring two of Beijing’s most visually captivating sites with your private guide and driver. Start the day with a visit to the Summer Palace, which dates to the 12^th century, and this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a vast imperial encampment of temples, ornate pavilions, and halls set in a park around Kunming Lake. Occupying an area of 294 hectares, three-quarters of which is water, the compound features a sprawling archetypal Chinese garden that is ranked amongst the most noted gardens in the world and a truly picturesque setting to explore. The Long Corridor is a must-see – this covered walkway is decorated with more than 14,000 lavish paintings.

Then drive out of the city to take in the awe-inspiring Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, located 45 miles northeast of the city. By far China’s most iconic architectural wonder, it captivates the imagination of generations of travelers intrigued by this feat of engineering. This well-preserved section winds along lofty, cragged mountains for 1.4 miles and holds a prominent place in Chinese military history. Construction began during the 6^th century Northern Qi Dynasty, and it was restored in the early years of the Ming Dynasty (spanning from the 14^th to 17^th century).

An abundance of natural springs in the area give this section of the Great Wall a lush verdant ecosystem, and the rolling forested hills make for an impressive panoramic photo regardless of the time of year. Take a cable car to the top of the hillside to explore the 26-foot-high granite walls. The 22 watchtowers stretch along the top of the mountain ridge as far as the eye can see, an impressive military barrier against invading forces from the north. Today’s lunch will be had at a local restaurant near the Great Wall. If you are interested and traffic permits, it is possible to stop for a quick photo at the 2008 Olympic sites of the Bird's Nest and Water Cube along the drive.

Today’s tour involves a fair amount of walking at a leisurely pace. Comfortable walking shoes and adequate protection from the sun are highly recommended.

With food being such a prominent part of Chinese culture, there is a wide range of cuisines that must be experienced when visiting China. From groundbreaking fusion dishes to traditional delicacies, Beijing has it all. Be sure to try out the local favorite, Peking duck. Tonight, you will be able to indulge in an unforgettable gastronomic experience accompanied by a private guide. Reservations will be made in advance at the restaurant of your choice, and round-trip transportation in a private vehicle will also be provided. Our Destination Experts can provide top recommendations for anything from fine Chinese dining to high-end international restaurants.

Please note: Your meal is not included and will be paid for on location. Reservations are confirmed at the time of booking and are subject to availability.

Head to the center of Beijing with your private guide and vehicle to spend the day exploring the must-see sites of Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and a traditional “hutong” neighborhood. Start with a walk across the sprawling expanse of Tiananmen Square. Built in 1417 during the Ming Dynasty and serving as the front door to the Forbidden City, the present square is one of the largest in the world, stretching a vast 44 square hectares and featuring the Tiananmen Tower, Monument to the People’s Heroes, Great Hall of the People, and the Mao Zedong Memorial. Many historically important moments have unfolded in this public setting.

From here, cross the street and enter through the towering gates of the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the largest number of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world. The expansive palace complex is comprised of 9,999 buildings spread across 74 hectares and protected by a 19-foot deep moat and a 32-foot tall wall, divided into two parts. The Outer Court was where the emperor exercised his supreme power over the nation, while the Inner Court was where he lived with his royal family. Twenty-four emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties reigned over China from the Imperial Palace here until 1924. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant.

Spend the afternoon exploring a nearby hutong, a network of traditional working-class neighborhoods tucked behind Beijing’s ever-growing landscape of skyscrapers. The hutongs are a tightly knit community of siheyuan, a compound of low-rise houses built around a central courtyard, connected by a series of narrow lanes and alleys best navigated by bicycle, rickshaw or on foot. The gray-tiled houses and identical crisscrossing alleys are ripe for discovery – tucked in the courtyards are local artisans, small businesses and even restaurants.

Today’s tour involves a fair amount of walking at a leisurely pace. Comfortable walking shoes and adequate protection from the sun are highly recommended.

Peking duck is an iconic dish that originated Peking duck is an iconic dish that originated in Beijing, and has been prepared since the imperial era. Enjoy a memorable dinner of this classic dish at Dadong Restaurant, a popular choice with locals and travelers alike as a fine example of this succulent dish. It is also possible to sample some non-duck dishes during your meal.

Enjoy a private transfer between the airport and your hotel with an English-speaking guide.

Board a flight with direct service from Beijing to Xi'an. Approximate flight time is 2 hours.

Meet your driver for an airport transfer with a private vehicle and English speaking guide.

Enjoy a two hour evening walking tour in Muslim Cultural street in Xi'an - a fascinating area of the city which juxtaposes old against new. Nowadays this district is divided into three parts namely, Beiyuanmen Street, Xiyang Market, and Huajue Lane, and gets its fashionable name "Muslim Street". The Drum Tower is to the southern end and the Great Mosque is to the northern end of the district. The mixture of ancient culture and modern style along with the prosperous scene and tantalizing smells will give you a great insight into the pulse of the city. You'll also get to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda evening music fountain during your tour and enjoy a deluxe dumpling dinner.

The Terracotta Warriors are the most iconic site in Xi’an, an impressive marvel that went undiscovered until 1974. With your private driver and English-speaking guide, spend the day visiting the Terracotta Warriors, the Ancient City Wall and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The incredible army of over 7000 soldiers, archers, horses, and chariots in full battle array has guarded Emperor Qin’s tomb since 210 BC. Incredibly, each figure is unique, and the painstaking repair and excavation continues in 3 pits, protected inside enormous hangars specially constructed for the archaeological dig.

Stop for a local lunch before returning to the city center to visit the Ancient City Wall. The walls, ramparts, gates, and watchtowers form one of the oldest and most complete city defenses are still around. Built in the 13^th-century on the foundations of the original Tang Forbidden City surrounding the city center you can walk, rent a bike or take an electric cart around the full 8.5-mile circuit, with great views of the city on either side and a deep moat surrounding the fortifications. Next, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. An important Buddhist site, the simple and elegant Pagoda is housed on the grounds of the attractive Da Ci’en Temple. The Pagoda was built in the 7th century to house the Buddhist materials that Xuanzang (Tripitaka) brought back from his epic world-famous 16-year pilgrimage to India. The Temple complex has several large halls with some great Buddhist statues and murals. At the end of the day, return to your hotel by private vehicle.

Meet your driver for an airport transfer with a private vehicle and English speaking guide.

Board a flight with direct service from Xi'an to Lhasa. Approximate flight time is 3 hours.

Meet your driver for an airport transfer with a private vehicle and English speaking guide.

Take the afternoon to rest at your hotel to allow your body to acclimatize. Try to minimize physical activity to avoid the effects of altitude sickness.

Enjoy a full day private guided tour of Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery. The Drepung Monastery is the most important monastery of the Gelugpa sect in Tibetan Buddhism. Seen from afar, its grand, white construction gives the monastery the appearance of a heap of rice, so it was given the name 'Drepung' which in Tibetan means “collecting rice”. The Sera Monastery at the foot of Tatipu Hill is located in the northern suburb of Lhasa City and was built in 1419 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The hill behind it was covered with wild roses in bloom when the monastery was built, so it was named Sera which means "wild rose" in Tibetan. Lunch is included.

Enjoy a full day tour of Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Bhakor Street. Originally built by King Songtsen Gampo in the seventh century, Potala Palace was rebuilt by the Fifth Dalai Lama in 1645, and became the seat of Dalai Lamas and political center of Tibet. Jokhang Temple is located in central Lhasa and is the ultimate pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Pilgrims. Bhakor is the oldest road in Lhasa that pilgrims tramped out around Jokhang Temple through centuries. Buddhist pilgrims walk or progress by body-lengths along the street clockwise every day into the night. The circular road is also a marketplace for printed scriptures, cloth prayer flags, and religious items. Lunch is included.

Meet your driver for an airport transfer with a private vehicle and English speaking guide.

Board a flight with direct service from Lhasa to Chengdu. Approximate flight time is 2 hours.

Meet your driver for an airport transfer with a private vehicle and English speaking guide.

Enjoy a lovely evening out in Chengdu starting with a Hotpot dinner at Huangchenglaoma, and walking through Broad and Narrow Street.

Enjoy a full day private guided Chengdu tour, starting with a half-day trip to the Panda Research Center. The center was designed to imitate the pandas' natural habitat in order to provide the best possible environment for rearing and breeding. After watching and observing the pandas, travel to Chengdu's traditional Jinli Street for a local lunch. After your meal, you will visit a local tea house to experience one of the most vibrant and ancient tea cultures in the world. Lunch is included.

Meet your driver for a train station transfer with a private vehicle and English speaking guide.

Transfer from Chengdu to Chongqing via the high-speed bullet train. The train ride is approximately 2.5 hours.

Transfer between the train station and the pier with a private vehicle, driver, and English speaking guide.

This afternoon, board the Yangzi Explorer for your cruise downstream to Yichang. After you’ve settled into your cabin you can join your fellow guests in the Explorer Bar. The large windows allow you to enjoy the night-time cityscape of Chongqing as we sail deeper into the Three Gorges region of the mighty Yangtze River

Start your morning with traditional Chinese exercise and work up an appetite for the buffet breakfast.

This morning, choose between a pair of shared shore excursions- either visit to an intriguing, secret project, hidden in the mountains of Fuling - the 816 Underground Project/Nuclear Engineering Site, or a visit to 816 Town.

The 816 Underground Project is the world’s largest, artificial military cave. Over 50 years ago, more than 60,000 constructers, came to Jianzi Mountains, an uninhabited place among mountain ranges and forest, to start work on a top-secret construction project of a monumental scale. The work continued for 17 years and was nearly completed when the government decided to suspend it, before any nuclear material could be produced. Now as the secrets of military caves are revealed, you will be able to look at the true face of 816 project hidden for 50 years.

Alternatively, you can choose to visit 816 Town, where the workers of Project 816 lived for 30 years while working on the number one top-secret project for the Republic. The gate of the town still retains the appearance of the 1970s, the time of its construction. As you pass through it, the green bricks, red walls, and green windows all tell tales of a different age when the area was bustling with workers. You will see the old factories, canteens, auditoriums that paint a picture of mid-20th-century China.

Please let us know at time of booking which optional activity you would like to join today. This must be pre-selected before embarkation.

In the evening, enjoy VIP seats at an epic, large-scale live performance of The Beacon of Three Kingdoms. The performance will be a cultural feast with the Three Gorges Harbour as the stage, the culture of The Three Kingdoms as the theme, and the spirit of loyalty and righteousness as the soul. Based on the famous 14th-century novel ‘The Romance of the Three Kingdoms’, the story is part historical, part legend, and part mythical. The dreamlike performance includes horseback battles, lighting and water effects, 3D holographic projects and fireworks.

For those who choose to disembark at Zhongxian County for the Three Kingdoms Open Air Show, a late dinner will be available upon their return. Guests who decide to remain onboard can indulge in an À la carte dinner before guests reconvene for karaoke and a live band performance.

Today, sail across Qutang Gorge in the morning glow. Qutang Gorge, also known an Kui Gorge and Ba Gorge, is the first gorge of the Three Gorges Yangtze River. Admire the splendor of the green peaks and tranquility of the river.

After breakfast, start a full-day tour of Wushan.

Drive to Dachang Ancient Town, built in the Western Jin Dynasty with a history of more than 1,800 year. It used to be an important distribution center for salt, medicinal materials, and mountain products in the region. The town was relocated with more than 30 ancient residential buildings, 3 city gates, and 2 ancient temples It has become the only completely preserved ancient town in the Three Gorges reservoir area.

After the tour, take a two-hour boat ride down the Daning River and return to Yangzi Explorer. Along the way, you will pass through the essence of Emerald Gorge, which is rarely visited by tourists, and enjoy the beauty of Wushan Lesser Three, namely Emerald Gorge, Bawu Goge and Longmen Gorge. Look at the towering peaks, the verdant hillsides, the scattered springs and waterfalls, the hanging coffins of Ba people in mysterious caves and ancient villages.

After lunch, join a shared excursion to explore the Wushan Goddess Sky Road. Embark on the Yangzi Explorer Trail, named after your ship, the Yangzi Explorer. Stroll among the cliffs at an altitude of about 3,200 feet, and overlook Goddess Peak and the Yangtze River. Going deeper, you will board the private lookout of Yangzi Explorer. The 12 peaks of Wushan will be right in front of you. A champagne reception awaits you here, exclusive to Yangzi Explorer passengers.

In the evening, drive back to the ship and enjoy the dinner on board.

Continue your tai chi practice before breakfast should you wish.

This morning, join a shared visit of the Three Gorges Dam, the Great Steel Wall on the Yangtze River, and enjoy a lecture onboard from an expert explaining the story behind this great project.

Spanning 7660 feet in length and 593 feet in height, the dam is the one of the largest and most expensive engineering projects in the world. While the dam’s 32 generators produce enough clean energy to reduce China’s reliance on coal, the project has also caused much controversy. During construction, 13 cities, 140 towns, 1,352 villages, over 600 industrial factories and more than 1,200 archaeological projects have been submerged and 1.2 million people resettled.

Optional: Three Gorges Ship Lift Experience on VIP Deck: CNY380pp (minimum 20 guests required).

Lunch will be held at the world-famous cave restaurant - Fang Weng Restaurant - in Xiling Gorge, one of the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River. Fang Weng Restaurant is known as one of the “nine cave restaurants of the world”. The restaurant is built in the middle of the steep hill, located in the cave. You can enjoy the famous Xiakou scenery, the Three Gorges and the beauty of the stalactites in the cave.

As your cruise comes to an end, in the afternoon, board a shared transfer to Yichang Airport or Yichang East Railway Station to continue onto your journey through China.

Board a flight with direct service from Yichang to Shanghai. Approximate flight time is 2 hours.

Meet your driver for an airport or pier transfer with a private vehicle and English speaking guide.

Meet your driver for an airport transfer with a private vehicle and English speaking guide.

Despite Shanghai’s impressive size and modern cosmopolitan identity, there are pockets of traditional Chinese gardens and culture hidden throughout the city and its outskirts. Start the day by heading into the Yangtze River Delta near Shanghai to Zhujiajiao with your English-speaking guide and private driver. The delta area gave rise a collection of historical water towns that crisscross the countryside and have given the region the nickname of the “Venice of the East” due to the prevalence of canals. While modern architecture and infrastructure have all but made these canals obsolete, these villages have thriving centers that haven’t changed for hundreds of years. Zhujiajiao is a scenic water town easily accessible from Shanghai. Drive an hour from central Shanghai, and explore the 1700-year-old picturesque town. Its beauty lies in its lovely streams, which reflect the traditional houses built on their banks. Large and small gondola-like boats in typical Chinese style ply the waters all around the city. Marvel at the architecture during a boat ride through the canals before driving back to Shanghai for lunch.

Dine at NanXiang restaurant and sample NanXiang Xiao Long Bao, a traditional style of Shanghai bun. In the afternoon, visit the Yu Gardens, the largest of Shanghai’s ancient gardens, dating to the mid-16^th century. The expansive grounds feature the architectural styles of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, with six pavilions each with their own unique design, laid out in the Suzhou style. The Grand Rockery in the center of the garden is a popular photo stop, with replica peaks, cliffs, and caves. The Yu Gardens are a year-round delightful retreat from Shanghai’s frenetic pace, as the changing seasons offer a different experience and a moment of quiet contemplation. Adjacent to the gardens is the City God Temple, surrounded by a network of local snack vendors and souvenir shops that make for a colorful walk into the Yu Garden. At the end of the day, transfer back to your hotel by private vehicle.

With food being such a prominent part of Chinese culture, there is a wide range of cuisines that must be experienced when visiting China. From groundbreaking fusion dishes to traditional delicacies, Shanghai has it all. Be sure to try out the local favorite, delectable soup dumplings. Tonight, you will be able to indulge in an unforgettable gastronomic experience. Reservations will be made in advance at the restaurant of your choice, and round-trip transportation in a private vehicle will also be provided accompanied by a private guide. The guide will help you get settled into the restaurant and can assist with navigating the menu, but will not be joining you for dinner. Your Destination Expert will provide top recommendations for anything from fine Chinese dining to high-end international restaurants.

Please note: Your meal is not included and will be paid for on location. Reservations are confirmed at the time of booking and are subject to availability.

Meet your driver for an airport transfer with a private vehicle and English speaking guide.

Blending contemporary luxury, unequaled service, and exotic Oriental charm, the Waldorf Astoria Beijing offers a timeless experience in the heart of Wangfujing. A dramatic copper building, offering a refined sanctuary in the downtown business district of Beijing. This distinctive hotel boasts an ideal location near extensive shopping options and culturally significant Siheyuan - traditional courtyard residences. This opulent hotel in Beijing offers spacious and sumptuously appointed guest rooms and suites, some featuring courtyard views and furnished terraces. Gastronomes will be impressed with two lavish restaurants: a stylish brasserie and an elegant Chinese restaurant. The sophisticated Peacock Lounge provides a chic, welcoming space to savor signature Waldorf Astoria dishes and an extensive selection of premium beverages. Discover a sense of balance and well-being in the tranquil spa featuring a range of signature treatments that blend traditional Chinese medicine philosophies with innovative, modern techniques to attune the body and relieve a tired mind.

Originally established in 1953, the legendary Xian People's Hotel embraced in a beautiful landscaped garden and located right in the heart of Xian was refurbished into a luxury hotel. Reopened in 2014, Sofitel Legend People's Grand Hotel Xian features an Italian restaurant, bars, cigar lounge, spa, and state of the art facilities. The hotel is only 45 minutes to the airport and Terracotta Warriors, and is within walking distance to many famous historical sites.

Standing on the "Roof of the World" at 12,000 feet above sea level, The St. Regis Lhasa Resort offers refined luxury and superlative service in a storied city. The resort boasts awe-inspiring views of the Himalayas and the Lhasa Valley from each of the 162 guest rooms, suites and villas which feature distinctive architectural details and dÉcor that entwine modern luxury with traditional Tibetan elements. The spectacular resort embraces the enchanting natural surroundings and breathtaking mountainous views of Lhasa and is destined to set new standards of service and luxury for Tibet. The magnificent resort offers the signature St. Regis Butler Service and features three world class restaurants to please any epicurean taste, a signature tea room, wine bar and an expansive 11,700 square foot Iridium Spa with an ornate gold-tiled pool and Meditation Garden for yoga, Pilates or meditation.

A distinctively different luxury hotel, Upper House Chengdu celebrates Chengdu’s history and looks toward the future through inspired modern design and art. Upper House is hidden amongst the laneways of Taikoo Li Chengdu and set on former temple grounds, with 100 intimate rooms and 42 serviced apartments, heritage courtyards, landscaped terraces and a subterranean oasis. It’s an urban sanctuary that surprises and delights around every corner. Rejuvenate at the on-site spa, relax with inventive drinks at the plush bar, or dine in delight at Upper House's Michelin-starred Mi Xun Teahouse.

The Yangzi Explorer is a more intimate and luxurious style of cruising that is new in China. With the largest cabins and suites on the river, all-private balconies, as well as the highest crew to passenger ratio on the river of 1:1, this is a Yangzi cruise unlike any other. The Yangzi Explorer carries 124 passengers with 58 cabins and suites, compared to other cruise ships and offers the finest and most personalized service on the river. Onboard facilities include a la carte dining, a luxury spa, an observation deck, 24-hour room service, a two-floor theater, library, and beauty and fitness facilities. A doctor also travels onboard. The ship also has the most spacious and indulgent spa on board this vessel.

Opening its doors in 2009, The Peninsula Shanghai occupies a prime location with direct frontage on Shanghai’s historic Bund. Positioned 26 miles from Pudong Airport, and under 11 miles from Hong Qiao Airport, the hotel provides you with walkable distances to The Bund, Yuyuan Garden, Huangpu Park and East Nanjing Road. The intricately styled rooms have been designed to evoke flair from the glorious Art Deco era. Each room and suite incorporates an eclectic of traditional materials used in 1920’s Shanghai. Exotic woods, imported stones, black lacquer, carved glass and ornate accents of polished chrome combine to create a luxurious and nostalgic but yet contemporary ambience. In addition to five restaurants and bars, the hotel features a state of the art Spa that includes a stunning pool with full-length skylight, as well as a fitness center with high-end training machines and free weights. This hotel is proud to be as unique as the city itself. The Peninsula Shanghai features the city's only outdoor ice skating rink for the winter festive season and The Rosamonde Aviation Lounge which celebrates the fascinating history of aviation in China featuring an impressive collection of antiques and memorabilia.