Home > China Train Tour > China Rail Tours of Shangri-la with Yangtze River Cruise
China Rail Tours of Shangri-la with Yangtze River Cruise
Price
From
$
4527
USD
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Tour Code
CTT-25
Duration
22Days
Destinations
Beijing
Xian
Chengdu
Guilin->
Yangshuo
Kunming
Dali
Lijiang
Chongqing->
Yangtze River Cruise->
Yichang->
Shanghai
Tour Style
Private Tour or Join-in
Tour Description
Private land tour with well selected hotel, the cities connected by overnight comfortable Z train ( Soft Sleeper ) Private Guide and driver only for your family. You will see the most classic tour sites of China - Great Wall of Beijing, Terra Cotta Army Warriors in Xian, the Bund, Nanjing Road, Yu Garden at Shanghai Etc.
Tour Itinerary
Introduction of hotel
Description of Expenses
Tour itinerary can be customized!
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Beijing( Meals: -/-/- )
Say hello to Beijing! This Golden China tour starts when you meet our professional local guide at Beijing Airport and transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day will be free at your leisure.
Accommodation:Overnight at hotel in Beijing
Day 2
Beijing (Meals: B/L/SD)
Tourist spot：Mutianyu Great Wall - 798 Art Zone - Peking Duck Banquet
After breakfast, The morning itinerary will take you to Mutianyu Great Wall, you will take cable car to see this vital section of the world famous China Great Wall, Mutianyu has a history of over 1400 years, can trace back to Northern Qi Dynasty (550-570). Standing on the wall and looking at it stretching up and down into boundless distance is an exciting experience.
Next you will visit Beijing 798 Art Zone, which is Located in the northeast suburb of Beijing, the previous factory plant has become a haven for artists from home and even abroad. Artists gather here to open galleries, art studios and cafes, and hold all kinds art events, making the area the most resounding name in the artistic circle.
In the evening, you will enjoy an authentic and delicious Peking Duck Banquet.
Accommodation：Overnight at hotel in Beijing
Day 3
Beijing (Meals: B/L/D)
Tourist spot：Coal Hill Park - Forbidden City - Great Hall of the People - Zhengyang Gate - Dashilan Alley and Temple of Heaven
After Breakfast, Visit the Coal Hill Park, wherever you can have a bird view of the Forbidden City. Later，will we go to the Forbidden City to explore its fascinating halls and palaces. Here, you will not only learn how the emperor handled political affairs and lived their lives, but appreciate numerous ancient art treasures. Then you will visit the Great Hall of the People, which was built started in October 1958 and was completed by the end of August 1959, taking ten months altogether. The Great Hall of the People has a total floor space of 171,800 square meters, 20,000 square meters more than that of the Palace Museum in the neighborhood. Great Hall of the People is 206 meters long and 336 meters wide on Tiananmen Square. The highest point of this building is 46.5 meters from the ground. The Great Hall of the People consists of three major sections: in the north is the Banquet Hall that accommodates 5,000 people; in the center is the Grand Auditorium with a seating capacity of 10,000; offices of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress are in the south. There are more than 300 reception rooms and conference halls of various sizes. Thirty-four reception rooms are furnished y and named after various provinces, municipalities, autonomous regions and special administrative regions. Each of the rooms is featured by its local style.
After walking through the Zhengyang Gate, we will the Dashilan Alley and Temple of Heaven in the afternoon. The Temple of Heaven is the place where the emperors worshipped the heavens in hopes of good harvests.
Next，Peking Opera Show will give you a wonderful impression tonight.
Accommodation:Overnight at hotel in Beijing
Day 4
Beijing – Xian (Meals: B/L/-)
Tourist spot：Summer Palace - old Hutongs
After breakfast, the first stop of today's itinerary is the Summer Palace. The Summer Palace in northwest suburban Beijing is the largest and most complete imperial garden existing in China. It was first built in the 12th century as an imperial palace. Occupy a total area of 304 hectares, the Summer Palace features hilly and water scenery. The Kunming Lake makes up four-fifths of this royal park. The Long Corridor running east-west along the lake as well as the Pavilion of the Fragrance of Buddha, the Sea of Wisdom, and the Hall of Dispelling the Clouds and Suzhou Street standing south to north on the Longevity Hill are the major scenic spots. The Summer Palace was added to the world cultural heritage list in 1998.
In the afternoon, an interesting trip to the old Hutongs will let you feel Old Beijing’s culture. Taking the local rickshaw and traveling along the narrow lanes, you will get a close touch with the original Beijing lifestyle.
Then your tour guide will see you off at Beijing train station to Xian.
Accommodation: Over night at Z Train ( Soft Sleeper 4 persons in one cabin, you can upgrade to 2 persons in one cabin with surcharge )
Day 5
Xi'an ( Meals: B/L/SD )
Tourist spot：Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum - Great Mosque - Muslim Street - Folk House - Tang Dynasty Dinner
After in arrival Xian in the morning, the local guide will meet and transfer you to the downtown area to check in at the hotel. Breakfast will be arranged at the local restaurant, KFC or McDonalds. Then, you will visit the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, the most significant archeological excavations of the20th century. It has been regarded as THE 8TH WONDER OF THE WORLD! After lunch we will visit the Great Mosque, is one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved Islamic mosques in China, the Muslim Street, Moslem Street is the hub of the Moslem community in Xian City. After visit Muslim street, you will have a optional tour which is tour to Gao Yue Song’s ancient style Folk House, formerly high rank official during the Ming Dynasty some 300 years ago. This house won UNESCO Prize for Cultural Heritage Protection in Asian-Pacific Area in 2002 and you will be delighted to see a dying art: Shadow Play Opera which played by farmers.
Dinner enjoy famous Tang Dynasty Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight at hotel in Xian
Day 6
Xian-Chengdu (Meals: B/L/-)
Tourist spot：Big Wild Goose Pagoda - City Wall - Shaanxi Provincial Museum
After breakfast at hotel. you will visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, which situated at south of the Xian city, as one of the main constructions in the famous Buddhist temple-Da-Ci-En Temple, the pagoda is one of the most distinctive and outstanding landmarks for Xian City, the City Wall, It is the most complete city wall survived in China as well as one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world, Shaanxi Provincial Museum, which is the largest comprehensive museum in the province.
Later, go to the Xi’an airport and you will be greeted by your tour guide and transferred to hotel in Chengdu.
Accommodation:Overnight at hotel in Chengdu.
Day 7
Chengdu (Meals: B/L/D)
Tourist spot：Chengdu Panda Base - Ancestral Temple of Marquis Wu - Dujiang Dam
After breakfast at your hotel, you will be taken by your private guide and driver to visit Chengdu Panda Base, is a non-profit research and breeding facility for giant pandas and other rare animals. Chengdu Panda Base was founded in 1987. It started with 6 giant pandas that were rescued from the wild. By 2008, it had 124 panda births, and the captive panda population has grown to 83 Temple of Marquis Wu. The Ancestral Temple of Marquis Wu was first built in the sixth century, Zhu Geliang (181-234) was a prominent statesman and strategist in the history of China. The existing structures of the Ancestral Temple of Marquis Wu were rebuilt in the eleventh year (1672) of the reign of Kangxi in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Backing the north and facing the south, the ancestral temple was surrounded by a red wall with patina and elegance. The yard behind the main entrance is quiet and elegant, sheltered by luxuriantly green pines and cypresses. After lunch, Visit Dujiang Dam which is an irrigation infrastructure built in 256 BC during the Warring States Period of China by the Kingdom of Qin. Transfer back to your hotel by your guide and driver.
Accommodation: Overnight at hotel in Chengdu
Day 8
Chengdu-Guilin by air (Meals: B/-/-)
Tourist spot：
After breakfast at your hotel, you will be taken by your private guide and driver to take a morning flight to Guilin, upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to hotel to take rest. You can take the city tour freely.
Accommodation:Overnight at hotel in Guilin
Day 9
Guilin (B/L/D)
Tourist spot：the Elephant Trunk Hill - Fubo Hill - Reed Flute Cave
Breakfast at hotel. Take a first glimpse to visit of the Elephant Trunk Hill (Situated majestically at the southeast of Guilin city and west bank of Li River, Elephant Trunk Hill is regarded as the symbol of Guilin landscape. Originally named "Li Hill", "Yi Hill" and "Chenshui Hill", the hill has a history of 3.6 hundred million years. Resembling an elephant leisurely sucking water from the river with its long trunk, this hill is famous as Elephant Trunk Hill for hundreds of years and it is the symbol of Guilin city.), Then visit Fubo Hill (With half of the hill stretching into the river, Fubo Hill, which is 120 meters long, 60 meters wide and 213 meters high, stands on its own to the northeast of the city, on the west bank of the Li River. The waves of the river are turned back when they meet the stone blocks of the hill, hence the name "wave-subduing hill".),
Reed Flute Cave (The Ludi (Bamboo-Pipe) Cave on the northwestern outskirts of Guilin, seven kilometers from the city center, is a limestone cave in existence for at least 600,000 years. The entire cave is 240 meters deep, 93 meters at the widest section and 18 meters at the highest point. It is one of the largest known examples of typical karst cones.).
Lunch and dinner at local Chinese restaurants.
Accommodation:Overnight at Hotel in Guilin .
Day10
Guilin - Yangshuo - Guilin - Kunming (B/L/D)
Tourist spot： Li River
Breakfast at hotel. Enjoy the famed cruise on the Li River (The Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is the centerpiece of any trip to northeastern Guangxi Province. Gorgeous Karst peaks give you surprises at each bend of the limpid river under the blue sky. Water buffalo patrol the fields, peasants reap rice paddies, school kids and fisherman float by on bamboo rafts. With its breathtaking scenery and taste of a life far removed from the concrete metropolis, the scenery along the Li River become one of China's top tourist destinations.)
Arrive in Yangshuo when you finish your cruise (Located 65 kilometers to the southeast of Guilin, Yangshuo is an ancient town that became a county in Jin Dynasty some 1500 years ago. It is famous not only for the attractive hills and waters there, but also for its abundant produce, particularly for such fruits as sweet orange, tangerine, pomelo and persimmon. Chestnuts produced in Yangshuo are also well known for their excellent quality.).
Lunch will be served on boat and dinner at local Chinese restaurant.
Have a short exploration of the town before returning to Guilin to transfer to airport to take an afternoon flight to Kunming. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel.
Accommodation:Overnight at hotel in Kunming.
Day11
Kunming (B/L/D)
Tourist spot：Stone Forest - Golden temple
Breakfast at hotel. Take an excursion to Stone Forest (The Stone Forest is in Shilin Yi Nationality Autonomous County, which is about 86 kilometers (75 miles) from Kunming, consisting of eighty hectares of ancient limestone cliffs and peaks eroded by wind and water over two hundred million years. It covers an area of 400 square kilometers (96,000 acres) and includes both large and small stone forests, as well as many other scenic spots. An old local saying says that "If you have visited Kunming without seeing the Stone Forest, you have wasted your time." Truly, the Stone Forest is one of the most important attractions of Yunnan.
On the way back to Kunming, visit Golden temple (Located at the top of Phoenix Song Mountain, about 11km from Kunming. The roof of the Daoist temple is made from copper and in the sunlight it glistens like gold. The present Golden Temple was design by Wu Sangui during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Inside the temple there are Buddhist statues, inscribed boards, beams, pillars, well-screens and other decorations, which are all made of bronze.).
Lunch and Dinner at local Chinese restaurant.
Accommodation:Overnight at hotel in Kunming.
Day12
Kunming (B/L/D)
Tourist spot：Western Hills - the Dragon Gate - Huating Temple - Yuantong Temple - Yunnan Impression
Breakfast at hotel. Drive to the Western Hills followed by a ten-minute chairlift ride up the hill. (Western Hills, which are 15 kilometers (nine miles) from Kunming, are actually a range consisting of four mountains: Biji, Luohan, Huating, and Taiping. Viewed from a distance, the skyline of the Western Hills' forest reserve resembles a beautiful maiden reclining leisurely alongside of Dianchi Lake with her long hair drifting casually in the mirror-like water. It is for this reason that the local people gave the Western Hills the nickname, Sleeping Beauty Hills.).Go through the Dragon Gate (Dragon Gate is the steepest spot in the Western Hills and well worth climbing up the winding old stone stairs because the view is spectacular), visit Huating Temple (This is the largest Buddhist temple in Kunming and its history stretches back to 900 years. Inside are three gilded lacquer Buddha’s seated upon lotus thrones and 500 statues of Buddhist Arhats on the sidewalls. There is a stark contrast between the three majestic Buddha and the seemingly easy-going poses of the luohans. Additionally, this Huating Temple has an interesting Bell Tower, and two halls: Devajara Hall and Mahavira Hall.).
After lunch，visit the Yuantong Temple, Yuantong Temple is at the foot of Yuantong Hill in the northern part of Kunming. With a history of more than 1,200 years, it is one of the grandest as well as the most important Buddhist temple in Yunnan Province. King Yimouxun of the Nanzhao Kingdom built it during the late eighth century as a continuation of Putuoluo Temple, and the restorations performed from the Qing Dynasty onward had not changed its unique mixed architectural style of the Yuan and Ming Dynasties. Then visit the Flower and Bird Market in the old part of town (The Bird and Flower Market is part of a series of streets and markets in central Kunming where an attempt has been made to preserve some of the typical architecture of the region. Traditional wooden houses with grass growing from their roofs line the streets where a variety of products are sold, including of course a small alley devoted to flowers and cage birds.).
After dinner，Enjoy the "Yunnan Impression" show, It was directed by Yang Liping and has been an outstanding gain to the Chinese stages in recent years. Primitive, unsophisticated folk dances and a fresh artistic concept converge in the program, giving audiences a unique "Yunnan Impression." Sixty-two drums and 120 masks of strong ethnic characteristics are incorporated in the performance. The show starts at 20:00h and lasts for 1.5 hours. It is highly recommended by Wonders Of Yunnan Travel and trip advisor. For people interested in minority culture, this is a must-see and not to be missed when in Kunming!
Accommodation:Overnight at Hotel in Kunming.
Day13
Kunming—Dali(B/L/D)
Tourist spot：Xizhou - Zhoucheng - Three Pagodas - Erhai Lake
Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to airport for a morning flight to Dali . Upon arrival, discover the Bai minority villages of Xizhou, (Located 18 kilometers north of Dali, faces Erhai on the east. It grew and flourished in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) along with the fortunes of Dali renowned tea merchants that traded to Tibet. It is not only a historically famous city but also a typical commercial center of Bai Ethnic Nationality. It is now a must for the travelers. You can enjoy lovely ethical clothes, fairylike programs, decorative architectures, gifted garden parties and wonderful handicrafts there.), Zhoucheng (The largest and the farthest northern village of Dali City. Situated at the foot of Cangshan Mountain, the village is not far from the Butterflies' Fountain and Erhai Lake. Handicraft and commerce here are constantly developed. The patterns of hand-made tie-dyed cloth in particular are pure and beautiful. Clothes of this material sell well abroad.).In the afternoon, drive to the shore of the Erhai Lake and take a glimpse at the majestic Three Pagodas (Known as the Chongsheng Santa and situated on top of the ruins of Chongsheng Monastery, the Three Pagodas lie one kilometer northwest of Dali. Located on the slope of Mount Cangshan, and overlooking Erhai Lake, the Three pagodas are a must-see in your Dali tour.). Take a cruise on Erhai Lake (Erhai Lake is a 400 sq km stretch of water which dominates the landscape around Dali. The lake is an important source of fish for the local people. The lake can be explored by foot or by hiring a boat to visit the islands and sights along the shore. Xiao Putuo Dao is a small island and home to a 15th century temple dedicated to the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin.).
Lunch and dinner at local Chinese restaurants.
Accommodation:Overnight at Hotel.
Day14
Dali - Lijiang (B/L/D)
Tourist spot：the Moon Embracing Pavilion, Dongba Museum - Lijiang Old Town - Naxi music concert
Breakfast at hotel. In the morning drive to Lijiang via the new road. In Lijiang, visit the Black Dragon Pond (Walking north from the Old Town of Lijiang, exactly at the foot of Elephant Hill, is the Black Dragon Pool (Heilongtan), an influx of limpid spring. Since the water of the pond is as green as a shining jade, the park of Black Dragon Pool, which was built in 1737 during the Qing Dynasty, is also entitled the Black Dragon Pond (Yuquan Park).), the Moon Embracing Pavilion, Dongba Museum, sanctuary of the ancient Naxi culture.Walk about in the old streets of the Lijiang Old Town (The Old Town of Lijiang, a well-preserved old city of ethnic minorities with brilliant culture. Located on the plateau which is 2,400 meters above the sea level and embraced by the tree-covered Lion Mountain in the west, Elephant and Golden Row Mountains in the north, vast fertile fields in the southeast and crystal clear water running through, the old town looks like a big jade ink slab, therefore got the alias the Town of Big Ink Slab. Lijiang was placed on the world cultural heritage list in 1997.).
Lunch and dinner at local Chinese restaurants. In the evening, enjoy Naxi music concert.
Accommodation:Overnight at local hotel.
Day15
Lijiang (B/L/D)
Tourist spot：Shigu (Stone Drum) village - the Tiger Leaping Gorge
Breakfast at hotel. In the morning, drive to Shigu (Stone Drum) village, (This ancient town is named after a drum-shaped marble plaque. Built during the Jiaqing era (1548-1561) of the Ming Dynasty, the stone drum is a monument commemorating the victory of Lijiang's Naxi ruler over an invading Tibetan army. It is one point five meters (five feet) in diameter and zero point five meters (two feet) in thickness. The stone drum has an obvious vestige of what appears to be a "rip" in it. It is said that the stone drum would rupture prior to any war and then fold when peace returned.), overlooking the First Bend of the Yangtze River, a world-famous geological phenomenon and an extraordinary panoramic scene whose vistas you will long remember with great pleasure. Then continue to the Tiger Leaping Gorge (Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Gorge), which is believed to be the deepest gorge in the world. From the top of the gorge you look down the steeply angled (70-90 degrees) mountain sides to the rushing Golden Sands (Jingsha) River with its 18 frothing rapids more than 200 meters (about 700 feet) below.). You will enter the gorge by bus before taking a path down to the Golden Sands River, name of the upper course of the Yangtze River.
Drive back to Lijiang in the late afternoon.
Lunch en route and dinner at local Chinese restaurant.
Accommodation:Overnight at Hotel in lijiang.
Day16
Lijiang-Chongqing (B/L/D)
Tourist spot：Jade Dragon Snow Mountain - Pipashan Park
Breakfast at hotel. Take an excursion to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yak Meadow Section) (Located 15km north of Lijiang city with an altitude of 5600 meters (18,400 feet) above sea level, is the highest mountain on the southern bank of the Yangtze River. The mountain extends 35 km from south to north and 12 km from west to east, producing different altitudes in the mountain. Owing to conspicuous three-dimensional climate caused by different altitude, various trees and rare animals living in different climates can live together in this mountain. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a holy mountain for the local Naxi people and now is a famous scenic spot for sightseeing, mountaineering, exploration, scientific research and taking holiday.). On the way back to Lijiang, visit of Jade Peak Temple (Located in the south side of the Yulong (Jade Dragon) Snow Mountain. The lamasery was built in the last year of the reign of the Emperor Kangxi(1661 - 722) of Qing Dynasty (1644 - 911) and is one of the Scarlet Sect lamaseries of Lijiang.),
Baisha village, once the capital of the Naxi Kingdom, famous for its Buddhist frescoes and lively atmosphere.
Back to Lijiang at the end of the afternoon take a flight to Chongqing .Upon arrival, meet your guide and then walk along Pipashan Park and enjoy lovely views of the city and the Yangtze River.
Lunch and dinner at local Chinese restaurants. Pre-board the cruise. (Jin Long Cruise or President Cruise No4, 6, 8)
Accommodation: on board the cruise ship
Day17
Yangtze River Cruise (B/L/D)
Tourist spot：Fengdu
Start the cruise on the Yangtze River with a stop at Fengdu, the city of Ghosts. Go back to the boat to continue the cruise towards the magnificent Three Gorges section.
Accommodation:Overnight on board.
Day18
Yangtze River Cruise (B/L/D)
Tourist spot：Qutang Gorge - Daning River - three small gorges - Wu Gorge
Cross Qutang Gorge and board a small boat on the Daning River, where you will catch a glimpse of the three small gorges (this excursion might be replaced by another one). Return to the cruise ship in the afternoon and cross Wu Gorge.
Accommodation:Overnight on board.
Day19
Cruise - -Yichang - Shanghai (B/L/D)
Tourist spot：Gezhouba Dam - Xiling Gorge
Cross Gezhouba Dam after passing the last gorge, Xiling Gorge. The cruise ends in Yichang. In the afternoon, take a flight to Shanghai . Upon arrival, meet your guide and then transfer to your hotel.
Breakfast and lunch on board and dinner at local Chinese restaurant.
Accommodation:Overnight at Hotel.
Day20
Shanghai ( Meals: -/L/D)
Tourist spot：Shanghai Museum - Jade Buddha Temple - Nanjing Road - the Bund - acrobatic show
After breakfast, meet the tour guide at the main lobby of the hotel at 08:30 and set out to visit the Shanghai Museum which houses 110,000 historical objects and 430,000 reference pieces, followed by a walk on People's Square.
Later ,Jade Buddha Temple, named for its two jade statues of Shakyamuni. One was carved out of a single piece of white jade weighing one ton. After lunch proceed with a promenade of famous Nanjing Road, the busiest commercial center in Shanghai. You will visit the Bund, a five-block riverfront lined with many of Shanghai's banks and trading houses.
After a special dinner, you will enjoy an acrobatic show with breathtaking motorcycle performance or Huangpu River Night Cruise Trip.
Accommodation:Overnight at hotel in Shanghai
Day21
Shanghai ( Meals: B/SL/D )
Tourist spot：Yu Yuan Garden and Old Bazaar - Shanghai World Financial Center - Tianzifang alley
After breakfast, we will visit Yu Yuan Garden and Old Bazaar. This classical Qing dynasty garden has over 30 pavilions linked by a maze of corridors and bridges over ponds. You will be arrange to have lunch in Yu Yuan Garden area. In afternoon, you will first visit the Shanghai World Financial Center, which is located in the center of the Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone. With 101 floors above ground level and soaring to a height of 492 meters, this project embodies Mori Building's original Vertical Garden City concept. It is a hub of culture and information, and boasts state of the art security. The last stop is Tianzifang alley. Tianzifang has transformed itself from legacy residential architectures and factories into an artsy area, housing bars, cafes, crafts shops, design studios, galleries and boutiques. It is ardently supported by crowds of yuppies, trend setters, designers and expatriates, who fall for temptation of old Shikumen houses (stone-framed-door houses) and lanes with infinite novelties.
Accommodation:Overnight at hotel in Shanghai
Day22
Shanghai ( Meals: B/-/- )
Enjoy the breakfast at hotel and check out by yourself. Our English Speaking Assistant and driver will meet you at hotel lobby with your name and send you to airport or train station.
The whole tour ends with a memorable and happy experience.
Description of Expenses
Price of this Beijing Xian Guilin Shanghai Tour ( USD $ )
( Mar, Jun - Aug ) Prices of 2026
( Apr - May, Sep - Nov ) Prices of 2026
(Jan - Feb , Dec ) Prices of 2026.
.Prices are in US dollars, for one Adult. Check Tour Price Includes / Excludes / How to Settle Booking
What's included
Domestic airfares or train tickets
Hotel accommodation with breakfasts
A la carte lunches as itinerary specifies
Professional English-speaking guides
Drivers & air-conditioned vehicles
Entrance fees to tourist sites
What's not included
International airfares
Entry Visa fees
Personal expenses
Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers
Tour Reservation Request
Please submit your travel request. CTT will confirm availability and price by email before any payment is arranged.
