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Beijing (3N) Be j 0 0 miles km 400 400 Inbound (1N) nbound d Nanjing Shanghai (2N) Yichang Wuhan M t. Huang ng ng Fengdu d Yangtze River Chongqing on Cruise (8N) Macau Hong Kong H Air Road Boat Nanjing yangtZe splendor deluxe - 15-day itinerary (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner The shores of China's Yangtze River present an ever changing mix of ancient and modern cultures as your cruise ship glides along one of the world's largest inland waterways. From the style and flair of Shanghai, a city quite different from any other Chinese city, to the extraordinary natural landscapes of the Three Gorges then onwards to the ancient 'Ghost City' of Fengdu just 176 kilometres downstream from Chongqing, the mixture of history, culture, engineering feats and spectacular scenery that presents itself along this main artery of China will amaze even the most seasoned traveler. day 1-2: us to shanghai Depart the US on your overnight flight to Shanghai for a two night stay. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Shanghai is a city of history, style and vibrancy, which was a major administrative, shipping and trading town for centuries. Today, Shanghai is the perfect example of the booming economy of mainland China. day 3: shanghai Tour the exciting city of Shanghai, starting with a visit to the Yu Gardens and the Old Town. You will view the antiques and fine arts at the Shanghai Museum, stroll along the Bund and explore Tianzhifang, a famous art district. This evening, enjoy a cruise along the stunning Huangpu River and dine at the Meilongzhen Restaurant, a favorite of locals and Shanghai's elite. (B, L, D) day 4: shanghai – emBark yangtZe river Cruise Visit the Pudong area and discover this soaring skyline along the eastern bank of the Huangpu River. The skyline is made up of world famous architecture including the Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center Tower. This afternoon, board your Victoria Cruises vessel where you will spend the next eight nights on board cruising to Chongqing on one of the Yangtze River's deluxe ships, the Victoria Sophia. (B, L, D) day 5: nanjing Enjoy a full-day shore excursion to the ancient capital of Nanjing which lies on the southern bank of the Yangtze River. It has a long and colorful cultural heritage dating back to the Wu, Yue and Chu Kingdoms. Walk the grand steps of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen's Mausoleum, the father of modern China. (B, L, D) day 6: mt. huang Travel to the base of Mt. Huang (Yellow Mountain), one of China's most famous mountains. Over the years it has greatly influenced traditional Chinese landscape paintings. Take a cable car to the summit and explore the area, taking in the spectacular rock formations and thousand-year-old pine trees. (B, L, D) days 7-8: wuhan – Cruising Continue cruising to Wuhan, which spans both banks of the Yangtze. You will visit the Guqin Terrace built in honor of the legend of 18 Yangtze Splendor Deluxe friendship of Yu Boya, an expert heptacord player, and his friend Zhong Ziqi, a woodcutter. Surrounded by water on three sides, the terrace is set among beautiful scenery and is a poignant tribute to life-long friendship. (B, L, D) Tomorrow will be a relaxing day on board the ship as you continue cruising upstream. (B, L, D) day 9: yiChang The Three Gorges Dam is the world's largest hydroelectric project and it has changed the landscape along the shores of the Yangtze River. You will have the opportunity to visit the Three Gorges Dam site to see this engineering wonder before cruising along the most scenic section of the Yangtze, the Three Gorges. As you enter the Three Gorges, you will leave the modern world behind and become captivated by the picturesque landscape reminiscent of traditional Chinese paintings and folk tales. (B, L, D) day 10: daning river small gorges Explore the splendid landscapes up close as you board a small boat and cruise along a small tributary of the Yangtze, passing local villages, mysterious caves, monkeys and emerald waters. (B, L, D) day 11: fengdu Early this morning you will explore Fengdu, a truly fascinating ancient 'Ghost City' which gained its reputation during the Eastern Han Dynasty. You will see images of demons representing the Chinese people's imaginings of Hell. (B, L, D) day 12: Chongqing to Beijing Disembark your cruise in Chongqing and visit the Giant Pandas at Chongqing Zoo. It is impossible not to smile while watching these treasured animals frolic and feed on fresh bamboo. In the afternoon, fly to Beijing for a three night stay. This evening, enjoy dinner at Rose Town Restaurant. (B, L, D) day 13: Beijing Your guide will lead you through the famous Tiananmen Square, passing Chairman Mao's Mausoleum, to enter the treasure filled Forbidden City through the Gate of Heavenly Peace. On to the unique 15th-century Temple of Heaven. The grounds of the temple are popular with locals undertaking daily exercise, playing cards, music or dancing. This evening enjoy an acrobatic performance. (B, L)