China Tours, Yangtze River Cruising, Mekong River Cruises, Vietnam Tour, Cambodia Travel
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31 CHINA Shanghai Chongqing Yichang CHINA Xi'an Beijing Yangtze River 3 3 2 Cruise Flight (included) No. of nights stay Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer 4 30 MAX. GUESTS G U A R A N TE E D S M A L L G R O U P S Day 7. Fengdu OR Relocation Tour. Rise early to participate in a Tai Chi class atop the ship's Observation Deck for a relaxing start to your day. Following breakfast, disembark for a tour of Fengdu, a graceful little 'Ghost City' that lies in the foothills of the mountains by the river. Fengdu is noted for its bustling markets and the many Buddha and Tao temples gathered on Ming Mountain. Alternatively, you may choose to take a 'Relocation Tour', which will give you an insight into the impact of the Three Gorges Dam project on local farming communities and the surrounding area. In the afternoon, choose from a range of activities. Perhaps attend a Chinese brush painting and calligraphy demonstration, learn how to play the ancient game of Mahjong, learn a few words of Mandarin, or participate in a dumpling making session run by the ship's talented chef. In the evening, enjoy the Emperor's Farewell Dinner, a Chinese banquet feast. Embrace the spirit of the occasion by dressing up in traditional Chinese costume. BLD ANCIENT XI'AN & THE FAMOUS TERRACOTTA ARMY Day 8. Chongqing, Disembark Ship, Xi'an, Freedom of Choice. Disembark your ship for the final time in Chongqing this morning. A strategic port since ancient times, Chongqing was established in the 11th century and has a dramatic history, having played a key role in World War II due to its mountainous landscape. Head to the famous Chongqing Zoo, where more than 200 varieties of wild and rare animals are on display, including the famous Giant Pandas, a critically endangered species. This beautiful creature is fast replacing the dragon as China's emblem and has been kept in zoos since the early Han Dynasty – over two thousand years ago. Later, visit a local restaurant for an authentic hotpot lunch before transferring to the airport for your flight to Xi'an. This evening, choose from a Brazilian barbecue at Churrasco, a Western buffet at Azur or Chinese cuisine at Le Chinois. Two Night Stay: Xi'an, Sofitel Renmin Square. BLD Day 6. Shennong Stream, Wu Gorge, Qutang Gorge. Disembark your ship at Badong and transfer by ferry to a traditional Chinese sampan (longboat). As you cruise on this longboat, poled by a local Tujia boatman, you're able to absorb the serenity of the river and take in the rich surrounding forest and towering rock formations. After lunch back on board, continue to the tranquil and spectacular Wu Gorge. Noted for its sheer peaks and towering cliff faces, the gorge is surrounded by the Wu Mountains and is the second of the Three Gorges system. Later, your ship will pass between the majestic Chijia Mountain and Baiyan Mountain to enter the Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest and most dramatic of the Three Gorges. Also considered the most beautiful, the two peaks of Qutang Gorge rise up alongside the Yangtze River some 1,300 metres. As you cruise past the south bank, look out for ancient inscriptions that are engraved into the white chalk cliff faces. In the afternoon, there is the opportunity to attend an onboard arts and crafts demonstration. BLD Visit the rare and iconic Giant Pandas in Chongqing Discover the beauty of Beijing's Summer Palace on a private cruise Marvel at the ancient Terracotta Army in Xi'an