China Tours, Yangtze River Cruising, Mekong River Cruises, Vietnam Tour, Cambodia Travel
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CHINA | 35 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 graciously glide between the majestic Chijia Mountain and Baiyan Mountain to enter 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 the ancient inscriptions that are engraved into the white chalk cliff faces. In the afternoon, there is the opportunity to attend a fun hands-on arts and crafts demonstration on board. This evening, you can indulge in a delicious dinner with your fellow guests and APT Tour Director. BLD 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. BLD ANCIENT XI'AN & THE FAMOUS TERRACOTTA ARMY Day 8. Chongqing, Xi'an. 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 Chongqing Zoo, where more than 200 varieties of wild and rare animals are on display, including the endangered Giant Pandas. 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 a hotpot lunch before transferring to the airport for your flight to Xi'an. This evening, choose from Thai, Cantonese or Western cuisine. Two Night Stay: Xi'an, Shangri-La Hotel. BLD Explore an unrestored section of the Great Wall of China, before enjoying a private buffet lunch overlooking the wall ITINERARY OVERVIEW DAY DESTINATION INCLUDED HIGHLIGHT 1 Beijing Welcome Reception 2 Beijing Summer Palace 3 Beijing Lunch at Great Wall of China 4 Beijing, Yichang Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer 5 Xilling Gorge, Three Gorges Dam Tour the Three Gorges Dam 6 Shennong Steam, Wu Gorge, Qutang Gorge Cruise past Qutang Gorge DAY DESTINATION INCLUDED HIGHLIGHT 7 Fengdu Ghost City or Relocation Tour 8 Chongqing Chongqing Zoo 9 Xi'an Terracotta Army 10 Shanghai Freedom of Choice TM 11 Shanghai Acrobatic Show 12 Shanghai Freedom of Choice TM 13 Shanghai Depart