This fascinating tour of China combines the country’s greatest highlights with an unforgettable Yangtze River cruise.
Following impressive sightseeing in Beijing, Xi’an and Chengdu—including the Great Wall, the Terracotta Army and the Panda Breeding and Research Centre—you will experience China’s modern high-speed rail network and discover exciting cities such as Chongqing.
A particular highlight is the three-day Yangtze River cruise, including three nights aboard a premium 5-star cruise ship. As you sail through the spectacular landscapes of the famous Yangtze Gorges, you can enjoy some of China’s most breathtaking scenery.
Inclusions
Scheduled flights with Air China from Frankfurt or Munich to Beijing and return from Shanghai
Domestic flights from Beijing to Xi’an and from Guilin to Shanghai
High-speed CRH train journeys from Xi’an to Chengdu and Chongqing
Round trip and transfers by air-conditioned coach
14 nights in 4- and 5-star hotels in the booked room category
3 nights aboard a premium cruise ship in standard cabins on Deck 2
17 breakfasts (days 3–19), 6 lunches (days 3, 9, 10, 12, 17 and 18) and 10 dinners (days 2, 6, 8–11 and 13–16)
Peking duck speciality dinner (day 4)
Sichuan hot pot speciality dinner in Chengdu (day 7)
Sightseeing tours, excursions and entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary
German-speaking tour guide
Rail & Fly in 2nd class, including ICE travel within Germany
Activities
Excursion to the Great Wall of China
Visit to the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace in Beijing
Excursion to the Temple of Heaven
Visit to the world-famous Terracotta Army
High-speed CRH train journey from Xi’an to Chengdu
Visit to the Panda Breeding and Research Centre
City tour of Chongqing
Yangtze River cruise
Visit to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Walking tour through the ancient Phoenix Town of Fenghuang
Excursion to the famous Longsheng Rice Terraces
Boat trip on the famous Li River
City sightseeing tour of Shanghai
20-Day Itinerary: Enchanting China
Day 1: Departure from Germany
Activities: Flight departure from Frankfurt or Munich to Beijing.
Meals: In-flight catering.
Day 2: Arrival in Beijing
Activities: Landing in Beijing, airport reception by your tour guide, and transfer to your accommodation. Enjoy a free afternoon to rest or explore locally.
Accommodation: Park Plaza Science Park Beijing (4-star) or similar.
Meals: Dinner.
Day 3: The Great Wall & Temple of Heaven
Activities: Full-day excursion to the Great Wall of China. Stop by the Olympic Park on the drive back. In the afternoon, explore the Temple of Heaven, a masterwork built in 1420 entirely without nails.
Accommodation: Park Plaza Science Park Beijing or similar.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 4: Imperial Highlights & Peking Duck
Activities: Journey through imperial Beijing to see iconic sites such as Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. In the evening, savor a special Peking Duck dinner.
Accommodation: Titan Central Park or similar.
Meals: Breakfast, Special Dinner.
Day 5: Flight to Xi’an
Activities: Domestic flight from Beijing to Xi’an, the ancient eastern gateway of the Silk Road. Free time to explore the city’s old Muslim Quarter or ancient city walls.
Accommodation: Selected 4-star hotel in Xi’an.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 6: Terracotta Army
Activities: Full-day excursion to witness the archaeological marvel of the Terracotta Army, consisting of thousands of life-sized clay soldiers guarding Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb.
Accommodation: Selected 4-star hotel in Xi’an.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 7: Bullet Train to Chengdu
Activities: Board the high-speed CRH train to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province. Conclude the day with an authentic Sichuan Hot Pot specialties dinner.
Accommodation: Skytel Hotel Chengdu (4-star) or similar.
Meals: Breakfast, Special Dinner.
Day 8: Giant Panda Breeding Base & Chongqing
Activities: Visit the world-famous Giant Panda Breeding Research Base to see these national treasures up close. Later, take a short bullet train ride to the mega-city of Chongqing to board your ship.
Accommodation: Victoria Cruises Premium Ship (5-star).
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 9: Yangtze Cruise – Shibaozhai or Fengdu
Activities: Begin your scenic journey along the Yangtze River. Enjoy shore excursions to historic river structures like the red wooden pavilion of Shibaozhai or Fengdu Ghost City.
Accommodation: Victoria Cruises Premium Ship.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 10: Yangtze Cruise – Three Gorges & Shennong Stream
Activities: Sail through the magnificent Qutang and Wu Gorges. Switch to smaller boats for an unforgettable excursion through the emerald waters of the Shennong Stream or Lesser Three Gorges.
Accommodation: Victoria Cruises Premium Ship.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 11: Three Gorges Dam & Zhangjiajie
Activities: Morning visit to the engineering feat of the Three Gorges Dam. Disembark the ship and transfer by train or coach into Hunan province to reach the surreal mountain region of Zhangjiajie.
Accommodation: Qinghe Jinjiang International (5-star) or similar.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 12: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Activities: Explore the otherworldly sandstone pillars of the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, which famously inspired the “Hallelujah Mountains” in the movie Avatar.
Accommodation: Qinghe Jinjiang International or similar.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 13: Tianmen Mountain
Activities: Journey up Tianmen Mountain via the world’s longest cable car ride. Walk along the thrilling cliffside glass skywalks and see the massive natural cave known as Heaven’s Gate.
Accommodation: Phoenix City Boutique Hotel (5-star) or similar.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 14: Scenic Drive to Longsheng
Activities: Drive south through changing landscapes into the Guangxi region towards Longsheng, an area celebrated for its breathtaking mountain vistas and minority cultures.
Accommodation: Phoenix City Boutique Hotel or regional equivalent.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 15: Longji Rice Terraces
Activities: Walk among the cascading Longji (Dragon’s Backbone) Rice Terraces. Witness the intricate agricultural layers built into hillsides over centuries and visit local Zhuang or Yao minority villages.
Accommodation: PingAn Guesthouse in Longsheng.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 16: Journey to Guilin
Activities: Travel down from the mountains to Guilin, a city renowned for its iconic, fairytale-like karst limestone formations lining the Li River.
Accommodation: Bravo Hotel (4-star) or similar.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 17: Li River Cruise & Yangshuo
Activities: Experience a stunning cruise down the Li River past bamboo groves, water buffaloes, and dramatic karst peaks. Arrive in the vibrant village of Yangshuo to explore West Street.
Accommodation: Selected 4-star boutique hotel in Yangshuo.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 18: Flight to Shanghai
Activities: Transfer back to Guilin airport for your domestic flight to Shanghai. Get your first glimpse of China’s most futuristic skyline.
Accommodation: Golden Tulip Rainbow Shanghai (4-star) or similar.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 19: Shanghai City Exploration
Activities: Stroll along The Bund to view historical colonial architecture juxtaposed with modern skyscrapers across the river. Visit the classical Yu Garden and experience the bustling shopping mile of Nanjing Road.
Accommodation: Golden Tulip Rainbow Shanghai or similar.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 20: Departure for Germany
Activities: Morning transfer to Shanghai International Airport and board your return flight back to Germany.
Sold-Out Months: August 2026 and September 2026 are completely sold out.
Future Blocks: Departure dates from December 2027 and January 2028 are currently in the planning stages
Optional: Amenity Package during the Yangtze River Cruise
€119 per person
The Amenity Package can only be booked with us in advance and is not available for purchase on board. It includes:
Welcome fruit platter upon arrival in your cabin
Choice of two dining venues: all meals in the Dynasty Dining Room are served as a buffet. In the à la carte dining room, dinner includes a buffet as well as a choice from an à la carte menu (not available on the day of arrival).
Access to the Executive Lounge
Daily beverage service in the Executive Lounge (not available on the day of arrival):
Soft drinks from 09:00 to 21:00, including Pepsi, Sprite, juice, coffee and tea
Afternoon Happy Hour before dinner, including house wine, beer and soft drinks
Daily house wine and beer served with dinner
Nightly turndown service with a printed daily programme
Additional Costs
Munich airport surcharge: €50 per person
Single room supplement / hotels: €535
Single room supplement / hotels (31 August–October): €595
Single room supplement / hotels (June–19 August and November): €575
Single cabin supplement / Yangtze, Deck 2: €255
Double cabin upgrade / Yangtze, Deck 3: €69 per person
Single cabin supplement / Yangtze, Deck 3: €335
Double cabin upgrade / Yangtze, Deck 4: €89 per person
Single cabin supplement / Yangtze, Deck 4: €355
Service charge during the Yangtze River cruise: RMB 150 (approx. €23), automatically charged to your onboard account
Tips for local tour guides and coach drivers (optional)
Business Class upgrade, return flights: €2,600 per person (on request)
Business Class upgrade, one way: €1,400 per person (on request)
Premium Economy upgrade, available for the return flight only: €380 per person (on request)
Connecting flights from within Germany, as well as Vienna and Zurich: €295 per person (on request)
Secure Your Masterpiece China Imperial & Cultural Expedition
The “Magical China” trans-continental program represents the ultimate entry into the Middle Kingdom. Crafted specifically for discerning travelers who demand a flawless balance between millennia-old dynastic heritage and striking modern innovation, this legendary 18-night journey guides you from the historic, sweeping layout of the Great Wall and the Forbidden City in Beijing to the futuristic, neon-lit skyline of Shanghai. Whether you are marvelling at the ancient terracotta legions in Xi’an, cruising through the jaw-dropping dramatic gorges of the majestic Yangtze River, or exploring serene water towns, this flagship itinerary delivers an extraordinary Asian travel experience.
Because coordinating a premium group or independent tour across China requires securing highly coveted regional transport allocations and boutique river-cruise cabin blocks, availability for prime seasonal windows is strictly limited. With 2026 departure dates nearly exhausted, the newly opened 2027 calendar blocks are filling rapidly. Reserve your preferred allocations today to ensure a seamless cross-country journey.
Plan your global expedition with absolute commercial confidence and total peace of mind. Every booking with Vacationize.com is legally bonded and protected from start to finish through rigorous consumer regulations. Upon booking confirmation, you will receive an official German insolvency certificate (Sicherungsschein) issued directly by the German Travel Security Fund (Deutscher Reisesicherungsfonds – DRSF), guaranteeing 100% secure payment structures and full financial safeguard for your luxury holiday investment.
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Hjertelig velkommen – Varmt välkommen – Hjertelig velkommen – Sydämellisesti tervetuloa – Serdecznie witamy – Bienvenue chaleureuse – Hartelijk welgekomen – ¡Bienvenidos de coração! – Un caloroso benvenuto – A warm and hearty welcome – Cœur de bienvenue – Srdečně vítáme – Srdečne vítame – Szívélyes üdvözlet – Srdačno dobrodošli – Topel dobrodošli – Късно добре дошли – Bun venit călduros – Kalossorisma – Kordialmente bonbini – Herzlich Willkommen – A warm American welcome
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