Take a friend to uncover the secrets and wonders of China’s incredible Yangtze River. There’s something for everyone on this 10-day tour and cruise package as you visit charming teahouses, marvel at Giant Pandas, wander through historic districts and more. This is the ultimate China experience that has something for everyone!
Your adventure begins in the vibrant and culturally rich city of Chengdu where you’ll take an introductory tour of the must-see wonders of this incredible destination. Discover Kuanzhai Alley, home to an eclectic mix of boutiques and cafes, charming Heming Teahouse adorned in traditional Chinese style, and more. Visit the renowned Giant Panda Breeding and Research Base of Chengdu where you can admire the beauty of one of the world’s most threatened animals. With less than 2,000 giant pandas left, the Chengdu Panda Base has been created to imitate their natural habitat so they have the best environment for conservation and breeding. Take a scenic cruise to see the awe-inspiring 71-metre UNESCO World Heritage Leshan Giant Buddha, marvel at the grandeur of Mount Emei (Emeishan) which is one of the “Four Great Buddhist Mountains in China”, and delve into the rich tapestry of Buddhist culture with time at leisure in the enchanting Emeishan City.
Head to Chengdu Railway Station and buckle up for a thrilling high-speed rail journey (or domestic flight - subject to availability) to Yichang where the newly refurbished 'China Goddess No.2' ship awaits. Stay in a private balcony cabin with all meals included while onboard the ship and enjoy catching a movie at the cinema, indulging in a rejuvenating treatment at the Goddess Spa and more. The picturesque Yangtze River is the lifeblood of China as it weaves among lush agricultural lands, past hidden villages into the heart of magnificent cities. Enjoy taking part in optional shore excursions, admiring the dramatic landscapes from your balcony cabin and savouring the flavours of local cuisine before disembarking in Chongqing for the journey home.
Go beyond the Great Wall and discover another side of China with return international full-service flights, a 4-night river cruise, 3 nights of 4-star hotel accommodation, 14 meals and so much more.
Please note:
• As of today you are required to attend a Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in person to apply for a visa or use a registered agent to apply on your behalf. Chinese Visa Application Service Centres can be found in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane.
• You must attend the China Visa Application Service Centre relevant to the state you reside in. Please visit a China Visa Application Center for more information.
• China has strict visa rules, therefore deviating from the advertised itinerary is strictly prohibited and doing so will result in the cancellation of your onward travel services.
• This offer is strictly valid for those 18 and over.
The 2 for 1 Yangtze Cruise & Panda Experience Flash Sale $200 discount per booking is valid until midnight on Thursday 9th May 2024. Due to high demand, full payment is required at the time of booking and completion. Passenger Information Forms must be received by midnight on Thursday 9th May 2024, or the booking may be cancelled.
Today you'll depart Australia for Chengdu, China, on an overnight flight.
Please note:
• Some travellers may depart on Day 0.
• Some travellers may have an overnight layover in China with accommodation and transfers provided by the airline.
• Some travellers may have an overnight layover in an Australian city with airport accommodation provided (excluding transfers).
• Some travellers may arrive early in the morning of Day 2.
Meals included: In-Flight
Welcome to Chengdu, a vibrant and culturally rich city located in the heart of Sichuan Province, China. Known as the 'Land of Abundance', Chengdu offers a unique blend of history, cuisine and natural beauty that makes it a must-visit destination for tourists.
When you arrive in Chengdu, you'll be met at the airport and head out on an introductory tour of Chengdu. Your first stop is Kuanzhai Alley, one of Chengdu’s three historic conservation districts that was constructed in 1718 during the early years of the Qing Dynasty. This charming pedestrian thoroughfare is home to an eclectic mix of classic Sichuan architecture, modern cafes and smart boutiques. As you explore, listen to commentary from your guide about the district's history and design, while you marvel at some of the city’s old establishments like traditional teahouses and Chinese calligraphy demonstrations that sit alongside the new.
You'll then visit Heming Teahouse, nestled in the People's Park this has always been a popular destination for both locals and visitors who are looking for a relaxing cup of tea or a unique cultural experience. The ambience of Heming Teahouse is peaceful and serene, providing a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. The teahouse is decorated in traditional Chinese style with wooden tables and bamboo chairs adding to the atmosphere. Finish the day back at your hotel and enjoy an optional Hot Pot dinner in the evening (not included).
Optional Activity: Sichuan Hot Pot Dinner - 220 RMB per person
Overnight: Yunhao Holiday Hotel or similar, Chengdu
Meals included: None
This morning you'll visit the famous Giant Panda Breeding and Research Base of Chengdu which has been created to imitate the natural habitat of giant pandas so that they have the best possible environment for rearing and breeding. The giant pandas are not only a Chinese national treasure but are also beloved by people the world over. These animals are found only in Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu provinces so in total there are fewer than 2,000 with more than 70% within the territory of Sichuan Province.
Late in the morning, you'll visit a jade factory, then travel to nearby Leshan where you will take a cruise to view the UNESCO World Heritage Leshan Giant Buddha. The Leshan Giant Buddha is a 71-metre tall stone statue that was built between 713 and 803 and depicts Maitreya. It is carved out of a cliff face of Cretaceous red bed sandstone that lies at the confluence of the Min River and Dadu River, in the southern part of Sichuan Province. Afterwards, you'll drive onwards to Emeishan City which is located in the shadow of Mount Emei (Emeishan) and is the highest of the country's four sacred Buddhist mountains at 3099 metres. On arrival, check into your hotel for an evening at leisure or join an optional tour to watch the famous Emei Kung Fu Show (not included).
Optional Activity: Emei Kung Fu Show – 280 RMB per person
Overnight: Huasheng Hotel or similar, Emeishan
Meals included: Breakfast
This morning, enjoy some free time to explore the area at your own pace or join an optional tour to visit the famous Ruocheng Ancient Town. In the afternoon you'll visit Bao Guo Temple, the largest temple at Emei Mountain which is the doorway to the mountain as well as the centre of Buddhist activity of Emei Mountain, before returning to Chengdu in the evening.
Optional Activity: Ruocheng Ancient Town & Lunch - 290 RMB per person
This is one of the most beautiful old towns in Western China where you'll find ancient streets scattered with stores selling local snacks and special old objects, ancient trees that have been towering for more than one hundred years, ancient folk houses have been built in pile dwelling style, and traditional activities of Sichuan are ever-present.
Overnight: Yunhao Holiday Hotel or similar, Chengdu
Meals included: Breakfast
This morning you'll transfer to Chengdu Railway Station for an approximately 6.5-hour high-speed train journey to Yichang. Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you at the railway station to escort you to a local restaurant for a group dinner before you check in to your Yangtze River cruise onboard 'China Goddess No.2'. Settle into your balcony cabin with a private ensuite and prepare for the next day’s sightseeing on the amazing Yangtze River. This is the ancient pathway across China which spans centuries of cultures and blends the best of the old and the modern.
The 'China Goddess No.2' ship was launched in November 2014 and will undergo a complete refurbishment in March 2024 which will leave it looking and feeling brand new. With the theme of “Chinese Civilization, Three Gorges & Goddess Culture”, the cruise is like a moving Three Gorges culture exhibition centre. On the ship, you'll enjoy not only the spectacular Three Gorges scenery but also the culture and stories of the China Goddess.
Please note: Depending on availability, the rail journey may be replaced with a domestic flight.
Overnight: Damei Cruises, ‘China Goddess No.2 Ship’
Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner
After breakfast, enjoy an optional shore excursion to either the Three Gorges Dam or to the Three Gorges Tribe (optional shore excursions not included) before departing upstream through the west section of Xiling Gorge in the late afternoon, the first of these dramatic slices through the surrounding mountains. The new reservoir has altered the landscape and with more than a million people relocated, the scenery is now a wild countryside and the physical embodiment of thousands of beautiful Chinese landscape paintings. Watch the fog move in as it appears to turn the mountains into ghostly sculptures and enjoy a sumptuous Captain’s Dinner for your evening meal.
Optional Activity: Three Gorges Tribe – 450 RMB per person
Optional Activity: Three Gorges Dam – 450 RMB per person
Admire the 60-storey, mile-wide structure which is a stunning example of human achievement and a hallmark of an emerging China (river conditions permitting).
Overnight: Damei Cruises, ‘China Goddess No.2 Ship’
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Take an optional morning side excursion to the Lesser Three Gorges (not included) before sailing through the Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge. Wu Gorge is 45 kilometres long and is known for its deep serene scenes, while the 8-kilometre Qutang Gorge is full of zigzags, strange peaks, rising mists and beautiful sights. Choose to take part in an additional optional shore excursion in the late afternoon (river conditions permitting) before enjoying a feast of local cuisine and entertainment during dinner.
Optional Activity: The Lesser Three Gorges (not included – 450 RMB per person)
You will see where the mighty Yangtze flows faster and has carved narrower, even more dramatic, rising stone cliffs. While cruising, you can spot the coffins of the Ba people suspended along an ancient plank road that hugs the cliff face.
Optional Activity: White Emperor City
Optional Activity: “Return to the Three Gorges” Live Show
Overnight: Damei Cruises, ‘China Goddess No.2 Ship’
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
This morning, after breakfast, you can choose to experience an optional adventurous shore excursion to Fengdu Xueyu Dong (not included) or the scenic Wulingshan Mountain range (not included). The day finishes with a Captain’s Farewell Banquet dinner.
Optional Activity: Fengdu Xueyu Dong – 450 RMB per person
This ancient village of temples is full of shrines to the gods of the underworld. Visitors are said to be purified after they 'survive' the scares. Surrounded by misty mountains, this area was revered as a crossing-over point, a mix of the material and spiritual worlds.
Optional Activity: Wulingshan Mountain Range
Only available if the river conditions permit.
Overnight: Damei Cruises, ‘China Goddess No.2 Ship’
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
After breakfast, disembark your cruise in Chongqing and transfer to Chongqing Airport for your homebound flight.
Please note: If your flight departs in the afternoon, an optional city tour may be offered (not included).
Some travellers may be required to depart a day later and additional accommodation and transfers will be provided free of charge. This will not apply to passengers departing before 2am the following day as they will be transferred to the airport the day prior.
Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight
Please note: Some customers may arrive +1 days.
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