Compare China Family Holiday by Intrepid Travel vs Legendary China & Yangtze River Cruise by YMT Vacations

Day 1 Beijing

Nimen Hao! Welcome to China. The capital of the most populous country on earth, Beijing is a place where ancient history and the modern world collide. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 5pm today. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. It’s important that you attend, as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information for each member of your family. If you’re going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. After the formalities are out of the way, why not head out to enjoy an optional Peking duck group dinner and get to know each other over the first of many superb Chinese meals.

Day 2 Beijing/Great Wall

After breakfast get stuck into the sights with a visit to Tiananmen Square, the largest of its kind in the world and the symbolic centre of Chinese power. Take some time to soak up the immense size of the square and then continue to the maze of buildings that is the Forbidden City. Built more than 500 years ago and off limits to commoners for almost all that time, the courtyards, great halls and dragon and phoenix imagery give an idea of the might and grandeur of the Imperial Chinese court during the height of its power. We then venture out to the most iconic place in China - the Great Wall. Travelling by private minivan we head into the countryside to a section of the Great Wall (approximately 3 hours). You'll spend the night in a family run village guesthouse. It's a great chance to sample local produce and tonight you wil try your hand at dumpling making with the family.

Day 3 Great Wall/Beijing

This morning in the guesthouse you will learn the local craft of paper cutting. Paper-cutting has been a traditional decorative craft since the Chinese invented paper in AD 105, with designs commonly displayed on windows and doors around the country. It's a fun activity for the entire family. Next up spend time exploring, taking photos and learning the history of the mighty Great Wall of China. An incredible piece of engineering, the wall stretches 6,000 km westwards from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from the 'barbarians' of the north and even though it failed in this purpose, it's still without a doubt one of the country's most remarkable achievements and an iconic destination. You’ll often feel like you have the whole wall to yourself as you take your time strolling along the wall, which snakes through the hills almost endlessly into the distance. Being perched on this incredible engineering feat and surveying the spectacular surrounding countryside is an unforgettable experience. We then take the three-hour drive back to Beijing by private minivan. This evening, choose whether you would like to join your fellow family travellers for a group dinner. Hungry for more of China’s cultural delights? You may also choose to watch an optional acrobatic performance at the Chaoyang Theatre this evening.

Day 4 Xian

Jump on the bullet train to Xi’an and experience a form of rail travel like no other. While the distance would take around 11 hours to complete on a regular train, you’ll be in Xi’an in just over five hours, with great views of the countryside along the way! Arrive at around 3 pm and head to the hotel to drop off your bags and freshen up before exploring this historic city on a walking tour. Once known as the main eastern terminus of the ancient Silk Road, Xi’an served as the imperial capital of 11 dynasties and holds a wealth of history within its cobbled pavements. The city itself has spread beyond these walls, but the centre still retains the original grid formation, making it easy to navigate. Following your tour, the remainder of the afternoon is free to further explore. When night falls embark on another tour and see a different side of the city. Take in the view of the Bell and Drum Tower lit up against a black sky and sit down to a classic dumpling dinner.

Day 5 Xian

Today you’ll visit the vast, stone-faced army that is the Terracotta Warriors, a militia built to guard the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang over 2000 years ago. Discovered by farmers in 1974, several pits are now open to the public. Make the 1.5-hour drive to the site and spend some time marvelling at the sheer size and detail of this impressive tomb. Head to the attached museum to see some more artefacts and learn a little more about the ambitious, eccentric ruler who remains sealed in his mausoleum surrounded by his soldiers to this day. Qin Shi Huang sought eternal life, and while he may not have achieved it in the literal sense, the fact that his creation remains a source of wonder to visitors from around the world is a kind of immortality.

Day 6 Chengdu

Wave goodbye to Xi’an and board a bullet train bound for Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan. Spend about 3.5 hours on the journey, arriving just after midday. Chengdu is most famous for two things – the pandas living in the mountains, and the delicious, spicy food. You'll get to enjoy both while you're here! Spend two-hours on a walking tour with your leader that takes in an Old Town that looks like a film set and the orange Tibetan Quarter, finishing at Tianfu Square, where a giant statue of Chairman Mao stands tall. Then spend a relaxing afternoon in bustling Renmin Park (People's Park), where you can mingle with locals drinking tea, exercising, singing, playing Mahjong or relaxing in bamboo chairs. Don't be surprised if somebody comes up to you with an offer to clean your ears! This evening, head out for a dinner of one of Sichuan’s most beloved dishes – the hot pot! This is the choose your own adventure of cuisine, and the whole family is sure to enjoy selecting which ingredients to add to the simmering broth.

Day 7 Chengdu

Embrace an early start to spend the morning watching gorgeous giant and red pandas in the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. As pandas are only active for a few hours of the day, it’s important you rise and shine to catch them at their most interesting. China’s national pride, the giant panda is among the world’s most threatened animals, but here you can witness the conservation efforts and see these majestic creatures in a close approximation of their habitat. Spend three hours with these wonderful creatures, watching them play, eat bamboo and climb the trees. If you’re lucky (and visiting between July and September), you might even get to see newborns taking their first steps in the nursery. The rest of the day is free for you to spend as you wish. Maybe head to Wide and Narrow Alley, a popular set of alleyways where you can take a stroll and see craftspeople and food stalls aplenty.

Day 8 Yangshuo

Make sure you’ve got books or games ready for a full day of travel, beginning with ride on the bullet train from Chengdu to Guilin, followed by a two-hour transfer to Yangshuo. We will arrive at our hotel late in the afternoon. Located deep within the karst peaks of Guangxi province, Yangshuo is a haven for many visitors, away from the hustle and bustle of ever-developing China; a place where you can stop slow your pace and relax. Get settled into the hotel, which is located among stunning countryside, then head out for an optional dinner.

Day 9 Yangshuo

Rise and shine for a journey into one of China’s most enchanting landscapes. At 8 am you’ll strap on your provided helmet and jump on a hired bike to pedal out of town and through the surrounding countryside, past emerald-green karst mountains and lush fields. All equipment is provided for the bike ride: all bikes, helmets for both adults and children. The bike ride is from 8am to lunchtime. On the bike ride you will be accompanied with one or two local guides. You will be transferred back to the hotel after lunch to rest your weary legs! This evening we visit a local farmers' market, where you can get a feel for the regional produce and daily life. Then make a short drive to Chaolong, where you can put this new knowledge to use and learn the art of Chinese cooking. This class will allow the whole family to learn the techniques and skills of Chinese cuisine from experienced chefs, and after an afternoon trying out delicious recipes, you can eat what you’ve made for dinner! With recipes that are easy to make and ingredients readily available outside of China, you’ll soon be wowing friends and family back at home.

Day 10 Hong Kong

Today you’ll make the epic journey from Yangshuo to Hong Kong (leaving at 8am and arriving around 6pm) so it’s important to have books, games and devices at the ready. Even though there are power sockets on the train, it’s also a good idea to have any devices you wish to use fully charged, as they may be in use by other passengers. First, drive 2 hours by private bus to Guilin North train station, where you’ll take the bullet train to Shenzhen North station. From here, you’ll take another bus approximately 2.5 hours across the border to Mong Kok. After a short metro ride (approx. 10 minutes) you will arrive at your hotel in the vibrant hustle and bustle of Hong Kong. If you have the time (and more importantly, the energy) after arriving and settling in to your hotel, you may wish to end the day with the Symphony of Lights, a spectacular laser show that plays out on the futuristic buildings along Victoria Harbour. The show starts at 8 pm, and it’s free to watch. If a day in transit has you feeling drained however, rest easy knowing you’ve got a full day tomorrow to explore the city.

Day 11 Hong Kong

Dive into Hong Kong after breakfast this morning on a leader-led orientation walk. Under Chinese rule since 1997, Hong Kong is a vibrant and fast paced city only minutes away from quiet islands and beaches. The entire day is yours to spend as you see fit. Hong Kong Island is a great area to explore on foot, with plenty of family friendly hiking trails on offer with varying levels of difficulty. The Peak offers stunning views over the city, and can be reached by several trails or alternatively by tram. Ask your leader for details, but make sure you pack snacks and water if you plan to hike – there are no replenishing stations along the way. A more relaxing way to spend an hour is the Stay Ferry Harbour Tour, which takes you past the city’s landmarks and around the stunning harbour. The Hong Kong Science Museum is perfect for families with young kids, particularly if you’re visiting in rainy season (April to June) and don’t want to risk being caught out. Many of the exhibits are interactive, and entry prices are reasonable. This evening, maybe head out for a final meal with your fellow families and toast to a trip well spent.

Day 12 Hong Kong

It’s time to end this enlightening journey into the heart of China – there are no activities planned for the final day and you can depart the accommodation at any time following check out.

Day 1

Depart for Beijing China

✦ Overnight in flight

Note: Depending on the time of your outbound flight, you may depart one day earlier.

Day 2

Arrive Beijing

Those who booked air with YMT will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

✦ Beijing International Hotel, Beijing or similar

Note: 2017 tours will not have the included welcome dinner due to later arriving flights.

Day 3

Full Day Beijing Sightseeing

Today we’ll show you the highlights of Beijing, (sometimes referred to as Peking, which was its old name), and the capital city of The People’s Republic of China. This is one of the most populous cities in the world with over 20 million inhabitants. You’ll visit Tiananmen Square, overlooked by the Mausoleum of Chairman Mao, were in 1989 student protests led to the Tiananmen Square Massacre. Next, we’ll visit the Forbidden City, a 250-acre complex, comprising more than 9,000 rooms. After an included lunch, you’ll visit the famous Summer Palace and its park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B, L)

✦ Beijing International Hotel, Beijing or similar

Day 4

Full Day Excursion to the Great Wall of China

Today we visit a section of the Great Wall at Badaling. Enjoy an included Chinese lunch at a nearby restaurant and a photo stop at the “Birdsnest” Stadium and the “Watercube” from the 2008 Olympics. (B, L)

✦ Beijing International Hotel, Beijing or similar

Day 5

Xi’an

This morning transfer to Beijing airport for your early flight to Xi’an (flight approx. 2 hours). Visit the Tang Dynasty Art Museum and, after an included lunch, enjoy a Chinese calligraphy lesson. (B, L)

✦ Aurum International, Xi’an or similar

Day 6

Full Day Xi’an Sightseeing

Xi’an was once the most important city in Asia as the end of the Silk Route. Today it is home to the world-famous Terracotta Army, considered by many to be the 8th Wonder of the Ancient World; Discovered by farmers in 1974, there are over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses. After an included lunch, visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, built in 709. (B, L)

✦ Aurum International, Xi’an or similar

Day 7

Chongqing

This morning you will fly to Chongqing (flight approx. 90 mins). You will take a panoramic sightseeing tour and visit Ciqikou, where travelers and locals alike mix in the steep and narrow pedestrian streets. Here shops sell porcelain, other handicrafts, and gifts, while restaurants and tea shops give visitors a look at what many areas of Chongqing were like before it became a vast metropolis. Other visits today include the Chongqing Zoo to see the Giant Pandas and the Three Gorges Museum. After an included dinner, you will transfer to your Yangtze River cruise ship, Victoria Anna your floating hotel for the next 3 nights. (B, D)

✦ Yangtze River cruise ship, Victoria Anna

Day 8

Yangtze River Cruise

This morning wake up to the sights and sounds of the Yangtze River, the third-longest river in the world, and history and culture thrive along its banks.. This morning, there is an included shore excursion to visit Fengdu Ghost City. This afternoon we also stop at Shibaozhai where you may take an optional excursion. (B, L, D)

✦ Yangtze River cruise ship, Victoria Anna

Day 9

Yangtze River Cruise

Today is the day of the gorges – the 3 Gorges to be precise; Guang, Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge. You cruise by some spectacular scenery today and enjoy an included excursion to a nearby stream or tributary. Later there is an optional excursion to visit the White Emperor City, a National Heritage Site full of historical temples and gates. (B, L, D)

✦ Yangtze River cruise ship, Victoria Anna

Day 10

Yangtze River Cruise & Shanghai

This morning there is an included shore excursion to visit The Three Gorges Dam. At over 600 feet high and 1.5 miles long, this is the largest hydroelectric complex in the world. Late morning you disembark in Yichang and after an included lunch at a local restaurant, take an afternoon drive to the city of Wuhan from where you board your evening flight to Shanghai (flight approx. 2 hours). (B, L)

✦ Ocean Hotel, Shanghai or similar

Day 11

Shanghai Sightseeing

You will visit the French Concession (a French territory of the city until 1946), Old Shanghai, and the Shanghai Museum to see some of its collection of ancient Chinese art. After lunch on your own, it’s over to the Pudong area, famous for its skyscrapers and night time illuminations. Your tour will end with a visit to The Bund, the river embankment, to enjoy a stroll with locals and visitors. This final evening, your Tour Director will be hosting a farewell dinner. (B, D)

✦ Ocean Hotel, Shanghai or similar

Day 12

Shanghai

Transfer to Shanghai airport for your flight back to the U.S. (B)

Important notes:

Yangtze River cruise ships: Victoria Cruises' Victoria Anna. All on board accommodation is superior cabin(Victoria Anna) with private facilities. All of our tours feature cruises aboard Victoria Anna. Victoria Cruises have an excellent reputation and specialize in serving North American guests and, like YMT, are members of the United States Tour Operators Association. The Victoria Anna takes up to 266 guests and Ship facilities include 2 restaurants, 2 elevators, 2 lounges, 3 bars, a gym, library, beauty salon, massage room and gift shop. Ask your travel consultant for the ship fact sheet for more information. Please note that the river cruises have a recommended additional crew gratuity of $25 p/p USD which is additional and will be added to your on board account.

Arranging your air travel: We recommend that you book your air to China with YMT. Please ask your Travel Consultant for more information.

Activity level: Some of the sightseeing on this tour requires extended periods of walking and standing, walking over rough or uneven ground, climbing steps, several airplane flights, getting on and off boats and buses and generally navigating busy tourist sites. While this shouldn’t pose a challenge to most guests, please consider before booking that this is an active tour.

Included meals: Hotel breakfasts will generally be a mix of Chinese and international dishes. All lunches and dinners stated in the itinerary will be in local restaurants (eg. outside the hotel) and will be Chinese dishes. In Beijing and Shanghai, western style food is generally available (at your own cost); however in other areas, availability of western style food may be very limited. The Yangtze River cruise restaurants can be buffet or waiter service with Chinese and some international food.

Passports and Visas: A passport and a valid Chinese tourist visa (extra charge) is required to participate in this tour. Getting a Chinese visa is straightforward. Unless you live near a Chinese consular office, YMT recommends you use one of the many visa agencies that offer a convenient and hassle free service. Contact a local visa agency for full application requirements and fees or alternatively visit www.china-embassy.org. We suggest applying for visas 60 days before travel.

*or similar accommodations

Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. By their nature, all tour vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights.