Yangtze River and The Roof of The World

Introduction

The majestic Yangtze River (Chang Jiang), is the longest river in Asia and the third longest in the world, after the Nile in Africa, and the Amazon in South America. The river is about 6,380 km long and flows from its source in Qinghai Province, eastwards into the East China Sea at Shanghai, and is said to be the cradle of Chinese civilization.

The Three Gorges, namely Qutang, Wu, and Xiling, are the most famous attractions along the Yangtze River. They span from Eastern Sichuan to Western Hubei, stretching to a total of 193 km and are some of the most dramatic gorges in the world. In addition, tourists can visit the Three Gorges Hydroelectric River Dam, which spans the Yangtze River and is the largest dam in the world, more than 5 times the size of Hoover Dam.

The other unique attraction is the Lesser Three Gorges scenic area, a smaller version of the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River.

Overview

A holiday to China to take in a cruise along the Yangtze River can also include any of the below sights and attractions.

Many of the escorted tours we are pleased to offer combine numerous of the following highlights within one holiday itinerary, and extensions can also be added to your chosen tour to cover the other attractions that may not be included within the itinerary.

Alternatively, allow our experienced consultants at Medway Travel to put together a tailor-made holiday for you to travel independently around China - just contact us on 01622 608265 or email enquiries@medwaytravel.co.uk with your basic requirements and wishes of what to you would like your visit to China to include.

Terracotta Warriors (Xian)

See one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, the incredible life-size Terracotta Warriors.

The Terracotta Warriors and horses are a collection of ancient military figures located near the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor. The collection was discovered in March 1974 by local farmers drilling a water well to the east of Mount Lishan, near Xian (She-Arn), in Shaanxi Province. The collection dates back to 200BC and is an extraordinary sight.Their purpose was to help rule another empire with Shi Huangdi, the ‘First Emperor’ of China who united the nation, in the afterlife. Consequently, they are also sometimes referred to as "Qin's Armies".

Cosmopolitan Shanghai

Shanghai, the largest city in China, has fully embraced technology and modernity. The city exudes a cosmopolitan character, marked by contemporary urban living, futuristic skyscrapers, and a bustling financial district. Shanghai has become a hotspot of modern China, and is known as a progressive, enterprising city.

Benefiting from economic reforms Deng Xiao Peng initiated in 1979, Shanghai’s resurgence in economic prosperity can be witnessed from the rapid developments in the Pudong New Area. Pudong is home to the city’s newest international airport, high-rise buildings and a vibrant urban area.

Shanghai hosted the World Expo in 2010. The Expo helped to further drive the city’s incredible growth and progress, drawing over 70 million visitors and tourists.

The famous Bund stretches for one mile along the bank of the Huangpu River in Shanghai and faces across to the modern Pudong district on the other side. Stroll along the colonial waterfront, where European architecture dominates. Once a small fishing village in the 1800s, Shanghai transformed into the most glamorous and cultured city in China in the 1930s and became known as the ‘Paris of the East’.

The once sleepy village was transformed into a city of foreign influences as western powers such as Britain, France and the US took up autonomous concession zones in Shanghai. It soon became a significant industrial centre and trading port in China. Enjoy a cruise on the panoramic Huangpu (Hwarng-Poo) River and admire the stunning view of old and new Shanghai.

Li River (Guilin)

The Li River (Li Jiang – Lee River), in Guangxi Province, flows through Guilin (Gway-Lin) and Yangshuo down into the western tributary of Pearl River in Wuzhou.

The highlight of the 437 km Li River lies between Guilin and Yangshuo. The 83 km watercourse is flanked on both sides by stunning limestone formations, with crystal clear water meandering through it.

Enjoy a cruise excursion down the Li River to Yangshuo and enjoy the breathtaking landscape of beautiful green mountains, tranquil cormorant fishing scenes and picturesque villages. Famous sights along the river include Jingping Mountain, Wangfu Mountain, Banbiandu and Guanyan.

Great Wall of China

As one of the Seven Wonders of the Medieval World, the Great Wall of China is an unmissable highlight of any tour of China.

The Great Wall, built over two thousand years ago, crosses deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus. It stretches all the way from the Shanhaiguan (Sharn-Hi-Gwarn) Pass on the east coast to Jiayuguan (Jia-Yoo-Gwarn) on the edge of the Gobi Desert in the west, more than three thousand miles away.

Walk on the magnificent Great Wall to appreciate its historical significance and admire the panoramic views, whilst reflecting on the enormity of the material and labour required for its construction.

Forbidden City (Beijing)

Visit the Forbidden City, the most magnificent palace complex in China. Located in the centre of Beijing, the Forbidden City was the Imperial Palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1911), constructed between 1406 and 1420. Covering a total area of 720,000 square meters, it is the largest, existing best-preserved imperial palace in the world.

The palace’s grand architecture represents the essence of traditional Chinese building style and accomplishment. It houses imposing structures and many scenic spots, including huge stone sculpture, Imperial Garden, Nine Dragon Wall, and Qianlong Garden. With a large collection of cultural relics and artworks of different dynasties, it has now become a palace museum, with exhibition halls of treasures, porcelains, paintings and bronze wares. In 1987, it was added to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.

Chinese Gardens

The charming city of Suzhou, also known as the ‘Venice of the East’, is a cultural and historical city in east China’s Jiangsu province. Noted for its elegant gardens, Suzhou’s garden art reached its peak during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The prosperous city and surrounds boast a number of well preserved, exquisite private gardens, widely acknowledged to be the masterpieces of the genre.

Visit the ancient Humble Administrator’s Garden and the Garden of the Master of the Nets, which illustrate classical Chinese garden design. These gardens reflect the profound metaphysical importance of natural beauty in Chinese culture in the way art, nature and ideas are integrated perfectly and harmoniously.

The classical Chinese garden is a place for contemplation of nature and its design aims to provide a spiritual utopia to connect with nature and an ancient way of life. As such, the gardens were a place to escape from the frustrations of daily life and the main features included rocks, water, trees and plants, which had traditional, symbolic values. Pine trees, representing wisdom, and bamboo, representing strength and morality, were popular features.

Temple of Heaven

The magnificent Temple of Heaven, situated in central Beijing, was visited by the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies, where sacrifices were offered and prayers were said for good harvests. Built between 1406 and 1420, it is regarded as a Taoist temple. In 1998, the Temple of Heaven was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The architecture and layout of the Temple of Heaven is based on elaborate symbolism dating back to pre-Confucian times. The Temple is enclosed with a long wall. The northern part within the wall is semicircular symbolizing the heavens (where the sky is imagined as a rounded dome) and the southern part is square symbolizing the earth (two dimensional and flat, as the earth appeared to be).

 

Itinerary

Majestic Yangtze

The highlight of this two week tour is a four night cruise on the Yangtze River. Sail through the Three Gorges where the vertical cliffs rise dramatically from the water. Add to this a visit to the famous panda reserve in Chengdu and it’s easy to see why this tour is a long term favourite.

 

Days 1-2 : UK – Shanghai

Fly overnight to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the ‘Paris of the East’.

Day 3 : Shanghai

Sightseeing today includes a stroll through the beautiful Yu Gardens and the Old Town as well as a visit to the Shanghai Museum, which houses over 120,000 pieces of bronze, coins, jade, ceramics, paintings and calligraphy.We also walk along the famous Bund with its colonial architecture and explore the restored Xintiandi area with its unique 1920’s style shikumen buildings. In the evening, enjoy a cruise on the panoramic Huangpu River, where the historic Bund and the futuristic Pudong come face-to-face.

Day 4 : Yangtze River Cruise

Fly to Yichang and transfer by coach (approx 1 hour) to board our Yangtze River Cruise vessel for the next four nights.

Days 5-7 : Yangtze River Cruise

Enjoy a tour of the Three Gorges Dam before cruising upstream through some of the most dramatic scenery in the world. Over the next three days, we will take a side-trip to the striking Shennong Stream in a pea-pod boat or visit the Lesser Three Gorges. We also enjoy various shore excursions along the way, including the 'Ghost City' of Fengdu with its captivating temples.

Day 8 : Chongqing – Chengdu

Disembark from our cruise vessel this morning and transfer to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. The area is renowned for its lush landscapes and cuisine. Enjoy a delicious Sichuan meal in the evening.

Day 9 : Chengdu – Xian

Visit the famous Panda Reserve to see these adorable animals being reared in wooded surroundings reminiscent of their natural habitat. Later, fly to the former ancient capital of Xian. In the evening we will enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao dumpling meal followed by a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

Day 10 : Xian

Visit one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century – the Terracotta Warriors, followed by a walk along the Ancient City Wall.

Day 11 : Xian – Beijing

Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda and the renowned Shaanxi Museum which is home to thousands of priceless relics. We also stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter, past the Great Mosque to explore the Islamic food markets before flying to Beijing. In the evening, enjoy a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic show.

Day 12 : Beijing

Enjoy a full day of sightseeing which includes a stroll through Tiananmen Square, past Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum to the treasure-filled Forbidden City, which has the largest and best preserved collection of ancient buildings in China from the Ming and Qing Dynasties and houses over 8,000 rooms. We also tour the exquisite Summer Palace.

Day 13 : Beijing

Walk on the Great Wall to appreciate 2,000 years of historical significance whilst admiring the panoramic views. The Great Wall is China's most iconic attraction, which stretches over 3,000 miles to the Gobi Desert. We also visit the unique Temple of Heaven. Our evening meal includes the local delicacy, Peking Duck.

Day 14 : Beijing – UK

Fly to the UK, arriving home later the same day or the following morning depending on airline chosen.

Pick & Mix

As well as suggested holiday itineraries, Medway Travel are delighted to be able to also create bespoke holiday experiences.

If you are looking for something completely different to the suggested itinerary on the previous tab, picking and mixing the destinations, activities and excursions that you specifically wish to enjoy might be a fantastic solution for you!

Contact Us with information of when you are looking to travel and what adventures you would like your holiday to include, and our expererienced travel consultants will put together a personalised itinerary especially for you!

For ideas and inspiration of what extensions work well with a tailor-made experience or escorted tour holiday to China, please take a look at the below details...

Dubai Extension

Day 1: Arrive Dubai
Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Dubai.

Day 2: Dubai
Enjoy a half day tour to discover the delights of Dubai which highlights the contrasts between the old and the new in this fast growing and exciting city. Visit some of Dubai’s new landmarks on Beach Road, drive along the Dubai Creek, stroll through the narrow lanes of the historic Bastakiya area, with its beautifully restored old buildings and visit the Dubai Museum. We also cross the creek in an Abra (water taxi) and explore Dubai’s traditional souks. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore Dubai. (B)

Day 3: Dubai
Enjoy the day at leisure to further explore Dubai. (B)

Day 4: Depart Dubai
Transfer from your hotel to Dubai Airport for your onward flight. (B)

Emirates Extension

Day 1: Arrive Dubai
Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Dubai.

Day 2: Dubai
Enjoy a half day tour to discover the delights of Dubai which highlights the contrasts between the old and the new in this fast growing and exciting city. Visit some of Dubai’s new landmarks on Beach Road, drive along the Dubai Creek, stroll through the narrow lanes of the historic Bastakiya area, with its beautifully restored old buildings and visit the Dubai Museum. We also cross the creek in an Abra (water taxi) and explore Dubai’s traditional souks. (B)

Day 3: Sharjah
The Emirate of Sharjah is regarded as the cultural centre of the Middle East. Visit the Natural History Museum, the corniche with the golden Al Majara Souk, Al Naboodah House, the Al Arsa Souk and the Central Souk, famous for its carpets and curios. Later, return to Dubai. (B)

Day 4: Abu Dhabi
Capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is a cosmopolitan metropolis rising out of the sand. Visit the beautiful corniche, Dhow building yards, stunning palaces and the Petroleum Museum for an insight into the industry that has transformed the UAE. Later, return to Dubai. (B)

Day 5: Depart Dubai
Transfer from your hotel to Dubai Airport for your onward flight. (B)

Hainan Island

Day 1: Arrive Sanya
Transfer from Sanya Airport to the five-star Crowne Plaza Hotel at Yalong Bay. Hainan Island is located off the southern coast of China and lying at a similar latitude to Hawaii. The island enjoys a year-round tropical climate with an average temperature of between 22-26 ºC.(B)

Days 2-5: Sanya
Spend the next four days at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities, stroll along the beautiful beach or further explore Hainan Island. Visit the Tropical Wildlife Park which is home to the 'Macaque' monkey, experience the many watersports on offer such as snorkelling, water-skiing and parasailing or play a round of golf. All activities are optional and paid locally. (B)

Day 6: Depart Sanya
Transfer from your hotel to Sanya Airport for your onward flight. (B)

Hong Kong Extension

Day 1: Arrive Hong Kong
Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Hong Kong.

Day 2: Hong Kong
Enjoy a half day island tour visiting Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, Aberdeen Fishing Village and an optional sampan ride (paid locally). The afternoon is at leisure. (B)

Day 3: Hong Kong
Enjoy the day at leisure to further explore Hong Kong. (B)

Day 4: Depart Hong Kong
Transfer to Hong Kong Airport for your onward flight. (B)

Hong Kong & Lantau Island

Day 1: Arrive Hong Kong
Transfer from Hong Kong Airport to your hotel.

Day 2: Hong Kong
Enjoy a half day island tour visiting Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, Aberdeen Fishing Village and an optional sampan ride (paid locally). The afternoon is at leisure. (B)

Day 3: Lantau Island
Travel by ferry across the Victoria Harbour to Silvermine Bay and visit beautiful Cheung Sha beach. This is followed by Tai O Fishing Village, where many homes are built on stilts. Then travel to Ngong Ping Plateau to see the Giant Buddha and explore Po Lin Monastery where you will enjoy a vegetarian lunch. Later, visit the culturally themed Ngong Ping Village before ending the day with a spectacular ride aboard the Skyrail cable car. (B,L) If the cable car is cancelled due to poor weather or any other reason, alternative transportation will be arranged.

Day 4: Depart Hong Kong
Transfer from your hotel to Hong Kong Airport for your onward flight. (B)

Hong Kong & Macau

Day 1: Arrive Hong Kong
Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Hong Kong.

Day 2: Hong Kong
Enjoy a half day island tour visiting Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, Aberdeen Fishing Village and an optional sampan ride (paid locally). The afternoon is at leisure. (B)

Day 3: Macau
Transfer to the port for a hydrofoil ride across the Pearl River Estuary to Macau. Visit the sights of this former Portuguese colony including the ruins of the St. Paul Church, Ama Temple and Macau Museum (closed Mondays). There will also be the opportunity to visit one of the local casinos for which Macau is famous (minimum age 18). Return by hydrofoil to Hong Kong. (B,L)

Day 4: Depart Hong Kong
Transfer to Hong Kong Airport for your onward flight. (B)

Hong Kong Shopping

Day 1: Arrive Hong Kong
Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Hong Kong.

Days 2-3: Hong Kong
Enjoy a two day shopping tour (5 hours per day) including Chinese Dim Sum lunches at local restaurants. During the two days, visit the Horizon Plaza, Aberdeen Fishing Market, Porcelain and Jewellery factories, Stanley Market, Jade Market and the Ladies’ Market. (B,L)

Day 4: Depart Hong Kong
Transfer to Hong Kong Airport for your onward flight. (B)

Tokyo Extension

Day 1: Arrive Tokyo
Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Tokyo.

Day 2: Tokyo
Enjoy a full day tour of the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Tokyo, Japan’s capital city. Begin with a visit Meji Jingu Shrine, dedicated to the Emperor and his wife and stroll through the Imperial Palace. Browse the colourful stalls and traditional souvenir shops along Nakamise Shopping Street that lead to Asakusa Kannon Temple and then drive through the Ginza entertainment area. Also enjoy a symphony cruise on Tokyo Bay. (B,L)

Day 3: Tokyo
Enjoy the day at leisure. (B)

Day 4: Depart Tokyo
Transfer to Tokyo Airport for your onward flight. (B)

Tokyo, Mt Fuji & Bullet Train Extension

Day 1: Arrive Tokyo
Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Tokyo.

Day 2: Tokyo
Enjoy a full day tour of the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Tokyo, Japan’s capital city. Begin with a visit to the Meji Jingu Shrine, dedicated to the Emperor and his wife and stroll through the Imperial Palace. Browse the colourful stalls and traditional souvenir shops along Nakamise Shopping Street that lead to Asakusa Kannon Temple and then drive through the Ginza entertainment area. Also enjoy a symphony cruise on Tokyo Bay. (B,L)

Day 3: Mt Fuji & Hakone day tour
Travel to the scenic and serene Mt Fuji area, Japan’s most famous and iconic attraction. Drive along the beautiful Five Lakes region, which is one of the best locations from which to photograph this famous picture-perfect icon. Enjoy amazing views from the Mt Fuji 5th station (weather permitting) and Owakudani, a hot spring crater area formed by the last eruption of Mt Hakone 3,000 years ago. Also enjoy a cruise on Lake Ashi before taking a cable car on the Mt Komagatake Ropeway. Later, return to Tokyo by the super-fast Shinkansen (bullet train). Return to the hotel under your own arrangements. (B,L)

Day 4: Depart Tokyo
Transfer to Tokyo Airport for your onward flight. (B)

Essential Information

Weather

Generally April-June and September-October tend to be the most comfortable months to visit, however many people enjoy holidays at other times of year when there are fewer other visitors.

 

Passports and Visas

British nationals require visas to enter the mainland of China, but not Hong Kong. Visas must be obtained prior to arrival, including for Hainan Island where an earlier exemption no longer applies. For details of entry requirements to China you should contact the Chinese Embassy in London in good time before your proposed trip. Chinese Visa policy requires that foreigners leave China to change a visa from one category to another.

You should carefully check your visa validity as fines are levied for overstaying. 

Your passport should have a minimum validity of six months on arrival in China. 

 

Health

Please consult your GP for up-to-date health requirements before visiting China.

 

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusion from the policy, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake whilst on holiday. Medway Travel can provide you with a quote for this – please contact a member of the Leisure team for further details.