Golden Triangle China Tour with Yangtze River Cruise

This 12-day private China tour combines the country’s most iconic destinations with one of its most scenic and relaxing journeys — a Yangtze River cruise. From imperial Beijing and historic Xi’an to the breathtaking Three Gorges and cosmopolitan Shanghai, this itinerary offers a well-balanced first-time discovery of China’s history, culture, landscapes, and modern vitality.

The itinerary below is for inspiration only. Every part of the journey can be tailor-made to suit your interests, travel pace, and budget.

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Tour at a Glance

Days	Destination	Highlights
Day 1–4	Beijing	Forbidden City, hutong alleyways, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall at Mutianyu, Summer Palace
Day 5–6	Xi’an	Terracotta Warriors, traditional cave dwelling, Ancient City Wall, Xi’an Museum, Little Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim Quarter
Day 7–9	Yangtze River Cruise	Fengdu Ghost City, Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, Shennv Stream
Day 10–12	Shanghai	The Bund, Shanghai Tower, customized half-day experience, Three Gorges Dam

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Tour Highlights

Go Beyond the Main Route in the Forbidden City

Most visitors only see the six major halls on the central axis. With your private guide, explore hidden halls and lesser-known courtyards for a deeper understanding of imperial life and history, while avoiding the busiest routes.

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Walk on the Most Beautifully Preserved Great Wall Section

Visit Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved and most scenic sections of the Great Wall. Walk at your own pace among watchtowers and mountain views, and admire one of China’s greatest wonders in comfort.

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Taste the Real Flavors of China

Enjoy crispy Beijing roast duck, learn to make dumplings with a local family in Xi’an, and sample a variety of local snacks in Shanghai.

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Discover the Secrets of the Terracotta Army

See the life-size Terracotta Warriors up close and hear the fascinating stories behind one of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries. Visit a traditional cave dwelling and make your own mini terracotta warrior with a local craftsman.

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Walk or Cycle on Xi’an’s Ancient City Wall

Enjoy a memorable perspective of Xi’an from its ancient city wall. Walk or cycle along the top and take in wide views of the old and new city blending together.

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Cruise Through the Magnificent Three Gorges

Relax on a Yangtze River cruise and admire the dramatic scenery of China’s legendary Three Gorges. Once known for dangerous rapids, this stretch of river is now one of China’s most iconic and comfortable cruise experiences.

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Reveal the Hidden Stories of the Bund and Visit Shanghai Tower

Go beyond the classic Bund photo stop. Discover the stories behind its historic buildings, step into old Shanghai’s golden era, and then ascend Shanghai Tower for spectacular views over the modern skyline.

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End with a Personalized Shanghai Experience

Round off your journey with a half-day experience designed around your interests. Whether you prefer relaxation, art, fashion, local culture, or shopping, Shanghai offers the perfect finale.

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Suggested Itinerary

Day 1 | Beijing Arrival

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your private guide will meet you in the arrival hall and escort you to your comfortable private vehicle. Your experienced driver will then take you directly to your hotel.

We aim to make your arrival smooth, easy, and worry-free, giving you a pleasant first impression of China.

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Day 2 | Beijing | Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City, and Hutong Alleyways

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start your day at Tian’anmen Square, one of the most important landmarks in China. Then step into the Forbidden City, the largest and best-preserved imperial palace complex in the country, with more than 500 years of history.

While most tour groups only visit the six main halls along the central axis, your private guide will lead you to 12 carefully selected sites for a richer and more rewarding experience.

At lunchtime, enjoy Beijing roast duck, one of the city’s most famous dishes. Watch the chef’s expert slicing skills, taste the crispy skin, and discover the traditional way to eat it.

Later, relax as you explore Beijing’s hutong alleyways and experience the charm of old Beijing.

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Day 3 | Beijing | Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests. If you arrive early, you may also see local people practicing tai chi, singing, dancing, and enjoying their morning routines.

In the afternoon, head to Mutianyu, one of the most scenic and beautifully restored sections of the Great Wall. Although it is around 2.5 hours from downtown Beijing, the magnificent mountain scenery and impressive wall architecture make the journey more than worthwhile.

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Day 4 | Beijing to Xi’an | Summer Palace and High-Speed Train

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Visit the Summer Palace, a magnificent imperial garden that once served as the royal family’s summer retreat. It remains one of the best places in Beijing to enjoy elegant landscapes, lakeside scenery, and classical Chinese garden design.

Later, travel to Xi’an by high-speed train — a comfortable and efficient way to experience China’s modern transportation.

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Day 5 | Xi’an | Terracotta Warriors and Traditional Cave Dwelling

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, visit the Terracotta Army Museum and uncover the stories behind this extraordinary underground army created more than 2,000 years ago.

Then visit a local craftsman’s traditional cave dwelling, where you will learn how to make a mini terracotta warrior by hand.

After returning to the city, explore Xi’an’s Ancient City Wall, which has protected the inner city for more than 600 years. Walk along the wall for excellent views, or rent a bike and enjoy the route from above.

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Day 6 | Xi’an | City Highlights

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Continue discovering Xi’an’s rich heritage with visits to Xi’an Museum and the Little Wild Goose Pagoda. Then head to the lively Muslim Quarter, where you can stroll through its bustling lanes and sample local Muslim specialties.

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Day 7 | Xi’an to Chongqing – Begin the Yangtze Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Fly to Chongqing, the gateway to the Yangtze River cruise.

Board your cruise ship and begin your relaxing journey along China’s most famous river.

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Day 8 | Yangtze Cruise | Fengdu Ghost City

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start the day with optional tai chi on deck.

Then take a shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City, known for its temples, statues, and artworks inspired by Chinese folklore and beliefs about the afterlife.

In the afternoon, enjoy onboard cultural activities. After dinner, you may choose to watch the optional night show War Fires of the Three Kingdoms.

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Day 9 | Yangtze Cruise | Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Shennv Stream

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

If you are interested in history and calligraphy, you may consider the optional excursion to White Emperor City, a historic fortress with stunning views and ancient inscriptions.

Around noon, cruise through the spectacular Qutang Gorge and the magnificent Wu Gorge, two of the most famous sections of the Three Gorges.

In the afternoon, take a shore excursion to Shennv Stream, a beautiful tributary of the Yangtze. Ride a smaller boat into its narrow gorges and admire the clear waters and dramatic cliffs.

After dinner, enjoy the crew cabaret and talent show.

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Day 10 | Yangtze Cruise Meets the Colossal Dam | Yichang → Shanghai

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Disembark in the morning and join the shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam. From its viewing platforms, admire this world-famous engineering project and the sweeping scenery of the Yangtze River.

After the visit, continue your journey to Shanghai. Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel.

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Day 11 | Shanghai | The Bund and Shanghai Tower

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, discover more than just the classic postcard views of the Bund. Follow your guide into the hidden stories of old Shanghai and step back into the Bund’s golden age in the 1920s.

Enter some of its historic buildings, learn about their architectural details and fascinating past, and then ascend Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China, for sweeping views of the city skyline.

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Day 12 | Shanghai | Half-Day Customized Experience and Departure

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

End your China journey with a half-day experience tailored to your interests. Whether you want to relax, enjoy fashion, appreciate art, discover local life, or shop for special gifts, Shanghai is the ideal place to do it.

Later, your private guide, driver, and vehicle will take you to the airport on time.

We will assist you with check-in and escort you to the correct security gate, ensuring a smooth, easy, and stress-free departure.

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Price

From US$XXXX  per person

Based on a private tour for 2 people with 4-star hotels.
Price varies depending on travel date, group size, and hotel selection.

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Price Includes

• Private air-conditioned vehicle with experienced driver

• English-speaking local guide

• Hotels and meals listed in the itinerary

• Entrance tickets to attractions

• Flights or high-speed trains between cities

• 24/7 travel assistance during your trip