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This holiday is no longer available — but we can help you find something else.
Savour the natural grandeur of the Three Gorges on a relaxing Yangtze River cruise – just one part of a wonderful tour that also includes China's enthralling cities of Shanghai, Xian and Beijing, plus the Giant Pandas of Chengdu.
Highlights include:
- Cruise the impressive Yangtze River and see the man made marvel of the Three Gorges Dam
- See giant pandas, loveable creatures in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat
- Come face to face with Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Terracotta Warriors
- Walk along the awe-inspiring modern wonder that is China's most famous attraction The Great Wall.
Are you a Solo Traveller? This tour has dedicated solo departures, exclusively for customers who prefer to share their wonderful holiday experiences with a ready-made group of like-minded solo travellers. You’ll also enjoy these exclusive benefits on our Dedicated Solo departures:
- Enjoy the comfort of your own room on tour
- Smaller group sizes - Max Group Size of 18
- FREE return Australian transfers from home to the airport within 50km radius
- FREE airport lounge pass (available in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane airports only)
- Complimentary cocktail on arrival at your destination
There has never been a better time than now to book your China holiday call 1300 414 198 to get a quote today!
Departures & Pricing
Book by 12 June 2024 & save up to $1,000 per person on select departures between July 2024 and September 2025*
- 16 July 2024 & 22 October 2024 & 07 November 2024
- Twin share
$6,580$5,980 pp / Sole use$7,860$7,260 pp
- 19 September 2024 & 18 March 2025 & 25 March 2025 & 13 May 2025 & 5 August 2025
- Twin share
$6,780$6,180 pp / Sole use$8,060$7,460 pp
Various travel dates available between September 2024 and November 2025. Below pricing is based on 29 April 2025.
- from $6,780 per person twin share
- from $8,060 per person sole use
Dedicated Solo departures - From $7380 $6,780pp*:
- 3 Oct 2024
Dedicated Solo departures - From $7880 $7,280pp*:
- 10 Apr 2025
- 08 May 2025
Dedicated Solo departures - From $7,880pp*:
- 11 Sep 2025
- 09 Oct 2025
Contact our experienced travel team on 1300 414 198 to check pricing for your preferred travel date.
Please note prices are subject to availability at time of booking or until sold out and may change without notice. The prices above include flights departing Brisbane, airline fuel surcharges and taxes which are subject to change.
Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.
Itinerary
- 1
Fly to Shanghai
Fly to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the ‘Paris of the East’. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. - 2
Explore Shanghai
Shanghai is China's great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Today's explorations include the classical Yu Garden, a stop in the old town and learning about the age-old silk production process at a silk factory. Later admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund and view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise. The skyscrapers and glimmering lights are a sight to behold, Shanghai is unlike any other city in the world. Tonight, sample some traditional Shanghainese cuisine.
- 3
Modern Pudong
Spend the morning seeing the sights of the ultramodern Pudong area, also known as the financial district of the city with skyscrapers buildings. Later, fly to Yichang where you will board your Yangtze River cruise vessel.
Days 4, 5 & 6 Yangtze River Cruise
A man-made marvel, the Three Gorges Dam showcases a massive feat of engineering. But as you cruise upstream nature takes over, revealing some of the world's most dramatic scenery including the Three Gorges themselves. Over the next three days, take a side trip to the attractive Shennong or Goddess Stream and enjoy various shore excursions.
- 7
Historic Ciqikou
Disembarking the cruise vessel in Chongqing, explore old Ciqikou, a district known for its porcelain production during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Ciqikou’s narrow streets are perfect for a morning stroll to admire the historical, traditional architecture. Transfer to Chengdu and enjoy a delicious Sichuanese meal for dinner with the option of a performance of Sichuan Opera, famous for its ‘face-changing’.
- 8
Pandas
Begin this morning with a visit to Chengdu's famous Panda Conservation Centre, which allows you to see and learn about China's celebrated bears up close in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. A look around the informative museum gives an overview of the reserve's breeding programme. Later, take a bullet train to the former imperial capital of Xian. This evening a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing awaits.
- 9
Terracotta Warriors
After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors and horses. Also visit the workshop of the craftsmen who recreate terracotta warriors in the style of their ancient counterparts. Watch the skilled production process and even buy a souvenir warrior to take home. Later, take a leisurely stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xian's old town, then join the optional tour to see Xian lit up at night.
- 10
Little Wild Goose Pagoda
Today, visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda and walk through the lively atmospheric alleys of the Muslim Quarter which are lined with Islamic food stalls. Later, fly to Beijing, China's capital city.
- 11
Imperial Beijing
Head to Tiananmen Square, Beijing's symbolic heart, and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Entering through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, you will find a complex full of imperial riches. Also soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape, and end the day watching a Chinese acrobatic show.
- 12
The Great Wall
This morning is dedicated to China's most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the sheer magnificence of the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that it crosses. In the afternoon, visit a jade factory then enjoy the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace as you wander through traditional Chinese gardens and view the exquisite architecture. This evening, savour Beijing's best-known delicacy-Peking duck.
- 13
Fly Beijing to Australia
Days 13–14Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
Transfers: In the event that your flight departs outside of the majority group departure time, you will be transferred to the airport by a shared coach (not with other tour passengers). If you are on a shared coach transfer, you may have to walk for a few minutes to get to the coach.
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
Your holiday includes:
- Return international economy flights (prices may vary depending on departure city)
- Taxes and current fuel surcharges (unless a land only option is selected)
- 12 nights in 3-4 star accommodation
- 12 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 12 Dinners
- Yangtze River Cruise
- Huangpu River Cruise
- All sightseeing and entrance fees
- All transportation and transfers
- English speaking National Escort
- Touring with expert local guides
- Max Group Size of 28
Not included
- Drinks
- Optional excursions or shows
- Insurance
Accommodation
Your accommodation is selected for convenience of location, comfort or character, and can range from a business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town.
In more remote areas, accommodation may be of a lower standard and may not have all western amenities. Hotels are generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note that there is no international classification system for hotels and differences in facilities and quality do exist between Australia and China.
All hotels have private western bathroom facilities, air conditioning, TV and telephone. Plumbing and electricity supplies can be erratic and quite often the power in hotel rooms is turned off while guests are out of the room.
Common questions about this voyage
Tipping:
Fitness:
Visas:
Itinerary Changes:From November to March the Tang Dynasty music and dance performance is not available on all evenings. If it is not operating on the evening your group is due to attend, a suitable alternative will be arranged by your National Escort/Local Guide.The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays, due to maintenance. If it is not open on the day our group is due to visit, Beijing touring will be rearranged by your National Escort/Local Guide accordinglyYangtze River. Please note that all sections of the itinerary for the Yangtze River Cruise are especially subject to change. The movement of each vessel along the Yangtze is regulated by the Government’sYangtze River Authority (YRA). The river’s rapid flow, the narrowness of the gorges and the recent increase in numbers of passengers means that the timetables are under some pressure. The YRA allocates times for access to mooring points, embarkation and disembarkation at docks and passage through the gorges. This means that the captain of each cruise ship is unable to confirm a final itinerary until shortly before departure (usually 24 hours prior). This can affect both the time and location where you embark and disembark your cruise ship. Your National Escort/Local Guide will explain any such changes to you as soon as they are informed by the cruise operator.Transport:
Planes: Internal flights are based on economy class with reputable airlines. Pre-seat flight allocation is unavailable Cruise ships: On this tour you will take a 4-night cruise up the Yangtze River. Your cabin on your Yangtze River cruise ship will have a private bathroom and balcony. Please note that the cruise ship and all shore excursions arranged by the cruise are on a shared basis.Trains: On this tour, you will take a high-speed train journey. You will travel in second-class soft seats with air conditioning. For train journeys you must ensure that you pack liquids, aerosols and gels/lotions in your hand luggage as per recent regulations. The National Escort will inform you of specific details prior to boarding. The train companies have implemented a policy which does not allow passengers to carry inflammable liquids including aerosols, styling gel, compressed air or insecticides; any explosives, magnetised material, knives, scissors or sharp items (medication is fine). Bag checks are conducted randomly and any of these items may be confiscated before boarding the train (in hand luggage or main luggage).Group Size:
Personal Expenses & Optional Tours:
Book this package
Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.
Terms & conditions
Read the operator’s full booking conditions
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply
Additional Price Information
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 August 2023. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
- Customary tipping amount of approximately RMB700pp (AU$156pp) is paid locally in China.
- Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.
- Price listed is based on new bookings only