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Abercrombie & Kent
OFFER ID 1493678
China & the Yangtze
Discover China’s past and present — from historic Beijing to the bustling metropolis of Shanghai. Visit the iconic Terra Cotta Warriors and giant pandas, and explore the storied Yangtze River on an all-balcony river cruiser.
12 nights | Call for pricing
Abercrombie & Kent: China & the Yangtze
DAY 1 Beijing, China
Arrive in the capital city of Beijing, China’s longtime seat of power, where you are transferred to your luxurious hotel.
Today, participate in a privately led tai chi lesson taught by a master instructor at the Temple of Heaven, a stunning example of classical Ming period architecture. After lunch, take in the sweep of history at Tiananmen Square before exploring the imperial grandeur of the Forbidden City. Tonight, gather for a special welcome dinner at your hotel.
This morning, Ride Like a Local on a pedicab through a hutong, a vast yet intimate neighborhood of small, winding alleyways dating to China’s dynastic period. Then, travel to the well-preserved Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China. Ride a cable car to the top of the wall to take in sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. After experiencing this wonder of the world, return to Beijing.
Fly to Xian, a modern city cloaked in over 3,000 years of history. Once the eastern terminus on the Great Silk Road, Xian has become a melting pot of Middle Eastern and Asian influences. Upon arrival, enjoy a Chef ’s Table noodle-throwing demonstration, followed by lunch. Visit the old city’s Muslim Quarter, with its teeming markets and beautiful Great Mosque, a 14th-century national heritage site. A blend of classic Chinese temple architecture and central Asian embellishments make it one of the most fascinating sites in Xian.
Today, accompanied by an on-site specialist, visit the excavation site of the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses, the life-size army created during the Qin Dynasty to protect Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor, in his afterlife. More than 8,000 remarkably crafted soldiers are spread throughout three dig pits, each revealing a unique face. After lunch, stroll along the impressive ramparts of the City Wall. Tonight, gather for dinner.
Travel by bullet train to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. For lunch, enjoy a spicy Sichuan hot pot, a regional specialty. Afterward, immerse yourself in local life and culture at People’s Park, where area residents play traditional Chinese instruments, practice calligraphy and engage in tai chi. While there, learn about unique, centuries- old matchmaking techniques still in use today before checking in to your hotel, where you observe a traditional tea demonstration.
Today, visit the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center. Enjoy the rare opportunity to observe these endangered creatures roaming freely in their specially designed habitat. Then, board a high-speed train for a ride through the Chinese countryside to Chongqing, where you embark on your river cruiser, ‘Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer,’ for a three-night journey to Yichang. Settle into your cabin as the ship sets a course downstream to the stunning Three Gorges region.
Start with tai chi on the deck before breakfast. Disembark in the small city of Fuling and visit the 816 Nuclear Military Plant, a massive yet unfinished Cold War era bunker. Back on board, learn about Chinese traditional medicine and reflexology. Tonight, attend the Captain’s Reception.
Early this morning, ‘Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer’ navigates the Qutang Gorge before docking at Wushan. Disembark and take in the scenic splendor of this rugged yet lush region on an adventure among the high peaks that surround the river. In the afternoon, continue your journey downstream, passing through the majestic Wu and Xiling Gorges. Tonight, savor a “Taste of China” dinner, followed by onboard entertainment.
This morning, disembark in Yichang and fly to Shanghai, stopping briefly to photograph the Three Gorges Dam, a project that resulted in the resettlement of 1.2 million residents of the cities submerged behind it. Upon arrival in Shanghai, transfer to your elegant hotel, located on the city’s historic Bund.
Explore dynamic Shanghai, where stunning modern skylines meet classic street markets and gardens. Head to the observation deck of the Shanghai Tower, where you are treated to a bird’s-eye view of the Huangpu River, the Bund and Shanghai’s panorama of skyscrapers. This afternoon, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.
Walk Shanghai’s Historic Jewish Quarter and learn how it became a haven for Jews fleeing Europe in World War II.
Enjoy a Shopping Excursion to the trendy French Concession to browse the superb selection of artisan shops and navigate the maze of shikumen homes.
Cycle through Pudong, exploring Shanghai’s newest district filled with gleaming skyscrapers.
Then, toast your day with a relaxing Scenic Sundowner.
Today, walk along the Bund, Shanghai’s most popular promenade, and then explore the Shanghai Museum accompanied by a curator, viewing exceptional collections of historically significant art and housewares, including bronzes, ceramics, jade, furniture and coins. Savor lunch at a local restaurant and later stroll the streets of Old Town, visiting the 16th-century Yu Garden, with its pavilions and ponds.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to depart for home.
Shanghai: Yu Garden & Old Town Tour (4 hours)
Half day tour to Yu Garden and Old Town in Shanghai
Highlights
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
Not Included:
Shanghai: French Concession & The Bund (4 hours)
Half day tour to French Concession and The Bund in Shanghai
Added Value
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
Shanghai: Jewish Quarter Tour (4 hours)
Half day tour to Jewish Quarter in Shanghai
Background
Shanghai was the only city in the world that provided a safe home for World War II refugees without papers. As a result, approximately 32,000 Jews, known among themselves as "Shanghailanders," settled in this fascinating Chinese city. Like the names Schindler, Wallenberg and Sugihara, Shanghai has become synonymous with rescue and refuge during the fascist-dictated times when 6 million Jews perished and at least 35 million Chinese were killed and wounded. At one point, there were at least seven synagogues in Shanghai, but today very little evidence of this once vital community remains.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
Not Included:
Shanghai: Museum Tour (4 hours)
Half day tour to Shanghai Museums in Shanghai
Highlights
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
Not Included:
Shanghai: Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour (4 hours)
Half day tour to Zhujiajiao Water Town in Shanghai
Highlights
For your reference - Transfer from downtown pier to Zhujiajiao Water Town takes approximately 45-minute drive per way
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
Not Included:
Shanghai: Disposal Tour (4 hours)
Commence a vehicle / driver / guide at disposal for 4 consecutive hours in Shanghai
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
Not Included:
Full day city tour in Shanghai
Highlights
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
Not Included:
Shanghai: Disposal Tour (8 hours)
Commence a vehicle / driver / guide at disposal for 8 consecutive hours within city proper in Shanghai
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
Beijing is the country's economic, cultural and transportation center as well as a famous historical capital of China. Located in northwest North China Plain, Beijing is the second largest city in China with a population of more than 11 million and is ideal to visit all year. There are numerous museums and libraries with the largest collection of books in the country. It also serves as a center for science and technology. It is a hub of communications, with good railroad and air links with all parts of China and with major cities of the world, thus facilitating the rapid development of tourism as an important industry in Beijing. Beijing is an ancient city with a long cultural history. The four feudal dynasties--Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing had all set up their capital here and it became a most concentrated place of the country's scenic spots and historical sites. The best known are the Palace Museum, the Summer Palace, the Great Wall and the Temple of Heaven. Beijing aims to develop into a modern international metropolis..
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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