Yangtze River Cruise and Panda Tours
15-Day Private Tour: Chengdu– Yangtze– Zhangjiajie–Xi'an–Beijing
This 15-day suggested itinerary covers different elements of China: the historical heritage sites, natural scenery, unique culture, and adorable giant pandas. It makes an ideal tour for first-time visitors who are panda fans or those traveling with children.
下面的行程只是一种可能性。提示to tailor-make your trip are offered as inspiration. Send us details of your preferences and our travel experts will customize this trip to suit your interests, tastes, and budget.
Tour 'Wow' Points
Find theHidden Hallsin the Forbidden City
Explore aTop-Ranked Sectionof the Great Wall
Make a Mini warriorwith a Local Artisan Family
Experience Taking Care of aCute Panda
见证了著名Three Gorgesof China
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98.8% positive customer reviews among 10,000+
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Jenny Beijing
Jenny was very nice. We visited the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. She was very accommodating and patient. more
Jul 2023, Chiara G
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Visited China from 25.06 to 03.07.2023
Masha Zhou helped us organize the trip. China amazed and fell in love with itself! The clear organization and constant support from Masha and accompanying guides was on top. more
Jul 2023, Andrey
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Had a fantastic tour of Beijing
Our tour guide Bruce was fantastic, he went above and beyond and made our familly feel extra special.learnt a lot of history from Bruce,made our Beijing's trip excellent,Thanks,Bruce more
Jul 2023, Pavan C
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3 days in Beijing
We had a wonderfull 3 day in Bejing with our guide Jack. He was very knowledgeable about Beijing and the many sites we visited, he recommended restaurants, and dishes to try and areas near my hotel that I could visit in the evenings. more
Jul 2023, Vlad Verzea
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Great experience on the Great Wall
Simon our guide greeted us with a happy welcome to China , we were from that moment comfortable and confident our two days with him would be better than our expectations.Simon our guide was informative and very knowledgeable about the wall and surrounding areas. My experience with him and his team has exceeded my expectations , I was impressed by the professionalism he displayed more
Jul 2023, Terence S
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From skepticism and nervous ness to vow !!! And incredible
it was our guides who made all the difference our first destination Bejing and our tou guide was Olivia , she was like full of energy knowledge and punctual on top of that so kind and helpful , made our experience like dream , the places we went China wall , Tina man square and summer garden , our guide olive took care of everything, big tankyou to her and we would absolutely recommend if any one want to go for China trip to contact China highlights Maggie but ask for Olivia as tour guide more
Jul 2023, Arjun Wadhwani
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Tianmen Square, For Ideen city
The tour was quite well organized and our kids loved Linda who always was taking care of them. more
Jul 2023, Michael B
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China highlights recommended for our first family trip to China
The trip plan was custom designed for us by Sharon. She took into account our interests as well as lots of small tips she knew and that we couldn't have ever found by ourselves. So you need somebody you can trust and turn to, 24/7 like Sharon, our planner. more
Jul 2023, gilberto b
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High level personal service
Jack, the assigned tour guide in Beijing, also did an excellent job. He was punctual, always courteous and engaging, and above all, knowledgeable about the places we visited. He was quick to answer all our questions. At the end of the day, we all felt we had learned a great deal about Chinese history from Jack. more
Jul 2023, Mukasa Ssemakula
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China tour from being nervous to Vow and incredible
it was first class arrangement and tour guide Olivia who made the trip absolutely incredible and lot of credit goes to our first tour guide Olivia, she was so enthusiastic,knowledgeable and full of energy that me and my wife had a feeling of vow !!! and confidence, would definitely recoment any one would wish to take china tour to contact China high lit and particularly Olivia she made our trip so comfortable and took care everything. Big thankyou to Olivia . more
Jul 2023, Arjun W
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An unforgettable tour of historical sites, the desert and the mountains
William was my guide during 4 days' stay in Beijing. He was extremely helpful in navigating through the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace and the Mutiankou section of the Great Wall. His explanations were always very entertaining and to the point and his English was excellent. He gave great advice on where to discover Beijing cuisine, where to get the best fruits (apricots were delicious!) and what is best to do at night. more
Jul 2023, Dmitry I
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Could not travel
But the way miss leah Zhou helped me and was so in touch with me throughout a rough experience, commendable. She really helped me as a friend and guided me well. more
Jun 2023, Manisha sharma
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Unforgettable views and incredible history
Bruce was an incredible guide. Very friendly and provided so much history of the Great Wall. He also knew all the best spots to take a photo so we have some great shots. more
Jun 2023, Sam V.
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This hiking was amazing
这个徒步旅行是令人惊异的。组织是完美的since the beginning. Kimmi was answering all our questions rapidly and effectively. Once in China we found really a good team The driver and the tour guide Oliver accompanied us all the trip and they took a good care of us. They adapted to our needs always happy and smiling. Good work China Highlights! more
Jun 2023, Virginia Tapia Hompanera
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An excellent 2 days in Beijing with guide Lily
We had a great experience with China Highlights and our tour guide for the two days in Beijing, Liu Yuan (Lily), was excellent. She is friendly, professional and very knowledgeable about the Forbidden Palace, Temple of Heaven, The Great Wall and the Summer Palace. These are the places we visited with her. She is patient and didn't rush us at all. She adapted the tour activities and schedule to accommodate our interests and side trips such as Bei Hai Park. She is also very helpful: she took the extra time to walk us to the pizza restaurant in a mall which we would not have found on our own. We appreciate everything Lily did for us and highly recommend her. more
Jun 2023, Flamenco64
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I booked on short notice and Roger was…
I booked on short notice and Roger was very quick in responding and planning the shedule to our wishes. Our guide was very friendly and we got along great and our driver very polite. Unfortunately due to a lot of traffic our shedule was affected but we were not hurried and could enjoy our 2 destination Greta wall and the Summer Palace. I would recommend booking with China Highlights! more
Jun 2023, Clemens
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Great Wall China
It has been a unique experience from start to finish. Our tour guide Oliver made it possible, very prepared and always up to the task, always very responsible and capable of keeping our interest at all times. Thank you Oliver for this very special and unforgettable experience. more
Jun 2023, Maytee
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Great experience in Bejing with Jack
We had an amazing experience with China Highlights and our Bejing Guide Jack. We travelled through China for two weeks with two small kids (3-5) and all the China Highlights Guides and Drivers went out of their way to make this a memorable experience. Jack and our driver Mr. Lee in Bejing were amazing and we had a wonderful time here. The kids loved the great wall and the topoganing down, the face painting and the rikscha ride - and we loved all the sights. Jack and Mr. Lee were very patient with us and the kids and we managed to see everything in a relaxed fashion. We can highly recommend China Highlights and Jack and Mr. Lee. more
Jun 2023, Leo
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Best Tour Company
Olivia was our guide throughout the tour.During the actual tour, Olivia was exceptional and provided us with great insights into the sights and history as well as stories about Chinese culture and experiences (I now have to visit more places in China!). Her restaurant recommendations were amazing and I will definitely trust her to find great food options. She even showed us to our train gate at the end! more
Jun 2023, Pranam P
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3 day tour of Beijing with Tom
We had a 3 day tour of Beijing with our amazing tour guide Tom. He is super knowledgeable, and we learned a lot from him about the interesting history of everything we saw. He also took great care of us and made sure we had everything we needed to be comfortable. I highly recommend Tom! more
Jun 2023, Raghav
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Itinerary Quick Look
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.
Your private guide will be ready to meet and greet you at the arrival hall in Chengdu. A comfortable private car with an experienced driver will transfer you directly to your hotel. Your guide will help you to check-in.
Embark on an unforgettable journey in Chengdu with our one-day tour.Start by visiting the Panda Breeding and Research Center, where you'll witness the highly successful breeding program amidst bamboo groves. Explore the panda museum to learn more about these fascinating animals. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Jinli Old Street, sampling local snacks and discovering traditional architecture.
Don't miss the chance to visit the iconic "I Am Here" Panda Sculpture, a massive art installation that has become a trendy landmark. Indulge in the unique experience of Panda Post, where you can purchase panda-themed items and even mail a postcard to your future self.
End your day with a sizzling culinary adventure by trying the famous Sichuan Hotpot. Let your taste buds be tantalized by the numbingly spicy flavors of this traditional Chengdu cuisine. Our knowledgeable guide will be there every step of the way, ensuring you make the most of your trip. Prepare for an enchanting journey filled with giant pandas, cultural delights, and unforgettable experiences.
Head to the New Century Global Center, Chengdu's extraordinary gift to the world.As the largest freestanding building globally, This architectural wonder houses a vibrant city within, featuring businesses, offices, shopping malls, theaters, and even two five-star hotels. Families will find the New Century Global Center particularly appealing, offering a plethora of entertainment options for children. They can enjoy a unique indoor beach experience at Paradise Island, complete with a wave pool.
Additionally, an indoor ice-skating rink, a bowling alley, and a children's play area are available, ensuring a fun-filled day for everyone. Don't forget to catch a kid-friendly movie at the large cinema, catering specifically to younger audiences. Located just 30 minutes away from Chengdu City Center, the New Century Global Center awaits, promising mesmerizing sights and exciting activities that will leave you with cherished memories of your time in Chengdu.
Start your day with a delightful morning coffee, tea, and pastries. Engage in a revitalizing Tai Chi exercise session. Indulge in a delicious breakfast buffet. Embark on a mesmerizing shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City (Included) and immerse yourself in its unique cultural offerings. Relish a satisfying lunch from the buffet. Delight in a delectable buffet dinner. Immerse yourself in the captivating night performance of "The War Fire of Three Kingdoms Show" in Zhongxian County.
Enjoy your moning coffee, tea, and pastries followed by Tai Chi exercise. Breakfast (Buffet): Enjoy a variety of dishes.You can take other optional Tour: Visit the White Emperor City for CNY 290 per person. Or juse enjoy the scenic cruising: take in the stunning Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge views.
Today you will embark on a fascinating shore excursion to visit the Three Gorges Dam Site. Please note that the golf car fee of CNY10 per person is not included in the tour. After the excursion, transfer to Yichang by bus.
Optional Tour: If you choose to take the optional tour, disembark at Maoping Pier and enjoy a scenic sail through the Ship Lift (additional fee of CNY290 per person). Afterwards, take a bus to the Three Gorges Dam Site.
In Zhangjiajie, you will visit the National Forest Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Marvel at the unique pillar-like formations shaped by erosion over time. Explore the park's vast forest-covered area, including Yuanjiajie, Yangjiajie, Jinbian Stream, and Wulongzhai. Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting nearby villages inhabited by Tujia, Bai, Miao, and Hui people.
请注意,在山住宿和饮食ain areas like Zhangjiajie and Huangshan are simple. Adjust your expectations accordingly for the best experience. Get ready to be captivated by the breathtaking landscapes of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
Today, our guide will lead you to visit Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, which is a stunning natural attractionthat has recently been developed into a wonderland for visitors. It offers a combination of majestic mountains, flowing streams, intriguing caves, towering cliffs, and lush forests. One of the highlights of this scenic area is the world's longest and highest glass bridge. Imagine the thrill of walking on this bridge, suspended 300 meters above the ground! It's definitely an experience you wouldn't want to miss during your tour.
If walking on the glass bridge isn't your cup of tea, don't worry. We have an alternative route that allows you to still enjoy the attraction without stepping on the glass bridge. However, if you decide to take on the adventure, please note that for safety reasons, carrying a camera on the bridge is not allowed. You can, however, bring your cellphone or GoPro to capture those unforgettable moments.
Visit the Tianmen Mountain, the awe-inspiring heart of Zhangjiajie!As the highest peak in the area, this majestic mountain offers unrivaled views of ancient trees, stunning karst formations, and scenic roads carved into cliff sides. Hop on the world's longest cable car ride, a thrilling 30-minute journey from the city center, and ascend to the mountain's summit.
At 1430 meters above ground, you'll find the renowned Tianmen Mountain Glass Walkway, a remarkable observation platform that extends from a sheer cliff. This narrow 1.6-meter-wide, 60-meter-long glass walkway offers brave souls not only breathtaking views of the mountains below but also the exhilaration of treading nervously above such heights. Some have even likened this experience to the famous 'skywalk' at the Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA.
Don't miss the chance to explore this remarkable natural wonder in China. Savor the beauty and thrill of Tianmen Mountain, an experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Discover the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army, accidentally unearthed in 1974. This incredible army consists of over 7000 unique soldiers, archers, horses, and chariots in full battle array. Guarding Emperor Qin's tomb since 210 BC, these life-sized figures are an incredible sight. Explore the three protected excavation pits, housed inside massive hangars, and learn about their history at the excellent museum nearby. Photography is allowed (without flash), so don't forget your camera. Wear comfortable walking shoes for the journey.
Additionally, don't miss the opportunity to visit a local family workshop in the countryside. Learn firsthand from skilled artisans the intricate process of creating Terracotta Warriors. Have a chance to interact with the locals and discover fascinating details about how these life-sized warriors were made in ancient times. Gain insight into the most challenging steps of the production process while enjoying a unique cultural experience.
Explore the Ancient City Wall:令人印象深刻的城墙,城墙,盖茨和佤邦tchtowers date back to the 13th century and offer a captivating glimpse into ancient China's city defense. Built on the foundation of the original Tang Forbidden City, this well-preserved structure encloses the city center. You can choose to walk or rent a bike or electric cart (additional cost) to enjoy a 14km circuit with stunning views of the city on both sides.
Experience China's Traditional Costume (Hanfu):Immerse yourself in Chinese culture by wearing Hanfu, the traditional clothing of the Han Chinese. Discover the rich history and significance of Hanfu during a one-hour guided tour in an ancient academy. Learn about different Hanfu styles and ancient etiquette. Afterward, take a break, sip a cup of tea, and even try your hand at movable type printing. It's a unique opportunity to indulge in something special and memorable.
Explore the Forbidden City: Located in the heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City served as the imperial residence for 24 emperors during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. This magnificent complex is the largest and best-preserved ancient imperial architecture in the world. Marvel at the grand square, halls, and gates, as well as the intricate gardens, courtyards, and living quarters. The Forbidden City houses both permanent and temporary exhibitions, offering a glimpse into the treasures of ancient China. Expect about 2 hours of moderate walking (2 kilometers). Please note that starting from April 1st, 2013, the Imperial Palace is closed every Monday afternoon.
Visit Jingshan Park:Once a part of the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park underwent changes in the 1900s. Portions of the park were demolished to make way for a road, resulting in the loss of several gates and buildings between the park and the palace's rear entrance. However, the hill within Jingshan Park was created using earth excavated to construct the palace moat. On a clear day, climb the hill for breathtaking views of the Forbidden City and Beijing. It's a perfect spot to capture spectacular panoramic vistas.
Visit the Temple of Heaven:Built in 1420 during the Ming dynasty, the Temple of Heaven is a complex of Taoist buildings where emperors held annual ceremonies to pray for good harvests. The temple's park is lively, especially in the morning when local elderly people gather to sing, exercise, and practice tai chi. Covering 273 hectares in the southern part of central Beijing, you'll explore the park for about 1-1.5 hours (1.5 kilometers) with an easy-grade walk.
Explore the Mutianyu Great Wall:The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is highly rated on TripAdvisor for its picturesque scenery and beautifully-restored architecture. It is particularly popular among families due to its child-friendly facilities and multiple visiting options. Located about 1.5 hours' drive from downtown Beijing, this section offers a fully restored 2.5-kilometer stretch.
To save time, we arrange a round-trip cable car ride for you instead of climbing the stairs (which takes about 40 minutes). Once on the Wall, you'll have free time to walk around and take in the stunning views. We recommend hiking the "golden route" between the 14th and 23rd watchtowers, recognized as the most beautiful and interesting section by avid hikers. The hike typically takes approximately 2 hours. Afterward, descend and take a bus back to our vehicle.
提示: If visiting the Mutianyu section, we recommend using walking sticks, especially for those with weaker legs or balance, as it can be helpful on some parts of the wall.
Take a Hutong Tour in Xicheng District:探索胡同的历史的迷宫,一个网络of old alleyways with traditional single-story courtyard houses. Hop on a rickshaw for a ride through the narrow alleys and visit a local family. Then, take a walk on the Silver Ingot Bridge (Yinding Bridge) and discover the unique thresholds of the courtyards. It's a fascinating glimpse into Beijing's traditional neighborhoods.
Learn to Apply Facial Makeup for Peking Opera:Experience the art of applying facial makeup for Chinese traditional opera. This intricate art form showcases exquisite patterns of vibrant colors and delicate lines, achieved through brush painting and hand techniques. Under the guidance of an expert teacher, try your hand at applying makeup to a mask, and even choose the makeup for your favorite character. It's a truly immersive cultural experience.
Discover the Summer Palace with Boat Ride and the Garden of Virtue and Harmony:Located about 9 miles (15 kilometers) from downtown Beijing, the Summer Palace is China's largest and best-preserved royal park. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural landscapes and cultural wonders that have earned it the title of 'The Museum of Royal Gardens'. Explore the park on foot for approximately 2 kilometers (2 hours). Please note that certain areas, such as Longevity Hill and the opera recital area, may require an additional fee for entry.
提示: Keep in mind that specific areas within the Summer Palace, such as Longevity Hill and the opera recital area, may require an additional payment for entry.
Tour Price
Price includes:
- Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
- English speaking local guide
- Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
- 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling
Tour code: cht-cx-1
Start planning your tailor-made tour now. Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.