China & the Yangtze - A Luxury Small Group Journey (2024)

Arrive in the capital city of Beijing, China’s long-time seat of power, where you are transferred to your luxurious hotel.

Four Seasons Hotel Beijing

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, visit history-laden Tiananmen Square before exploring the imperial grandeur of the Forbidden City. Tonight, gather for a special welcome dinner at your hotel.

Four Seasons Hotel Beijing | BLD

This morning, Ride Like a Local on a pedicab through a hutong, a vast yet intimate neighbourhood 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.

Four Seasons Hotel Beijing | Meals: BL

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.

The Ritz-Carlton, Xian | Meals: BL

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.

The Ritz-Carlton, Xian | Meals: BLD

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.

Waldorf Astoria Chengdu | Meals: BLD

Today, visit the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre. 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, 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.

Yangzi Explorer | Meals: BLD

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.

Yangzi Explorer | Meals: BLD

Early this morning, Yangzi Explorer navigates the Qutang Gorge before docking at Wushan. Disembark and take in the scenic splendour 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, savour a “Taste of China” dinner, followed by onboard entertainment.

Yangzi Explorer | Meals: BLD

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.

Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund | Meals: BL

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.

Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund | Meals: B

Today, walk along the Bund, Shanghai’s most popular promenade. Then, explore the French Concession, a lively neighbourhood with fine examples of 19th and early 20th-century architecture, with a local historian. Savour lunch at a local restaurant and later stroll the streets of Old Town, visiting the 16th-century Yu Garden, with its pavilions and ponds. Tonight, gather for a festive farewell dinner.

Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund | Meals: BLD

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to depart for home.

Meals: B

Internal air included: Beijing/Xian; Yichang/Shanghai
This journey contains some active elements.
Minimum age is 10 years.
First group event: welcome briefing at 8:30 a.m. on Day 2.
Last group event: farewell dinner at 7:30 p.m. on Day 12.
Departures are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 2 guests.

Please note: Multiple groups of 18 A&K guests and other passengers may be travelling on board Yangzi Explorer simultaneously.

Included with every Luxury Small Group Journey

• English-Speaking Resident Tour Director and Local Guides
• Hand-Selected Luxury Accommodations
• Airport Meet and Greet with Private Transfers
• Travelling Bell Boy Luggage Handling
• Breakfast in Bed on Select Days
• Full Breakfast Daily; Select Lunches and Dinners
• Your Choice of Activity on Design Your Day
• Traveller’s Valet Laundry Service
• Internet Access
• Entrance Fees, Taxes and All Gratuities Except Resident Tour Director
• 24/7 A&K On-Call Support
• Guaranteed Departures with Just Two Guests

Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey based on this itinerary.