Relaxing China Train Tour with Yangtze River Cruise

Welcome to Beijing! Our guide will meet you at the airport and then send you to the hotel for a good rest.

Beijing is one of the birthplaces of mankind. The appearance of primitive Beijingers about 500,000 years ago marked the beginning of Beijing's history. The primitive humans living in Beijing created the settlement organization and initial culture. While expanding their living space, they exchanged and collided with various civilizations. That makes the culture of Beijing much richer. Immediately afterward, different dynasties began to rule the land in turn. In 916, Beijing was chosen as the capital of the Liao Dynasty (916-1125). That is the first time Beijing being a capital. Since then, Beijing has been the capital of the Jin (1115-1234), Yuan (1271-1368), Ming (1368-1644), and Qing (1616-1912) dynasties. This has brought Beijing's history and culture to a new level. For a city with such a long and splendid history, Beijing boasts fascinating natural scenery and countless cultural sites. Are you eager to explore this historical city? We will start our journey tomorrow!

We will start by visiting Tian’anmen Square in the morning. Tian’anmen Square is located in the center of Beijing, and it is 880 meters long from north to south and 500 meters wide from east to west. It can accommodate 1 million people for grand gatherings at the same time. Every morning, thousands of people come here to visit and attend the flag-raising ceremony. 

Then we will get through Tian’anmen Square and enter the Forbidden City (Closed on Mondays). The Forbidden City is the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties in China. It is located in the center of Beijing's central axis. The Forbidden City in Beijing covers an area of about 720,000 square meters and a building area of about 150,000 square meters. It is centered on three great halls, the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Central Harmony, and the Hall of Preserving Harmony. In addition, there are more than 70 palaces and more than 9,000 rooms. Follow your guide and explore the resplendent and magnificent Forbidden City together!

After lunch, we will move to the Temple of Heaven, which is in the south of Beijing. It covers an area of about 2.73 million square meters. In the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the Temple of Heaven was a place where emperors prayed for a harvest. Circular Mound Altar and Echo Wall are the most attractive sightseeing spots in the Temple of Heaven. If you speak in a very low voice beside the Echo Wall, your partner can hear you clearly even he is standing tens of meters away from you beside the wall. Isn’t it amazing? Besides the historical buildings, you can also see many old trees here which make the Temple of Heaven a park with a good environment now. Many locals will do morning exercise here.

The last spot of this day is the Summer Palace. It was built in Qing Dynasty (1636-1911). It is famous for its exquisite architecture and extremely rich collection of color paintings. We will take you to visit the Long Corridor which is 728 meters long. It is the longest corridor in the world. The 14,000 colorful paintings make the corridor extremely gorgeous and charming. Don’t miss it!

After that, you will be transferred back to your hotel. 

The Forbidden City

Tian'anmen Square

The first attraction we are going to visit is the Ming Tombs today. It is 44 kilometers away from downtown, which takes about one hour towards the northeast. The Ming Tombs are located at the bottom of Tianshou Mountain, with a total area of more than 120 square kilometers. There are 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty buried here. In addition, there are also tombs for their concubines and princes. Among these tombs, only Ding Tomb has been excavated. That is the tomb of Emperor Wanli and his two empresses. Thousands of cultural relics have been unearthed including crowns, jewelry, clothes, porcelain, and so on. But it is also a big regret in the archaeological field. Because at that time, many unearthed cultural relics were severely damaged due to a lack of related techniques of relics protection. For this reason, the following excavation of the imperial tombs was banned. 

After lunch, we will drive northeast for about an hour (47 kilometers) to the Mutianyu Great Wall. It is the essence of the Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty. Since ancient times, it has been an important military project for the defense of the capital Beijing. If you want to directly experience the majesty of it, you can take a cable car up to the Great Wall. That will help you save lots of energy and you can have enough time to visit the ancient watchtowers, touch the historical wall bricks and enjoy the breath-taking view on the Great Wall. Besides the cable car, you can also choose the round way chairlift. If you want to get a more exciting experience, the toboggan is a good choice for you to go down from the Great Wall. 

After that, you will be transferred back to the city center. 

Mutianyu Great Wall

Ming Tombs

Today we will visit Hutongs by rickshaw. The first rickshaw appeared in China during the Guangxu period (1875-1908) of the Qing Dynasty. It was introduced into China from Japan. In China, Beijing is the first place to have rickshaws. In the late Qing Dynasty, Beijing's rickshaws were mainly used in the royal families. Empress Dowager Cixi (1835-1908) lived in the Summer Palace for a long time. The eunuchs and dignitaries in the palace often traveled between the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. Therefore, some prominent figures took this kind of rickshaw. At that time, it was new and fashionable. Therefore, the rickshaw was shown off as a special status. As a former means of transportation, rickshaw has now become a characteristic experience of tourism. They coexist harmoniously with the old Hutongs. Hutong is the place where Beijing’s history is deposited. Although it is not all of Beijing, it is one of the precious accessories of contemporary Beijing. In Beijing, each hutong has its own story. Only after patiently visiting it, can you appreciate its charm. Therefore, our tour will offer you a family visit to one of the Hutongs. Then you can deeply understand Beijing’s history and folk culture.  

After lunch, our journey in Beijing comes to an end. You will be sent to the railway station and take the estimated train G8714:00/18:19 to Xi’an, starting your next tour! Our guide will pick you up at the station and transfer you to the hotel. Xi'an is one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization and an outstanding representative of Chinese culture. Thirteen dynasties were all established their capitals here. Therefore, Xi'an is known as the "Living History Museum". In such a city with a long history, don’t you want to explore it? Our guide will arrange the sightseeing for you tomorrow! Just be ready!

Hutongs

Hutongs

On the first day in Xi’an, we will visit Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses Museum. Located in Lintong District, it is about 35 kilometers from downtown Xi’an. We need to drive eastwards about 40 minutes to arrive there. The Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses Museum is the subordinate tomb of the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shihuang who is the first emperor in China. Do you know the origin of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum? It turned out that in the previous dynasties, there was the institution of burying the living with the dead. Later in the Qin Dynasty, a minister said to Emperor Qin: “The previous emperors were buried with living people. It is inhumane. Why don't you let skilled craftsmen build an invincible army made of clay?” Emperor Qin Shihuang felt that the idea was good and agreed. So, the large-scaled terra cotta army was created. 

After lunch, we will first go to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is the earliest existing pavilion-style brick tower in China. It is regarded as a symbol of Xi'an. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda had only five floors when it was first built. It was rebuilt by Emperor Wu Zetian (624-705), the only female emperor in Chinese history. And then after many times repairs, it was built into seven floors. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is 64.7 meters high and has a square shape. The bottom of the tower is 25 meters long, and each floor has a brick arch on all four sides. It is a masterpiece of Chinese Buddhist architectural art. After the end of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), many temples were damaged by wars, only the Big Wild Goose Pagoda remained well. So it is a must-visit place when you come to Xi’an.

The last stop today is Muslim Street. From the center of Xi'an to the west, you will enter the Xi'an Muslim Historic District. There are 10 mosques of different sizes and shapes in the district. Approximately 20,000 Muslims live beside the mosques, maintaining the original religious traditions and living habits. Visitors to Xi'an generally don't miss the Muslim Street. Not only because of the large number of gourmet shops on both sides of the street but also because of the deep cultural connotation of this street. It is characterized by bluestone paved roads, shaded by green trees, as well as Ming and Qing buildings on both sides of the road. The restaurants and groceries stores are all operated by Muslims, with strong halal characteristics. The cuisines are deeply loved by foreign tourists. If you are a foodie, do not miss the Roujiamo (Chinese Hamburger) and Rice and Jujube Cake here. 

City Wall

Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum

In the morning, we will pay a visit to the old City Wall, which was built in the early Ming Dynasty. It is the most completely preserved city wall in the ancient city of China. Walking on the City Wall, you will get a panoramic view of Xi’an City. And you can even see the Bell Tower and Drum Tower. 

After lunch, you will take the estimated China train G1709 14:22/18:05 to Chengdu. After arrival, you will meet the guide at the station and be transferred to the hotel.

There are many things that can represent China speed. Today you will experience the China High-Speed Train. The maximum speed of the China High-Speed Train can reach 350km/h. It is fast but stable. So, you can have a good rest on the train. If you are not tired, you can also appreciate the scenery on the way. Hope you have a nice trip. 

City Wall

City Wall

As we all know, the panda is the national treasure of China. Our China train tour offers you a chance to visit the cute panda! So, this morning, we will go to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. It was established in 1987 and now covers an area of 560 acres. It has various facilities for giant panda breeding. It is built against a mountain and uses gardening techniques to simulate the wild ecological environment of giant pandas, integrating natural mountain scenery and beautiful artificial landscapes. There are two delivery rooms in the panda base which means you can see not only the adult pandas but also the baby pandas. I am sure the lovely face will make you impressed. Here you can see pandas sleeping, eating bamboo, and playing with their companions. Are you looking forward to meeting them? Come and join us! Please kindly note: flashing is bad for pandas. So please turn off your flashlight when you take photos.

After lunch, we will go to Jinli Street. Legend has it that Jinli was once one of the oldest and most commercial streets in the history of the Shu-Han Dynasty (221—263). This street presents the essence of life in Chengdu. There are tea houses, inns, restaurants, bars, stages, handicraft stores, which fully demonstrates the unique charm of the culture of the Chengdu folk customs. Most of the people in Chengdu will wander around Jinli Street in a playful and relaxed manner. 

The next stop is Chengdu Wuhou Shrine Museum. This is an ancestral hall to commemorate Zhuge Liang (181-234), the prime minister of the Shu Kingdom (221-263) in the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280). Zhuge Liang was named Wuxiang Hou, and after his death, he was named Zhongwu Hou. So, later generations would respect him as Wu Hou. There is no specific record of when the Chengdu Wuhou Shrine was first built. The current Wuhou Shrine Museum was rebuilt on the old site in 1672. Besides Zhuge Liang, Liu Bei who is the king of the Shu Kingdom is also worshipped here. This is also the only shrine in China where the monarch and minister are worshipped together. 

Our last stop today is People’s Park. The predecessor of Chengdu People's Park was the "Shaocheng Park" built in the Qing Dynasty. Therefore, it is also a historical park. There are 6 tea houses in the park. People will play cards, drink tea and chat with friends in the tea house. If you come here, you can experience the tea culture of China. Anyway, the People’s Park is a good place for you to relax and enjoy the Chengdu leisure life. 

Option: Chengdu Hot Pot is one of the popular cuisines in China. Chengdu hot pot shows the inclusiveness of Chinese cooking. The term "hot pot" is the name of cooking utensils. Anything you like such as meat, fish, vegetable, Tofu, can be boiled in the Hot Pot. If you like spicy food, then go and feel it with the tip of your tongue.

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Wuhou Temple

Today, Kuanzhai Alley is our first stop. Kuan Zhai Alley was built in the Qing Dynasty. The Kuanzhai Alley Historic District is composed of 3 parallel alleys: "Kuan Alley, Zhai Alley, and Jing Alley". It contains 45 courtyards in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. This block records the vicissitudes of history in old Chengdu. The traditional facades along the street are well preserved, which looks antique and distinctive. You will spend a leisurely morning here.

After lunch, the journey in Chengdu comes to an end. We will drive to Chengdu Railway Station. You will take the estimated train G2887 15:07/16:42 to Chongqing. Our guide will meet you at the station and directly send you to the dock. You will board on Yangtze River Cruise Ship and start your journey. 

Kuan Zhai Alley

kuan zhai i Alley

When you wake up in the morning, you can have some exercise following Tai Chi teachers on the deck. Tai Chi, also known as shadowboxing, is one of the Chinese traditional martial arts. Many Chinese people choose it as an ideal physical exercise. It moves slowly and is suitable for all the people to exercise. 

Today you will see the Shibaozhai Pagoda which was built in the Ming Dynasty. Legend has it that it was designed according to the eagle spreading its wings and hovering. This innovative, bold and ingenious building is a wonderful work of folk architectural art in southern China. It is also known as a shining pearl on the edge of the Yangtze River.

Next, the cruise will stop at Fengdu Ghost City. You can freely choose to buy tickets to visit it. The tourist attractions of Fengdu Ghost City are mainly mountains and cultural buildings. The mountain was attached by legends as the residence of the King of the Netherworld. Here you will see what is the netherworld like in Chinese people’s minds. Traditional Chinese people believe, if you are a nice person, you can get reincarnation successfully in the netherworld. On the contrary, the evil people will get tormented here. This is the traditional Chinese concept of praising virtue and punishing vice. 

Shibaozhai

Fengdu Ghost City

Today we will go through the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, which are composed of Qutang Gorges, Wu Gorges, and Xiling Gorges, with a total length of 193 kilometers. Qutang Gorge is famous for its majesty, although the length of the gorge is only 8 kilometers, which is the shortest of the Three Gorges. Then there is Wu Gorge, which is famous for its elegance. It is the only gorge in the Three Gorges that spans two provinces, with a total length of 45 kilometers. The cruise travels in the middle of Wu Gorge with mountains and peaks. Some people compare Wu Gorge to a "landscape gallery". So do not miss the breathtaking scenery. Finally, we came to Xiling Gorge. The beautiful Xiling Gorge, 76 kilometers long, is the longest one in the Three Gorges. Xiling Gorge is famous for its "danger" and "oddness", which turns into magnificent beauty.

Qutang Gorge

Xiling Gorge

Today, we will reach Three Gorge Dam. It is a Huge water conservancy project that shows mankind has conquered the world's third-largest river. The Three Gorges Dam scenic spot perfectly combines modern engineering, natural scenery, and cultural landscape, making it a good place for tourists to relax. There is a sightseeing platform where you can have a nice view of the whole dam. 

Our guide will pick you up at the Visitor Center. You will take the estimated China high-speed train D2208 14:55/23:05 to Shanghai. The guide will meet you at the railway station and send you to the hotel for a rest. On the China High-Speed Train, there is a dining cabin. You can order kinds of Chinese food there. 

The Three Gorges Dam

The Three Gorges Dam

Today we will visit Yu Garden (Closed on Mondays). Yu Garden is located in the prosperous old city of Shanghai. Yu Garden was originally a private garden in the Ming Dynasty. And it opened to the public in 1961. There is a pair of iron lions from the Yuan Dynasty, 300-year-old vines, and 400-year-old ginkgo. Its ancient and long historical origins and cultural relics have made Yu Garden the most famous tourist attraction in Shanghai.

And then, you will spend about 15 minutes driving west to the Jing’an Temple. Jing'an Temple has a total construction area of 22,000 square meters that including temple halls and Jing’an Tower. It is the oldest Buddhist temple in Shanghai. The architectural style of the temple is integrated with the Tibetan temple, and the silver Buddha enshrined in the Great Buddha’s Hall weighs 15 tons which is very stately.

After lunch, we will visit the Shanghai Tower. Before entering the Shanghai Tower, you can see that the outer layer of the building is a layer of glass, and there is a certain distance from the inner building. This outer layer of glass is equivalent to an insulating layer, reducing the heating and cooling requirements of the entire building. Reducing the energy consumption of this skyscraper is conducive to protecting the environment. The sightseeing hall is on the 118th floor. You will take the superfast elevator to reach the sightseeing hall within 55 seconds. And then you can enjoy the panoramic view of Shanghai City here. 

Next, you will go to the bustling Nanjing Road that is a must-pass for people to travel in Shanghai. It is the most prosperous commercial street in Shanghai. There are countless local snacks and souvenirs. It can be said as the shoppers’ paradise. 

The last stop today is the Bund. It is regarded as the window of Shanghai and also the symbol of Shanghai. After Shanghai became a commercial port, foreign banks, commercial banks, associations, and newspaper offices began to gather here, and the Bund became the financial center of Shanghai and even the whole of China. Now you can still see all kinds of exotic buildings on the Bund. This is the best place for you to take pictures.

the Bund

Nanjing road

We will drive to Hangzhou from Shanghai. We will travel 178 kilometers to the southeast and it will take about two and a half hours.

The first stop in Hangzhou is West Lake. As the most attractive and famous scenic spot in Hangzhou, there are more than 100 small sightseeing spots here in the West Lake Scenic Area. Today we will arrange for you to take a boat and enjoy the beauty of West Lake. You will see a place which is named Three Pools Mirroring the Moon. The scenery here is printed on the back of the 1 yuan Chinese banknote. Therefore, you will see many people take photos here with the 1 yuan banknote. Because of the beautiful scenery, West Lake is also the place where many Chinese legends happened. I am sure your guide will tell you many romantic stories. 

After lunch, we will visit Lingyin Temple. It was built in 326 and has a history of more than 1600 years. The Flying Peak is a famous scenic spot in the temple. There is an interesting legend about the peak. It is said that the place of the peak was originally a village. One day a Monk called Jigong predicted that a peak is flying from a distance and will land on this village. Jigong feared that the flying peak would destroy the village and hurt the villagers. So, he went to the village to persuade everyone to leave. People in the village thought Jigong was crazy. Seeing that, Jigong urgently rushed into a family and ran with the bride on his back. When the people saw the monk rob the bride, they shouted and chased him out. When people run out of the village, the peak was just landing and crushed the village. People then understood that Jigong was to save everyone. So, people called the peak Flying Peak. 

Our last stop in Hangzhou is Six Harmonies Pagoda, which was founded in the Northern Song Dynasty. The tower is 59.89 meters high and covers an area of 900 square meters. Copper bells are hanging on the eaves of the pagoda. So, you will hear the sweet sound when the wind blew.

After the visit, we will drive back to Shanghai.

Lingyin Temple

West Lake

It’s time to say goodbye! Your guide will escort you to the airport and you can catch your flight home. Hope we can serve you again in the future.                

Author: Yan Yuxin

Proofreader: Betsy He