Abercrombie & Kent
OFFER ID 1504765
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 from $9,925 per person
Abercrombie & Kent: China & the Yangtze
DAY 1 Beijing, China
Arrive in the capital city of Beijing, China’s longtime seat ofpower, where you are transferred to your luxurious hotel.
Today, participate in a privately led tai chi lesson taught bya master instructor at the Temple of Heaven, a stunningexample of classical Ming period architecture. After lunch,visit history-laden Tiananmen Square before exploring theimperial grandeur of the Forbidden City. Tonight, gatherfor a special welcome dinner at your hotel.
This morning, Ride Like a Local on a pedicab through ahutong, a vast yet intimate neighborhood of small, windingalleyways dating to China’s dynastic period. Then, travelto the well-preserved Mutianyu section of the Great Wallof China. Ride a cable car to the top of the wall to take in sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. Afterexperiencing this wonder of the world, return to Beijing.
Fly to Xian, a modern city cloaked in over 3,000 years ofhistory. Once the eastern terminus on the Great Silk Road,Xian has become a melting pot of Middle Eastern and Asianinfluences. Upon arrival, enjoy a Chef ’s Table noodle-throwingdemonstration, followed by lunch. Visit the oldcity’s Muslim Quarter, with its teeming markets and beautifulGreat Mosque, a 14th-century national heritage site. A blendof classic Chinese temple architecture and central Asianembellishments make it one of the most fascinating sites inXian.
Today, accompanied by an on-site specialist, visit theexcavation site of the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses, thelife-size army created during the Qin Dynasty to protect QinShi Huang, China’s first emperor, in his afterlife. More than8,000 remarkably crafted soldiers are spread throughoutthree dig pits, each revealing a unique face. After lunch, strollalong the impressive ramparts of the City Wall. Tonight,gather for dinner.
Travel by bullet train to Chengdu, the capital of SichuanProvince. For lunch, enjoy a spicy Sichuan hot pot, a regionalspecialty. Afterward, immerse yourself in local life andculture at People’s Park, where area residents play traditionalChinese instruments, practice calligraphy and engage intai chi. While there, learn about unique, centuries-old matchmaking techniques still in use today before checkingin to your hotel, where you observe a traditional tea demonstration.
Today, visit the Chengdu Panda Breeding and ResearchCenter. Enjoy the rare opportunity to observe theseendangered creatures roaming freely in their speciallydesigned habitat. Then, board a high-speed train for a ridethrough the Chinese countryside to Chongqing, where youembark on your river cruiser, Yangzi Explorer, for a three-night journey to Yichang. Settle into your cabinas the ship sets a course downstream to the stunning Three Gorges region.
Start with tai chi on the deck before breakfast. Disembarkin the small city of Fuling and visit the 816 Nuclear MilitaryPlant, a massive yet unfinished Cold War era bunker.Back on board, learn about Chinese traditional medicineand reflexology. Tonight, attend the Captain’s Reception.
Early this morning, Yangzi Explorer navigatesthe Qutang Gorge before docking at Wushan. Disembarkand take in the scenic splendor of this rugged yet lush regionon an adventure among the high peaks that surround theriver. In the afternoon, continue your journey downstream,passing through the majestic Wu and Xiling Gorges. Tonight,savor a “Taste of China” dinner, followed by onboardentertainment.
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 millionresidents of the cities submerged behind it. Upon arrival inShanghai, transfer to your elegant hotel, located on the city’shistoric Bund.
Explore dynamic Shanghai, where stunning modernskylines meet classic street markets and gardens. Head tothe observation deck of the Shanghai Tower, where you aretreated to a bird’s-eye view of the Huangpu River, the Bundand Shanghai’s panorama of skyscrapers. This afternoon, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.
Walk Shanghai’s Historic Jewish Quarter and learn howit became a haven for Jews fleeing Europe in World War II.
Enjoy a Shopping Excursion to the trendy FrenchConcession to browse the superb selection of artisan shopsand navigate the maze of shikumen homes.
Cycle through Pudong, exploring Shanghai’s newestdistrict filled with gleaming skyscrapers.
Then, toast your day with a relaxing Scenic Sundowner.
Today, walk along the Bund, Shanghai’s most popular promenade. Then, explore the French Concession, a lively neighborhood with fine examples of 19th and early 20th-century architecture, with a local historian. 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. Tonight, gather for a festive farewell dinner.
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.