DAY 3: Shanghai, CHINA
Start your day with a stroll through Yu Garden, a magnificent private garden and residence from the 16th-century Ming Dynasty. This afternoon, visit the Shanghai Museum to view some of the most beautiful works of Chinese art in the world. In the evening, attend a Shanghai Acrobatic performance. ►For Shanghai hotel suggestions, see above.
DAY 4: Shanghai, CHINA / Zhujajiao, CHINA / Shanghai, CHINA
This morning, travel to Zhujiajiao, a fan shaped "water village" with ancient stone bridges and buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. After lunch, walk along the Bund, enjoying the view across the water of Pudong, a district of Shanghai that has emerged as China's financial and commercial center. Travel through the Bund light show sightseeing tunnel for a display of Shanghai life. ►For Shanghai hotel suggestions, see above.
DAY 5: Shanghai, CHINA / Yichang, CHINA
Fly to Yichang to board your luxury river cruiser to begin cruising
through the legendary Three Gorges. MS 'Yangzi Explorer'
DAYS 6 - 8: Yangzi River, CHINA
Cruise the mighty Yangzi, enjoying its scenic splendor with stops at the Three Gorges. Visit a school to witness China's educational challenges firsthand.
MS 'Yangzi Explorer'
DAY 9: Chongqing, CHINA / Xian, CHINA
Disembark and explore the Huguang Guild Hall. Fly to Xian and visit the Yangling Museum that houses recent discoveries from the Han Dynasty tombs. ►Suggested hotel:
Shangri-La, Xi'an
DAY 10: Xian, CHINA
Tour the tomb of Emperor Qin Shihuangdi and its Terra Cotta Warriors. Then explore the Shaanxi Museum, the finest museum of ancient Chinese history, and enjoy a private viewing of the Tang Murals. ►Suggested hotel: Shangri-La, Xi'an
DAYS 12-13: Beijing, CHINA
Spend two days at this vibrant city's sites: Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall.
►For Beijing hotel suggestions, see above.
DAY 1:
Depart for Shanghai, CHINA