Discover one of human history's most enduring and fascinating cultures. Dating back thousands of years, this tour will explore the highlights of China. Start in the vibrant city of Shanghai, a symbol of the modern economic emergence of the world's largest nation; a mix of old and new. Private guided visit to museums, parks, and fishing village - then shop the glittering boulevards. Fly to Yichang to board your Yangtze river cruise. Shore visits to: Three Gorges, the world's largest dam, lesser gorges, and Fengdu ghost city. Fly to Xi'an, the ancient first capital of the empire with the magnificent terracotta army protecting the tomb of the emperor. Fly to Beijing to the world's largest palace complex. With 9,999 buildings, the Forbidden city was home to 24 successive emperors. Centuries of royalty have endowed treasures like the Temple of Heaven, Ming Tombs, and the spectacular Great Wall of China. Includes internal airfare, deluxe lunches per itinerary, private vehicle transfers, expert English-speaking guides, activities and entrance fees.

Day 1
Shanghai
Transfer from central Shanghai with a driver, and English-speaking Guide to the Maglev station in Pudong from where you can complete your airport transfer in about 8 minutes at speeds of over 400 km/h. (Warning - involves a little walking). Kensington Tours donates a portion of our proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). The Marriot run Rennaissance Shanghai Yuyuan is a modern and luxurious property located adjacent to the Yuyuan Gardens and old quartier of downtown Shanghai. With a top-notch spa, 340 contemporary rooms and suites offering breathtaking views across the Shanghai city skyline and a central location within reasonable distance both to Shanghai's traditional attractions and the EXPO 2010 site this hotels offers a great luxury to value proposition well-suited to any trip.
Shanghai is the symbol of "New China", bustling and busy with excellent shopping. With an ecclectic architectural mix from Asian infused Victorian and Art Deco to 21st Century advante-garde, Shanghai is an exciting, ever-changing metropolis. Popular attractions range from the Jade Buddha Temple, Yuyuan Garden and Shanghai Museum to modern wonders like the Oriental Pearl Tower. Landmarks of the city include the French Concession and historic waterfront known as the Bund. Shanghai is an excellent base from which to explore the canal towns of the Yangtze delta as well as nearby Suzhou or Hangzhou. Shanghai will host the 2010 World's Fair.

Day 2
Shanghai
Enjoy a half day private guided tour of Shanghai taking in the Urban Planning Museum, Nanjing Rd, Bund, a cruise on the Huangpu and the character of Yuyuan Gardens. Start with a short visit to the Urban Planning Hall, a fun and informative introduction to the exciting city of Shanghai past and future. Strolling down Nanjing Rd, once listed as one of the most interesting in the world, you will arrive at the historic Bund. Enjoy a cruise on the Huangpu river that divides old Shanghai from the futuristic Pudong before venturing to the old quarter and Yuyuan gardens. Much of this tour is best done by foot. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at Renaissance Shanghai Yuyuan.

Day 3
Shanghai - Yangtze
Direct flight from Shanghai to Yichang. Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax in your hotel. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Enjoy an airport transfer in Shanghai with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking Guide. Airport/hotel/pier transfers with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. The Emperor five-star sightseeing ship is designed in modern European style and can comfortably host 192 passengers. Facilities include; Chinese restaurant, Western Restaurant, business bar, Karaoke, ball room, bar, shopping center, clinic, business center (internet access), beauty salon, gym, sauna and massage, library. Five kinds of cabins; standard (16.5m), executive (16.5m, king bed), deluxe (26.5m) and presidential deluxe suite (35m). All are equipped with A/C, bath tub, refrigerator and balcony. There are nightly performances, featuring folk songs and dancing with Chinese traditional drama. Yangtze River cruises are either downstream from Chongqing to Yichang (4 days/3 nights), or upstream from Yichang to Chongqing (5 days/4 nights). There are typically 3-4 shore excursions on a cruise, which vary between different ships. Ironically, the shorter 4 day downstream cruise is more expensive than the longer 5 day upstream cruise due to higher demand.

Day 4
Yangtze
Comprising many rapids and currents, Xiling Gorge starts at Badong County and zigzags for 76 kilometers (47 miles) down to the Nanjin Pass in Yichang. It is the longest part of the Three Gorges system with dangerous rapids like Xietan, Qintan and Kongling, collectively known as the Three Rapids of Xiling. The swift current carries boats down river at the rate of seven meters (30 feet) per second. It is a thrilling ride. Includes Three Gorges Dam Project Tour, one of the largest construction projects ever undertaken by mankind. This great dam, the largest of its kind in the world, provides China with tremendous power generation and flood control services. Visitors see the panorama of Three Gorges from the highest point of the building site, the exhibition house, natural scenic spot Maogongshan and Huangling Temple. Includes evening entertainment, pool, bars, and other ship-based amenities. Overnight at MV Emperor/Dragon (U/S).

Day 5
Yangtze
Kongling Rapids has 24 reefs, named Great Pearl, First Pearl, Second Pearl, Third Pearl, and so on, overlap each other. The Great Rapid sprawls in the middle of the river, dividing the water into two channels; the south channel is full of jagged reefs and fickle eddies, and the north channel is narrow, twisted and forbidding with submerged rocks. This is a rapid where passing boats have to thread their way through the reefs. Includes Lesser Three Gorge tour. This side trip up the Daning River will take you through much narrower gorges and will give you the opportunity to examine rock formations and other scenic features up close. The 50 kilometers long stretch from Dragon Gate Gorge in the south to Tujiaba in the north is particularly narrow and picturesque. Wu Gorge is the most beautiful section of the Yangtze River, flanked by high peaks that are often capped by fog or clouds. The steep slopes of the gorge are green with trees and bushes. The gorge was long known to be as dangerous for boat navigators, who faced whirlpools, quicksand, and currents that varied from hour to hour. Qutang Gorge, is famous for its sheer and spectacular precipices, with uniquely beautiful rock formations in every direction. The river's widest point is more than 150 meters (500 feet) and its narrowest point is only tens of meters. Overnight at MV Emperor/Dragon (U/S).

Day 6
Yangtze
Includes Fengdu ghost city tour. Situated on the northern bank of the river between ZhongXi'an and Fuling, Fengdu is said to be the abode of devils. The origin of the town's extraordinary reputation can be traced back to the Han Dynasty (206 B.C. - 220 A.D.) when two officials, Yin and Wang, became Taoist recluses here and eventually Immortals. Thereafter, Mt. Mingshan gained its reputation as the 'City of Ghosts' where the king lived. Landmarks here bear horrific names - Last Glance at Home Tower, Nothing-to-be-done Bridge, and Ghost Torturing Pass - the three trials for ghosts who wanted to enter the nether world. Includes evening entertainment, pool, bars, and other ship-based amenities. Overnight at MV Emperor/Dragon (U/S).

Day 7
Chongqing - Xi'an
Airport/hotel/pier transfers with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Direct flight from Chongqing to Xi'an. Take an airport transfer by private car with an English-speaking guide. Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax in your hotel. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). The Grand Mercure Xian on Renmin Square is housed in a low-rise heritage building built in 1957 on the sprawling grounds of Renmin Square Xian. With a Sino-Russian style façade fronting lush gardens, the structure is a charming blend of old, classic architecture and modern, sophisticated facilities including a stunning grand lobby. Complementing its charming ambience, Grand Mercure is a boutique hotel offering guests personalized service. Its rooms and suites are decked in contemporary Oriental décor in rich fabrics and are well equipped with complete amenities for a comfortable, convenient stay. It features a breakfast buffet restaurant and lounge; and guests have access to other facilities and services offered at its nearby sister hotel, the Sofitel Xian on Renmin Square. Chongqing is the fourth largest city in China. Some of the major sights include: Dazu Rock Carvings carved during the Ninth Century, Fishing Town which is one of three ancient battlefields in China, and Ci Qi Kou village's ancient streets packed with handicraft souvenirs. Famous for its hot Sichuan cuisine and world-famous hotpot dishes. It is the upriver port for Yangtze cruises.

Day 8
Xi'an
Take a full day private guided tour of the Terra Cotta Army, BanPo Museum and the Buddhist Wild Goose Pagoda with a deluxe lunch. China's greatest archeological excavation - over 7,000 terra cotta life size warriors and horses arranged in battle formations symbolically guard the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of the Qin dynasty (246-209 BC). The Neolithic Banpo Village has nearly 10,000 production tools and the remains of 45 houses on display. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at Grand Mercure on Renmin Square. Xi'an was the capital of China's first emperor whose tomb is guarded by the world famous terracotta warriors.

Day 9
Xi'an - Beijing
Direct flight from Xi'an to Beijing. Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax in your hotel. Take an airport transfer by private car with an English-speaking guide. Take an airport transfer by private car with an English-speaking guide. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). The Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing is a modern oasis, right in the heart of Beijing's bustling cultural, commercial, business and entertainment center. With its superb location, spacious facilities and personalized service, the Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing is the ideal choice for both business and leisure guests. All guestrooms feature Western décor, earth tone colors, dark wood-edge finishes, and are furnished with lounge chairs in sandstone colors, wooden desks, TV cabinets, and climate-controlled air-conditioning. The fitness center features panoramic views of the city and has a sauna, steam room, and massage facilities. Beijing is China's foremost city and capital for twenty four successive emperors. Some of the major sights include: Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall and Summer Palace. The complete range of chinese cuisine can be found in the capital, and evening entertainment is superb.

Day 10
Beijing
Full day private guided tour of TianAnmen Square, Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven with a deluxe lunch. Tiananmen Square was built in 1417 during the Ming Dynasty and stretches a vast 440,000 square meters. The Forbidden City is the world's largest palace complex with 9,999 buildings. The Outer Court was where the emperor exercised his supreme power over the nation. The Inner Court was where he lived with his royal family. Fourteen emperors of the Ming dynasty and ten emperors of the Qing dynasty reigned here until 1924. The Temple of Heaven was built in 1420 AD during the Ming Dynasty to offer sacrifice to Heaven. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at Park Plaza (Wangfujing).

Day 11
Beijing
You will be picked up by private car and English speaking guide for a tour of the Great Wall at MuTianYu located 45 miles northeast of Beijing. En route, pass by the site of the Olympic Green to view the grandeur of the site and architectural wonder of buildings like the "Cube" and the "Bird's Nest". The extent of access to the Olympic area depends on the status on post-Olympic development but currently includes access inside the buildings. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at Park Plaza (Wangfujing).

Day 12
Beijing
Take an airport transfer by private car with an English-speaking guide. Depart from Beijing International airport - end of itinerary.