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The longest river in China and the third longest river in the world, the 6,300 kilometer Yangtze River starts at the southern foothills of the snow-covered Geladandong Peak of the Tanggula Mountains in southwestern Qinghai Province. It flows past 2 autonomous regions and 6 provinces including Qinghai, Tibet, Sichuan, Yunnan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Anhui, Jiangsu, and Shanghai City, where it runs into the East China Sea.

Day by Day Itinerary:

Day 1 Entry Beijing
Your flight arrive in Beijing in the afternoon and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2 Beijing(B, L, D)
Begin your exploration of this exciting city with a walk through Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City former home of the Emperors of China. This afternoon, visit the Badaling section of the Great Wall of China , noted for its many panoramic views.

Day 3 Beijing/Chongqing(B, L, D)
Today you fly to Chongqing and in the evening board your deluxe cruise ship for the Three Gorges river journey. Nicknamed the "mountain city," Chongqing is renowned for its unique scenic spots, especially the parks, and many places of historical and cultural interest.

Day 4 On Yangtze River(B, L, D)
Depending on river conditions, one of the following shore excursions will be offered: Wanxian, "Gateway to Eastern Chongqing City," tucked in between rolling mountains ; Shibaozhai, with its 400-year-old, twelve story red wooden pagoda high on a cliff side; or, Fengdu, China's "Ghost City", where you will see ghost- and devil-like statues at numerous temples.


Day 5 On Yangtze River(B, L, D)
Head downstream through the first and second of the three gorges-Qutang Gorge, the shortest but most dramatic gorge, and Wu, known for its quiet beauty and forest-covered mountains. You can nearly touch the perpendicular walls rising from the riverbanks as your captain negotiates this narrow gap. After lunch disembark for your boat excursion down the crystal-clear Daning River or the Shennong Stream, depending on local conditions. Re-board your ship and continue through the passage, sailing through the Three Gorges ship locks.

Day 6 Yichang/Shanghai(B, L, D)
This morning you arrive Yang Jia Wang and visit the Three Gorges Dam site, a controversial, immense construction project that is the largest hydroelectric and flood-control dam in the world. Sail to Yichang and disembark your cruise ship before transferring to Yichang airport for your flight to Shanghai , a cosmopolitan city that has retained the flavor of its European-influenced past. This heritage is particularly evident on the Bund, Shanghai 's main street lined with stately buildings.

Day 7 Shanghai(B, L, D)
Full day of sightseeing. Stroll along the Bund, the city's riverfront boulevard, visit the Eastern Pearl Tower and experience the Yu Yuan Gardens. Later visit the Children's Palace, one of China 's famous kindergartens. Evening at leisure. Perhaps join an optional excursion to an acrobatic show.

Day 8 Shanghai/Exit(B)
Return to home or Extend Your Stay. After breakfast bid farewell as you board your return flight back home or extend your stay in Shanghai .