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Day 3 – Beijing, China
Experience one of the world’s most iconic sites
today. Travel to the Badaling Hills to behold one of
the most impressive and best-preserved sections of
the Great Wall of China. Built and maintained
between the 5th century BC and the 16th century
AD to keep barbarian nomads out of the empire,
this UNESCO World Heritage Site of sandstone and
earthwork stretches some 4,000 miles. Explore
its winding pathways and marvel at the panoramic
views from its ramparts.
After a lunch of local specialties, visit the Sacred
Way, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk
the tree-lined avenue guarded by massive
sculptures of elephants, lions and camels to the
Ming Dynasty tombs. This evening, dine at a local
restaurant and relax at your hotel, or enjoy an optional Peking duck dinner, a dish once reserved only for emperors.
Day 4 – Xian, China
Before departing Beijing, tour the city’s hutongs via rickshaw. During this rare glimpse into the traditional
ways of the culture of Old Peking, you will navigate narrow warrens and admire the well-kept courtyards of
families who still live in this richly historic community. After lunch, fly to Xian, celebrated as the eastern
terminus of Asia’s Silk Road. More than 3,000 years of history have unfolded here, including 1,100 as the
capital city of ancient dynasties. From 618 to 907 AD, this city presided over one of China’s most glorious
cultural periods, spreading its influence throughout Asia into Europe and Africa. This evening after dinner,
relax at your hotel.
Day 5 – Xian, China
View what many call the Eighth Wonder of the World today: the magnificent Terra Cotta Warriors. At the enormous
mausoleum where Emperor Qin Shi Huang was laid to rest over 2,000 years ago, see the 8,000 life-sized sculpted
warriors, archers and infantrymen that were buried with him. Remarkably, each man and horse was molded with its
own distinctive features. The incredible archaeological site was discovered by local farmers in 1974. After lunch, use
your free time to further explore Xian. During this evening’s optional excursion, see the ancient history of China come
to life during a colorful and exuberant Tang Dynasty Dinner Show.
Day 6 – Chongqing, China
Today, fly to Chongqing, gateway to the Yangtze and China’s most important inland city, to embark your ship and
enjoy a Western dinner. For the next five days, you will sail into an astonishing world where fishermen scoop their
catches with large handmade nets, families tend to water-laden rice fields and timeless monasteries perch on cliff
walls. Throughout your cruise, you may choose between Chinese or Western meals, participate in tai chi on deck
each morning, play mahjong, attend destination-relevant lectures and immerse yourself in traditional China during
numerous tours and activities.
Day 7 – Shibaozhai, China
This morning, visit Shibaozhai Temple, a 12-story pavilion built in 1650 along the Yangtze. The bright red
pagoda, an impressive example of Qing Dynasty architecture, was erected upon a hill and became easier to
access after the construction of the Three Gorges Dam. As you explore, you may see the Duck Well. Legend
says that a duck dropped into this hole will reappear in the Yangtze. At the small Rice Flowing Well, from
which rice once poured at a slow trickle, consider the fable of the greedy monk who chiseled a larger hole—
only to stop the flow completely. Tour the pavilion and temple before returning on board for lunch. This
afternoon, marvel at the spectacular Yangtze scenery as you cruise past mist-laden mountains and limestone
cliffs cloaked in green.
Day 8 – Three Gorges, China
For the next 150 miles, travel the most scenic stretch of the Yangtze as it forces its way through a
spectacular series of limestone ridges known as the Three Gorges. During breakfast, cruise through Qutang
Gorge, the shortest, narrowest and most spectacular of the three large gorges. Then, board a smaller boat
for an excursion through the Goddess Stream. Sail through these remarkable canyons flanked by towering
cliffs. Along the way, see fascinating sites including the hanging coffins of the Ba people and the ancient
plank road carved into the cliffside. Return on board for lunch, and spend the afternoon sailing through Wu
(‟Witches”) Gorge, renowned for its magnificent scenery. Dinner is served on board. This evening, sail
through the 5-stage locks of the Three Gorges Dam.