6 Days Xian Tour & Yangtze River Cruise
- Duration: 6 days (published programme)
- Collection: China Yangtze Tours
- Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter
- Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
- Shibaozhai Pagoda
- Review the programme below for included and optional arrangements.
Planning 6 Days Xian Tour & Yangtze River Cruise
The published idea runs for 6 days. Consider whether that timing fits your arrival, departure and preferred sightseeing pace.
The published material highlights Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter; Giant Wild Goose Pagoda; Shibaozhai Pagoda. Use these details to decide which parts of the journey matter most to your group.
- Discuss walking comfort, hotel preferences and any activities you would like to prioritise. Changes are subject to the final agreed programme.
- Check the daily programme, transfer days, optional activities and exclusions before confirming.
- Share your group size and any practical preferences when requesting a proposal.
Ask about this travel idea. The full original programme remains below for reference.
Day 1 Xi'an Arrival
Highlights: Airport / railway station pick up
Welcome to Xian ! Your tour guide will meet you at Xian Xianyang International Airport (or railway station), then escort you to your hotel in a private vehicle. The rest of today is on your own to explore this ancient capital of China.
Note: if you arrive at Xian in early and want to have some activities arranged for the rest time, please let us know in advance. There are many options available (with extra costs), including: 1. visit a local family and learn to cook Chinese dishes or making dumplings; 2. have an interesting class of Chinese calligraphy or painting in Tangbo Art Museum; 3. explore the bustling Zhonggulou Square where the beautiful Bell Towers and Drum Towers are located at.
Arrival Ideas: Xian is only about 2~3 hours flying from majority of big cities in China, such as Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, etc. You can also get to Xian by high speed trains from Beijing (5.5hrs), Shanghai (6-7hrs), Guangzhou (8.5-9hrs), Hangzhou (6.5-7hrs), Pingyao (3hrs), Zhengzhou (2hrs), and so on.
Day 2 Terracotta Warriors Visit & Leisure City Tour ( B, L )
Highlights: Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter
After breakfast, drive about 40 km to discover one of the greatest man-made wonders in the world – the Terracotta Warriors and Horses , built by the first emperor of China Qin Shihuang to protect him in his afterlife. Over 8,000 life-size warriors, horses and chariots, buried in 3 pits for more than 2,000 years until uncovered by a local farmer in 1974, form an ancient military army with complete battle units of infantry, cavalry, etc. Standing in front of these figures, one can’t help being amazed not only by the ambition of Emperor Qin Shihuang but also by the fabulous artistic skills of ancient Chinese artisans. (Before the Terracotta Warriors Museum visit, you will have a rare opportunity to make a miniature Terracotta Warrior on your own under the instruction of a local potter.)
After lunch, return to Xian to take a wonderful stroll on the Ancient City Wall , the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China. Enjoy panoramic views of modern Xian while you leisurely examine this well-maintained city wall which is 12 meters high and 18 meters wide with a total circuit of nearly 14 kilometers. Rent a bike (extra cost: 45RMB) to enjoy a relaxing cycling on the Wall is strongly recommended. The cycling routes and duration are flexible. Feel free to discuss with your tour guide. Leave the City Wall, then go to wander leisurely around bustling and lively Muslim Quarter , a place where you can try different local snacks and explore Muslim culture. Don't miss the Great Mosque of Xian which is a fusion of Chinese culture and Islamic culture, a sacred religious site with huge ancient architectural complex, also a surprisingly quiet land away from the bustling Muslim streets. After the Great Mosque visit, you will be escorted back to your hotel. (If you want to stay more time at the Muslim Quarter for dinner and relaxing, or want to explore the nearby Bell & Drum Towers on your own, please let your tour guide know)
Optional activity: Enjoy a wonderful Tang Palace Dance Show (usually from 8pm to 9pm) after (or without) a hearty dumpling dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 3 Xian & High Speed Train to Chongqing & Board Your Ship (B)
Highlights: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
After breakfast, head to Da Cien Temple , a famous Buddhist sutra translation site during the Tang Dynasty. Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is the most famous building in the temple. The pagoda, rising to a height of 64.5 meters, was built by the famous Buddhist master Xuanzang to preserve classic scriptures he bought back from India during the early Tang Dynasty. Xuanzang was the prototype character for Tang Seng in the famous Chinese novel “Journey to the West”. (Note: It costs an extra 30 RMB if you want to climb up the Big Wild Goose Pagoda) After (or before) visiting the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, you will be provided a free experience of trying on the Hanfu which is the solemn costume of the emperors and their families, the ministers and the noble in the ancient dynasties of China. Seize this rare opportunity to take some photos to record this unique memory!
After the tour, be escorted to Xian North Railway Station for your high speed train to Chongqing (about 5.5 hours) . Upon arrival, be transferred to Chaotianmen Dock to board your Yangtze cruise ship between 18:00-20:00 . Your memorable Yangtze River cruise will sail around 21:00! (Note: 1. There’re 13 sub-piers of Chaotianmen Dock and different ships will dock at different piers. Please check the info with your travel consultant and know where to board your ship at least one day beforehand. 2. The boarding time and departure piers change based on the ship line, water level, season, weather and other factors. Your travel consultants will ensure you have the actual departure time and boarding pier before your boarding. 3. You can have dinner or buy some snacks at Chaotianmen Square before embarkation.)
Day 4 Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)
Highlights: Shibaozhai Pagoda
In the morning, wake up leisurely and enjoy the gentle sunshine shining over the tranquil and beautiful Yangtze River. It will be colorful and interesting whether you decide to stay onboard or go ashore at river stops.
Onboard you will enjoy different kinds of activities, like practicing Tai Chi on the boat’s sundeck, drinking a relaxing morning coffee, attending a Yangtze River history and culture lecture, or taking part in the Captain’s Welcome Party and evening shows.
Next follow a local guide and make a shore excursion to Shibaozhai Pagoda , one of the “Pearls” of the Yangtze River. A gem of Chinese architecture, this 12-story, 18th century red wooden temple on the northern bank of Yangtze River is an architectural delight full of legends and beautiful stories. (Note: Comfortable shoes are highly recommended since there will be lots of stairs to climb up!)
Optional Excursion : Take a shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City for an extra fee. Called the “City of Ghosts”, it is endowed with mysterious stories about underworld and cruel tortures and different kinds of devils and Chinese demons. Entering this ghost city, you will find many statues of demons and vivid scenes of their perfidious activities. (Note: Once again, the visit to Fengdu Ghost City requires much walking and comfortable shoes are again highly recommended!)
Day 5 Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)
Highlights: Three Gorges – Shennv Stream – Captain’s Farewell Party
Today you will sail through the spectacular Three Gorges while relaxing on the sun deck and soak up the breathtaking gorge scenery passing by as you drift through Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge respectively.
In Wu Gorge you will take an enjoyable adventure to primitive Shennv Stream (Goddess Stream). Switch to a smaller boat to sail down this beautiful stream running in a narrow side gorge where you will have close-up views of high mountain peaks and hanging coffins on the steep cliff faces. After watching an entertaining music and dance show of local Tujia ethnic minority, sail back to your ship.
In the evening, you will firstly enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Party with all your mates onboard, and then watch the fascinating process of passing the ship through the Three Gorges Dam Five-stage Ship Locks at 23:00 PM.
Optional Excursion : Take a shore excursion to White Emperor City for an extra fee. Located at the entrance of Qutang Gorge, this excursion offers the best viewing spot to appreciate the magnificent Kuimen Gate.
Day 6 Yichang & Yichang Departure( B )
Highlights: Three Gorges Dam
After breakfast, you’ll begin to check out and disembark at Maoping Port. Today’s highlight is a morning excursion to Three Gorges Dam , the world’s largest hydropower project, located at the middle of Xiling Gorge near Yichang. You will marvel at this gigantic dam from different angles, learn more of the background history of the Three Gorges Dam Project and enjoy the surrounding beautiful landscape and scenery. If you like, you can take an optional experience to sail through Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift , the largest and the most sophisticated ship lift in the world, which takes only 40 minutes with fresh insight into the dam project.
After the dam visiting, you’ll take the bus arranged by the cruise company heading to Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal for leave. Here you will be pick up by our local guide and escorted to the airport or train station to catch your flight or train to next destination. Service ends!
Disembarkation Tips: No matter you take Ship Lift or not, you’ll check out and take your luggage away in this early morning. (1) Only dam visiting: you’ll take bus from Maoping Port to Three Gorges Dam for sightseeing, and then arrive at Yichang downtown around 12:30. (2) Dam & Ship Lift Experience: travelers who are interested in Ship Lift will first switch to a sightseeing boat to sail through the Ship Lift and then visit Three Gorges Dam Site. You’ll arrive at Yichang downtown around 13:30.
Departure Ideas: You can take flights from Yichang Sanxia Airport to Shanghai, Xian, Beijing, Guangzhou and Hangzhou, etc. Or you can take high speed trains from Yichang East Railway Station to Wuhan (about 2hrs), Shanghai (about 8hrs), Beijing (about 7.5hrs), Hangzhou (about 7.5hrs), Chengdu (about 7hrs), Guangzhou (about 7hrs) and more cities.
What’s Included
- Professional licensed English-speaking guide
- Admission tickets for all attractions listed in the itinerary
- Accommodation as listed in the itinerary (4-star standard)
- Necessary vehicle transfers as listed in the itinerary
- Domestic flights (economy class) and high-speed trains (second class) as listed in the itinerary
- Airport (and train station) pick up and drop off
- Luggage Transfers: between airports (railway station) and hotels
- All meals as listed( “B” for Chinese and Western breakfast buffet in your hotel; “L” for Chinese Lunch in local restaurant; “D” for Chinese dinner in local restaurant.)
- Accident insurance
- Our service charge, including tour planning, handling, operational and communication charges.
Not Included
- China visa
- Personal expenses
- Accommodation not listed in the itinerary
- Single Room Supplement
- Tourist sites which are not listed in the itinerary
- Recommended optional activities
- Flights or trains not listed in the itinerary
- Excess Baggage Charges
- Optional tips to guides, drivers, etc.
Pricing Note
Final pricing is tailored to your travel dates, party size, hotel preferences and confirmed services. Your proposal will clearly list every included and excluded item.
Travel Tips
Pack comfortable walking shoes and clothing suited to the season. Keep your passport available on travel days, and tell your planner about mobility or dietary needs before departure.
