6 Day Xi'an Yangtze River Tour: Terracotta Warriors & Yangtze Cruise

Nihao! Welcome to Xi’an, which served as the capital for 13 dynasties! Upon your arrival at the airport/train station in Xi’an, the tour guide and driver will meet and greet you at the exit, and then escort you to the well-selected hotel in downtown Xi’an. The rest of the day is free on your own so you can have a good rest for the jet lag or explore by yourself around your hotel.

Arrival Ideas:

Xi'an is well-connected by air and train. The city is served by Xi'an Xi'anyang International Airport, which offers domestic and international flights. You can easily reach Xi'an by air from major cities in China as well as from international destinations. Additionally, Xi'an is a major transportation hub with high-speed train connections to cities such as Beijing (4-5.5 hours), Shanghai (6-6 hours), Guangzhou (8.5-9 hours), Hangzhou (6-8 hours), Pingyao (3 hours), Chengdu (4 hours), etc, allowing for convenient travel.

Free Time Ideas: 1. Take a stroll through bustling Zhonggulou Square, where you can see the beautiful Bell and Drum Towers. 2. Explore the South Gate of the Xi'an City Wall, which is beautifully decorated and illuminated in the evening. 3. Admire the stunning musical fountain show near the North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

After breakfast, drive about 40 km to the Terracotta Warriors Museum (Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses). Here, you can discover the Terracotta Warriors and Horses: an army of around 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots, 520 horses, and 150 cavalry entirely made of baked clay or terracotta. This Terracotta Army has silently stood guard over the soul of China's first emperor, Qin Shihuang, for more than 2,000 years. Until an accidental local farmer digging a well in 1964 struck upon one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world. Upon stepping into this "underground military museum," you will encounter two awe-inspiring shocks. The first is the magnitude of the archaeological marvel before you: thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots arranged in battle formations. The second shock is that the faces of thousands of Terracotta Warriors are still vivid, despite the passage of more than 2,000 years. Each figure is unique, with distinct postures, hairstyles, and armor, making them seem to come back to life in the next moment.

During your visit, an knowledgeable guide can take you to highlights of the museum, including Pit One, Pit Two, Pit Three and provide valued explanations and insights that you might not get from simply observing the sculptures on your own. Afterward, you will have a rare opportunity to create your own miniature Terracotta Warrior under the guidance of a local potter. This will allow you to appreciate the craftsmanship and techniques of the Qin Dynasty as well as gain a deeper understanding of how terracotta warriors were made.

After lunch, drive back downtown to visit the Ancient City Wall. Xi'an is one of the few cities in China where the imposing old city walls still stand. Built in 1360 during the Ming dynasty, the magnificent 12-meter-high walls, form a rectangle with a perimeter of 14 kilometers. To get an idea of Xi'an's former grandeur, take a leisurely walk on the wall. Each step here is a chance to resonate with the echoes of history that the stones reverberate. Or cycling ( optional ) the full extent of the wall offers a rewarding panoramic view of the city - a tangible contrast between the old and new, and a testament to Xi'an's historical significance and modern vibrancy. Once you've delved into the city's historical narrative, don't forget to indulge in the delicious food and experience the vivid local life. The Muslim Quarter is a paradise mixed with different local snacks and Muslim culture, and you can surely taste the most authentic local food there. Don't miss the Great Mosque, an architectural gem that beautifully blends Islamic and Chinese design styles.

Optional activities: 1). Rent a bike cycling on the Ancient City Wall; 2). Enjoy a wonderful Tang Palace Dance Show with or without Dumpling Banquet

After breakfast, head to Giant Wild Goose Pagoda which is one of Xi'an's most recognizable landmarks and a symbol of the magnificence of the Tang Dynasty, This seven-story pagoda, standing in the tranquil Da Ci'en Temple, is one of China's best examples of a Tang-style pagoda (squarish rather than round). It was completed in AD 652 to house Buddhist sutras brought back from India by the monk Xuan Zang. His travels inspired one of the best-known works of Chinese literature, Journey to the West. While at the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, you'll also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture by trying on Hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing), and capture memorable moments in Hanfu.

After the tour, you will be transferred to the train station for a high-speed train to Chongqing (about 5.5 hours). Welcome to Chongqing, the Mountain City of China! Upon your arrival in Chongqing, your guide will meet you at the exit of the train station and escort you to Chongqing Chaotianmen Port to board your Yangtze cruise. The port is a significant historical site and the starting point for Yangtze River cruises. The port is known for its beautiful nighttime illumination, which creates a stunning view along the river. You will have free time to explore the area after the cruise ship check-in. This is a great opportunity to take a leisurely stroll along the riverbank and soak in the breathtaking night view of Chongqing Chaotianmen Port. Your cruise journey will depart from Chongqing at 21:00!

Remarks: 1. Please call the ship one day ahead or at least in the morning on the boarding day to have clear idea about which pier you are going to use; 2. All the times on the schedule are estimated ones which are subject to change due to weather and navigation conditions. 3. The boarding time and departure piers may change based on the ship line, water level, season, weather and other factors.

On this day, your cruise will sail peacefully along the Yangtze River. Wake up leisurely and enjoy the fascinating river view with misty or gentle sunshine shining over the river. Have your buffet breakfast and start your beautiful day. There are some activities well designed by the cruise that you can do shore excursions to visit traditional Chinese cultural sites or stay onboard to relax and learn some Chinese culture.

In this afternoon, you will follow a local English-speaking tour guide and make a shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City in this morning. This ghost city is one large collection of temples, memorials and monasteries and you can know many legendary stories about underworld and different kinds of devils and Chinese demons. Or, you can take optional excursion to Shibaozhai Pagoda with extra fee , one of the eight extraordinary architectures in the world located in Zhongxian County. Climb up the 12-story red wooden pagoda and you can have a panoramic view of the Yangtze River.

Note: The itinerary above is provided for your reference. Attractions and shore excursions may vary slightly depending on the cruise company. We will help you choose the most suitable cruise based on your preferences.

Today, you will have a full day to view the beautiful Three Gorges. First, you will sail through Qutang Gorge which is celebrated for its magnificent, peculiar and precipitous scenery in the world. Marvel at the incredible Kui Gate. Next, go through Wuxia Gorge which is serene and secluded and presents a panorama of lovely scenery and then pass through Xiling Gorge well known for its rugged shoals and turbulent waters. Follow the guide’s live interpretation and appreciate the breathtaking scenery onboard.

In this afternoon, make a leisure shore excursion to Shennv Stream (Goddess Stream) in Wushan County. Switch to a smaller boat to sail down the primitive stream for a close look at the steep mountains and hanging coffins high on the cliffs. If you are interested, you can join local Tujia ethnic guide for singing and dancing performance. In this evening, enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Party with all your mates onboard and have a pleasant dinner together.

Note: The itinerary above is provided for your reference. Attractions and shore excursions may vary slightly depending on the cruise company. We will help you choose the most suitable cruise based on your preferences.

After breakfast, it is time to go through the check-out procedure and you’ll disembark at Maoping Port. The highlighted attraction today is the largest hydropower project in China - Three Gorges Dam. Catch the chance to view the dam and the system of locks. The body of the dam is immense with a height of 181 meters and spanning 2335 meters across the Yangtze River and 115 meters in width. (Optional experience:you can choose to sail through the world’s largest ship lift - Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift to very closely marvel at the huge dam which is a totally fresh and exciting experience for travelers.)

After the dam visiting, you’ll take the tourist bus arranged by the cruise company transferring you to Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal around 12:30-13:00. At this point, you will be escorted to the airport / train station to catch your flight / train to next destination. Service ends!

Note: 1. In the morning, please check out at the front desk and leave your luggage there. The cruise company will handle your luggage and transport it to the Three Gorges Tourist Center. 2. If you only visit Three Gorges Dam, you will arrive at Yichang around 12:30. 3. If choose to attend optional Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift, you will arrive at Yichang around 13:30.

Yichang Departure Ideas: Yichang Sanxia Airport is 26 km (16 miles) from the city center. 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 6.5hrs), Hangzhou (about 6.5hrs), Guangzhou (about 6hrs) , Chengdu (about 6hrs), Chongqing (4 hrs), etc. Or you can take high speed trains from Yichang East Railway Station to Wuhan (about 2hrs), Shanghai (about 8hrs), Beijing (about 6.5hrs), Hangzhou (about 6.5hrs), Guangzhou (about 6hrs) , Chengdu (about 6hrs), Chongqing (4 hrs), etc.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your Xi’an Yangtze River Tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip around China/Asia. Safe journey!