Yangtze & Beyond (13 Days)

The eastern flank of China is of enormous historical and cultural interest. The Qin and Han Dynasties, which lasted for some 500 years, were founded in Xian, considered the birthplace of a united China. Both the Ming and Qing Dynasties held sway in Beijing from the end of the 14th Century until 1911, when the last emperor was deposed. European influences also seeped into the region, first to Guangzhou (Canton), then later to Shanghai and Hong Kong. As a result there are many fascinating historical sites to discover.

Starting in Beijing we explore all the major places of interest, including the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace. We also visit an unrestored and remote section of the Great Wall, allowing us to absorb the immenseness of this incredible structure without jostling for a position with thousands of other tourists. Xian is home to both a flourishing Muslim population and the world-renowned 2,000-year-old Terracotta Warriors. A visit to Chengdu allows us to come face to face with China’s most famous natural icon – the giant panda. We combine all this with a comfortable cruise on the fabled Yangtze River, surrounded by dramatic gorges. Our final stop is Shanghai, the largest city in China once known as the Paris of the East.