From the awe-inspiring Terra-cotta Warriors, guarding China’s first emperor in the afterlife, to the modern powerhouse of Shanghai, explore China in depth on our classic tour of the Middle Kingdom. In the capital city of Beijing, tour the famous Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, and a secluded section of the Great Wall. Fly to Xi’an, located at the eastern terminus of the Silk Road, to view the extraordinary Terra-cotta Warriors. Then enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Yangtze River, where you’ll learn about the dramatic impact of the Three Gorges Dam on modern China. Conclude in the dazzling commercial capital of Shanghai to view the impressive art collections of the renowned Shanghai Museum and meander through the peaceful Yu Yuan gardens.

Days 1-2 — Depart the U.S. for Beijing on group flights
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Learn about China’s venerable architectural traditions at the Museum of Ancient Architecture. This evening, gather for a welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)

Days 3-5 — Beijing and the Great Wall
Begin your discovery of this 2,000-year-old city at Tiananmen Square, the symbolic heart of China. Explore the courtyards, halls, and passageways of the Forbidden City where emperors lived and ruled. Tonight, savor a traditional Peking duck dinner. In the morning stop at the splendid Temple of Heaven, then set out for the enigmatic Great Wall. At Mutianyu, take a cable car up to the partially reconstructed ramparts and walk along this seemingly endless fortification. Your last day in Beijing features a rickshaw ride through Beijing’s hutongs, or old neighborhoods, where you’ll visit the home of a local family for a rare glimpse of the traditional communal lifestyle that is quickly disappearing. Then enjoy the classical aesthetic of Chinese landscape design during a visit to the Summer Palace, a former royal retreat. (3B,2L,1D)

Days 6-7 — Xi’an
Fly to Xi’an, the capital city of some of the most significant dynasties in Chinese history and the eastern terminus of the Silk Road. Xi’an regained world prominence in 1974, when the renowned Terra-cotta Warriors were accidentally discovered by local farmers. Arrive in time for a traditional dumpling lunch, then tour the impressive nine-mile city wall and moat, and visit the Great Mosque of Xi’an. Tonight, imagine the pageantry of the Tang dynasty during a special dinner show. The next morning, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (ca. A.D. 652), a graceful Buddhist temple notable for its statues and stelae. Devote the afternoon to the extraordinary Terra-cotta Warriors, more than 7,000 life-sized soldiers created to guard China’s first emperor in the afterlife. From a private platform, get a close-up view of these captivating individualized figures arrayed in military formation. (2B,2L,2D)

Day 8 — Chongqing
Fly to Chongqing, a bustling port city on the Yangtze River. Upon arrival, visit the Stilwell Museum, which describes the history of World War II in this region and the influence of General Joseph Stilwell. Following dinner at a local restaurant, board your Victoria Cruises ship and begin your cruise this evening. (B,L,D)

Days 9-10 — The Yangtze
Prized for its haunting natural beauty, the 3,600-mile long Yangtze is one of the world’s longest and busiest rivers. Early this morning, visit the Red Pagoda in Shibaozhai, built in 1816 and considered a gem of Chinese architecture. Following an afternoon of leisurely cruising, enter grand Qutang Gorge. Scenes from ancient Chinese scroll paintings come to life the next morning as you dock in Wushan, board a small boat, and cruise along the Daning River or Shennong Stream to the stunning Lesser Gorges. While enjoying a shipboard lunch, enter tranquil Wu Gorge, considered the most beautiful of the Three Gorges. Late this afternoon, approach the locks of 42-mile Xiling Gorge, famed for its swift waters, and partway through the gorge, enter the locks of the Three Gorges Dam for the fascinating three-hour transit. (2B,2L,2D)

Day 11 — Three Gorges Dam and Shanghai
During your final morning on the Yangtze, tour the immense Three Gorges Dam Project, one of the largest feats of modern engineering in the world. Continue cruising through Xiling Gorge and Gezhouba Dam to Yichang, where you’ll disembark and fly to Shanghai, China’s dazzling commercial capital. (B,L,D)

Days 12-13 — Shanghai
Take a walk along The Bund, Shanghai’s broad and bustling riverfront boulevard, once the center of European influence in the Far East. Stop at the Children’s Palace to meet young students studying the arts, and stroll through peaceful Yu Yuan, a traditional Chinese garden and gathering place. Tonight, attend a lively Chinese acrobatics show. Devote the next morning to gazing upon priceless collections of ancient Chinese bronzes, ceramics, and calligraphy at the acclaimed Shanghai Museum. During an afternoon at leisure, experience more of Shanghai's vitality then toast your adventure at a farewell dinner. (2B,1L,1D)

Day 14 — Depart Shanghai
Board your group flight, arriving in the U.S. the same day. (B)