16-Day Majestic China: Imperial Capitals, Pandas, Sacred Tibet & The Yangtze River

Day 1 Arrive Beijing

Meals Included: Dinner at a halal restaurant
Accommodation: Feitian Hotel Beijing (Local 4-Star, Muslim-Friendly) or similar

Welcome to Beijing, a vibrant metropolis where thousands of years of imperial history seamlessly blend with striking modern innovation. As the capital of China, this dynamic city invites you to walk along ancient marvels like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, while experiencing its sleek skyscrapers, thriving culinary scene, and warm traditional hospitality. Upon arrival at the airport or train station, your friendly expert local guide will greet you and whisk you away in a private vehicle to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Day 2 Beijing | Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Niujie Mosque, Wangfujing Street

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Niujie Mosque
Accommodation: Feitian Hotel Beijing (Local 4-Star, Muslim-Friendly) or similar

Begin your exploration of Beijing at Tiananmen Square, the largest city square in the world. This vast space has seen many pivotal events, including the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. A leisurely stroll leads you to the Forbidden City, the imperial heart of China for over five centuries. This magnificent palace complex served as the residence of 24 emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties, witnessing the rise and fall of imperial power. After Salat prayer at Niujie Mosque, soak up the lively atmosphere of Wangfujing Street, a quintessential Beijing shopping destination. Blending old-world charm with modern sophistication, this bustling thoroughfare boasts a captivating mix of luxury brands and time-honored stores.

Please note that the Forbidden City is closed on Mondays. If your visit falls on a Monday, the itineraries for Day 2 and Day 3 will be swapped.

Day 3 Beijing | Great Wall of China, Summer Palace

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Anheqiao Mosque or Shucun Mosque
Accommodation: Feitian Hotel Beijing (Local 4-Star, Muslim-Friendly) or similar

Your morning unfolds with an exploration of the iconic Great Wall of China. This colossal fortification, a continuous undertaking from the 3rd century BC to the 17th century AD, snakes across China’s northern frontier for an astounding 3,750 miles, from the shores of the Bohai Sea to the vast expanse of the Gobi Desert. In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace, China’s largest and best-preserved imperial garden. This masterpiece seamlessly harmonizes natural hills and open water with classic pavilions, grand halls, temples, and bridges, embodying the Chinese philosophy of living in harmony with nature. Our itinerary includes a visit to a freshwater pearl store, offering an opportunity to browse and purchase these lustrous gems cultivated in local waters.

Day 4 Beijing – Xi’an | Temple of Heaven, High-Speed Train to Xi’an

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodation: 4-star Novotel Xi’an The Bell Tower or similar

Begin your morning at the majestic Temple of Heaven, an architectural masterpiece completed in 1420 by the Yongle Emperor – the same visionary ruler who created the Forbidden City. Set within a tranquil park, this sacred imperial complex was where Ming and Qing emperors conducted solemn annual ceremonies, praying to the heavens for bountiful harvests and divine blessings. In the afternoon, experience China’s state-of-the-art rail network as you board a high-speed train to Xi’an (approx. 5 hours). Arrive in one of China’s oldest and most glorious capitals, world-renowned as the historic starting point of the Silk Road, where merchants, ideas, and cultures converged between East and West.

Day 5 Xi’an | Terracotta Army, Xi’an City Highlights

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: The Great Mosque of Xi’an
Accommodation: 4-star Novotel Xi’an The Bell Tower or similar

Start your day with a wonder of the world – the Terracotta Army! Discovered by accident in 1974, this 2,000-year-old army of over 8,000 life-sized warriors stands guard over the tomb of Qin Shihuang, China’s first emperor. See some replicas being made nearby and learn the secrets of these ancient figures. Perform salat prayer at the Great Mosque, one of China’s oldest and most famous mosques, renowned for its beautiful synthesis of Chinese and Islamic architectural styles. Explore the bustling Muslim Quarter, a maze of lively alleys packed with legendary street food stalls and rich local culture. View the magnificent Big Wild Goose Pagoda from the outside, a 1,300-year-old architectural masterpiece. Conclude your day by immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, a captivating recreation of ancient Xi’an, featuring bustling markets, captivating performances, and stunning Tang-style architecture.

Day 6 Xi’an – Chengdu | Xi’an City Highlights, High-Speed Train to Chengdu

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: The Great Mosque of Xi’an
Accommodation: Local 4-star Holiday Inn Express Chengdu Wuhou or similar

Stroll along the ancient City Wall of Xi’an, the oldest and best-preserved city wall in China. Walk atop the wall to enjoy panoramic views of the Xi’an skyline.  Step back in time at the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a 1,300-year-old Tang Dynasty masterpiece that exemplifies traditional Chinese brick pagoda architecture. Next, delve into Xi’an’s rich history at the Xi’an Museum, home to nearly 130,000 artifacts. Marvel at relics from ancient dynasties, including pottery, sculptures, and jade artifacts, that narrate the tale of China’s historical grandeur. Ride a bullet train to Chongqing (approx. 5.5 hours) in the afternoon. Board a bullet train to Chengdu (about 3 hours) in the afternoon. 

Day 7 Chengdu | Panda Base, Wide and Narrow Alley, Fly to Lhasa

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Huangcheng Mosque
Accommodation: Local 4-star Saikang Hotel or similar

Start your day with an unforgettable encounter at Chengdu Panda Base, a world-renowned sanctuary dedicated to the preservation of these beloved creatures. Established in 1987, this non-profit facility provides pandas with a natural environment, complete with bamboo groves, streams, and ponds. Witness the enchanting spectacle of pandas of all ages as they frolic, feed, and nurture their young. Next, take a leisurely stroll through the charming Wide and Narrow Alley, where traditional courtyard houses, teahouses, and boutique shops offer a perfect blend of old‑world atmosphere and contemporary Chengdu culture. Following salat at the historic Huangcheng Mosque, the journey continues with a flight to Lhasa, soaring into the high-altitude heart of Tibet where centuries of spiritual devotion, rich heritage, and dramatic mountain landscapes converge. Resting at 3,650 meters (11,975 feet) above sea level, initial arrival emphasizes gentle acclimatization to facilitate smooth adaptation to the thin air while taking in first glimpses of this sacred city.

Altitude Sickness Notice: Lhasa (3,650m / 11,975ft)

Welcome to Lhasa! Due to the high altitude and lower oxygen levels on the Tibetan Plateau, most travelers experience mild symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)—such as mild headaches, fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath – during their first 24 to 48 hours. To ensure a safe and smooth acclimatization, please take it easy upon arrival by resting at your hotel for 3 to 4 hours, staying well-hydrated with 3 to 4 liters of water daily, avoiding strenuous activity, and skipping hot showers or hair washing on your first night to prevent catching a cold. If you experience severe, persistent headaches, vomiting, or extreme breathlessness at rest, please notify your tour guide or hotel staff immediately so medical oxygen or professional assistance can be provided.

Day 8 Lhasa | Potala Palace, Norbulingka, Barkhor Street

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: The Great Mosque of Lhasa
Accommodations: Local 4-star Saikang Hotel or similar

Begin your day with a visit to the Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama. Ascend to the palace and marvel at its intricate architecture, gilded roofs, and stunning murals. Explore the White and Red Palaces, and admire the palace from various vantage points for a grand view. After a leisurely lunch and prayer at Lhasa Great Mosque, visit the a serene Norbulingka, the summer residence of the successive Dalai Lamas. Constructed in the 18th century, Norbulingka comprises a large garden with four palace complexes and a monastery as well as other halls, and pavilions all integrated into the garden layout to create an exceptional work of art. Next, Wander through the bustling Barkhor Street, the circumambulation path around the Jokhang Temple. Soak in the vibrant atmosphere as locals and pilgrims walk around the temple, offering prayers and chanting mantras. 

Day 9 Lhasa | Yamdrok Lake

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, self-heating halal lunch pack, dinner at a halal restaurant
Accommodations: Local 4-star Saikang Hotel or similar

Set out on a breathtaking excursion from Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes, winding through dramatic mountain landscapes and ascending over the high-altitude Gampa La Pass (4,790m / 15,715ft). As you crest the pass, breathtaking vistas reveal a shimmering expanse of deep turquoise waters snaking through rugged alpine valleys, framed in the distance by the snow-dusted, 7,191-meter peak of Mount Nyenchen Khangsar. Descending toward the lake’s tranquil shores, you will stroll along water lines adorned with fluttering prayer flags, gentle Tibetan mastiffs, and decorated yaks, capturing an unforgettable harmony of sacred geography, serene high-altitude beauty, and traditional plateau life.

Day 10 Lhasa – Chongqing | Fly to Chongqing, Chongqing City Highlights

Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Chongqing Masjid
Accommodations: 4-star Holiday Inn Express Chongqing Guanyinqiao or similar

Fly to Chongqing in the morning. Built across steep mountain ridges at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, Chongqing is a massive, vibrant megacity world-famous for its striking 3D architecture, dramatic night skylines, and rich culinary heritage. After lunch, dive into the vibrant rhythm of Chongqing starting with a stroll down the stone pathways of Eighteen Steps to experience the city’s historic cliffside charm. Next, step back in time with a stroll through the narrow streets and traditional stilt-houses of Ciqikou Ancient Town, a well-preserved historic riverside port. As evening falls, explore the dazzling Hongya Cave with its neon lights and riverside charm.

Day 11 Chongqing | Chongqing City Highlights, Board the Cruise Ship

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Chongqing Masjid
Accommodation: 5-star Century Cruises or similar

Morning visit to the People’s Square to admire the iconic Great Hall of the People before stepping into the adjacent Three Gorges Museum to discover centuries of Yangtze culture, art, and ecological heritage. Continuing into the city’s lively commercial heart, a stroll around the Liberation Monument offers a vibrant perspective on modern urban energy and historic resilience. Following salat at Chongqing Masjid, the journey continues with a stop at Liziba Station to witness the city’s famous monorail passing directly through a residential high-rise building. Next, a visit to the surreal Kuixinglou square brings Chongqing’s 3D urban geography to life, where a 22nd-story plaza seamlessly connects to ground level to showcase the unmistakable mountain-city charm. Board the ship in the evening before setting sail at 21:00 to begin an unforgettable Yangtze River cruise.

Introducing Yangtze River Century Cruises: Renowned as a premier pioneer in luxury river travel along Asia’s longest waterway, Century Cruises operates a state-of-the-art fleet of 5-star eco-hybrid vessels that redefine high-end sailing through the magnificent Three Gorges. Blending cutting-edge green technology, ultra-quiet propulsion, and expansive architectural design, each flagship liner features all-balcony staterooms, multi-deck grand atrium lobbies, world-class dining, and resort-style amenities such as indoor heated pools, cinemas, and expansive observation decks. Combined with five-star hospitality, immersive cultural programming, and curated shore excursions, Century Cruises delivers a seamless, high-comfort journey through the heart of China’s most spectacular river landscapes.

Day 12 Yangtze River Cruise | Fengdu Ghost City

Meals Included: Buffet breakfast, lunch & dinner on board
Accommodation: 5-star Century Cruises or similar

Dawn breaks over the Yangtze River with a serene morning tai chi lesson on the sun deck, setting a refreshing tone for a day filled with immersive discovery and cultural depth. Following breakfast, the ship docks for an engaging shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City, an extraordinary temple complex steeped in Taoist mythology, folklore, and centuries of artistic heritage atop Ming Mountain. The afternoon offers a relaxing rhythm back on board, where travelers can participate in enriching cultural activities, from traditional calligraphy workshops to tea tasting, or simply unwind in private balcony suites. The evening culminates with the opportunity to attend War Fires of the Three Kingdoms, a spectacular optional night show that brings ancient river legends to life through breathtaking live performance, music, and theatrical staging.

Day 13 Yangtze River Cruise | Gorgeous Gorges, Shore Excursion to Shennv Stream

Meals Included: Buffet breakfast, lunch & dinner on board
Accommodation: 5-star Century Cruises or similar

The journey unfolds into the defining highlight of the passage as the vessel enters the breathtaking limestone canyons of the legendary Three Gorges. The scenic spectacle begins at Kuimen Gate, where towering, sheer cliffs frame Qutang Gorge — the grandest and most dramatic gorge along the Yangtze – before the ship glides seamlessly into the famously serene, mist-shrouded, and emerald-draped peaks of Wu Gorge. During the afternoon excursion, smaller eco-friendly boats navigate the intimate waters of Shennv Stream (Goddess Stream), winding through pristine, turquoise currents flanked by primitive ancient forests, soaring karst crags, and hidden river valley vistas once inaccessible to major vessels. 

Day 14 Yichang Arrival | High-Speed Train to Shanghai

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodation: 4-star Sunrise On The Bund Hotel Shanghai or similar

Disembarking the ship in the morning, the final leg of the journey begins with an awe-inspiring shore excursion to the monumental Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric project, offering panoramic views of the immense spillway and five-stage ship locks from high atop Jar Hill. Following the visit, a smooth transfer arranged directly by Century Cruises continues to the Yichang Three Gorges Tourist Center. Here, your private guide and driver await to facilitate a seamless transition to the railway station for an effortless boarding onto a comfortable high-speed train, sweeping across China’s changing landscapes in roughly 6.5 hours to arrive in the cosmopolitan heart of Shanghai.

Please Note: Shore excursions are curated directly by Century Cruises and may vary depending on the specific vessel and sailing schedule selected.

Day 15 Shanghai | Shanghai City Highlights 

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Xiaotaoyuan Mosque
Accommodation: 4-star Sunrise On The Bund Hotel Shanghai or similar

Begin your Shanghai adventure at Yuyuan Garden, a labyrinth of Ming Dynasty pavilions, intricate rockeries, arched bridges, and goldfish ponds, all enveloped by a serpentine dragon wall. Follow this with a shopping spree at the bustling Chenghuangmiao market just outside the garden. After shopping at a silk store, ascend the Oriental Pearl Tower for a breathtaking 360-degree view of Shanghai’s skyline. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Bund, Shanghai’s famous 1.6 km waterfront on the west shore of the Huangpu River, and explore the vibrant Nanjing Road, one of the busiest shopping streets in the world. Conclude your day with a walk through the charming French Concession, where tree-lined avenues and elegant old houses evoke the spirit of the “Paris of the East.” Afterwards, savor a delightful tea break and explore the vibrant Tianzifang, a captivating blend of local culture and contemporary art.

Day 16 Depart Shanghai

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel

A private transfer to the airport will be provided for your departure. If you would like to extend your stay, please let us know and we would be delighted to assist you in customizing your itinerary. Have a wonderful trip!