8-Day Hong Kong-Yangtze River-Shanghai Tour
Highlights
Two of China’s most vibrant cities and a majestic Yangtze River cruise and you have the best of both worlds: iconic historical and cultural highlights balanced by glorious natural landscapes on the world’s second longest river.
Immerse yourself in the excitement of Hong Kong. Spend a half day exploring Victoria Peak, Repulse Bay and Stanley Market. Even get out on the harbor itself at Aberdeen Fishing Village. Create your own Hong Kong adventure as you make the most of free time in this dynamic city that never stops. Board your 4-star rated Yangtze River Cruise from Chongqing and spend the next three relaxing onboard enjoying onboard dining, tai chi classes, entertainment, and more. Take in the incredible landscapes that make this cruise special: Wu Gorge, Qutang Gorge and Small Three Gorges. Go ashore along the way to visit sites of cultural significance, like Fengdu Ghost City and Shibaozhai. As evenings approach, enjoy tranquil sunsets and drink on the top deck. Dock in Yichang and then travel to Shanghai. Learn why this multicultural city is the Pearl of the Orient. Enjoy the diverse history found in the Shanghai Museum, walk the Bund and sense the influence of colonial heritage, and wander the Yuyuan Gardens to understand the commercial pedigree of Shanghai that endures today. With many more highlights included on this wonderful escape, you’ll appreciate the thoughtfully curated selection of centrally located four and five star hotels, daily breakfasts, all cruise meals, personal and enthusiastic bilingual guides who care, and transfers. Ready to escape? Let’s take you there.
Itinerary
Arrive in Hong Kong and be ready for adventure when you are greeted at the international airport by your local guide. Enjoy the drive to the hotel, as your driver navigates the traffic and you learn a little about the history and allure of Hong Kong. Once checked in, spend the rest of the day exploring this incredible city. Take advantage of the myriad of food options available to you, including traditional street food, upmarket restaurants, or local foodie haunts. Simply ask your guide for advice.
Meals included: None
Victoria Peak. As the highest point in Hong Kong, the visibility from Victoria Peak is outstanding – you will literally feel you’re high amongst it and looking directly out over Hong Kong’s incredible cityscape. No stop at the Peak is complete without a ride on the Peak Tram and a wander along the Sky Terrace (both included). Journey on to Repulse Bay, a typical Hong Kong beach that is now famous for its eye-wateringly priced real estate – reputed to be the most expensive in Hong Kong. After soaking in the vibe of the bay, you’ll be transported to Stanley Market, the quintessential Hong Kong street market. Known for its collection of typically Chinese curios, collectibles and souvenirs, you’ll have the opportunity to make a purchase or two without the hassle of haggling. Dive into Hong Kong history with a visit to the water-based Aberdeen Fishing Village, an enduring example of Hong Kong’s traditional fishing culture. It’s a great place to try fresh, delicious seafood dishes too, so be sure to ‘save yourself’ for a memorable meal here. Top off the day’s adventure with a Sampan ride on the water. Cruise past the impressive yachts and smaller boats moored on the water while taking in busy harbour life.
Note: Today’s activities are a half day and will be conducted in the morning, however an afternoon Hongkong Island half day tour is also available on request allowing you to adjust to local time. Your local guide can provide advice on lunch, and afternoon and evening activities, including a street or local cuisine food tour and night view of Victoria Harbour. Just ask us!
Meals included: Breakfast
Enjoy vibrant Hong Kong in the morning, perhaps sharing a morning coffee among locals or visiting one of the many famous street markets in proximity to your hotel. With help from your local guide, you’ll be driven to the airport for your flight to Chongqing. Upon arrival in Chongqing your local guide will meet you and take you through the Ciqikou Old Town if the travel schedule permits. Time to relax as you embark on your Yangtze River cruise, which weighs anchor at 9.30pm. With your safety foremost in mind, attendance at a safety, orientation and river briefing is required when you board the ship. For your first evening on board, enjoy watching the night lights of Chongqing go by from the ship’s deck.
Meals included: Breakfast
A relaxed cruise is the ideal way to enjoy the scenery and history found on both sides of the river. Take advantage of the ship crew’s hospitality and learn about China’s longest river, which has inspired poets and peasants alike. The cruise has optional shore excursions at various sights of historical significance and today you can visit Fengdu Ghost City or Shibaozhai, depending on the water level and cruise company you are traveling with. The evening is the time to connect with other travelers and join the crew at the Captain’s Welcome Party. Sit back and enjoy the Chinese folk dancing and music performance – or get up and be part of it!
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Note: Shore excursions may vary depending on different cruise lines. Please note that some are optional tours and not included in the total cruise price.
Want to explore more? Visit scenic spots along the way: According to Chinese mythology, Fengdu Ghost City is considered the final resting place for all souls. Visit this ancient ghost town while on your Yangtze River Cruise. Shibaozhai is a tower nearly 56 metres in height leaning against the Yuyin Hill. Since construction of the Three Gorges Dam project in 2003, there is a moat surrounding it.
Apart from its fame as the one of the world’s great rivers, the Yangtze is also famous for its magnificent gorges. With today’s cruising you’ll see Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge. For those interested in getting even closer to the gorges, there is the chance to take an excursion to Badong where you can enjoy a small wooden boat trip on Shennong Stream or Goddess Stream (Shennv Stream). It’s the kind of experience which allows you to reflect on the strength and resilience of the local people who call the region home. Return to the ship and enter the western section of the Xiling Gorge, the last of the famous Three Gorges. In the evening, the cruise ship may pass through the massive ship locks if weather permits.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
On your final day of cruising, you’ll disembark from the cruise boat at Maoping Pier in Yichang. A guided bus trip will educate you about the largest hydroelectric project in the world, the Three Gorges Dam. Locals are extremely proud of the design, construction, and industry which is now fundamental to their life and region. After the tour, you’ll be transferred by shuttle bus to the Yichang Three Gorges Tourism Center. Our guide will meet you here and together you’ll drive to the airport/train station for your departure flight or train to Shanghai.
Meals included: Breakfast
Notes:
- Guests may also choose the optional tour when disembarking at Maoping Pier. Board a ferry and sail through TGP ship’s elevator where you can enjoy a tour of the Three Gorges Dam. Arrangements for this tour are to be made onboard the cruise prior to disembarking.
- We may adjust to arrange travel by bullet train instead of a flight between Yichang and Shanghai, as flight availability is limited particularly during the low season.
Shanghai is truly an international city and you’ll understand why when you start your day by visiting the Shanghai Museum home to over 140,000 artifacts. Explore on your own or listen to your guide share the full history and culture of this cosmopolitan city.
Few places capture the intersection of commerce and culture in Shanghai like The Bund. Famous for its location in proximity to the trading centre of Shanghai, the Bund is an outstanding example of old Shanghai glamour. While shopping may not be front of mind, a walk through the busiest shopping precinct in China, Nanjing Road, will open your eyes to shopping China-style. Big high street fashion stores sit alongside quirky silk traders and shops selling every imaginable thing.
Gain an insight to the life and prestige of local merchants from times past when you visit Yuyuan Garden. The beautifully designed buildings and stunning gardens are a welcome reprieve from Shanghai’s big city bustle. You’ll find plenty to capture in beautiful travel memories. Stroll around the nearby Chenghuangmiao bazaars and make a worthwhile detour by visiting the Shikumen Museum in New Spot (XinTianDi) for a true taste of old world Shanghai. Make the most of your afternoon by wandering the quieter streets of Dongping Road or Sinan Road in the Former French Concession, where you will find the essence of classic Shanghai captured in this historical retail and residential precinct.
Meals included: Breakfast
Note: As the Shanghai Museum is closed to public on Mondays, a visit to the Shanghai History Museum is arranged as an alternative.
Looking for iconic Shanghai mementos to remember your travel adventure? Talk to your local guide. With personal knowledge of where to find silk, porcelain, and other treasures, your guide can save you time and ensure your purchase is authentic.
Spend the final morning of your tour exploring for beautiful mementos of your travels. If in doubt, be sure to talk to your guide. They can help you find exactly what you want before your final departure. Your guide will collect you from hotel at the appropriate time and transport you to the airport catch your departure flight.
Meals included: Breakfast
Travel note: We love helping our customers make the most of their available travel time. Need assistance planning your next destination? We can help. With a network that spans across China, we can take care of every detail and arrange your departure train or flight from Shanghai – or anywhere else while you’re in China. (A surcharge will apply).
Inclusions / Exclusions
Inclusions:
- Admission fees: to sightseeing spots and activities specified
- Accommodation: hotels based on double/twin occupancy as specified
- Meals: as specified in the itinerary
- Tour guide: excellent private English-speaking guide
- Transportation: Economy class domestic flights between Hong Kong/Chongqing, YIchang/Shanghai and Yangtze River cruise ship
- Transfers: land transfer with drivers as specified
- Travel Agency Liability Insurance during the tour
- Government taxes and fees.
Exclusions
- International/domestic flights and trains to Hongkong/from Shanghai
- China visa fees
- Gratuities to guides and drivers and any expense of a personal nature
- Our tour package does not include travel insurance. Please purchase travel insurance before your trip to protect for any unforeseen circumstances
- 00/per person of the service charge on the Yangtze River cruise.
Important Information
- Important information – PRIVATE TOUR
- This is a private tour for your group of family or friends. There will be no other travellers in the group apart from you.It’s always available for your schedule!
- Smart casual dress and comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Prices based on twin occupancy.
- The prices shown are not valid during China’s Official Holidays (such as National Day and Chinese Spring Festival).
- The tour guide may adjust the itinerary due to closure of the museums each Monday.
- Optional tours to Suzhou, Hangzhou or nearby Watertown, and other destinations are also available
- Any city not included in the existing tour package can be blended into as Private tour.
- Entering and exiting China from Hong Kong and Taipei are also available.
- Stays at entering and exiting cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Taipei) can be extended.
Important information – FOR SMALL GROUP TOUR
- This is a small group tour with fixed itinerary and guaranteed departures.
You’ll travel with other like-minded people. - Smart casual dress and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- The tour guide may adjust the itinerary due to closure of the museums on each Monday
- A transfer from your hotel to Hongqiao or Pudong Airport in Shanghai is available upon request at a surcharge.
- Stays at entering and exiting cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Taipei) can be extended.
- Prices based on twin occupancy.
- The prices shown are not valid during China’s Official Holidays (such as National Day and Chinese Spring Festival).
- The maximum number of passengers in a small group tour is 12 people.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Booking Information
After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation email with a Passenger Information Form. The Passenger Information Form must be completed within 72 hours of the purchase.Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.
On purchasing this tour product, you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions, in addition to the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information.
Surcharges
Please note: online credit card payment and PayPal payments incur surcharges.Tour Start Dates
Private and custom tours can be scheduled to commence on any day. Multi-day small group tours start on set dates as indicated in the booking calendar for the specific tour.Cities for Commencement of Tours
Beijing is the city in which multi-day small group tours start. Multi-day tours with set itineraries booked as a private tour, commence in Beijing, unless otherwise arranged with ChinaTours.com. Tours booked as custom tours can start in any destination listed on the ChinaTours.com website.Flights
Full service flights included, where applicable. For international flights: full service flights included only if tour includes travel to/from Hong Kong, Taiwan, North Korea, or as part of Indochina tour packages. Domestic flights included as part of a tour package are provided by select Chinese domestic airlines. Flight carrier will be specified in itinerary provided on finalization of booking. Note: the maximum baggage allowance for domestic in China is 20 kilograms for economy class domestic flights, 30 kilograms for business class, and 40 kilograms for first class. Flight class upgrades are available on request at an additional charge.High Speed Trains
First class seat for five star (Luxury) tour packages and second class seat for four star (Superior) tour packages.High Speed Train Seat Upgrades
Seat upgrades are available on high speed trains on request at an additional charge and subject to availability. A limited number of first class seats are available on high speed trains. ChinaTours.com cannot guarantee high speed train seat upgrades due to third party or supplier’s shortage.Destination Transfer
Transfers from airport to hotel provided as air-conditioned vehicle with driver.Post Tour Airport Transfer
At the completion of your tour, a transfer service from your hotel to Hongqiao or Pudong Airport can be arranged on request. Additional charges apply.Arrive Early
Accommodation options for early arrival prior to commencement of tour are available. Bookings can be made online prior to checkout or arrangements can be made with a ChinaTours.com travel consultant.Stay Behind
Accommodation options for stay behind after completion of tour are available. Bookings can be made online prior to checkout or arrangements can be made with a ChinaTours.com travel consultant.Tour Guide
All ChinaTours.com tour guides are bilingual speakers with intimate knowledge of an area/city, its culture, history, people, and food, which they will share on tour. ChinaTours.com does not operate commission-based shopping tours which means our tour guides do not receive commissions for commission-based shopping stops. Small group and private tour groups of 1-2 (<3) people will be provided with a guide/driver rather than a driver and a guide.Small Group Size
The maximum number of passengers in a multi-day small group tour is 12 people.Optional Tours/Activities
Optional tour activities are available on request. Please contact ChinaTours.com directly to customize your optional tour activities and destinations.Accommodation
ChinaTours.com selects international four star and five star hotels located in the inner city centre. In small, regional destinations, ChinaTours.com selects the best available hotel.Bedding Configuration
Bedding included in accommodation is double or twin bedding (subject to availability). Special arrangements available on request; additional charges may apply due to third party or hotel request.Adjoining/Interconnecting Rooms
Adjoining/Interconnecting rooms are available subject to passenger’s request. Additional charges may apply due to third party or hotel request.Child/Infant Policy
Pricing for child and infant can be quoted separately.
Infant price is valid for children 0 to 2 years. Child price is valid for children aged 2 to 11 years. Adult pricing apply for passengers aged 12 years and over. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult aged 18 years or over. No unaccompanied minors allowed.Meals
All breakfast included. Lunch and dinner are excluded allowing passengers to make their own selection for lunch and dinner. Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided on the Yangtze River Cruise only. Lunch provided on the Li River Cruise. Local guides can be consulted to provide recommendations and assist with eating arrangements on request.Passport
Customers are required to provide valid passport details either at the time of purchase or within 72 hours of purchase. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of the booking. In this instance customers will be responsible for any costs and fees incurred.
Passport validity should be at least six months for entering China.Visas
A tourist visa for China is a strict requirement if travelling on a foreign passport.
Please make arrangements for your visa as soon as you receive your documentation to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours.Gratuities/Tipping
Gratuities (tips) for services of the tour guide and driver throughout the tour are not included in the tour package price.Insurance
ChinaTours.com tour packages do not include travel insurance. We strongly recommend purchase of comprehensive travel insurance prior to departure to provide for any unforeseen circumstances.Schedule of Fees
For changes to travel arrangements:- First change – No charge.
- For all subsequent changes – USD50.
- Any charges applied by a third party (for example, airline, cruise company, accommodation provider, other travel provider) cannot be waived.
Cancellation
For China tour Packages, ChinaTours.com charges cancellation fees at a percentage of the total tour package price, which are stated as follows:- More than 60 days prior to tour start date: 15 percent cancellation fee
- 45 – 59 days prior to tour start date: 20 percent cancellation fee
- 30 – 44 days prior to tour start date: 30 percent cancellation fee
- 15 – 29 days prior to tour start date: 50 percent cancellation fee
- Within 14 days prior to tour start date: 100 percent cancellation fee
Any charges applied by a third party (for example, airline, cruise company, accommodation provider, other travel provider, credit card fee, bank fee) cannot be waived.
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