Day 1
Board an overnight flight to Beijing.
In Flight

Day 2
Beijing
Your representative waits for your arrival in the Baggage Claim area of Beijing's airport to transfer you to your hotel. Your day is free to explore the cultural and historic heart of modern China that still retains the atmosphere of its imperial past.
The Ritz-Carlton Beijing

Day 3
Beijing
Begin your guided tour of Beijing in Tiananmen Square, the largest public plaza on earth. Lying in the center of the main city, Tiananmen Square holds deep and divided meaning to most Chinese. On any given day, thousands of visitors gather to walk, chat or enjoy the panoramic view of the monuments that surround the square. Stroll past the Great Hall of the People, the Museum of Natural History and the Revolution, the Mausoleum of the late Chairman Mao Zedong and the monument that commemorates the revolutionists who died in the struggle to create modern China. For nearly 500 years the Forbidden City (today the National Palace Museum) was the imperior residence of the emperors and their families. Walk through the Forbidden City to many of the halls and galleries. Notice the purple walls that represented the imperial status of the inhabitants. In the late 18th century as many as 100,000 people including servants, soldiers and attendants lived in the palace. After lunch, journey to a more tranquil setting. Cruise around the shores of Kunming Lake and stop at the Summer Palace, where a long breezeway takes you to the Marble Boat, a model of a ship constructed for the emperor Qianlong in the late 18th century. Join a leading female journalist for a welcome dinner and talk about the role of women in China today.
Ritz-Carlton Beijing B, L, D

Day 4
Beijing
China's Great Wall has been built up in myth and legend for years, but one standard never changes: the views are remarkable from this great wonder of the world. You see it from the less-visited Mutianyu section and have the option to ascend by cable car or the traditional route of a 1,156-step climb. This afternoon, meet Megan Connolly, a research fellow at the Asian Art Archives, for an engaging look at women in art and design in China today. This evening, you may wish to partake of the optional visit to the Peking Opera, which has its roots in southern China and was adopted by the Qing court in the 19th century. The most striking difference between Chinese and Western opera is in the make-up that defines the Chinese performers. Elaborate patterns and colors denote the personality of the characters, and an observant audience can tell the "good guys" from the "bad guys" by the design and color of their make-up. Voice control, body movements and hand and head movements are also a very important part of this art form. (Please note: This is an optional excursion and not included in your tour price. This excursion is also subject to availability and prices are subject to change.)
Ritz-Carlton Beijing B, L

Day 5
Beijing/Xian
The Chinese are known for their ancient wooden buildings that were constructed without the help of a single nail. Visit one of them this morning, the aesthetically pleasing and deeply symbolic Temple of Heaven. The emperor used to visit twice a year, once to offer thanks for a successful harvest and then to ask that the coming harvest be blessed as well. With its unique circular shape, azure blue roof and intricate gold inlay work, the Temple of Heaven has been called the single most outstanding example of ancient Chinese architecture. Then fly to Xian and transfer to your hotel. You have the option this evening to attend a performance of the Tang Dynasty Show, a recreation of a thousand-year-old Chang'an music and dance spectacle that chronicles life in Xian during this period.
(Please note: This is an optional excursion and not included in your tour price. This excursion is also subject to availability and prices are subject to change).
Shangri-La Hotel B, L

Day 6
Xian
Explore the greatest archaeological site in China: the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses Dig. This most exciting find of the 20th century consists of three distinct dig "pits" that date back to the second century BC. The current dig is made up entirely of military figures said to represent ancient Chinese military might and part of the mausoleum of the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty. After lunch, make a stop at the Shaanxi Provincial Museum that celebrates the tremendous achievements of Shaanxi province, recognized as one of the cradles of Chinese civilization. Wander past collections of ancient sandstone and granite animal figures, Tang Dynasty stone friezes, bronzes, Neolithic pottery and jewelry. Then move on to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a fine example of early Buddhist architecture from the seventh century. Meet with a museum specialist to learn about the rule of the great Tan Empress Wu Zetian (690-705), the only woman to rule outright as emperor.
Shangri-La Hotel B, L

Day 7
Xian/Chongqing/Yangzi River
Travel to the ancient city gate for picturesque views of the old city. The current wall dates to the 14th-century Ming Dynasty and served as effective protection against attack when Xian was under siege by hostile warlord armies in the 1920s. At the Han Yangling excavation site, visit the ongoing archaeological dig that has yielded a unique cache of female warriors, the first evidence of female soldiers serving in the imperial rank. Observe the small collection of discoveries from Han Dynasty tombs when you visit the Yangling Museum. While the actual imperial tomb of the emperor Jindgi and chief consort has yet to be opened, archaeologists have excavated more than 20 satellite tombs that have yielded a treasure trove of exquisite funerary pieces. Then fly to Chongqing and join your guide for a city tour that includes the Stilwell Museum, dedicated to American General Joseph Stilwell who was commander-in-chief in World War II's China-Burma-Indian theater. Then head to Loquat (Pipa) Hill, where locals come to drink tea, play cards or chess, strum guitars or wander through the gardens and stop at either Chongqing Zoo or the local market. The highlight of your journey is the Yangzi River cruise through the picturesque Three Gorges region. Board the deluxe 'Yanzi Explorer' river cruiser and begin the downstream course. This evening, walk up to the rooftop deck for stunning nighttime views of Chongqing, when thousands of glittering lights illuminate the sky and enrich the beauty of the Three Gorges. Please Note: Cruising itineraries are subject to last minute changes due to weather and other unpredictable situations. Your ship's director and tour escort will keep you informed of any changes to your scheduled itinerary as they occur.

During your cruise you stop to visit with a rural farm family to learn about the life of women in farming communities, and Tour Director Mei Wah Chao shows her award-winning documentary China in Revolution, showcasing the role women played in China's pivotal years, 1900-1949.
'Yangzi Explorer' B, L, D

Day 8
Yangzi River
Disembark in Fengdu, a river town affected by the Three Gorges Dam Project. Often called "the town of ghosts," tradition holds that whenever a person dies, regardless of nationality or religion, his or her spirit journeys to Fengdu. While you're here, visit Snowy Jade Cave and drive around the city for a panoramic tour of landmarks in this city that is also known as the "abode of devils" for the landmark shrines and temples dedicated to the gods of the underworld. Return to the ship and continue toward the first of the Three Gorges, the mighty Qutang Gorge.
' Yangzi Explorer' B, L, D

Day 9
Yangzi River
'Yangzi Explorer' enters the Qutang Gorge, the narrowest stretch of the river on your cruise itinerary, through the majestic Kui Men. These two imposing cliffs resemble a towering door into some other world destination and is so famous a scene that its image appears on a Chinese banknote. The ship then begins the course of the scenic Gorges region, a source of inspiration to countless painters, poets, travellers and scholars. Pass the mountain landscapes of Wu ("Witches") Gorge to Badon, a bustling river port that lies at the confluence of the Yangzi and the Shennong Xi Rivers. Disembark here to board longboats poled by Tujia boatmen, the traditional mariners of the great junks. While many visitors to the Yangzi have heard of the Daning River excursion to view the Lesser Gorges, the Shennong Stream excursion is relatively new. This region of Hubei province has only been open to foreign travel in the last 15 years, allowing fortunate visitors an opportunity to see a side of China rarely seen by either foreign travellers or Chinese citizens. The scenery is unrivaled anywhere along the middle course of the river. Crystalline waters, rich forest and towering rock formations mark the landscape that has remained literally unaltered for thousands of years. The Shennong region is also home to several species of endangered flora and fauna including the elusive golden hair monkey and many varieties of medicinal plants. After some time on your own to explore the shore, return to the ship for its passage through the majestic Xiling Gorge, the longest of the three. One of the most memorable passages is through the Yellow Ox Gorge (Huangniu Xia), where the river widens and sweeps under the Huangling Temple that stands amid groves of orange and pomelo trees. Then stop at the site of the Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest dam construction project.
'Yangzi Explorer' B, L, D

Day 10
Yangzi River/Yichang/Shanghai
Disembark and return to the site of the Three Gorges Dam Project. Ascend to the highest point above the project for some panoramic views of the site, then see a scale model of the finished project with a comprehensive description of each phase of construction. Finally, stop near the ship locks to observe the current phase's progress. Travel overland to Yichang for a city tour (time permitting) that includes a visit to People's Square before you board a flight to Shanghai.
Portman Ritz-Carlton B, L

Day 11
Shanghai
Join noted Shanghai architect and historian Ann Warr for an architectural tour of the city. Pause for lunch at a local restaurant to meet with a small group of Shanghai businesswomen and cultural leaders. Afternoon sightseeing includes a visit to the Urban Planning Museum, showcasing urban development. This modern five-story building is constructed of microlite and its u-shaped mezzanine is divided into exhibits of colonial and contemporary Shanghai. Your next stop is at the Shanghai Museum, housing a stunning collection of Shang and Zhou period bronze artifacts (16th century - seventh century BC), as well as an extensive exhibition of Ming porcelain. This evening, enjoy a thrilling performance by the Shanghai Acrobatic Circus.
Portman Ritz-Carlton B, L

Day 12
Shanghai/Zhujajiao/Shanghai
As you approach Zhujajiao, a tranquil ancient town on the southern side of the Yangzi River, notice the crisscross of canals spanned by 14 stone arch bridges. Observe traditional houses that date from the Ming and Qing Dynasties that are connected by xiang (narrow alley passages). Return to Shanghai this afternoon to meet Yu Sai Khan, the city's most successful female entrepreneur. In addition to being a successful television host, she is the owner of China's largest cosmetic and beauty company. Visit her World of Yu Sai flagship lifestyle store. Tonight, gather with your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner.
Portman Ritz-Carlton B, L, D

Day 13
Shanghai/USA or Canada
Board your homebound flight.
B

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

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