Panorama of China with Yangtze River 17 days
Overview
Join us on a 17-day, 15-night journey through China, where ancient wonders and modern marvels await. Explore iconic landmarks, from the Great Wall to centuries-old temples and imperial palaces. Wander through serene gardens and scenic landscapes that reflect timeless natural beauty. Experience vibrant cities alive with energy, innovation and deep-rooted traditions. Delight in authentic cuisine and rich cultural encounters that bring China's story to life.
This unforgettable adventure offers the perfect blend of history, culture and discovery.
This itinerary features More Moments activities included with your package.
If your itinerary includes domestic and/or regional flight tickets, as well as entry tickets to landmarks that require passport details, you must call Air Canada Vacations immediately upon receiving your booking confirmation. Failure to provide Air Canada Vacations with your passport details may result in the unavailability of domestic and/or regional flight tickets and entry passes for certain landmarks included in your tour package. It is mandatory to call Air Canada Vacations at the number provided in your electronic confirmation as soon as your booking is confirmed to submit your passport details.
Format
Trip Highlights
Destinations that include planned activities and/or overnight stays.
- China
- Beijing
- Xi'an
- Zhengzhou
- Yichang
- Hangzhou
- Suzhou
- Shanghai
- Chongqing
- Yangtze River, China
- Longjing Village, Hangzhou, China
Inclusions
- Round-trip flights to China arriving in Beijing and departing from Shanghai (if Flight & Hotel option is chosen).
- One-way high-speed train ticket per person in second class from Beijing to Xi’an, Xi’an to Luoyang and Zhengzhou to Yichang
- One-way inter-city flight in economy class from Chongqing to Hangzhou
- 15 nights’ superior accommodation (4 nights in Beijing, 2 nights in Xi’an, 1 night in Zhengzhou, 4 nights cruise, 1 night in Hangzhou, 1 night in Suzhou and 2 nights in Shanghai)
- Daily breakfast
- Lunch and dinner as per itinerary
- Shared round-trip transfers to/from airport.
- Shared transfers for all sightseeing activities within the itinerary
More moments activities included:
- Beijing guided City tour, featuring visit to Tiananmen Square, and to the Forbidden City
- Majestic Great Wall of China Excursion
- Full-day Summer Palace excursion, featuring a scenic boat ride on Kunming Lake
- Curated Shaanxi dinner experience
- Xi’an City and Heritage tour, featuring the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, and the imposing Ancient City Wall
- Longmen Grottoes Exploration in Luoyang
- Shaolin Temple visit in Dengfeng
- 4-days, 3-nights Yangtze River Cruise, featuring a visit to the Three Gorges Dam, cruising through the legendary Qutang, Wu, and Xiling Gorges, and the Lesser Three Gorges, as well as an excursion to the Fengdu Snow Jade Cave
- Visit to the Panda House in Chongqing
- Hangzhou visits include – West Lake
- Tea-tasting experience at the Dragon Well Tea Plantation in Longjing Village
- Suzhou half-day City tour featuring the Lingering Garden
- Shanghai full-day city tour, featuring the History Museum and the lively City God Temple area
- Services of English-speaking tour guides and driver service fees
- Landmark entrance fees according to the itinerary, unless specified otherwise
- Hotel taxes, fees, and service charges
- Gratuities
- Earn extra Aeroplan® points per member on this tour
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Canada
Overnight flight to Beijing’s International Airport.
Day 2
Welcome to Beijing
Upon arrival, you will need to clear customs and immigration. Once cleared, proceed to collect your luggage and exit the luggage hall, where a local representative will greet you with an Air Canada Vacations sign. They will escort you to your transfer to take you to your hotel to check in. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Day 3
Beijing
After breakfast, meet your tour guide in the hotel lobby and set out on a rewarding day of discovery. Enjoy a guided city tour that brings you to the heart of Beijing. City. The remainder of the day is at leisure, or you may choose to join an optional activity at additional cost.
More Moments Activities Included
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Guided City tour
Today’s journey starts with a visit to Tiananmen Square, the second largest public square in the world, followed by the Forbidden City, a magnificent imperial palace complex and UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Located at the heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City spans approximately 180 acres and is enclosed by an imposing defensive wall and deep moat, making it one of the largest and best‑preserved ancient palace complexes in the world. The experience is complemented with a delicious lunch featuring the renowned Peking Roast Duck, allowing you to savor flavors that blend rich tradition with culinary innovation.
Meal(s): breakfast and lunch
Day 4
Beijing
After breakfast, meet your local tour guide and set out for the absolute highlight of your Beijing journey, an unforgettable excursion to the majestic Great Wall of China, one of the world’s most remarkable architectural and historical marvels.
Afterwards, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Majestic Great Wall of China Excursion
Your adventure begins with a visit to one of Asia’s largest jade exhibitions enroute to the Great Wall. On the return journey to your hotel, enjoy a panoramic drive past the striking modern exteriors of Beijing’s iconic Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, built for the 2008 Summer Olympics. A brief stop for photos may be possible if time permits.
Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch
Day 5
Beijing
After breakfast, set out on a full‑day adventure to the legendary Summer Palace, one of Beijing’s most celebrated imperial landmarks. Renowned for its harmonious landscapes, elegant pavilions, and serene lakeside setting, this vast complex offers a captivating glimpse into China’s imperial past.
Afterwards, you will be transferred back to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure, or you may choose to join an optional activity at an additional cost.
More Moments Activities Included
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Full-day Summer Palace excursion
This adventure begins with a serene boat ride across the Kunming Lake, offering breathtaking views in every direction. Afterwards, wander through the majestic Summer Palace grounds, where history and nature blend seamlessly, providing a captivating glimpse into the elegance and grandeur of royal life.
Meal(s): breakfast and lunch
Day 6
Beijing – Xi’an
After breakfast and check out, your transfer will take you to Beijing’s train station for an exciting high-speed train journey to Xi’an, the historic capital of 11 dynasties and a treasure trove of China’s ancient heritage.
Upon arrival, look for the Air Canada Vacations sign, where a representative will greet you and escort you to your transfer. You’ll be taken to your hotel to check in and given a chance to freshen up before this evening’s culinary experience.
Tonight, enjoy a specially curated Shaanxi dinner at a local restaurant, offering an authentic taste of the region’s rich flavours.
After dinner, you will be transferred back to the hotel to enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure, or you may opt to join an optional activity (at an extra cost)
More Moments Activities Included
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Curated Shaanxi dinner experience
Embark on a culinary experience with this curated and flavourful Shaanxi dining experience. Savour iconic and aromatic dishes, each steeped in centuries of culinary tradition. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the ancient Silk Road as every bite tells a story, blending bold flavours with timeless cultural charm for an unforgettable dining adventure.
Meal(s): breakfast and dinner
Day 7
Xi’an
After breakfast, meet your tour guide in the hotel lobby and set out on a scenic 45-minute drive into the Lintong District, located east of the city, to embark on today’s full day Xi’an City and Heritage tour.
After, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, or join an optional activity (at an extra cost)
More Moments Activities Included
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Xi’an City and Heritage tour
Today’s journey begins with a visit to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, where you will encounter the extraordinary life-sized army created to guard China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, in the afterlife. Regarded as the “Eighth Wonder of the World” and one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, this remarkable site offers a powerful glimpse into ancient Chinese civilization.
The experience continues with a visit to an art ceramics factory, where traditional craftsmanship is showcased, before concluding at the imposing Ancient City Wall, recognized as one of the most complete ancient military defense systems in the world.
Meal(s): breakfast and lunch
Day 8
Xi’an – Luoyang - Dengfeng - Zhengzhou
After breakfast and checkout, you will be transferred to Xi’an train station to board your high-speed bullet train to Luoyang Longmen Station.
Upon arrival, a local representative will greet you and accompany you on the next leg of your journey, an exploration of the magnificent Longmen Grottoes, followed by a visit to the legendary Shaolin Temple.
Afterwards, you will continue to your hotel in Zhengzhou for check-in, with the rest of the day at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Longmen Grottoes Exploration
Discover the awe-inspiring Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China’s most treasured cultural landmarks. Located near Luoyang, this remarkable complex features thousands of intricate Buddhist statues, carvings and inscriptions etched into limestone cliffs along the Yi River. Dating back to the Northern Wei and Tang dynasties, the grottoes offer a breathtaking display of ancient Chinese artistry, spiritual devotion and architectural mastery that continues to captivate visitors from around the world.
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Shaolin Temple Visit
Nestled in the scenic Songshan Mountains, the legendary Shaolin Temple stands as the cradle of Chinese Kung Fu and Zen Buddhism. This sacred site offers a captivating journey into centuries-old martial arts traditions, where ancient philosophy and disciplined practice come to life. Explore the temple’s rich history, witness monks in training and immerse yourself in the spiritual and cultural legacy that has shaped generations.
Meal(s): breakfast and lunch
Day 9
Zhengzhou – Yichang – Yangtze River Cruise
After breakfast and check-out, you’ll be transferred to Zhengzhou train station to board a high-speed train bound for Yichang, famously known as “The Gateway to the Three Gorges.”
Upon arrival, a local representative will meet you and assist with your transfer to the pier, where an exciting cruise along the Yangtze River awaits!
Meal(s): breakfast and dinner
Day 10-12
Yangtze River Cruise
Enjoy three unforgettable full days cruising along China’s legendary Yangtze River! Relax on board as breathtaking landscapes unfold around you, from dramatic gorges and towering cliffs to peaceful river villages and lush mountain scenery. Throughout the cruise, you’ll also benefit from a selection of included shore excursions and guided activities, offering the perfect balance between sightseeing and leisure while experiencing the culture and natural beauty of this iconic region.
Important note: The included activities and day tours will be scheduled locally by the ground operations team, based on navigation conditions and cruise logistics. Guests will be advised during the cruise on which days each included excursion will take place.
More Moments Activities Included
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4-days, 3-nights Yangtze River Cruise
Journey through the heart of the Yangtze as you admire the river’s ever‑changing landscapes, from soaring limestone cliffs to mist‑shrouded gorges. Highlights include an in‑depth visit to the monumental Three Gorges Dam, revealing the scale and ingenuity of this world‑renowned engineering feat, and unforgettable cruising through the legendary Qutang, Wu, and Xiling Gorges, each offering its own unique character and breathtaking views. Venture deeper into nature aboard smaller boats through the enchanting Lesser Three Gorges, with an optional ($) extension to the Little Lesser Three Gorges for even closer encounters with striking rock formations and lush riverside scenery. Your journey is further enriched by a fascinating shore excursion to the Fengdu Snow Jade Cave, where impressive underground landscapes and natural rock formations await.
Meal(s): breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 13
Yangtze River Cruise - Chongqing – Hangzhou
After breakfast and disembarking in Chongqing, your driver will take you to the Panda House for an unforgettable visit to these adorable creatures.
Afterwards, your transfer will take you to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport to catch your flight to Hangzhou.
Upon arrival, collect your luggage and proceed to the exit, where a local representative will greet you and assist you with your transfer to your hotel to check in. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Visit to the Panda House
This visit offers a heartwarming experience where you can see China’s beloved giant pandas up close. Watch these gentle giants play, eat bamboo and relax in a habitat designed to mimic their natural environment. A must-see for wildlife enthusiasts.
Meal(s): breakfast
Day 14
Hangzhou - Longjing Village - Suzhou
After breakfast and check out, your tour guide will take you to visit the serene West Lake, renowned for its scenic beauty and historic landmarks. Next, enjoy an authentic oriental tea-tasting experience at the famed Dragon Well Tea Plantation.
Afterward, continue your journey to Suzhou, often called “the Venice of the East.” Upon arrival at your hotel, proceed to check-in and freshen up and get ready for this afternoon’s adventure, the Suzhou Grand Canal Cruise. Post cruising, return back at to your hotel, and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, or you may opt to join an optional activity at an extra cost.
Important Note: The Suzhou Grand Canal Cruise is included only for 2026 departures. This benefit will not be included for any 2027 arrivals.
More Moments Activities Included
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Visit to the West Lake
This serene masterpiece of nature and history is surrounded by greenery, ancient pagodas and scenic causeways. Whether you’re strolling along its peaceful shores, cruising its shimmering waters or marvelling at its legendary views, West Lake promises a magical escape into a world of natural wonders and poetic charm.
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Tea-tasting experience at the Dragon Well Tea Plantation
Enjoy a serene tea-tasting experience, where you’ll learn about the traditional methods of tea production and sample some of China’s finest green tea. Surrounded by verdant landscapes, this immersive experience offers a deep dive into the rich cultural heritage of tea-making, offering a refreshing and flavourful insight into one of China’s most celebrated traditions.
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Grand Canal Cruise (valid for 2026 only)
Cruise along the historic Grand Canal and discover the timeless beauty of Suzhou, one of the many cities that flourished along China’s golden waterway. Once a bustling artery of trade and culture, the canal offers a window into the country’s vibrant past. As you glide past ancient stone bridges, charming waterside homes, and traditional teahouses, witness the graceful blend of history and everyday life that still lingers along its banks. This unforgettable journey captures the essence of Suzhou’s heritage, where the echoes of a glorious era come alive with every gentle turn of the water.
Meal(s): breakfast and lunch
Day 15
Suzhou – Shanghai
After breakfast and check-out, you will meet your local tour guide in the hotel lobby and begin a half-day city tour, exploring the highlights of the destination. Afterwards, you will continue your journey to Shanghai, famously known as “The Pearl of the Orient.”
Upon arrival at your hotel in Shanghai, proceed with check-in and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Alternatively, you may choose to participate in an optional activity (at an additional cost).
More Moments Activities Included
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Half-day City tour
Your journey begins with a visit to the Lingering Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its refined classical design and timeless beauty. The garden is composed of four distinct themed sections, elegantly connected by covered walkways, and features a serene central landscape highlighted by a tranquil pond and an impressive yellow stone granite grotto crafted by renowned artist Zhou Binzhong. The experience continues with a visit to a silk factory, where you will discover the intricate craftsmanship and fascinating process behind traditional silk production.
Meal(s): breakfast and lunch
Day 16
Shanghai
After breakfast, meet your local guide in the hotel lobby for your final adventure in beautiful Shanghai! Enjoy a full-day tour.
More Moments Activities Included
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Full-day City tour
Start today’s journey with a leisurely stroll along the Bund, where Shanghai’s iconic waterfront unfolds in a striking contrast of historic colonial architecture and futuristic skyline views across the Huangpu River. Continue with a visit to the renowned Shanghai Museum, home to an impressive collection of ancient Chinese art and cultural treasures that offer a fascinating glimpse into the country’s rich heritage. Conclude your experience with a visit to the lively City God Temple area, a vibrant district filled with traditional architecture, bustling lanes, and an authentic atmosphere that beautifully reflects old Shanghai charm blended with modern-day energy.
Meal(s): breakfast and dinner
Day 17
Shanghai – Canada
After breakfast and check out, your transfer will take you to the Shanghai Pudong International Airport to catch your flight back home.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Accommodations
Where you'll stay
Superior Accommodation
Location
Hotel
Room details
Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip. Yangtze River cruises feature outside cabins with walkout balconies.
Bed size(s): 1 double bed or 2 twin beds
Superior room occupancy: Maximum 2 guests (2 adults or 1 adult + 1 child)
Best for
Guided tours
Let us show you around. Tour packages include (varies by tour):
- Round-trip flight with Air Canada
- Private airport transfers
- Hotel accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Train transportation
- Motorcoach transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel luggage service
- Experienced guide throughout
- Aeroplan® points
Aeroplan
In addition to accumulating points on the flight portion of your trip, you’ll earn up to 4,000 extra Aeroplan points on select tour packages.
- Members ages 2 to 12 will receive extra points equivalent to 50% of the points granted to members ages 13 and up.
- Travel completion by December 31, 2026.
Important Information
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- Mar 25, 2026 – Nov 04, 2026
- Mar 24, 2027 – Nov 08, 2027
- 2026 Wednesdays and Sundays (exception Monday Sept 14, Oct 12)
- 2027 Wednesdays (exception Monday May 24, Sept 13, Nov 08)
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Tours Exclusions
- Meals outside of the ones mentioned within the itinerary above.
- Transfers for the optional activities, and any other transfer services required outside of the itinerary above.
- Entrance to other landmarks not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Additional activities and excursions
- Entry visa (when applicable)
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The More Moments activities/excursions mentioned in the itinerary are all included in the package but may be rescheduled to take place on an earlier or later day, depending on availability and operational day.
Optional ($)
Temple of Heaven & Hutong Life tour
The Golden Mask Dynasty tour
Beijing Acrobatic Show
Grand Tang Everbright City visit
Dumpling Banquet Dinner and the traditional Tang Dynasty Singing and Dancing Show
Suzhou Grand Canal Cruise
Huangpu River Night Cruise
Optional tours will only be available if min group size requirement is met. It is strongly recommended to book in advance to secure availability.
For any inquiries regarding these activities/excursions, the contact link can be found in your travel documents delivered between 30 and 14 days prior to departure.
Optional activities/excursions can be purchased with the local supplier prior to departure, and are offered, and sold exclusively by them.
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- Coach for all airport-hotel-airport, sightseeing and inter-city transfers’ service
- Train from: Beijing to Xi’an, Xi’an to Luoyang, Zhengzhou to Yichang
- Cruise from Yichang to Chongqing (Yangtze River Cruise)
- Plane from Chongqing to Hangzhou
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- The itinerary above is subject to change without prior notice. The order in which destinations are visited or day excursions occur may change due to operational restrictions, such as weather and accommodation availability.