Family Tour for Yangtze River Cruise and Panda
Explore the modern metropolises of Beijing and Shanghai in an authentic way. Tour around a panda breeding base and meet the lovely creatures up close. Cruise along the picturesque Yangtze River, enjoying the peace and having some quality family time.
Days
12
Price
from US$2,699 p/p
Best For
Family
Best Time
Apr. to Oct.
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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Great experience in Guilin
Our guide lele is a wealth of information, Lele is very professional and very attentive to our needs. Lele is amazing. Lele got everything spot on. It probably helps that Guilin is a brilliant place to visit so Lele has great material to work with but that doesn't take anything away from how much Lele helped make it a great trip. More
Nags t, Mar 2024
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Thanks Leah and Guide Terry!
Our guide for Beijing was super knowledgeable and experienced and able to help us to achieve as much as we wanted within the time given. We had a fun time guided by him as he is also super humorous and you can see how he interacts with the vendors and people whom he comes by. Thank you for a very enjoyable time in Beijing and accommodating to all our needs! More
Puay Sze L, Mar 2024
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Captivating Pandas! Thank you Michael and Carol!
Our China Highlight guide. Michael, was attentive, thoughtful and knowledgeable. He narrated many interesting historical events about Chengdu while touring around the city and having afternoon tea with us. He was thoughtful to provide us with snacks during long hikes at Leshan or walks around the city. More
, Mar 2024
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Beijing in spring
She was very flexible and added extra time when we needed it and we felt extremely well taken care of. She also chose the best restaurants for us, More
shehla k, Mar 2024
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Greatest Great Wall Camping and Trek
Tom is the guide that will take you to where no other guide will. We pushed for the experience and Tom and the team delivered more than what we could have ever asked for. His English speaking ability and his Chinese history knowledge is second to none. More
Chivadahlii, Mar 2024
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Greatest Great Wall Tour and Trek
Tom is the guide that will take you to where no other guide will. We pushed for the experience and Tom and the team delivered more than what we could have ever asked for. His English speaking ability and his Chinese history knowledge is second to none. More
DaveH, Mar 2024
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https://pAmazing Experience with amazing guide
Our day trip to Hangzhou was phenomenal. Derek, our guide, was impeccable. By far the best guide we have had so far. He is extremely knowledgeable about the country’s history and geography and was always excited to share his insights. More
Felipe L, Mar 2024
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A knowledgeable guide make all the differences.......
He picked up our pre-booked boat/other excursions tickets so we were able to avoid all the long lines and chaos. He is knowledgeable of the places we visited, courteous, fun to travel with and well-versed in Chinese classics. More
weindork, Mar 2024
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Chengdu Pandas
Our tour guide Helen, was excellent, she was very kind, professional and passionate for her work and she also loves Pandas! She will take you to take the best panda photos and to know more about Chengdu city. Our tour was great, she took us to all our destinations always with the best spots: Temples, pagodas, famous streets, theaters, pandas...you name it! Everything was great. More
Megan, Mar 2024
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That was a great experience in Dali…
That was a great experience in Dali with Ms.Nancy. She is so thoughtful and professional. She took us to many beautiful places and told us abt many stories there (history, culture...). More
Nguyen Nga, Mar 2024
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2 day guided tour in Hangzhou with Fiona
Fiona is a wonderful guide with an extensive knowledge of the area and Chinese History. Fiona was able to pass on a lot of interesting information and history to us and made the trip so enjoyable. More
annenguyen2016, Mar 2024
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The beauty of Xi'an
Sherry was our tour guide, she is the best! She knows a lot of information about the city, history, and my favorite the Tang Dinasty! She take care a lot of us, and she supports us always during the tour with doubts and also to communicate with local people, she understood our necessities, excellent service, support, interesting and cool information. I love Xi'an city, is a must during you trip, if you are planning to visit please contact China Highlights, with Sherry as your tour guide, highly recommended ? More
Megan J, Mar 2024
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Nice tour and Best guide Lele
lele was our guide throughout and he is outstanding. Lele is a wealth of information in geology, history, local life, and knew exactly where the best pictures could be taken. Lele was happy to take my iPhone to take pictures for us! I am very grateful for that especially since he has a keen eye for photography. Lele did not sound like recording of facts like many guides are but he was personable and fun. More
Ameri M, Mar 2024
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China highlights & Lele Guilin
Our guide Lele was fun and spoke very good English. He would give us pointers all the time in regards to shopping, food etc.We had so much fun on our river cruise. Lele made sure he pointed out all the interesting highlights along the way. I would highly recommend China highlights to help with the planning details. More
Jade K, Mar 2024
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Xian. Historia y modernidad
Xian es encantadora, el hotel Eastern house boutique muy buena elección por parte de la agencia, los desayunos muy completos para complacer todo tipo de gusto, lo recomiendo 100%, el itinerario fue muy acertado fueron 2 días en la ciudad xian, compartimos con la guía Susana, la atención, la amabilidad y sobre todo su profesionalismo fue lo que marcó la diferencia, sus detalles, estaba siempre en el lugar y momento correcto para hacer de xian un lugar inolvidable. More
pilar d, Mar 2024
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Excelente paseo por Xi'an
Mas aún con nuestro guía Antonio, el cuál nos maravilló con sus explicaciones y anécdotas. Simpatico, agradable y servicial; siempre atento a nuestros requerimientos, y buen dominio del espa?ol. More
sergio p sergiopV7232ZX, Mar 2024
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Hangzhou is beautiful
Derek made this trip especially memorable with his passionate story telling and snippets of history on the traditional Chinese culture. More
James Ong, Mar 2024
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Wonderful guided tour around in Beijing
Wonderful guided tour around in Beijing by Helen. It was really good having a guide who was great at telling about all the history. More
Sebastian Bo Rasmussen, Mar 2024
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Experience Guilin
Frank our guide was fantastic - both taking us to really nice spots, but also very informative. We spent 4 days exploring Guilin. More
James F, Mar 2024
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Thank you China Highlights and Chase
From our train tickets to every little detail, Chase our tour guide took excellent care of us. He was also flexible to accommodate our special requests and for that we are grateful. More
Jen, Mar 2024
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Tour Highlights
Itinerary Details
After arriving at the airport, your guide and driver will escort you to your hotel and assist you with the check-in process, eliminating any potential problems.
Tian'anmen Square was the front court of the imperial palace in ancient times. Now, it has been divided by a main road and is no longer part of the Forbidden City. The palace-like building at the southern end is the Gate of Heavenly Peace (Tian'anmen). The Forbidden City is also known as the Palace Museum and you will be amazed by the rich exhibitions hidden in its side courts.
Take a walk around the hutongs, which are traditional Chinese alleyways, and experience old Beijing. While you are visiting a local family, don't be shy in accepting their hospitality — join their dumpling-making group and dine with them. Immerse yourself in a local Beijinger's lifestyle.
Good to Know
1. In addition to making dumplings, you can also choose to experience traditional handicrafts. These include paper cutting and Chinese knot weaving, admiring the fantastic Chinese diabolo technique used by a professional performer, and creating the unique facial makeup of a Beijing opera character.
2. For nighttime activities, you can watch a kung fu show or an acrobatic performance. It is suggested to book the show one day in advance — just check the availability with your guide.
The Mutianyu section is a good choice for your exciting visit to the Great Wall. This is because the Badaling section is much more crowded and has fewer watchtowers to see. Take a cable car ride up to the wall to save your energy, allowing you to have more time to appreciate the beautiful scenery from the top of the wall.
Relax as you head to your private vehicle after having a nice lunch at a local restaurant where world leaders have been served. In the evening, a delicious Beijing roast duck feast will help ease the fatigue of the day. Learn how to enjoy this famous cuisine in an authentic way from your guide.
Good to Know
1. Do you want to have a special experience on the Great Wall? We can prepare a picnic lunch for you! Have a sandwich, a cake, and a cup of coffee amid the beautiful scenery on the Great Wall.
2. If the weather conditions allow, slide down the wall in a toboggan for an unforgettable memory. For your safety, a helmet will be provided and you can control the speed of the toboggan.
Fly to Chengdu in the morning and meet your guide who will show you how to follow the tracks of some pandas. While visiting the only panda-themed post office in the world, you can get different kinds of special panda items, such as stamps, envelopes, toys, and more. Don't forget to send some cute postcards to your friends around the world — you can even mail a postcard to your future self!
After having a satisfying Chinese lunch, take some nice selfies with the largest panda sculpture in China. "I Am Here" is the name of this amazing work, made by the outstanding artist, Lawrence Argent. This wall climbing panda has become a popular landmark and attracts people from different places.
At the end of the day, you will roam around People's Park. Relax among the emerald green trees and colorful flowers, and linger in the traditional pavilions in peace. Blend in with the local people and see their simple way of life at a traditional teahouse nearby.
You will be driven to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in the morning, which is remotely located from Chengdu city center but is a suitable habitat for giant pandas. After visiting the nursery, you will be amazed by the achievements of the panda breeding program. You can watch the adorable pandas playing or resting among the bamboo groves. Their cuteness will intrigue you and you will want to learn more about them at the panda museum.
After having lunch, visit a recently discovered major archaeological site – Jinsha Site Museum – which is located in northwest Chengdu. The secret of the 3,000-year-old Sun and Immortal Bird is waiting for you to discover it.
Can you believe that a commercial street has existed for over 2,000 years? Relax in Jinli Ancient Street where you can try various delicious Sichuan street snacks and buy some souvenirs at the craftsmen's stalls. Wandering among the traditional architecture may give you the illusion of traveling back to ancient times.
Good to Know
Due to the canine distemper virus event that occurred in 2015, all panda bases suspended close contact with pandas to protect the giant pandas' health. In March of the same year, Dujiangyan Panda Base restarted the panda volunteer program, which includes having your photograph taken with a panda by your side. If you are interested, we can arrange a 1-day Dujiangyan Panda Base tour.
Your exciting Yangtze cruise starts on this day. First, have some breakfast and then you will be transferred from your hotel to the train station. Take a 2-hour high-speed train ride to Chongqing where your guide and driver will be expecting you and will escort you to the pier.
Good to Know
It is suggested to take some beverages and snacks with you before boarding as you may find it expensive on the cruise. Your guide will assist you by preparing some food if you prefer.
Embrace the wonderful natural views along the river, breathe in the clean air, and have a refreshing morning. At about 2pm, go ashore and stroll around Shibaozhai, one of the eight most fantastic buildings in the world. Ascend to the top of the hill and appreciate the beauty from a bird's-eye view. If you are keen to understand the mysterious Chinese ghost culture, visit Fengdu Ghost City to satisfy your curiosity (this is optional).
After the day tour, a welcome dinner party awaits you at night. There is no need to dress up, just have fun!
In the morning, be ready to marvel at the uncanny works of nature: Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge. The majestic and steep cliff at Qutang Gorge and the meandering Wu Gorge will never cease to amaze you. It' s a wonderful chance to capture the fabulous scenery with your family.
In the afternoon, appreciate the unusual shapes of rocks and the mysterious ancient coffins hanging on the cliff at Shennong Stream. Later, you can choose to visit another optional spot, White Emperor City.
At night, enjoy the entertaining show that's presented by the crew.
The world's largest water conservancy and power generation project – the Three Gorges Dam – will be the best part of the day. Go up to the dam and be impressed by this spectacular man-made creation. Your Yangtze cruise ends here. A bus arranged by the cruise company will be waiting to drive you to Yichang. Meet your guide there and transfer to Shanghai by air or bullet train. Your Shanghai guide will accompany you to your hotel.
Feel the fusion of both tradition and modernity in Shanghai. First, visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center in the morning to discover the progress of the past few decades and to get a glimpse of the city's future development. Ascend to the highest glass viewing platform in the Shanghai World Financial Center and have a panoramic view of the city. As for lunch, your guide will recommend some nice restaurants for you and you are also free to make your own choices.
After experiencing the modern side to Shanghai, see it from a different aspect when you visit Yu Garden, the hidden jewel among the forest of concrete. This Chinese classical garden has a long history and is filled with abundant themes and ideal conditions. Blend in with the crowds at Yuyuan Market as you try some local snacks and pick out some handicrafts, antiques, and souvenirs for your friends.
Based on the reviews from our previous customers, a free day to explore the city by yourself is strongly recommended. You can go shopping in Nanjing Road or enjoy a leisurely walk around the Bund. Here are some recommended destinations to visit:
Scenic Options
Water town day tour: There are over 10 water towns with unique features scattered around Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou. Rowing a boat with a dark awning on the glittering river, passing under the ancient stone arch bridges with classic Chinese architecture alongside the shore, you are already part of the landscape.
Day tour in Suzhou or Hangzhou: Since ancient times, these two cities have been considered to be paradise on Earth. It only takes an hour to get from Shanghai to Hangzhou by bullet train. Wander around the lake and be enchanted by the fascinating West Lake view. If you are a fan of Chinese gardens, then you won't want to miss Suzhou, which features various gardens that have elegant architectural styles.
Local Interactive Options
In-depth tour of Shanghai's old alleyways (3 hours): Want to experience the authentic way of life for Shanghai's locals? Your guide will reveal the history behind these hidden alleys, which remain in modern society. Visit a local family, dine together, and learn some interesting stories from the past.
Sidecar day tour (2 hours): Care for a ride? Jump into a sidecar and explore this thriving city with a Western driver who has lived for many years in China. As you listen to his words, you will understand Shanghai at a new level.
Enjoy a buffet breakfast in your hotel. Then your guide and driver will ensure that you catch your flight on time. Take all of the wonderful memories from this China tour with you — until next time!
Price Includes
Price from: $2,699 (Tour code: gh-cht-ft-07)
Trip Notes
1. Tailoring your tour
This tour is very flexible. You can alter the itinerary, extend or shorten it to suit your price, interest and schedule. Feel free to tell us your requirements, and we are happy to help you arrange with our professional knowledge and experience.
2. Hotel
(1) Hotels with a convenient location and swimming pool are recommended. Please note that a swimsuit/trunks and swimming cap are required to enter the swimming pool.
(2) If you prefer other hotel options: economical choices, Chinese-style hotels, home stay, apartment, or would like to book the hotels on your own, please feel free to inform us and we will be happy to adjust the details.
(3) Most hotels in China allow at most three people in one room. If there are more than three people in your group, we will check if there is family room available or do our best to arrange interconnecting rooms or adjoin rooms.
3. Food
Lunches at popular local restaurants are included for you in order to taste authentic Chinese food. Your guide will assist you with ordering dishes loved by both adults and children. Most families enjoy eating local Chinese food as there is plenty of variety and different flavors, and the food is so much better and different from the Chinese food served back home. Some children may prefer Western food or have some special requirements for meals. Please inform us and we will do our best to cater to your needs
4. Car Seats, Stroller, and Baby Crib
To maximize the safety of your children, we can arrange for car seats to be fitted at your request during the private transfers in Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Guilin, Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Suzhou. A baby stroller can be provided in Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, and Hangzhou. For a baby under two years old, we will inform the hotel to arrange a crib for you. No extra cost is needed. The number of car seats, strollers, and cribs are limited. Please inquire and confirm early to reserve them.
5. First Aid Kit
We all know how active kids can be. In case of some small injury, our guides will take a first aid kit with them during the tour, including alcohol prep pads, sterile gauze sponges, and bandages.
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