Begin at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where you can observe giant pandas in a leading conservation and research setting. Continue to Du Fu Thatched Cottage, a quiet garden complex associated with one of China's best-known poets. Later, slow down in Renmin Park with tea in a traditional teahouse, then stroll through Kuanzhai Alley, where restored courtyards reflect both historic and contemporary Chengdu life.

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch 

Accommodation: Handpicked five-star properties such as Grand Hyatt Chengdu, Tibet Hotel Chengdu, or similar.

After breakfast, travel by high-speed rail to Chongqing, a mountain city shaped by steep terrain and the meeting of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers. On arrival, experience the city’s vertical character on the Yangtze River Cableway and at Liziba Station, where a monorail passes directly through a residential building. Continue through selected hillside neighborhoods, such as Mountain City Trail or Shibati Traditional Style Area, depending on timing. Later, explore Longmenhao Old Street or Xiahaoli, where historic lanes, river views, and evening lights offer a relaxed introduction to Chongqing after dark. Conclude with exterior night views of Hongya Cave before returning to your hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch

Accommodation: Handpicked five-star properties such as Grand Hyatt Chengdu, Tibet Hotel Chengdu, or similar

Begin at Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, where modern towers surround one of Chongqing's best-known historic landmarks. Continue to Bai Xiang Ju and Kuixing Tower for a closer look at the city's vertical residential architecture and multi-level streets. Depending on timing and port arrangements, visit Eling Park or Testbed 2 for a quieter urban perspective before transferring to the port. Board your Yangtze River cruise, settle into your cabin, and enjoy a welcome reception and dinner as the voyage begins.

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner (Buffet)

Accommodation: Yangtze River cruise – Deluxe Cabin on Deck 2

Today combines scenic cruising with one included shore excursion along the middle Yangtze. Please select one option in advance, subject to the confirmed docking schedule:
Option A: Baiheliang Underwater Museum, where centuries-old inscriptions preserved beneath the river record historic changes in Yangtze water levels. On selected regular sailings in 2026, this excursion also includes the Fuling Zhacai History Memory Hall, introducing the region’s long-established tradition of making zhacai, a distinctive preserved mustard specialty.
Option B: 816 Underground Project, a vast Cold War-era military complex hidden inside the mountains.

Important Note: If the ship docks at Fengdu due to weather, river conditions, navigation restrictions, or operational needs, the scheduled excursion may be replaced with a visit to Fengdu Ghost City.

In the evening, attend Feng Yan San Guo (War Fire of the Three Kingdoms), an open-air performance inspired by the era of the Three Kingdoms, subject to the cruise's operating schedule.

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner / Late-night snack on board

Accommodation: Yangtze River cruise – Deluxe Cabin on Deck 2

Choose one included shore excursion:

Option A: White Emperor City, long associated with Chinese poetry and Three Kingdoms history.

Option B: Three Gorges Summit, offering panoramic views over the river valley.

Throughout the day, sail through Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and the western section of Xiling Gorge, where sheer cliffs, narrow passages, and layered mountain scenery create some of the Yangtze's most memorable views.

In the evening, enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Dinner and a performance by the crew.

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner / Late-night snack on board

Accommodation: Yangtze River cruise – Deluxe Cabin on Deck 2

After breakfast and check-out, disembark at Maoping Port and transfer to a sightseeing vessel. Subject to weather, water levels, navigation conditions, and the confirmed operating schedule, continue through the Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift and the eastern section of Xiling Gorge, with views of the Three Gorges Dam from the water.

On selected 2026 departures operating through early December, the sightseeing vessel is also scheduled to pass through the Gezhou Dam Ship Lock, subject to operational conditions and the confirmed sailing schedule. The cruise program is expected to conclude at the Three Gorges Tourist Center in Yichang at approximately 13:30-14:00, although the actual arrival time may vary.

Important Note: 

1. Under the regular operating schedule, this itinerary does not include a shore visit inside the Three Gorges Dam Scenic Area. The dam can still be viewed from the sightseeing vessel during the journey.

2. If the Ship Lift is unavailable due to scheduled maintenance or other operational conditions, the cruise company will arrange an alternative sightseeing program based on the confirmed sailing plan.

After arriving in Yichang, enjoy a light lunch before continuing by road to Zhangjiajie. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in and dinner, then enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.

Meals included: Breakfast on board, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Handpicked five-star properties or distinctive boutique properties such as Qinghe Jinjiang International Hotel, No.5 Valley Lodge, or similar.

Spend the day exploring Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, part of the UNESCO-listed Wulingyuan Scenic Area. With your guide, use the park's scenic-area transport, including the Bailong Elevator, cableways, and shuttle buses, according to the day's route. Visit Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain, where towering sandstone pillars, forested valleys, rugged rock formations, and layered mountain views create one of China's most recognizable landscapes, often associated with the floating mountains in Avatar. The route and sightseeing order may be adjusted based on weather, visibility, crowd levels, scenic-area operations, and the evening flight schedule. Later, transfer to Zhangjiajie Airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, meet your local representative and transfer to your hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation: Handpicked five-star properties such as The Kunlun Jing An, Hyatt on the Bund, Renaissance Shanghai Zhongshan Park Hotel, or similar

After a relaxed start, visit Yu Garden, a classical garden dating to the Ming Dynasty, where pavilions, ponds, and rockeries offer a quiet contrast to Shanghai’s modern skyline. Continue along Nanjing Road to the historic Bund, where early twentieth-century architecture faces the contemporary towers of Pudong across the Huangpu River. Later, take a Huangpu River cruise for panoramic views of the Bund and Pudong skyline.

This evening, gather for a farewell dinner featuring regional Shanghai cuisine, with time to celebrate the journey and share favorite memories from your travels through China.

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Farewell Dinner

Accommodation: Handpicked five-star properties such as The Kunlun Jing An, Hyatt on the Bund, Renaissance Shanghai Zhongshan Park Hotel, or similar

After breakfast, transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) according to your flight schedule.

Meals included: Breakfast 

Accommodation: Not included

- 9 nights in carefully selected accommodations, including six hotel nights in the listed properties or similar-standard alternatives and three nights in a Deluxe Cabin on Deck 2 aboard the Yangtze River cruise, based on double occupancy. Cabin upgrades may be requested at an additional cost, subject to availability.

- Meals as listed in the itinerary, including scheduled onboard dining during the Yangtze River cruise, with complimentary bottled drinking water provided daily.

- All transportation and transfers as outlined in the itinerary, including arrival and departure airport transfers, premium tour vehicles, second-class high-speed rail travel from Chengdu to Chongqing, a domestic flight from Zhangjiajie to Shanghai in economy class, and the overland transfer from Yichang to Zhangjiajie. First-class rail seating may be requested at an additional cost, subject to availability at the time of ticketing.

- Professional English-speaking guides

- Nomad Signature Moments: Entrance fees and scheduled activities as specified in the itinerary, including:

- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding; Du Fu Thatched Cottage; a traditional teahouse experience in Renmin Park; and Kuanzhai Alley.

- Chongqing’s Yangtze River Cableway; Liziba Station; selected hillside neighborhoods and historic streets; Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street; Bai Xiang Ju; Kuixing Tower; and additional city viewpoints as scheduled.

- A three-night Vista Cruise through the Three Gorges, with scenic sailing, scheduled onboard activities, and included shore excursions.

- One included Day 5 shore excursion: Baiheliang Underwater Museum or the 816 Underground Project. On selected regular sailings in 2026, the Baiheliang excursion also includes the Fuling Zhacai History Memory Hall.

- The Feng Yan San Guo open-air evening performance.

- One included Day 6 shore excursion: White Emperor City or Three Gorges Summit, together with scenic sailing through Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and the western section of Xiling Gorge.

- A Day 7 sightseeing vessel journey through the Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift and the eastern section of Xiling Gorge, with views of the Three Gorges Dam from the water. On selected 2026 departures operating through early December, the journey also includes passage through the Gezhou Dam Ship Lock.

- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park within the UNESCO-listed Wulingyuan Scenic Area, including Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, the Bailong Elevator, scheduled cableways, and required scenic-area shuttle transportation.

- Yu Garden; Nanjing Road; the Bund; and a Huangpu River cruise with views of the Bund and Pudong skyline.

Note: Cruise itineraries and activities may be adjusted due to weather, scheduled maintenance, navigation requirements, or other operational considerations. The cruise company will arrange suitable alternatives where necessary.

- International flights and airport taxes

- Visa fees (if applicable)

- Meals not specified in the itinerary

- Personal expenses such as souvenirs, snacks, and alcoholic beverages; optional activities arranged on request; and any costs not listed as included

- Travel insurance (highly recommended)

- Single room supplement

- Gratuities for the guide and driver

1. This tour requires a minimum of four guests to operate. If your party has fewer than four guests, more than eight guests, or if you are traveling solo, please contact us to discuss available options. Early booking is recommended, as space may be limited.

2. Please note that this itinerary serves as a sample. The order and locations of planned events may change due to factors such as flight arrival times, road and weather conditions, as well as our desire to tailor the tour to your abilities and interests. Your guide will provide daily updates to keep you informed. Our priority is to ensure that everyone enjoys a safe adventure, creating cherished memories and an unforgettable experience!

3. Accommodations on this journey are selected for overall comfort, location, facilities, service level, character, and suitability for the itinerary rather than star rating alone. Hotel ratings and guest expectations may vary between local and international platforms, so listed properties are intended as a guide to the standard and style of accommodation provided. If a listed property is unavailable, it may be replaced with a similar-standard accommodation, including selected feature stays where noted.

4. Age Requirements: Travelers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or authorized adult who is responsible for their supervision and well-being throughout the journey. All travelers should be able to participate safely and comfortably in the planned itinerary.

We understand that travel plans can change. Our cancellation policy is designed to be as fair and transparent as possible.

- More than 60 days before departure: 80% refund of the total trip cost; a 20% cancellation fee applies.

-59 to 35 days before departure: 50% refund of the total trip cost; a 50% cancellation fee applies.

-Within 34 days of departure: No refund can be issued; a 100% cancellation fee applies.

Cancellation requests must be received in writing. We recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to help protect your trip investment in the event of unforeseen circumstances.