Shanghai and Chengdu with Yangtze River Cruise Tour

This day is reserved for getting in to the city of Shanghai and no other activities are predicted.

The first stop of this day’s tour is the Shanghai World Financial Centre. This is one of the tallest skyscrapers in the entire world and it also has the tallest observation platform in the world. It is used for various things so there are some offices, a hotel and an apartment area to be seen. After this you will get to see the Yuyuan Garden. This is definitely one of the most beautiful Chinese gardens and it is very close to a lively and busy marketplace where you can shop for souvenirs or try some of the local fast food. Finally, you will get to see The Bund. This is a place that is quite different from the rest of the Shanghai since most of the buildings are made in European style. This was once a major trading centre of Shanghai and nowadays it hosts a number of exclusive shops. You will have your lunch at the local restaurant and that place offers a really spectacular view. Meals: Breakfast and a Chinese lunch

This day is reserved for transportation from Shanghai to Yichang and then further to Yangtze where you will board your ship for the cruise.

--Three Gorges Dam, the largest water conservancy project ever undertaken by man and it has been a dream for several generations of Chinese people. The construction of the dam formally began in 1994. The body of the dam has been completed in 2003, and the whole construction will be competed in 2009. It will be 2,335 meters long, 185 meters high, 18 meters wide on the top and 130 meters wide at the bottom. The tourists can get access to the top of the dam and enjoy different kinds of photo opportunities.

--Shennong Stream is another tributary of the Yangtze River, and its fast-flowing, crystal clear water runs southwards through deep gorges. The stream races past large and small karst caves, flocks of swallows, sheer cliffs, deep gorges, waterfalls, three-colored springs, rapids, the ancient plank path, a suspended coffin in the cliff, groups of ancient tombs and marvelous karst formations.

--Shibaozhai, literally means Stone Treasure Fortress, Located in Zhong County, it was first built in Qing Dynasty in 1750. Shibaozhai is one historic site that will look much different in 2009. The wooden architecture stands on the riverside. It is built by catch upon a rectangular rock with sheer cliffs with a height of 56 meters and 12 stories. And every floor of the wooden structure contains interesting artifacts. Each of the 12 floors of Shibaozhai is dedicated to a famous general of the Three Kingdoms period (220-265AD), a local scholar or a renowned Chinese poet.

- Full day private city tours with lunch to Reed Flute Cave, Fubo Hill Park, Elephant Trunk Hill and Tea Farm.: Full day private city tours with lunch to Reed Flute Cave, Fubo Hill Park, Elephant Trunk Hill and Tea Farm .（lunch is included).
- Reed Flute Cave: Known as "the Palace of Natural Arts" where you can see beautiful stalactites & stalagmites,learn how they are formed.
- Elephant Trunk Hill: Located at the conjunction of the Li River & the Peach Blossom River, the whole hill looks very much like a giant elephant with a long trunk, it is the symbol of Guilin city.
- Fubo Hill: You can see lots of rock stone carvings & Buddha statues since Tang Dynasty. Have a wonderful bird's-eye view of Guilin city if you climb to the summit.

Chengdu Panda Base

The first stop of the day is the Temple of Wu Hou. This is a lovely place dedicated to the memory of the famous Marquis of Wu. He was a famous general of the Three Kingdoms Period and his name was celebrated in famous poem Romance of Three Kingdoms. The complex consists of a temple and a beautiful garden and there is also a tomb of Emperor Liu Bei within the complex. After that, the tour goes to the Jinli Old Street. It was once the economic heart of the kingdoms and it has been fully restored lately so it looks exactly as it once was. There are numerous opportunities for shopping souvenirs and trying local snacks there. The last stop of the day is the Panda Research and Breeding Centre where you will see both lesser and Giant pandas in their almost natural environment. This place is unique and there is not even similar experience available anywhere else. If you wish, you can make a reservation for participating in a special program that will allow you to have a direct contact with those marvellous beasts. The lunch will be served at the local Restaurant and there are two basic options you can have. They prepare excellent fried dishes as well as the hot pot.

Dufu Cottage

This day begins with a visit to the Thatched Cottage of Du Fu. He was a great poet and many consider him the best poet in Chinese history. He lived from 712 to 770 and the five best years he spent in the city of Chengdu on this very spot. People's Park of Chengdu is your next stop and it is a very beautiful place that really has something to offer. There are many rockeries, tea houses and ponds and it looks really beautiful and peaceful. There is also a flower festival that is happening there every autumn and if you are lucky enough to be there at that time, you will be able to enjoy some really spectacular sites. The last stop of the day is the Chunxi Street. It makes quite a contrast to the previous places as it is very lively and very modern looking street with plenty of opportunities for shopping and visiting various stores. Tea House is a traditional custom for Chinese people. Retired people will go to the teahouse and sit there all day long to chat with each other only pay little. You could have a tea in the local tea house to experience the local custom. The lunch will be served at the local restaurant which offers a truly delicious hot pot. Meals: Breakfast and a lunch

This is the day of the departure and no activities are predicted.