China's Cities & Cruise

Uncover the mysteries of Beijing, including the world’s largest city square, Tiananmen, and the vast Forbidden City. Between 1420 and 1924 the Forbidden City was home to 24 emperors, who lived with their staff in its 8706 rooms. Later, take a look around the Temple of Heaven and watch in wonder at the stunts at a Chinese acrobat show. The next day, head to the most intact section of the Great Wall of China at Badaling, made of stones and bricks, and visit the preserved mausoleums of 13 emperors at the Ming tombs. On the way back to the city, look out for the Bird’s Nest stadium, icon of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. Spend the evening dining on deliciously succulent Beijing roast duck at the famous Quanjude Roast Duck restaurant.

Fly to ultra modern Chongqing, famous for its super spicy Sichuan hotpots, and board your Yangtze River cruise. Sail through the majestic mountain scenery of the Three Gorges, deep, river-cut channels filled with the fast flowing water of the Yangtze. Stop off along the river to visit various points of interest such as the Ghost City of Fengdu and the towering peaks of the Three Gorges themselves, including Qutang, the shortest. Also visit the Little Three Gorges, a beautiful area of steep cliffs. While you’re here, visit the controversial Three Gorges Dam, and marvel at the sheer size of the project.

Disembark your cruise in Yichang and fly on to Shanghai. Super modern Shanghai is filled with modern shops and bars, as well as restaurants selling sizzling Cantonese food, but still maintains its traditional roots in the backstreets and markets. The Bund is perhaps the most famous street here, best wandered in the evening when the lights illuminate the skyline and the atmosphere charges. Try going up the Jin Mao Tower for fabulous views if the smog is behaving. While in Shanghai, embark on a day trip to the 400-year-old water town of Zhujiajiao, filled with pretty bridges, including a 5-arch bridge, and traditional houses.

Head to the bright lights and towering skyscrapers of Hong Kong. There’s enough to keep you entertained in Hong Kong for weeks – take a walk along Tsim Sha Tsui to see the skyline in all its glory, check out the temples, head up Victoria Peak and of course shop ’til you drop in the many malls. At night, cruise the beautiful harbour and watch the lights come out to play while tucking into a delicious dinner, Hong Kong style. Sail across the Pearl Estuary to the former Portuguese colony of Macau, filled with European-style squares, delicious seafood and historic churches and shrines.