Start with a stroll along the Bund, Shanghai’s historic waterfront promenade. On the west bank of the river, you will see colonial-era trading houses; on the east bank, the ultra-modern skyline of Pudong.

Next, take a walk along Nanjing Road—the famous shopping street. If you’re interested, a second visit in the evening (to see the lights) is highly recommended.

A discovery tour through Shanghai’s old town will then give you a glimpse of how the city looked at the end of the Qing Dynasty. Today, this area is home to many souvenir shops and well-known restaurants—plus the famous Yu Garden, a wonderful example of southern Chinese private garden art. Though crowded with tourists, the garden remains a green oasis in the middle of the old town. Next, you will visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center at People’s Square, where you can learn about Shanghai’s history and its planned future development. If this visit is not possible, the Shanghai Museum (featuring selected artifacts from Chinese history) will be offered as an alternative. You will end the day with a bird’s-eye view of Shanghai from the observation deck of the Shanghai Tower.

Shanghai is located near the mouth of the Yangtze River, where it flows into the East China Sea. A comfortable high-speed train ride of just over 7 hours will take you to Yichang today, on the upper reaches of the Yangtze. After watching China slide past you from the comfort of your train seat, your cruise ship will be waiting for you at the port of Yichang. Check into your comfortable, spacious outside cabin and prepare for 4 fascinating, yet relaxing days on China’s longest river.

Accommodation: Century Cruise Paragon (outside cabin for 4 nights’ stay)

In the morning, you will arrive in Chongqing—China’s largest city, with a population of over 30 million—and disembark from your cruise ship. A high-speed train will take you to Xi’an (approximately 5 hours)—one of the most famous cities on the ancient Silk Road and a former capital of China. If time permits, spend the evening taking a first stroll in the old town of this ancient metropolis.

Hotel: Titan Times Hotel or similar (2 nights’ stay)

A final high-speed train ride (approximately 5 hours) will take you to Beijing, China’s capital city. After arriving at the train station, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Hotel: Mercure Beijing Downtown Hotel or similar (3 nights stay)

Your first stop today is Tiananmen Square. It was here that Chairman Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. Today, his mausoleum stands in the center of the square, along with the Monument to the People’s Heroes. Important buildings surround the square, which is regarded as the heart of China. At the northern end of the square stands Tiananmen (the Gate of Heavenly Peace), behind which lies the Forbidden City—enclosed by a red wall. You will visit the official halls in the Outer Court as well as smaller buildings in the former imperial private quarters. The vast, densely built complex is sure to impress. In the afternoon, you will visit the Temple of Heaven, located in the southern part of the city.

Once an exclusive site for emperors to pray for good harvests, its buildings are now open to tourists, and the park is a popular meeting place for locals—who gather here to play cards, sing, or exercise.