Xi’an has been home to the capital of 13 kingdoms during the feudal period that occupied China for 2,000 years, and the city itself, named Chang An at that time, reached its utmost prosperity when it was the capital of Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). It is the largest city in Northwest China and has gained its international popularity since the excavation of Terra Cotta Warriors & Horses.

The first stop on today’s itinerary is Terra Cotta Warriors & Horses, acclaimed as the biggest archeological find of 20th Century worldwide. It represents the supreme level of funerary art throughout the ancient civilization in China as well as in the world. Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, ordered the building of his mausoleum to be started as soon as he ascended the throne, in the year 246 BC. The project eventually involved 700,000 workers and the warriors, chariots and horses made of terra cotta was designed, moulded and fired to its original sizes, and finally buried with the emperor to protect him in his afterlife.

Then you will head back downtown and explore the lively Muslim neighborhoods in the afternoon. The history of this Muslim quarter in Xi’an dates back to Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), when Muslim merchants came and aggregated in Chang An via Silk Road. This enclave has been constantly expanded during the successive dynasties and half of the Muslim population in Xi’an currently resides here. This is one of the busiest places in Xi’an due to numerous food stands lining along the two sides of the roads within the enclave and the unique culture nurtured by its history.

The inner city of Xi’an is completely walled and the wall, known as Xi’an City Wall, stretches over a total length of 14 kilometers in rectangular shape. The wall was first built in the early years of Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644 AD) to mainly serve the purposes of military defense and food storage. The wall fulfilled its function as the local residents took shelter there during the Second World War, when the Japanese carried out air bombings from 1937 to 1940. Having been refurbished and maintained from time to time within hundreds of years, the wall comes to its present existence. Along the top of the wall is a walkway paved with stones and bricks. As you walk on it, you can take in sight of various views of the city. The bicycle rental service is available on the wall and it offers another option of visiting the wall.

Your second stop today and the final place to visit in this ancient capital is Big Wild Goose Pagoda. It was built in 652 during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) to hold sutras and figurines of the Buddha that were brought to China from India by the Buddhist translator and traveler Xuanzang. It represents the introduction of Buddhist architecture and culture into China from India and integration into Chinese civilization.

You will spend a leisure afternoon at Tangbo Art Museum, where you can browse the works of traditional folk arts, ancient paintings displayed as well as the exhibition of contemporary artists held periodically. You will attend a lecture about Chinese calligraphy and create your own masterpiece there.

At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to the airport to catch an afternoon flight to Chongqing. Upon arrival, you need to pick up your check-in luggage and proceed to the exit to find your guide, who is waiting there to transfer you to the pier to board the 3-night Yangtze River Cruise. Settle into your cabin as the ship sails downstream to the stunning Three Gorges region.

Start your morning with traditional Chinese exercise and work up an appetite for the buffet breakfast. Then, disembark and enjoy a shore excursion to Shibao Pagoda, where you take in local life on a visit to a village relocated to make way for the Three Gorges Dam Project. Meet with a local family, visit a kindergarten and enjoy a kaleidoscope of sights at the farmers market. This afternoon, learn about Chinese traditional medicine and reflexology and/or do another optional shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City at your own expense.

Early this morning, the ship navigates the Qutang and Wu Gorges before anchoring at Badong, where you board a ferry and travel up the Shennong Stream. Transfer to a 'pea pod' boats poled by Tujia boatmen to view the scenic Bamboo Gorge. The Tujia are members of a local minority culture famed for their boat-building skills and keen knowledge of the Yangtze. Return to the ship by ferryboat, accompanied by a Tujia boat tracker who shares insights into his daily life. Tonight, savour a 'Taste of China' dinner, followed by onboard entertainment.

Arrive at the Three Gorges Project Dam Site and Exhibition Center to learn the history of the world's largest dam, including the story of the resettlement of the 1.2 million residents of the cities submerged behind the 400-foot-tall engineering marvel.

Disembark in Yichang around midday, transfer to the train station / airport for next destination.