5-star and 4-star Hotels on the Yangtze River in China, etc.

24 September 2026 – 4 October 2026 | 10 Nights, 11 Days

What's included

Türkish Airlines round-trip economy class airfare on the Istanbul (IST) – Beijing (PEK) // Shanghai (PVG) – Istanbul (IST) routes
Airport taxes
2 nights in Beijing, 1 night in Xi’An, 3 nights in Shanghai in 4-star hotels with bed and breakfast accommodation
3 nights accommodation on a 5-star Cruise Ship with All Meals Included
High-speed train ticket and taxes between Beijing - Xi’An
Flight and airport taxes on scheduled local airlines between Xi’An - Chongqing
Flight and airport taxes on scheduled local airlines between Yichang – Shanghai
Chongqing Tour
Shanghai Excursion
Panoramic Beijing Tour
Transfers between Airport - Hotel - Airport
All transfers required for the program
Professional Turkish-speaking guide and assistant services
Hotel and tourist city taxes
Travel and health insurance (a surcharge applies for those over 65 years of age)

Not included

Overseas departure tax stamp
Lunches and dinners not specified in the program
China Visa
Optional Tours
Personal Expenses
Driver tips and gratuities are excluded.

SAMPLE (etc.) HOTELS

SHANGHAI

4* Starr Hotel etc.

CRUISE

Victoria Jenna Cruise 5* etc.

XI’AN

4* Jian Guo Hotel etc.

BEIJING

Howard Johnson Paragon 4* etc.

Participation Requirement

This tour is organized with a minimum participation requirement of 30 people. If sufficient participation is not achieved, the final cancellation notice date is 20 days before the tour start date. Any tour canceled due to insufficient participation will be notified to you through your agency.

Visa

PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

Our VISA PROCEDURE regarding our CHINA tours is as follows.

Documents to be submitted to us

AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION, PLEASE REQUEST THEM DIRECTLY FROM OUR GUESTS AND FORWARD THEM TO US.

- Travelers must scan and send us a full-page copy of their passport. There should be no glare, reflection, or cut-off edges, etc.

- An up-to-date multilingual criminal record certificate must be obtained. (Guests with any record cannot obtain a China visa.)

After these 2 documents are delivered to us, we request an invitation letter from our local agency in China. It takes approximately 7 days to arrive.

After the invitation letter reaches us, we forward the traveler’s passport, criminal record certificate, invitation text, and several documents relevant to us, together with the traveler’s contact information, to Ligarba Tourism.

Then Ligarba Tourism contacts the passengers one by one and obtains the documents from our guests. (Including the passport) and applies for a group visa. It takes approximately 3 weeks to be finalized and costs 200 USD per person. Visa payment is made directly to Ligarba Tourism by the guests.

Travelers who will apply for a China visa cannot use their passport to travel to another country during the visa application process; their passports will remain at the consulate during the application period. Once the visa is finalized, they may collect it from Ligarba Tourism themselves, or Ligarba Tourism may send it to our guests by courier.

We need to begin procedures up to 65 days before the tour departure; otherwise, visas may be at risk.

Ordinary Passport - Visa required

People's Republic of China; holders of Ordinary Passports (Burgundy Passports) are subject to a visa. Holders of Special Passports (Green Passports), Service Passports, and Diplomatic Passports are exempt from a visa for trips with a stay of up to 30 days without obtaining a China visa.

Health

Those who use regular medication should bring more medication than they need. Not all medicines may be available. In addition, if you have a serious health issue (heart, blood pressure, diabetes, etc.), it is advisable to carry a signed document with you. We also recommend that you do not drink tap water and that you drink bottled water that you open yourself for the first time.

Flight Durations

Istanbul - Beijing 10 h 30 min

Shanghai - Istanbul 10 h 25 min

Optional Tours & Activities

Optional tours and activities are organized by the local agency at the service center with a minimum request of 10 people, and participation is not guaranteed. If sufficient participation is not achieved, the excursions may not be carried out, or the price, content, or means of transport of a tour/activity may vary. In addition, the dates and times of annual tours/activities may be changed by the guide depending on the opening/closing status of museums, archaeological sites, or venues at the destination, and on weather conditions.

Meal

During periods such as fairs, congresses, concerts, events, sports tournaments, etc., there may be distances exceeding km. It may be possible to accommodate 3 people in a room, but the bed provided for the 3rd person may be smaller than standard beds. A triple room consists of 1 large bed and 1 extra bed. Extra beds are foldable beds or rollaway beds; for 3rd person and/or child reservations, the frequent local congestion and the accepted bed type are deemed to have been declared. Child discounts are valid only for one (1) child staying with 2 adults and meeting the age groups specified in the conditions. Breakfasts included in the tour program services are typically served in line with the breakfast fee provided and are generally a continental breakfast with a limited menu consisting of eggs, bread, tea, or coffee, and may be served in a separate hall allocated for groups.

Currency

The currency of the People's Republic of China is the Yuan. It is recommended that you bring USD and denominations of it with you.

Time Zone

There is a 5-hour difference between Turkey and China. When it is 12:00 in Turkey, it is 17:00 in China.

Clothing and Necessary Items

We recommend bringing T-shirts that you can easily put on and take off, short- and long-sleeved shirts, various cotton trousers, and comfortable clothing for walking activities and evenings. In addition, you may also bring an umbrella, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, earplugs against possible noise, a camera, video cameras and their chargers, and spare memory cards. Although China, with its very large land area, shows climatic differences by region, it can generally be said to be a country with four seasons. Summers in the country are extremely humid, so temperatures are felt more intensely. Spring and autumn, on the other hand, are mild.

Culinary Culture

Chinese cuisine is an extremely rich cuisine reflecting the regional diversity of the geography. Peking duck, dumplings prepared with various fillings and eaten with sauces, and sweet mustard sauces are characteristic of the country’s cuisine. We remind you that it is a cuisine different from Turkish cuisine.

Shopping

China is a true shopping paradise. From electronics to textiles, you can find almost any product you are looking for across a very wide range.

Important Notes

Having a passport and/or obtaining a visa (i.e., for the required destination/passport) does not mean that entry into the country is guaranteed. The passport police have the authority to allow you into the country. Papua Tur is not responsible for this situation; responsibility lies with the passenger. Papua Tur is an intermediary company between the airline and the passenger and is subject to the Hague Protocol of 28.09.1955. There may be a risk of delays on scheduled and private flights, or the current trip and pre-flight times may change. Papua Tur ensures that this information is reported as soon as possible. Our passengers have purchased the tour acknowledging that flight details may change. Passengers aged 0-2 do not pay for seat allocation and on-site services. Panoramic city tours included in the tour package are tours organized to introduce the cities in general and conducted panoramically with guide commentary from inside the vehicle, with archaeological site entrances lasting no more than 2-3 hours. Panoramic tours, including the other tours specified in the program, if on the day and place of the tour the local authorities do not allow visits or entry, or if there are closed roads due to any incident, and when the tour becomes impossible due to weather conditions, Papua Tur is not responsible for carrying out the mentioned tours. Some tours may be conducted using public transportation or on foot at points where roads are closed or vehicle entry is not permitted.

Tour Program

Istanbul - Beijing

We meet at Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal and, after ticketing, baggage, and boarding procedures, we depart for Beijing on a scheduled Turkish Airlines flight. We will spend the night on the plane.

Beijing - Forbidden City - Temple of Heaven - Beijing

After arriving in Beijing early in the morning, we will meet our private vehicle and depart for a Panoramic Beijing Tour. This tour includes Tiananmen Square, one of the world's largest city squares and one of China's most significant political and historical landmarks; the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, an imposing structure within the square where the late founder of the People's Republic of China is displayed; the Great Hall of the People, the monumental state building that hosts sessions of the National People's Congress; and the National Museum of China, located on the eastern side of Tiananmen Square, which is among the world's largest museums showcasing thousands of years of Chinese history. Following this, we will proceed to the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven Tour with lunch included. Our first stop is the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as the imperial palace of Chinese emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties for nearly 500 years. As one of the largest and best-preserved palace complexes in the world, it is surrounded by towering red walls and golden-tiled roofs. Once the center of imperial power, access was strictly forbidden to ordinary citizens for centuries, hence its name "Forbidden City." We will have the opportunity to explore its hundreds of palace halls, courtyards, and imperial gardens. After visiting the Forbidden City, we will head to the Temple of Heaven, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important religious complexes where emperors prayed for good harvests and celestial blessings during past dynastic eras. Regarded as one of the finest examples of Chinese architecture, this sacred site is encircled by expansive parklands and ceremonial structures, having once been a central venue for imperial rituals. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant during the tour. Afterward, we will transfer to our hotel. Overnight stay at a Beijing hotel.

Beijing - Great Wall - Summer Palace - Beijing

After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart for the Great Wall and Summer Palace tour, which includes lunch. Our first stop will be the Great Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site originally constructed in 220 BCE to defend against northern invasions by Central Asian Turkic tribes. Following our visit, we will enjoy lunch and then explore the magnificent Summer Palace located on the shores of Kunming Lake. Situated in northwest Beijing, the Summer Palace is China's best-preserved imperial garden and palace complex. Its history dates back to the Jin Dynasty in the 12th century, though its current form was shaped during the Qing Dynasty under Emperor Qianlong in the 18th century. The emperor commissioned this retreat as an escape from the stifling atmosphere of the main palace, offering a place to relax amidst nature. The palace suffered damage during the Second Opium War in 1860 but was later restored using funds diverted from the navy budget by Empress Dowager Cixi. Although controversial, the palace's present elegance is the result of these meticulous restoration efforts. Next, we will view the Bird's Nest, Beijing's Olympic Stadium, from the outside. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant during the tour. Afterward, we will transfer back to the hotel. Overnight stay at a Beijing hotel.

Peking - Terra Cotta Museum - Xi'an

After the breakfast we will have at the hotel, we transfer to Xi'an by high-speed train. Upon arrival, we transfer to the hotel and then depart for the Terra Cotta Museum Tour with lunch. We will visit the "Underground Army of Statues," known as the Terra Cotta Warriors, which is one of the most important archaeological excavations discovered in the 20th century, built to protect the tomb of China's first emperor, Shi Huang. This army, accidentally discovered in 1974 by a farmer, houses 8,000 "Terra Cotta" or "Baked Earth" soldiers, each with a different facial expression and posture. These statues were prepared as a "spirit army," believed to protect the emperor even after his death. During our visit, we will have the opportunity to witness the emperor's power and the level of craftsmanship of that era. After our tour, we return to Xi'an. We will have our lunch at a local restaurant during the tour. At the end of the tour, we transfer to the hotel to rest. Overnight stay at the Xi'an hotel.
**Depending on train availability, the train journey may be replaced by a flight.**

Xi'an - Chongqing - Victoria Cruise

After the breakfast provided at the hotel, we will transfer to Xi'an Airport for our flight to Chongqing. Upon arrival, we will take a short tour of Chongqing. Among the places we will visit are Hongya Cave, one of the city's most famous and touristy areas, featuring multi-story structures in traditional Chinese architecture built on a cliff edge, restaurants, and illuminated night views; Ci Qi Kou Ancient Village, one of the best-preserved historical settlements with narrow stone streets from the Ming and Qing dynasties, traditional houses, and local markets; and People's Square, one of Chongqing's most important public spaces, serving as an administrative and cultural hub with its expansive square, park areas, and historic buildings surrounding it. After our tour, we will transfer back to our ship and complete check-in procedures. Dinner and overnight stay will be on board.
** Depending on airline availability, the flight journey may be replaced by train travel.

Cruise - Fengdu (Ghost City) - Cruise

After breakfast on board, you will have free time. If you wish, you can join the Tai Chi exercises organized on the ship. Following the free time, we will depart for a tour of Fengdu Ghost City. Known in Chinese mythology as the "City of the Dead," this approximately 2,000-year-old site is located along the Yangtze River. We will explore this mystical region, which is believed to be the gateway to the afterlife and features temples shaped by Buddhist and Taoist teachings, colossal statues, and eerie demon figures. During our visit, we will have the opportunity to see places such as the Bridge of Despair, where souls are said to be judged. After the tour, we will return to the ship. The day continues with free time and cruising along the Yangtze River. Lunch, dinner, and overnight accommodation will be on board.

Cruise - White Emperor City - Three Gorges Dam (Qutang & Wu Gorge) - Cruise

We are setting sail for the White Emperor City tour, where breakfast will be served on board. This historic site is renowned for its breathtaking views that have inspired poets for centuries and its temples perched on steep slopes; it is here that Liu Bei, the legendary leader of the Three Kingdoms period, left his final testament to his loyal general, Zhuge Liang. During our visit, we will have the opportunity to see the famous scenery depicted on the back of the 10 Yuan banknote. After the tour, we will return to the ship and continue our cruise along the Yangtze River. Along the way, we will pass by the Three Gorges Dam, one of the world's largest hydroelectric power stations and a marvel of engineering. First, we will navigate through Qutang Gorge, the narrowest and most majestic of the Three Gorges. Next, we will proceed through Wu Gorge, nestled among misty mountains, before reaching the Three Gorges Dam. Lunch, dinner, and overnight accommodation will all be aboard the ship.

Cruise - Yichang - Shanghai - Zhujiajiao - Shanghai

After breakfast on board the ship in the morning, we disembark and transfer to Yichang Airport with our waiting vehicle. Upon arrival, after completing baggage and ticket procedures, we depart for Shanghai on a scheduled local airline flight. Following our arrival, we transfer to the hotel and have free time. Overnight stay at a Shanghai hotel.

Shanghai - Jade Buddha Temple - Yu Garden - Shanghai

After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart for the Jade Buddha Temple & Yu Garden Tour (including a Tea Ceremony) with lunch. Our first stop is Yu Garden, a traditional Chinese garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty, which reflects classic Chinese architecture through its ponds, stone bridges, and pavilions. While exploring Yu Garden, we will also have the opportunity to participate in a Tea Ceremony that offers a deeper insight into Chinese culture. Next, we will visit the Jade Buddha Temple, located in the heart of Shanghai and considered one of China's most sacred Buddhist sites. Built to house two magnificent Buddhist statues brought from Myanmar in 1882, this temple showcases the most elegant details of classical Song Dynasty architecture. During our visit, we will see the world-famous seated and reclining Buddha statues, carved from a single piece of white jade and adorned with precious stones, symbolizing inner peace. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant during the tour. Afterward, we will transfer back to the hotel and enjoy free time. Overnight stay at a Shanghai hotel.

Shanghai

After breakfast at our hotel, we set off for our Shanghai tour. Our first stop will be the French Concession area, known for its narrow streets lined with plane trees and its European-style villas. Here, we will tour the district that bears the city’s western traces. Next, we will visit Xintiandi, one of Shanghai’s most elegant attractions, where traditional “Shikumen” architecture comes to life with modern restaurants and galleries. We then continue our tour to the Tianzifang area, where art studios, boutiques, and hidden cafés are tucked away in its maze-like side streets. Afterwards, there will be free time on Nanjing Road, one of the world’s most famous shopping streets. After the tour, transfer to the hotel. Accommodation at the Shanghai hotel.

Shanghai - Istanbul

After breakfast with our packed lunch at the hotel, we transfer to Shanghai Airport for our flight to Istanbul. After baggage, ticket, and customs procedures, we board our scheduled Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul, and our services conclude.