A Complete China Route on the Yangtze River

Tour details

EXAMPLE (etc.) HOTELS

SHANGHAI

Pagoda Baixia Hotel 5* etc.

CRUISE

Victoria Jenna Cruise 5* etc.

Yangtze Gold No 3 Cruise 5* etc.

XI’AN

4* Jian Guo Hotel etc.

BEIJING

Howard Johnson Paragon 4* etc.

Participation Requirement

This tour is arranged 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. The 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 that need to be submitted to us

PLEASE, AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION, THESE DOCUMENTS SHOULD BE REQUESTED DIRECTLY FROM OUR GUESTS AND SENT TO US.

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

- A current multilingual criminal record certificate must be obtained (guests with any criminal 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 about 7 days to arrive.

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

Then Ligarba Turizm contacts the travelers one by one and obtains the documents from our guests (including the passport) and applies for the group visa. It takes about 3 weeks to result and the fee is 200 USD per person. The visa fee is paid directly to Ligarba Turizm by the guests.

Travelers applying for a China visa cannot use their passport to travel to another country during the visa application process; their passport will remain at the consulate throughout the application period. After the visa is issued, they may collect it from Ligarba Turizm themselves, or Ligarba Turizm may courier it to our guests.

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

Ordinary Passport                -            Visa required                         

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

Health

Those who take regular medication should bring more medication than they need. Not all medicines may be available. In addition, if you have a serious health problem (heart, blood pressure, diabetes, etc.), it would be useful 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 Times

Istanbul              -          Beijing                  10 hr 15 min

Shanghai             -           Istanbul              10 hr 25 min

Optional Tours & Activities

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

Meals

During periods such as fairs, congresses, concerts, events, sports tournaments, etc., distances of several kilometers may be involved. It may be possible to provide accommodation for 3 people, but the bed provided to the 3rd person may be smaller than standard beds. A triple room consists of 1 large bed and 1 extra bed. Extra beds, including foldaway and rollaway beds, are accepted as such for 3rd person and/or child reservations where local conditions may cause frequent dissatisfaction with the bed type. Child discounts apply only to one (1) child staying with 2 adults and meeting the age groups specified in the care section. Breakfasts included in the tour program are generally served as continental breakfast, with a limited menu consisting of pastries, bread, tea or coffee, according to the breakfast fee, and may be served in a separate room divided into sections for groups.

Currency

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

You may want to bring T-shirts that are easy to put on and take off, short- and long-sleeved shirts, various cotton trousers, comfortable walking shoes, and items suitable for daytime and evening use. In addition, you may also want to bring an umbrella, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, earplugs against possible noise, a camera, video camera, and their chargers and spare memory cards. Although climates in China, which has a very large surface area, vary significantly by region, it is generally possible to say that it is a country with four seasons. Summers in the country are extremely humid, so temperatures are felt more intensely. Spring and autumn are mild.

Food Culture

Chinese geography has a very rich cuisine that reflects regional differences. Peking Duck, dumplings prepared in different ways and eaten with sauces, and sweet mustard sauces are features of the country’s cuisine. We would like to 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 every product you are looking for across a very wide range.

Important Notes

Having a passport and/or obtaining a visa (that is, for the required destination/passport) does not mean that entry into the country will be granted. Border police have the authority to deny you entry. Papua Tur is not responsible for this situation; responsibility belongs to the passenger. Papua Tur is an intermediary between the airline and the passenger and is subject to the Hague Protocol dated 28.09.1955. There may be a risk of delay on scheduled and special flights, or the pre-trip and pre-flight times may change. Papua Tur ensures that this software is reported as soon as possible. Our passengers have purchased the tour accepting that flight details may change. Passengers aged 0-2 do not pay for seat allocation and service fees. The panoramic city tours included in the tour package are organized for general introduction of the cities and are carried out panoramically from inside the vehicle with guide commentary; entry to sites is not included, and they are tours lasting a maximum of 2-3 hours. Panoramic tours, including other tours specified in the program, are not the responsibility of Papua Tur if, on the day and at the place of the tour, local authorities do not permit sightseeing or entry, or if roads are closed due to any incident, or if the tour becomes impossible due to weather conditions. Some tours may be conducted by public transport or on foot at points where roads are closed or vehicle entry is not allowed.

What's included
  • Round-trip economy class plane ticket with Turkish Airlines on the Istanbul (IST) – Beijing (PEK) // Shanghai (PVG) – Istanbul (IST) routes
  • Airport taxes
  • 2 nights in Beijing and 1 night in Xi’an with bed-and-breakfast accommodation at 4-star hotels
  • 3 nights in Shanghai with bed-and-breakfast accommodation at a 5-star hotel
  • 3 nights on the Yangtze River with all meals included on a 5-star Cruise ship
  • Shanghai Tour
  • Chongqing Tour
  • High-speed train ticket and taxes between Beijing and Xi’an
  • Flight and airport taxes on scheduled local airline service between Xi’an and Chongqing
  • Flight and airport taxes on scheduled local airline service between Yichang and Shanghai
  • Transfers between Airport – Hotel – Airport
  • All transfers required for the program
  • Professional Turkish-speaking guiding and assistant services
  • Hotel and tourist city taxes
  • Travel and health insurance (surcharge applies for those over 65 years old)
Not included
  • Fees for personal and official items such as the overseas exit fee stamp, visa, etc.
  • All kinds of personal expenses and hotel extras
  • All services not explicitly stated in the program and included services
  • Museum and historical site entrance fees not explicitly stated as “visited” in the program
  • Optional tours and activities, if any, in the program
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages taken during included meals, if any, in the program
  • Domestic connecting flights and domestic transportation fees
  • Driver tips and gratuities are excluded
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 - Tiananmen Square - Forbidden City - Temple of Heaven - Beijing
Upon our arrival in Beijing early in the morning, we will meet our private vehicle waiting for us and have breakfast at a local restaurant before transferring to our hotel. Then you will have free time (the hotel will be reached early in the morning; check-in time is 14:00. Those who do not wish to wait for check-in may leave their luggage and explore the city). Our guests who wish may join the optional Lunch Included Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven Tour (140 USD), which will be organized by our guide. Our first stop is Tiananmen Square, one of the largest city squares in the world and one of China’s most important symbolic areas politically and historically. Among the sites we will see panoramically in the square are the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, the monumental structure where the remains of Mao Zedong, the founder of the People’s Republic of China, are displayed; the Great Hall of the People, the monumental state building that hosts the meetings of the National People’s Congress; and the National Museum of China, located on the eastern side of Tiananmen Square and one of the world’s largest museums, showcasing China’s thousands of years of history. Next, we will visit the Forbidden City, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was used as the palace of Chinese emperors for nearly 500 years during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is one of the world’s largest and best-preserved palace complexes. Surrounded by high red walls and golden roofs, this massive complex was the center of the imperial era and was called the “Forbidden City” because ordinary people were forbidden from entering for centuries. We will have the opportunity to visit this structure, which contains hundreds of palace halls, courtyards, and an imperial garden. After our visit to the Forbidden City, we will proceed to the Temple of Heaven, also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important religious complexes where emperors prayed for good harvests and heavenly blessings during past dynasties. The temple is considered one of the finest examples of Chinese architecture. Surrounded by a large park area and ceremonial structures, this sacred site was one of the most important centers where Chinese imperial rituals were performed. After the tour, transfer to the hotel. Overnight at our hotel.
Beijing – Great Wall – Summer Palace – Beijing
After breakfast at the hotel, you will have free time. Those who wish may join the optional Great Wall & Summer Palace Tour with Lunch (110 USD), organized by our guide. The first stop of our tour will be the Great Wall, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and whose construction began in 220 BC to prevent invasions from the north by the Central Asian Turks. After visiting the wall, we will have lunch and then visit the magnificent Summer Palace on the shores of Kunming Lake. The Summer Palace is the best-preserved imperial garden and palace complex in China, located in the northwest of Beijing. Its history dates back to the Jin Dynasty in the 12th century, but its present form was shaped during the Qing Dynasty in the 18th century under Emperor Qianlong. The emperor had it built to escape the crowded atmosphere of the main palace and relax in nature. The palace was damaged during the Second Opium War in 1860 and later restored by Cixi with funds allocated from the state navy budget. Although it is known as a controversial anecdote, the palace’s current elegance is the result of the detailed restorations carried out at that time. Afterwards, we will view the Beijing Olympic Stadium, which resembles a bird’s nest, from the outside. We will have lunch at a local restaurant during the tour. Then transfer to the hotel. Overnight at our hotel.
Beijing – Xi'an – Terra Cotta Museum – Xi'an
After breakfast at the hotel in Sabah, we transfer to Xi’an by high-speed train. Upon arrival, we transfer to the hotel for rest and free time. Guests who wish may join the optional Lunch Included Terra Cotta Museum Tour (100 USD), organized by our guide. We will visit the “Underground Army of Statues” museum, known as the Terra Cotta Warriors, one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, created to protect the tomb of China’s First Emperor, Shi Huang. Discovered by chance in 1974 by a farmer, this army is home to 8,000 “terra cotta” or “baked clay” soldiers, each with a different facial expression and posture. These figures were prepared as a “spirit army,” believed to protect the emperor even after his death. During our visit, we will have the opportunity to see the emperor’s power and the level of craftsmanship of his era. After the tour, we return to Xi’an. We will have lunch at a local restaurant during the tour. At the end of the tour, we transfer to the hotel to rest. Overnight at our hotel. Depending on train availability, the journey may be carried out by plane.
Xi’an – Chongqing – Cruise
After breakfast at the hotel in the morning, 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 touristic areas, known for its multi-story traditional Chinese-style buildings built on a cliff, its restaurants, and illuminated night view; Ciqikou Ancient Village, one of the best-preserved historic settlements with its 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 and one of the city’s administrative and cultural centers, with its large square, park area, and surrounding historic buildings. After the tour, we will transfer to our ship and complete our check-in procedures. Overnight on the ship.
Cruise – Fengdu (Ghost City) – Cruise
After breakfast on the ship, free time. If you wish, you can join the Tai Chi exercises organized on board. Our guests who wish may participate in the optional Ghost City Fengdu Tour (130 USD), organized by our guide. We will visit Fengdu Ghost City, known in Chinese mythology as the “City of the Dead” and located on the banks of the Yangtze River, with a history of approximately 2,000 years. According to legend, this mystical area, considered a gateway to the world of spirits, is home to temples shaped by Buddhist and Taoist teachings, giant statues, and eerie demon figures. During our visit, we will have the opportunity to see places such as the Bridge of Helplessness, where spirits are believed to be judged. After our tour, we return to the ship. Then free time and continue sailing on the Yangtze River. In the evening, guests who wish may join the optional Three Kingdoms Story Show (100 USD). In this unforgettable performance, we will watch the “Romance of the Three Kingdoms,” one of the most important epics in Chinese history. In this show, staged with traditional costumes, impressive scenery, and captivating performances, we will witness a world full of heroism, loyalty, and struggle. Then return to the ship. Lunch, dinner, and overnight on board.
Cruise – White Emperor City – Three Gorges Dam (Qutang & Wu Gorge) – Cruise
After breakfast on board, free time. If you wish, you can join the Tai Chi exercises organized on the ship. Guests who wish can join the optional White Emperor City Tour (100 USD) organized by our guide. This historic site, where Liu Bei, the legendary leader of the Three Kingdoms period, entrusted his will to his loyal general Zhuge Liang, has inspired poets for centuries with its unique scenery and temples perched on steep slopes. During our visit, we will also have the chance to see the famous view featured on the back of the 10 Yuan banknote. After the tour, we will return to the ship and continue cruising on the Yangtze River. During our cruise, we will be able to see the Three Gorges Dam, one of the world’s largest hydroelectric power plants and engineering marvels. First, we will pass through Qutang Gorge, the narrowest and most majestic of the Three Gorges. Then, passing through Wu Gorge, located among misty mountains, we will continue on to see the Three Gorges Dam. Lunch, dinner, and overnight on board. ** Depending on weather conditions on the river, White Emperor City may be replaced with another tour.
Cruise – Yichang – Shanghai – Zhujiajiao – Shanghai
After breakfast on board, we disembark from the ship and transfer by our waiting vehicle to Yichang Airport. After arrival, following baggage and ticket procedures, we depart for Shanghai on our scheduled domestic flight. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and free time. Guests who wish may join the optional Zhujiajiao Water Town Boat Tour with Dinner (85 USD), organized by our guide. On this tour, we will visit Zhujiajiao by boat, known as Shanghai’s “Water Town” and referred to as “the Venice of China.” Zhujiajiao has preserved its historic and ancient atmosphere from the Ming and Qing dynasties, away from the shadow of modern skyscrapers. This historic town is known for its labyrinth-like waterways, stone bridges, and traditional courtyard houses lined along the riverbank. We will have our dinner at a local restaurant during the tour. Afterwards, transfer to the hotel. Overnight at our hotel.
Shanghai – Jade Buddha Temple – Yu Garden – Shanghai
After breakfast at the hotel in the morning, free time. Those who wish may join the optional Jade Buddha Temple & Yu Garden Tour with Lunch (Including Tea Ceremony) (100 USD), organized by our guide. Our first stop on the tour is Yu Garden. A traditional Chinese garden from the Ming Dynasty, Yu Garden reflects traditional Chinese architecture with its pond, stone bridge, and pavilions. After visiting Yu Garden, we will have the opportunity to participate in the Tea Ceremony, where we will delve deeper into Chinese culture in another setting. Then we will visit the Jade Buddha Temple, located in the heart of Shanghai and considered one of the holiest Buddhist sites in China. Built in 1882 to house two magnificent Buddhist statues brought from Myanmar, this temple bears the most elegant details of classical Song Dynasty architecture. During our visit, we will have the opportunity to see the world-famous Sitting Buddha and Reclining Buddha statues, carved from a single piece of white jade and adorned with precious stones, symbolizing inner peace. Our lunch will be taken at a local restaurant during the tour. After the tour, transfer to the hotel and free time. Overnight at our hotel.
Shanghai
After breakfast at the hotel, we set off for the Shanghai tour. Our first stop will be the French Concession area, known for its narrow streets lined with sycamore trees and European-style villas. Here, we will explore the district that reflects the city’s Western influences. We then visit Xintiandi, one of Shanghai’s chicest attractions, where traditional Shikumen architecture comes to life with modern restaurants and galleries. We continue our tour to Tianzifang, where art studios, boutiques, and hidden cafes are tucked away in its maze-like alleys. Afterward, there will be free time on Nanjing Road, one of the world’s most famous shopping streets. Following the tour, transfer to the hotel. Overnight at our hotel.
Shanghai – Istanbul
After breakfast with packed meals at the hotel in Sabah, we transfer to Shanghai Airport for our flight to Istanbul. After baggage, ticket, and customs procedures, we take Turkish Airlines’ scheduled flight to Istanbul, and our services end.