Christmas on the Yangtze & New Year in Hong Kong
This 15-day festive journey takes you through some of China’s most iconic and breathtaking sights at a most magical time of the year.
You’ll get to see showstoppers like the Three Gorges, Hong Kong’s skyline and adorable giant pandas, as well as the misty peaks and towering sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie, enjoying a Christmas celebration on the Yangtze River and ringing in the New Year with celebration and champagne in Hong Kong. The whole experience kicks off in the ultramodern city of Chongqing, where you’ll get a mix of ancient and futuristic as you explore it and its surroundings.
This is a tour for those looking for a Christmas and New Year to remember in one of the world’s most enigmatic nations.
- 21 Dec 2026 – 02 Jan 2027
from $10,780 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
- Days 1-2 – Fly overnight to Chongqing:
Fly overnight to the futuristic city of Chongqing. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. - Day 3 – Discover Chongqing’s Pandas & City:
Today you’ll explore the best of what this fascinating and unique city has to offer. Begin with a visit to one of China’s most beloved icons, the giant panda, then watch metro train pass through a high-rise at the innovative Liziba Intersection. Spend the afternoon relaxing in the naturally heated pools of one of Chongqing’s top hot spring resorts, or explore the bustling Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street. End the day with views of the city as its neon lights come to life. - Day 4 – Dazu Rock Carvings:
Travel to Dazu, home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dazu Rock Carvings. Here, you’ll find thousands of Buddhist, Taoist and Confucianist idols and symbols carved into rock faces over 70 sites. Made between the 9th and 13th centuries, they are some of the best preserved in China. Return to Chongqing and board your Yangtze River cruise, your home for the next three nights. - Days 5-6 – Christmas Eve & Day on the Yangtze:
Celebrate Christmas aboard the Yangtze River over two scenic days. Sail past dramatic gorges and charming riverside villages while enjoying festive meals and holiday cheer with your fellow travellers. Take advantage of enhanced amenities such as morning coffee and tea, a cabin on the upper Bridge deck, nightly turndown service, and access to the Executive Lounge with complimentary soft drinks and a nightly “Happy Hour” of house wine, beer, and soda. Meals include house wine, beer, and diet sodas at lunch and dinner. - Day 7 – Travel to Zhangjiajie National Park:
Disembark in Yichang and travel by road to Zhangjiajie, a scenic area of over 3,000 sandstone pillars, rising from misty folds of subtropical forest. - Day 8 – Discover Zhangjijaie:
Begin the day with a ride in the remarkable Bailong glass elevator. Embedded into a cliff face, the elevator shoots up the mountain side to a towering height of 326 metres in as little as two minutes! Soak up the amazing views of the ‘First Bridge under the Sun’ and Hallelujah Mountain. Continue your exploration at Emperor Mountain and Helong Park, before descending by cable car. - Day 9 – Tianmen Mountain & Glass Bridge:
Soar up the heights of Tianmen Mountain by cable car which, at seven-kilometres, is one of the world’s longest. Atop the mountain, marvel at Tianmen Cave, nicknamed ‘Heaven’s Door’, standing proudly at the top of 999 steep steps and take a thrilling walk along a glass skywalk, aptly named the ‘Walk of Faith’. Later, brace yourself for another exhilarating walk across Zhangjiajie’s Glass Bridge, a glass-bottomed bridge spanning 430-metres over the magnificent Grand Canyon. - Day 10 – Bullet train to Hong Kong:
Drive to Changsha and board a 3-hour bullet train to Hong Kong, the famous skyline growing bigger and more impressive as you approach the city. - Day 11 – Explore Lantau Island:
Discover the charms of Lantau Island, beginning your journey with visits to the renowned Wong Tai Sin Temple and Tin Hau Temple. Next, take a spectacular cable car ride to the Ngong Ping Plateau, home to the majestic Grand Buddha and Po Lin Monastery. Explore the Giant Buddha Exhibition Hall and monastery before enjoying a vegetarian lunch. Conclude your day’s adventure with a scenic cable car ride back to the city. - Day 12 – New Year’s Eve in Hong Kong:
Enjoy a relaxed morning then explore Hong Kong. Begin with a ride on the state-of-the-art 6th-generation Peak Tram to Victoria Peak, soaking in breathtaking views of Hong Kong’s iconic skyline. Continue to the sun-kissed shores of Repulse Bay before heading to Aberdeen Fishing Village, where traditional sampans and houseboats offer a glimpse into the city’s maritime heritage. Later, embark on an evening harbour cruise and watch the night sky come alive with a spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display (please refer to Detailed Tour Itinerary). - Day 13 – New Year’s Day in Hong Kong:
Start the new year with a free leisurely morning. In the afternoon, take a walking tour through Kowloon’s vibrant Tsim Sha Tsui area, exploring the bustling Temple Street markets and lively shops along Nathan Road. Finish the day and the tour with a farewell dinner. - Days 14-15 – Depart Hong Kong:
Depart Hong Kong, arriving home the same or following day.
Highlights
- Explore the misty peaks and sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie.
- Celebrate Christmas on the Yangtze River and New Year’s in Hong Kong.
- Marvel at the Three Gorges, Hong Kong’s skyline, and adorable giant pandas.
This 15-day festive journey takes you through some of China’s most iconic and breathtaking sights at a most magical time of the year.
You’ll get to see showstoppers like the Three Gorges, Hong Kong’s skyline and adorable giant pandas, as well as the misty peaks and towering sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie, enjoying a Christmas celebration on the Yangtze River and ringing in the New Year with celebration and champagne in Hong Kong. The whole experience kicks off in the ultramodern city of Chongqing, where you’ll get a mix of ancient and futuristic as you explore it and its surroundings.
This is a tour for those looking for a Christmas and New Year to remember in one of the world’s most enigmatic nations.
Inclusions
- Adorable giant pandas.
- Unwind in hot springs.
- Christmas on the Yangtze.
- Zhangjiajie’s misty peaks.
- New Years in Hong Kong.
FAQs
- Mercure Hotel Jiefangbei
- Victoria Katarina
- Zhangjiajie Expert Village Sunshine Courtyard Hotel
- Dorsett Wanchai
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 15 days and 12 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 21 Dec 2026 and 02 Jan 2027, subject to live availability.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
What style of accommodation is used?
Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.
Provided by: Wendy Wu ToursFine Print
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