Beijing River Cruises

About Beijing

China’s gargantuan capital is one of the world’s most populous cities, a true tourist mecca and home to well over 21 million people. As well as being a sprawling, modern metropolis, it’s completely in touch with the country’s past too and indeed, the majority of its most iconic and popular attractions date back to the time of China’s empire and its all-powerful dynastic rule. Though it lies far north of the Yangtze River, most voyages in the region include a visit to the city either before your river cruise starts or after it ends, with air transfers to or from Chongqing included on your itinerary. Considering the wealth of landmarks and tourist attractions Beijing boasts, it’s hardly surprising that Mekong River cruises offer you at least two days to explore this incredible city.

Exploring Beijing

The absolute must-see during your river cruise visit to Beijing is, of course, the awesome and iconic Great Wall of China. This 4,000 mile-long UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the world’s most renowned structures and a bucket list experience for many visitors. It doesn’t pass directly through the city, but excursions operate to a number of its different sections, with the Badaling section a popular choice for a number of river cruise lines’ excursions. If you’re exploring on your own though, the Mutianyu section is an excellent option too, as it’s not as tourist-heavy, is fully restored and offers some fantastic views.

The Forbidden City is today known as the Palace Museum, another hugely popular landmark in the city. A 15th-century palace complex, it was the traditional home of successive ruling Emperors or centuries and is spread over 250 acres and boasts over 9,000 different rooms. Owing to its sheer scale, a tour of the city is more like an outdoor museum experience with a wealth of temples, bridges, monuments and other architectural wonders to take in.

Another expansive landmark is the incredible Summer Palace. More than a further architectural treasure, it is, in fact, a huge complex spread over 700 acres. Though it’s always popular with tourists, with all that room, it’s the perfect place for those in search of a little tranquillity, too. There are some stunning gardens and a serene lake, as well as bridges, temples and pavilions to complete the authentic oriental picture. Another popular park is Tiantan, chiefly because it’s the home of China’s largest single religious structure, the Temple of Heaven. This 270-square-acre structure really is a fit for a king, as it’s where emperors-past went to pray.

Beijing Tips

As one of the most populous places in the world, Beijing is always busy, so be mindful of traffic when crossing roads. Haggling’s a way of life in markets so it’s a great opportunity to try out your bartering skills, while Peking Roast Duck is the local speciality dish.

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Iconic Christmas Markets

7 Nights
Sailing Date : 05 Dec 2026
Danube

Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences

Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person

Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025

Was £6094pp

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Christmastime on the Danube (Eastbound)

6 Nights
Sailing Date : 05 Dec 2026
Danube

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Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included

Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard

Was £2888pp

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Christmas Markets on the Rhine

7 Nights
Sailing Date : 05 Dec 2026
Rhine

Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences

Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person

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Was £3068pp

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Flavors of Portugal & Spain

7 Nights
Sailing Date : 05 Dec 2026
Douro

Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences

Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person

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Was £3241pp

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Christmastime from Budapest to Frankfurt

12 Nights
Sailing Date : 06 Dec 2026
Danube

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Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included

Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard

Was £5531pp

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Christmastime from Budapest to Basel

16 Nights
Sailing Date : 06 Dec 2026
Danube

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Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included

Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard

Was £7340pp

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Festive Season on the Blue Danube Discovery

7 Nights
Sailing Date : 06 Dec 2026
Danube

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Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included

Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard

Was £3144pp

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Christmastime in Alsace & Germany (Southbound)

Frankfurt | Speyer | Strasbourg | Breisach | Basel

4 Nights
Sailing Date : 06 Dec 2026
Rhine

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Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included

Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard

Was £2096pp

Cruise Only From £2012pp

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