Update (Jan. 9 2:30 p.m. PT):  March 7 departure is no longer available.

Explore 10 cities in China -- including Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu and Shanghai -- and cruise the Yangtze River for $2499 per person, including taxes. This 13-night vacation chops $1430 off the cost of piecing the components of this trip together.

See the Great Wall, Xi'an's Terra Cotta Warriors and giant pandas in Chengdu -- home of the famous Sichuan spicy cuisine. 

This comprehensive package includes:

• Roundtrip airfare to China from San Francisco (+$60 from L.A., +$100 from New York City)
• All intra-country flights and transfers
• 3 nights at the 4-star Traders Hotel in Beijing
• 2 nights at the 4.5-star Grand Noble Xi'an
• 1 night at the 4.5-star Chengdu Minshan Hotel
• 3 nights cruising the Yangtze River aboard the Victoria Katarina
• One shore excursion per day while on cruise
• Guided tours and entrance fees to attractions
• Bullet train ride from Chengdu to Chongqing
• 13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 11 dinners

Depart March 7 or Nov. 21, 28. For an additional $100 per person, depart March 21, 28 or Nov. 7, 14.

This package features unique highlights, including a visit to the giant panda breeding center in Chengdu; a full-day excursion to Suzhou, dubbed the "Venice of the East"; a Tang Dynasty stage show and dumpling banquet in Xi'an; and an "Old Beijing" tour by rickshaw -- all of which are usually not included in similar tour packages.

Note: This deal is based on a cash/check discount.