12 Days China Tour from Chengdu to Zhangjiajie

Today you will take the flight to Chengdu. When arrival, the driver will pick you up from the station and transfer to the hotel check in. The rest of the day you can have a rest at the hotel or enjoy your leisure time in Chengdu on your own.

Today, following breakfast, we'll escort you to the Giant Panda Base, which holds a unique position as the sole panda base in China and stands as Chengdu's top tourist destination. During your visit, you'll have the opportunity to explore the nursery and witness the highly effective breeding program. As you stroll through the bamboo-lined groves and shaded pathways, you'll observe the pandas either resting peacefully or engaging in playful activities.

Then, proceed to Wenshu Temple, the most meticulously preserved Buddhist temple in Chengdu, which stands orientation-wise, facing north and south. Its architectural design epitomizes the ancient charm of the Western Sichuan Plain, predominantly featuring wooden structures and embodying the quintessential architecture of the Qing Dynasty. This Buddhist sanctuary seamlessly blends Zen forest relics, timeless gardens, places of worship, scenic spots, and religious studies, offering a holistic spiritual and visual experience.

After that, we embark on our exploration of this city, beginning at People's Park. Established in 1911, the park has now transformed into a serene haven for locals. Immerse yourself in its delightful scenery and marvel at the diverse flower exhibitions. A visit to Heming Tea House for a cup of tea is an absolute must.

Later, we venture into Jinli Street, a relatively well-preserved ancient street from the Qing Dynasty. Renowned as a famous commercial and cultural pedestrian street in China, Jinli Street offers an array of culinary delights. Here, you can indulge in a myriad of mouthwatering dishes.

* Special arrangement: Afternoon tea at Heming Tea House

* Optional: Sichuan Opera Face Changing Performance

After a satisfying morning breakfast, we will venture to the Sanxingdui Museum, a multifaceted institution dedicated to cultural relic preservation and protection, academic research, and social education. It employs advanced scientific management techniques and houses an extensive collection of over a thousand precious artifacts, including bronzes, jades, gold objects, pottery, bones, and more, all excavated from the Sanxingdui archaeological site and the first and second Shang Dynasty sacrificial pits. These cultural relics constitute a treasure trove of human heritage, ranking among China's most historically, scientifically, culturally, and artistically significant artifacts.

Following our visit, we will escort you to the bullet train station for your journey to Chongqing. Upon arrival, we will provide transportation to your hotel for a smoothly check-in process. Take this opportunity to relax and recharge.

After breakfast, we embark on today's exciting journey! Our first destination is Ciqikou Old Town, formerly known as Longyin Town. With a rich history spanning over 600 years since its establishment in the Ming Dynasty, this scenic area boasts a profound historical and cultural legacy. Notable attractions within the town include Baolun Temple, Hanlin Academy, Zhongjia Academy, Xiaoqing Stele, and the Ancient Village Site of Wenchang Palace, all showcasing its quaint architectural style and distinctive cultural charm.

Next, we proceed to the Three Gorges Museum, a comprehensive museum dedicated to showcasing various historical and artistic facets, including Ba Yu culture, Three Gorges culture, Anti-Japanese War culture, immigrant culture, and urban culture. Following our visit, we continue our adventure by taking the Chongqing transit line 2 to Liziba station. Here, we will marvel at the city's prototype and experience the unique architecture of an 11-story residential building.

For our next tour, we will explore the nightscape of Hongya Cave, one of the ancient city gates of Chongqing. The main attractions here include the hanging-foot buildings, antique commercial streets, and various other picturesque landscapes. Hongya Cave boasts a total of 11 floors, offering stunning views of verdant greenery dripping from the hanging-foot buildings. As you wander through the old streets of this mountainous city, you'll be able to immerse yourself in the rich Ba Yu culture. Don't miss out on the hot pot experience, where you can enjoy the breathtaking sight of the confluence of two rivers, while also savoring delicious local cuisine.

After our visit, we will return to Chongqing to embark on a Yangtze River Cruise. The embarkation buffet dinner will be served from 19:30 to 21:30. Onboard, you'll find a selection of house wine, local beer, and various soft drinks available at your discretion. Have a pleasant evening and a restful night.

06:30-07:00  Morning coffee,tea and pastries

06:30-07:00  Tai Chi morning exercise

07:00-08:30  Buffet Breakfast 

08:30-11:00  Shore Excursion--- Fengdu Ghost City

12:00-13:30  Lunch Buffet

14:00-16:00  Cultural activities

17:00-18:00  Dinner Buffet

18:00-21:30  Optional Show — War Fire of the Three Kingdoms Show

                     (CNY290/pp/tour. Sign up & pay when on board.)

20:00-21:30  Children's care service with designed onboard activities

22:00-23:00  Midnight snacks time

                     (*Set menu snacks are available throughout the day; Free flow house wine, local beer, 

                     variety of soft drinks are included while Lunch & Dinner.)

06:30-07:00  Morning coffee, tea and pastries

06:30-07:00  Tai Chi morning exercise

07:00-08:30  Buffet Breakfast

08:00-10:30  Optional Tour —  White Emperor City (CNY290/pp/tour)

                      or take part in the onboard activities

Approx. 11:00  Cruising through the spectacular Qutang Gorge

12:00-13:30  Lunch Buffet

Approx. 13:30  Cruising through the magnificent Wu Gorge

14:00-16:30  Shore Excursion --- Shennv Stream

19:00-20:30  Dinner Buffet

20:30-22:00  Crew Cabaret/Talent Show

20:00-21:30  Children's care service with designed onboard activities

22:00-23:00  Midnight snacks time

                     (*Set menu snacks are available throughout the day; Free flow house wine, local beer, 

                     variety of soft drinks are included while Lunch & Dinner.)

06:30-08:00  Buffet Breakfast

08:00-11:00  Disembark at Maoping pier of Yichang. Join in the Shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam Project Site.(Exclude the golf car fee: CNY10/pp.) 

                     (Include the luggage handling service.)

Approx. 12:30  Complete the trip at downtown of Yichang for your onward Journey.

*OPTION:

*If you would join the optional tour to the Ship Lift:

Approx. 07:45  Disembark at Maoping pier. (Include the luggage handling service.)

                         Change a smaller boat to join in the optional tour of the Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift  (CNY290/pp/tour. Sign up & pay when on board.)

Approx. 10:00  Disembark at Sandouping pier of Yichang. Join in the tour to the Three Gorges Dam.

                        (Exclude the golf car fee: CNY10/pp.)

Approx. 13:30  Complete the trip at downtown of Yichang for your onward Journey.

                        We will pick you up and drive you to Zhangjiajie for overnight stay.

Upon arrival, our guide and driver will pick you up and take you to have breakfast. After breakfast, head for one of the most famous attractions in the park and the one that attracts the most tourists – Tianzi Mountain. You will ascend the mountain by cable-car and at the top you will be able to enjoy views of Warrior Taming Horse Rock and the Western Sea which are two of the most stunning mountain formations in the whole park and are really a pleasure to see. 

Then take shuttle bus to the top of Yuanjiajie area, which is now famous for Avatar shooting base. From here, you'll stand at the same level with the mid-age pillars, which is bigger than those on Tianzi mountain. Take Bailong elevator down.

Today we are going to the Zhangjiajie National Park and first visit the Yellow Stone Village, with the altitude of more than 1200 meters, the area is surrounded by knife like cliffs, is the best and largest viewing platform overlooking the sandstone peak forest landscape, but also the best choice to watch the sunrise.

Then pay a visit to one of the most beautiful valleys in the world - the Golden Whip Stream. From here they appear to shoot up into the sky like giant natural skyscrapers. The water in the stream is clear, the air pure and the site very well maintained. We will have a relaxing hiking along the stream.

Breakfast in the morning, transfer to Tianmen mountain (literally means gateway to the heaven) in Zhangjiajie city. As the highest mountain (1548.6m) in Zhangjiajie area, Tianmen mountain owned the longest cable car (7455m) inthe world, which takes half an hour for one-way riding. On the cable car, you can have a bird view of the 99 curves Tongtian road. Enjoy the breathless walking along the glass bottom skywalk against the cliff. The 999 steps can directly reach the amazing Tianmen cave, the natural mountain-penetrating karst cave with the highest elevation in the world, hangson the towering cliff, it is indeed a big feast of your eyes!

Then drive to Fenghuang Ancient Town and check into the hotel. In the evening, you can't miss the night view of the neat town, which is one of the highlight view. Find a nice bar beside the river and get yourself a drink with your beloved ones is indeed an unforgettable experience for the holiday.

Today, we relax and enjoy Fenghuang's deep history and colorful minority culture. Fenghuang Ancient Town, also called Phoenix, is a stunning 300-year-old place. It's famous for its wooden houses on stilts by the river, called Diaojiaolou.

After exploring all its wonders, we head back to Zhangjiajie, feeling refreshed and ready for more fun adventures.

Today in the morning, you will say farewell to Zhangjiajie and be transferred to the airport  to catch the flight back to your home. It has been a great holiday and we look forward to seeing you another China tour.