11 Days China's Natural Wonders Tour: Jiuzhaigou, Yangtze River & Zhangjiajie

Nihao! Welcome to Chengdu, the Hometown of Giant Pandas! Your private driver and guide will be ready for you when you arrive in Chengdu. Enjoy a trouble-free transfer to your hotel. The rest of today is yours to relax in panda city on your own.

Arrival Ideas: Chengdu is well connected by air and high-speed rail. There are two airports - Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport operating many international and domestic airlines. Travelers can go to Chengdu by air from most cities in China, like Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xian, Guilin, Hangzhou, Kunming, Lhasa, Lanzhou, Wuhan, Xiamen, Guiyang, Chongqing... In addition, travelers can take high speed train to Chengdu from Xian (3-4 hours), Chongqing (1.5-2hours), Guiyang (3.5-4.5 hours), Kunming (6-6.5hours), Shanghai (12.5-14.5 hours), etc.

Free Time Ideas: You are welcome to ask your tour guide for some useful tips to spend your free time based on your time and interest.

In the morning, you will meet your guide early at the appointed time in your hotel lobby. Since pandas prefer cool weather and are more active in the morning, we advise you to arrive early at Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (Chengdu Panda Base), located only about 17 kilometers away from the city center. This is the closest panda base around Chengdu for you fulfill your panda dream.

Chengdu Panda Base is the base with the largest population of captive giant pandas in the world, accommodating over 100 pandas of different ages. You can watch pandas playing, eating, climbing, sleeping, and in autumn, even see the pink newborn giant panda cubs in the Sunshine Nursery House and the Moonlight Nursery House. Discover the charming panda stars at this base, such as Hua Hua, the most adored and celebrated panda who has captured the hearts of the nation, and Zhi Ma, the real-life inspiration behind the panda mascot of the World University Games. Besides giant pandas, the cute red pandas (rarer than giant pandas) at the Red Panda Playgrounds are also the highlight of the Chengdu Panda Base. Nowadays, the panda base has also become an urban birding spot for local birders and kids to search for Red-billed Leiothrix, Black-throated Tit, Chinese Blackbird, Spotted Dove, White-browed Laughingthrush, and more. If you're interested, you can follow your guide to discover more about pandas' secrets through the Chengdu Giant Panda Museum, which is free to enter but requires advance reservation, and closed on Mondays.

Later, pay a visit to Wenshu Monastery, a 1400-year-old temple dedicated to honoring Manjushri Bodhisattva, the Symbol of Wisdom. It is one of the four great temples of the Chan (Zen) school of Buddhism in China. Before entering the temple, take a moment to capture the beauty of the Red Wall. Once inside, stroll leisurely through the temple's beautiful Qing Dynasty-style buildings and marvel at the Heavenly Kings Hall, Three Saints Hall, Grand Buddha Hall, Dharma Hall, and Scripture Library in that order. The temple's buildings, such as the bell tower and corridor, are seamlessly integrated with the main complex, creating a peaceful and immersive atmosphere where you can explore and reflect on the teachings of Buddhism.

In this afternoon, it's time to take a leisurely stroll inside Chengdu Renmin Park (Chengdu People's Park) like a local and enjoy the city's slow lifestyle. You can watch locals square dancing, practicing Taiji, singing Chinese folk songs, playing traditional Chinese musical instruments, as well as playing Chinese chess and boating on the lake. Don’t miss the blind date corner (a marriage market) where parents of unmarried adults flock to the park to find a partner for their daughter or son. Then, order a cup of fragrant jasmine green tea (a favorite of Chengdu locals) while sitting in a time-honored tea house, such as Heming Tea House. Chat with your friends, try Chengdu Ear Cleaning by professional ear cleaner, and see locals having fun playing mahjong.

When the sun sets, the nightlife on Jinli Street becomes even more charming. Known as the "Chengdu Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival Scroll" and ranked at the top of the world's most beautiful streets by CNN Travel in 2021, Jinli Street was first built during the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280) and was then known as "Shu Jinli". Walking on Jinli Street, you can appreciate the brilliant Chinese Traditional buildings of Qing Dynasty style (1616-1911), buy all kinds of souvenirs (Shu embroidery, lacquer products, folk handicrafts, calligraphy, and paintings), try delicious local snacks (Dan Dan Noodles, Egg Pancake, Bon Bon Chicken, Sweet Potato Noodles with Pork Intestines, Iced Jelly, Sour and Spicy Tofu Pudding), and discover intangible heritages like Sugar Painting, Shadow Puppy Play, Sichuan Opera Show...

After the tour, be transferred to your hotel in Chengdu downtown for a good rest.

Recommended Optional Evening Activities:

1) Watch a wonderful Sichuan Opera performance which includes face changing, spitting fire, hand shadows, puppet show, dancing, singing and acrobatics. (usually from 20:00 to 21:30). 2) Appreciate the city’s night view by boat (30mins) along the Jinjiang River, which winds through central Chengdu. ( 18:00~23:30)

On this day, you will be escorted to Chengdu East Railway Station for a high-speed train to Zhenjiangguan Station (about 1.5 hours). Please be aware that for journeys until April 2024, high-speed trains traveling from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou Valley will terminate at Zhenjiangguan Station. This station is approximately 1.5 hours away from Chengdu by high-speed train.

Good news! The high-speed rail line is being extended to reach Jiuzhaigou Valley Railway Station, which is conveniently located only 50 kilometers from the valley itself. While this extension isn't operational yet, it's expected to open soon.

Upon arrival at Zhenjiangguan Station, the local guide and driver will meet you there and escort you to Huanglong National Park, about 83 km away, with a 1.5-hour drive.

Huanglong National Park is a stunning valley with terraces of colored limestone ponds in blues, greens, oranges, yellows, and white. Huanglong, which means “Yellow Dragon”, got its name for its special geographical features. Seen from a distance, Huanglong's numerous travertine formations look like an enormous golden dragon arching across the valley, winding its way between the snowy mountain peaks. Huanglong Valley is also renowned for its superlative scenery of snow-topped mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, virgin forests, wild animals, etc. The area, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, has been called a "World Wonder" and "Fairy Land on Earth."

Instead of a 6-hour hike, you are suggested to take a quick cable car directly to the top and then walk down the valley to enjoy the scenery (usually 3 to 4 hours). Walking down the mountain, you can see the main sites of Honglong Monastery, Five-Colored Ponds, Mirror Ponds, Welcoming Guest Ponds, a waterfall, as well as some temples and caves.

At the top (3556 m) of the valley lies the best highlight - Five-Color Ponds, consisting of almost 700 ponds of different sizes, shapes, and colors. It is well arranged and noted for the most graceful, bright, and distinct colors. Cobbles on the bottom shape into prisms of clearly visible chromatism between the texture and water plants. Water in the pools overflows, which makes all the colorful pools look like pieces of azure green jade plates from a distance.

After sightseeing, you will leave the park and drive for about 2 hours (104km) to Jiuzhaigou to check in at your hotel.

Useful Tips for Visiting Huanglong National Park:

1. The altitude of Huanglong is higher than that of Jiuzhaigou, ranging from 3,200 to 3,600 meters (10,500 to 11,800 feet), which may cause high altitude sickness for some travelers. You'd better avoid any strenuous exercises. It is recommended to prepare an oxygen bottle, or there are also many oxygen stations in the park.

2. The Huanglong cable car is closed in winter.

After breakfast at your hotel, set out for the full-day exploration of Jiuzhaigou National Park. Your guide will accompany you to hop on a sightseeing bus to enter the park to explore the fairyland landscape of Jiuzhaigou.

With some of the most beautiful and inspiring scenery on earth, Jiuzhaigou was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and is even one of China’s most enchanting attractions. Jiuzhaigou (literally “Nine Settlement Valley”) takes its name from the nine Tibetan settlements along its length, which is most renowned for its bluer-than-blue lakes, rushing waterfalls, colorful forests, and deep woodlands backlit by snowy mountain ranges.

The park is a Y-shaped valley with three main sections: the Zechawa, Rize, and Shuzheng valleys. The relaxing and wise visiting way is to take advantage of sightseeing bus. There are sightseeing buses running from the entrance to the three valleys. Travelers hop off the bus, walk along wooden plank roads to enjoy the sights, then hop on another bus to the next attractions. Our tour guide will design a smart route according to your time, energy, and crowd level, and accompany you to explore the essence of Jiuzhaigou at a comfortable pace.

The classic visit route is to take a sightseeing bus to Nuorilang Waterfall. After that, take a bus to Zechawa Valley. From there, have a short hike to Five-Flower Lake and Pearl Beach. And then move to Rize Valley to visit Panda Lake, Five Flowers Lake, Pearl Shoal, Mirror Lake, etc. Lastly, get back to Nuorilang. Have a rest at the joining point of the "Y" - Nuorilang Tourist Center. After a good rest, Afterwards, spend your time visiting Shuzheng Valley. Then, descend along Shuzheng Valley to the park entrance and enjoy the great natural scenery interspersed with traditional Tibetan villages,etc. on the route.

Useful Tips: 1) Get to the park earlier to escape the crowds of tourists groups; 2) Wear comfortable walking shoes or hiking& trekking shoes; 3) Dining options inside park are limited and expensive. Buffet lunch is provided in Nuorilang Restaurant (the only restaurant in the valley). If you bring your own food you can picnic far away from the masses and avoid spending any longer at the busiest points.

After breakfast, your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel. They will accompany you to the airport for your flight to Chongqing.

Welcome to Chongqing, the Mountain City of China! Upon your arrival in Chongqing, your guide will meet you at the exit of airport and escort you to Chongqing Chaotianmen Port to board your Yangtze cruise. You will have free time after the cruise ship check-in and you can go around the area of Chaotianmen Port. Your memorable relaxing cruise journey starts at 21:00!

Remarks:
1. Please call the ship one day ahead or at least in the morning on the boarding day to have clear idea about which pier you are going to use;
2. All the times on the schedule are estimated ones which are subject to change due to weather and navigation conditions.
3. The boarding time and departure piers may change based on the ship line, water level, season, weather and other factors.

On this day, your cruise will sail peacefully along the Yangtze River. Wake up leisurely and enjoy the fascinating river view with misty or gentle sunshine shining over the river. Have your buffet breakfast and start your beautiful day. There are some activities well designed by the cruise that you can do shore excursions to visit traditional Chinese cultural sites or stay onboard to relax and learn some Chinese culture.

In this afternoon, you will follow a local English-speaking tour guide and make a shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City in this morning. This ghost city is one large collection of temples, memorials and monasteries and you can know many legendary stories about underworld and different kinds of devils and Chinese demons. Or, you can take optional excursion to Shibaozhai Pagoda with extra fee , one of the eight extraordinary architectures in the world located in Zhongxian County. Climb up the 12-story red wooden pagoda and you can have a panoramic view of the Yangtze River.

Note: The itinerary above is provided for your reference. Attractions and shore excursions may vary slightly depending on the cruise company. We will help you choose the most suitable cruise based on your preferences.

Today, you will have a full day to view the beautiful Three Gorges. First, you will sail through Qutang Gorge which is celebrated for its magnificent, peculiar and precipitous scenery in the world. Marvel at the incredible Kui Gate. Next, go through Wuxia Gorge which is serene and secluded and presents a panorama of lovely scenery and then pass through Xiling Gorge well known for its rugged shoals and turbulent waters. Follow the guide’s live interpretation and appreciate the breathtaking scenery onboard.

In this afternoon, make a leisure shore excursion to Shennv Stream (Goddess Stream) in Wushan County. Switch to a smaller boat to sail down the primitive stream for a close look at the steep mountains and hanging coffins high on the cliffs. If you are interested, you can join local Tujia ethnic guide for singing and dancing performance. In this evening, enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Party with all your mates onboard and have a pleasant dinner together.

Note: The itinerary above is provided for your reference. Attractions and shore excursions may vary slightly depending on the cruise company. We will help you choose the most suitable cruise based on your preferences.

After breakfast, it is time to go through the check-out procedure and you’ll disembark at Maoping Port. The highlighted attraction today is the largest hydropower project in China - Three Gorges Dam. Catch the chance to view the dam and the system of locks. The body of the dam is immense with a height of 181 meters and spanning 2335 meters across the Yangtze River and 115 meters in width. (Optional experience:you can choose to sail through the world’s largest ship lift - Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift to very closely marvel at the huge dam which is a totally fresh and exciting experience for travelers.) After the dam visiting, you’ll take the tourist bus arranged by the cruise company transferring you to Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal around 12:30-13:00.

Note: 1. In the morning, please check out at the front desk and leave your luggage there. The cruise company will handle your luggage and transport it to the Three Gorges Tourist Center. 2. If you only visit Three Gorges Dam, you will arrive at Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Termina around 12:30. 3. If choose to attend optional Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift, you will arrive at Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Termina around 13:30.

Your driver will meet you at Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal and transfer you to your hotel in Wulingyuan, Zhangjiajie (about 5 hours' drive). After checking in at the hotel, you will have some free time to explore the area at your leisure.

Wulingyuan Scenic Area (武陵源景区), situated in Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China, is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site and World Geological Park. As the rare quartz sandstone peak forest canyon landform in the world, Wulingyuan is widely recognized as one of the top 10 tourist destinations in China. Wulingyuan consists of four parts: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, Yangjiajie Scenic Area, and Suoxi Valley Nature Reserve.

Free Time Ideas:
You can visit Xibu Old Street (溪布街) to admire the architecture influenced by the local Tujia ethnic group culture. "Xibu" refers to a type of exquisite handwoven brocade created by the Tujia minority people, which is the origin of the name "Xibu Old Street". It is a pedestrian street that encompasses a bar street, a local snack street, a West Hunan folk culture souvenir shopping street, and creative workshops. When the street comes alive in the evenings, you can satisfy your hunger with Hunan's local snacks such as "Frog Cake" and "Tujia Fried Rice" while appreciating various Tujia-style accessories, clothing, and handicrafts.

After breakfast, you will visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Wulingyuan, where you will explore Yuanjiajie and behold the awe-inspiring Hallelujah Mountains (乾坤柱). Following lunch, you will be transferred to Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve in Wulingyuan, where you will have the opportunity to explore Tianzi Mountain (天子山). Throughout the day, you will have ample time to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a captivating haven of nature adorned with over 3,000 slender quartz sandstone pillars.

In the morning, your first destination will be Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, which is the first national forest park in China. This park showcases a unique landform characterized by towering stone peaks in various shapes, abundant vegetation, and a majestic landscape. You will board a sightseeing bus to reach the Bailong Elevator, widely known as the "World's No.1 Ladder". This elevator holds the Guinness World Records for being the tallest, fastest, and heaviest outdoor elevator for sightseeing. In just 118 seconds, you will ascend 326 meters from the valley bottom to the pinnacle of the pillar. Next, you will hike into a mysterious Pandora World - Yuanjiajie (袁家界), the actual filming location of the movie "Avatar" and the renowned Hallelujah Mountains (哈利路亚山) in reality. Don't miss the chance to capture the South Sky Pillar (南天一柱; Avatar Mountain), the Floating Mountain (1,074m;悬浮山), a towering vertical peak standing approximately 150 meters high from the deep valley, resembling a giant standing upright under the heavens. Take your time to walk along the Yuanjiajie Scenic Trail, which spans 3,500 meters and is built on the edge of a precipice. The trail is adorned with red prayer ribbons, and as you journey, you will be able to admire breathtaking natural wonders such as the Backyard Garden (后花园), Lost Soul Platform (迷魂台; The Best Natural Viewing Platform in Yuanjiajie), and the First Bridge Under Heaven (天下第一桥, a natural stone bridge and the landmark of Yuanjiajie). While immersing yourself in the extraordinary beauty, you will also deepen your understanding of Zhangjiajie's sandstone peaks and forest landform. This unique landscape is the result of specific geological structures, tectonic movements, and external forces, making it an exceptionally rare and remarkable phenomenon.

Next, board the sightseeing bus to reach the second tourist site - Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, which derives its named from Xiang Dakun (Xiang Tianzi), the leader of the local Tujia ethnic group who referred to himself as “Tianzi” (天子), meaning the Son of Heaven or the emperor in Chinese, during the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Tianzi Mountain (天子山) is currently in the prime stage of its peak forest evolution and is renowned as the "King of Peaks". It gained fame as a fairyland in the popupar Chinese TV Series - Journey to The West. Tianzi Mountain (1,262m) is well-known for its magnificent sunrise, sea of clouds, red moon, winter snow, red leaves, and grand forest of peaks. You can proceed to Dianjiangtai Platform (点将台) to overlook the West Sea Peaks Forest (西海峰林), where rugged rocks rise from the depths of a misty canyon. You will not like to miss a view of the Imperial Writing Brush Peaks (御笔峰) which are a row of six stone pillars, each standing approximately a hundred meters tall. They are arranged in a square shape, intricately connected, and exhibit varying thickness from top to bottom, resembling the shape of a pen. According to legend, it is believed to be the pen used by Xiang Tianzi. Afterwards, hike to He Long Park (贺龙公园) to visit the bronze statue of Marshal He Long and his warhorse, as well as the Tianzige Pavilion(天子阁). The Tianzige Pavilion, standing at 30 meters, offers a panoramic view of Tianzi Mountain, with its peaks and mountains stretching as far as the eye can see. The scene is truly spectacular. After the tour, return to Zhangjiajie City for overnight.

Notes: If you are traveling during the peak season, your guide may consider reversing the itinerary to avoid the largest crowds of tourists.

After breakfast, you will be transferred from Wulingyuan to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, which is approximately 56 km away and takes about 1.5 hours by car. There, you will have the opportunity to experience the breathtaking Grand Canyon Glass Bridge.

Well-known for its numerous waterfalls and fresh air in the valley, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon is must-visit scenic spot in Zhangjiajie, especially for photographers and adventurers. The Glass Bridge is the highlight of Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, as it is the world’s longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge, stretching between two dramatic cliffs. It spans 375 meters in length and stands 300 meters high. Designed by Israeli Haim Dotan Architects, the bridge is capable of accommodating up to 800 people at a time. It is entirely made of glass, with no steel structure. In the middle of the bridge, there is a bungee jumping platform, which is the highest in the world. Here, you can experience the thrill of the highest bungee jump and fulfill your dream of flying like Spider-Man (bungee jump fees are self-pay). Exploring the Glass Bridge typically takes about 1 hour. People from around the world are excited to take on the challenge of walking on the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge. While walking on the bridge, you can look down through the crystal-clear base, which hovers above a lush forest and a mist-filled canyon. Standing on the transparent glass feels like floating in the air, offering a superb panoramic view of the entire Grand Canyon. Come and take the sky-walk on the glass bridge to showcase your courage to the world!

After your“tremble”on the glass bridge, move to Zhangjiajie City. You will spend a half day tour on Tianmen Mountain in Tianmenshan National Forest Park, known as as the "Soul of Zhangjiajie" and the "No.1 Sacred Mountain of Western Hunan Province". Located only 8 kilometers away from Zhangjiajie city center, the Tianmen Mountain Scenic Area is unique in that it is suitable for people of all ages, and climbing is not necessary. There is the world's longest cable car, spanning 7,455 meters, which takes you directly to the mountaintop. Additionally, there is a small cableway available on the mountaintop. The only section that requires walking is the Tianmen Cave staircase, but don't worry, there is also an elevator available.

First, take the 30-minute cable car (7,455 meters) ride from Zhangjiajie City to the top of Tianmen Mountain. As you ascend, you'll be treated to a panoramic view of the winding mountain road with 99 bends (the Road to Heaven) and the breathtaking beauty of the bonsai gardens. Now, brace yourself for a thrilling challenge. Take a deep breath and step on the cliff path hanging on the mountainside. Walk along the Glass Walkway, a transparent glass path that stretches for 60 meters and hovers 1,430 meters above the bottomless valley, giving you a thrilling sensation of walking in the sky. Additionally, experience the 1.6-kilometer-long Cliff-Hanging Walkway, which is built along the edges of the mountain's summits. It's truly an amazing adventure! Next, you have the option to visit Tianmen Temple, a Buddhist structure that embodies the architectural style of the Qing Dynasty (1616-1912). It is surrounded by lush green forests, providing a serene atmosphere. And, you can also visit Yunmenxianding (云梦仙顶; 1,518m), the highest point in Tianmenshan National Forest Park, to enjoy a bird's eye view of the surroundings. Notes:Walking on the glass skywalk requires a shoe cover fee of 5 yuan per person, and it is an optional expense.

Afterward, go down by escalator from the mountaintop to Tianmen Cave, the world's highest natural mountain through cave which spans 131.5 meters. Tianmen Cave, also known as Heaven's Gate Hole (天门洞), is frequently enveloped in swirling clouds and mist, and at other times, it is illuminated by ethereal rays of sunlight, resulting in a mesmerizing and ever-changing display of light and shadows. Take your time there to capture some beautiful photographs. Following that, you have the option to either walk down the 999 steps or take the elevator down. Then, welcome back to another cable car station. After the tour, your guide will drive you back to Zhangjiajie City for overnight stay.

It is time to end your 11 Days Jiuzgaigou Yangtze River Zhangjiajie Tour. You will have some free time in Zhangjiaije and explore more on your own till your guide escorts you to the airport/train station for your flight or high speed train to your next destination.

Departure Ideas: Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport has domestic flights connecting cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Kunming, and Hangzhou, etc. It also offers international flights to Singapore, Malaysia, etc. In addition, Zhangjiajie Railway Station provides high-speed trains to Changsha (2-3 hours), Guangzhou (6 hours), etc.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your China tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia.