12 Days China Tour Package from Kuala Lumpur: Jiuzhaigou & Zhangjiajie National Parks

On this day, you will head to Kuala Lumpur International Airport on your own for your flight to Chongqing, China.

Tips: There are direct flights flights from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport. Flight duration is typically 4 hours 35–40 minutes. If you need help booking your flights, please contact us.

Upon meeting you at the Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, be escorted to your hotel in Chongqing downtown area.

Welcome to Chongqing, China’s Spectacular Mountain City! Get ready to immerse yourself in one of the most exciting destinations trending on TikTok! Known for its unique 3D city layout and dazzling night views, Chongqing is often called the "Little Hong Kong" for its vibrant skyline and dynamic urban vibe. Indulge in the most authentic hotpot in the Hotpot Capital of China.

In this morning, start your journey with us at Ciqikou Ancient Town, a living museum of Chongqing’s history! This 1,000-year-old charming town, featuring well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture, was once a bustling porcelain trade hub and still brims with cultural heritage. Explore the enchanting streets of Ciqikou, where every step on the narrow cobblestone paths feels like traveling back in time. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as you admire traditional crafts, enjoy local performances such as Sichuan opera face-changing shows, and savor delicious street food like the famous Mahua (crispy fried dough twists).

This afternoon, embark on a journey through time at the Three Gorges Museum, home to a vast collection of over 280,000 precious historical relics. Dive deep into the fascinating story of the Yangtze River, the formation of the iconic Three Gorges, and the evolution of Chongqing from its ancient beginnings to its vibrant rise in the 20th century. After exploring the museum, don’t miss the chance to capture stunning photos in front of the People’s Assembly Hall, an architectural masterpiece located just outside the museum.

Later, let’s witness the most thrilling sight - the train that passes through a building at Liziba Metro Station. Located on Line 2 of Chongqing’s monorail, this station is famously constructed through the middle of a residential building, making it a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

After that, you will be transferred to Hongya Cave, located along the Jialing River and near Chaotianmen Square. It is famous for its traditional stilted buildings (Diaojiaolou), dazzling night views, and vibrant atmosphere. Stroll along the riverside promenade to enjoy spectacular views of the Jialing River and the modern Chongqing skyline. Explore the multi-level complex, featuring Diaojiaolou-style wooden structures and steep stairways. Here, you can even try Hot Pot, if you like. As night falls, this complex transforms into a dazzling spectacle, offering one of Chongqing’s most iconic night views.

After the tour, be escorted to your hotel in Chongqing downtown area.

In this morning, you will take the high speed train from Chongqing to Chengdu (about 1-2 hours’ ride).

Meet your guide at the train station in Chengdu and head to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (Chengdu Panda Base), just 17 kilometers from the city center. Arriving early is ideal, as pandas are most active in the morning. Home to the world’s largest population of captive giant pandas, this base houses over 100 pandas of all ages. Watch them play, eat, climb, and nap, and in autumn, marvel at newborn cubs in the Sunshine and Moonlight Nursery Houses. Get to know the famed panda "stars", such as Hua Hua, a national favorite, and Zhi Ma, who inspired the panda mascot of the World University Games. Don’t miss the adorable red pandas at the Red Panda Playgrounds, which are rarer than their giant counterparts. The base is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, with sightings of species like the Red-billed Leiothrix and Black-throated Tit. If interested, visit the Chengdu Giant Panda Museum, which offers fascinating insights into panda conservation (free entry, but reservations are required; closed on Mondays).

Next, visit the Wuhou Temple, dedicated to Zhuge Liang, the legendary military strategist, and Liu Bei, the emperor of the Shu Han Kingdom. Walk through the Han Zhao Lie Temple, honoring Liu Bei’s leadership, and the main hall, which celebrates Zhuge Liang’s wisdom and loyalty. Don’t miss the Sanyi Temple, where the story of "The Oath of the Peach Garden" between Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei comes to life. Stroll through the temple’s tranquil gardens, admire the Red Wall, and, if time permits, visit the Hui Mausoleum, Liu Bei’s burial site.

End your day on Jinli Old Street, a vibrant area famous for its Qing Dynasty-style architecture and lively atmosphere. Stroll through the beautifully lit streets, shop for souvenirs like Shu embroidery and lacquer products, and sample local delicacies such as Dan Dan Noodles, Bon Bon Chicken, and Sweet Potato Noodles with Pork Intestines. Witness traditional crafts like sugar painting and shadow puppet plays, or enjoy a Sichuan Opera Show.

After the tour, be escorted to your hotel in Chengdu.

On this day, you will be escorted to Chengdu East Railway Station for a high-speed train to Huanglong Jiuzhai Station (about 1.5-2 hours). Upon arrival at Huanglong Jiuzhai Station, the local guide and driver will meet you there and escort you to Jiuzhaigou, about 90 km away, with 2 hours' drive.

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 and escort you to Huanglong National Park, about 2 hours's 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.

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 sightseeing, you will leave the park and drive to Huanglong Jiuzhai Station for your high speed train back to Chengdu.Upon arrival at Chengdu East Railway Station, your guide will meet and escort you to your hotel for check-in. 

Today, you will be escorted to the Chengdu East Train Station for your high-speed train to Zhangjiajie (about 4.5-6 hours).

Welcome to Zhangjiajie, an incredible place where you can see Avatar Hallelujah Mountain in reality! Welcome to Zhangjiajie, an incredible place where you can see Avatar Hallelujah Mountain in reality! Upon your arrival in Zhangjiajie, the local guide and driver will greet you at the exit of the train station, and then escort you to your hotel in Wulingyuan Area. Have a good rest tonight.

(Please note: Since the flights between Chengdu to Zhangjiajie are few and may not be available for every day in low season. If there are no tickets available, we may change your transfer via Changsha, where you can take a high-speed to Zhangjiajie which needs only 2 hour.)

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 66 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 name 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 popular Chinese TV Series - Journey to The West. Tianzi Mountain (1,262m) is well-known for its magnificent sunrise, the 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 thicknesses from top to bottom, resembling the shape of a pen. According to legend, it is believed to be the pen used by Xiang Tianzi. Afterward, 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 your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

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. Following that, enjoy a delicious lunch before proceeding to Baofeng Lake for a relaxing boat trip. In the late afternoon, you will be transferred back to Zhangjiajie City.

Well-known for its numerous waterfalls and fresh air in the valley, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon is a 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 skywalk on the glass bridge to showcase your courage to the world!

After you “tremble” on the glass bridge, move to the mirror-like Baofeng Lake to restore your inner peace. From the entrance, you will take a shuttle bus to reach the pier. Then, take a wooden boat ride on Baofeng Lake, a crystal-clear alpine lake. Spanning 2.5 kilometers in length, 200-1000 meters in width, and with an average depth of 72 meters, Baofeng Lake is nestled in a basin amidst the surrounding mountains. It is adorned with lush green trees and unique rock formations, creating an idyllic atmosphere for relaxation. As you leisurely cruise on the boat, you will be captivated by the reflections of the magnificent peaks in the water and serenaded by traditional folk songs performed by the local minority people.

After the tour, return to Zhangjiajie City, which is approximately 35 kilometers away and takes about 1 hour by car, for an overnight stay.

Today, you will spend a half-day tour of 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.

Afterward, go down by escalator from the mountaintop to Tianmen Cave, the world's highest natural mountain through the 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. Then, welcome back to another cable car station.

Notes:

Walking on the glass skywalk requires a shoe cover fee of 5 yuan per person, and it is an optional expense.

Your guide will escort you to the train station for your high-speed train to Guangzhou. Upon your arrival at the train station in Guangzhou, the tour guide and driver will meet and greet you at the exit, and then escort you to the hotel in Guangzhou.

In the morning, you will meet your guide early at the appointed time in your hotel lobby and be ready to introduce Guangzhou to you.

Firstly, you will visit Chen Clan Ancestral Hall（陈家祠), a representation of the traditional Lingnan architecture and culture. The clan concept in the Lingnan region (which covers Guangdong and Guangxi provinces, and parts of Fujian) is very strong, and people attach great importance to the worship and memorial of their ancestors. The ancestral hall is the place where people worship their ancestors and the carrier of the clan culture. The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall stands as the largest, best-preserved, and most exquisitely decorated ancestral hall-style architecture in China, earning it the title of the "Jewel of Lingnan Architectural Art". This majestic hall was collectively financed and constructed by the Chen clans from all 72 counties of Guangdong province and was fully completed in 1894. Spanning an impressive 15,000 square meters, it showcases the grandeur and prominence of Guangdong's predominant surname, Chen. However, the true marvel that has etched the hall's name in the annals of architectural history is its unparalleled decorative artistry. The hall showcases the "Three Carvings" (San Diao) - stone, brick, and wood carvings; the "Two Moldings" (Liang Su) – ceramic and lime sculptures; and additionally, the intricate cast ironwork and exquisite color paintings, together recognized as the "Seven Wonders" (Qi Jue). Each element, be it a wooden panel, a brick wall, or a stone pathway, is embellished with designs and motifs teeming with symbolism and folklore. Additionally, the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall houses the Guangdong Folk Art Museum, where you can witness traditional Guangdong crafts such as ivory carvings, jade sculptures, Guangdong embroidery, and Guangdong colored ceramics, etc.

Then follow in the footsteps of the local “Old Guang” residents, and take a leisurely walking along scenic Lychee Bay (荔枝湾). Its name was derived from the abundant lychee trees that once lined its banks, bearing sweet fruit each summer. Once the backyard garden of wealthy merchants in Xiguan, the bay is now a serene water town in the heart of the city. As you meander along the bay, you will soak in the surroundings with age-old banyan trees lining its shores and rickety wooden boats gently drifting on its calm waters, bordered by aged buildings and temples. You will also encounter several historical bridges, each with its unique architecture and backstory, and come across the quintessential "Xiguan Big Houses" and other traditional Cantonese architectures, showcasing the opulence of Guangzhou's bygone era.

When in Xiguan, how can one miss the Cantonese dim sum? You can take a break at one of the many traditional teahouses. Sip on a freshly brewed cup of local tea selections like Tieguanyin (铁观音), Pu'er (普洱), Chrysanthemum (菊花茶), Jasmine (茉莉), etc. As you relish the aroma and flavor of the tea, indulge in genuine dim sum (small dishes) such as red rice sausage (红米肠), shrimp dumplings (虾饺), and barbecue pork buns (叉烧包), Egg Tarts (蛋挞), Phoenix Talons (凤爪), etc. Locals often refer to the morning tea (Yum Cha) custom as "一盅两件", which translates to "one cup, two pieces". This phrase originates from the longstanding tradition of retired residents who would spend their mornings at teahouses. They would typically order a pot of tea and two baskets of dim sum, leisurely reading a newspaper to pass the time.

After enjoying Guangdong yum cha, your next destination should be the Lychee Bay Grand Theater (荔枝湾大戏台). This theater serves as a venue for public benefit performances, to promote and preserve traditional Cantonese opera art forms. If your timing is right, you might be fortunate enough to catch a live performance. Nestled alongside Lychee Bay, the theater exudes a unique charm where the melodious chirping of birds harmoniously intertwines with the soulful rhythms of Cantonese opera echoing from the stage. Just a short distance away is the Lychee Bay Museum (荔枝湾博物馆), which showcases the unique cultural landscapes, folk customs, and historical narratives of Lychee Bay. Within its confines are three major exhibition areas. Notably, the Xiguan Folklore Hall is transformed from a quintessential Xiguan grand mansion. Through authentic household furnishings and scene displays, it partially recreates the traditional archetype of a Xiguan house, offering a close glimpse into the lifestyle, cultural ambiance, and daily scenarios of Xiguan residents of yesteryears.

Afterward, make your way to Yongqing Fang. Yongqing Fang（永庆坊） is located on the historically rich Enning Road (恩宁路), which boasts the longest and most intact qilou (骑楼) street in Guangzhou. The qilou, a hallmark of Guangzhou architecture, features a continuous covered walkway on the ground level with residential spaces above. This design, combining shopping and sheltered pedestrian access, epitomizes the city's blend of commerce and community. Post-renovation, Yongqing Fang manages to retain the vintage charm of old Guangzhou's Xiguan flavor, all the while infusing modern commercial artistry into its fabric. Strolling down Yongqing Fang, you're immediately embraced by a confluence of the old and the new. Rows of well-preserved, traditional Xiguan-style houses line the street, their facades exuding old-world charm, while their interiors house a myriad of trendy boutiques, art galleries, craft shops, and coffee joints, bringing a touch of contemporary urban chic to the historic surroundings.

Lastly, your guide will accompany you to the Huacheng Square（花城广场), is a sprawling green urban park and public space surrounded by landmarks like the Guangzhou Opera House, designed by the famous architect Zaha Hadid, and the new Guangzhou Library, the Guangdong Provincial Museum. Most importantly, appreciate the slim outline of the iconic Canton Tower (广州塔) on the opposite bank of the Pearl River. The tower boasts a unique, slender, and curvaceous design, inspired by the idea of a twisting female figure. The tower is often referred to as "Xiao Man Yao," which means "young lady with a tight waist" in Chinese.

Lastly, don't miss a stroll along the Pearl River（珠江）, especially during the evening. With the city lights reflecting on the water, and the famous Pearl River Cruise passing by, it's a picturesque scene blending the old and new worlds of Guangzhou. As you conclude your journey along the Old & New Central Axis, you're left with an impression of a city that respects its past, yet eagerly embraces the future.

Evening Optional Activity: Dive into Guangzhou's enchanting night atmosphere with a memorable Pearl River night cruise (about 60 minutes) during 7 to 10 pm. A night cruise provides an unmatched vantage point to admire Guangzhou's skyline. Drift past iconic landmarks such as the Canton Tower, which shines brilliantly against the night sky, and the beautifully illuminated bridges that stretch across the river.

Today, you'll driven to Baiyun International Airport (CAN) for your flight back to Kuala Lumpur.

Tips: Direct flights are available from Guangzhou to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL). Airlines like AirAsia, Batik Air Malaysia, China Southern Airlines and Malaysia Airlines operate these routes, with a flight time of around 4.5 hours.