Natural Wonders of China

You will be met on arrival in Zhangjiajie and transferred to your hotel to check in for the next two nights.

Explore beautiful Zhangjiajie, including the summit of Huangshizhai, crystal clear waters of Golden Whip Stream, Huanglong Cave (the largest in Asia), and the stunning Tianzishan Scenic Area.

Admire the breathtaking scenery of subtropical forests, cascading waterfalls, mountain ranges, and majestic valleys filled with floating pillars. This evening you will enjoy a fantastic Meilixiangxi Show.

Enjoy a scenic drive to Yichang. Enjoy a delicious local dinner, then board your luxurious 5* Victoria Cruise.

Wake up with tai chi and a buffet breakfast. Tour the Three Gorges Tribe* and Three Gorges Dam*. Enjoy a delicious buffet dinner and entertaining Captain’s Welcome Party.

Today you can enjoy a shore excursion to Shennv Stream, then cruise through the Wu and Qutang Gorges. Tour the White Emperor City*, then relax for dinner and evening entertainment.

After breakfast you can venture on shore to the Shibaozhai Pagoda. In the afternoon be entertained on board, with a spectacular Yangtze Pirate Show after dinner.

Enjoy your final breakfast on board before disembarking in Chongqing this morning. Transfer downtown to begin your exploration of this fascinating city, visiting the impressive People’s Hall and Three Gorges Museum, where you can learn more about the history, culture and development of the Yangtze River region. Continue to historic Ciqikou Old Town, a beautifully preserved riverside district known for its traditional architecture, narrow laneways, teahouses and local handicrafts. You will also visit the General Stilwell Museum, dedicated to the American general who was stationed in Chongqing during World War II. This evening, experience one of the city’s great culinary traditions with an authentic Chongqing-style hot pot dinner before transferring to your hotel. Accommodation: Radisson Blu Plaza Chongqing or similar 5-star hotel.

After breakfast, drive approximately two hours to Dazu County to visit the remarkable UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dazu Rock Carvings. Dating from the Tang Dynasty and developed over many centuries, this extraordinary collection features thousands of intricately carved Buddhist figures alongside Taoist and Confucian imagery. The carvings provide a fascinating insight into China’s religious, cultural and artistic traditions, with beautifully preserved sculptures and inscriptions carved directly into the surrounding cliffs. This afternoon, return to Chongqing and transfer to the railway station for your second-class high-speed bullet train to Chengdu, a journey of approximately 1.5–2 hours. Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel. Accommodation: Tianfu Lido Sheraton Hotel Chengdu or similar 5-star hotel.

Spend the morning visiting Chengdu’s famous Giant Panda Reserve, where you can observe these much-loved animals in surroundings designed to resemble their natural habitat. Learn more about the conservation and breeding programs helping protect one of China’s most iconic species. Later, return to Chengdu and visit lively Jinli Street, renowned for its traditional architecture, local handicrafts, teahouses and tempting Sichuan snacks. Enjoy time to wander through the atmospheric laneways and experience a taste of traditional Chengdu. Accommodation: Tianfu Lido Sheraton Hotel Chengdu or similar 5-star hotel.

This morning, board a second-class high-speed bullet train towards the Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong region, a journey of approximately 2.5–3 hours. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and continue to spectacular Huanglong National Park. Set beneath the snow-capped Min Mountains, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Huanglong is renowned for its extraordinary limestone formations, cascading waterfalls and thousands of colourful terraced pools. Take the cable car towards the upper valley before exploring on foot, including the spectacular Five-Colour Ponds, where mineral-rich waters create brilliant shades of turquoise, blue and green. After approximately four hours exploring Huanglong, continue by road to Jiuzhaigou. Accommodation: Wyndham Grand Jiuzhaigou Times Hotel or similar 5-star hotel.

Today is dedicated to exploring the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jiuzhaigou Valley, one of China’s most celebrated natural wonders. Set amongst dramatic mountains and pristine forests, the national park is renowned for its intensely coloured lakes, cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear springs and remarkable alpine scenery. Explore the three principal valleys of Shuzheng, Zechawa and Rize, discovering landscapes that change dramatically with the seasons. Brilliant turquoise and emerald lakes contrast against forested mountains, while waterfalls and limestone formations create some of China’s most memorable scenery. After a full day exploring this extraordinary national park, return to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. Accommodation: Wyndham Grand Jiuzhaigou Times Hotel or similar 5-star hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to the railway station for your second-class high-speed bullet train back to Chengdu, with a journey time of approximately 2.5–3 hours. Upon arrival in Chengdu, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to relax or continue exploring the city at your own pace. Accommodation: Tianfu Lido Sheraton Hotel Chengdu or similar 5-star hotel.

This morning, visit the Sichuan Cuisine Museum for an entertaining introduction to one of China’s most celebrated regional cuisines. Learn about traditional ingredients, flavours and cooking techniques during a cooking demonstration before enjoying lunch. Continue to the remarkable Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site constructed more than 2,000 years ago. This extraordinary feat of ancient Chinese engineering continues to control the waters of the Min River and irrigate the fertile Chengdu Plain without the use of a conventional dam. After your visit, return to Chengdu and transfer to your hotel. Accommodation: Tianfu Lido Sheraton Hotel Chengdu or similar 5-star hotel.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel followed by time at leisure until your scheduled departure. At the appropriate time, meet your driver and transfer to Chengdu Airport for your onward flight, bringing your China journey to an end.