China’s past and present contrasts are as epic as its landscapes—and this 10-day journey captures the best of both. From the futuristic skyline of Shanghai to the misty peaks of Zhangjiajie National Park, you’ll explore a country where modern energy meets ancient beauty. Ride the world’s highest outdoor elevator and float through the dreamy karst mountains of the Li River. In Chengdu, go behind the scenes at a giant panda research centre and learn about the conservation efforts protecting these beloved animals. End in vibrant Hong Kong and reflect on the unforgettable moments and experiences that connect you to the heart of China.
Travel Style
National Geographic Journeys
Service Level
Upgraded
Physical Grading
3 - Average
What's Included
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Giant Panda Conservation and Research Centre, Chengdu
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Qixianfeng Tea Plantation, Yangshuo
Your G for Good Moment: Jia Community Restaurant, Yangshuo
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
Your Foodie Moment: Chengdu Hot Pot Dinner, Chengdu
Your Local Living Moment: Li River Bamboo Raft, Yangshuo. Arrival Transfer. Visit the Bund. Orientation walk of Zhangjiajie. Zhangjiajie National Park Visit. Wulingyuan National Forest Park. Bailong Elevator. Tianmen Shan Mountain National Park Visit. Heavenly Gate Glass Bridge. Tianmen Shan Cable Car. People's Park Visit. Chengdu Hot Pot Dinner. Giant Panda Conservation and Research Centre. Free time in Chengdu. Yangshuo Orientation Walk. Li River Bamboo Raft. Jia Community Restaurant Lunch. Qixianfeng Tea Plantation tour and tea ceremony. The Symphony of Lights at the Victoria Harbour. Dim Sum Dinner. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Marvel at the towering karst peaks and glass walkways in Zhangjiajie National Park, Visit a Giant Panda research centre and learn about local conservation efforts, Drift down the Li River on a bamboo raft surrounded by stunning limestone landscapes, Discover the futuristic energy of Shanghai and the cultural fusion of Hong Kong
How large will the group be?
16
What meals are included in this trip?
9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private Vehicle, Plane, Cable Car, Shuttle Bus, Walking, Bullet Train, Bamboo Boat, Ferry.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotel (9 nts)
Itinerary
SHANGHAI
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included. This evening, gather for a welcome meeting and a walk around the famous Bund, an iconic waterfront promenade listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
SHANGHAI / ZHANGJIAJIE
Catch a morning flight to Zhangjiajie–an otherworldly landscape, where 1,000-meter quartzite pillars rise above misty valleys. We’ll spend the next 3 nights in this dreamlike region exploring some of China’s most incredible natural phenomena.
ZHANGJIAJIE
Spend the day at the UNESCO World Heritage Site–listed Zhangjiajie National Forest. We’ll soar beside the misty peaks on the Tianzi Mountain cable car and stop to admire an amazing view at Yuanjiajie, known as the Hallelujah Mountains, which inspired the Disney film Avatar. Then, drive and do some hiking to see the various lookout points before descending the cliffside in the Bailong elevator–the world’s tallest outdoor elevator.
ZHANGJIAJIE
Head to Tianmen Shan National Park, home of one of the longest cable cars in the world. Take the cable car up Tianmen Shan Mountain to the Heavenly Gate. Gaze through the natural rock arch carving to see the sun shine through and learn of its legendary folklore. For those with an adventurous side, step onto the glass skywalk, a clear bridge that hugs the edge of the cliff to make an amazing view even better. As we head back down to the bottom, the adventure continues with a series of escalators and cable cars for one last chance to marvel at the beautiful landscape.
ZHANGJIAJIE / CHENGDU
This morning, take a high speed train to Chengdu, the capital of the Sichuan Province. Later, explore People’s Park, the first public park in the city where local life is on full display. Walk through the beautiful green space to see teahouses and lotus ponds while people play mahjong, drink tea and practice calligraphy. Surrounded by koi ponds and bonsai gardens, relish the chance to immerse yourself in Chengdu’s laid-back lifestyle. Tonight, the culture-filled day in Chengdu continues with its world-renowned cuisine as the focus. Hot pot is on the menu–a delicious, family-style bubbling broth that cooks meat and veggies for a personalized and incredible soup experience. You’ll quickly learn why Sichuan is one of China’s most celebrated culinary regions.
CHENGDU
Drive out of the city to the Dujiangyan Panda Base, a national conservation and research centre dedicated to supporting the panda population from extinction. You’ll have the opportunity to meet with a local conservationist who will share insight into the centre’s efforts as well as introduce the pandas. Learn about their habits, diet and behaviour as they play and munch bamboo. Our local expert will share how programs like this research center have improved the population numbers of wild pandas as discussed in the National Geographic article “Giant Pandas 101,”. We’ll leave with a newfound inspiration to your own role in wildlife conservation around the world as we return to Chengdu for a free afternoon to explore or rest.
CHENGDU / YANGSHUO
After breakfast, take the train out of the city to the beautiful town of Yangshuo. Nestled between sky-scraping limestone pillars and green rice paddies, enjoy the slower lifestyle where tradition and custom thrive. Life along the Li River is one of the most enchanting and inspiring places in the world, as recognised in the National Geographic book “The 10 Best of Everything: Top 10 Watery Wonders.” Arrive in the evening and enjoy the remainder of the day to rest.
YANGSHUO
Float down the Li River on a bamboo raft past the towering karst mountains and lush fields for an exciting and tranquil morning. This beautiful place will have you feeling inspired and moved as did poets and painters who have journeyed here before us looking for inspiration. Lunch will be served at Jia Community Restaurant, a G Adventures-supported initiative where local female farmers curate meals full of traditional flavors blended with international cuisine and locally sourced ingredients. After, visit the Qixianfeng Tea Plantation learning about each step of the ancient Chinese art of tea. From picking the leaves, to the traditional techniques of hand-frying passed down through generations, then finishing with a tea ceremony. Today, you’ll explore the historic heritage and natural wonder that makes Yangshuo so special.
YANGSHUO / HONG KONG
Board a bullet train for Hong Kong, a city steeped in history, opulence and a unique blend of international influence. Tonight, sit together for a dinner of dim sum (small savoury and sweet dumplings) and yum cha (tea). These flavorful, steamed favorites, a mix of tradition and culinary artistry, are often filled with shrimp, pork, crab roe, pork and more. After dark, make our way to Victoria Harbor for the famous light show–the Symphony of Lights. This dazzling show will light up the already impressive Hong Kong skyline. Then, walk along the harbor and enjoy your last night together.
HONG KONG
Depart at any time.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your Expedition Leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
