11 Days China Natural Wonders Tour with Yangtze River Cruise: Chengdu-Jiuzhaigou-Zhangjiajie-Chongqing-Yichang

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and drive to the famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, one of the world’s most important panda research and conservation centers.

The panda base is home to more than 100 giant pandas. Walk through peaceful bamboo forests and observe pandas of different ages, from adorable baby pandas to playful young pandas and adult pandas enjoying their daily activities such as eating bamboo, climbing trees, and playing with each other.

You will also have the opportunity to visit the Panda Nursery and Panda Museum, where you can learn more about giant panda breeding, conservation efforts, and the scientific research behind protecting this beloved species.

After the panda visit, transfer to Chengdu East Railway Station and take a high-speed train to Huanglong Jiuzhai Railway Station. The journey takes approximately 1.5–2 hours through the beautiful landscapes of Sichuan.

Upon arrival, your local guide and driver will meet you and transfer you approximately 1.5–2 hours to Jiuzhaigou Valley. After hotel check-in, enjoy free time to rest, explore the surrounding area, and adapt to the higher altitude and mountain environment.

Highlights:

• Visit Chengdu Panda Base
• Observe giant pandas in their natural-style habitat
• Learn about panda conservation and research
• Experience China’s high-speed train system
• Travel from Chengdu to beautiful Jiuzhaigou

Overnight: Jiuzhaigou

After breakfast, begin a full-day exploration of Jiuzhaigou Valley, one of China’s most spectacular natural destinations and a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Known as the “Fairyland on Earth,” Jiuzhaigou is famous for its crystal-clear turquoise lakes, colorful forests, waterfalls, snow-covered mountains, and unique Tibetan cultural atmosphere.

The scenic area consists mainly of three beautiful valleys: Rize Valley, Zechawa Valley, and Shuzheng Valley. With convenient sightseeing buses and wooden walking trails, you can easily explore the most beautiful viewpoints while enjoying a comfortable pace.

Begin the classic sightseeing route by taking a sightseeing bus to Nuorilang Waterfall, the symbol of Jiuzhaigou and one of the widest highland waterfalls in China. Continue to Zechawa Valley to visit Long Lake and Five-Color Pond, where mineral deposits create stunning shades of blue, green, and turquoise.

Continue to Rize Valley, the most beautiful valley in Jiuzhaigou, and discover famous attractions including Panda Lake, Five Flower Lake, Pearl Shoal, and Mirror Lake. The colorful reflections of mountains, forests, and skies make these areas perfect for photography.

In the afternoon, return through Shuzheng Valley, where you will visit Rhinoceros Lake, Tiger Lakes, Shuzheng Waterfall, and Sparkling Lake. The combination of waterfalls, forests, Tibetan villages, and peaceful lakes creates one of the most unforgettable natural experiences in China.

After the sightseeing, return to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Highlights:

• Explore UNESCO-listed Jiuzhaigou National Park
• Discover Rize Valley, Zechawa Valley, and Shuzheng Valley
• Visit Five-Color Pond and Five Flower Lake
• Admire spectacular Nuorilang Waterfall
• Enjoy colorful lakes, forests, waterfalls, and mountain scenery
• Experience one of China’s most beautiful natural landscapes

Overnight: Jiuzhaigou

After breakfast, your guide and driver will escort you to Huanglong National Park, one of China’s most spectacular natural wonders and a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site since 1992. Known as the “Wonderland on Earth,” Huanglong is famous for its colorful travertine terraces, snow-covered mountains, deep valleys, waterfalls, and pristine alpine forests.

Upon arrival, take the cable car to the upper section of Huanglong Valley, where you will discover the park’s most iconic attraction — Five-Color Ponds. Located at an altitude of approximately 3,556 meters, this incredible natural terrace contains 693 colorful ponds of different sizes and shapes. The emerald, turquoise, blue, and golden colors created by mineral deposits make the pools look like jewels scattered among the mountains.

After enjoying the spectacular views from the top, walk slowly downhill along the scenic trail to appreciate more highlights of Huanglong, including Zhengyan Pool, Bonsai Pool, Lotus Waterfall, Flying Waterfall, and Welcome Pool. Along the way, enjoy the peaceful alpine environment, clear streams, forest scenery, and breathtaking mountain views.

Due to the high altitude of Huanglong, some areas are above 3,500 meters. Travelers are advised to walk slowly, stay hydrated, and allow time for acclimatization. If experiencing altitude discomfort, rest areas with oxygen service are available inside the scenic area.

For travelers who prefer to avoid high-altitude areas, an alternative visit to Sanxingdui Museum can be arranged. Known as one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, Sanxingdui showcases the mysterious ancient Shu civilization through remarkable bronze statues, sacred trees, gold artifacts, and jade treasures.

After sightseeing, transfer to Huanglong Jiuzhai Railway Station and take a high-speed train back to Chengdu.

Highlights:

• Visit UNESCO-listed Huanglong National Park
• Explore the spectacular Five-Color Ponds
• Admire colorful travertine terraces and alpine scenery
• Walk through Zhengyan Pool, Bonsai Pool, and waterfalls
• Optional alternative visit to Sanxingdui Museum
• Experience Sichuan’s most beautiful natural landscapes

Overnight: Chengdu

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and continue exploring the cultural charm of Chengdu before traveling to Zhangjiajie.

Begin with a visit to Renmin Park (People’s Park), the perfect place to experience Chengdu’s famous slow-paced lifestyle. Enjoy a cup of traditional Chinese tea in a century-old teahouse, observe locals enjoying daily activities such as Mahjong, ear cleaning, dancing, and water calligraphy, and experience the authentic leisure culture of Chengdu.

Continue to Jinli Old Street, one of Chengdu’s most famous historical streets. Stroll through traditional-style buildings filled with local snacks, handicrafts, cultural performances, and souvenir shops. The lively atmosphere offers a wonderful introduction to Sichuan’s traditional culture and Three Kingdoms heritage.

After the city tour, transfer to the railway station and take a high-speed train to Zhangjiajie (approximately 5 hours). Upon arrival, your local guide and driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Wulingyuan District, the gateway to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.

The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the surrounding area.

Highlights:

• Experience Chengdu’s famous relaxed lifestyle at Renmin Park
• Enjoy traditional tea house culture
• Explore historic Jinli Old Street
• Travel by high-speed train from Chengdu to Zhangjiajie
• Stay near the UNESCO-listed Wulingyuan Scenic Area

Overnight: Wulingyuan, Zhangjiajie

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park, one of Zhangjiajie’s most iconic natural attractions. Known as the “Soul of Zhangjiajie,” Tianmen Mountain combines spectacular cliffs, ancient forests, thrilling glass walkways, and one of China’s most famous natural wonders — Tianmen Cave.

Start your journey with the legendary Tianmen Mountain Cable Car, one of the longest mountain cable cars in the world. The cableway stretches approximately 7,455 meters, connecting Zhangjiajie city center with the mountain summit at an altitude of more than 1,400 meters. During the ride, enjoy breathtaking views of the winding Tongtian Avenue (Avenue Toward Heaven), a dramatic mountain road famous for its 99 sharp bends.

Continue exploring the mountain’s spectacular West Line, a scenic route featuring dramatic cliff landscapes and breathtaking viewpoints. Walk along the famous Guigu Cliffside Path, a 1,600-meter-long cliff-hanging walkway built directly along the mountain wall. The path offers thrilling views of deep valleys, steep cliffs, and surrounding peaks.

Visit the historic Tianmen Mountain Temple, a Buddhist temple dating back to the Tang Dynasty. Surrounded by forests and mountain scenery, the temple features traditional Qing Dynasty-style architecture and is regarded as one of the important Buddhist temples associated with Buddha relics.

After visiting the temple, choose between two exploration options:

• East Line Hiking Route: Walk toward Yuhu Peak, passing viewpoints including South Overlooking Tianmen Cave, Yuhu Peak, and Happy Grove, enjoying peaceful mountain scenery along the way.
• Forest Sightseeing Cable Car Route: Take the forest cable car (optional) to Yunmeng Fairy Summit, one of the best viewpoints on Tianmen Mountain, then walk down toward Turbulent Water at Tianmen.

Continue your adventure with the Transmountain Escalator down to the spectacular Tianmen Cave, a huge natural opening in the mountain measuring approximately 131.5 meters high, 57 meters wide, and 60 meters deep. Known as the “Gateway to Heaven,” Tianmen Cave is one of Zhangjiajie’s most famous landmarks.

After visiting Tianmen Cave, descend the dramatic 999 Steps to Heaven, a steep staircase with an inclination of up to 45 degrees. Finally, take the express cable car down to the mountain gate and transfer back to the tourist center.

After completing the Tianmen Mountain tour, your guide and driver will escort you to the railway station for a high-speed train to Chongqing (approximately 2–3 hours). Upon arrival, your Chongqing guide will meet you and transfer you to your downtown hotel.

Highlights:

• Ride the spectacular Tianmen Mountain Cable Car
• Enjoy views of Tongtian Avenue (99 Bends Mountain Road)
• Walk the thrilling Guigu Cliffside Path
• Visit historic Tianmen Mountain Temple
• Explore the legendary Tianmen Cave
• Experience the famous 999 Steps to Heaven
• Travel by high-speed train from Zhangjiajie to Chongqing

Overnight: Chongqing

After breakfast, begin exploring Chongqing, one of China’s most unique cities, famous for its mountainous landscape, futuristic skyline, spicy cuisine, and fascinating urban architecture.

Start your city tour at the Three Gorges Museum, one of Chongqing’s most important cultural landmarks. The museum houses more than 280,000 cultural relics and introduces the history of the mighty Yangtze River, the formation of the Three Gorges, and Chongqing’s development from an ancient settlement over 3,000 years ago into a modern municipality.

Continue to the impressive People’s Assembly Hall, one of Chongqing’s most recognizable architectural landmarks. Built with a traditional Chinese style combined with Western influences, its elegant exterior has earned international recognition and was included in the History of Architecture published in London.

Next, experience Chongqing’s famous mountain-city transportation by taking Chongqing Rail Transit Line 2 from Huanghuayuan Station to Liziba Station. During this short journey, enjoy views of the city landscape and witness the unique engineering phenomenon where the metro train passes directly through a 19-story residential building.

Continue to Hongya Cave, Chongqing’s most famous night-view attraction. Built along the hillside, this complex features traditional Ba and Shu-style wooden stilt houses rising through multiple levels. During the evening, the golden lights transform Hongya Cave into one of China’s most photogenic urban scenes.

After the city tour, transfer to Chaotianmen Port to board your Yangtze River Cruise. The cruise departs in the evening, beginning your journey through the magnificent Three Gorges.

Optional Activity:

• Eye in the Clouds Observation Deck: Enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Chongqing from a high-altitude observation platform overlooking the city’s futuristic skyline.

Cruise Boarding Tips:

• Confirm the exact boarding pier before departure, as Chaotianmen Port has multiple terminals.
• Arrive according to the cruise company’s boarding schedule.
• Pier locations and boarding arrangements may change depending on cruise operations, water levels, weather, and seasonal conditions.

Highlights:

• Discover Chongqing’s history at Three Gorges Museum
• Photograph the beautiful People’s Assembly Hall
• Experience the famous Liziba Metro through Building
• Visit illuminated Hongya Cave
• Board the legendary Yangtze River Cruise
• Begin the Three Gorges river adventure

Overnight: Yangtze River Cruise

After breakfast, your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel and begin a full-day exploration of Chongqing, the famous mountain city known for its dramatic landscape, futuristic skyline, spicy cuisine, and unique urban architecture.

Start your journey at the Three Gorges Museum, one of Chongqing’s most important cultural landmarks. The museum houses more than 280,000 precious cultural relics and introduces the history of the mighty Yangtze River, the geological formation of the Three Gorges, and the development of Chongqing from an ancient settlement more than 3,000 years ago into a modern municipality. Through exhibitions of historical artifacts, paintings, and cultural treasures, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the region’s rich heritage.

Continue to the impressive People’s Assembly Hall, one of Chongqing’s most recognizable architectural symbols. Built with a unique combination of traditional Chinese design and modern construction techniques, the building features a magnificent dome structure inspired by classical Chinese architecture. Its elegant appearance gained international recognition and was included in the History of Architecture published in London in 1987.

Next, experience Chongqing’s famous mountain-city transportation by taking Chongqing Rail Transit Line 2 from Huanghuayuan Station to Liziba Station. During this approximately 15-minute ride, enjoy views of the city’s hills, rivers, and urban landscapes. At Liziba Metro Station, witness the incredible engineering phenomenon where the metro train passes directly through a 19-story residential building — one of Chongqing’s most unique city scenes.

Continue to Hongya Cave, Chongqing’s most iconic waterfront attraction. Built along the hillside, this multi-level complex features traditional Ba and Shu-style stilted wooden buildings rising up the mountain slope. During the daytime, visitors can admire the unique architecture and river views, while at night, the golden lights transform Hongya Cave into one of China’s most spectacular urban night scenes.

Optional Activity:

• Eye in the Clouds Observation Deck: Enjoy a 360-degree open-air panoramic view of Chongqing from a height of approximately 520 meters, overlooking the city’s dramatic skyline, rivers, and mountains.

In the evening, transfer to Chaotianmen Port to board your Yangtze River Cruise. Complete the boarding procedures between approximately 18:00–21:00, and the cruise departs in the evening, beginning your unforgettable journey through the Three Gorges.

Cruise Boarding Tips:

• Chaotianmen Port has multiple terminals, so confirm your exact boarding pier before departure.
• Follow the latest cruise boarding information, as pier arrangements may change depending on cruise schedules, water levels, weather, and seasonal conditions.

Highlights:

• Explore the cultural treasures of Three Gorges Museum
• Photograph the historic People’s Assembly Hall
• Experience Chongqing’s famous Liziba Metro Through Building
• Visit the spectacular Hongya Cave
• Board the legendary Yangtze River Cruise at Chaotianmen Port

Overnight: Yangtze River Cruise

Wake up to a peaceful morning on the Yangtze River Cruise and enjoy the beautiful scenery along China’s longest river. Start your day at your own pace — join a traditional Tai Chi session on the deck with a professional instructor, or relax with a cup of coffee while watching the tranquil river landscapes pass by.

During the cruise, enjoy a variety of onboard cultural and entertainment activities. Attend the Yangtze River History and Culture Lecture to learn about the importance of the river in Chinese civilization, participate in seasonal themed activities, meet fellow travelers at the Captain’s Welcome Party, and enjoy evening performances onboard.

In the afternoon, follow your English-speaking local guide for an exciting shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City, a historic cultural site with more than 2,000 years of history. Located along the Yangtze River, Fengdu is known as the “Homeland of Divine Comedy in China” and is famous for its unique connection with traditional Chinese beliefs about the afterlife.

Explore the ancient complex filled with temples, shrines, palaces, pavilions, and traditional-style buildings. Through colorful statues, sculptures, and storytelling scenes, discover ancient Chinese concepts of the underworld, morality, good and evil, and the belief that virtuous people receive rewards while wrongdoers face punishment.

The visit involves walking through historic areas with steps and slopes, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Optional Activity:

• Feng Yan San Guo (Three Kingdoms Fire Show): A spectacular real-landscape performance combining music, lighting, and storytelling to recreate the heroic history of the Three Kingdoms period and celebrate the loyalty and spirit of legendary figures such as General Guan Yu.

Highlights:

• Enjoy a relaxing morning on the Yangtze River Cruise
• Experience Tai Chi and onboard cultural activities
• Visit historic Fengdu Ghost City
• Discover ancient Chinese mythology and folklore
• Enjoy optional Three Kingdoms Fire Show

Overnight: Yangtze River Cruise

Today is the highlight of your Yangtze River Cruise, as the ship sails through the magnificent Three Gorges, one of China’s most spectacular natural landscapes. Relax on the deck and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of dramatic cliffs, green mountains, winding rivers, and historic landscapes along the Yangtze River.

The cruise will pass through the three famous sections of the Three Gorges:

• Qutang Gorge – The shortest and most dramatic gorge, famous for its steep cliffs, narrow river channel, and the iconic Kui Gate, one of the most impressive landscapes on the Yangtze River.
• Wu Gorge – Known for its deep valleys, mist-covered mountains, and the legendary Twelve Peaks, Wu Gorge is often praised as the most elegant and poetic section of the Three Gorges.
• Xiling Gorge – The longest gorge of the Three Gorges, featuring magnificent cliffs, winding waterways, and beautiful natural scenery.

During the cruise, take a smaller sightseeing boat for an excursion to Shennv Stream (Goddess Stream), a peaceful tributary of the Yangtze River. Travel through this primitive and beautiful waterway surrounded by steep mountains, clear streams, and traditional landscapes. Along the way, you can admire ancient cliff scenery, discover hanging coffins preserved on the mountain walls, and learn about the history and traditions of the local communities.

Enjoy the unique culture of the Tujia ethnic group during the excursion, including traditional songs, dances, and local performances that showcase the rich heritage of the Three Gorges region.

In the evening, enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Party onboard. Celebrate your final night on the Yangtze River Cruise with fellow travelers, enjoy entertainment, and create unforgettable memories of this spectacular river journey.

Optional Activity:

• White Emperor City (Baidi City): Located at the entrance of Qutang Gorge, this historic site is closely connected with the famous Chinese classic Romance of the Three Kingdoms. It is also one of the best viewpoints to admire Kui Gate, featured on the Chinese 10 RMB banknote.

Highlights:

• Sail through the magnificent Three Gorges
• Experience Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge
• Explore the peaceful Shennv Stream by smaller boat
• Discover Tujia ethnic culture and traditional performances
• Admire dramatic cliffs, mountains, and river landscapes
• Enjoy the final night Captain’s Farewell Party

Overnight: Yangtze River Cruise

After breakfast, complete the cruise check-out procedure and disembark at Maoping Port. Your final highlight of the journey is a visit to the world-famous Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydropower project in the world and one of China’s greatest modern engineering achievements.

Take the arranged tourist bus from the port to the Three Gorges Dam Scenic Area. Located on the Yangtze River in Hubei Province, the dam stretches approximately 2,300 meters long and has created a massive reservoir with a storage capacity of about 39.3 billion cubic meters. The project plays an important role in flood control, clean energy production, and improving navigation along the Yangtze River.

During the visit, explore several viewpoints around the dam to appreciate its enormous scale and learn about its construction, technology, and influence on the region. Visit the Three Gorges Dam Project Museum to gain deeper knowledge about this landmark project and the development of the Yangtze River.

Optional Experience: Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift
For travelers interested in engineering and unique experiences, you can take a tourist boat through the Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift, the world’s largest ship lift. The boat is raised approximately 113 meters, creating an exciting and unforgettable journey through this impressive navigation system.

After sightseeing, take the tourist bus to Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal in downtown Yichang, arriving around midday. Your local guide and driver will meet you there and transfer you to Yichang Sanxia Airport or Yichang East Railway Station for your onward flight or train journey.

Your unforgettable Chengdu – Jiuzhaigou – Zhangjiajie – Chongqing – Yangtze River Cruise Tour comes to an end with wonderful memories of China’s natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and the legendary Yangtze River.

Departure Options:

• Flights from Yichang Sanxia Airport to major cities including Shanghai, Beijing, Xi’an, Guangzhou, and Hangzhou.
• High-speed trains from Yichang East Railway Station to destinations including Wuhan, Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, Chengdu, and Guangzhou.

Highlights:

• Disembark from the luxury Yangtze River Cruise
• Visit the spectacular Three Gorges Dam
• Learn about China’s largest hydropower project
• Explore the Three Gorges Dam Project Museum
• Optional Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift experience
• Convenient transfer to Yichang airport or railway station

Tour Ends: Yichang Airport / Railway Station