11 Days China Nature Wonder&Panda Tour (Chengdu-Jiuzhaigou-Chengdu-Zhangjiajie-Guilin)

After breakfast, begin your Chengdu adventure with a visit to the world-famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, one of the most important panda conservation and scientific research centers in the world.

The panda base provides an excellent opportunity to observe giant pandas in a natural-style environment. Walk along peaceful bamboo paths and watch pandas of different ages enjoying their daily activities, including eating bamboo, climbing trees, playing together, and resting in their habitats.

A highlight of the visit is the Panda Nursery, where visitors may see adorable panda cubs receiving professional care. You can also visit the Panda Museum to learn more about giant panda biology, conservation efforts, and breeding programs.

After the panda experience, your guide and driver will transfer you to the railway station for your high-speed train journey from Chengdu to Huanglong Jiuzhai Station (approximately 1.5–2 hours).

During the train ride, enjoy views of western Sichuan’s changing landscapes, including mountains, rivers, countryside scenery, and Tibetan-influenced areas.

Upon arrival at Huanglong Jiuzhai Railway Station, your local guide and driver will welcome you and transfer you directly to Jiuzhaigou Valley (about 1.5–2 hours by road).

After hotel check-in, the rest of the day is free for you to relax, explore the surrounding area, and gradually adapt to the higher altitude and cooler climate of Jiuzhaigou.

After breakfast, drive from Jiuzhaigou Valley to Huanglong National Park (about 2 hours) to explore one of China’s most spectacular alpine landscapes. Known as the “Yellow Dragon on Earth,” Huanglong is famous for its colorful travertine terraces, snow mountains, forests, waterfalls, and crystal-clear pools.

Walk through the scenic valley to admire the world-famous Five-Color Ponds, a collection of hundreds of colorful mineral pools surrounded by mountains and forests. The turquoise, blue, green, and golden colors create a breathtaking natural painting. Along the way, enjoy views of Xuebaoding Snow Mountain, alpine forests, and unique limestone formations.

To save energy and time, you will take the cable car up to the upper area and walk downhill through the scenic route, allowing you to enjoy the highlights at a comfortable pace.

After approximately 3 hours of sightseeing, transfer to Huanglong Jiuzhai Railway Station to take the high-speed train back to Chengdu (about 1.5–2 hours). Upon arrival, your driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

Enjoy a relaxing evening in Chengdu after your journey through the natural wonders of Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong.

After breakfast, drive about 2 hours from Jiuzhaigou to Huanglong National Park, one of China’s most spectacular natural heritage sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Known as the “Yellow Dragon Valley,” Huanglong is famous for its incredible travertine landscape, a 3.6-kilometer-long series of colorful limestone terraces formed through thousands of years of geological evolution. Located beneath the magnificent Xuebaoding Snow Mountain (5,588m), the valley resembles a golden dragon winding through the mountains, which gives Huanglong its name.

The highlight of today’s visit is the stunning Five-Color Ponds, located at an altitude of around 3,556 meters. With nearly 700 natural pools of different sizes, shapes, and colors, the pools shine like colorful jewels surrounded by snow mountains, forests, waterfalls, and alpine scenery.

To save energy and maximize sightseeing time, you will take a cable car up to the upper section of the valley and then walk downhill along the scenic route, enjoying the most beautiful landscapes at a comfortable pace.

After approximately 3 hours of sightseeing in Huanglong, leave the scenic area and transfer to Huanglong Jiuzhai Railway Station to take the high-speed train back to Chengdu (about 1.5–2 hours).

Upon arrival in Chengdu, your driver will meet you at the station and transfer you back to your hotel.

This morning, continue exploring Chengdu’s unique lifestyle and cultural atmosphere.

Visit Wenshu Temple, one of Chengdu’s most famous Buddhist temples hidden among the modern city streets. Admire its traditional architecture, peaceful courtyards, ancient trees, Buddhist halls, and quiet spiritual atmosphere. Nearby Wenshufang Cultural Street offers a glimpse into local life with traditional tea houses, handicraft shops, and small markets.

Continue to Renmin Park (People’s Park), where you can experience Chengdu’s famous slow-paced lifestyle. Enjoy a cup of traditional Chinese tea at a local teahouse and watch residents playing mahjong, chatting, dancing, practicing calligraphy, or enjoying traditional ear-cleaning services.

In the afternoon, transfer to the railway station for your high-speed train from Chengdu to Zhangjiajie (approximately 4–5.5 hours).

Upon arrival at Zhangjiajie Railway Station, your local guide and driver will welcome you and transfer you by private vehicle to your hotel in Wulingyuan Scenic Area, the gateway to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.

The rest of the evening is free to relax or explore the local area.

Optional Evening Activities:

• Xibu Street (溪布街): Enjoy local Tujia ethnic culture, traditional snacks, handicrafts, and colorful night views.
• Charming Xiangxi Show (魅力湘西): Experience one of Hunan’s most famous cultural performances featuring ethnic music, dance, and traditional customs.

After breakfast, begin a full-day exploration of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its spectacular sandstone peaks, deep valleys, and mist-covered landscapes.

Start with Ten-Mile Gallery (十里画廊), a beautiful valley surrounded by unique rock formations. Take a sightseeing tram through the valley and admire natural formations such as The God of Longevity Welcoming Guests, The Old Herb Picker, and Three Sisters Peaks.

Continue to Yuanjiajie (袁家界), the legendary landscape that inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar. Experience the world-famous Bailong Elevator (百龙天梯), the highest outdoor elevator in the world, rising from the valley floor to the mountain top in only about 1.5 minutes.

Explore the spectacular viewpoints of Yuanjiajie:

• Avatar Hallelujah Mountain (阿凡达哈利路亚山): The iconic peak that inspired the floating mountains in Avatar
• Ecstasy Terrace (迷魂台): A panoramic viewpoint overlooking hundreds of sandstone pillars
• First Bridge Under Heaven (天下第一桥): A natural stone bridge connecting two peaks, created by unique geological formations

After Yuanjiajie, take a sightseeing bus to Tianzi Mountain (天子山), known as the “King of Peaks.” At Helong Park (贺龙公园), enjoy magnificent views of Yubi Peak (御笔峰) and Fairy Flowers (仙女散花) among thousands of unusual sandstone formations.

If time and energy allow, continue to Warrior Training Horse (御马驯鞭), where naturally shaped peaks resemble warriors and horses standing proudly among the mountains.

Finish the day with a scenic Tianzi Mountain Cable Car ride, descending through layers of spectacular peaks and forests before returning to Zhangjiajie city for hotel check-in.

Optional Attraction:

Kongzhong Tianyuan (空中田园 / The Field in the Sky)
A hidden photography spot featuring terraced fields surrounded by towering sandstone peaks, offering a unique perspective of Zhangjiajie’s dramatic landscape.

Optional Evening Show:

Tianmen Fox Fairy Show (天门狐仙)
A large-scale outdoor musical drama performed against the natural backdrop of Tianmen Mountain, combining local legends, music, dance, and impressive stage effects.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park, one of the most spectacular attractions in Zhangjiajie. Known as the “Soul of Zhangjiajie,” Tianmen Mountain combines dramatic cliffs, ancient temples, thrilling skywalks, and the legendary natural wonder of Tianmen Cave.

Begin your adventure with the famous Tianmen Mountain Cableway, one of the world’s longest mountain passenger cableways. Stretching approximately 7,455 meters, the cable car climbs from downtown Zhangjiajie to the mountaintop at more than 1,400 meters above sea level. Through the transparent cabin, enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the winding Tongtian Avenue (Avenue Toward Heaven), deep valleys, and surrounding mountain landscapes.

Continue along the West Line Scenic Route, known as the “Wonderland Route.” Walk along the dramatic Ghost Valley Plank Road, a cliffside pathway suspended above the valley, offering incredible views and an exciting experience. Along the route, enjoy the beauty of Tianmen Mountain’s forests, cliffs, and mysterious natural scenery.

Visit Tianmen Temple, a historic Buddhist temple located on the mountaintop. Dating back to the Tang Dynasty, the temple is an important cultural and spiritual site surrounded by peaceful mountain scenery.

Next, experience the thrilling Glass Skywalk, a transparent walkway built along the cliff edge. Walking above the valley provides a unique perspective of the mountains and creates an unforgettable adventure.

Continue to the highlight of Tianmen Mountain — Tianmen Cave (Heaven’s Gate Cave). This enormous natural archway was created by geological movements over millions of years and measures approximately 131.5 meters high, 57 meters wide, and 60 meters deep. It is one of the most famous natural landmarks in China.

After visiting Tianmen Cave, descend the famous 999 Steps (Stairway to Heaven), a steep staircase leading from the cave entrance down the mountain slope. The dramatic steps symbolize the connection between heaven and earth.

Finally, take the Tianmen Mountain Express Cableway and shuttle bus back to the scenic area entrance, where your guide and driver will transfer you back to your hotel in Zhangjiajie.

Travel Tips:

• Tianmen Mountain has three glass skywalk sections, and the route order may be adjusted according to weather and visitor conditions.
• Travelers who prefer a more relaxed experience can use escalators to reduce walking.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes and prepare for changing mountain weather conditions.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will transfer you to Zhangjiajie Railway Station for a scenic high-speed train journey from Zhangjiajie to Guilin (approximately 7.5 hours).

The train ride takes you from the dramatic sandstone mountains of western Hunan to the world-famous karst landscapes of Guangxi. Along the way, enjoy views of rural villages, green mountains, rivers, farmland, and changing countryside scenery, offering a relaxing window into the diverse landscapes of southwest China.

Upon arrival at Guilin Railway Station, your local guide and driver will meet you and transfer you to your downtown hotel for check-in and a short rest.

In the afternoon, visit Reed Flute Cave (Ludi Yan Cave), one of Guilin’s most famous natural attractions and a masterpiece created by millions of years of geological evolution.

Known as the “Palace of Natural Arts,” this spectacular limestone cave features a fascinating underground world filled with impressive natural formations, including:

• Stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years
• Stone pillars and stone curtains resembling waterfalls and landscapes
• Crystal-clear underground formations shaped by natural erosion
• Colorful lighting that highlights the unique shapes and creates a magical atmosphere

As you walk through the winding cave passages, your guide will introduce the legends and stories behind many of the formations, allowing you to better understand the incredible power of nature.

After exploring Reed Flute Cave, return to your hotel in Guilin. Enjoy a relaxing evening to discover the city’s riverside scenery, local restaurants, or traditional night views at your own pace.

Travel Tips:

• The train journey from Zhangjiajie to Guilin is relatively long, so preparing snacks, drinks, and entertainment for the ride is recommended.
• Wear comfortable shoes for the cave visit, as the walking paths can be slightly wet and uneven.
• Guilin’s evenings are ideal for exploring the riverside areas and enjoying local specialties such as Guilin rice noodles.

After breakfast, drive about 80 km (approximately 1.5 hours) to Longji Rice Terraces, one of the most spectacular agricultural landscapes in China.

Built along the mountainsides of Longsheng County, the terraces rise from valleys to elevations of around 1,000 meters, creating layers of fields that look like giant stairways reaching toward the sky. The landscape changes beautifully with the seasons, offering different photography opportunities throughout the year.

First visit Huangluo Yao Village, known as the “First Village of Long Hair in the World.” This traditional Yao ethnic village is famous for its women wearing red traditional costumes and their exceptionally long hair, which represents beauty, tradition, and cultural identity.

Continue to Ping’an Zhuang Village, a historic village surrounded by magnificent rice terraces. Walk along traditional stone paths through the terraces and enjoy panoramic views from the famous viewpoints:

• Nine Dragons and Five Tigers Viewpoint – one of the best locations to admire the layered terraces
• Seven Stars with Moon Viewpoint – offering spectacular views of mountains, villages, and rice fields

Enjoy a half-day hike through the peaceful countryside, experiencing the combination of natural scenery, traditional villages, and ethnic culture.

After sightseeing, return to Guilin for accommodation.

Best Travel Seasons:

• April–June: Water-filled terraces create beautiful mirror reflections
• July–September: Green rice fields cover the mountains
• Late September–November: Golden harvest landscapes
• December–February: Winter terraces with a peaceful atmosphere

Travel Tips:

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as some village paths involve stairs and uphill walking.
• Visitors staying in Ping’an Village need to walk from the parking area to accommodation.
• Local porters can assist with luggage if needed.

After breakfast, start your journey into the legendary scenery of Guilin and Yangshuo, a landscape often described by the Chinese saying “Guilin’s landscape is the best under heaven.”

You will take a relaxing Li River Cruise from Mopanshan Pier to Yangshuo, traveling through one of the most beautiful river landscapes in China. During the approximately 84-kilometer cruise, enjoy breathtaking views of emerald-green waters, dramatic limestone karst mountains, bamboo forests, peaceful villages, and traditional countryside scenery.

The Li River scenery is famous for its poetic beauty, resembling a traditional Chinese ink painting. Along the way, you will see some of the most iconic viewpoints:

• Nine Horse Fresco Hill – a legendary cliff landscape where visitors search for hidden horse images within the rock formations
• 20 RMB Note Scenic View – the famous river landscape featured on China’s 20 RMB banknote
• Karst Mountain Reflections – spectacular views of mountains mirrored on the calm river surface

After approximately 4 hours of cruising, arrive at Yangshuo Town and check in to your hotel.

After a short rest, continue exploring the beautiful countryside scenery around Yulong River, one of Yangshuo’s most peaceful and picturesque areas. Surrounded by karst peaks, clear streams, rice fields, old villages, and green farmland, the area offers a perfect combination of nature and rural lifestyle.

You can enjoy Yulong River in different ways:

Bamboo Rafting
Take a traditional bamboo raft ride along the peaceful river and enjoy views of mountains, ancient bridges, and countryside landscapes. The slow pace allows you to fully appreciate the natural beauty.

Cycling Experience
Ride through countryside paths and villages to experience authentic Yangshuo rural life. The route offers beautiful views of rivers, fields, farms, and karst mountains.

Countryside Driving
Enjoy a comfortable drive through scenic countryside roads with opportunities to stop for photos and explore local villages.

Later, take a leisurely walk along West Street (Xi Jie), Yangshuo’s most famous historic street. With hundreds of years of history, West Street combines traditional Chinese culture with international influences. Explore local restaurants, cafés, handicraft shops, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this charming riverside town.

Optional Evening Activity:

Impression Liu Sanjie Show
Enjoy a spectacular outdoor performance directed by famous Chinese director Zhang Yimou. The Li River and karst mountains become the natural stage for this large-scale cultural show featuring local legends, folk songs, lights, and traditional performances.

After breakfast, leave Yangshuo and transfer back to Guilin City by private vehicle (approximately 1.5–2 hours).

Before departure, visit Elephant Trunk Hill (Xiangbishan), the iconic symbol of Guilin’s landscape. This unique limestone formation resembles a giant elephant drinking water from the Li River, creating one of the most recognizable views in Guangxi.

Explore the scenic area and enjoy views of:

• Elephant Trunk Hill – Guilin’s famous natural landmark
• Water-Moon Cave – a natural arch between the elephant’s trunk and body
• Puxian Pagoda – a historic Buddhist pagoda built on the hilltop
• Ancient stone carvings and cultural relics around the scenic area

After sightseeing, your guide will transfer you to Guilin Airport or Guilin Railway Station for your onward flight or train to your next destination.

Your 11 Days Natural Marvels Tour including Jiuzhaigou, Zhangjiajie & Guilin comes to an end with unforgettable memories of China’s most spectacular natural landscapes.