11 Days China Nature Wonders: Jiuzhaigou, Yangtze River, Zhangjiajie
Tour Overview
This China nature tour will take you through the most breathtaking natural scenery of this country. In Chengdu, you will spot the cute giant pandas and red pandas. Jiuzhaigou Valley is a natural wonder, great for taking pictures and hiking – here are colorful lakes, waterfalls, and untouched forest. Sail leisurely along Yangtze River and cruise through tall cliffs and the beautiful Three Gorges. Also, you will experience Tujia culture (one of China’s ethnic minorities).
In Zhangjiajie, you can witness the floating mountains and sandstone columns from the movie Avatar in Zhangjiajie. Highlights include the longest passenger cableway, the tallest glass-bottom bridge in the world, scenic forest trails, and the highest natural karst hole on Tianmen Mountain. This 11 day China trip is a perfect journey for travelers seeking the ultimate nature wonders with Yangtze River cruise.
Travel destinations: Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou, Yangtze River, Zhangjiajie
Suitable for: Nature Lovers, Adventure Seekers
Tour type: Private
Highlights of this tour:
- Observe playful giant pandas and red pandas up close, explore the Panda Museum, and learn about wildlife conservation in a lush, interactive environment.
- Marvel at multicolored lakes, towering waterfalls, and ancient forests across Shuzheng, Rize, and Zechawa Valleys of Jiuzhaigou Valley, a pristine natural paradise.
- Walk among sparkling Five-Colored Pools in Huanglong National Park, golden calcareous pavements, and temple ruins at China’s breathtaking plateau wetland.
- Cruise down the Yangtze River with the jaw-dropping and majestic Three Gorges and misty cliffs, lush forest landscapes, have an experience in Tujia culture.
- Explore the Zhangjiajie Avatar mountains in Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain, where there are fabulous sandstone pillars and awe-inspiring trails (you will never look at mountain-scapes the same after walking in Zhangjiajie’s natural landscapes!) inspired by the movie Avatar.
- Dare to test your courage on the world’s highest glass bottom bridge, climb the 999 steps up the highest natural karst hole in the world (Tianmen Cave).
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Chengdu
Welcome to 11-day China nature tour to Jiuzhaigou, Yangtze River and Zhangjiajie! Your local private driver will pick you up at the airport or train station with a welcome board “China Xian Tour” and then send you to the our well-selected downtown hotel. The rest of today is free for your to relax in the panda hometown.
There will be NO tour guide service today. We can provide you with some travel advice here. Go to explore the historic Kuanzhai Alleys with traditional tea houses and Sichuan snacks. Or you can stroll around the bustling Chunxi Road for modern shopping and local street food.
- Day 2: Chengdu Panda VisitWatch Pandas Play, Soak Up Chengdu's Lively Local Culture
Meet your tour guide in the hotel lobby after breakfast. The first stop of today's Chengdu exploration can be said to be the highlight of the entire itinerary - Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Your guide will lead you to visit the lush and huge research base, where mischievous giant pandas are munching on bamboo, sleeping, or playing. Also, you may spot the small red pandas, who are agilely climbing trees. The Panda Museum in the base offers interactive exhibitions on conservation work. 'Panda Tower' is unique, a bamboo shaped landmark. Here tourists can get a panoramic view of the protected area. Through this visit, you may gain a deeper understanding of wildlife conservation.
Pandas are chewing bamboo in Chengdu Panda Base After lunch, we go to Wenshu Monastery, the most well preserved Buddhist temple in Chengdu, dating back to the Tang Dynasty. You can appreciate the intricate wooden buildings and golden statues, and the air is filled with the scent of fragrance. In this peaceful courtyard, you may catch a glimpse of traditional Chinese meditation practices. There is an 11-storey hexagonal iron tower in the temple, with a total of 1000 Buddha statues, hence the name Thousand Buddha Peace Tower. There are low walls around the tower - on the inner wall is carved with floral patterns, while the outer wall is carved with stories from Journey to the West.
After that, spend a leisure time at People’s Park and feel the city’s relaxed rhythm. See locals dancing, playing chess or mahjong games, joining the lively marriage market... Sit in a traditional tea house for a representative Gaiwan tea and chat. Last, as night falls, Jinli Street radiates a Qing dynasty style charm. Walk in the ancient buildings, taste local snacks, such as Dandan noodles, and buy folk crafts like facial makeup. Before returning to the hotel, enjoy street performances such as sugar paintings or Sichuan opera.
Optional activity:
Watch a Sichuan Opera show. You can see face-changing, fire-breathing, shadow plays, puppets, music, dance, and acrobatics. The performance usually runs from 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm.
Jinli Street - Day 3: Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou by High-speed TrainMarvel at the Rainbow-Like Five-Colored Pools
After breakfast, you will be sent to Chengdu East Railway Station and take the high-speed rail to Huanglong Jiuzhai Railway Station (about 1.5 hours). In the remaining time, we will lead you to tour the Huanglong Scenic Area.
As China’s best-preserved plateau wetland, Huanglong stretches along a mountain ridge that climbs higher from south to north. The area sits 1,700-5,600 meters above sea level, so visitors may feel altitude sickness. Walk slowly and don’t rush!
Upon arrival, go up by cable car to save time and strength. From there, a 40-minute walk leads to the highlight of Huanglong - Five-Colored Pool. Here, 700 crystal pools, shaped by natural calcification, sparkle like a giant artist’s palette. Take your time to enjoy the view and take photos. Next, explore Huanglong Temple. Once with five halls, the temple now only keeps the Guanyin Hall and eighteen Arhat statues. The Golden Sand Pavement, the world’s largest and most colorful calcareous flow, is another must-see.
After the visit, your driver takes you to a hotel near Jiuzhaigou Valley for check-in. Enjoy a good night rest.
Five-Colored Pool in Huanglong - Day 4: Whole Day in Jiuzhaigou ValleyAdmire the Majestic Waterfalls and Beautiful Lakes
Today is designed to be a full-day trip in Jiuzhaigou Valley, a forested scenic realm where the major sights lie in the valleys of Y-shape: Shuzheng, Rize, and Zechawa.
From the Tourist Center, board the sightseeing bus straight to Rize Valley, spanning from Nuorilang Waterfall to the primeval forest. This is the most beautiful part of Jiuzhaigou, featuring colorful lakes, big waterfalls, and ancient trees. Highlights you can visit include Five Flower Lake, Panda Lake, and Pearl Beach Waterfall.
The bus continues to Nuorilang Center Station, where lunch is arranged. After eating, the trip starts in Zechawa Valley. Here, Changhai (Long) Lake and Wucai (Five-colored) Ponds stand out. The water in the ponds is so clear that the rocks and patterns at the bottom can easily be seen. Because of the different colors of the plants and sediments along the banks, the surface of the blue lake shows a mix of bright shades.
Next, the route leads to Shuzheng Valley, close to the entrance of the scenic area. The most impressive sight here is Nuorilang Waterfall, stretching 270 meters wide. It is not only one of China’s great calcified waterfalls but also the widest of all. Across from it, an observation deck allows you to enjoy and photograph the full view. Autumn offers the best scenery. Other attractions in this area include Spark Lake and Bonsai Beach, all worth your time. After finishing the day’s exploration, return to the hotel for a good rest.
Tips for Visitors: Arriving early, you can avoid the big tour groups. Comfortable shoes are a must, whether for walking or light hiking. If you pack your own snacks, you can enjoy a picnic in quieter spots and skip the long wait at crowded but only restaurant.
Nuorilang Waterfall in Jiuzhaigou - Day 5: Fly from Jiuzhaigou to Chongqing
After finishing breakfast, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Chongqing, often called the Mountain City.
At the airport exit, the local guide and driver will be waiting to take you directly to Chaotianmen Port. Your relaxing Yangtze River cruise officially begins at 9:00 p.m.
Notes:
- Be sure to contact us the day before (or at least on the morning of boarding) to confirm which pier to use. If you choose the guide service today, your guide will escort you onto the ship.
- Boarding time and departure pier can vary depending on the ship, season, water levels, and other factors.
- Day 6: Yangtze River CruisePractice Tai Chi on Deck and Explore Fengdu's Mystical Temples
Your Yangtze River cruise tour begins with a Tai Chi class on deck. This ancient Chinese practice uses gentle, flowing movements and breathing to refresh both body and mind. After that, a buffet breakfast is served. Then, enjoy the river views on both sides. The cruise offers some activities - you can join shore excursions to explore cultural sites, or remain on board to relax.
This afternoon, you will join a local English-speaking guide for a shore visit to Fengdu Ghost City. With a history of almost 2,000 years, the site is a vast complex of temples and memorials. Here, you can study some underworld legends and stories of many devils and Chinese spirits. Or you can opt to go and visit Shibaozhai Pagoda. This wooden pagoda, perched on a cliff of rock, is classified among the "Eight Strange Constructions of the World." It has 12 levels and was erected without a nail.
Note: The above itinerary is for your reference only. The shore tours may vary slightly depending on the cruise company.
Fengdu Ghost City - Day 7: Past Three GorgesCruise Through Spectacular Gorges and Experience Tujia Culture
Today, your cruise will be passing through Three Gorges: Qutang, Wuxia and Xiling. Along the way, enjoy seeing the towering cliffs and verdant forests that run along the river.
At the Wu Gorge, change to a smaller boat to travel along the narrow Shennv Creek. This area is a pristine valley and a great place to take pictures of natural beauty. You will also experience Tujia culture with local music and dance performances. After that, we return to the ship for a rest. In the evening, be excited by the Captain's Farewell Party. Enjoy music, dancing, and celebratory toasts.
Optional Activity:
For those wanting extra sightseeing, you can visit White Emperor City. This site is well-known for the tale of Liu Bei leaving his son in the care of Zhuge Liang. Thanks to its prime location, the city offers great views of Kuimen Gate at the start of Qutang Gorge - so scenic that it appears on China’s 10-yuan banknote.
Wu Gorge - Day 8: Drive from Yichang to ZhangjiajieVisit the World’s Largest Hydropower Station
After breakfast, leave the ship and head to the Three Gorges Dam, a true engineering marvel. It is the world’s largest hydropower station and water management project. From the top of the dam, you can watch the powerful white waves rushing below.
After touring the dam, the cruise company’s bus will take you to Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal. A private driver will then escort you to your hotel in Wulingyuan of Zhangjiajie. It takes about 4.5-5 hours. Upon arrival, rest well today to get ready for tomorrow’s adventure.
If you would like to have a night visit, Xibu Street is recommended. You can appreciate the architecture and culture of Tujia style. There are bars, local snacks, souvenir shops, and handicraft shops on this lively street.
Three Gorges Dam - Day 9: Zhangjiajie Avatar ExplorationWitness the Real Hallelujah Mountains from the Movie Avatar
After breakfast, meet your guide and be transferred to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Here Yuanjiajie with its famous Hallelujah Mountains is known from the movie Avatar. Take the Bailong Elevator up the mountain, the world’s tallest outdoor lift, to reach the top quickly (only in 66 seconds). Walk the scenic trail to admire South Sky Pillar (the Hallelujah Mountain), Enchantment Platform, and natural landmarks like the First Bridge Under Heaven.
After lunch, take a bus to Tianzi Mountain to wander amongst more of the floating sandstone pillars. Spend the afternoon enjoying the steep peaks and landscapes shaped by nature and geology. Of course, you have to stop at the Imperial Writing Brush Peaks, Commanding Generals Deck, Sky Garden and He Long Park, among others.
After the visit, take the cable car down the mountain. Return to your hotel for the night.
Yuanjiajie Scenic Area - Day 10: Glass Bridge & Heaven Gate HoleChallenge the Highest Glass-bottom Bridge & 999 Steps Up Tianmen Cave
In the morning, you will be driven to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. Here, you can test your courage by walking on the world’s longest and highest glass-bottom bridge. Suspended about 400 meters above the canyon floor and stretching 370 meters, the bridge gives the impression that people are walking in midair. After that, we transfer to Zhangjiajie city.
In the afternoon, tour the last attraction in Zhangjiajie - Tianmen Mountain, whose main peak rises 1,518.6 meters. Take the cable car to the top, which is the longest passenger cable way in the world. At the summit, your guide leads you to the exciting Glass Skywalk, a 60-meter-long transparent walkway, the 1,600-meter Ghost Valley Plank Road, and Tianmen Mountain Temple, a key Buddhist site in western Hunan.
Next, ride the mountain escalator down to Tianmen Cave, the highest natural karst hole in the world. For a challenge, climb the 999 steps - steep, with slopes from 42 to 70 degrees - to reach the hole. Spend around 1-1.5 hours here. Finally, take the cable car back down the mountain. You will stay overnight in a hotel in downtown area.
Good to Know: During winter, heavy snow or very cold weather may cause Tianmen Cave and the Ghost Valley Plank Road to close. Your travel consultant will adjust the schedule if needed.
Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge - Day 11: Departure from Zhangjiajie
Your 11-day Jiuzhaigou, Yangtze River, and Zhangjiajie tour comes to an end today. You will have some free time in Zhangjiajie to explore on your own. At the agreed time, you will be escorted to the airport or train station for your next destination.
Thank you for traveling with China Xian Tour. We hope you enjoyed your journey and look forward to welcoming you on your next adventure in China.
Tour Price Per Person
The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel. Please contact us for a specific price.
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Accommodation For This China Nature Tour
4-Star Hotel in Chengdu
For your China private tour, the choice is in your hands: you can select luxury 5-star hotels for unparalleled comfort, cozy 4-star accommodations, or value-for-money 3-star options.
All our partner hotels are handpicked for their prime locations, conveniently situated near bustling commercial areas. Every room is equipped with standard amenities like air conditioning, hot water, 24-hour showers, reliable Wi-Fi, and windows for natural light.
In some hotels, there are English-speaking staff who are committed to providing attentive service. Should you have any special requests, feel free to ask - they are always ready to assist.
