10 Days China Tour with Yangtze River Cruise and Zhangjiajie

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Chongqing

   Your 10-day Yangtze River cruise and Zhangjiajie tour will begin in Chongqing. Chongqing, also known as the "Mountain City", is located in the southwest of China, in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, and is the gateway for Yangtze River cruise tours.

   When you arrive at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, your driver will be waiting for you at the exit, holding a welcome sign. After meeting you, he will escort you to the hotel in the city center to check in. After settling down, rest well on the comfortable bed. You can engage in activities on your own for the remaining day.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: in Chongqing

2. Day 2: Chongqing City Tour
   Explore Unique Urban Landscapes Such as Hongyadong, Liziba Light Rail Station

   After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at the hotel lobby and then your China tour in Chongqing begins! The first stop is the Hongya Cave, or Hongyadong, a famous landmark of Chongqing. Not a cave, it is in fact an 11-floor, 75-meter tall Diaojiaolou, or stilt building, standing up against a cliff. Different levels are connected by hidden channels like a massive, industrial maze. Wander through the intricate architecture and catch a panoramic view of the rivers on the top location.

   Next, go to see the Chongqing Light Rail, a unique scene in this city. Liziba Station is the highlight. You will witness the train shuttling through the body of residential buildings. Your tour guide will point out the best places for you to take photos.

   

   Continue your Chongqing tour down to Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, the heart of downtown Chongqing. It boasts many restaurants, hotels, and shopping centers. You will also find food stalls in the nearby streets. In the evening, this is one of the main places for nightlife in Chongqing.

   In the late afternoon, we will explore Danzishi Old Street, a comprehensive scenic spot integrating historical and cultural exploration, leisure, entertainment and shopping. Opened in June 2018, it showcases a landscape that combines a century old street with a modern city.

   After the visit, have dinner and then your guide will escort you to Chaotianmen Dock to board your Yangtze River Cruise. Check-in time: 18:00 - 20:00.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

   Accommodation: on Cruise Ship

3. Day 3: Yangtze River Cruise
   Understand the Mysterious Chinese Folklore in Fengdu Ghost City

   After breakfast, the first activity on your Yangtze River cruise tour is a Tai Chi class on deck. Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese martial arts program. People can exercise their bodies and hearts through slow, continuous movements and breathing exercises. After that, you can enjoy a cup of coffee while admiring the beautiful scenery on both sides of the river.

   We will disembark at Fengdu for a shore excursion to the mystical Fengdu Ghost City. With a history of nearly 2000 years, it is a concentrated embodiment of China's underworld culture. Legend has it that the Naihe Bridge (the Bridge to Hell) and the Eighteen Layers of Hell all have real existence here. There are many ancient temples here, with a total of 27 ones. While visiting, you will learn about many interesting folk legends.

   

   Optional activity:

   You can also choose to watch the 'Three Kingdoms Fire and Smoke' performance. This is a theatrical work that reproduces the battles and legends of the Three Kingdoms period (220-280) in China.

   After returning to the cruise ship, participate in a cultural performance program hosted by the crew. You can enjoy traditional music, dance, and other unique forms of artistic expression in the region.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

   Accommodation: on Cruise Ship

4. Day 4: Yangtze River Cruise
   Embark on a Small Boat to Explore the Primitive Scenery of Shennv Creek

   Today, your ship will sail through the famous Three Gorges (including Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge). Enjoy towering peaks and lush vegetation along the riverbanks.

   In Wushan County, Wu Gorge, we will change to a smaller boat to explore the narrower Shennv Creek. Here you can explore the most pristine valley. Also, you may experience the culture of the Tujia people through local music and dance performances.

   

   After that, return to the ship for the Captain's Farewell Party in the evening, featuring music, dance and farewell toasts to celebrate the end of your Yangtze River cruise in a joyous atmosphere.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

   Accommodation: on Cruise Ship

5. Day 5: Yichang to Zhangjiajie Tour
   Marvel at the World's Largest Hydroelectric Power Station

   After breakfast, say goodbye to the captain and crew, and then disembark to visit the largest water conservancy hub project and the largest hydropower station in the world - the Three Gorges Dam. You can climb up to the 185 Viewpoint to get a closer look at the dam or climb the Tanzi Ridge for a panoramic view of the dam.

   

   After the visit, you will take the bus arranged by the cruise company to the Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal. There will be a dedicated driver to escort you to the airport for your flight to Zhangjiajie. Upon arrival, the local driver meets you and transfers you to your chosen local hotel. Have a good rest today and prepare for tomorrow's adventure in Zhangjiajie.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

   Accommodation: in Zhangjiajie

6. Day 6: Zhangjiajie's Natural Beauty
   Visit the Filming Location of the Movie 'Avatar Hallelujah Mountain' in Person

   Today, your China tour in Zhangjiajie begins at Yuanjiajie. Located in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Yuanjiajie is backed by rocky peaks and mountains, facing the valley peaks. The main attractions include the Mi Hun Tai (Enchanting Platform), the No.1 Bridge under Heaven, and Bailong Elevator. Take a chance to experience the world's highest elevator with a vertical height difference of 335 meters. The scenic spot is where the movie Avatar Hallelujah Mountain was filmed.

   

   After that, transfer you to Tianzi Mountain Scenic Spot. The sea of clouds, moonlight, sunrise and winter snow are the four major landscapes here. You will take a sightseeing bus up the mountain to explore the wonders of this scenic area - the clouds surrounded by strange rocky peaks like pillars, towers, as well as a huge rock wall over 20 kilometers long and up to a height of 1,000 meters. After the tour, you will take the cable car down the mountain.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

   Accommodation: in Zhangjiajie

7. Day 7: Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Tour
   Challenge Yourself to Walk the Longest and Tallest Glass Bridge in the World

   After enjoying breakfast, drive for 40 minutes and start your Zhangjiajie tour at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. This area is known as the treasure trove of Zhangjiajie's landforms, integrating the magnificent scenery of mountains, rivers, and caves. Among them, Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge is undoubtedly a brilliant pearl of the Grand Canyon. It not only boasts the world's number one honor - the longest and tallest glass bridge, but also allows every tourist walking on it to fully appreciate the stunning panoramic views of waterfalls, streams, and dense forests, with a length of 430 meters.

   

   Next, go to explore the Jinbianxi (Golden Whip Stream) - a 7.5 kilometer long brook named after the Jinbian Rock it flows through. The estimated visit time takes two and a half to three hours. Strolling by the stream, you can enjoy the beautiful flowers and plants along the way.

   Then, head to Ten-Mile Gallery, which is the essence of Suoxiyu Nature Reserve. This five-kilometer-long walking path will treat you with a rich natural landscape and you will feel like you are wandering in a fairyland. Mini-train is optional and at additional cos

   At the end of the tour, your guide and driver will transfer you back to your hotel for a good rest.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

   Accommodation: in Kunming

8. Day 8: Tianmen Mountain Adventure Tour
   Experience Riding the World's Longest High-altitude Passenger Cableway

   After breakfast, we drive to Tianmen Mountain, featuring typical karst mountainous terrain. You will be arranged to take a cable way up the mountain. With a total length of 7,455 meters and a height difference of 1,279 meters, the ropeway is the longest alpine passenger ropeway in the world.

   Upon arrival at the mountain, some highlights await you, such as the Sky Walk on the cliff, and the Tianmen Mountain Temple. After that, take the escalator through the mountain down to Tianmen Cave. With a height of 131.5 meters and a width of 57 meters, this cave is a rare high-altitude natural cave through the mountain in the world. Challenge yourself conquering the 999 steps and enjoy the wonderful scenery from above.

   After the visit, take a sightseeing bus down the mountain and then you will be escorted back to your downtown hotel.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Zhangjiajie

   

9. Day 9: Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang Ancient Town Tour
   Appreciate Ancient Architecture from the Ming and Qing Dynasties

   In the morning, we will take a high-speed train to Fenghuang, also known as the Phoenix Ancient Town. A national historical and cultural city in China, Fenghuang Town is teem with ancient architectures of the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is very popular for visitors to enjoy the charming night view of the ancient town.

   Upon arrival, the guide will take you past traditional houses, ancient bridges, and some famous scenic spots like Former Residence of Shen Congwen, Rainbow Bridge, East Gate Tower, and Wanming Pagoda along the riverbank.Also, admire local stilted buildings, walk the ancient alleyways... just relax yourself.

   After a day of exploration in Fenghuang, check into your hotel.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Fenghuang Ancient Town

   

10. Day 10: Departure from Changsha
    Taste Various Snacks on the Busiest Pedestrian Street in Changsha

    Enjoy a hearty breakfast and then depart for Changsha, your final destination on the 10-day China tour. Upon arrival, spend some leisurely time at Huangxing Road Pedestrian Street, one of the busiest areas in Changsha City, with a total length of 838 meters. It is a comprehensive place that integrates shopping, leisure, entertainment, catering, and cultural exploration. You can find many shops, various well-known clothing brands, and delicious snacks from all over the country. Changsha's hotpot is famous in China, and you should not miss it.

    Later, your driver will escort you to take a flight to your next destination or home. The 10-day private tour in China ends here. Safe travels!

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: N/A