Peaks, Pandas & Hidden Valleys

Included Highlights

• Discover historic Yuelu Academy in Changsha

• Explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

• Ride the Bailong Elevator to Yuanjiajie

• Walk across the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge

• Cruise the peaceful waters of Baofeng Lake

• Ride the cable car to Tianmen Mountain

• Explore the ancient riverside town of Fenghuang

• See giant pandas in Chengdu

• Discover the lakes and waterfalls of Jiuzhaigou

• Experience Tibetan culture at Shuzheng Village

• Cruise Chongqing’s rivers by night

• Hike through Black Mountain Valley

• Visit the UNESCO-listed Dazu Rock Carvings

Itinerary

Days 1–2 | Welcome to Changsha

Fly overnight to Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy time to settle in and begin discovering the city at your own pace.

Day 3 | Changsha to Zhangjiajie

Visit historic Yuelu Academy, a centre of learning with more than a thousand years of history. Later, continue to Zhangjiajie and enjoy an evening visit to the striking 72 Qilou Tower.

Day 4 | Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Ride the Bailong Elevator to Yuanjiajie and discover the extraordinary sandstone peaks that inspired the floating mountains of Avatar. See the Qiankun Pillar and First Bridge Under Heaven before continuing to Tianzi Mountain and the Ten-mile Gallery.

Day 5 | Glass Bridge & Baofeng Lake

Walk across the spectacular Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, suspended high above the valley below. Afterwards, cruise across the emerald waters of Baofeng Lake, surrounded by dramatic peaks and waterfalls.

Day 6 | Tianmen Mountain & Fenghuang

Ride the cable car to Tianmen Mountain and see the immense natural arch of Tianmen Cave. Experience the cliffside glass walkway before travelling to the beautiful ancient town of Fenghuang, where traditional streets and riverside buildings come alive after dark.

Day 7 | Fenghuang to Chengdu

Enjoy a morning boat ride along the Tuojiang River and take in the scenery of Fenghuang Ancient Town. Later, travel by high-speed train to Chengdu.

Day 8 | Discover Chengdu

Visit the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base and see giant pandas in naturalistic surroundings. Afterwards, experience local life in People’s Park before enjoying free time to explore Chengdu’s food scene.

Day 9 | Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou

Travel by high-speed train to Jiuzhaigou. In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Huanglong Colourful Pools, formed over thousands of years by mineral-rich waters.

Day 10 | Jiuzhaigou National Park

Spend the day exploring one of China’s most spectacular natural landscapes. Discover emerald lakes, dense forests and waterfalls, including Long Lake, Five-Color Pond and Nuorilang Waterfall.

Day 11 | Tibetan Culture in Jiuzhaigou

Visit Shuzheng Village and experience the traditions of the local Tibetan community. See traditional houses, prayer flags and white stupas while enjoying the dramatic scenery of the valley.

Day 12 | Jiuzhaigou to Chongqing

7 Travel by high-speed train to Chongqing. In the evening, explore a local food market before taking a night cruise along the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, passing the illuminated Hongyadong district.

Day 13 | Black Mountain Valley

Escape the city for the dramatic landscapes of Black Mountain Valley. Walk among forested peaks, waterfalls, streams and steep cliffs on a peaceful day surrounded by nature.

Day 14 | Dazu Rock Carvings

Travel to Dazu to explore its UNESCO-listed rock carvings, where thousands of Buddhist, Confucian and Taoist figures have been carved into the surrounding cliffs.

Day 15 | Farewell Chongqing

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Your Tour Includes

• 4-star hotel accommodation

• All transportation within China

• Professional local guide services

• Entrance fees for all listed attractions

• All meals as detailed above

Dining: 13 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 10 Dinners

Flight Information

Your journey begins in Changsha and concludes in Chongqing. Round-trip international flights from the UK are included in the tour price.

Departure Dates

2027: Jan 1, Feb 5, Mar 5, Apr 2, May 7, Jun 4, Jul 2, Aug 6, Sep 3, Oct 1, Nov 5, Dec 3

2028: Jan 7, Feb 4, Mar 3, Apr 7, May 5, Jun 2, Jul 7, Aug 4, Sep 1, Oct 6, Nov 3, Dec 1

Additional departure dates may be available subject to availability.