Explore the Surreal Landscape
This 10-day tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the best of both nature and culture in China. From the surreal mountains of Zhangjiajie, the historic sites along the Yangtze River, and the classic water town in Shanghai, you'll be captivated by the beauty and diversity of this ancient land.
This tour is ideal for retired couples or families seeking a comfortable and hassle-free experience. Relax and unwind on our private tour with a dedicated guide and vehicle, ensuring minimal travel stress. Of course, you can personalize your itinerary with our expert guidance and recommendations.
Suggested 10-Day Itinerary
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 1-2 Shanghai |
The French Concession, the Zhujiajiao Water Town |
| 3-6 Chongqing |
Yangtze River Cruise, Three Gorges Dams, Hongyadong, Fengdu Ghost City |
| 7-9 Zhangjiajie |
The Hallelujah Mountain, Tianzi Mountain, the Glass Bridge, the Bailong Elevator |
| 10 Shanghai |
Homeward flight |
Tour 'Wow' Points
Cruise through Nature's Gallery
Embark on a scenic cruise through the Three Gorges, where you can relax and enjoy the breathtaking views of lush green hills, terraced rice fields, and towering cliffs that create a picturesque landscape.
Glimpse into Traditional Chinese Life
Exploring charming ancient towns nestled along the Yangtze riverbanks offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in traditional Chinese culture and experience daily life firsthand.
Marvel at the Towering Pillars and Lush Forests
Zhangjiajie is a world where towering, otherworldly rock formations pierce the sky, shrouded in mist and surrounded by lush greenery. Hike through ancient forests, and experience the magic of a truly unique natural landscape.
Wander through the Narrow Streets of Ancient Water Town
Step back in time and experience the charm of ancient China in Zhujiajiao Water Town. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this picturesque destination.
Experience the Unique Mountain City
Witness the unique blend of ancient and modern in Chongqing, a city nestled among mountains and shrouded in mist.
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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No crowds, breathtaking scenery in winter low season
We arrived at Zhangjiajie High Speed Rail station on Jan 2nd and were met by our local guide Bree (dressed in traditional Miao ethnic minority costume !) and our driver Mr Wu. This "no queuing" experience became a recurring feature on our next few days and is very satisfying (and time-saving), as long as you don't mind the colder temperatures in January ! We want to give special thanks to our guide, Bree, who organized everything for us so efficiently and accommodated us with our last minute requests such as wanting to see the cultural show and the 72 Wonder Tower. She is very knowledgeable about the area and culture and we learned many fascinating facts from her during the hikes and in the mini-van as we went from location to location. One of our party had sprained her ankle during the hike in the Grand Canyon and had some discomfort in walking. This would have been an issue on the last day as there was still so much to see on Tianmen Mountain and we had a train to catch that afternoon. Bree was not flustered by this and had worked out an alternative, less strenuous route for the injured party to meet up with the rest of us along the way. Luckily, we did not need to use this in the end. We were willing to forego lunch to make up for lost time due to the slower pace but Bree timed everything well. We managed to see everything that was planned on our schedule and still had time for a full lunch before we headed to the train station. We also want to give a shout-out to the driver Mr Wu too, for his pleasant disposition and patience in waiting for us all day as we went sightseeing. He kept us hydrated with bottled water in the mini-van and provided snacks and fruits. He even brought us his own home-grown organic oranges which tasted very sweet. Thank you ! We have had such a great experience travelling with China Highlights that we have already planned our third trip with them, this time going to Jiu Zhai Gou later this year. more
Jan 2025, Damian C
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A unique and fantastic three days, discovering China's limestone country
What a fantastic experience. We spent three days in the company of Abbie, our amazing guide. Being in our late 70's Abbie looked after us as if we were her own parents! Always getting us to the front of queues. Finding interesting local eateries. The sights we saw were stunning, the steps we climbed were many. I can thoroughly recommend the Zhangjiajie tour, a unique part of the world, it has to be seen to be believed. more
Jan 2025, GrandTour24467632574
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Could not recommend more!
My family and I are currently traveling around China with China Highlights and it has been amazing. All the cars have been excellent, very comfortable, spacious and new. Lily, our guide in Zhangjiajie, was exceptional. Incredibly kind, attentive to our needs, and always with a smile. She always had snacks for us, was warm and joyous, and very knowledgeable. Of all the guides we have used across our travels, she may be one of the best. Highly recommend China Highlights and if you’re considering a visit to Zhangjiajie, Lily will make your trip very memorable. more
Dec 2024, Ana B
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Suggested Itinerary
Your personal tour guide will greet you at the airport arrival hall. The driver will help you with the luggage and transfer you directly to the hotel via a comfortable private vehicle.
You will first visit Zhujiajiao Water Town, a famous ancient town known for its picturesque canals, charming bridges, and historic architecture. Follow your guide to the Helong Art Gallery, the Chenghuang Temple, and Kezhi Garden. In this timeless water town, feast on delectable cuisine, wander through picturesque landscapes, and bask in leisurely moments.
In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll through the former French Concession revealing a treasure trove of architecture gems. Many of these structures boast a rich history dating back over a century.
Heading to Chongqing within 3 hours by air today. Before boarding your Yangtze River Cruise, your guide will bring you to some of the city's highlights.
For example, Hongyadong is a stunning 11-story stilt-building complex. You will explore traditional shops, taste local delicacies, and witness street performances here. And Eling Park offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The boarding time for the Yangtze River Cruise is 9 pm. Your guide and driver will ensure you a smooth transfer to the wharf.
On the Century Oasis Cruise, you will spend 3 nights along the Yangtze River, combining stunning natural scenery, and rich cultural heritage. The first day you will arrive at the Fengdu Ghost City, which is said to be the capital of hell according to Chinese mythology. The city features towering "Hell Gates", "Ghost Street", and the "Ten Courts of Hades", each representing a different aspect of the afterlife.
Witness the breathtaking beauty of the Three Gorges, including Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge. Embark on a scenic journey to Baidi City, where you'll be captivated by the grandeur of Kuimen. After exploring this ancient city, navigate through the dramatic Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing cruise on Shennv Creek, taking in the breathtaking beauty of its natural surroundings.
Today marks the end of our Yangtze River Cruise. Before disembarking, you will be guided to the Three Gorges Project Museum, learning about the engineering challenges and triumphs behind the dam's construction.
Upon arriving in Yichang, you'll embark on the next leg of your journey to Zhangjiajie. Enjoy a convenient layover in Changsha, where a high-speed train awaits. Your new guide will be there to meet you at the port, ensuring a seamless transfer to the train station.
It takes 2 hours from Changsha to Zhangjiajie on high speed rail. Upon your arrival, you will transferred to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon with your guide and driver. You won't miss to chance to walk across the most iconic attraction, the Glass Bridge, to have a thrilling experience.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park's distinctive pillar-like formations are the product of centuries of erosion. The Bailong Sightseeing Elevator, the world's fastest sightseeing elevator, provides a stunning view of the Sandstone Peak Forest. Standing at 335 meters tall, it can transport 3,000 people per hour in its four transparent elevators.
Tianzishan's towering sandstone pillars and lush greenery served as inspiration for the floating mountains in the movie Avatar. The summit of Tianzishan provides breathtaking panoramic views of the entire Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
Follow us and you'll reach the serene base of Tianmen Mountain, a less-touristy area. Discover a picturesque reservoir, marvel at the stunning Tianmen Cave, and admire its reflection mirrored on the tranquil water's surface.
Tianmen Mountain, often considered the "soul" of Zhangjiajie, is the region's highest peak. A 30-minute cable car ride from the city center takes you to the mountaintop, offering the longest cable car journey in the world.
The Tianmen Mountain Glass Walkway, a daring attraction, is one of the world's highest observation platforms. It perches 1,420 meters above the ground, offering panoramic views of the mountains and a thrilling experience.
Before returning to your hotel, you will visit the famous Yellow Dragon Cave, a vast underground cavern. It is renowned for its stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and other unique rock formations, offering a fascinating underground adventure.
Your morning flight from Zhangjiajie to Shanghai will depart in the morning, allowing you to connect to your homeward flight.
We hope this tour has been a memorable experience. Perhaps it has inspired you to explore more of China with us in the future. We look forward to the possibility and will continue to craft thoughtfully curated itineraries.
Hotel Selection
—the Icing on the Cake
Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.
Tour Price
Price includes: