Embark on a fourteen-day journey through the cultural heart and natural wonders of Southwest China. Begin in Chengdu and Kunming, where encounters with pandas, Buddhist temples, and diverse ethnic traditions reveal the region’s depth of history. Continue to Dali and Lijiang, where serene lakes, ancient towns, and snow-capped mountains capture the essence of Yunnan. Board a cruise along the legendary Yangtze River, passing through the dramatic Three Gorges and visiting cultural landmarks along its banks. Conclude the journey in Zhangjiajie, famed for its sandstone peaks that inspired cinematic landscapes, and finish in Shanghai, where China’s modern dynamism meets its historic elegance.
Upon arrival at Chengdu International Airport, your driver will meet you for a private transfer to the hotel. The afternoon is free to relax or explore at leisure.
Accommodation: Overnight in Chengdu
Meals: None
Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, observing pandas in a natural setting. Continue to the Du Fu Thatched Cottage and Wenshu Monastery, then fly to Kunming, where a welcome dinner concludes the day.
Accommodation: Overnight in Kunming
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a day trip to the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest (Shilin), with its towering limestone formations. Visit a Yi Ethnic Village to learn about traditional culture, then return to Kunming to stroll through Jinma Biji Archway and its lively pedestrian streets.
Accommodation: Overnight in Kunming
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel to Dali, stopping en route at Old Town Yunnan. On arrival, visit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, iconic landmarks of the city’s Buddhist heritage.
Accommodation: Overnight in Dali
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin with a cruise on Erhai Lake, framed by mountains and traditional villages. Visit Xizhou Village to experience Bai culture, before continuing to Lijiang for overnight stay.
Accommodation: Overnight in Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Black Dragon Pool Park, set against the backdrop of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and the Dongba Culture Museum. Continue to Baisha Village to view its murals, and wander through Lijiang Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Accommodation: Overnight in Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly to Chongqing for a panoramic city tour before boarding the Yangtze River Cruise, where meals and accommodation are provided on board.
Accommodation: Overnight on board
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Disembark for a shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City, with temples and statues depicting Chinese beliefs about the afterlife. Return to the cruise to enjoy scenic river views.
Accommodation: Overnight on board
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sail through the Three Gorges, including the narrow Qutang Gorge and misty Wu Gorge. Take a small boat excursion along Shennong Stream, before passing through the massive Three Gorges Dam Ship Locks at night.
Accommodation: Overnight on board
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Disembark at Yichang and visit the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric project. Continue to Zhangjiajie and check into your hotel in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area.
Accommodation: Overnight in Zhangjiajie
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the day in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, exploring the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, Mihuntai Peak, Yubi Peak, and Helong Park, where sandstone pillars rise dramatically from the forest.
Accommodation: Overnight in Zhangjiajie
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take the cable car to Huangshizhai for sweeping views of the sandstone landscape. After lunch, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai.
Accommodation: Overnight in Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit The Bund, the city’s historic waterfront, and the Shanghai Museum, home to extensive Chinese art collections. Optional experiences include a Huangpu River Cruise or the ERA Acrobatic Show.
Accommodation: Overnight in Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, enjoy free time until your transfer to the airport for departure.
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast