8 Days Leisure Tour to Zhangjiajie & Yangtze River
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TOUR
- Enjoy a classic visit of Wulingyuan, the top favored World Natural Heritage by UNESCO to admire the universally rare wonder of dense forests of Karst stone mountain pillars;
- Make the must-do visit to Yuanjiajie to admire the globally famous real “Avatar Hallelujah Mountain” in the first 3D movie towering from the deep valley truly in front of you;
- Take the challenge to walk through the transparent Glass Bridge which is the longest and highest glass bridge in the world, about 400 meters above Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. Ready to try?
- Make a transfer from Zhangjiajie to Yichang for a Yangtze River cruise from Yichang to Chongqing and relax along the longest river in China for 5 days and 4 nights;
- Cruising along the 648-kilometers golden section, explore some natural and cultural sites to catch the authentic side of Central China.
- Go with this all-inclusive package with totally worry free trip for 5 days, including transportation, accommodation, dinning, sightseeing, activities...
Sampling Itinerary Day by Day
Day 1 Zhangjiajie Arrival
Pick you up at the airport / railway station and escort you to the hotelNi Hao! Welcome to Zhangjiajie, the surreal world of Avatar! Upon arrival, you’ll be met by our local guide at the arrival hall of the airport / train station and escorted to your hotel in Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Area by a private, comfortable and non-smoking vehicle. The rest of today is on your own to explore this amazing city.
Arrival Ideas: Travelers can take flights to Zhangjiajie from Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Changsha, Guangzhou and more cities in China. Also, trains are well linked Zhangjiajie with Changsha (2.5 hrs), Yichang (4.5 hrs), Wuhan (5 hrs), Guangzhou (5.5 hrs), Shenzhen (6 hrs), etc.
Day 2 Zhangjiajie (B)
Huangshi Village, Golden Whip Stream, Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge at Zhangjiajie Grand CanyonToday, after breakfast, you will be met by our guide and driver and then driven to start your exciting visit to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. You will first take the cable car up to Huangshizhai to appreciate the wide forest park on its peaks. The village site has an altitude of 1080 meters, which is praised for its similar charm of pillar forest of Colorado in the USA. Enjoying the flat the wide visual environment, it is so far the largest natural viewing deck for visitors for a perfect admiration of its various rising stones and hills. Enjoy your fresh walk to visit the top famous sights including Star Picking Stand, Five Finger Peak, and so on, and find those looking like bridge piers, etc. from a distance. Take cable car to get down.
Later, change your angle to explore the famous Golden Whip Stream deep in the valley. This totally 7.5 kilometers long brook is one of the most beautiful places in the whole forest park area. Take an inspiring roam along the whispering pristine water on the paved path to immerse into tranquil wonderland with fresh air, colorful blooming flowers in different seasons, lush vegetation, etc. and be prepared to encounter with some wild monkeys.
After that, take a sightseeing bus to exit the park and be driven to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon for about 40 minutes. Now, its your bold moment to take the challenge and walk on the transparent Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge to feel like walking on the clouds, which is the world longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge so far in the whole universe, with total length of 430 meters and height of 400 meters above the deep valley.
After the visiting, be driven for another 40 minutes back to your hotel in Wulingyuan. Have a good sleep!
Pristine Water & Serene Valley of Golden Whip Stream
Huangshi Village
World's Highest & Longest Glass Bridge in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
Day 3 Zhangjiajie (B)
Ten-mile Gallery, Bailong Elevator, Avatar Mountain, Yuanjiajie, Tianzi MountainAfter an early breakfast, unveil the exploration of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the Pandora World in "AVATAR" and a UNESCO World Natural Heritage since 1992! First, go to the Ten-mile Gallery. This leisure journey leads you through a captivating valley filled with storytelling landscapes. Take a sightseeing tram in and stroll back out to fully immerse in the captivating landscape.
Next, take Bailong Elevator up to Yuanjiajie to admire the symbolic Hallelujah Mountain that inspired "Avatar" and appreciate towering sandstone columns floating amidst lush forest. Then, take a sightseeing bus to Tianzi Mountain for its grotesque rocky peaks shrouded in drifting mist. There are four breathtaking sceneries: peak forest, cloud sea, sunrise and winter snow. Appreciate the majestic stone forests and peculiar peaks, including Yuyi Peak and Fairy Flowers. If energy permits, visit the Warriors Training Horse for the unique scene of dozens of peaks standing, resembling a proud steed and a warrior holding reins. Finally, ride the exhilarating and scenic Cable Car down to the park exit.
After the visit, be escorted to your hotel in downtown Zhangjiajie. Have a good sleep!
Optional Activities: 1. Visit Kongzhong Tianyuan (1~2 hours) popular for photography and features breathtaking views of terraced fields amidst towering peaks and the majestic Bailong Elevator. Lower platforms offer close-up views of "Avatar" peaks, but needs a half-hour's walk. Cautiously walk in rainy and snowy days. This optional visit needs a sightseeing bus transfer (extra payment). 2. Watch Tianmen Fox Fairy Show (20:15-21:50), an excellent large-scaled musical drama with real landscape background and stage, telling a touching story.
Our Customers at Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Yuanjiajie - The Pandora World
Tianzi Mountain
Day 4 Zhangjiajie - Yichang & Board your Ship (B, L)
Train/private car to Yichang; take shuttle bus at Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal to the portAfter breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to the railway station for your train to Yichang. Then, be transferred to Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal for a bus arranged by the cruise company heading for Maoping Port for embarkation. Your lifetime Yangtze River cruise starts!
Tips for boarding: 1) All Yangtze cruise companies will arrange free transfer service at Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal / Yichang East Railway Station during 16:00~21:00. You could choose either one to take the tourist bus to Maoping Port. If you take a train arriving at Yichang East Railway Station, you can take the bus at the exit directly. (2) Please call the ship one day ahead or at least in the morning on the boarding day to have clear idea about which pier you are going to use; (3) The boarding time and departure piers may change based on the ship line, water level, season, weather and other factors. Please pay attention to the important info your travel consultants sent to you before your boarding.
Yichang Maoping Port for Embarkation & Disembarkation
Day 5 Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)
Three Gorges Dam, Captain’s Welcome PartyGood morning! Wake up leisurely and enjoy the gentle sunshine over the tranquil Yangtze. You can either follow the Taichi master to play Taichi or enjoy a cup of coffee to start a beautiful day!
Enjoy various entertainment onboard, like attending a Yangtze River History and Culture Lecture, enjoying seasonal themed activities, meeting new friends at the Captain's Welcome Party, having fun at the wonderful evening show, etc.
Today, you will take the arranged tourist bus to visit the global famous Three Gorges Dam. It is the largest hydropower station in the world, with an annual energy output of 84.7 billion kilowatt-hours. The Dam is about 2,300 meters (7,546 ft) long and about 115 meters (377 ft) wide. With a water capacity of 39.3 billion cubic meters, it can hold a huge reservoir to efficiently prevent flooding in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze. Take your time to appreciate this great project from different angles and learn more at the project museum.
After dinner, take part in the Captain’s Welcome Party to make new friends and enjoy the hospitable welcome from the captain and all the cruise team. Enjoy your joyous party and have a sound sleep!
Optional Experience: 1) Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift: Take a tourist boat to sail through this world’s largest ship lift with an elevation of about 113 meters (370 ft), which is totally fresh and exciting! (with an extra fee)
2) Tribe of Three Gorges: It is like a dreamland and extremely favored by foreign travelers. Get close to the particularly tranquil and primitive sightseeing of villages on water, on mountain and off brook with fine exploration of interesting folk custom of Tujia minority people. You won’t miss their wedding ceremony part. (with an extra fee)
Play Taichi in the Morning
World-famous Three Gorges Dam
Three Gorges Dam - 185 Observation Deck
Three Gorges Dam in Summer
Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift
Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift New Experience
Tribe of The Three Gorges
Day 6 Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)
Three Gorges, Shennv StreamToday, you'll sail through the spectacular Three Gorges! Soak up the breathtaking gorge scenery as you drift through Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge respectively.
You'll switch to a smaller boat to take an enjoyable shore excursion to Shennv Stream (Goddess Stream), a tributary of the Yangtze River. Sail down this primitive stream to closely marvel at steep mountains and hanging coffins high on the cliffs, hear local history, and appreciate featured dance and music by Tujia ethnic people!
After dinner, you can either join in the cruise night shows for further happiness, have a relaxing drink or enjoy the river breeze quietly Good night!
Optional Excursion to White Emperor City: This cultural and historic site at the entrance of Qutang Gorge tells the touching stories of the “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” and is the best spot to appreciate the magnificent “Kui Gate” on the 10 RMB note! (with an extra fee)
Magnificent Qutang Gorge
Qutang Gorge
Breathtaking Wu Gorge Scenery
White Emperor City
Shennv Stream with Primitive Gorge Scenery
Day 7 Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)
Fengdu Ghost City, Captain’s Farewell PartyThis morning, start your fresh day by a healthy Taichi practice on the Sun Deck or a cup of refreshing early bird coffee! Appreciate the rural sightseeing of the counties and countryside along the Yangtze River bank
You will go to visit Fengdu Ghost City onshore, which is about 2,000 years old and called “the Homeland of Divine Comedy in China”. In this “City of Ghosts”, you will see a series of temples, shrines, palaces, pavilions, and more traditional styled architecture complex. The colorful statues and story scenes of afterlife in hell displayed show the underworld, cruel tortures, different kinds of devils, Chinese demons and the traditional Chinese belief: pure spirits would be rewarded, and sinful ones would be subject to severe punishments. (Please note: Fengdu Ghost City visit requires much walking and comfortable shoes are highly recommended!)
At evening, enjoy the well-prepared Captain’s Farewell Party with all your mates onboard and have a whale of time of the last night onboard!
Yangtze River Cruise
Beautiful & Tranquil Yangtze River
Fengdu Ghost City
Day 8 Yangtze River Cruise & Chongqing Departure (B)
Disembark at Chaotianmen Port, airport / train station drop offWelcome to Chongqing, the famous Mountain City in China! This morning, your ship will arrive at Chongqing Chaotianmen Port around 09:00. After breakfast, go through the check-out procedure and disembark. Upon arrival, your guide and driver will pick you up at the port and escort you to Chongqing Jiangbei Airport / train station to catch your flight / train to the next destination / home. Tour ends!
Departure Ideas: You can take a flight from Chongqing to Xian, Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Lhasa, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Hangzhou, Xiamen, Kunming, Lijiang, etc. Also, you can take a high speed train from Chongqing to Chengdu (1-1.5hrs), Guiyang (2hrs), Kaili (3hrs), Xian (5.5hrs), Changsha (5.5hrs), Kunming (5hrs), Zhangjiajie (6hrs), Tongren (Fanjingshan, 4hrs), etc. in China.
Chongqing, the Magic 8D Mountain City in China
1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one standard double-bed room in a comfortable-class hotel and traveling with our private tour package in low seasons. The price will be much lower if your group has 4 or more members.
2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, month, and date. There may be huge price increasing during the public Chinese holidays, school summer holidays (usually 2 months, July ~ August), peak tourist seasons or some special dates. (Chinese Public Holidays 2025)
3. Other factors that may change the final tour price include your group size, hotel class, tour activities, real-time exchange rate, and so on.
4. This price is based on the exchange rate USD 1= RMB 7.00. The final price will be based on the exchange rate in effect at the time of agreement with our quotation.
5. This price is only valid from now to March 31, 2026.
6. This price is not the final price until the Confirmation Letter is sent.
7. The items included and excluded in this price are for reference only. The final services included, please refer to the Confirmation Letter sent to you by the travel consultant.
Price Includes:
- English-speaking guide with the professional license as listed in the itinerary.
- Entrance fees and other fees of the scenic spots as listed in the itinerary.
- Yangtze River Cruise ticket as listed in the itinerary.
- Accommodation (comfortable-class) based on two persons sharing one room with twin beds or a double bed.
- Meals as specified with “B” (for breakfast), “L” (for lunch) or “D” (for dinner) in the itinerary.
- Private Transfers between airports, hotels and scenic spots while sightseeing in each city or area by private air-conditioned vehicle with a licensed driver as listed in the itinerary.
- Transportation: Domestic flights (economy class) or trains (second-class seat) as listed in the itinerary.
- Airport / train station pick-up and drop-off service as listed in the itinerary.
- Luggage Transfers between airports, train station and hotels.
- Travel Service Charge of our travel consultant, including the planning, handling, operational and communication charges, etc.
Price Excludes:
- China Visa (We do not offer any visa service or charge any visa-related fee.)
- Scenic spots not listed in the itinerary.
- Optional activities or other sightseeing.
- Accommodation not as listed in the itinerary.
- Meals not listed in the itinerary.
- Flights or trains not as listed in the itinerary.
- Excess Baggage Charges.
- Personal expenses of a purely personal nature such as room service, laundry, drink, Internet charge, WI-FI, fax, telephone call, etc.
- Gratuities or optional tips to guides, drivers, bellboys, etc.
- Travel insurance. Please kindly note that the full coverage travel insurance from your country of origin should be purchased in advance on your own.
Read what other travelers think about this China trip / Yangtze cruise trip. We only accept reviews from actual, confirmed travelers who purchased the tour / activity from us, so you can be sure the reviews are unbiased and authentic.
Wonder,
1. My travel consultant always answers all my queries patiently and promptly and provides advice when appropriate.
2. We are happy with the tour arrangement. We wanted a more relaxing tour and we are happy that the tour was well arranged. It was not rushed but we were able to visit all the places we wanted without feeling tired. We were happy with the tour guide and driver. The guide was very friendly and helpful and made us feel like her friends. The driver was a careful driver and was helpful.
3. I am happy to recommend your company.
Teh
- Teh - January 11, 2025‚ ,
Dear Jack,
We have safely arrived Guangzhou in preparation for our homeward journey back to Australia. The Canadian pair have reached their destination of HK , they, seasoned traveller to China are like us are more than happy with your travel arrangement and the execution of the schedule , never once did we have minor hiccup in our whole journey . For this. I have to thank you specially for the most professional organisation .
The followings are my brief comment on
Hotel, on the whole no complaint ,clean comfortable , reasonably centrally located, the one in Xian is good , the one in Shanghai is too too small.
Meals were good and plentiful
Guides were satisfactory and good , one in Xian and Zhangjiajie were excellent.
Transport driver and car , good , punctual and certainly no complaint.
General impression of the whole journey: well designed , seamlessly executed . My highest recommendation for your organisation , assured a returned engagement.
Sincere thank for the memorable journey
David
- David - December 14, 2024‚ ,
Hi Elk
We had a great trip. While the boat is old and certainly needs some work, the excursions were good and the service was fantastic. The food was mostly Chinese but enough variety that we didn't go hungry at all. We would recommend it.
Thank you for organizing
- Elizabeth - December 30, 2024‚ ,
Dear Mrs. Zhu,
As you presumed, we are now back again at our home in Germany. We enjoyed the Yangtze Cruise and appreciated travelling with Yangtze River Cruises very much.
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Peter and Karen
- Peter - December 23, 2024‚ ,
Here are recent candid photos of this China trip / Yangtze cruise trip. If you want to share your own tour photos, simply email your photos to info@yangtze-river-cruises.com with your Booking ID Number. Thanks in advance for sharing!
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- Pristine Water & Serene Valley of Golden Whip Stream
- World's Highest & Longest Glass Bridge in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
- Huangshi Village
- Yuanjiajie - The Pandora World
- Our Customers at Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
- Tianzi Mountain
- Yichang Maoping Port for Embarkation & Disembarkation
- Tribe of The Three Gorges
- Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift New Experience
- Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift
- Three Gorges Dam in Summer
- Three Gorges Dam - 185 Observation Deck
- Play Taichi in the Morning
- World-famous Three Gorges Dam
- White Emperor City
- Qutang Gorge
- Shennv Stream with Primitive Gorge Scenery
- Magnificent Qutang Gorge
- Breathtaking Wu Gorge Scenery
- Yangtze River Cruise
- Beautiful & Tranquil Yangtze River
- Fengdu Ghost City
- Chongqing, the Magic 8D Mountain City in China
Essential China Travel Information & Service
To help you have a further understanding of your tour, we provide some essential travel information like yourtour guides, drivers, private cars/vans, accommodations and meals that you could know more about how is your China Yangtze cruise tour going. All the experience will be vivid and memorable in any time in any destination.
Your Private Tour Guide
The tour guides in all destinations are qualified, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and responsible!
All of our guides in every destination are locals. They will be greeted you punctually upon arrival at airport, train stations or cruise ports. And escort you to your hotel and tourist attractions and make you have full understanding about the local life, scenic spots as well as show you the fun places for more featured activities and things to do according to your time and interests.
“All our guides, especially those who we had a chance to spend more time with (Guilin, Chengdu, Lijiang, Zhangjiajie) were great. Always very accommodating, punctual and attentive.” - Review from Zane, Canada
Your Private Driver & Car
Taking our private transportation will make you comfortable, relaxed and worry free!
All our drivers are licensed with many years' driving experience. They are always polite, friendly and helpful, glad to offer more service you may need during the transfer. Our vehicles are air-conditioned, non-smoking, clean and expertly maintained. We use different types of cars/vans to guarantee your comfort. Besides, there is need to worry about your luggage for we use vehicles with extra space for your luggage.
"With respect to the drivers, we can state that they are excellent drivers and very friendly. They are pleasant with smiling face and helpful too." - Review from Pedro Corro, USA
Comfortable & Homelike Hotel
In each destination, we guarantee you a comfortable stay!
The hotels we choose are based with star rating, great location, well-pointed facilities and high quality service and guests' feedbacks. Choices are a lot and you could decide where to stay on your own. When taking a Yangtze River cruise, you are guaranteed a comfortable cabin or suite with private balconies to enjoy breathtaking scenery.
“All the hotels were comfortable and in good locations. The food was generally good with a wide choice of both western and Chinese choices for breakfast. The room sizes even with the extra bed for Jessica were also fine.” - Review from McHale, USA
Dining, Meal & Local Food
On Yangtze River cruise, you are offered three meals (usually buffet with western and Chinese dishes) each day. In other cities of China, breakfast and lunch usually are included in your tour packages. You'll dine in local restaurants, follow local customs and enjoy local dishes. The food quality and dining environment will suit for your taste. If you have any suggestions or special requirements (vegetarian or food allergies), just let your travel consultants and guides know. They will arrange the suitable food and restaurants for you. Recommended evening dining options are: Peking Roast Duck in Beijing, Dumpling Dinner in Xian, and Hot Pot in Chengdu etc.
“We had very good breakfasts in all the hotels and were given a substantial lunch every day.” - Review from John, United Kingdom
Recommended Add-on Options
+ 3~4 more days to explore the capital city of China - Beijing
Get into the imperial capital city whose story goes back at least 3000 years.
Beijing’s opulent royal palaces, temples and magnificent walls and gates make it the first tourist destination in China. A wealth of history, both ancient (Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace) and more recent (Tiananmen Square, Bird’s Nest & Water Cube) will inspire your imagination. A visit to the Great Wall, the longest manmade structure in the world, is absolutely essential.
+ 2~3 more days to explore the Ancient of Heart - Xian
Explore the glorious past in the ancient capital of China for 13 dynasties!
With a history of over 3000 years, Xian is the birthplace of Chinese civilization and capital of most important dynasties in early Chinese history. It is known as the eastern terminus of the famed Silk Road and home to the Terracotta Army along with many other historical sites, like Ancient City Wall, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and so on.
+ 2~3 more days to visit the largest metropolis in China - Shanghai
Experience the past, present and future of China all at once!
The Huangpu River splits Shanghai into two districts: Pudong and Puxi. The Pudong skyline with stunning tall buildings like Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center and Oriental Pearl TV Tower gives you a flourishing scene of modern Shanghai. On the Puxi side, walk along the Bund to get a taste of old Shanghai. What a huge contrast!
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Not easy to find the right cruise ship/itinerary for you? Please contact one of our Yangtze cruise specialists to save your time and money. Click the right button to send an online inquiry and we will get back to you within 0.5~23.5 hours.
Karen
Wonder
Jack
Rita
Johnson
Vivien
Wing
Ariel
Tracy
Leo
Evelyn
April
Phoebe
Kelly
Shirley
Reya
Juliet
Elk
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