Travel Dates
Departing 2nd Apr 2020
Tour Provider: Wendy Wu
Region:
Duration: 23 Days
Tour Itinerary:
DAYS 1-2: AUSTRALIA TO GUILIN
Fly overnight to Guilin. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
DAY 3: YANGSHUO’S LANDSCAPES
Take a gentle cruise along the Li River to Yangshuo. Lined with dramatic limestone cliffs, the serenity of life on the riverbanks is a wonderful sight. Later, take a walk through this idyllic wonderland and get an insight into life here. There is an option to take a short and steep hike to the top of Moon Hill for epic sunset views (at own expense). (B,L,D)
DAY 4: TAI CHI
Start the day with a relaxing and invigorating session of Tai Chi, taking time with a master to learn this ancient martial art. This afternoon there is an option to go bamboo rafting on the Yulong River (at your own expense). Drift past verdant riverbanks as you paddle on the glass-like water. This evening you have the option of attending the magical Sanjie Liu night show (at your own expense). (B,L)
DAY 5: REED FLUTE CAVE
Drive back to Guilin and spend the afternoon exploring the Reed Flute Cave and learning about the South China pearling industry at the Pearl Museum. (B,L,D)
DAY 6: LONGJI RICE TERRACES
Travel to the iconic Longji Rice Terraces and head out for a four-hour walk through the traditional rural landscapes. There are several viewpoints boasting picture-postcard views of the extensive rice terraces that cover the hillside in intricate patterns. Drive back to Guilin, with the rest of the day at leisure. (B,L)
DAY 7: TRAVEL TO ZHANGJIAJIE
Catch the bullet train to Changsha, then enjoy the breathtaking drive to Zhangjiajie. (B,L,D)
DAYS 8-9: ZHANGJIAJIE
A scenic area of over 3,000 sandstone pillars, rising from misty folds of tropical forest and cloaked in vibrant green vegetation, Zhangjiajie’s striking beauty is unforgettable. Ravines and gorges, streams and waterfalls and a plethora of endangered plants and animal species complete this idyllic scene. During your time here, you will enjoy some beautiful walks to Huanglong Cave and Huangshi Village, as well as a cruise on Lake Baofeng. You'll also see Yuanjiajie Avatar Mountin and Emperor Mountain. (B,L,D)
DAY 10: TRAVEL TO YICHANG
Catch the train to Yichang, where you'll board your Yangtze Cruise vessel. (B,L,D)
DAYS 11-13: YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE
A man-made marvel, the Three Gorges Dam showcases this massive feat of engineering. But as we cruise upstream nature takes over, revealing some of the world’s most dramatic scenery including the Three Gorges themselves. Take a side trip to the attractive Goddess or Shennong Stream and enjoy shore excursions to the Ghost City of Fengdu or Shibaozhai. (B,L,D)
DAY 14: YANGTZE RIVER – HEISHAN VALLEY – WULONG
Check out of your cabin this morning and disembark in Chongqing. You will be transferred by coach to Wulong Karst National Geology Park, a journey of approximately 3 hours. Stop en route at Heishan (Black Mountain) Valley, a scenic area enveloped by mysterious fog that is home to deep valleys, lush green forests, majestic waterfalls, rivers and streams, caves, and wildlife. Take time to explore the highlights of the valley before continuing to Wulong. (B,D)
DAY 15: THREE NATURAL BRIDGES & LONGSHUIXIA FISSURES
This morning, you will visit Three Natural Bridges National Park, a rare geological wonder consisting of three natural karst bridges: Tianlong Bridge, Qinglong Bridge and Heilong Bridge. Continue to Longshuixia Fissure, a narrow fault line that has been carved out by the river. The gorge is 5km long and 500m deep. You will climb down several hundred steps, then travel further down by elevator before walking several hundred steps to the bottom of the gorge. (B,L,D)
DAY 16: WULONG – CHONGQING
Today, you will explore Wulong Karst National Geology Park – an area of stunning natural scenery with towering limestone karsts, deep gorges caves and natural bridges. One of the highlights is Furong Cave, which is a karst cave located on the banks of Furong River. In the afternoon, travel 3 hours by coach to Chongqing. (B,L,D)
DAY 17: CHONGQING – CHENGDU
This morning, visit charming Ciqikou and stroll down the narrow streets to admire the historical and traditional architecture before meeting the loveable Giant Pandas at Chongqing Zoo’s Panda House. Later, transfer by coach to the vibrant city of Chengdu, a journey of approximately 4 and a half hours Chengdu. (B,L)
DAY 18: LESHAN GIANT BUDDHA
Travel to Leshan to see the Grand Buddha. The 71 metre Buddha, the world’s largest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is carved into a hillside overlooking the confluence of the Dadu and Min Rivers. Completed in the year 803, it is said that the Buddha’s presence has calmed the turbulent waters of the river. View the Buddha from above before a short boat trip, which will give you an even better perspective. Continue to Mt Emei. (B,L,D)
DAY 19: EXPLORE MT. EMEI
Mt Emei is the cradle of the Buddhist religion in China with the first temple built here, on its peak, in the 1st century. Pilgrims and tourists mix amongst the lush vegetation and inconspicuous old temples, all admiring the striking and diverse natural beauty of the mountain and its setting. Spend the day soaking up the ambience and exploring. (B,L,D)
DAY 20: PINGLE ANCIENT TOWN
Dating back to the Han Dynasty, Pingle was a stopping point on the Tea Horse Road. Take time to walk through its maze of teahouse lined streets before seeing the bamboo forest from above on Jinji Suspended Rope Bridge. Drive back to Chengdu. (B,L)
DAY 21: CHENGDU PANDA BASE
Spend the morning visiting with the Giant Pandas of Chengdu Research Base. Here you can observe these gorgeous creatures lounging, playing and chomping through piles of bamboo in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. This afternoon, absorb the culture at People’s Park. People watching here is an endless pleasure, from the locals playing mah-jong to the lonely singles looking for love in Matchmaker’s Corner. In the evening, enjoy a delicious Sichuan hot pot dinner and an optional ‘face changing’ show (at your own expense). (B,D)
DAYS 22-23: CHENGDU TO AUSTRALIA
This morning is at your leisure before you are transferred to Chengdu airport to board your flight to Australia, arriving home to same or following day. (B)
Your Guided Holiday Includes:
Price is based on 2 April 2020 departure. Other dates available.
Tour Highlights:
Conditions apply. Subject to availability and change without notice. Full supplier conditions apply. Valid for new bookings only. Prices valid at the time of publication. Prices are per person based on twin share occupancy unless otherwise stated and displayed in AU$. Member savings are calculated using the original advertised price.