8 days Chengdu - Jiuzhaigou tour and Yangtze Three Gorges cruise

Upon arrival in Chengdu, you will be picked up at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day freely exploring Chengdu at your own pace. Hotel check-in time is normally after 14:00.

Start your day with a visit to the Chengdu Panda Base, the best time to see the adorable pandas during their feeding time when they are most active. Stroll through the lush landscape, observe giant pandas playing, napping, and munching on bamboo, and visit the panda nursery, subadult enclosure, and adult compound. Learn more about panda conservation through informative videos.

If time permits, visit People's Park, a lively spot to experience Chengdu's local culture. Watch locals engage in activities like dancing, singing, and games or explore the matchmaking corner. Relax with a cup of tea at the open-air Heming Tea House before heading to the next destination.

In the afternoon, transfer to Chengdu East Train Station for a scenic train ride to Jiuzhaigou (about 2 hours). Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and taken to your hotel near Jiuzhaigou Park, where you can rest and prepare for the next day's adventure.

Spend the whole day to explore the three main valleys of Jiuzhaigou National Park, and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes in this natural fairyland. Three valleys in Jiuzhaigou National Park have been opened to public, which contains 114 lakes, 17 waterfalls, 11 rip currents, and 5 travertine beaches. Immerse yourself into the fabled blue and green lakes, spectacular waterfalls and mysterious forest. Along with the stunning scenery, the local Tibetan folk customs create a truly exotic land of wonder.

In the morning, drive about 2 hours to Huanglong National Park, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site renowned for its vibrant ponds, cascading waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and lush forests. The colorful ponds, resembling shimmering blue crystals, sometimes glow red or purple under the sunlight, creating a stunning visual spectacle.

Take a cable car to ascend the park, then walk to the Wucai Ponds and explore on foot as you descend, admiring marvelous ponds and waterfalls nestled in the forested mountains. In the late afternoon, transfer to Jiuzhaigou train station for a high-speed train back to Chengdu. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel for the evening.

Take a morning high-speed train from Chengdu to Chongqing (about 1 hour). Upon arrival, meet your local guide and begin your Chongqing city tour with a visit to Mountain City Lane, a historic trail featuring charming handicraft shops. Try making Chongqing-style wool felt crafts and enjoy a unique pepper-flavored ice cream, and continue to an old town to explore Chongqing's history and local lifestyle. Then move to visit the iconic Liziba Metro Station, where a train famously passes through an 11-story apartment building, and explore Ciqikou Old Town, known as the "epitome of Chongqing." End the day at Hongya Cave, a must-see attraction with illuminated Ba and Shu-style wooden houses cascading down the hillside.

In the late afternoon or early evening, transfer to Chongqing Pier to board your luxury Yangtze River Cruise. Boarding time is between 16:30 and 21:00, with your unforgettable journey along the Yangtze River beginning at 21:30.

As an important cradle of Chinese ancient civilizations, Yangtze River is famous for the breathtaking natural landscapes and abundant heritage sites along its two banks. In the following three days, you will visit several highlights along with the cruise and have a glimpse of the spectacular panoramas. 

Morning take a shore excursion to Mountain Shuanggui near Fengdu. Depending on river conditions, an alternate excursion may be substituted to Shibaozhai, with its impressive wooden pagoda. Continue the cruise on Yangtze River. Dinner and Supper are offered on board. 

Optional shore excursions today (fee on your own): 
Depending on the river conditions, there is an optional shore excursion to Fengdu ghost city, Fengdu is an ancient town where you can experience the world of the afterlife in Chinese ghost folktales. Wreathed with numerous statues and interspersed by temples, the whole scenic area is a treasure house of art that combines the culture of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. 

The highlights of the Yangtze River Cruise is coming today as you will travel through the Three Gorges to view its picturesque scenery. Composed of Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge, the Three Gorges has a total length of approximately 120 km. (75 mi.). Along with the steep cliffs and torrential river, you may also be immersed by the abundant historical relics and cultural sites while sailing through the gorges.

Based on the season and your requirement, have a short cruise to the Little Three Gorges or take a pea-boat floating along the verdant Shennong Streams as you sail on to the border between Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge. Rip currents, lofty peaks and mountains, gorgeous Karst caves and beautiful waterfalls will always accompany you on the way. 

Disembark this morning and take a tour of the Three Gorges Dam, the grandest hydroelectric project in the world, which spans the Yangtze River at Sandouping in Xiling Gorge. The dam is designed to provide a huge source of hydropower for China and control the flood. After morning sightseeing, You will be provided a motor coach transfer to nearby Yichang by Cruise company. Upon arrival at Yichang, our Yichang local guide or driver will greeted and assisted you to Yichang airport/train station for departure. Wish you have a pleasant journey home, and WindhorseTour is ready to help adjust this tour in any way to better suite your personal travel needs.
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Optional shore excursions today (fee on your own): 

An additional optional shore excursion is also available (preceding the Three Gorges Dam tour) through the recently- completed unique ship lock with a ship lift, the world’s largest.