8 days Chongqing Yangtze Cruise and Zhangjiajie Tour

Upon arrival in Chongqing, you will be warmly greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city at your own pace. Start at Jiefangbei Square, Chongqing's bustling commercial hub, where you can enjoy dinner or snacks, indulge in shopping, and soak in the lively atmosphere while people-watching in this vibrant area.

Alternatively, visit Hongya Cave to witness Chongqing’s dazzling night view. Admire the beautifully illuminated Ba and Shu-style wooden houses, explore the lively shops, sample local snacks, and immerse yourself in the vibrant riverside charm of this iconic landmark.

After breakfast, begin your Chongqing city tour at Ciqikou Old Town, known as the "epitome of Chongqing," with its traditional streets, cultural shops, and local snacks. Next, visit Mountain City Lane (Shancheng Budao), a historic walkway showcasing traditional Bayu-style architecture and the city’s rich history. Guided by a professional English-speaking guide, uncover the unique lifestyle of its past residents and savor peppercorn ice cream.

Head to Liziba Metro Station to witness the iconic sight of a train passing through an 11-story apartment block, a unique urban marvel. Then, visit Eling Park, offering panoramic views of Chongqing’s skyline and rivers.

Afterward, you will be dropped off at Chongqing Pier to embark 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.

P.S. The itinerary for the Yangtze River Cruise may vary depending on the specific cruise line and ship you choose.

Taking a Yangtze River Cruise might be the best way to explore the breathtaking natural landscapes and cultural heritage along the Yangtze River.

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. 

Enjoy the endless scenery of the Three Gorges today!

Enter the Three Gorges/“Small Gorges” – Enter the Three Gorges, one of nature’s most extraordinary sculptures. Today you will pass through the first two—Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge. Qutang Gorge is the shortest (5 miles), narrowest (500 feet), and most dramatic. The 25-mile long Wu Gorge is known for its quiet beauty, forest-covered mountains, and cliffs so sheer that the sun barely penetrates the precipices. Transfer to another vessel for a relaxing excursion through the attractive gorges of Goddess Stream. Depending on river conditions, an alternate excursion may be substituted to the gorges of Shennong Stream. Enter Xiling Gorge, the longest (41 miles), and deepest of the Three Gorges.

Optional shore excursions today (fee on your own): 
 (Available in the morning, river conditions permitting) to White Emperor City an ancient city overlooking the western end of Qutang Gorge.

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 in Yichang, our local guide or driver will assist you to the train station for your journey to Zhangjiajie via Changsha (as there is no direct train available). Alternatively, we can arrange a private car transfer to Zhangjiajie, approximately a 4-hour drive. Please discuss your preference with your travel advisor.

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.

Spend the whole day to visit Zhangjiajie national park, it features the unique Karst mountains and picturesque forests. Morning head to the Yuanjiajie, which is situated in the north of Zhangjiajie National Park. Your adventure begins with a thrilling ride on the highest and fastest open elevator - Bailong elevator in the world, which will take you to Yuanjiajie, often referred to as the "Backyard Garden" of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. This nature reserve is a core scenic spot of the Wu Lingyuan Nature Reserve, boasting unparalleled scenic splendors of magnificent mountains and peculiar peaks. With a total area of 1,200 hectares and an altitude of 1,074 meters, Yuanjiajie is home to the famous First Bridge. This natural stone bridge spans 20 meters across thin air between two peaks, forming a stunning arch. As you explore this area, you will be immersed in majestic views of steaming valleys, evaporating moisture, swaying pines, and whistling winds.

Next up with a visit to Tianzi Mountain, where you can have a stunning view of the peaks rising one after another. Atop the mountain, it offers a full extent of the whole scenic area, which is magnificent and spectacular. There are four wonders in Tianzi Mountain: the Sea of Clouds, the Radiance of the Moonlight, Rays of Sunshine and the Snow in winter.
Finally take the cable car down and enjoy a relaxing walk along the Ten mile Natural Gallery (mini train is optional). You will be transferred back to your hotel after today's tour.

Continue your journey to Zhangjiajie National Park today. Huangshizhai is the first sightseeing today. This scenic area is regarded as the essence of Zhangjiajie as it possesses quite concentrated attractions and well worth visiting. Afterward, head to the east side of Zhangjiajie to get to the Golden Whip Creek, an extraordinary breathtaking and tranquil place where you can see the meandering streams, the crystal-clear waterfalls, exotic plants, and rare animals. The creek is also called "the most beautiful valley in the world" and "the most poetic stream" by travelers. 

In the afternoon, end today's trip with a visit to the Four Creeks Gate, then return to your hotel and prepare for the next day. 

Morning drive to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, where you will challenge the world’s highest, longest glass bridge. When walking on the bridge you can see all the way down to the bottom of the canyon through the glass bridge. Then head to Tianmen Mountain National Park, which is known as Heaven Gate Mountain by the longest cable car in the world (7500 metres) and marvel at the stunning 99 hairpin road against the high cliffs. You'll reach the base platform and a long flight of stairs leading up towards the Tianmen Cave – a natural water-eroded cave with the highest elevation in the world! This is known as the 'Heaven Reaching Ladder'. Arrived at the top of Mountain, you can walk further to skywalk. In the late afternoon or evening, drive to the airport for the departure. Wish you have a pleasant journey home.