Enjoy the onboard services and hospitality of the airline crew as you cross the international dateline toward the Asian continent.

Upon arrival in Chengdu, we will take a domestic flight from Chengdu to Zhangjiajie. Welcome to Zhangjiajie! Upon arrival at the airport, our tour guide will be waiting for you. You will then be transported directly to your hotel in downtown Zhangjiajie in a comfortable, non-smoking vehicle driven by an experienced driver. Your guide will assist you with the check-in process at the hotel.

Overnight: Zhangjiajie

Head to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park to begin your adventure. As the first national forest park in China, it features breathtaking scenery often compared to the fictional planet Pandora, with its unique pillar-like mountains and ever-present mist. It is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

First, a sightseeing bus will take you to the Yuanjiajie Area, renowned for inspiring the floating mountains in the Hollywood movie Avatar. The evenly rising peaks create a stunning natural platform with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Afterward, we’ll explore the No. 1 Natural Bridge, where twin peaks form a dramatic natural arch often enveloped in mist.

Last but not least, we will visit the Back Garden. Located in the eastern part of Huang Shizhai, HuoLang Valley is dotted with numerous rocky crags. The valley is rich with blooming flowers, lush trees, and gently flowing water that creates a peaceful atmosphere. The entrance to this “garden” is marked by two large collapsed rocks leaning against each other, forming a natural gate.

Before returning to the hotel to rest, we will stop by a latex factory.

Optional Program: Tianzi Mountain Discovery Tour (one-way local car, one-way Bailong Elevator down + Xiangxi Song and Dance Show) – $80 per person
You’ll begin by taking the Tianzishan cable car to reach Tianzi Mountain, where breathtaking views of the towering peaks await. From the top, you can take in the expansive scenic area filled with magnificent landscapes.

Overnight: Zhangjiajie
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will visit Golden Whip Stream, a stunning natural waterway named after Golden Whip Rock. Its beauty lies in the clear flowing water surrounded by picturesque mountains, creating a scenic atmosphere.

Next, visit the Ten-Mile Gallery, a long canyon with a winding creek that resembles a natural landscape painting.

We will also stop by a silk store, where you can learn about the history of silk, one of the most important commodities traded along the ancient Silk Road.

Overnight: Zhangjiajie
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, visit Junshen Gallery, which showcases a diverse array of sand paintings that blend traditional Chinese composition with modern techniques. The gallery integrates elements such as prints, sculptures, and potted landscape art, creating a harmonious fusion of artistic expression.

Next, head to Tianmen Mountain, often considered the “soul” of Zhangjiajie. This majestic mountain features ancient trees, dramatic karst formations, and winding roads carved into cliff sides. The cable car ride from the city center to the summit takes about 30 minutes and is recognized as the longest cable car in the world.

Then, visit the Ghost Valley Plank Road (including the glass skywalk), which offers breathtaking views from cliffside paths.

You will also explore Tianmen Cave (including local transportation and ascent via the Heavenly Stairs), the world’s highest natural mountain cave, known for phenomena such as “Tianmen Spit Fog” and “Heavenly Gate Rays.”

In the evening, you will be transferred to the airport for a domestic flight from Zhangjiajie to Xi’an.

Overnight: Xi’an
Meals: Breakfast

Today is at your leisure to explore Xi’an on your own, or you may participate in optional excursions, including a visit to the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum in the afternoon and the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show in the evening.

Optional Tour 1: Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum with Lunch – $89 per person
Marvel at the renowned Terracotta Warriors, often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” This archaeological site was discovered in 1974 by local farmers digging a well. The Terracotta Army is believed to be only a portion of a vast necropolis built to protect China’s first emperor in the afterlife over 2,500 years ago.

Today, the site is preserved within a museum complex featuring multiple excavation pits and thousands of life-size figures. After exploring, you will also visit a terracotta replication factory to observe the modern production process.

Optional Tour 2: Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show – $50 per person
Experience the music and dance of imperial China during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 A.D.). This stage performance features professional musicians and dancers showcasing traditional instruments, elegant choreography, vibrant costumes, and elaborate pageantry rarely seen today.

Overnight: Xi’an
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, take an orientation tour of the city and visit the impressive Xi’an City Wall, one of the largest and best-preserved ancient fortifications in China. Originally rebuilt in the 14th century during the Ming Dynasty on the foundations of the earlier Tang Dynasty wall (618–907 A.D.), it stands approximately 39 feet high and 39 to 46 feet wide, enclosing an area of 5.4 square miles.

Described by Michelle Obama during her 2014 visit as “a wall that has withstood war and famine and the rise and fall of dynasties,” the City Wall offers a striking view of the ancient city set against Xi’an’s modern skyline. You can stroll along the top of the wall and explore its watchtowers and historic gates.

In the evening, you will be transferred to the airport for a domestic flight from Xi’an to Chengdu. Welcome to Chengdu, the hometown of the giant panda! Upon arrival, our tour representative will meet you outside the baggage claim area and escort you to your transfer vehicle for hotel check-in and rest.

Overnight: Chengdu
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, your guide will take you to Kuanzhai Alley, where you can explore one of the most popular historic commercial streets at your own pace. Experience the charm of old Chengdu while strolling through traditional courtyards and sampling local foods and street snacks.

Next, visit People’s Park to observe the relaxed lifestyle of local residents and experience Chengdu’s traditional tea culture.

Optional Program: Sichuan Hotpot Experience at a Local Restaurant – $45 per person
Sichuan hotpot dates back to the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911), when it originated along the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. Local boatmen created a spicy soup with meat, vegetables, and chili peppers to combat the cold, damp climate. Over time, hotpot evolved into a signature element of Sichuan cuisine.

Today, diners can cook a variety of ingredients—such as meats, potatoes, lotus root, and tofu—in a simmering pot of flavorful broth. Dipping sauces are typically made with sesame oil, garlic, and green onions.

Overnight: Chengdu
Meals: Breakfast

Today, we will visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding for an up-close look at these fascinating animals. Sichuan is world-renowned as the natural habitat of giant pandas, and this research base plays a vital role in their conservation.

Unlike traditional zoos, the facility provides a more natural environment, allowing visitors to observe pandas in spacious, open-air enclosures. It promises to be a memorable experience.

Optional Program: Sichuan Opera Cultural Show – $59 per person
Sichuan Opera has a history of over 300 years, and this evening performance showcases the region’s music, dance, humor, and storytelling.

The show begins with the classic “Nightmare of Shi Huaiyu,” blending elements of folklore and romance. Next, the performance features soloists playing traditional Chinese instruments, including the erhu (a two-stringed violin known for its haunting sound) and the guqin (a traditional zither associated with elegance and refinement).

Additional performances include traditional singing styles and conclude with the lively “Wild Dance of Golden Snake,” a vibrant display of music and dance reflecting the spirit of the region.

Overnight: Chengdu
Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy your day at leisure to explore Chengdu on your own, or join an optional tour for a deeper cultural experience.

Optional Tour: Visiting Leshan Giant Buddha with Cruise Ride – $69 per person
The Leshan Giant Buddha, the largest seated Buddha in the world, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. Standing 71 meters tall, it is an extraordinary example of ancient craftsmanship.

Surrounded by scenic landscapes, the area offers numerous beautiful viewpoints. You may explore the site on foot or enjoy a relaxing cruise for a panoramic view of the Buddha (during dry season, the cruise may be replaced with a hiking experience).

Overnight: Chengdu
Meals: Breakfast

 Depart from Chengdu for your return flight home. End of this wonderful journey.