6 Days Nature Tour to Yangtze River & Zhangjiajie

See the beautiful scenery of Yangtze Three Gorges and Zhangjiajie National Park! In 6 days, a cruise takes you down Yangtze River in a relaxing way before getting into the surreal Avatar World in Zhangjiajie.

Highlights of this tour

• Marvel at the beautiful Yangtze River and Three Gorges sceneries by taking a luxury Yangtze River cruise;
• Completely relax yourself in enjoying the worry-free onboard living and entertainments;
• Stand on the biggest sightseeing platform to view the spectaculuar scenery in Zhangjiajie national park.

• Day 1 Chongqing Arrival

  Ni Hao! Welcome to Chongqing, the mountain city of China! Upon arrival, be greeted by our tour guide in the arrival hall of the airport / train station, and be transferred by private car/van to downtown area.

  In the late afternoon, you’ll be transferred to Chongqing Chaotianmen Port to board your cruise ship between 18:00-20:00 that evening. Your once-in-a-lifetime Yangtze River cruise sails at 21:00! (Please note: the boarding time and departure piers change based on the ship line, water level, season, weather, and other factors. Your travel consultants will ensure you have the actual departure time and boarding pier before your boarding.)

  Please note: If time permits, you can enjoy a half-day tour to explore Chongqing City. The recommended sites are Ciqikou Ancient Town, China Three Gorges Museum and Chongqing Zoo, etc. Please tell your arrival time to your travel consultants in advance who can arrange an amazing trip for you.

  Day 2 Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)

  In the morning, wake up leisurely and enjoy the gentle sunshine shining over the tranquil and beautiful Yangtze River. It will be colorful and interesting whether you decide to stay onboard or go ashore at river stops.

  Onboard you will enjoy different kinds of activities, like practicing Tai Chi on the boat’s sundeck, drinking a relaxing morning coffee, attending a Yangtze River history and culture lecture, or taking part in the Captain’s Welcome Party and evening shows.

  Next follow a local guide and make a shore excursion to Shibaozhai Pagoda, one of the “Pearls” of the Yangtze River. A gem of Chinese architecture, this 12-story, 18th century red wooden temple on the northern bank of Yangtze River is an architectural delight full of legends and beautiful stories. (Note: Comfortable shoes are highly recommended since there will be lots of stairs to climb up!)

  Optional Excursion: Take a shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City for an extra fee. Called the “City of Ghosts”, it is endowed with mysterious stories about underworld and cruel tortures and different kinds of devils and Chinese demons. Entering this ghost city, you will find many statues of demons and vivid scenes of their perfidious activities. (Note: Once again, the visit to Fengdu Ghost City requires much walking and comfortable shoes are again highly recommended!)

  Day 3 Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)

  Today you will sail through the spectacular Three Gorges while relaxing on the sun deck and soak up the breathtaking gorge scenery passing by as you drift through Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge respectively.

  In Wu Gorge you will take an enjoyable adventure to primitive Shennv Stream (Goddess Stream). Switch to a smaller boat to sail down this beautiful stream running in a narrow side gorge where you will have close-up views of high mountain peaks and hanging coffins on the steep cliff faces. After watching an entertaining music and dance show of local Tujia ethnic minority, sail back to your ship.

  In the evening, you will firstly enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Party with all your mates onboard, and then watch the fascinating process of passing the ship through the Three Gorges Dam Five-stage Ship Locks at 23:00 PM.

  Optional Excursion: Take a shore excursion to White Emperor City for an extra fee. Located at the entrance of Qutang Gorge, this excursion offers the best viewing spot to appreciate the magnificent Kuimen Gate.

  Day 4 Yangtze & Train to Zhangjiajie from Yichang (B)

  Today’s highlight is a morning excursion to Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydropower project, located at the middle of Xiling Gorge near Yichang. You will marvel at this gigantic dam from different angles, learn more of the background history of the Three Gorges Dam Project and enjoy the surrounding beautiful landscape and scenery.

  After visiting the Three Gorges Dam, your tour guide will pick you up at Three Gorges Dam Site or Dock in Yichang (depending on your train time to Zhangjiajie). Then drive to the Yichang train station and take a train to Zhangjiajie (about 5hrs). Zhangjiajie is an awesome place that features the unique Karst mountains and picturesque forests, bringing you to the most surreal world – AVATAR world.

  After arriving in Zhangjiajie, the local guide will pick you up at Zhangjiajie Railway Station and transfer you to your hotel in Wulingyuan.

  Day 5 Zhangjiajie National Park (B, L)

  After breakfast, you’ll visit the most beautiful scenic spots in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. First, you’ll take the cable car to Huangshi Village which is 1080m above the sea level. It is the biggest sightseeing platform to view the spectacular scenery in the national park. A saying goes “He who does not reach Huangshi Village does not pay a true visit to Zhangjiajie.” Later, explore the famous Golden Whip Brook which covers a distance of 7.5 km, winding across mountains and valleys. It is famous for its pristine water, its verdant mountains, its steep cliffs and its serene valley. As a veritable “paradise” for plants, its pathways are adorned by an abundance of flowers, trees, and grasses.

  Zhangjiajie National Forest Park:Located 32 kilometers from Zhangjiajie city, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is the first state-level forest park in China. It is known for its exquisite forests, odd-shaped peaks and rocks, the beautiful canyons, the limestone caves, and the breath-taking panoramic views. The words, such as majestic, eccentric, tranquil, delicate and wild, are not enough to describe it’s beauty.

  Day 6 Zhangjiajie National Park & Departure (B, L)

  On this day, you’ll first take Bailong elevator up to Yuanjiajie, which is situated in the north of Zhangjiajie National Park. This scenic area is world famous as the mountains here inspired the floating mountains in the Hollywood movie Avatar. The peaks in Yuanjiajie are nearly at the same height, which makes it a mountain platform great for enjoying sweeping vistas.

  Next, take a sightseeing bus to Tianzi Mountain, where you can have a stunning view of the peaks rising one after another. Atop of the mountain 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.

  After the exciting tour, you’ll be transferred back to Zhangjiajie City. You guide and driver will escort you to the airport or train station to catch the flight/train to your next destination or back home.