Chongqing, Zhangjiajie, Fenghuang & Shanghai Grand Journey

Upon arrival in Chongqing, your private driver will meet you outside the baggage claim area. During the transfer, your driver will introduce some of Chongqing’s major landmarks and their historical background.

After settling in, explore the lively Jiefangbei commercial district before visiting Bayi Food Street, where you can sample local favourites such as Chongqing-style hot and sour noodles and traditional sweet rice dumplings.

Continue with a ride on the Yangtze River Cableway, crossing high above the river, before seeing the famous Liziba monorail passing through a residential building.

As night falls, visit Hongya Cave and admire its brightly illuminated stilted buildings built into the hillside.

Finish the evening with a walk across Qiansimen Bridge, enjoying spectacular views over Chongqing’s illuminated riverfront.

Travel into the dramatic landscapes of Wulong.

Visit the world-famous Three Natural Bridges, an extraordinary karst landscape of enormous stone arches and deep gorges.

The area has also served as a filming location for Curse of the Golden Flower and Transformers, with its towering cliffs and dramatic terrain creating an almost cinematic atmosphere.

Continue to Fairy Mountain National Forest Park, where highland forests, open meadows and mountain scenery offer a peaceful contrast to the dramatic limestone landscape.

Spend time surrounded by nature and experience another side of Chongqing’s mountainous terrain.

Travel to Chiyou Jiuli City, a major cultural landmark featuring one of China’s largest collections of traditional Miao-style architecture.

Explore the monumental buildings and learn about the history, traditions and cultural heritage of the Miao people.

Continue into the spectacular Wujiang River Gallery region.

Admire clear green water winding between steep cliffs and dramatic peaks, with the river creating one of eastern Chongqing’s most impressive natural landscapes.

The combination of ethnic culture and mountain-and-river scenery offers a deeper introduction to the region beyond Chongqing’s urban centre.

Leave Chongqing and travel by high-speed train to Zhangjiajie.

Upon arrival, your private guide will meet you and introduce the area’s famous attractions and historical background during the transfer.

After some time to settle in, explore the illuminated 72 Tujia Stilted Buildings and Dayong Ancient City in the evening.

Enjoy the colourful night scenery and sample local specialities such as Tujia-style Sanxiaguo, offering your first introduction to the distinctive culture of western Hunan..

Enter the spectacular Wulingyuan Scenic Area.

Take a one-way cable car up Tianzi Mountain and visit Helong Park.

Admire famous formations such as the Imperial Brush Peaks and Fairy Presenting Flowers, before enjoying distant views towards the dramatic scenery of Shentang Bay.

Continue by the famous Bailong Elevator to Yuanjiajie.

See the extraordinary natural formation known as the First Bridge Under Heaven and discover the towering sandstone pillar associated with the Hallelujah Mountains from Avatar.

Finish with panoramic views from Mihun Terrace, overlooking an immense landscape of sandstone peaks and deep valleys.

Explore Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, including access to the famous Glass Bridge and sightseeing elevators.

Walk across the transparent bridge suspended high above the canyon and look down into the deep valley below.

Continue along the canyon pathways and stairways, passing dramatic narrow gorges and natural scenery.

The itinerary also includes an immersive MR flying-theatre experience and time around Rainbow Square.

After completing the canyon visit, travel to Fenghuang Ancient Town.

As night falls, explore its illuminated riverside streets and stone-paved lanes.

A traditional Miao costume experience is also included, offering an opportunity to take photographs in the distinctive clothing of western Hunan.

Spend the morning exploring Fenghuang Ancient Town in greater depth.

Visit Wanshou Palace and the Former Residence of Shen Congwen, discovering the town’s architectural and literary heritage.

Walk beside the river to admire traditional Tujia stilted houses, then board a sightseeing boat for a cruise along the Tuojiang River.

Continue to the East Gate Tower for views across the historic town and explore Hongqiao Art Building.

Visit classic landmarks including Wanming Pagoda and the famous stepping stones across the river.

After experiencing the distinctive culture and architecture of Fenghuang, return to Zhangjiajie.

Walk beside the river to admire traditional Tujia stilted houses, then board a sightseeing boat for a cruise along the Tuojiang River.

Continue to the East Gate Tower for views across the historic town and explore Hongqiao Art Building.

Visit classic landmarks including Wanming Pagoda and the famous stepping stones across the river.

After experiencing the distinctive culture and architecture of Fenghuang, return to Zhangjiajie.

Travel to Tianmen Mountain and take the cable car towards the summit.

Walk along cliffside pathways high above the surrounding valleys. When mist covers the mountain, the landscape takes on an almost otherworldly atmosphere.

Visit some of Tianmen Mountain’s best-known attractions, including the Glass Skywalk, Tianmen Cave and the spectacular 99-Bend Mountain Road.

Later, visit Junsheng Sandstone Painting Institute to learn about the distinctive local technique of creating artwork with natural sand and stone.

Take part in a DIY experience and create your own sandstone artwork to take home.

Afterwards, travel to Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport and fly to Shanghai Hongqiao Airport.

Spend the day exploring the historic streets, traditional lanes and the Former Residence of Shen Congwen.

You may also experience traditional Miao clothing photography, browse for local handicrafts and souvenirs, and discover regional specialities such as Xiangxi rice tofu and Miao-style sour fish soup.

Begin with a leisurely walk along the Bund, where grand historic buildings reveal more than a century of Shanghai’s international history.

Continue to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, experiencing the energy of one of the city’s busiest commercial districts.

As evening approaches, take a traditional ferry across the Huangpu River.

From the water, admire the striking contrast between the historic architecture of Puxi and the modern skyscrapers of Lujiazui.

The illuminated skyline offers one of Shanghai’s most iconic night-time views.

Explore Yu Garden, a classical Jiangnan-style garden featuring elegant pavilions, winding corridors, ponds and traditional rockeries.

Continue through the historic streets around the City God Temple and sample classic Shanghai flavours such as Nanxiang xiaolongbao.

In the afternoon, walk along Wukang Road and Anfu Road.

Tree-lined streets, historic villas, cafés and creative boutiques reveal a quieter and more artistic side of Shanghai.

During your free time, browse for classic local souvenirs such as White Rabbit candy and traditional butterfly pastries.

Spend your final morning exploring Shanghai at a relaxed pace.

Enjoy the quieter atmosphere of the city streets, experience the blend of historic and contemporary Shanghai, and take some time for last-minute shopping, souvenirs or local food.

Later, transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule, bringing this 11-day journey through Chongqing, Wulong, Zhangjiajie, Fenghuang and Shanghai to a memorable conclusion.