Arrive in Changsha
Overview
Arrive at Changsha Airport and transfer to the hotel for rest. We will arrange airport/train station pickup service for you!
Guests arriving on the same or nearby flights/trains will be assigned to the same vehicle. There may be a short waiting time, but it will not exceed 2 hours.
(Detailed pickup and hotel information will be provided in the tour notice.)
Meals
★ Breakfast: Not included★ Lunch: Not included / ★ Dinner: Not included
Hotel
Changsha Wellesley Hotel or equivalent
Changsha - Zhangjiajie
Overview
Special Experience: Includes second-class high-speed train ticket from Changsha to Zhangjiajie
After breakfast, take the high-speed train to Zhangjiajie and visit Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park (including cable car and eco-bus).
The most famous attraction in the park is Tianmen Cave, an awe-inspiring natural arch with a height of approximately 131.5 meters, a width of about 57 meters, and a depth of around 60 meters.
Next, visit the 72 Qilou (Seventy-Two Unique Stilted Buildings). This architectural project, developed by Chinese traditional architecture experts, restored and recreated 18 authentic stilt houses suspended on both sides of the archway using ancient methods. It vividly brings to life the mysterious legend of “Nine Bows, Eighteen Villages, and Seventy-Two Qilou” from Western Hunan folklore.
Meals
★ Breakfast: Included / ★ Lunch: Included / ★ Dinner: Not included
Hotel
Zhangjiajie Huatian Hotel or equivalent
Zhangjiajie
Overview
After breakfast, visit the 【Zhangjiajie National Forest Park】, located in a mid-subtropical mountain monsoon humid climate zone with distinct seasons. The park is famous for its unique “Zhangjiajie Landform,” characterized by tall, straight-edged stone pillar formations shaped by water erosion, gravitational collapse, and weathering.
Explore the winding and secluded 【Golden Whip Stream Canyon】, named after the Golden Whip Rock it flows past. Both sides of the canyon offer breathtaking scenery, including striking peaks, crystal-clear streams, and lush vegetation. It is widely praised as “one of the most beautiful canyons in the world.”
Afterwards, enjoy a peaceful 【boat ride on Baofeng Lake】.
Meals
★ Breakfast: Included/★ Lunch: Included/★ Dinner: Included
Hotel
Pullman Zhangjiajie Hotel or equivalent
Zhangjiajie
Overview
After breakfast, visit the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area and the Tianzi Mountain Scenic Area (including cable car). These areas are known for their unique natural landscapes, featuring striking peaks, peculiar rock formations, deep valleys, and cascading streams and waterfalls.
The most famous site here is “Hallelujah Mountain”, the inspiration for the floating mountains in the movie Avatar, which was filmed at Qiankun Pillar.
Continue to explore the Ten-Mile Gallery Scenic Area, including a round-trip ride on the sightseeing mini train.
Meals
★ Breakfast: Included/★ Lunch: Included/★ Dinner: Included
Hotel
Pullman Zhangjiajie Hotel or equivalent
Zhangjiajie-Fenghuang
Overview
Special Experience: Includes second-class high-speed train ticket from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang
After breakfast, visit Yun Tiandu (Sky Walk Glass Bridge), where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the stunning Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon.
The canyon is flanked by steep, rugged peaks with dense vegetation. A gentle stream flows through the valley floor, and a variety of striking rock formations stretch out beneath your feet.
Then, continue to Fenghuang Ancient Town, known for its unique architectural style, especially the riverside stilted houses suspended over the Tuojiang River, showcasing strong Miao ethnic characteristics.
The town also features many picturesque attractions, including:
Former Residence of Shen Congwen Boating on the Tuojiang River Wanshou Palace Former Residence of Xiong Xiling
Yang Family Ancestral Hall Hong Bridge Chongde Hall Ancient City Museum East Gate Tower Meals
★ Breakfast: Included/★ Lunch: Included/★ Dinner: Not included
Hotel
Fenghuang Garden Hotel or equivalent
Fenghuang-Changsha
Overview
Special Experience: Includes second-class high-speed train ticket from Fenghuang to Changsha
After breakfast, return to Changsha and visit Huangxing Road Pedestrian Street, one of the most bustling areas in the city.
This pedestrian commercial street, completed in 2002 with a total investment of 1 billion RMB, is a comprehensive destination integrating shopping, leisure, entertainment, dining, culture, and tourism.
In addition to various clothing and accessory shops, the street is famous for its rich selection of local snacks from across China.
Next to it is Pozi Street, a renowned gathering place for traditional Changsha snacks, offering visitors a true taste of the city’s culinary delights.
Meals
★ Breakfast: Included/★ Lunch: Included/★ Dinner: Not included
Hotel
Changsha Wellesley Hotel or equivalent
Changsha/Yichang
Overview
(Includes high-speed train ticket to Yichang)
Today, transfer to 【Yichang】 and board a luxury Yangtze River cruise, beginning your unforgettable journey through the Three Gorges.
Traveling upstream from east to west, you’ll pass through the dramatic Xiling Gorge, the graceful Wu Gorge, and the majestic Qutang Gorge—truly experiencing the poetic beauty described as “a light boat has passed ten thousand mountains.”
Feel the marvel of modern engineering and the convenience it brings to navigation along the mighty Yangtze.
Meals
★ Breakfast: Included/★ Lunch: Not included/★ Dinner: Not included
Hotel
Onboard one of the following luxury cruises — Victoria Cruises, Century Cruises, President Cruises, Gold Cruises, or Yangtze Explorer (or equivalent)
Yangtze Cruise (On board)
Overview
From the moment you open your eyes in the morning, your long-awaited journey through the Yangtze River’s Three Gorges begins.
Visit 【Three Gorges Tribe Scenic Area】 (optional shore excursion recommended by the cruise company – CNY295/person, sign-up at the cruise reception desk).
Located in the spectacular Xiling Gorge, this area features daily folk performances and offers deep insight into the ancient and mysterious Ba and Chu cultures.
After lunch, explore the world’s largest hydroelectric project — the 【Three Gorges Dam】. You may also opt to join the 【Three Gorges Ship Lift Tour】 (another optional excursion recommended by the cruise company – CNY295/person).
Continue the cruise with scenic sailing through the western section of Xiling Gorge. In the evening, enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Dinner, followed by onboard fashion shows and entertainment performances.
Meals
★ Breakfast: Included/★ Lunch: Included/★ Dinner: Included
Hotel
Onboard one of the following luxury cruises — Victoria Cruises, Century Cruises, President Cruises, Gold Cruises, or Yangtze Explorer (or equivalent)
Yangtze Cruise (On board)
Overview
After breakfast, visit 【Shennong Stream】 (or 【Goddess Stream】 or 【Shennv Stream】, depending on the cruise company’s docking arrangements).
This area is known as one of the most pristine natural waterways, with crystal-clear water so pure that, aside from the “Three-Color Spring,” no trace of murkiness can be found. The streambed is covered in colorful stones, vibrant and flower-like in appearance. In faster currents, the water flows like snow and mist, and boats glide as if flying.
Continue with scenic sailing through the picturesque 【Wu Gorge】 (viewed from the ship).
After lunch, sail through the majestic 【Qutang Gorge】, the final and most dramatic of the Three Gorges, known for its towering cliffs and narrow, powerful current.
Later, take an optional excursion to the legendary 【Baidi City (White Emperor City)】 (recommended by the cruise company – CNY295/person, sign up at the front desk on board).
With its scenic beauty and abundance of historic relics, Baidi City is now considered one of the must-visit sites along the Yangtze River.
Meals
★ Breakfast: Included/★ Lunch: Included/★ Dinner: Included
Hotel
Onboard one of the following luxury cruises — Victoria Cruises, Century Cruises, President Cruises, Gold Cruises, or Yangtze Explorer (or equivalent)
Yangtze Cruise (On board)
Overview
After breakfast, arrive at Fengdu, a city known not only for its historical and cultural heritage but also for its scenic and mythical landmarks. In recent years, popular sites such as Shuanggui Mountain Scenic Area, Shibaozhai, Xueyu Cave, Fengdu Ghost City, Ghost Kingdom Street, Yintong Ghost Street, City of Demons, and various folklore museums have been opened to the public.
Visit one of the following, depending on the cruise company’s docking schedule:
【Shuanggui Mountain Scenic Area】, 【Xueyu Cave Scenic Area】, or 【Shibaozhai】.
After lunch, continue to tour either the famous 【Fengdu Ghost City – Ming Mountain Scenic Area】 or the dramatic 【Wuling Mountain Grand Rift Valley】 (exact stop subject to cruise schedule; optional excursion recommended by the cruise company – CNY295/person, sign-up available at the cruise reception desk).
In the evening, enjoy a Fun Theme Party hosted onboard.
Meals
★ Breakfast: Included/★ Lunch: Included/★ Dinner: Included
Hotel
Onboard one of the following luxury cruises — Victoria Cruises, Century Cruises, President Cruises, Gold Cruises, or Yangtze Explorer (or equivalent)
Depart Chongqing
Overview
After breakfast, arrive in 【Chongqing】 and transfer to the airport at the designated time.
(The cruise is scheduled to dock between 8:00–9:00 AM. Transfer to the airport will follow shortly after disembarkation. Due to possible variations in water levels along the Yangtze River, docking times may be delayed. It is recommended to book flights departing after 13:00.)
Meals
★ Breakfast: Included★ Lunch: Not included / ★ Dinner: Not included
Hotel
N/A