Itinerary for: Dreams of Nature (WWDON )
| China | Shanghai |
| Mt Huang | Changsha |
| Guiyang | Zhangjiajie |
| Guilin | Li River Cruise |
| Yangshuo | Chengdu |
| Nine Villages Valley | Huanglong |
| |
Days 1-2 : UK – Shanghai
Fly overnight to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the ‘Paris of the East’.
Day 3 : Shanghai
Sightseeing today includes a stroll through the beautiful Yu Gardens and the Old Town as well as a visit to the Shanghai Museum. We also walk along the famous Bund with its colonial architecture and visit the modern Pudong area. In the evening, enjoy a cruise on the panoramic Huangpu River.
Day 4 : Shanghai – Mt Huang
Explore the restored Xintiandi area with its unique 1920’s style shikumen buildings before boarding the overnight train to Mt Huang, one of the most stunning natural wonders of the world.
Days 5-6 : Mt Huang
Arrive at Mt Huang in the morning. Take a cable car to the summit to enjoy the spectacular views of the oddly shaped peaks, rock formations, thousand year old pine trees and mysterious ever changing mist, all of which have inspired local artists for centuries. Stay for two nights here – one of which will be at the summit and the other in Tunxi, at the foot of the mountain.
Day 7 : Mt Huang – Changsha
Travel by coach to Hangzhou and then fly to Changsha, capital of Hunan Province.
Day 8 : Changsha – Zhangjiajie
Tour the renowned West Han Dynasty Tombs (2100 years old) at Mawangdui, before travelling by coach to Zhangjiajie.
Days 9-10 : Guiyang – Zhangjiajie
During the next two days, we will embark on a photographer’s dream journey. Enjoy breathtaking scenery exploring the UNESCO listed Zhangjiajie area, which offers a mix of spectacular limestone formations, sub-tropical forests, waterfalls, mountain ranges and majestic valleys.
Day 11 : Zhangjiajie – Changsha
Return to Changsha by coach for an overnight stay.
Day 12 : Changsha – Guiyang
Fly to Guiyang and enjoy a tour of this fascinating city, the home of many colourful ethnic minority groups.
Day 13 : Guiyang – Zhengyuan
Take a scenic train ride to the town of Zhengyuan and visit the Green Dragon Cave, the pinnacle of Taoist Temples.
Days 14-15 : Zhengyuan – Guiyang
Explore the Tiexi area, stroll along the Ancient Walkway and visit the Ancient Well. We also visit the Residence of the Fu Family, built over 300 years ago. The next day, enjoy a cruise on the Wuyang River before returning to Guiyang by train.
Day 16 : Guiyang – Guilin
Take a trip to China’s biggest waterfall, Huangguoshu Falls, before flying to the beautiful city of Guilin.
Days 17-18 : Li River Cruise – Yangshuo – Guilin
Cruise the stunning Li River and enjoy the breathtaking landscape of beautiful limestone hills, tranquil fishing scenes and picturesque villages. We continue downstream to the town of Yangshuo set in the lush green rice paddies of Southern China. The next day, explore the colourful local markets, walk along the cobblestone streets and soak in the atmosphere of this charming town before returning to Guilin. We also see the cormorant fishermen.
Day 19 : Guilin – Chengdu
Visit the colourful Reed Flute Caves and Mt Diecai for views of the surrounding karst landscape before flying to Chengdu.
Days 20-21 : Chengdu – Nine Villages Valley
Fly to the breathtaking Nine Villages Valley (Jiuzhaigou), a botanical gallery that is heavily forested and home to many protected species. Entering the valley is like being transported into a different world, where crystal clear lakes gather at the foot of every waterfall and rich dense forests are dotted with colourful flowers. The entire valley presents a seemingly never-ending display of stunning natural scenery that will inspire any budding photographer. We stay in the area for two nights.
Day 22 : Nine Villages Valley – Huanglong – Chengdu
Travel by coach to Huanglong, which is renowned for its hundreds of sparkling mineral pools where beautiful colours intertwine and the waters cascade down the mountainside. We have the option to take a cable car or walk past the many waterfalls to visit Huanglong Temple. Later, fly back to Chengdu.
Days 23-24 : Chengdu
Visit the famous Panda Reserve to see these adorable animals being reared in wooded surroundings reminiscent of their natural habitat. We also visit the Sanxingdui Museum. The next day, visit. The Dujiangyan Irrigation Project built in 256BC and enjoy a delicious Sichuan meal in the evening.
Day 25 : Chengdu – UK
Fly to the UK via Hong Kong, arriving home later the same day or the following morning depending on airline chosen.