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Embark on an epic journey that encompasses some of China's most impressive UNESCO World Heritage sites and most incredible natural landscapes. Gaze over the mythical Zhangjiajie, whose mist-swathed, soaring peaks were the inspiration for the blockbuster film Avatar, cruise through the tranquil vistas of the Li and Yangtze rivers and walk the serpentine rice terraces of Longji.
Amongst the incredible scenery you'll meet the people who call it home, from simple farmers tending their crops to the minority hilltribe communities who will invite you into their village, and stumble on ancient traditions in the most unlikely of places.
For advice on where to go, what to do and how to choose your perfect tour, talk to our Travel Experts.
Our Dreams of Nature tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine.
Explore the moss-crowned sand pillars of this national park
Come face to face with these majestic creatures at Chengdu's Panda Reserve
Enjoy a rush of adrenaline as you make your way over a magnificent landscape of dense bamboo forest on the breathtaking suspended rope bridge at Jinji.
Explore the otherworldly expanse of sandstone karst pillars, peaks and pinnacles that make up the magical Zhangjiajie National Forest Park with a series of beautiful walks and visits to geological wonders.
Long practiced in China, many people start their day with a session of Tai Chi. You can do the same with a morning class led by your instructor and continue your day feeling invigorated.
This tour is ideal for those who have a reasonable amount of time and are looking to explore lesser known sections of China and take part in more active touring, with more walking and outdoor activity.
Arrive into Shanghai and take a connecting domestic flight to Guilin. Stay overnight in Guilin.
Travel to the iconic Longji Rice Terraces and head out for a three-hour walk through the traditional rural landscapes. There are several viewpoints boasting picture-postcard views of the extensive rice terraces that cover the hillside in intricate patterns. Drive back to Guilin.
Take a gentle cruise along the Li River to Yangshuo. Lined with dramatic limestone cliffs, the serenity of life on the riverbanks is a wonderful sight. Later, take a walk through this idyllic wonderland and get an insight into life here. There's an option to take a rewarding hike to Moon Hill for beautiful views.
Start the day with a relaxing and invigorating session of Tai Chi, taking a class with a master to learn this ancient martial art. This afternoon, there is an option to go bamboo rafting on the Yulong River. Drift past verdant riverbanks and under ancient bridges as you paddle on the glass-like water. This evening, you have the option of enjoying the magical Liu Sanjie night show.
Drive back to Guilin and spend the afternoon exploring Reed Flute Cave and learning about the South China pearling industry at a pearl factory. Take the bullet train to Zhangjiajie.
A scenic area of over 3,000 sandstone pillars, rising from misty folds of subtropical forest and cloaked in vibrant green vegetation, Zhangjiajie's striking beauty is unforgettable. Ravines and gorges, streams and waterfalls and a plethora of endangered plants and animal species complete this idyllic scene. Over the next two days, enjoy some beautiful walks, take a cruise on Lake Baofeng and spend time exploring Huanglong Cave, also known as ‘Yellow Dragon Cave'. Trek to Jinbian Stream and explore the Ten-Mile Natural Gallery. You will also see the famous Yuanjiajie Avatar Mountain and Emperor Mountain. Travel by road to Changhsa.
Begin at Hunan Museum, a treasure trove of ancient relics and artworks. Step into history at Yuelu Academy, a hub of learning for centuries, nestled by scenic Mt. Yuelu. In the late afternoon, explore the bamboo and sculpture gardens of Orange Island, where a towering 32-meter statue of Chairman Mao Zedong stands. Later, indulge in the lively Yangfan night market.
Catch the train to Yichang and board your Yangtze cruise vessel, home for the next four nights.
A man-made marvel, the Three Gorges Dam showcases this massive feat of engineering. But as you cruise upstream, nature takes over, revealing some of the world’s most dramatic scenery including the Three Gorges themselves. A voyage along China’s riverine treasure is a chance to relax and enjoy a slower pace, whilst absorbing extraordinary countryside. Over the next three days, take a side trip to the attractive Goddess or Shennong Stream and enjoy various shore excursions.
Disembark the ship and take a bullet train to Leshan to see the 71-metre-high UNESCO-listed Grand Buddha. Completed in the year 803, it is said that the Buddha's presence has calmed the turbulent waters of the river. View the Buddha from below on a short boat trip. Later, continue and drive to Emeishan.
Mount Emei, or Emeishan, is the cradle of the Buddhist religion in China with the first temple built on its peak in the 1st century. Pilgrims and tourists mix amongst the lush vegetation and inconspicuous old temples, all admiring the striking and diverse natural beauty of the mountain and its setting. Spend the day soaking up the ambience and exploring.
Dating back to the Han Dynasty, Pingle was a stopping point on the Tea Horse Road. Take time to walk through its maze of teahouse-lined streets before seeing the bamboo forest from above on the Jinji Rope Bridge. Drive back to Chengdu.
Take the bullet train to Nine Village Valley and visit Huanglong Valley, home to hundreds of vivid pools in striking colours, formed by thousands of years of mineral deposits tumbling gently down through the bright green forests. Take a chairlift ride over the pools and visit Huanglong Temple.
A national park of ragged peaks, sapphire lakes, abundant forests and rushing waterfalls, the Nine Villages Valley, Jiuzhaigou National Park is considered one of China's most beautiful areas. Named after the nine Tibetan settlements scattered through the valley, the park is a World Biosphere Reserve, full of endemic flora and 140 species of birds. Spend the day exploring and later, enjoy traditional lamb skewers.
Visit Shuzheng Village, the largest settlement in the park. Spend some time with a local Tibetan family who will give you an insight into daily life in Nine Villages Valley. A lovely afternoon walk takes you from Rhinoceros Lake, passing Tiger Lake ending at Reed Lake – an excellent way to really appreciate the local scenery. Pass an old watermill and Tibetan prayer flags en route.
Take the bullet train to Chengdu and enjoy an afternoon of leisure in Chengdu town.
Spend the morning visiting the giant pandas. This afternoon, absorb the culture at People's Park. People-watching here is an endless pleasure, from the lively locals playing mahjong to the singles looking for love in Matchmaker's Corner. In the evening, enjoy a delicious Sichuanese dinner and an optional 'face-changing' show.
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.
The best times to visit China are in spring (April to May) and autumn, (September to October) when temperatures are warm and humidity low.
Places Visited: UK - Shanghai - Guilin (2N) - Yangshuo (2N) - Zhangjiajie (2N) - Changsha (2N) - Yangtze River Cruise (4N) - Emeishan (2N) - Chengdu (1N) - Nine Villages Valley (3N) - Chengdu (2N) - UK
All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book.
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Departures for Solo travellers only are available for this tour on selected
dates.
In addition to being for solos only these departures feature smaller group sizes, free
airport lounge access and complimentary cocktails on arrival.
There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.
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