9-Day Shanghai-Zhangjiajie-Guangzhou Adventure

Yu Garden--Nanjing Road--The Bund--Huangpu River Cruise

4+star Hotels

Breakfast 

Today is dedicated to exploring the quintessential highlights of Shanghai, a city that tells the story of its past and present through its iconic landscapes.

• Yu Garden (Yuyuan): Begin your day by stepping back in time at the exquisite Yu Garden, a masterpiece of the Ming Dynasty. This classical Chinese garden is a serene oasis amidst the urban sprawl, featuring intricate pavilions, serene koi ponds, dramatic rockeries, and winding corridors. Each turn reveals a new, perfectly composed scene, embodying the traditional design philosophy of creating "scenes within scenes."

• Nanjing Road: From ancient tranquility, dive into the modern pulse of the city along Nanjing Road, one of the world's busiest shopping streets. This pedestrian thoroughfare stretches for miles, offering a dazzling array of international luxury brands, flagship department stores, traditional Chinese specialty shops, and vibrant street food vendors. The electric atmosphere here is a testament to Shanghai's status as a global commercial hub.

• The Bund & Huangpu River Cruise: As evening falls, prepare for the city's most breathtaking spectacle at The Bund. This famous waterfront promenade showcases a stunning collection of grand neoclassical and Art Deco buildings from the colonial era, known as "the museum of international architectures." Directly across the river, the futuristic skyscrapers of Pudong, including the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower, create a dazzling light show. The best way to absorb this contrast is on a Huangpu River Cruise. Gliding along the water, you'll witness the entire cityscape illuminated against the night sky.

Fly to Zhangjiajie--Transfer to Hotel--Free Time

4+star Hotels

Breakfast 

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Zhangjiajie, a land of ethereal natural wonders that seems plucked from a fantasy film.
Upon landing, your personal driver will be waiting to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey to your hotel in Zhangjiajie. The afternoon is yours to relax and breathe in the fresh mountain air.
For the evening, we highly recommend an unforgettable experience at the 72 Strange Buildings. This magnificent complex, featuring the world's largest cluster of hanging architecture, transforms into a realm of light and shadow after dark. The spectacular night show brings the towers to life with dazzling lights, captivating music, and cultural performances inspired by the local Tujia minority legends. It's a perfect introduction to the region's unique culture. Be sure to explore the surrounding food street to sample authentic Hunan cuisine, known for its fiery and flavorful dishes like smoked meats and spicy hot pot.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park--Bailong Elevator--Tianzi Mountain

4+star Hotel

Breakfast & Lunch

Today, you will enter the otherworldly landscape that inspired the floating Hallelujah Mountains in the blockbuster film Avatar.

• Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (A UNESCO World Heritage Site): This park is the crown jewel of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Spend the day wandering through a forest of thousands of towering quartz-sandstone pillars, some soaring over 200 meters high. These ancient geological formations, shrouded in mist and draped with lush greenery, create a landscape of surreal beauty that is unlike anywhere else on Earth.

• Bailong Elevator: Experience a modern engineering marvel with a ride on the Bailong (Hundred Dragons) Elevator. This glass elevator is built directly onto the face of a colossal cliff, and it holds the Guinness World Record as the world's tallest outdoor lift. The two-minute ascent offers a thrilling, vertigo-inducing perspective of the pillar forest below.

• Tianzi Mountain: Your journey continues to Tianzi Mountain, named after a farmer who led a successful rebellion and proclaimed himself "Son of Heaven." The summit offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views in the park, often described as a "sea of clouds" enveloping countless stone pillars. Look for famous rock formations like the "Immortal Brushing the Summit" and "The Warrior Tending His Steed," which spark the imagination with their lifelike shapes.

Tianmen Mountain Cableway--Glass Skywalk--Tianmen Cave

4+star Hotel

Breakfast

Prepare for another day of awe-inspiring scenery and heart-pounding adventure at Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park.

• Tianmen Mountain Cableway: Your adventure begins with one of the world's longest passenger cableways. The 7.5-kilometer ride is an attraction in itself, offering a bird's-eye view of the snaking 99-bend "Tongtian Avenue" road below and the lush, mountainous terrain.

• Glass Skywalk: For the ultimate test of courage, walk the Glass Skywalk clinging to the edge of the cliff. This transparent path gives you the sensation of floating in mid-air, with a dizzying view straight down into the valley floor thousands of feet below.

• Tianmen Cave (Heaven's Gate): The pinnacle of the experience is the magnificent Tianmen Cave, a natural arch measuring 131.5 meters high and 57 meters wide, carved into the mountain by natural forces. You can view it from the summit or choose to descend the 999 steps known as the "Stairway to Heaven" to stand in awe before this monumental gateway. The combination of profound natural beauty, thrilling heights, and spiritual symbolism makes this a truly unforgettable day.

High-speed Train to Guangzhou--Transfer to Hotel--Free Time

4+star Hotel

Breakfast

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Zhangjiajie. You might want to purchase some local souvenirs such as Suoxi mushrooms or sandstone paintings, or simply enjoy a final taste of Hunan's famous cuisine.
In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the railway station to board a comfortable high-speed train to Guangzhou. This journey is a fantastic way to see the changing landscapes of China, from the dramatic karst peaks of Hunan to the lush, green plains of the Pearl River Delta. Upon arrival in the vibrant southern metropolis of Guangzhou, check into your hotel. The evening is free for you to rest or begin exploring the city's renowned food scene independently—perhaps with a visit to a local restaurant for some authentic Cantonese dim sum.

Yongqing Fang--Shamian Island--Haixinsha--Pearl River Cruise--Canton Tower

4+star Hotel

Breakfast

Discover the rich tapestry of Guangzhou, a bustling port city with a history spanning over 2,000 years.

• Yongqing Fang: Start your day in Yongqing Fang, a beautifully revitalized historic quarter. Unlike typical tourist streets, it's a living community where you can admire preserved Lingnan-style architecture, browse independent art studios, watch traditional craftsmen at work, and even try your hand at making pottery.

• Shamian Island: Step into a different era on Shamian Island, a tranquil sandbank in the city's heart. This peaceful enclave is dotted with well-preserved European colonial buildings, tree-lined avenues, and charming gardens, offering a picturesque glimpse into Guangzhou's historical role in international trade.

• Haixinsha: Visit Haixinsha, the modern park and iconic island that served as the main venue for the 2010 Asian Games Opening Ceremony. It provides a fantastic vantage point for photos with the modern Canton Tower and Guangzhou's skyscraper-filled skyline as a backdrop.

• Pearl River Cruise & Canton Tower: As night falls, experience the city's magic from the water on a scenic Pearl River Cruise. The city's architectural landmarks, including bridges and skyscrapers, are beautifully illuminated, creating a dazzling reflection on the river. Your guide will then escort you to the base of the iconic Canton Tower. Here, you have a choice: enjoy the spectacular and free music and light fountain show at the tower's base, or opt to purchase your own ticket to ascend the tower for a s

Qingyuan's Gulongxia (Yuntian Boba & Cliff Flyer)

4+star Hotel

Breakfast

Embark on a thrilling day trip to Qingyuan's Gulongxia (Ancient Dragon Gorge) for an unforgettable adventure. The highlight is the world-record-holding Yuntian Boba glass complex, where you'll experience a spectacular network of glass bridges, platforms, and walkways suspended high above the canyon. Begin with a remarkable outdoor escalator ride that quickly transports you up the mountainside. At the summit, walk across the breathtaking glass bridge spanning the gorge, admire the thundering 131-meter waterfall from the UFO-shaped observation platform, and traverse the dizzying glass trail along the cliff edge - all offering unparalleled views of the forested landscape below.

The adventure continues with the exhilarating Cliff Flyer, an advanced tubular rail sled system that winds 3.8 kilometers down the mountainside. This thrilling coaster reaches speeds up to 45 km/h as it navigates dramatic spiral turns through the scenic terrain, providing a heart-pounding descent and unique perspectives of the beautiful gorge. This perfect combination of awe-inspiring heights and adrenaline-pumping excitement makes for an extraordinary day in nature.

Free Time--Transfer to Airport

Breakfast

Savor a final delicious breakfast in Guangzhou, reflecting on the incredible memories you've made over the past nine days—from Shanghai's glamorous skyline and Zhangjiajie's surreal peaks to Guangzhou's dynamic blend of culture and cuisine. Depending on your flight or train schedule, you will be transferred to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport or the main railway station for your departure. We thank you for choosing us for your Chinese adventure and wish you a safe and pleasant journey home, filled with stories and inspirations from your travels.