A 30-Day Yangtze River Odyssey: My Journey Through Fire, Stone, and Neon

by Jason Terry

Chengdu (Days 1-4): Pandas, Peppers & Palace Life

Day 1: Arrival in Chengdu

9:00 AM: My plane touches down at Chengdu Shuangliu Airport. IntoTravelChina’s driver, Mr. Li, greets me with a sign in English. We take a 30-minute private car to The Ritz-Carlton Chengdu—my suite on the 28th floor has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city.

12:00 PM: Lunch at the hotel’s Shu Feng Garden Restaurant. I order Sichuan hotpot with mushroom broth (less spicy, all flavor). The waiter, Xiaoming, teaches me to say “la” (spicy) and “bu la” (not spicy) in Sichuanese dialect.

3:00 PM: Mr. Li drives me to Wenshu Yuan Monastery. The air smells of sandalwood and incense. I sit under a 300-year-old gingko tree, sipping pu’er tea with a monk named Master Wei. He writes my name in calligraphy on rice paper—a free souvenir!

7:00 PM: Back at the hotel, I join a “Panda Keeper Experience” organized by IntoTravelChina. We clean enclosures and feed bamboo to a 2-year-old cub named Mei Mei. Her paws are softer than silk!

Day 2: Jinli Old Street & Sichuan Opera

8:00 AM: Breakfast in bed—dan dan mian (spicy noodle soup) and zongzi (sticky rice dumplings).

10:00 AM: Private car to Jinli Old Street. I haggle for hand-carved bamboo flutes (15 RMB!) and watch a street performer juggle flaming sticks. Pro tip: Avoid the “tourist trap” sugar figurines—they melt in 10 minutes.

1:00 PM: Lunch at Chen Mapo Tofu, a 20-year-old hole-in-the-wall. The “numbing-hot” mapo tofu makes my lips buzz for an hour.

4:00 PM: Back at the hotel, I join a tai chi class on the rooftop. The instructor, Ms. Chen, corrects my posture with a gentle touch.

7:00 PM: Sichuan opera at Shu Feng Ya Yun. The face-changing masks and folk music leave me speechless. I buy a mask as a souvenir (80 RMB).

Day 3: Dujiangyan & Qingcheng Mountain

7:30 AM: Private driver Mr. Li picks me up for the 2-hour drive to Dujiangyan Irrigation System. The “Fish Mouth” dam is a marvel of ancient engineering—it’s still used to control floods!

12:00 PM: Lunch at a riverside restaurant. I try dandan noodles with a twist—they’re served in a hollowed-out pineapple!

2:00 PM: Cable car up Qingcheng Mountain. The Taoist temples feel like stepping into a scroll. I light incense at Shangqing Temple and pray for safe travels.

6:00 PM: Stay at Qingcheng Mountain Six Senses Resort. My eco-luxury villa has a private hot spring and views of the misty peaks.

Day 4: Leshan Giant Buddha

8:00 AM: Scenic drive to Leshan Giant Buddha. The 71-meter statue is breathtaking! I climb the 90-step trail behind its head. Pro tip: Wear grippy shoes—the moss-covered steps are slick.

12:00 PM: Lunch at Leshan DaFu Restaurant. The ji rou mian (chicken noodles) with pickled mustard greens is a revelation.

3:00 PM: High-speed train to Chongqing (1.5 hours). Check into Chongqing Niccolo Hotel—my room on the 50th floor has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Yangtze.

7:00 PM: Sunset cocktails at the hotel’s bar. The bartender, Li Na, mixes a “Yangtze Breeze” cocktail with Sichuan pepper-infused vodka.

Chongqing (Days 5-8): 8D City Uncovered

Day 5: Li Zi Ba & Ciqikou

8:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel—chongqing xiaomian (spicy noodles) with a side of pickled radish.

9:30 AM: Private car to Li Zi Ba Light Rail Station. I snap photos of trains piercing through apartments—it feels like a sci-fi movie set!

12:00 PM: Tour Ciqikou Ancient Town. I buy chongqing xiaomian from a street vendor (8 RMB) and watch a craftsman make shu embroidery.
3:00 PM: Back at the hotel, I join a cooking class. Chef Wang teaches me to make ma po tofu and hongyou chaoshou (red oil wontons).

7:00 PM: Sunset views at Hongya Dong. The neon-lit riverside complex is buzzing with locals. I try lazi ji (spicy chicken) at a rooftop bar.

Day 6: Chaotian Men & Eling Park

8:00 AM: Visit Chaotian Men Square—where Yangtze and Jialing Rivers meet. The air smells of salt and diesel.

10:00 AM: Hike Eling Park. The 360° views of the river confluence are worth the 200-step climb.

12:00 PM: Lunch at Lianglukou Escalator—ride the world’s deepest metro station (112 meters down!) and try huoguo (hotpot) at Xiao Tian E Hotpot.

3:00 PM: Private cruise on Yangtze River. I sip cocktails as the skyline lights up—Chongqing’s nickname “Mountain City” makes sense now.

7:00 PM: Stay at Fairmont Chongqing. My room has a balcony with karst view balconies.

Day 7: Wulong Karst Landscape

7:30 AM: Private driver Mr. Li picks me up for the 2.5-hour drive to Wulong Karst. The “Three Natural Bridges” are otherworldly—giant stone arches tower over lush forests.

12:00 PM: Lunch at a local farmhouse. I try wulong tofu (tofu stewed with mushrooms) and lazi yu (spicy fish).

2:00 PM: Hike through Longshui Gorge. The underground rivers and waterfalls feel like a scene from Avatar.

6:00 PM: Stay at Fairmont Chongqing. I soak in the indoor pool with a view of the karst peaks.

Day 8: Shanzhu TiDao & Departure

8:00 AM: Walk Shanzhu TiDao (mountain-city staircase). The 1,000 steps through lush forests are a workout, but the views at the top are worth it.

12:00 PM: High-speed train to Yichang (4 hours). Check into Yichang Marriott Hotel—my room has a view of the Yangtze.

7:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel’s Yangtze River Restaurant. The xianggu mian (mushroom noodles) are comforting after a long day.

Yangtze River Cruise (Days 9-11): Three Gorges & Beyond

Day 9: Embarkation & Fengdu Ghost City

8:00 AM: Board Century Legend Cruise Ship. My deluxe balcony cabin is spacious—I unpack and watch the crew prepare the ship.

10:00 AM: Shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City. The cliffside temples and “Bridge of Helplessness” are eerie but fascinating. Locals believe evil spirits can’t cross the bridge!

12:00 PM: Lunch on the ship—steamed fish with ginger and soy. The chef, Mr. Zhang, comes out to greet guests.

3:00 PM: Tai chi class on the top deck. The instructor, Ms. Li, teaches me the “White Crane Spreads Wings” move.

7:00 PM: Captain’s dinner. I meet fellow travelers—a couple from Australia and a solo adventurer from Canada.

Day 10: Three Gorges & Shibaozhai Pagoda

6:30 AM: Wake-up call for sunrise over the Three Gorges. The cliffs glow golden as the ship sails through Qutang Gorge.

9:00 AM: Shore excursion to Shibaozhai Pagoda. Climbing the 12-story red temple is a workout, but the views from the top are breathtaking.

12:00 PM: Lunch on the ship—dongpo rou (braised pork) and suan la fen (sour-spicy noodles).

3:00 PM: Lecture on The Three Gorges Dam. A historian explains how the dam generates electricity and controls floods.

7:00 PM: Evening entertainment—a folk singer performs Sichuanese ballads.

Day 11: Three Gorges Dam & Disembarkation

8:00 AM: Shore excursion to Three Gorges Dam. Watching the “Ship Lift” raise a 3,000-ton vessel is mind-blowing!

12:00 PM: Lunch on the ship—xianggu mian (mushroom noodles) and lazi ji (spicy chicken).

3:00 PM: Hike Xiling Gorge Trail. The citrus orchards and monkey troops make me feel like I’m in a nature documentary.

6:00 PM: Disembark in Yichang. Private driver Mr. Li takes me back to Yichang Marriott Hotel.

Wuhan (Days 12-14): Lakes & Legends

Day 12: East Lake & Hezheng Garden

8:00 AM: Boat ride on East Lake. The 33km of lotus-filled shores are peaceful. I spot a kingfisher!

12:00 PM: Lunch at Cai Lin Ji—re gan mian (hot dry noodles) with extra chili oil.

3:00 PM: Visit Hezheng Garden. The Qing Dynasty architecture and lotus ponds feel like stepping into a scroll.

7:00 PM: Stay at Wuhan Optical Valley Hilton—my room has an AI assistant that controls the lights and TV.

Day 13: Hubei Provincial Museum & Yellow Crane Tower

8:00 AM: Marvel at Hubei Provincial Museum—the ancient chimes and Terracotta Warriors are awe-inspiring.

12:00 PM: Climb Yellow Crane Tower. The panoramic Yangtze views make the 200-step climb worth it.

3:00 PM: Private car to Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge. I walk the pedestrian path and watch ships pass below.

7:00 PM: Dinner at Lou Wai Lou—dongpo rou (braised pork) and suan la fen (sour-spicy noodles).

Day 14: Wuhan to Zhangjiajie

8:00 AM: High-speed train to Zhangjiajie (5 hours). Check into Zhangjiajie Pullman Hotel—my mountain-view suite has a balcony with hammock.

12:00 PM: Lunch at the hotel’s Hunan Restaurant—lazi yu (spicy fish) and xianggu mian (mushroom noodles).

3:00 PM: Hike Golden Whip Stream. The crystal-clear water and kingfisher sightings make me feel like I’m in a nature documentary.

7:00 PM: Miao minority dance show at Wulingyuan Village. The costumes and music are vibrant.

Zhangjiajie (Days 15-18): Avatar’s Playground

Day 15: Tianzi Mountain & Bailong Elevator

7:30 AM: Ride the Bailong Elevator (326m glass elevator) to Tianzi Mountain. The sandstone pillars glow golden at sunrise.

12:00 PM: Lunch at Tianzi Mountain Restaurant—sanxi doufu (three-fresh tofu) and lazi ji (spicy chicken).

3:00 PM: Private car to Tianmen Mountain—walk the 999-step staircase to “Heaven’s Gate” arch. The views are surreal!

7:00 PM: Stay at Zhangjiajie Marriott—my indoor pool has mountain views.

Day 16: Yuanjiajie & Avatar Hallelujah Mountains

8:00 AM: Hike Yuanjiajie—see the “Avatar Floating Mountains” and “First Bridge Under the Sky.” The sandstone pillars look like they’ll float away!

12:00 PM: Lunch at a local farmhouse—zhangjiajie tofu (tofu stewed with mushrooms) and lazi yu (spicy fish).

3:00 PM: Visit Avatar Hallelujah Mountains. The view from the “Avatar Platform” is breathtaking.

7:00 PM: Sunset cocktails at Zhangjiajie Bailong Hotel—cliffside bar with panoramic views.

Day 17: Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon & Glass Bridge

8:00 AM: Walk the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge (430m transparent walkway over canyon). The views are terrifying but beautiful!

12:00 PM: Lunch at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Restaurant—xianggu mian (mushroom noodles) and suan la fen (sour-spicy noodles).

3:00 PM: Zip-line adventure through forest canopy. The adrenaline rush is worth it!

7:00 PM: Stay at Zhangjiajie Hexi Hotel—eco-luxury tents with private hot springs.

Day 18: Fenghuang Ancient Town

8:00 AM: Scenic drive to Fenghuang (4 hours). Check into Fenghuang Ancient Town Hotel—stilt-house rooms with lantern-lit balconies.
12:00 PM: Boat ride on the Tuojiang River. Try suan tang yu (sour fish soup) at Lao Ji Restaurant.

3:00 PM: Explore Fenghuang Ancient Town—lantern-lit bridges and women in embroidered dresses. Avoid loud bars—book a room on the quiet side of the river.

7:00 PM: Dinner at Fenghuang Night Market. you must try Grandma Sour Soup Powder & Rice Tofu, trust me.

Nanchang, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Shanghai (Days 19-30)

Nanchang (Days 19-20): Tang Dynasty Poetry & VR Thrills

Day 19: Arrival in Nanchang

9:00 AM: High-speed train from Fenghuang to Nanchang (4 hours). IntoTravelChina’s driver, Mr. Zhang, greets me with a sign. We take a 20-minute private car to Nanchang Wanda Reign Hotel—my VR suite has a headset and gaming console.

12:00 PM: Lunch at the hotel’s Jiangxi Restaurant. I order Nanchang rice noodles (spicy beef soup) and stinky tofu (crispy on the outside, soft inside).

3:00 PM: Private car to Tengwang Pavilion. The Tang Dynasty poetry carved into the walls is mesmerizing. I climb to the top for views of the Gan River.

7:00 PM: Dinner at Lao Ji Restaurant—try Nanchang fish hotpot (spicy broth with river fish).

Day 20: Nanchang VR Theme Park

8:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel—baozi (steamed buns) with pork and mushroom filling.

9:30 AM: IntoTravelChina guide meets me for a day at Nanchang VR Theme Park. I try the “Space Battle” simulator—my stomach drops!

12:00 PM: Lunch at the park’s Future Food Court—VR-themed burgers (shaped like robots) and glow-in-the-dark soda.

3:00 PM: Private car to Nanchang Planetarium. The free entry and star shows are perfect for a midday break.

7:00 PM: Farewell dinner at Wanda Reign Hotel—Nanchang-style duck (crispy skin, tender meat) and sweet rice balls (dessert).

Hangzhou (Days 21-24): Tea Plantations & Buddhist Carvings

Day 21: West Lake & Paddleboats

8:00 AM: High-speed train from Nanchang to Hangzhou (3 hours). Check into Four Seasons Hangzhou—my private tea plantation suite has a balcony overlooking the gardens.

12:00 PM: Lunch at the hotel’s Hangzhou Restaurant—West Lake fish in vinegar sauce (tender fish in a sweet-sour broth).

3:00 PM: Rent a paddleboat on West Lake. I row past lotus blooms and willow trees, spotting a kingfisher!

7:00 PM: Dinner at Lou Wai Lou—Dongpo pork (braised pork belly) and Beggar’s Chicken (clay-baked chicken).

Day 22: Meijiawu Tea Village

8:00 AM: Private driver to Meijiawu Tea Village. Farmer Li teaches me to roast Longjing tea over charcoal. The smell is intoxicating!

12:00 PM: Lunch at Li’s Family Restaurant—Longjing shrimp (stir-fried shrimp with tea leaves) and bamboo shoots (fresh from the mountain).

3:00 PM: Hike Shuangfeng Village—terraced fields and misty valleys. I buy hand-rolled tea leaves as souvenirs (50 RMB).

7:00 PM: Stay at Four Seasons Hangzhou—soak in the outdoor hot tub with a view of the tea gardens.

Day 23: Lingyin Temple & Buddhist Carvings

8:00 AM: Visit Lingyin Temple—1,600-year-old Buddhist carvings. I light incense and pray for safe travels.

12:00 PM: Lunch at Lingyin Temple Vegetarian Restaurant—mushroom hotpot (spicy broth with tofu and vegetables).

3:00 PM: Hike Feilai Feng (Flying Peak). The 300+ Buddhist carvings are awe-inspiring.

7:00 PM: Dinner at Grandma’s Restaurant—West Lake beef soup (tender beef in a clear broth) and fried rice cakes (chewy and sweet).

Day 24: Hangzhou to Suzhou

8:00 AM: High-speed train from Hangzhou to Suzhou (1.5 hours). Check into The Suzhou Bay Hotel—my canal-view suite has a balcony with a hammock.

12:00 PM: Lunch at the hotel’s Suzhou Restaurant—squirrel-shaped mandarin fish (crispy fish in a sweet-sour sauce).

3:00 PM: Private car to Humble Administrator’s Garden—Ming Dynasty beauty. I sketch the moon gates and bamboo groves in my journal.

7:00 PM: Dinner at Song He Lou—crab dumplings (juicy and sweet) and braised pork (melts in your mouth).

Suzhou (Days 25-27): Gardens & Silk Weaving

Day 25: Humble Administrator’s Garden

8:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel—Suzhou-style noodles (thin noodles in a clear broth with pickled vegetables).

9:30 AM: Private tour of Humble Administrator’s Garden. The lotus ponds and rockeries feel like a Ming Dynasty painting.

12:00 PM: Lunch at Song He Lou—crab dumplings (juicy and sweet) and braised pork (melts in your mouth).

3:00 PM: Visit Suzhou Silk Museum. I watch weavers turn silk into fabric—they let me try a loom!

7:00 PM: Stay at The Suzhou Bay Hotel—soak in the indoor pool with a view of the canal.

Day 26: Tongli Water Town

8:00 AM: Private driver to Tongli Water Town—ancient canals and stone bridges. I rent a boat and row past stilt houses.

12:00 PM: Lunch at Tongli Old House Restaurant—fish hotpot (spicy broth with river fish) and sticky rice balls (sweet and chewy).

3:00 PM: Visit Retreat & Reflection Garden—UNESCO-listed gardens with moon gates and koi ponds.

7:00 PM: Dinner at The Suzhou Bay Hotel—Suzhou-style duck (crispy skin, tender meat) and sweet rice balls (dessert).

Day 27: Suzhou to Shanghai

8:00 AM: High-speed train from Suzhou to Shanghai (30 minutes). Check into The Peninsula Shanghai—my Art Deco suite has a view of the Bund.

12:00 PM: Lunch at the hotel’s Shanghai Restaurant—xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and braised pork (melts in your mouth).

3:00 PM: Private car to Yu Garden—Ming Dynasty gardens. I buy a hand-painted fan as a souvenir (100 RMB).

7:00 PM: Dinner at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant—xiaolongbao (juicy and sweet) and crab dumplings (rich and buttery).

Shanghai (Days 28-30): Neon Skylines & Ancient Canals

Day 28: Shanghai Tower & Tianzifang

8:00 AM: Visit Shanghai Tower—360° views from the 118th floor. The city looks like a circuit board!

12:00 PM: Lunch at Tianzifang art galleries—Shanghai-style noodles (thick noodles in a spicy broth).

3:00 PM: Explore Tianzifang—art galleries and boutiques. I buy a silk scarf from Shantang Street (haggle hard!).

7:00 PM: Dinner at Pearl Restaurant—Shanghai-style crab (sweet and buttery) and braised pork (melts in your mouth).

Day 29: Zhujiajiao Water Town

8:00 AM: Private driver to Zhujiajiao Water Town—ancient canals and stone bridges. I rent a boat and row past stilt houses.

12:00 PM: Lunch at Baodu Restaurant—fish hotpot (spicy broth with river fish) and sticky rice balls (sweet and chewy).

3:00 PM: Visit Kezhi Garden—Qing Dynasty gardens with moon gates and koi ponds.

7:00 PM: Farewell dinner at The Peninsula Shanghai—Shanghai-style duck (crispy skin, tender meat) and sweet rice balls (dessert).

Day 30: Departure from Shanghai

8:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel—Shanghai-style noodles (thick noodles in a spicy broth) and xiaolongbao (soup dumplings).

9:30 AM: Private car to Shanghai Pudong Airport. I reflect on my 30-day journey—China’s heartland has left me forever changed.

Final Thoughts

This 30-day itinerary was a whirlwind of spice, stone, and neon. From Chengdu’s pandas to Shanghai’s skyscrapers, every day was packed with “wow” moments. IntoTravelChina’s guides and drivers made it seamless—I never once felt lost or rushed. Come for the crispy duck, stay for the warmth of a culture that turns strangers into family.