Journeys: Pandas & the Peaks of Zhangjiajie

Journeys: Pandas & the Peaks of Zhangjiajie

• Trip code: 480X037
• Dauer: 10
• Stil: National Geographic Journeys

China’s past and present contrasts are as epic as its landscapes—and this 10-day journey captures the best of both. From the futuristic skyline of Shanghai to the misty peaks of Zhangjiajie National Park, you’ll explore a country where modern energy meets ancient beauty. Ride the world’s highest outdoor elevator and float through the dreamy karst mountains of the Li River. In Chengdu, go behind the scenes at a giant panda research centre and learn about the conservation efforts protecting these beloved animals. End in vibrant Hong Kong and reflect on the unforgettable moments and experiences that connect you to the heart of China.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nts)

Checklist

Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm waterproof jacket

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Headphones (Noice-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Group Size Notes

16

Highlights

Marvel at the towering karst peaks and glass walkways in Zhangjiajie National Park, Visit a Giant Panda research centre and learn about local conservation efforts, Drift down the Li River on a bamboo raft surrounded by stunning limestone landscapes, Discover the futuristic energy of Shanghai and the cultural fusion of Hong Kong

Introduction

China’s past and present contrasts are as epic as its landscapes—and this 10-day journey captures the best of both. From the futuristic skyline of Shanghai to the misty peaks of Zhangjiajie National Park, you’ll explore a country where modern energy meets ancient beauty. Ride the world’s highest outdoor elevator and float through the dreamy karst mountains of the Li River. In Chengdu, go behind the scenes at a giant panda research centre and learn about the conservation efforts protecting these beloved animals. End in vibrant Hong Kong and reflect on the unforgettable moments and experiences that connect you to the heart of China

Meals Included

9 Frühstück, 1 Mittagessen, 3 Abendessen

Meal Budget

Plane USD295-385 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Keine optionale Aktivitäten

Start / Finish

Shanghai nach Hong Kong

Transport

Private Vehicle, Plane, Cable Car, Shuttle Bus, Walking, Bullet Train, Bamboo Boat, Ferry

What's Included

Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Giant Panda Conservation and Research Centre, Chengdu
Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Qixianfeng Tea Plantation, Yangshuo
Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Jia Community Restaurant, Yangshuo
Dein Welcome-Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
Dein Foodie-Moment: Chengdu Hotpot-Abendessen, Chengdu
Dein Local-Living-Moment: Li River Bamboo Raft, Yangshuo. Arrival Transfer. Visit the Bund. Orientation walk of Zhangjiajie. Zhangjiajie National Park Visit. Wulingyuan National Forest Park. Bailong Elevator. Tianmen Shan Mountain National Park Visit. Heavenly Gate Glass Bridge. Tianmen Shan Cable Car. People's Park Visit. Chengdu Hot Pot Dinner. Giant Panda Conservation and Research Centre. Free time in Chengdu. Yangshuo Orientation Walk. Li River Bamboo Raft. Jia Community Restaurant Lunch. Qixianfeng Tea Plantation tour and tea ceremony. The Symphony of Lights at the Victoria Harbour. Dim Sum Dinner. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Group Leader

National Geographic Expedition Leader

Internationale Flüge

No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your National Geographic Signature Specialist or booking agent for further details.

In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport

Minimum Age

Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 SHANGHAI

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included

Day 2 SHANGHAI / ZHANGJIAJIE

Catch a morning flight to Zhangjiajie–an otherworldly landscape, where 1,000-meter quartzite pillars rise above misty valleys. We’ll spend the next 3 nights in this dreamlike region exploring some of China’s most incredible natural phenomena

Day 3 ZHANGJIAJIE

Spend the day at the UNESCO World Heritage Site–listed Zhangjiajie National Forest. We’ll soar beside the misty peaks on the Tianzi Mountain cable car and stop to admire an amazing view at Yuanjiajie, known as the Hallelujah Mountains, which inspired the Disney film Avatar. Then, drive and do some hiking to see the various lookout points before descending the cliffside in the Bailong elevator–the world’s tallest outdoor elevator

Day 4 ZHANGJIAJIE

Head to Tianmen Shan National Park, home of one of the longest cable cars in the world. Take the cable car up Tianmen Shan Mountain to the Heavenly Gate. Gaze through the natural rock arch carving to see the sun shine through and learn of its legendary folklore. For those with an adventurous side, step onto the glass skywalk, a clear bridge that hugs the edge of the cliff to make an amazing view even better. As we head back down to the bottom, the adventure continues with a series of escalators and cable cars for one last chance to marvel at the beautiful landscape

Day 5 ZHANGJIAJIE / CHENGDU

This morning, take a high speed train to Chengdu, the capital of the Sichuan Province. Later, explore People’s Park, the first public park in the city where local life is on full display. Walk through the beautiful green space to see teahouses and lotus ponds while people play mahjong, drink tea and practice calligraphy. Surrounded by koi ponds and bonsai gardens, relish the chance to immerse yourself in Chengdu’s laid-back lifestyle. Tonight, the culture-filled day in Chengdu continues with its world-renowned cuisine as the focus. Hot pot is on the menu–a delicious, family-style bubbling broth that cooks meat and veggies for a personalized and incredible soup experience. You’ll quickly learn why Sichuan is one of China’s most celebrated culinary regions

Day 6 CHENGDU

Drive out of the city to the Dujiangyan Panda Base, a national conservation and research centre dedicated to supporting the panda population from extinction. You’ll have the opportunity to meet with a local conservationist who will share insight into the centre’s efforts as well as introduce the pandas. Learn about their habits, diet and behaviour as they play and munch bamboo. Our local expert will share how programs like this research center have improved the population numbers of wild pandas as discussed in the National Geographic article “Giant Pandas 101,”. We’ll leave with a newfound inspiration to your own role in wildlife conservation around the world as we return to Chengdu for a free afternoon to explore or rest

Day 7 CHENGDU / YANGSHUO

After breakfast, take the train out of the city to the beautiful town of Yangshuo. Nestled between sky-scraping limestone pillars and green rice paddies, enjoy the slower lifestyle where tradition and custom thrive. Life along the Li River is one of the most enchanting and inspiring places in the world, as recognised in the National Geographic book “The 10 Best of Everything: Top 10 Watery Wonders.” Arrive in the evening and enjoy the remainder of the day to rest

Day 8 YANGSHUO

Float down the Li River on a bamboo raft past the towering karst mountains and lush fields for an exciting and tranquil morning. This beautiful place will have you feeling inspired and moved as did poets and painters who have journeyed here before us looking for inspiration. Lunch will be served at Jia Community Restaurant, a G Adventures-supported initiative where local female farmers curate meals full of traditional flavors blended with international cuisine and locally sourced ingredients. After, visit the Qixianfeng Tea Plantation learning about each step of the ancient Chinese art of tea. From picking the leaves, to the traditional techniques of hand-frying passed down through generations, then finishing with a tea ceremony. Today, you’ll explore the historic heritage and natural wonder that makes Yangshuo so special

Day 9 YANGSHUO / HONG KONG

Board a bullet train for Hong Kong, a city steeped in history, opulence and a unique blend of international influence. Tonight, sit together for a dinner of dim sum (small savoury and sweet dumplings) and yum cha (tea). These flavorful, steamed favorites, a mix of tradition and culinary artistry, are often filled with shrimp, pork, crab roe, pork and more. After dark, make our way to Victoria Harbor for the famous light show–the Symphony of Lights. This dazzling show will light up the already impressive Hong Kong skyline. Then, walk along the harbor and enjoy your last night together

Day 10 HONG KONG

Depart at any time

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 SHANGHAI

This evening, gather for a welcome meeting and a walk around the famous Bund, an iconic waterfront promenade listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 2 SHANGHAI / ZHANGJIAJIE

Day 3 ZHANGJIAJIE

Day 4 ZHANGJIAJIE

Day 5 ZHANGJIAJIE / CHENGDU

Day 6 CHENGDU

Day 7 CHENGDU / YANGSHUO

Day 8 YANGSHUO

Day 9 YANGSHUO / HONG KONG

Day 10 HONG KONG