Majestic China Explorer: A 10-Day Journey Through Natural Wonders & Cultural Treasures | Chongqing-Lijiang-Guangzhou

11days10nights
Max Guests : 20
Enligsh-Guide
Jan - Dec
Min. 2 people

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Welcome to an unforgettable expedition through the heart of China! This meticulously crafted 10-night/11-day journey takes you from the mountainous megacity of Chongqing to the ancient cobbled streets of Lijiang, through the pristine Tibetan plateau of Shangri-La, and finally to the dynamic metropolis of Guangzhou. Prepare to be amazed by breathtaking natural landscapes, immersed in rich ethnic cultures, and delighted by world-class cuisine.

Price Includes

10 nights’ accommodation in luxurious 5-Diamond (5-Star) hotels.
Daily breakfast at the hotels. All meals specifically mentioned in the itinerary (e.g., Yak Hot Pot, Campfire BBQ, Farewell Dinner).
- All domestic transportation as per the itinerary, including flights (Chongqing-Lijiang,丽江-Guangzhou) and any high-speed train journeys.
- Private, air-conditioned 7-seater vehicle (e.g., Buick GL8 or similar) for all land transfers and sightseeing.
Professional, fluent English-speaking guide throughout the tour. All tips for your guide and driver are included.
All entrance fees to scenic spots, parks, and museums mentioned in the itinerary. Fees for all experience-based activities (Cable Cars, River Cruises, Tie-Dyeing, Wing Chun lesson, Impression Lijiang show, etc.).

Price Excludes

Your flights to enter China (arriving in Chongqing) and depart from China (from Guangzhou).
Should you require a single room for yourself throughout the tour, an additional single supplement fee will apply.
Expenses of a personal nature such as laundry, mini-bar in the hotel room, additional drinks and meals not specified, optional shows, and personal shopping.
The cost of obtaining a Chinese Tourist Visa.
Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Chongqing – The Mountain City

Morning/Afternoon: Arrive in Chongqing, a sprawling megacity built on hills. The day is free for you to settle into your 5-star hotel and recover from your flight.
Evening: Visit the Hongya Cave (洪崖洞). This stunning stilted building complex is built into the cliffside over the Jialing River. At night, it illuminates into a magical layered palace, offering fantastic photo opportunities, local snacks, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Day 2: Chongqing to Wulong – Natural Masterpieces

Morning: Depart for Wulong, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Afternoon: Explore the Wulong Karst National Geology Park. Your visit includes:
- The Three Natural Bridges (天生三桥): Walk through these colossal limestone archways, formed over millions of years. You will recognize them from films like Transformers 4. The scale is humbling and the scenery is simply majestic.
- Longshuixia Fissure Gorge (龙水峡地缝): Descend into this deep, narrow fissure carved by water. Witness waterfalls, streams, and lush vegetation clinging to the cliffs—a true hidden world.
Evening: Free at your leisure to relax.

Day 3: Chongqing Urban Highlights – A City of Contrasts

Morning: Return to central Chongqing.
Afternoon: Experience two of Chongqing’s most iconic urban attractions:
- Liziba Station (李子坝): Witness the incredible sight of a metro train passing directly through the middle of a 19-story residential building!
- Yangtze River Cable Car (长江索道): Soar over the mighty Yangtze River in a vintage cable car for panoramic views of the city’s skyline and bridges.
Evening: Enjoy a Yangtze River Cruise for dazzling night views of the illuminated city. Afterwards, ascend to the Cloud Eye (云端之眼) observatory for the highest 360-degree vantage point in Chongqing.

Day 4: To Lijiang, Yunnan – Ancient Naxi Kingdom

Morning: Take a flight from Chongqing to the beautiful ancient city of Lijiang.
Afternoon: Check into your hotel and then freely explore the Lijiang Ancient Town. A UNESCO site, its cobblestone streets, canals, and traditional Naxi architecture create a charming and romantic atmosphere. Get lost in its maze of shops, cafes, and quiet lanes.
Evening: Free at your leisure to enjoy the town’s lively bar street or find a quiet teahouse.

Day 5: Lijiang's Natural Crown Jewel – Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Morning: A full-day adventure to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain:
- Glacier Park Great Cable Car (冰川大索道): Take one of the highest cable cars in the world up to the glacier park at 4,506 meters for breathtaking close-up views of the snow-capped peaks.
- Impression Lijiang Show (印象丽江): Watch this spectacular outdoor musical performance directed by Zhang Yimou. Set against the majestic mountain backdrop, hundreds of local actors from ethnic minorities perform songs and dances showcasing their cultures and traditions.
Afternoon: Descend to the Blue Moon Valley (蓝月谷), a stunning valley with azure-blue lakes that resemble a moon fallen from the sky. Participate in a traditional Dongba Blessing Ceremony (东巴祈福) for a cultural experience. Later, visit the quieter Baisha Ancient Town (白沙古镇), known for its ancient murals.
Evening: Free at your leisure.

Day 6: To Shangri-La – Tibetan Plateau Adventure

Morning: Travel to the legendary Pudacuo National Park (普达措国家公园). As China’s first national park, it features pristine alpine lakes, lush forested valleys, grazing yaks, and meadows filled with wildflowers. A true paradise for nature lovers.
Afternoon: Explore Dukhon Ancient Town (独克宗古城), a Tibetan town with the largest prayer wheel in the world. Visit a Non-Cultural Heritage Experience Center to learn about and try local handicrafts.
Evening: Enjoy a complimentary special Yak Hot Pot Dinner, a flavorful and warming local specialty.

Day 7: Tibetan Culture & Mighty Gorges

Morning: Visit the Songzanlin Monastery (松赞林寺). Known as the ‘Little Potala Palace’, this is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan. Explore its golden halls, intricate murals, and feel the profound spiritual atmosphere.
Afternoon: Journey to the breathtaking Tiger Leaping Gorge (虎跳峡), one of the deepest gorges in the world. Witness the powerful Jinsha River (a tributary of the Yangtze) thunder through narrow cliffs.
Evening: Continue to Dali and enjoy a Night Tour of Dali Ancient Town.

Day 8: Dali's Erhai Lake & Craftsmanship

Morning: Explore the charms of Erhai Lake. See the Ideal State (理想邦), a beautiful resort complex, and the tiny Xiaoputuo Island (小普陀). Stroll through Shuanglang Old Town (双廊古镇) for some of the best lake views.
Afternoon: Immerse yourself in local Bai culture. Enjoy a hands-on Tie-Dye (扎染) Experience, creating your own traditional patterned cloth. Afterwards, visit Xizhou Old Town (喜洲古镇) famous for its historic Bai-style architecture and delicious local snack, Xizhou Baba.
Evening: Enjoy a fun and social Campfire BBQ Dinner.

Day 9: To Guangzhou – Modern Metropolis

Morning: Fly from Lijiang to Guangzhou, a powerhouse of commerce and culture in Southern China.
Afternoon: Visit the iconic Canton Tower (广州塔). Ascend this slender, super-tall tower for unparalleled views of the Pearl River and the vast cityscape.
Evening: Embark on a beautiful Pearl River Night Cruise to see Guangzhou’s skyscrapers and bridges brilliantly illuminated.

Day 10: Guangzhou's Culture & Culinary Farewell

Morning: Explore Yongqing Fang (永慶坊), a revitalized historical neighborhood blending traditional Lingnan architecture with trendy shops. Visit the Bruce Lee’s Ancestral Home and participate in a fun Wing Chun martial arts lesson.
Afternoon: Free time for shopping at the famous clothing and accessory wholesale markets.
Evening: Enjoy a magnificent Farewell Dinner featuring authentic and delicious Cantonese cuisine. Afterwards, relax and unwind with a complimentary SPA treatment to soothe your muscles after the journey.

Day 11: Departure

After breakfast, check out from your hotel. Transfer to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) for your departure flight, taking with you a lifetime of memories.