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Join us on an epic journey down the road less travelled to uncover China's most incredible natural treasures, including the sapphire lakes of Nine Villages Valley, the dramatic yet serene valleys at Black Mountain and the mythical Zhangjiajie, whose soaring peaks were the inspiration for the blockbuster film 'Avatar'.
Amongst the incredible scenery, immerse yourself in China's ancient and modern marvels. Experience the thrill of traveling on the high-speed bullet train, take a walk on the glass bridge suspended over Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, wander through the streets of Fenghuang Ancient Town and be awed by the intricate beauty of the historic Dazu Rock Carvings.
Departures & Pricing
- 09 Sep 2026 - 23 Sep 2026
from $8,380 pp twin share * - 14 Oct 2026 - 28 Oct 2026
from $8,380 pp twin share * - 07 Apr 2027 - 21 Apr 2027
from $8,780 pp twin share * - 14 Apr 2027 - 28 Apr 2027
from $8,880 pp twin share * - 05 May 2027 - 19 May 2027
from $8,780 pp twin share * - 12 May 2027 - 26 May 2027
from $8,780 pp twin share * - 01 Sep 2027 - 15 Sep 2027
from $8,880 pp twin share * - 15 Sep 2027 - 29 Sep 2027
from $8,780 pp twin share * - 13 Oct 2027 - 27 Oct 2027
from $8,780 pp twin share * - 27 Oct 2027 - 10 Nov 2027
from $8,780 pp twin share * - 05 Apr 2028 - 19 Apr 2028
from $9,180 pp twin share * - 12 Apr 2028 - 26 Apr 2028
from $9,180 pp twin share * - 03 May 2028 - 17 May 2028
from $9,180 pp twin share * - 10 May 2028 - 24 May 2028
from $9,180 pp twin share * - 30 Aug 2028 - 13 Sep 2028
from $9,180 pp twin share * - 13 Sep 2028 - 27 Sep 2028
from $9,180 pp twin share * - 11 Oct 2028 - 25 Oct 2028
from $9,180 pp twin share * - 25 Oct 2028 - 08 Nov 2028
from $9,180 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Cabin grades, balcony upgrades and pre-cruise hotel options are quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.
Itinerary
- 1
Fly overnight to Changsha
Days 1–2Fly overnight to Changsha, the capital city of Hunan province. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. - 3
Explore Changsha
A city with a three millennia long history and a thoroughly modern look and feel, Changsha exudes an energetic and friendly vibe. Step into its past at the Yuelu Academy, a long-time hub of learning at the foot of Mount Yuelu. Later, travel to Zhangjiajie National Park and embark on a night tour of the '72 Qilou', exploring it s weird and wonderful architecture. - 4
Avatar Mountains
A scenic area of over 3,000 sandstone pillars, rising from misty folds of subtropical forest and cloaked in vibrant green vegetation, Zhangjiajie is a triumph of nature. Begin your explorations with a ride up the remarkable Bailong glass elevator. Embedded into the mountain, the elevator soars up the mountain side to a towering height of 326 metres in just two minutes. Soak up the amazing views from the top before taking a cable car back down to earth. Later, enjoy a scenic train journey through the Ten-Mile Natural Gallery. - 5
Zhangjiajie's Glass Skywalk
Brace yourself for an exhilarating walk across Zhangjiajie's Glass Bridge, a glass-bottom bridge 300 metres above the ground that stretches 430-metres over the Grand Canyon. Later, enjoy a picturesque sampan cruise on Lake Baofeng. - 6
Fenhuang Ancient Town
Soar up the heights of Tianmen Mountain by a cable car which, at 7-kilometres, is the China's longest. Atop the Mountain, marvel at Tianmen Cave, nicknamed 'Heaven's Door', standing proudly at the top of 999 steep steps and take a thrilling walk along a glass skywalk, aptly named the 'Walk of Faith'. Travel by road to Fenghuang (Phoenix) Ancient Town, a scenic and quaint town rich in culture and natural beauty. Visit the Former Residence of Shen Congwen, considered one of china's greatest modern writers, and enjoy an evening at your leisure to wander the ancient streets, which are beautifully illuminated at night. - 7
Cruise the Tuojiang River
Relax with a scenic cruise along the Tuojiang River, before boarding your 5 hour bullet train to Chengdu. - 8
Giant Panda's
Spend the morning getting to know China's most famous resident, the giant panda, at Chengdu's Panda Conservation Centre. Later, soak up the culture at People's Park. People-watching here is an endless pleasure, from the lively locals playing mahjong to the parents searching for suitable partners for their children in Matchmaker's Corner. Head to the local food markets for a dinner at your leisure. - 9
Huanglong Pools
Board the bullet train to be whisked off to Jiuzhaigou, or Nine Villages Valley. In the afternoon, explore Huanglong pools where you will find hundreds of vivid pools in striking colours, formed by thousands of years of mineral deposit, tumbling gently down through the bright green forests of the Huanglong Valley. - 10
Nine Villages Valley
The Nine Villages Valley area, named after nine Tibetan settlements dotting the valley, stands as a World Biosphere Reserve and China's most awe-inspiring national park. Renowned for its stunning turquoise lakes, verdant forests, and majestic waterfalls, spend the day taking in the natural wonders of Long Lake, Five-Colored Lake, and Nuorilang Falls. - 11
Shuzeng Village
Visit Shuzheng Village, one of the nine ethnically Tibetan villages in the park, before enjoying a scenic walk from Rhinoceros Lake to Reed Lake passing Tiger Lake. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Tibetan dinner. - 12
Chongqing's Hongya Cave
Board your bullet trains to Chongqing. Later, admire the stunning night views of Hongya Cave and the city's illuminated skyline along both riverbanks as Chongqing lights up during a Two-River Cruise. - 13
Black Mountain Valley
Take a day trip out to Heishan Valley, also known as Black Mountain Valley. This is a serene and picturesque area covering over 100 square kilometres, brimming with dramatic mountains, deep valley floors, waterfalls and sheer cliffs, along with an impressive 13 kilometre long gorge. Enjoy time to explore the area, then return to Chongqing. - 14
Dazu Day Tour
Travel by road to Dazu, home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dazu Rock Carvings. Here, you'll find thousands of Buddhist, Taoist and Confucianist idols and symbols carved into rock faces over 70 sites. Made between the 9th and 13th centuries, they are some of the best preserved in China. Enjoy the day in Dazu before returning to Chongqing and tuck into a delicious, farewell hot pot dinner. - 15
Depart Chongqing
Days 15–16Depart Chongqing, arriving home the following day.
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
- Journey up Avatar Mountain in the world's tallest glass elevator.
- Take an exhilarating walk along the world's highest glass bridge in Zhangjiajie.
- Experience a scenic cruise on the Tuojiang River.
- Meet the Giant Pandas in Chengdu.
- Walk in the spectacular Nine Villages Valley National Park.
- Marvel at the centuries old Dazu Rock Carvings.
Accommodation
- Holiday Inn Express Changsha Shengfu
- Zhangjiajie Expert Village Sunshine Courtyard Hotel
- Phoenix International Hotel
- Celebrity Jiuzhaigou Hotel
- Xin Liang Hotel
- East Garden Hotel
Common questions about this voyage
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Book this rail journey
Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.
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Wonders of China
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- Cruise the scenic Yangtze River and admire Guilin's stunning landscapes.
- Enjoy inclusive travel, expert guides, and iconic sights.
Gems of China
- Explore Beijing's Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.
- Cruise along the scenic Yangtze River for 3 nights.
- Experience the stunning landscapes of Zhangjiajie National Park.
Treasures of China
- Cruise the breathtaking Three Gorges
- Explore the Great Wall of China
- Travel with no more than 24 guests