Discover 12 Day Tour of Mystical China Kung Fu Pandas and More

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Arrival in Shanghai⌄

   Free airport pick-up is available on the first day of your tour. We provide 24‑hour complimentary pick-up at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). Meal Arrangements: Breakfast: At your own expense Lunch: At your own expense Dinner: At your own expense

   Overnight: Hotel：DoubleTree by Hilton Shanghai - Pudong; The Kunlun Jing An; Jin Jiang Hotel; similar

2. 2Discover Shanghai’s Modern Skyline & Historic Charm⌄

   Itinerary: Shanghai → Yu Garden (1 hour) → Town God's Temple (1 hour) → Shanghai Museum (1.5 hours) → Shanghai French Concession (1 hour) → The Bund & Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (1.5 hours) → Hotel Meal Arrangements: Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel Lunch: At your own expense Dinner: At your own expense

   Yu Garden Yu Garden is located in the northeast of the old city of Shanghai, adjoining with the City God Temple. It is a world famous classical garden in the southern Yangtze which was built more than 400 years ago in the Ming Dynasty. It is regarded as one of the representatives of the traditional culture in Shanghai. It displays the main features of traditional Chinese architecture with many rocks, trees, ponds, dragons, and zigzag bridges.

   Town God‘s Temple of Shanghai Town God’s Temple of Shanghai or Temple of the City Gods, officially the City Temple of Shanghai, is a folk temple located in the old city of Shanghai. It commemorates the elevation of Shanghai to municipal status and is the site of the veneration of three Chinese figures honored as the city gods of the town.

   Shanghai Museum The Shanghai Museum is a museum of ancient Chinese art, situated on the People's Square in the Huangpu District of Shanghai, China. Rebuilt at its current location in 1996, it is considered one of China's first world-class modern museums and famous for its large collection of rare cultural pieces. The museum has a collection of over 120,000 pieces, including bronze, ceramics, calligraphy, furniture, jades, ancient coins, paintings, seals, sculptures, minority art and foreign art. The Shanghai Museum houses several items of national importance, including one of three extant specimens of a "transparent" bronze mirror from the Han Dynasty.

   Shanghai French Concession The Shanghai French Concession was a foreign concession in Shanghai, China from 1849 until 1943, which progressively expanded in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The concession came to an end in 1943, when Vichy France under German pressure signed it over to the pro-Japanese Reorganized National Government of China in Nanjing. For much of the 20th century, the area covered by the former French Concession remained the premier residential and retail district of Shanghai and was also one of the centers of Catholicism in China. Despite re-development over the last few decades, the area retains a distinct character and is a popular tourist destination.

   The Bund The Bund or Waitanis is a waterfront area and a protected historical district in central Shanghai. The area centers on a section of Zhongshan Road (East Zhongshan Road No.1) within the former Shanghai International Settlement, which runs along the western bank of the Huangpu River in the eastern part of Huangpu District. Nanjing Road, Shanghai Nanjing Road is a road in Shanghai, the eastern part of which is the main shopping district of Shanghai. It is one of the world's busiest shopping streets, along with Fifth Avenue, Oxford Street, Orchard Road, Takeshita Street and the Champs-Élysées. Nanjing Road is the world's longest shopping district, around 5.5 km long, and attracts over 1 million visitors daily.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner: Dinner Special

   Overnight: Hotel：DoubleTree by Hilton Shanghai - Pudong; The Kunlun Jing An; Jin Jiang Hotel; similar

3. 3Fly to Shiyan, Gateway to Wudang Mountain⌄

   Today you will depart Shanghai and fly to Shiyan, the "Automobile City"—an industrial gem nestled amidst the Wudang Mountains. Enjoy the refreshing breeze carried by the Han River flowing through the city and gaze upon the shimmering waters of the Danjiangkou Reservoir. No tour guide accompanying on the plane. Lunch and dinner are at your own expense.

   After collecting your luggage, please look for our staff holding a personalized welcome sign near the arrival exit. They will assist you with your bags and escort you to your hotel for check-in. If multiple guests arrive around the same time, you may have a short wait before your transfer.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Hotel：NARADA Wudangshan Hubei · China; similar

4. 4Learn Taoism and Kung Fu from a Master in the Birthplace of Tai Chi⌄

   Itinerary: Wudang Mountain Scenic Area: Cable car ride to the Golden Summit Taihe Palace (2 hours) → Taizipo (1 hour) → Purple Cloud Palace Scenic Area Or Nanyan Palace (2 hours) Note: Due to ongoing renovations, Zixiao Palace will be partially closed until September 30, 2025. During this time, we’ll visit the equally captivating Nanyan Palace instead.

   Taihe Palace Located atop Tianzhu Peak, the highest peak of Wudang Mountain, Taihe Palace is home to the "Golden Summit" of Wudang Mountain and its most iconic architectural complex, earning it the nickname "The Heavenly Terrace." Built during the Ming Dynasty, it served as the central venue for the imperial family's worship of the Great Emperor Zhenwu, and embodies the profound Taoist culture and architectural artistry of the Ming Dynasty. Ascending the Taihe Palace, you'll witness the gilded bronze Golden Hall, housing the majestic and awe-inspiring statue of Zhenwu, whose splendor remains undimmed after centuries. From the balcony, gaze out over the rolling sea of clouds and the rolling mountains, taking in the breathtaking spectacle of "Seventy-Two Peaks Facing the Great Summit." Here, you can experience the mystical majesty of Taoist culture while savoring the magnificent natural scenery of Wudang Mountain.

   Tazipo Tazipo, also known as Fuzhen Temple, is one of the "Eight Temples" of Wudang Mountain and the best-preserved and largest Taoist temple on the mountain. It is known as a "treasure of Wudang Mountain's architectural art." It is the legendary place where the Great Emperor Zhenwu practiced as a youth and was a key part of the imperial Taoist temple during the Ming Dynasty. Here, you'll witness four distinctive landscapes: "One Li, Four Gates," "Nine-Bend Yellow River Wall," "One Pillar, Twelve Beams," and "Ten Miles of Osmanthus Fragrance." Entering the Prince's Hall, you'll be transported back in time as if to the prince studying. In the Patriarch's Hall, you can get up close and personal with the massive statues of Zhenwu and the Golden Boy and Jade Girl, immersing you in a unique blend of cultural and natural beauty.

   Purple Heaven Palace The Purple Heaven Palace is the largest and best-preserved Ming Dynasty Taoist architectural complex still standing on Wudang Mountain, earning it the nickname "Forbidden City in the Clouds." As the premier of Wudang Mountain's eight major temples, it serves not only as the main hall for the royal family's worship of Zhenwu Emperor's parents but also as a vital venue for Taoist rituals. Nanyan Palace Nanyan Palace is one of Wudang Mountain's most iconic Taoist structures. Known as the "Immortal Palace on the Cliff," it is renowned for its precariousness, unique beauty, and unique character.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Hotel：NARADA Wudangshan Hubei · China; similar

5. 5Taoist Heritage & Evening Flight to Chengdu⌄

   Itinerary: Yuzhen Palace+Tai Chi Health Training (1.5 hours) → Tai Chi Lake Cruise (1.5 hours) → Yuxu Palace (1 hour) → Flight from Wudang Mountain Airport to Chengdu (Economy class airfare included, No tour guide accompanying on the plane.) Flight Info: WDS 9:00 PM → TFU 10:45 PM

   Yuzhen Palace Yuzhen Palace is a significant temple on Wudang Mountain. Built in commemoration of Zhang Sanfeng, the founder of Wudang martial arts, it holds a significant position in the history of Wudang Taoism and martial arts. Its architecture is simple and dignified, its blue bricks and gray tiles exuding a rich sense of history. Relics related to Zhang Sanfeng preserved within the palace bear witness to the legacy of Wudang martial arts. It serves as a key landmark connecting Taoist culture with the essence of martial arts, attracting countless visitors seeking to explore the roots of Wudang culture.

   Taiji Lake Cruise The Wudang Mountain Taiji Lake Cruise takes you on a dream journey. Cruise across the vast, crystal-clear Taiji Lake, surrounded by mountains, creating a picturesque scene. Along the way, admire the scenic beauty of the Ancient Waterway and Pine Ridge, and even visit Happy Island to experience the meadow carnival. Enjoy the gentle breeze aboard a luxury yacht or leisure boat, listen to commentary, and experience the magnificent mountains, rivers, and culture of Wudang. Experience the beauty, romance, and joy of Wudang Mountain, fulfilling your dream of exploring the mountains and rivers.

   Yuxu Palace Yuxu Palace is the largest Taoist architectural complex in Wudang Mountain, known as the "Wudang Forbidden City." As the first imperial palace built during the Ming Dynasty, it served as the administrative center for Wudang Mountain Taoism. Its grand scale bears witness to the historical splendor of "building the Forbidden City in the north and renovating Wudang in the south." As you stroll through the ruins, you'll see remnants of dragon-patterned stone carvings, the mottled base of the Beishi stele, and ancient pines and cypresses, creating a striking contrast. The setting sun casts a golden glow on the ruins' red walls, adding to their majestic beauty. Despite the ravages of time, this site, spanning over 100,000 square meters, still evokes the vibrant splendor of its former "recluse of immortals."

   Meals: Breakfast: Hotel buffet · Lunch: Local cuisine · Dinner: Regional specialties

   Overnight: Hotel：Sheraton Chengdu Lido Hotel; Crowne Plaza Chengdu Tianfu New Area by IHG; similar

6. 6High-Speed Train to Huanglong Scenic Area⌄

   March-September and November-December Itinerary: Take the intercity trains from Chengdu to Songpan → Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area (3 hours, include round-trip cable car + shuttle) → Jiuzhaigou Reference High-speed Rail Train Information: C5762 9:39-11:12 Chengdu East - Songpan County October Itinerary: Chengdu → Huanglongxi Ancient Town (60 mins) → Leshan Giant Buddha (Boat Tour, 40 mins) → Baoguo Temple (40 mins) → Emei Mt.

   Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area Located in Songpan County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, Huanglong Scenic Area covers an area of 700 square kilometers. It is China's only well-preserved plateau wetland, known as a "wonder of the world" and "a fairyland on earth." It was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1992. Huanglong Scenic Area is renowned for its "Four Wonders"—colorful pools, snow-capped mountains, canyons, and forests. Together with rapids, ancient temples, and folk customs, it is known as the "Seven Wonders." The scenic area comprises Huanglong Valley, Danyun Gorge, Muni Valley, Xuebaoding, Xueshan Ridge, Hongxing Rock, and Xigou. The main attraction is Huanglong Valley, approximately 3.6 kilometers long, with terraced travertine deposits. The area is also home to many endangered species, including giant pandas and Sichuan golden monkeys.

   Huanglongxi Ancient Town Located on the southwestern edge of Shuangliu District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China, Huanglongxi Ancient Town boasts a history of over 2,100 years and is considered one of China's famous historical and cultural towns. Located at the confluence of the Luxi River into the Jinjiang River, Huanglongxi Ancient Town has been a key stop on the Jinjiang waterway since the Han Dynasty. Huanglongxi Ancient Town still retains its well-preserved ancient town layout and numerous traditional folk customs. The Huanglongxi Fire Dragon Lantern Dance and the "Fuhe Haozi" (Fuhe Haozi) have been designated as national intangible cultural heritage of China. Visiting this place feels like stepping back in time and experiencing the small town life of yesteryear.

   Leshan Giant Buddha The Leshan Giant Buddha, also known as the Lingyun Giant Buddha, is located on the rock face of Qixia Peak on Lingyun Mountain, at the confluence of the Minjiang, Qingyi, and Dadu Rivers in Leshan City. Designated a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site, it features a seated Maitreya Buddha statue and is a masterpiece of Tang Dynasty cliff carving. The Leshan Giant Buddha was carved during the Tang Dynasty and completed over 90 years by three generations of craftsmen. Standing approximately 70 meters tall, it is a colossal stone statue of a seated Maitreya Buddha. Marvel at the majestic Leshan Giant Buddha and marvel at the ancients' ability to create such a magnificent statue without the aid of modern tools. The Leshan Giant Buddha has long been a sacred Buddhist site. Before the enormous statue, clasp your hands together and peacefully pray for peace and health for yourself, your family, and your friends.

   Baoguo Temple (Emei Mt.) Baoguo Temple, located not far from the main gate of Mount Emei, was built during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty. It serves as the entrance to the mountain and the starting point for most visitors to the Emeishan Scenic Area. The plaque "Baoguo Temple" above the temple gate was inscribed by Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty. It is also the center of Buddhist activities on the mountain. The main halls include the Maitreya Hall, the Main Hall, the Seven Buddha Hall, and the Samantabhadra Hall, each rising higher than the last. Upon entering the main gate, the first hall is the Maitreya Hall, housing a statue of Maitreya. The second hall is the Main Hall, housing a golden statue of Sakyamuni seated on a lotus.

   Meals: Breakfast: Hotel breakfast · Lunch: Chinese set meal · Dinner: Hotel dinner / Local specialty banquet featuring crispy-skin duck glazed with maltose—a Sichuan delicacy

   Overnight: Hotel：Hilton Jiuzhaigou Resort; Howard Johnson Tianyuan Resort; Century Sunshine Hotel Emeishan; similar

7. 7Discover the Beauty of Jiuzhaigou, Return to Chengdu⌄

   March-September and November-December Itinerary: Jiuzhaigou → Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area (Full Day, include eco-friendly bus) → Take the intercity trains back to Chengdu from Jiuzhaigou Reference Train Info: C5758 Departs from Huanglongjiuzhai Station at 20:30 - Arrives at Chengdudong Station at 22:25 October Itinerary: Emei Mt. → Emei Mt. Jinding (All day, Include round-trip cable car + sightseeing bus) → Chengdu

   Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area is located in Jiuzhaigou County (formerly Nanping County), Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, in northern Sichuan Province, China. The area is named after the nine Tibetan villages within the valley: Shuzheng, Heye, Zechawa, Panxin, Heiguo, Panyazhu, Guwa, Pengbu, and Jianpan. The Jiuzhaigou River system flows through the Baihe River, Baishui River, and Jialing River before merging into the Yangtze River. Jiuzhaigou is a World Natural Heritage Site, a National Key Scenic Area, a National 5A Tourist Attraction, a National Nature Reserve, a National Geopark, and a member of the World Biosphere Reserve Network. It is also China's first nature reserve primarily dedicated to the preservation of natural scenery. Jiuzhaigou is renowned both in China and abroad, with Easterners calling it a "paradise on earth" and Westerners hailing it as a "fairy tale world."

   Emei Mt. Jinding The Golden Summit is the summit of Mount Emei. The four-faced, ten-direction golden statue of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva atop it is a must-see for many visitors to Mount Emei. The four-faced, ten-direction golden statue of Samantabhadra is the tallest golden Buddha in the world and the first of its four-faced, ten-direction artistic representations. Behind the statue of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, Huazang Temple boasts three main halls. The third hall, the Samantabhadra Hall, also known as the Golden Hall or "Golden Summit," is the tallest hall on Mount Emei. Plaques on the entrance read "Golden Summit," "Endless Vows," and "Grand Dignity of Huazang." Inside, a bronze statue of Samantabhadra riding an elephant is enshrined. When viewing the sea of clouds from the Golden Summit of Emei, white clouds slowly rise from the mountains and valleys.

   Meals: Breakfast: Hotel buffet · Lunch: VIP Buffet in Scenic Area / Scenic dining at Jinding Meishilin Restaurant · Dinner: Authentic Tibetan-style feast / A flavorful Sichuan banquet, showcasing the region’s bold and spicy cuisine

   Overnight: Hotel：Sheraton Chengdu Lido Hotel; Crowne Plaza Chengdu Tianfu New Area by IHG; similar

8. 8Ancient Ingenuity & Poetic Heritage in Dujiangyan and Chengdu⌄

   Itinerary: Chengdu → The Dujiangyan Irrigation System (90 mins, include golf cart) → Du Fu Thatched Cottage (60 mins) → Chengdu

   The Dujiangyan Irrigation System The Dujiangyan Irrigation System, located on the main stream of the Minjiang River west of Dujiangyan City, was built around 256 BC by Li Bing, the prefect of Shu Commandery during the Qin Dynasty, and his son. It is one of the most well-preserved ancient water conservancy projects in China. The project consists of three main components: the Yuzui Diversion Dike, the Feishayan Spillway, and the Baopingkou Water Diversion Inlet, along with ancillary works such as the Baizhang Dike and the Renzi Dike.

   Du Fu Thatched Cottage Also known as the Chengdu Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum, it is located on the banks of Huanhua Creek outside the west gate of Chengdu, Sichuan Province. It is the former residence of Du Fu, the great realist poet of the Tang Dynasty, during his stay in Chengdu.

   Meals: Breakfast: Hotel buffet · Lunch: Traditional Chinese set menu · Dinner: Indulge in Yuanyang hotpot, a local favorite

   Overnight: Hotel：Sheraton Chengdu Lido Hotel; Crowne Plaza Chengdu Tianfu New Area by IHG; similar

9. 9Visit Giant Pandas, Bullet Train to Zhangjiajie⌄

   Itinerary: Chengdu → Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (120 mins, included electric car) → Take a high-speed train from Chengdu to Zhangjiajie (includes second-class high-speed rail tickets, there is no tour guide on the train)

   Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding The base is home to many adorable giant pandas, allowing you to get up close and personal with these beloved national treasures. Located in the northern suburbs of Chengdu, approximately 10 kilometers from the city center, the base is designed to fully simulate the pandas' natural habitat, featuring lakes, streams, bamboo forests, and lawns. The base also features numerous "Panda Villas," enclosed recreational areas for the pandas. These villas feature both open[1]air gardens and indoor rest areas. In cool weather, the pandas play in the gardens, allowing visitors to admire the adorable creatures through railings. In hot weather, the pandas retreat to the air-conditioned rest areas, requiring only viewing through glass.

   Meals: Breakfast: Hotel buffet · Lunch: Chinese set menu

   Overnight: Hotel：Pullman Zhangjiajie; similar

10. 10Explore Zhangjiajie’s “Avatar Mountains” & Evening Folk Performance⌄

    Itinerary: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: Tianzi Mountain (2.5 hours) → Yuanjiajie (2.5 hours) → Golden Whip Stream (1.5 hours) → "Charming Xiangxi" large-scale song and dance show (1.5 hours)

    Tianzi Mountain Tianzi Mountain is the essence of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, known as the "King of Peaks and Forests", famous for its spectacular sandstone peaks and forests and the wonders of the sea of clouds. As the core area of the World Natural Heritage, it not only has iconic landscapes such as "Yubi Peak" and "Fairy Scattering Flowers", but also the birthplace of the legend of Tujia heroes to Wang Tianzi, giving this landscape a profound cultural heritage. When you climb Tianzi Mountain, you can overlook the shocking scene of thousands of stone peaks pointing to the sky, the clouds and mist in spring are like a fairyland, and the snow-covered peaks and forests are like ink in winter. Standing on the observation deck of Helong Park and overlooking, you can also enjoy the majestic momentum of the "West Sea Peak Forest", which is an excellent place to appreciate the beauty of Zhangjiajie's "expanded bonsai and shrinking wonderland".

    Yuanjiajie Yuanjiajie is the core scenic area of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, renowned worldwide for its unique status as a World Natural Heritage Site and a World Geopark. Here, the Qiankun Pillars, the prototype of the "Hallelujah Mountain" in the film "Avatar," stand tall. A myriad of sandstone peaks rise from the ground, forming a breathtaking geological wonder. As the epitome of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, Yuanjiajie boasts natural wonders such as the "World's First Bridge" and is renowned for its three-dimensional canvas of seas of clouds, peaks, and secluded valleys. Strolling along the cliff path a thousand meters above sea level, you'll enjoy 360-degree views of iconic sights like the "Southern Sky Pillar," creating a breathtaking experience of "traveling within a painting." This is the perfect place to experience the charm of Zhangjiajie's "Three Thousand Strange Peaks."

    Golden Whip Stream Golden Whip Creek is the essence of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and is known as "one of the most beautiful canyons in the world". This 7.5-kilometer-long stream winds between strange peaks and cliffs, named after Golden Whip Rock, and is known for its crystal clear streams, pristine and quiet ecological environment and unique sandstone peak forest landscape. As an important component of the World Natural Heritage, Golden Whip Creek not only gives birth to rich animal and plant resources, but also is known for its wonder of "thousands of years of drought and continuous rain for ten thousand years". When you walk along the stream, you can enjoy the strangely shaped peaks and forests such as "Condor Whip" and "Splitting the Mountain to Save the Mother", listen to the natural symphony of gurgling water and birdsong, and feel the comfort of "people walking in paintings", which is an excellent place to experience the beauty of Zhangjiajie's original ecology.

    Charming Xiangxi" large-scale song and dance show

    Meals: Breakfast: Enjoy a nourishing start at your hotel · Lunch: Savor a variety of Chinese mixed dishes, including vegetarian options · Dinner: Indulge in a regional specialty: the flavorful Doll Fish Feast, a local delicacy served with seasonal sides

    Overnight: Hotel：Pullman Zhangjiajie; similar

11. 11Tianmen Mountain & Glass Skywalk, Evening Flight to Shanghai⌄

    Process Schedule: Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park (4~5 hours) → Sand and Gravel Painting Exhibition Hall of the Military Sound Painting Academy (1 hour) → Fly from Zhangjiajie to Shanghai (No tour guide accompanying on the plane.)

    Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park "Visit" Zhangjiajie's new legend "Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park", experience the thrill of soaring into the clouds, watch the top of Zhangjiajie, overlook the panoramic view of Zhangjiajie, watch the wonderful and beautiful bonsai garden, and the world's highest natural cave through the mountain - Tianmen Cave. Tourist attractions: Li Na Villa, Yunmeng Xianding, Gongtong Garden, Tianmen Mountain Glass Plank Road, Kunpeng Peak, Volley Plank Road, Tianmen Turning Water, North Overlooking Tianmen, Tianmen Cave, Upper Tian Ladder, Tianmen Mountain Tongtian Avenue, Tianmen Mountain Cableway, Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park.

    Junsheng Painting Institute China's first art museum with natural sand and gravel as the creative medium, with a collection of more than 500 original sand and gravel paintings. The artist uses Zhangjiajie's unique quartz sandstone to freeze the landscape clouds and mist through layered pasting techniques, forming a unique "three-dimensional Chinese painting" effect. The treasure of the town hall, the "Wulingyuan Scenic Map", took 3 years to perfectly restore the three thousand strange peaks of Zhangjiajie with sand and gravel. There is an interactive experience area in the museum, where visitors can make mini sand and stone paintings by themselves.

    Meals: Breakfast: Enjoy a nourishing start at your hotel. · Lunch: Savor a local specialty: the Flavored Mushroom Feast, featuring wild mushrooms and seasonal vegetables.

    Overnight: Hotel：DoubleTree by Hilton Shanghai - Pudong; The Kunlun Jing An; Jin Jiang Hotel; similar

12. 12Departure from Shanghai to home⌄

    Today we will end our pleasant 12-day trip. You can book a suitable flight to leave the Shanghai Pudong International Airport(PVG) OR Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) according to your needs. Our staff only provides one drop-off service from the hotel at 7:00 in the morning. If a guest has an earlier flight and needs to leave the hotel before 7:00 to the airport, the guide can help the guest take a taxi.

    Meals: Breakfast