7 days Chengdu - Jiuzhaigou tour and Yangtze Three Gorges cruise

You can choose to travel to Jiuzhaigou by train or flight based on your budget and preference.

Upon your arrival at Jiuzhaigou airport or train station, you will be greeted and driven to your hotel just outside Jiuzhaigou Park to rest and prepare for the next day.

Note:

• Currently, there are only flights from Beijing and Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou, with both flights scheduled to arrive at Jiuzhaigou airport in the late afternoon or evening. The drive from Jiuzhaigou airport to your hotel just outside Jiuzhaigou Park takes about 2 hours.
• Several trains run from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou (Zhenjiangguan train station). The drive from the train station to your hotel in Jiuzhaigou takes about 2.5-3 hours.

Spend the whole day to explore the three main valleys of Jiuzhaigou National Park, and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes in this natural fairyland. Three valleys in Jiuzhaigou National Park have been opened to public, which contains 114 lakes, 17 waterfalls, 11 rip currents, and 5 travertine beaches. Immerse yourself into the fabled blue and green lakes, spectacular waterfalls and mysterious forest. Along with the stunning scenery, the local Tibetan folk customs create a truly exotic land of wonder.

Morning drive to Huanglong National Park. Well known for the colorful ponds and waterfalls, snow mountains, gorgeous valley, and dense forest, Huanglong has also been listed as a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO. The colorful ponds glisten like blue crystals; some will also turn to red or purple under the sunshine. 

Since Huanglong National Park is at high altitude, you can either enjoy the tour on foot or by cable car depending on your desires and abilities. In the late afternoon, say farewell to Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong as you will be driven to Zhengjiaguan train station for the high speed train to Chengdu (about 1.5h train journey). Upon arrival at Chengdu, to be met and transferred to your hotel.

After breakfast, head to the Chengdu Panda Base to see the adorable pandas. Morning is considered as the best time to visit Panda center as you will catch the feeding time and the pandas are at their most active. Walk through the forested landscape, watch as giant pandas play, nap, and munch bamboo; visit the panda nursery, subadult enclosure, and adult compound; and watch informational videos on panda behavior and the challenges of working with and breeding captive pandas. 

If time is allowed, pay a visit to People's Park, a great place to get insight the daily life of locals who come here relax, exercise, play games like Mah-jongg and chess, sing and dance, or find love matches for their loved ones. You will be arranged to have a cup of tea like locals in the open-air Heming Tea House, a great place to slow down and rest your legs.

You will take afternoon high-speed train to Chongqing (about 2 hours), upon arrival, you will be ready to get on the luxury cruise at Chongqing Pier. The Yangtze River Cruise boarding time is from 16:30 to 21:00. Enjoy a buffet dinner on board. At 21:30 your memorable Yangtze River begins.

As an important cradle of Chinese ancient civilizations, Yangtze River is famous for the breathtaking natural landscapes and abundant heritage sites along its two banks. In the following three days, you will visit several highlights along with the cruise and have a glimpse of the spectacular panoramas. 

Morning take a shore excursion to Mountain Shuanggui near Fengdu. Depending on river conditions, an alternate excursion may be substituted to Shibaozhai, with its impressive wooden pagoda. Continue the cruise on Yangtze River. Dinner and Supper are offered on board. 

Optional shore excursions today (fee on your own): 
Depending on the river conditions, there is an optional shore excursion to Fengdu ghost city, Fengdu is an ancient town where you can experience the world of the afterlife in Chinese ghost folktales. Wreathed with numerous statues and interspersed by temples, the whole scenic area is a treasure house of art that combines the culture of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. 

The highlights of the Yangtze River Cruise is coming today as you will travel through the Three Gorges to view its picturesque scenery. Composed of Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge, the Three Gorges has a total length of approximately 120 km. (75 mi.). Along with the steep cliffs and torrential river, you may also be immersed by the abundant historical relics and cultural sites while sailing through the gorges.

Based on the season and your requirement, have a short cruise to the Little Three Gorges or take a pea-boat floating along the verdant Shennong Streams as you sail on to the border between Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge. Rip currents, lofty peaks and mountains, gorgeous Karst caves and beautiful waterfalls will always accompany you on the way. 

Disembark this morning and take a tour of the Three Gorges Dam, the grandest hydroelectric project in the world, which spans the Yangtze River at Sandouping in Xiling Gorge. The dam is designed to provide a huge source of hydropower for China and control the flood. After morning sightseeing, You will be provided a motor coach transfer to nearby Yichang by Cruise company. Upon arrival at Yichang, our Yichang local guide or driver will greeted and assisted you to Yichang airport/train station for departure. Wish you have a pleasant journey home, and WindhorseTour is ready to help adjust this tour in any way to better suite your personal travel needs.
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Optional shore excursions today (fee on your own): 

An additional optional shore excursion is also available (preceding the Three Gorges Dam tour) through the recently- completed unique ship lock with a ship lift, the world’s largest.