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Natural Treasures of China

Land Tour

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.

Tour highlights:
  • Chengdu's Giant Pandas, Meet the nations most celebrated bear at the Chendu Panda Reserve
  • Nine Villages Valley, Uncover the beauty of the Nine Villages Valley, from ragged peaks and saphire lakes to abundant forests and rushing waterfalls
  • Zhangjiajie National Park, Discover the striking beauty of Zhangjiajie's sandstone pillars and dramatic landscapes
  • Black Mountain Valley, This serene and picturesque area is brimming with dramatic mountains, deep valley floors, waterfalls and sheer cliffs.
  • Fenghuang Ancient Town, A charming ancient town that sits on the Tuojiang River boasting beautiful bridges and quirky stilt houses
Tour experiences:
  • Rise through Zhangjiajie, Feel your pulse race as you rise above Zhangjiajie's towering sandstone pillars on the Bailong Elevator, the world's tallest outdoor lift, standing at a height of 326 meters.
  • Glass Sky Walk Experience, Take an exhilarating walk along Tianmen Mountain's glass skywalk, aptly named the "Walk of Faith", as you venture onto this transparent pathway for unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Street Food Tour, Indulge in traditional street foods with your expert guide at Chongqing's vibrant night markets. As the sun sets, the streets come alive with the tantalising aromas of sizzling meats, spicy noodles, and fragrant spices.
  • Meet the Tibetan Locals, Visit one of the nine villages of Jiuzhaigou and meet a local Tibetan family. Gain firsthand insights into their daily routines and cultural traditions then sit down to dine on traditional Tibetan cuisine.
  • Walk the World's Highest Glass Bridge, Stroll across Zhangjiajie's grand canyon, stepping foot on the world's highest glass bridge at a staggering 360-metre height and spanning an impressive 430-metres!
Places visited:
  • Changsha (1N)
  • Zhangjiajie (3N)
  • Fenghuang (1N)
  • Chengdu (2N)
  • Nine Villages Valley (3N)
  • Chongqing (3N)
Price notes:
  • Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 Jun 2025. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
  • Customary tipping amount of approximately RMB840pp (AU$183pp) is paid locally in China.
  • Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
  • Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.

From price

$8,980
$8,380
Price per person, twin share
Tour Provider Wendy Wu
Number Of Days
16
Start Location
Changsha, China
End Location
Chongqing, China
Age Range
Avg. 60+
Group Size
10 to 18
Tour Style
Premium
Tour Themes
No specific theme
Physical Rating
Easy to Moderate
Includes Flights
Yes

Departure dates

Price per person, twin share
Start End Availability Price
09 Sep 2026 23 Sep 2026 8 $8,980
$8,380
14 Oct 2026 28 Oct 2026 6 $8,980
$8,380
07 Apr 2027 21 Apr 2027 18 $9,580
$8,980
14 Apr 2027 28 Apr 2027 12 $9,580
$9,280
05 May 2027 19 May 2027 14 $9,580
$8,980
12 May 2027 26 May 2027 18 $9,580
$8,980
01 Sep 2027 15 Sep 2027 12 $9,580
$9,280
15 Sep 2027 29 Sep 2027 18 $9,580
$9,280
13 Oct 2027 27 Oct 2027 8 $9,580
$9,280
27 Oct 2027 10 Nov 2027 18 $9,580
$9,280
05 Apr 2028 19 Apr 2028 18 $9,980
$9,680
12 Apr 2028 26 Apr 2028 18 $9,980
$9,680
03 May 2028 17 May 2028 18 $9,980
$9,680
10 May 2028 24 May 2028 17 $9,980
$9,680
30 Aug 2028 13 Sep 2028 18 $9,980
$9,680
13 Sep 2028 27 Sep 2028 18 $9,980
$9,680
11 Oct 2028 25 Oct 2028 15 $9,980
$9,680
25 Oct 2028 08 Nov 2028 18 $9,980
$9,680

Inclusions

  • International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected)
  • Most Meals (refer to itinerary)
  • Domestic transportation
  • Touring with guides and entrance fees
  • 4-star accommodation, plus basic guesthouse

    • Itinerary details

    Days 1-2: Fly overnight to Changsha
    Fly 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.
    Day 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.
    Day 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.
    Day 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.
    Day 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 (Phnix) 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.
    Day 7: Cruise the Tuojiang River
    Relax with a scenic cruise along the Tuojiang River, before boarding your 5 hour bullet train to Chengdu.
    Day 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.
    Day 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.
    Day 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.
    Day 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.
    Day 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.
    Day 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.
    Day 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.
    Day 15-16: Depart Chongqing
    Depart Chongqing, arriving home the following day.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    You should choose this tour for its unique focus on the 'road less travelled,' offering a premium experience that blends China's most incredible natural treasures with ancient and modern marvels. From the sapphire lakes of Nine Villages Valley and the 'Avatar' inspired peaks of Zhangjiajie to high-speed bullet train travel and authentic encounters with Tibetan families, this tour provides a comprehensive and extraordinary journey through diverse landscapes and cultures.
    This tour is designed for premium travellers who appreciate a mix of breathtaking nature, cultural immersion, and modern convenience. Those who enjoy dramatic landscapes, unique architectural feats like the world's highest glass bridge, and authentic local experiences—such as street food tours in Chongqing and dining with Tibetan locals—will find this itinerary particularly rewarding.
    The pros include a wide array of high-end inclusions (flights, visas, and accommodation), visits to stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Dazu Rock Carvings, and the thrill of unique experiences like the Bailong Elevator. A potential con for some may be the physical requirements of the 'Easy to Moderate' rating, which includes walking across glass bridges and navigating national parks, as well as the customary tipping paid locally in China.
    Yes, this tour is a wonderful option for everyone. The supplier explicitly welcomes solo travellers, couples, and larger groups, ensuring that regardless of how you choose to travel, you will be welcome on this journey.
    This tour is excellent for both. First-time visitors will love the seamless organization and iconic highlights like the Giant Pandas in Chengdu, while experienced travellers will appreciate the exploration of lesser-visited areas and the deep dive into the natural beauty of the Nine Villages Valley and Black Mountain Valley.
    The tour is rated as 'Easy to Moderate' in terms of physicality. While it includes accessible experiences like cable cars and elevators, it also involves walking through national parks, exploring ancient towns, and crossing glass bridges, so those with significant mobility concerns may wish to contact the provider for further details.
    This tour offers a balanced blend of all three. It features spectacular sightseeing in Zhangjiajie and Nine Villages Valley, deep cultural immersion through visits to Tibetan villages and the Dazu Rock Carvings, and thrilling adventures such as the 'Walk of Faith' glass skywalk and the world's highest glass bridge.
    The pace of the tour is moderate. It covers several major regions including Changsha, Zhangjiajie, Chengdu, and Chongqing, utilizing efficient high-speed bullet trains to maximize time spent exploring the destinations rather than spending it all in transit.
    The itinerary feels well-balanced, providing multiple nights in key locations—such as three nights each in Zhangjiajie, Nine Villages Valley, and Chongqing—which allows guests to immerse themselves in the surroundings without feeling excessively rushed.
    Absolutely. The tour includes iconic landmarks and highlights such as the Giant Pandas of Chengdu, the UNESCO-listed Dazu Rock Carvings, the breathtaking sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie National Park, and the historic Fenghuang Ancient Town.
    Yes, language barriers are handled by the professional staff. The tour includes expert guides, such as those leading the street food tour in Chongqing, and National Escorts who accompany you throughout the trip to ensure a smooth and enriching experience.
    Disclaimer:
    These FAQs have been generated with the assistance of AI to provide a general overview. They are intended as a starting point only and should be reviewed based on your knowledge, current supplier information and client requirements.
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