14-Day Grand Deep Private Tour of Southwest China: Pandas, Fairy Pools, Avatar Mountains & Ancient Towns

(Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou, Guangyuan, Leshan, Chongqing, Zhangjiajie, Phoenix Ancient Town, Jishou, Changsha — 14-Day Tour)

Join our spectacular 14-day "Wonders of China" tour—an immersive journey encompassing natural marvels, cultural heritage, folk traditions, and vibrant urban life. This itinerary allows you to experience the very best attractions across Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou, Guangyuan, Leshan, Chongqing, Zhangjiajie, Fenghuang Ancient Town, Jishou, and Changsha. The comprehensive 14-day route features encounters with giant pandas, the Huanglong National Scenic Area, Jiuzhaigou, the Leshan Giant Buddha, Hongyadong, the Three Natural Bridges, Longshuixia Fissure Gorge, Fairy Mountain National Forest Park, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park, Fenghuang Ancient Town, Dehang Grand Canyon, Tianwen Terrace, the Aizhai Cliff Walkway, the Aizhai Bridge, the Hunan Provincial Museum (home to the renowned Mawangdui Exhibition), Orange Isle Scenic Area, and the Changsha Night Market. Meticulously planned for optimal efficiency, this route minimizes travel time to maximize your authentic Chinese experience.

1. Tour Highlights:

• A Symphony of Nature and Culture: From giant pandas, Sichuan Opera, and millennia-old stone carvings to colorful travertine pools and towering karst peaks—and from ancient stilt-house towns to traditional Tujia and Miao villages—experience the most iconic World Heritage sites and ethnic traditions of Southwest China in a single, comprehensive journey.

• Efficient Connections: A seamless combination of high-speed rail and private chartered vehicles minimizes travel time on the road, maximizing your actual sightseeing duration.

• Immersive Experiences: Enjoy VIP vehicle service in Jiuzhaigou, the Tianmen Mountain Cableway, a scenic night cruise on the Tuojiang River, and authentic local culinary tastings—ensuring a truly in-depth exploration rather than a mere whirlwind tour.

• Premium Accommodations (Optional/Self-funded): Stay at hotels situated in close proximity to the core scenic areas—including the entrance to Jiuzhaigou, Wulingyuan, and within the historic Phoenix Ancient Town—offering unparalleled convenience for sightseeing.

2. Itinerary Overview: 

Day 1: Chengdu — Pandas & Sichuan Opera

Morning: Morning visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding; get up close with both cubs and adult pandas while avoiding peak crowds.

Lunch: A leisurely stroll to sample authentic Chengdu snacks (Hot Pot, Chuanchuan,Dandan noodles).

Afternoon: Attend a performance at the Liyuan Theatre to witness the intangible cultural heritage of Sichuan Opera—including the famous "Face-Changing" and fire-breathing acts—and immerse yourself in the charm of traditional Bashu arts.

Evening: Enjoy a night tour of Chengdu or free time to experience the city's signature "slow-paced lifestyle."

Day 2: Huanglong — A Fairyland of Pools

Arrive at Huanglong-Jiuzhaigou Station via high-speed train for a seamless transfer.

Huanglong Scenic Area: Take the cable car up the mountain, then hike downhill to explore travertine wonders such as the Five-Color Ponds, Golden Sands Paving the Ground, and the Contending Beauty Ponds—a site hailed as the "Jade Pool on Earth."

Overnight stay near the entrance of Jiuzhaigou, in preparation for an in-depth tour the following day.

Day 3: Jiuzhaigou — The King of Water Landscapes

Full-day tour of Jiuzhaigou (includes VIP sightseeing bus access to avoid crowds): Visit the Rize Valley (Five-Flower Lake, Pearl Shoal Waterfall), Zechawa Valley (Long Lake, Five-Color Pond), and Shuzheng Valley (Nuorilang Waterfall, Shuzheng Lakes).

Off-Peak Travel: In the evening, depart by vehicle for Guangyuan; overnight stay near Jianmen Pass.

Day 4: Jianmen Shu Road & Thousand Buddha Cliff

Jianmen Pass Scenic Area (includes glass observation deck + sightseeing bus): Experience the sheer precipitousness of this historic pass—where "one man guarding the gate can hold off ten thousand"—and stroll along the ancient Shu Road.

Thousand Buddha Cliff: Admire the Tang Dynasty cliffside carvings and immerse yourself in the Buddhist art along the banks of the Jialing River.

Arrive in Leshan via high-speed train in the evening, in anticipation of the visit to the Leshan Giant Buddha.

Day 5: Leshan Giant Buddha & Oriental Buddha Capital

Oriental Buddha Capital: Explore the underground palace grottoes and the colossal Reclining Buddha statue.

Leshan Giant Buddha: Hike up the mountain to view the world's largest stone-carved Maitreya Buddha up close; subsequently, take a boat ride from the river center to admire the full panorama of the Giant Buddha and the massive Reclining Buddha from a distance.

Culinary Exploration: Savor local Leshan delicacies such as Bobo Chicken, Sweet-Skinned Duck, and Qiaojiao Beef. Arrive in Chongqing via high-speed train in the evening; overnight stay in the city center.

Day 6: Magical Chongqing City Tour

Insta-Famous" Hotspots:Liziba Light Rail (train passing through a building), Eling II Factory Cultural & Creative Park, Mountain City Third Trail.

Historical Landmarks:Huguang Guild Hall, Ciqikou Ancient Town.

Signature Experiences:Yangtze River Cableway crossing, Hongyadong night scenery.

Head to Wulong in the evening; overnight stay near the scenic area.

Day 7: The Wulong Karst Trilogy

Three Natural Bridges:Filming location for Transformers: Age of Extinction; hike across Tianlong Bridge, Qinglong Bridge, and Heilong Bridge.

Longshuixia Earth Crack:Descend deep into the "center of the earth" canyon to view cascading waterfalls and streams.

Fairy Mountain National Forest Park:Alpine grasslands and a scenic forest train ride—enjoy the scenery known as the "Switzerland of the East."

Take an evening high-speed train to Zhangjiajie; overnight stay near the Forest Park.

Days 8–9: Immersive Zhangjiajie Experience

Day 8:Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (including Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Golden Whip Stream, etc.); check in at Wulingyuan.

Day 9:Morning: Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon (Glass Bridge, canyon hiking). Afternoon: Rest and relax in the city center; visit the "72 Strange Towers" and savor local Tujia cuisine.

Days 10–11: Tianmen Mountain & Fenghuang Ancient Town

Day 10:Tianmen Mountain (Cableway, Glass Skywalk, Tianmen Cave). Afternoon: High-speed train to Fenghuang Ancient Town; enjoy a night tour of the Tuojiang River and watch the Border Town (Biancheng) live-action performance.

Day 11:Free time to stroll through Fenghuang Ancient Town (Shen Congwen's Former Residence, Hongqiao Bridge, Jumping Rocks); experience the tranquility of this Xiangxi water town by day, and stay overnight within the ancient town.

Day 12: The Wonders of Aizhai & Jidou Miao Village

Dehang Grand Canyon:Explore a secluded cluster of waterfalls.

Jidou Miao Village & Tianwen Platform:An authentic, eco-preserved Miao ethnic village and the site that inspired Qu Yuan's Tianwen (Questions to Heaven).

Aizhai Cliff Skywalk &  Aizhai Bridge:Walk along the "cloud-walking" glass skywalk and look down upon this world-class suspension bridge.

Take an evening high-speed train to Changsha. 

Day 13: A Cultural Feast in Changsha

Hunan Provincial Museum: View artifacts from the Mawangdui Han Tombs (including the Plain Gauze Gown, Lady Xin Zhui, and the T-shaped Silk Painting).

Orange Isle (Juzizhou) — Includes Xiang River Cruise & Sightseeing Mini-Train: Pay homage to the statue of the young Mao Zedong and experience the majestic flow of the "Xiang River heading North."

Changsha Night Tour: Explore Pozi Street, Taiping Street, and Wenheyou; sample local delicacies such as "Flavor Shrimp" and Stinky Tofu.

Day 14: Departure

Transfer service provided to the airport or high-speed train station based on your scheduled departure time, bringing this wonderful journey to a close.

3. Detailed Itinerary :

(All times listed below are estimated. As this is a private, customized tour, the schedule is flexible and subject to change.)

Day 1 – Overnight in Chengdu

7:00 AM (To be determined): Meet at your Chengdu hotel (near Chengdu East Railway Station)

7:45 AM: Arrive at Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

7:45 AM – 11:30 AM: Observe panda cubs, adult pandas, and red pandas at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

11:50 PM – 1:20 PM: City walk and sample local cuisine

1:30 PM – 3:10 PM: Arrive at Liyuan Hall to watch a Sichuan opera face-changing performance (a traditional cultural heritage)

3:30 PM: City walk and dinner (arranged according to everyone's interests)

7:30 PM: Return to Chengdu hotel

Day 2 – Overnight in Jiuzhaigou

8:40 AM (Flexible time): Meet in the lobby of your Chengdu hotel

9:10 AM – 11:30 AM: Chengdu East – Huanglong Jiuzhaigou

12:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Arrive and visit Huanglong National Scenic Area (Cable car up, hike down)

5:30 PM – 8:00 PM: Arrive and check into your Jiuzhaigou hotel (near Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area)

Day 3 – Overnight in Guangyuan

7:30 AM – 8:00 AM: Meet in the lobby of your Jiuzhaigou hotel and proceed to Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area.

8:30 AM – 6:00 PM: Tour Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, including VIP sightseeing bus.

6:10 PM – 10:30 PM: Arrive by car and check into your Guangyuan hotel (near Jianmenguan Scenic Area)

Day 4 – Overnight in Leshan

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Meet in the lobby of your Guangyuan hotel (near Jianmenguan Scenic Area) and proceed to Jianmenguan Scenic Area.

9:40 AM – 2:30 PM: Visit Jianmen Pass Scenic Area, including glass platform viewing and sightseeing bus.

2:40 PM - 4:00 PM: Proceed to Thousand Buddha Cliff Scenic Area

4:20 PM - 5:40 PM: Visit Thousand Buddha Cliff Scenic Area

6:10 PM - 9:00 PM: Take the high-speed train to Leshan

9:30 PM: Check into Leshan Hotel

Day 5 – Overnight in Chongqing

8:30 AM: Meet in the lobby of your Leshan Hotel

8:20 AM: Arrive at Oriental Buddha City

8:30 AM - 11:30 AM: Visit Oriental Buddha City

11:50 AM: Arrive at Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area

12:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Visit Leshan Giant Buddha, including a boat trip along the river to view the Buddha.

• 5:00-6:30 PM: City stroll and local cuisine sampling

7:50-10:00 PM: Arrive in Chongqing by high-speed rail

10:20 PM: Check into Chongqing hotel

Day 6 – Overnight in Chongqing

9:40 AM: Meet in the lobby of your Chongqing hotel

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Visit Liziba, Eling No. 2 Factory, Mountain City Trail, Huguang Guild Hall, Hongyadong Folk Custom Area, Ciqikou Ancient Town, randomly selected food sampling, and experience the Yangtze River Cableway

5:30-8:00 PM: Proceed to Chongqing hotel (Wulong Three Natural Bridges Scenic Area)

8:10 PM: Check into Chongqing hotel (Wulong Three Natural Bridges Scenic Area)

Day 7 – Overnight in Zhangjiajie

8:00 AM: Meet in the lobby of your Chongqing hotel (Wulong Three Natural Bridges Scenic Area)

8:20-10:20 AM Visit Wulong Natural Three Bridges Scenic Area

10:40 AM - 12:20 PM: Visit Longshuixia Gorge

1:20 PM - 4:30 PM: Visit Fairy Mountain Forest Park

4:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Arrive at Wulong South High-Speed ​​Railway Station

6:00 PM - 8:30 PM: Take the high-speed train to Zhangjiajie

9:10 PM: Check into a hotel in Zhangjiajie (near Zhangjiajie National Forest Park)

Day 8 – Overnight in Zhangjiajie

7:00 AM: Assemble in the lobby of your Zhangjiajie hotel (located near Zhangjiajie National Forest Park).

7:20 AM – 5:30 PM: Tour Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.

5:50 PM – 7:30 PM: Head to the area near your hotel to sample local cuisine.

7:50 PM: Return to your Zhangjiajie hotel (near Zhangjiajie National Forest Park) to rest.

Day 9 – Overnight in Zhangjiajie

9:00 AM: Assemble in the lobby of your Zhangjiajie hotel (located near Zhangjiajie National Forest Park).

9:40 AM – 2:40 PM: Tour Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon.

4:10 PM: Arrive at and check into your Zhangjiajie hotel (located in the city center).

4:30 PM – 7:30 PM: Take a stroll through the city, sample local delicacies, and immerse yourself in the local culture (near the "72 Strange Buildings" area).

From 8:00 PM onwards: Return to your Zhangjiajie hotel (city center).

Day 10 – Overnight in Fenghuang Ancient Town

7:30 AM: Assemble in the lobby of your Zhangjiajie hotel (city center).

7:30 AM – 8:00 AM: Travel to Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park.

8:00 AM – 4:50 PM: Tour Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park.

5:00 PM – 6:10 PM: Take a high-speed train to Fenghuang Ancient Town.

6:40 PM: Check into your hotel in Fenghuang Ancient Town (within the scenic area).

7:00 PM – 11:00 PM: Enjoy a night boat tour along the Tuojiang River, visit local attractions, and watch the evening cultural performance.

11:30 PM: Return to your hotel in Fenghuang Ancient Town (within the scenic area).

Day 11 – Overnight in Fenghuang Ancient Town

12:00 PM (Flexible Timing): Assemble in the lobby of your hotel in Fenghuang Ancient Town (within the scenic area).

12:00 PM onwards: 7:30: Free time to explore Phoenix Ancient Town at your leisure—fully immerse yourself in the daytime scenery and sample local delicacies.

8:00 PM: Return to your hotel within the Phoenix Ancient Town scenic area.

Day 12 – Overnight in Changsha

8:00 AM: Assemble at your hotel within the Phoenix Ancient Town scenic area.

8:00 AM – 9:10 AM: Travel to Dehang Grand Canyon.

9:10 AM – 12:30 PM: Explore Dehang Grand Canyon.

12:30 PM – 1:20 PM: Visit the Jidou Miao Village Scenic Area—specifically the "Tianwen Terrace" (Heavenly Questions Terrace).

1:20 PM – 1:50 PM: Travel to the Aizhai Cliff Walkway.

1:50 PM – 3:50 PM: Explore the Aizhai Cliff Walkway.

3:50 PM – 5:50 PM: Visit the Aizhai Bridge and the Aizhai Scenic Area.

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Travel to Phoenix Ancient Town Railway Station.

7:00 PM – 9:30 PM: Take the high-speed train to Changsha.

10:00 PM: Check in to your hotel in Changsha (city center).

Day 13 – Overnight in Changsha

9:30 AM: Assemble at your hotel in Changsha (city center).

10:00 AM: Arrive at the Hunan Provincial Museum.

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Visit the Hunan Provincial Museum (including the exhibition on the Mawangdui Han Tombs, featuring famous artifacts such as the Plain Gauze Gown, the T-shaped Silk Painting, the remains of Lady Xinzhui, and the Square Lei Vessel).

2:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Visit the Orange Isle (Juzizhou) Scenic Area (including a daytime cruise on the Xiang River around Orange Isle, plus a ride on the sightseeing mini-train).

6:00 PM – 9:30 PM: Enjoy free time to experience Changsha’s nightlife and sample local cuisine.

10:00 PM: Return to your hotel in downtown Changsha.

Day 14 – Depart Changsha; End of Tour

Time (TBD): Assemble at your hotel in downtown Changsha.

Transfer to Changsha Airport / Changsha Railway Station.

End of Tour.

4. Pricing & Practical Information：

4.1. The Fee Includes：

• All entrance tickets for the attractions mentioned in the itinerary, as well as activities within the scenic areas.

• English-speaking tour guide (14 days).

• Local transportation (based on the number of participants, with one seat per person guaranteed).

• Car expenses during the tour, including a local driver (14 days).

4.2. The Fee Does Not Include：

• Additional expenses due to force majeure such as traffic delays, strikes, weather, aircraft or equipment failure, flight cancellations or rescheduling;

• All personal expenses and any other expenses not mentioned in the fee inclusions;

• International airfare is not included;

• Visas on arrival are not included;

• Meals, High-speed rail ticket fare/Airfare，alcoholic beverages, and other personal expenses are not included;

• Expenses incurred by the traveler;

4.3. Child Policy

Please contact customer service if you are traveling with children.

4.4. Tips: Before You Go - Essentials

1. Visa: Make sure your passport and Chinese visa are valid.

2. Cash & Payments: While mobile payments are popular, please bring some cash (RMB). We strongly recommend setting up Alipay and linking your international credit card; this will solve 95% of payment issues.

3. Internet: Purchase a Chinese data SIM card or activate international roaming in advance. Download a VPN (such as Astrill or ExpressVPN) if you need to use Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc.

4. Translation App: Download Google Translate or Microsoft Translate. Their "Live Chat" and "Camera Translation" features are lifesavers.

5. Maps APP.