On arrival in Shanghai Pudong or Shanghai Hongqiao Airport you will then board your onward domestic flight to Guilin, one of southern China's most beautiful cities. On arrival in Guilin, you will be met in the arrival hall by your local guide and/or National Escort from Wendy Wu Tours. Together with all other group members who may be arriving at a similar time, you will transfer approximately 40 minutes to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. An informal welcome dinner and tour briefing will be held in the evening. Late arrivals will receive a box dinner and tour briefing the following day.

Travel to the iconic Longji Rice Terraces and head out for a 2-3 hour walk through the traditional rural landscapes. There are several viewpoints boasting picture-postcard views of the extensive rice terraces. You will be provided with a packed lunch today. Later, drive 2 hours back to Guilin and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Take a relaxed 4-hour cruise along the Li River to the charming village of Yangshuo where you will spend 2 nights. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalos and local fishermen. These are small cruise boats usually holding approximately 100 passengers; with an enclosed dining area on the lower deck and an open viewing area on the upper deck. As it is so popular, there are generally many boats at the docks – please be reassured that the cruise itself will be scenic and relaxing as the boats cruise past un-spoilt countryside. Usually the boats depart at 9am from the dock located a 1-hour drive from your hotel. However, when the river level is low they depart from further downstream which would mean a longer drive and an earlier check out from your hotel. Disembarking from the cruise, your Local Guide will walk with you to your hotel, approximately a 15-minute walk from the river. There are electric carts offered by private vendors which can be organised at your own cost. Take a walk in the idyllic countryside of Yangshuo this afternoon. There is also an optional hike to Moon Hill, offering beautiful views (time permitting, payable locally).

This morning, take part in a traditional Tai Chi class, learning the skills behind this ancient and spiritual exercise. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. There are many optional activities to take part in, including walking, cycling and bamboo river rafting (arranged locally and at extra cost). In the evening, you have the option of enjoying the magical ‘Liu Sanjie’ show (time permitting, payable locally).

Return to Guilin by road, a drive of around 1 and a half hours. Exploring the Reed Flute Caves, admiring the stunning colours of the stalagmites and stalactites. You will take a short walk through the caves, sometimes along damp paths and stairs. It usually takes about 1 hour to complete the route and it is very cool inside. Also visit the Pearl Factory and learn about the South China pearling industry. Later, take the bullet train to Zhangjiajie, a journey of approximately 7 hours and 20 minutes. Please note you will need to carry your own luggage on and off the trains.

Enjoy a full day exploring Zhangjiajie National Park. Starting at Yuanjiajie Avatar Mountain (take the Bailong elevator up) and Emperor Mountain (take the cable car down). Also head to the Jinbian Stream and Ten-Mile Natural Gallery. You will be walking for approximately 4-5 hours in the National Park today.

Spend the morning exploring in Zhangjiajie National Park. You will start at the entrance to the national park and make your way around the karst scenery. Explore the colourful stalagmites and stalactites of the Huanglong Cave (the Huanglong Cave can be slippery in places so please be careful). Also enjoy a cruise on Lake Baofeng, a peaceful expanse of water amongst picturesque karst scenery (you will need to get on and off your small boat on Lake Baofeng). Travel by road to Changsha, a journey of approximately 4 hours.

Spend the day exploring many of Changsha's well known areas including a visit to the Hunan Museum, which has a rich collection of cultural relics from the Mawangdui Han Dynasty Tombs. Also visit the Yuelu Academy and Orange Island. Tonight, there will be a walking tour of the night market.

Take the train for 4 hours and 15 minutes to Yichang, you will need to carry your luggage on and off the train. On arrival, transfer 1 hour to your Yangtze River Cruise ship, home for the next 4 nights. Please note: The Yangtze River cruise section of your itinerary will not be confirmed by the cruise operators until after you commence your tour as it is subject to local river conditions and water levels. Your Local Guide will do their utmost to keep you informed of any changes but cannot guarantee against delays or – in rare cases – cancellations of sections of your itinerary. Shore excursions are subject to change depending on local conditions. A detailed itinerary will be handed out on the vessel each day. If you do not wish to take part in a shore excursion but you still wish to disembark the cruise ship, there is a mandatory port tax which must be paid by each customer. The port tax amount is approx. USD20-USD30 per person; however, this amount can vary and for security reasons, it is not always possible to disembark at all ports of call. You may be offered cabin upgrades locally which may include some of the amenity package services. Please note that the amenity package benefits start on the second day of the cruise.

A man-made marvel, the Three Gorges Dam showcases this massive feat of engineering. But as you cruise upstream, nature takes over, revealing some of the world's most dramatic scenery including the Three Gorges themselves. A voyage along China's riverine treasure is a chance to relax and enjoy a slower pace, whilst absorbing extraordinary countryside. Over the next three days, take a side trip to the attractive Goddess or Shennong Stream and enjoy various shore excursions.

Check out of your cabin this morning and disembark in Chongqing. From here, take the bullet train to Leshan to see the world’s largest stone-carved Buddhist monument - the Leshan Grand Buddha. Take a short boat ride in front of the statue to grasp the size of this structure. You will spend around 1 hour at Leshan and will need to get on and off the boat. Continue 1 hour to Emeishan to check in for your 2-night stay.

Spend a full day exploring spiritual Emeishan. There are many pathways to allow an exploration of the steep cliffs, lofty peaks and towering trees. Daytime highest altitude: 3,100m at Emeishan Peak Hotel altitude: 500m

Drive 2 hours to Pingle Ancient Town. Dating back to the Han Dynasty, Pingle was a stopping point on the Tea Horse Road. Take time to walk through its maze of teahouse-lined streets before seeing the forest from above on Jinji Suspended Rope Bridge. Continue to Chengdu for an overnight stay.

Begin the day with a journey on the bullet train to Nine Villages Valley (Jiuzhaigou). Upon arrival, visit the Huanglong Temple and 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. There is an option to take a chairlift up both up and down to allow more time for sightseeing at the top; the cost of this is at your own expense. We usually spend around 2-3 hours sightseeing here. This area is at an altitude of 3,500m.

Enjoy a full day exploring the diverse scenery of splendid Nine Villages Valley, China’s most awe-inspiring National Park. You will spend 5 to 6 hours walking including Long Lake, Five Coloured Lake and Nuorilang Falls. Tonight enjoy traditional Lamb cooked on skewers. Walking today will be approximately 5-6 hours on some uneven and slippery terrain which require extra care whilst walking. It is strongly advised that you wear sturdy footwear with ankle support if needed.

Explore one of Nine Villages Valley’s Tibetan villages Walk from Rhinoceros Lake to Reed Lake, passing Tiger Lake along the way. During your walk today, you will see an an old water mill, prayer wheels and prayer flags. Walking today will be approximately 5-6 hours on some uneven and slippery terrain which require extra care whilst walking. It is strongly advised that you wear sturdy footwear with ankle support if needed.

Transfer to the station and take the bullet train to Chengdu. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Today you will visit China’s most famous resident, the giant panda. Visit the Panda Conservation Centre where you can learn about China’s celebrated bear. See these lovable creatures in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. It is not guaranteed that you will be able to see the feeding of the younger pandas, as this only happens at the start and end of each day. Sightseeing involves approximately 1.5 hours on foot and there are electric carts offered by private vendors that can be organised at your own cost. Visit People’s Park to see the famous Matchmaker’s Corner where parents look for suitable suitors for their children. In the evening, dine on typical Sichuanese cuisine.

Any time before your flight is at leisure. You will be transferred from your hotel to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, according to the departure time of your international flight. Late check-out is not included. Additional night's before and after your tour can be arranged.