Heart of China – A Journey Into Timeless Civilisation

Tour Highlights

• Stand in awe amid the soaring Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, where 243 majestic peaks and more than 3,000 stone pinnacles rise like dreams carved in rock
• Gaze upon Hallelujah Mountain, the real-world inspiration for the floating mountains of Avatar, revealed in shifting light and drifting mist
• Wander through the stone poetry of the Ten-Li Natural Gallery, where towering pillars resemble living sculptures along a natural corridor of beauty
• Glide effortlessly on a one-way journey aboard the Ten-Li Gallery Monorail, floating gently through a landscape shaped by time and imagination
• Experience the rhythm of modern China with a smooth high-speed rail journey from Zhangjiajie to Chongqing
• Witness one of the world's most surreal urban spectacles at Liziba Monorail, where a train passes straight through a residential building
• Explore the lantern-lit layers of Hongya Cave, where traditional stilted architecture shelters vibrant shops and riverside dining
• Drift gently by boat to behold the serene Leshan Giant Buddha, a 71-metre guardian carved between AD 713 and 803

Itinerary at a Glance

1. Day 1: Australia (or New Zealand) – Changsha, China — Today, depart Australia (or New Zealand) for Changsha, China. Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel.
2. Day 2: Changsha – Zhangjiajie — Were you spellbound by the floating Hallelujah Mountains in Avatar? Their earthly inspiration rises in Zhangjiajie. Within the legendary Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, 243 peaks and more than 3,000
3. Day 3: Zhangjiajie Free Day — Today unfolds at your own gentle pace — a day to wander freely, or to deepen the magic with an optional exploration. Journey to the ethereal Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, where peaks rise like islands in a
4. Day 4: Zhangjiajie – Chongqing (High-Speed Train) — Today is yours to savour at leisure — or venture to the awe-inspiring Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, the world's longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge, suspended between two mountains above the dramati
5. Day 5: Chongqing Sightseeing — After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll outside the majestic Great Hall of the People — an iconic landmark celebrated among the top ten classical Asian architectural masterpieces of the 20th century.
6. Day 6: Chongqing – Leshan Giant Buddha – Emeishan — This morning, journey onward to Leshan, where a gentle river cruise reveals the awe-inspiring Leshan Giant Buddha. Carved between AD 713 and 803, the 71-metre stone figure of Maitreya gazes serenely o
7. Day 7: Emeishan – Chengdu — This morning, wander through some of China's most enchanting landscapes as you stroll in the serene surroundings of Mount Emei. Visit Baoguo Temple, the largest temple on Mount Emei and the sacred gat
8. Day 8: Chengdu Sightseeing — After breakfast, step into a world of gentle wonder at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Among whispering bamboo groves and peaceful garden paths, meet the giant panda — one of the wo
9. Day 9: Chengdu – Australia (or New Zealand) — Today, you will be transferred to Chengdu Airport for your return flight back to Australia (or New Zealand). Standard check-out time is 12:00 and luggage storage is available at the front desk for tho
10. Day 10: Arrive Australia (or New Zealand) — Welcome home after an unforgettable journey into the heart of China — a passage through spectacular landscapes, ancient culture and timeless civilisation.

What's Included

• Return international full-service flights (economy class)
• 8 nights of 4-star hotel accommodation
• Changsha: Ramada Plaza or similar
• Zhangjiajie: Best Western Plus Zhangjiajie or similar
• Chongqing: Winterless Hotel or similar
• Emeishan: Hua Sheng Hotel or similar
• Chengdu: AC Hotel Chengdu North or similar
• 9 meals including daily breakfast
• 1 lunch in Zhangjiajie
• Private air-conditioned vehicles
• High-speed train Zhangjiajie to Chongqing
• Return airport transfers