🐼 Pandas & the Peaks of Zhangjiajie
10 days | Small Group Journey | China
Experience a spectacular side of China where giant pandas, mist-shrouded mountains and extraordinary landscapes come together in one unforgettable journey.
Beginning in the futuristic city of Shanghai, this 10-day adventure travels through some of China’s most remarkable scenery before finishing in vibrant Hong Kong. The centrepiece is Zhangjiajie National Park, where towering sandstone pillars rise dramatically from misty valleys and lush forests.
🐼 A journey from pandas to mountain peaks
In Chengdu, visit a giant panda conservation and research centre and learn about the important work being carried out to protect these much-loved animals. This is a genuine conservation experience and a perfect highlight for wildlife lovers.
Then swap bamboo forests for some of China’s most extraordinary scenery.
Explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, ride the Tianzi Mountain cable car and take in the spectacular views from Yuanjiajie, before descending via the Bailong Elevator – the world’s tallest outdoor elevator.
The adventure continues at Tianmen Shan National Park, with its famous Heavenly Gate, mountain cable car and glass skywalk perched dramatically above the landscape.
🌿 Nature, culture & adventure
This isn’t simply a panda holiday. It’s an opportunity to experience several very different sides of China — from bustling modern cities and traditional tea culture to extraordinary natural landscapes and one of the country’s most important wildlife conservation centres.
The journey also includes a peaceful bamboo-raft trip along the Li River, passing dramatic limestone peaks and lush countryside, plus a visit to a tea plantation to discover traditional Chinese tea-making.
With small-group travel and upgraded accommodation, it’s a particularly appealing choice for travellers who want to explore China in greater depth while still having plenty of memorable wildlife and nature experiences along the way. G Adventures lists the maximum group size as 16 travellers.
🗺️ 10-Day Itinerary Summary
This 10-day small-group journey combines some of China’s most spectacular natural landscapes with an unforgettable giant panda experience and vibrant city life.
Day 1 – Shanghai
Arrive in Shanghai at any time, with an arrival transfer included.
Days 2–4 – Zhangjiajie
Fly to spectacular Zhangjiajie, home to the UNESCO-listed Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Explore its towering quartzite pillars and misty valleys, ride the Tianzi Mountain cable car, and visit Tianmen Shan National Park, including its famous Heavenly Gate and mountain cable car.
Day 5 – Chengdu
Travel by high-speed train to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, before exploring People’s Park and experiencing local city life.
Day 6 – Chengdu 🐼
Visit the Dujiangyan Panda Base, a national conservation and research centre dedicated to protecting China’s giant pandas and supporting their population. A fantastic highlight for wildlife lovers.
Days 7–8 – Yangshuo
Take the train to beautiful Yangshuo, surrounded by dramatic limestone peaks and green rice paddies. Enjoy a more relaxed pace and float along the Li River by bamboo raft, passing spectacular karst scenery.
Day 9 – Hong Kong
Board a high-speed train to Hong Kong, experiencing the contrast between China’s traditional landscapes and this dynamic international city. Enjoy a farewell dinner featuring Hong Kong dim sum.
Day 10 – Hong Kong
Depart at any time.
✨ The journey in one trip
Shanghai → Zhangjiajie → Chengdu → Yangshuo → Hong Kong
A brilliant combination of giant pandas, extraordinary mountains, high-speed rail, traditional landscapes and two very different Chinese cities — all packed into 10 days.
From £2,349pp for selected dates, with prices varying by departure. Current departures can be booked through the end of 2027.
This is the tour only price.
Flights and pre/post accommodation and flights can be added to provide a ATOL protected package
