Dreams of Nature

22-Day Dreams of Nature Tour

Overview

Embark on an epic journey through China’s most breathtaking natural landscapes and UNESCO World Heritage sites. From the mystical Zhangjiajie peaks that inspired Avatar, to the serpentine Longji rice terraces and the majestic Grand Buddha of Leshan, this tour is a visual masterpiece. Enjoy cruises on the Li and Yangtze rivers, walk through ancient villages, and meet the diverse local communities that make these regions so special.

What’s Included

✔ Accommodation – Hand-picked hotels & river cruise stay

✔ Meals – Breakfasts: 19, Lunches: 17, Dinners: 15

✔ Flights – International & domestic flights with current taxes

✔ Transport – Private transfers, comfortable coaches, scenic train & boat trips

✔ Guided Tours – Expert English-speaking local guides

✔ Entry Fees – Admission to all included attractions

✔ Cultural Experiences – Tai Chi class, tea house visits & Sichuan opera

Tour Itinerary

Days 1-2: Fly to Guilin

• Overnight flight to Guilin, a region known for its karst landscapes and scenic rivers.
• Free time to relax upon arrival.

Day 3: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo

• Enjoy a gentle cruise on the Li River, surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs.
• Walk through the charming town of Yangshuo.
• Optional: Moon Hill hike for panoramic views.

Day 4: Tai Chi & Bamboo Rafting

• Morning Tai Chi class with a local master.
• Optional: Bamboo rafting on the serene Yulong River.
• Optional: Watch the Liu Sanjie light show in the evening.

Day 5: Reed Flute Cave

• Return to Guilin and explore the spectacular Reed Flute Cave.
• Visit a pearl factory to learn about South China’s pearling industry.

Day 6: Longji Rice Terraces

• Hike through the iconic Longji Rice Terraces for breathtaking views.
• Experience traditional rural landscapes and minority villages.
• Return to Guilin.

Day 7: Bullet Train to Changsha & Zhangjiajie

• Travel via high-speed train to Changsha.
• Drive to Zhangjiajie, a region famous for its misty sandstone peaks.

Days 8-9: Explore Zhangjiajie

• Hike through Zhangjiajie National Park, home to 3,000 towering sandstone pillars.
• Take a boat ride on Lake Baofeng.
• Visit Huanglong Cave (Yellow Dragon Cave).
• Trek to Jinbian Stream and see the Avatar Mountain & Emperor Mountain.

Day 10: Train to Yichang & Yangtze Cruise

• Travel by train to Yichang.
• Board your Yangtze River Cruise vessel for the next 4 nights.

Days 11-13: Yangtze River Cruise

• Witness the Three Gorges Dam, one of the largest engineering projects in the world.
• Cruise through the spectacular Three Gorges and enjoy scenic excursions.
• Explore Goddess or Shennong Stream, a stunning tributary.

Day 14: Heishan Valley & Wulong

• Disembark in Chongqing and drive to Wulong.
• Visit Heishan (Black Mountain) Valley, a misty wonderland of waterfalls, rivers, and caves.

Day 15: Three Bridges National Park & Longshuixia

• Explore the Three Natural Bridges, a rare geological marvel.
• Walk through Longshuixia Fissure, a deep and dramatic canyon.

Day 16: Wulong National Park

• Spend the day in Wulong National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• See towering karst formations, deep gorges, and ancient caves.
• Return to Chongqing in the evening.

Day 17: Ciqikou & Travel to Chengdu

• Visit the ancient town of Ciqikou, famous for traditional architecture.
• Travel by road to Chengdu, the heart of Sichuan Province.

Day 18: Grand Buddha of Leshan

• Visit the UNESCO-listed 71-metre-high Grand Buddha of Leshan.
• Enjoy a boat ride for an alternative view of the Buddha.
• Continue to Emeishan.

Day 19: Mount Emei

• Take a cable car up the sacred Mount Emei, the cradle of Buddhism in China.
• Walk amongst lush temples and enjoy the serene landscapes.

Day 20: Pingle Ancient Town

• Travel to Pingle Ancient Town, a historic stop on the Tea Horse Road.
• Walk through its traditional streets & teahouses.
• See the bamboo forest from above on the Jinji Rope Bridge.
• Return to Chengdu.

Day 21: Chengdu Panda Conservation Centre

• Visit the Chengdu Panda Base to see giant pandas in their natural habitat.
• Stroll through People’s Park, visit a teahouse, and explore Matchmaker’s Corner.
• Enjoy a delicious Sichuan hotpot and an optional Sichuan Opera performance.

Day 22: Fly to the UK

• Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

Why Choose This Tour?

✅ UNESCO Heritage Sites – Zhangjiajie National Park, Wulong Karst, Mount Emei & the Grand Buddha

✅ Breathtaking Landscapes – Li River, Longji Rice Terraces, Yangtze River & Tiger Leaping Gorge

✅ Cultural Immersion – Tea villages, bamboo rafting, local markets & temple visits

✅ Wildlife Encounters – Visit the world-famous Chengdu Panda Conservation Centre

✅ Comfort & Authenticity – Hand-picked hotels & expert local guides

This 22-day adventure takes you deep into China’s most picturesque landscapes while offering authentic cultural experiences, wildlife encounters, and comfortable travel arrangements, making it the ultimate natural escape.