Dreams of Nature

Physical Rating - Active

Group Tour

Flexible

Please note: while Nine Villages Valley has re-opened with restricted access, our groups will continue to visit the spectacular Three Natural Bridges National Park instead for the remainder of 2018.

Tour Highlights

Zhangjiajie National Park

Yangtze River

Nine Villages Valley

Giant Pandas

Zhangjiajie National Park

Explore the moss-crowned sand pillars of this national park

Yangtze River

Take a relaxing cruise through the magnificent Three Gorges

Nine Villages Valley

Stand in awe amongst the colourful beauty of this amazing valley

Giant Pandas

Come face to face with these majestic creatures at Chengdu's Panda Reserve

What's Included

23 Day Dreams of Nature Tour Itinerary

Our Dreams of Nature itinerary has been intricately designed for those who wish to see iconic sites and magnificent treasures. You'll travel with the assurance that all your arrangements are taken care of, with international flights, accommodation and all the touring listed below. You will be accompanied by our industry-leading National Escorts whose unparalleled knowledge and talent will turn your tour into an unforgettable experience.

DAYS 1-2: AUSTRALIA TO GUILIN

Fly overnight to Guilin. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

DAY 3: YANGSHUO’S LANDSCAPES

Take a gentle cruise along the Li River to Yangshuo. Lined with dramatic limestone cliffs, the serenity of life on the riverbanks is a wonderful sight. Later, take a walk through this idyllic wonderland and get an insight into life here. There is an option to take a short and steep hike to the top of Moon Hill for epic sunset views (at own expense). (B,L,D)

Day 4: Tai Chi

Start the day with a relaxing and invigorating session of Tai Chi, taking time with a master to learn this ancient martial art. This afternoon there is an option to go bamboo rafting on the Yulong River (at your own expense). Drift past verdant riverbanks as you paddle on the glass-like water. This evening you have the option of attending the magical Sanjie Liu night show (at your own expense). (B,L)

DAY 5: REED FLUTE CAVE

Drive back to Guilin and spend the afternoon exploring the Reed Flute Cave and learning about the South China pearling industry at the Pearl Museum. (B,L,D)

DAY 6: LONGJI RICE TERRACES

Travel to the iconic Longji Rice Terraces and head out for a four-hour walk through the traditional rural landscapes. There are several viewpoints boasting picture-postcard views of the extensive rice terraces that cover the hillside in intricate patterns. Drive back to Guilin, with the rest of the day at leisure. (B,L)

Day 7: Travel to Zhangjiajie

Catch the bullet train to Changsha, then enjoy the breathtaking drive to Zhangjiajie. (B,L,D)

Days 8-9: Zhangjiajie

A scenic area of over 3,000 sandstone pillars, rising from misty folds of tropical forest and cloaked in vibrant green vegetation, Zhangjiajie’s striking beauty is unforgettable. Ravines and gorges, streams and waterfalls and a plethora of endangered plants and animal species complete this idyllic scene. During your time here, you will enjoy some beautiful walks to Huanglong Cave and Huangshi Village, as well as a cruise on Lake Baofeng. You'll also see Yuanjiajie Avatar Mountin and Emperor Mountain. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Travel to Yichang

Catch the train to Yichang, where you'll board your Yangtze Cruise vessel. (B,L,D)

Days 11-13: Yangtze River cruise

A man-made marvel, the Three Gorges Dam showcases this massive feat of engineering. But as we cruise upstream nature takes over, revealing some of the world’s most dramatic scenery including the Three Gorges themselves. Take a side trip to the attractive Goddess or Shennong Stream and enjoy shore excursions to the Ghost City of Fengdu or Shibaozhai. (B,L,D)

Day 14: Yangtze River – Heishan Valley – Wulong

Check out of your cabin this morning and disembark in Chongqing. You will be transferred by coach to Wulong Karst National Geology Park, a journey of approximately 3 hours. Stop en route at Heishan (Black Mountain) Valley, a scenic area enveloped by mysterious fog that is home to deep valleys, lush green forests, majestic waterfalls, rivers and streams, caves, and wildlife. Take time to explore the highlights of the valley before continuing to Wulong. (B,D)

Day 15: Three Natural Bridges & Longshuixia Fissures

This morning, you will visit Three Natural Bridges National Park, a rare geological wonder consisting of three natural karst bridges: Tianlong Bridge, Qinglong Bridge and Heilong Bridge. Continue to Longshuixia Fissure, a narrow fault line that has been carved out by the river. The gorge is 5km long and 500m deep. You will climb down several hundred steps, then travel further down by elevator before walking several hundred steps to the bottom of the gorge. (B,L,D)

Day 16: Wulong – Chongqing

Today, you will explore Wulong Karst National Geology Park – an area of stunning natural scenery with towering limestone karsts, deep gorges caves and natural bridges. One of the highlights is Furong Cave, which is a karst cave located on the banks of Furong River. In the afternoon, travel 3 hours by coach to Chongqing. (B,L,D)

Day 17: Chongqing – Chengdu

This morning, visit charming Ciqikou and stroll down the narrow streets to admire the historical and traditional architecture before meeting the loveable Giant Pandas at Chongqing Zoo’s Panda House. Later, transfer by coach to the vibrant city of Chengdu, a journey of approximately 4 and a half hours Chengdu. (B,L)

Day 18: Leshan Giant Buddha

Travel to Leshan to see the Grand Buddha. The 71 metre Buddha, the world’s largest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is carved into a hillside overlooking the confluence of the Dadu and Min Rivers. Completed in the year 803, it is said that the Buddha’s presence has calmed the turbulent waters of the river. View the Buddha from above before a short boat trip, which will give you an even better perspective. Continue to Mt Emei. (B,L,D)

Day 19: Explore Mt. Emei

Mt Emei is the cradle of the Buddhist religion in China with the first temple built here, on its peak, in the 1st century. Pilgrims and tourists mix amongst the lush vegetation and inconspicuous old temples, all admiring the striking and diverse natural beauty of the mountain and its setting. Spend the day soaking up the ambience and exploring. (B,L,D)

Day 20: 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 bamboo forest from above on Jinji Suspended Rope Bridge. Drive back to Chengdu. (B,L)

Day 21: Chengdu Panda Base

Spend the morning visiting with the Giant Pandas of Chengdu Research Base. Here you can observe these gorgeous creatures lounging, playing and chomping through piles of bamboo in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. This afternoon, absorb the culture at People’s Park. People watching here is an endless pleasure, from the locals playing mah-jong to the lonely singles looking for love in Matchmaker’s Corner. In the evening, enjoy a delicious Sichuan hot pot dinner and an optional ‘face changing’ show (at your own expense). (B,D)

DAYS 22-23: CHENGDU TO AUSTRALIA

This morning is at your leisure before you are transferred to Chengdu airport to board your flight to Australia, arriving home to same or following day. (B)

Dates & Prices

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. Our tour prices are from prices based on per person, twin share and are subject to the availability of specific economy class fare levels. If the dates we have available for this tour don't suit your needs, or you are not sure travelling as part of a group is for you, maybe a Private Tour would be more ideal.

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Additional Price Information

Above prices include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Subject to change.

Customary tipping amount of approximately RMB1120 (AU$224) is paid locally in China.

Standard itinerary departs SYD, MEL, BNE, ADL & PER. Other cities available, contact us for details

Depending on airline schedules, extra nights pre or post tour accommodation or stopovers may be required at additional cost.

Single Supplement from $1,170

3 May 2018 and 02 Apr 2019 departures coincide with Golden Week celebrations and sightseeing may be affected.

Useful Information

Visas

Most nationalities require a visa when travelling to China. Travellers should arrange visas well in advance of departure. Unlike many other tour operators, we include your visa in the price of your tour. We handle the entire application process – all you need to do is complete the paperwork and send your passport to us eight weeks prior to departure. We are always on hand to help you with any queries you may have while completing the application form.

Communication

While travelling overseas, the Wendy Wu Tours contact number during business hours is +61 2 9224 8888. Emergency Assistance (24-hours) is 0044 1888 288 288. You will find mobile phone coverage to be quite high throughout Asia. We recommend contacting your mobile carrier if you intend to use international roaming during your holiday and ensure you investigate all associated call and data costs before you leave Australia. Some hotels may have Wi-Fi, which usually comes at a cost.

Tipping

Tipping is not commonplace in Australia. In Asia however, it is anticipated that a tip be given to reward good service. With that in mind, we have a tipping system for our group tours. Each passenger ‘tips’ a set amount to the National Escort at the start of the tour or on arrival in each country. They then distribute this as appropriate. The Yangtze River cruise service charge is paid when embarking. We advise tipping amounts in your final documentation. Tipping is appreciated for Private and Tailor-Made travel. In your final documents, we include guidelines for tipping when travelling independently.

Shopping

Shopping is a fun and entertaining component to any travel adventure. In keeping with most people’s interests while on holiday, your tour includes a reasonable number of opportunities to shop for local goods and souvenirs. Included are visits to establishments that provide locally produced goods, unique to your destination. Witness the creation of these products, and see first-hand how their production supports the local economy. As most travellers like to take home souvenirs, we ensure the shops you visit have a reputation for quality, honesty, and authenticity.

Food

We aim to cater to the tastes of the majority of people and so the food is not too spicy or too unusual. Breakfast at your hotel includes local and western dishes. In remote areas, we suggest embracing local specialities. Lunch and dinner consists of shared dishes. Meals generally finish with fruit to clean the palate. Drinks such as beer, soft drinks or bottled water are at your own expense locally. Beer is drunk in small glasses; not large glasses that you may be used to.

Accommodation

Wendy Wu Tours inspects all hotels to ensure they meet the high levels of service, which we require for our guests. We pick the right hotel for the specific destination, meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family-run guesthouse in a smaller town. Chosen hotels are also chosen for ease of navigation around tourist sights. Government laws in China require air conditioning be switched on nationally in May and central heating in November (this may vary slightly depending on the region).