A private 12‑day circuit from Chengdu through Chongqing, a Yangtze River cruise, Zhangjiajie’s pillar forests and finishing in Shanghai. Expect a mix of city culture, UNESCO geology, light hikes and an overnight river cruise—fully guided with transfers and selected meals included.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step out of your Chengdu hotel into a morning that tastes like jasmine tea and soft rain; the city hums, delivery bikes dart past teahouses where locals argue gently over mahjong tiles. Over the next twelve days the landscape rearranges itself—panda reserves and Sichuan plains give way to the raw karst drama of Wulong, the industrial pulse and river canyons of Chongqing, a slow, waterborne transit through the Yangtze’s carved gorges, and the towering sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie before the neon sweep of Shanghai.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
12 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers who can walk 1–3 hours a day on uneven paths and climb stairs; not strenuous but requires steady mobility.
Wildlife
History
From the Tang‑era carving of the Leshan Giant Buddha to the ancient trade routes that shaped Wulingyuan, this route threads imperial, Buddhist and local Hunan histories across varied landscapes.
Conservation
The Chengdu Panda Base focuses on captive breeding and reintroduction; the Three Gorges and Yangtze corridor face ecological pressures, so choose low‑impact behavior and follow local guidance on waste and wildlife disturbance.
Reserve your spot on the 12-Day Private tour to Chengdu, Chongqing,Yangtze River, Zhangjiajie & Shanghai today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Early starts beat the crowds
Major sites like Chengdu Panda Base, Leshan Giant Buddha and Zhangjiajie viewpoints are busiest late morning—arrive at opening or take first shuttles.
Prepare for variable walking
Zhangjiajie and Golden Whip Stream include stairs, cable cars and boardwalks—bring good grippy shoes and trekking poles if you use them.
River and motion comfort
On the Yangtze cruise and winding mountain roads in Chongqing, pack motion‑sickness remedies and keep a small water bottle handy.
Carry ID and digital copies
Flights, trains and some attractions require passport details—store a printed and photographed copy separate from the main document.
Sturdy walking shoes
Provides traction for trails, stone steps and slippery boardwalks in Zhangjiajie and Three Gorges shore walks.
Light rain shell
Compact protection for sudden showers common in Sichuan and river valleys.
spring
Daypack with hydration
Carries water, snacks, camera and layers for shore excursions and park hikes.
summer
Travel document organizer
Keeps passport, visas, train/flight e‑tickets and photocopies accessible during transfers and check‑ins.