10-Day Yangtze River Cruise, Zhangjiajie, and Shanghai Tour
Home Destinations Yangtze River Cruise Yangtze River Tours

10-Day Yangtze River Cruise, Zhangjiajie, and Shanghai Tour

Explore the Surreal Landscape

This 10-day tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the best of both nature and culture in China. From the surreal mountains of Zhangjiajie, the historic sites along the Yangtze River, and the classic water town in Shanghai, you'll be captivated by the beauty and diversity of this ancient land.

This tour is ideal for retired couples or families seeking a comfortable and hassle-free experience. Relax and unwind on our private tour with a dedicated guide and vehicle, ensuring minimal travel stress. Of course, you can personalize your itinerary with our expert guidance and recommendations.

Suggested 10-Day Itinerary

Day Highlights
1-2
Shanghai
The French Concession, the Zhujiajiao Water Town
3-6
Chongqing
Yangtze River Cruise, Three Gorges Dams, Hongyadong, Fengdu Ghost City
7-9
Zhangjiajie
The Hallelujah Mountain, Tianzi Mountain, the Glass Bridge, the Bailong Elevator
10
Shanghai
Homeward flight

Tour 'Wow' Points

Cruise through Nature's Gallery

Embark on a scenic cruise through the Three Gorges, where you can relax and enjoy the breathtaking views of lush green hills, terraced rice fields, and towering cliffs that create a picturesque landscape.

Yangtze River Cruise
Yangtze River Cruise

Glimpse into Traditional Chinese Life

Exploring charming ancient towns nestled along the Yangtze riverbanks offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in traditional Chinese culture and experience daily life firsthand.

Yangtze River
Ancient towns along Yangtze River

Marvel at the Towering Pillars and Lush Forests

Zhangjiajie is a world where towering, otherworldly rock formations pierce the sky, shrouded in mist and surrounded by lush greenery. Hike through ancient forests, and experience the magic of a truly unique natural landscape.

Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie

Wander through the Narrow Streets of Ancient Water Town

Step back in time and experience the charm of ancient China in Zhujiajiao Water Town. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this picturesque destination.

Zhujiajiao Water Town
Zhujiajiao Water Town

Experience the Unique Mountain City

Witness the unique blend of ancient and modern in Chongqing, a city nestled among mountains and shrouded in mist.

Chongqing Hongyadong
chongqing liziba

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

Trip Advisor certificate of 2024

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1Shanghai Arrival

Your personal tour guide will greet you at the airport arrival hall. The driver will help you with the luggage and transfer you directly to the hotel via a comfortable private vehicle.

Day 2Shanghai | City's Highlights
Breakfast & Lunch

You will first visit Zhujiajiao Water Town, a famous ancient town known for its picturesque canals, charming bridges, and historic architecture. Follow your guide to the Helong Art Gallery, the Chenghuang Temple, and Kezhi Garden. In this timeless water town, feast on delectable cuisine, wander through picturesque landscapes, and bask in leisurely moments.

In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll through the former French Concession revealing a treasure trove of architecture gems. Many of these structures boast a rich history dating back over a century.

Day 3Shanghai to Chongqing | Board Yangtze River Cruise
Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner

Heading to Chongqing within 3 hours by air today. Before boarding your Yangtze River Cruise, your guide will bring you to some of the city's highlights.

For example, Hongyadong is a stunning 11-story stilt-building complex. You will explore traditional shops, taste local delicacies, and witness street performances here. And Eling Park offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

The boarding time for the Yangtze River Cruise is 9 pm. Your guide and driver will ensure you a smooth transfer to the wharf.

Day 4Yangtze River Cruise | Mystical Ghost City
Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner

On the Century Oasis Cruise, you will spend 3 nights along the Yangtze River, combining stunning natural scenery, and rich cultural heritage. The first day you will arrive at the Fengdu Ghost City, which is said to be the capital of hell according to Chinese mythology. The city features towering "Hell Gates", "Ghost Street", and the "Ten Courts of Hades", each representing a different aspect of the afterlife.

Day 5Yangtze River Cruise | Majestic Three Gorges
Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner

Witness the breathtaking beauty of the Three Gorges, including Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge. Embark on a scenic journey to Baidi City, where you'll be captivated by the grandeur of Kuimen. After exploring this ancient city, navigate through the dramatic Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing cruise on Shennv Creek, taking in the breathtaking beauty of its natural surroundings.

Day 6Yichang to Changsha | High Speed Train Transfer
Breakfast & Lunch

Today marks the end of our Yangtze River Cruise. Before disembarking, you will be guided to the Three Gorges Project Museum, learning about the engineering challenges and triumphs behind the dam's construction.

Upon arriving in Yichang, you'll embark on the next leg of your journey to Zhangjiajie. Enjoy a convenient layover in Changsha, where a high-speed train awaits. Your new guide will be there to meet you at the port, ensuring a seamless transfer to the train station.

Day 7Changsha to Zhangjiajie | The Grand Canyon
Breakfast & Lunch

It takes 2 hours from Changsha to Zhangjiajie on high speed rail. Upon your arrival, you will transferred to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon with your guide and driver. You won't miss to chance to walk across the most iconic attraction, the Glass Bridge, to have a thrilling experience.

Day 8Zhangjiajie | National Forest Park
Breakfast & Lunch

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park's distinctive pillar-like formations are the product of centuries of erosion. The Bailong Sightseeing Elevator, the world's fastest sightseeing elevator, provides a stunning view of the Sandstone Peak Forest. Standing at 335 meters tall, it can transport 3,000 people per hour in its four transparent elevators.

Tianzishan's towering sandstone pillars and lush greenery served as inspiration for the floating mountains in the movie Avatar. The summit of Tianzishan provides breathtaking panoramic views of the entire Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.

Follow us and you'll reach the serene base of Tianmen Mountain, a less-touristy area. Discover a picturesque reservoir, marvel at the stunning Tianmen Cave, and admire its reflection mirrored on the tranquil water's surface.

Day 9Zhangjiajie | Tianmen Mountain
Breakfast & Lunch

Tianmen Mountain, often considered the "soul" of Zhangjiajie, is the region's highest peak. A 30-minute cable car ride from the city center takes you to the mountaintop, offering the longest cable car journey in the world.

The Tianmen Mountain Glass Walkway, a daring attraction, is one of the world's highest observation platforms. It perches 1,420 meters above the ground, offering panoramic views of the mountains and a thrilling experience.

Before returning to your hotel, you will visit the famous Yellow Dragon Cave, a vast underground cavern. It is renowned for its stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and other unique rock formations, offering a fascinating underground adventure.

Day 10Zhangjia to Shanghai | Shanghai Departure
Breakfast

Your morning flight from Zhangjiajie to Shanghai will depart in the morning, allowing you to connect to your homeward flight.

We hope this tour has been a memorable experience. Perhaps it has inspired you to explore more of China with us in the future. We look forward to the possibility and will continue to craft thoughtfully curated itineraries.

Hotel Selection

—the Icing on the Cake

Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.

Century Oasis romm
Hotel in Zhangjiajie
Hotel in Shanghai

Tour Price

FromUS$ 2,949p/p Based on a private tour including 4-star hotels for 2 people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people and chosen hotel.

Price includes:

  • Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
  • English speaking local guide
  • Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
  • 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling

Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.

* Number in your group

* What's your hotel choice?

I am also available on:

Start planning your tailor-made tour with 1-1 help from our travel advisors. Create Your Trip

Sign up to Our Newsletter

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

Click to Sign up

Why China Highlights

Customize Your Tour

Customize Your Tour

  • Travel Advisors Rooted in China
  • Instant Response, No More Waits!
  • Direct Connections, Supreme Values
Maximize Your Flexibility

Maximize Your Flexibility

  • Your own personal guide and ride.
  • Explore at your own pace.
  • Unparalleled flexibility, impossible on a group tour.
Ensure Your Satisfaction

Ensure Your Satisfaction

  • The Top 20% nationwide guides at your service.
  • 20% more space on your group's transportation.
  • 24/7 emergency support.
Live Your China Story

Live Your China Story

  • Authentic local culture and lifestyles.
  • Understand the culture by living it.
  • Uncover fascinating histories and witness New China.
China Highlights logo
Trip Advisor rating Rated 5 out of 5 | 98.8% Excellence
China Highlights International
Travel Service Co., LTD
Featured on
China Highlights was featured on these medias.

Address: Building 6, Chuangyi Business Park, 70 Qilidian Road, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, China