Peaks, Rivers & Lantern Lights — 10-Day Chongqing & Zhangjiajie Tour | Eternal China Tours
Chongqing · Zhangjiajie · Furong Town · 10 Days

Peaks, Rivers & Lantern Lights
10-Day Grand Tour

Hongya Cave · Yangtze cableway · Wulong karst bridges · the Avatar Mountains · Grand Canyon Glass Bridge · 999 Steps to Heaven · Furong Town by night — the wild side of China in one dramatic loop.

Duration 10 Days / 9 Nights
Cities Chongqing · Zhangjiajie · Furong Town
Style Private · Guided
Trip Highlights

Why This Journey

Chongqing’s Layered Skyline The Pillars of Pandora Grand Canyon Glass Bridge Heaven’s Gate & the 999 Steps The Waterfall Town Through Mountain Corridors
01
Chongqing’s Layered Skyline
River cableways, cliff-side Hongya Cave and 1940s bunker theatres — China’s most cinematic megacity
01 Mountain City →
02 Avatar Mountains →
03 Glass Bridge →
04 999 Steps →
05 Furong by Night →
06 High-Speed Rail →
Day by Day

10 Days, Two Worlds

01
Day

Arrival in the Mountain City

Chongqing Jiangbei Airport → Hotel
Afternoon

Airport Pickup & Transfer

Your English-speaking guide greets you at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport with a personalised welcome sign. Settle into your private vehicle for the scenic drive to the hotel in the heart of Jiefangbei — Chongqing's vibrant central peninsula.

Evening

Free Time to Explore

Rest after your flight or take a leisurely stroll along Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, where neon lights illuminate one of China's most dramatic urban skylines. Your guide can recommend nearby hotpot restaurants for a first taste of the Mountain City.

Airport pickup with personalised welcome sign Private vehicle interior Private vehicle with chauffeur Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street at night
Where You Stay
IntercityHotel Chongqing twin room IntercityHotel Chongqing king room IntercityHotel Chongqing restaurant IntercityHotel Chongqing exterior

IntercityHotel Chongqing Jiefangbei or similar · 5-star

02
Day

River Crossings & Cliff-Side Wonders

Chongqing city day
Morning

Jiefangbei & Yangtze River Cableway

Begin at the iconic Liberation Monument, the symbolic heart of Chongqing. Then glide across the Yangtze in the legendary river cableway — a thrilling aerial crossing offering panoramic views of the mountain city's layered skyline.

Afternoon

Heritage Crafts & Eighteen Steps

Immerse yourself in a hands-on intangible cultural heritage workshop, learning traditional arts passed down through generations. Continue to the atmospheric Eighteen Steps neighbourhood, where old stone stairways reveal Chongqing's riverside soul.

Evening

Hongya Cave & Two Rivers Night Cruise

Watch Hongya Cave transform into a glowing golden palace as darkness falls. Ascend to the Cloud-Top Eye observation deck, then board a cruise ship for the spectacular Two Rivers Night Cruise beneath the city lights.

Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street Yangtze River Cableway Eighteen Steps Old Quarter Hongya Cave Night View
Where You Stay
IntercityHotel Chongqing twin room IntercityHotel Chongqing king room IntercityHotel Chongqing restaurant IntercityHotel Chongqing exterior

IntercityHotel Chongqing Jiefangbei or similar · 5-star

03
Day

UNESCO Natural Bridges & Fairy Mountain

Chongqing → Wulong → Chongqing
Morning

Wulong Tiansheng Three Bridges

Drive into the lush Wulong karst region to discover the awe-inspiring Tiansheng Three Natural Bridges — a UNESCO World Heritage Site where three colossal natural stone arches span a deep gorge.

Afternoon

Fairy Mountain Grasslands

Ascend to Fairy Mountain (Xiannu Shan), a highland plateau draped in emerald grasslands and wildflowers. Enjoy the cool mountain air and sweeping views across rolling meadows — a refreshing contrast to the city.

Evening

Rest & Relaxation

Return to your Chongqing hotel for a well-earned rest. Your guide can arrange an optional Sichuan-style massage or recommend a quiet riverside restaurant for dinner.

Tiansheng Three Natural Bridges Fairy Mountain Grasslands Wulong Karst Landscape Wulong Aerial View
Where You Stay
IntercityHotel Chongqing twin room IntercityHotel Chongqing king room IntercityHotel Chongqing restaurant IntercityHotel Chongqing exterior

IntercityHotel Chongqing Jiefangbei or similar · 5-star

04
Day

Art, History & Theatre

Chongqing city day
Morning

Eling Er Chang & People's Great Hall

Explore Eling Er Chang, a repurposed 1950s printing factory now buzzing with indie galleries, vintage shops, and street art. Then visit the magnificent People's Great Hall — a grand landmark of classical Chinese architecture.

Afternoon

Guanyinqiao, Xiahao Lane & 1949 Theatre

Browse the trendy Guanyinqiao pedestrian district before descending into Xiahao Lane — a beautifully restored heritage street of Republican-era architecture. Cap the afternoon with the immersive 1949 Chongqing Grand Theatre show.

Evening

Huali Banquet Dinner

Tonight you are treated to a complimentary Huali Banquet — a refined multi-course Chongqing feast featuring local delicacies presented with theatrical flair. A fitting farewell to the Mountain City before tomorrow's rail journey.

Eling Er Chang Art District People's Great Hall Guanyinqiao District 1949 Grand Theatre
Where You Stay
IntercityHotel Chongqing twin room IntercityHotel Chongqing king room IntercityHotel Chongqing restaurant IntercityHotel Chongqing exterior

IntercityHotel Chongqing Jiefangbei or similar · 5-star

05
Day

High-Speed Rail to the Avatar Mountains

Chongqing → Zhangjiajie
Morning

Free Time & Shopping

Enjoy a relaxed morning for last-minute shopping or a final stroll through Chongqing's characterful back streets. Pick up Sichuan peppercorns, local snacks, or handmade crafts as souvenirs.

Afternoon

High-Speed Rail to Zhangjiajie

Board China's high-speed rail for the scenic journey east to Zhangjiajie. Watch the landscape transform from urban sprawl to dramatic karst mountains as you glide through mountain corridors at up to 350 km/h.

Evening

72 Peculiar Buildings Night Tour

Arrive in Zhangjiajie and head straight to the fantastical 72 Peculiar Buildings — an architectural wonderland of stacked, gravity-defying structures illuminated in rainbow colours after dark.

High-Speed Train Interior Zhangjiajie Arrival 72 Peculiar Buildings Night Illuminations
Where You Stay
Wyndham Ruijingmanshan twin room Wyndham Ruijingmanshan deluxe room Wyndham Ruijingmanshan restaurant Wyndham Ruijingmanshan exterior

Wyndham Ruijingmanshan Zhangjiajie or similar · 5-star

06
Day

Avatar Pillars & Sky-High Elevator

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Morning

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park & Yuanjiajie

Enter the UNESCO-listed Zhangjiajie National Forest Park — the inspiration for Pandora in James Cameron's Avatar. Ride the cableway up to Yuanjiajie, where thousands of quartz-sandstone pillars rise from the mist.

Afternoon

Tianzi Mountain & Bailong Elevator

Continue to Tianzi Mountain's summit for commanding views across an ocean of peaks. Descend via the Bailong Elevator — the world's tallest outdoor lift at 326 metres — plunging down a cliff face with breathtaking views.

Evening

Foot Massage & Rest

After a full day of mountain exploration, unwind with a 60-minute traditional Chinese foot massage. Let skilled therapists ease tired muscles while you reflect on the day's extraordinary scenery.

Avatar Hallelujah Mountain Yuanjiajie Scenic Area Tianzi Mountain Bailong Elevator
Where You Stay
Wyndham Ruijingmanshan twin room Wyndham Ruijingmanshan deluxe room Wyndham Ruijingmanshan restaurant Wyndham Ruijingmanshan exterior

Wyndham Ruijingmanshan Zhangjiajie or similar · 5-star

07
Day

Glass Bridge, Golden Stream & Live Show

Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
Morning

Grand Canyon & Glass Bridge

Visit the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and cross the world-famous Glass Bridge — a 430-metre transparent walkway suspended 300 metres above the canyon floor. Choose 5 of 7 adrenaline activities included with your ticket.

Afternoon

Huangshi Village & Golden Whip Stream

Ascend to Huangshi Village, one of the park's highest plateaus, for sweeping 360-degree views of the pillar forest. Then descend along Golden Whip Stream — a 7.5-kilometre trail of emerald pools, monkeys, and mossy stone.

Evening

«Charming Western Hunan» Live Show

Tonight, experience the spectacular open-air production 'Charming Western Hunan' — a large-scale live performance combining dance, acrobatics, fire, and water effects against a backdrop of Tujia and Miao culture.

Grand Canyon Glass Bridge Huangshi Village Golden Whip Stream Charming Western Hunan Show
Where You Stay
Wyndham Ruijingmanshan twin room Wyndham Ruijingmanshan deluxe room Wyndham Ruijingmanshan restaurant Wyndham Ruijingmanshan exterior

Wyndham Ruijingmanshan Zhangjiajie or similar · 5-star

08
Day

Heaven's Gate & Waterfall Town

Zhangjiajie → Furong Town
Morning

Baofeng Lake Cruise

Glide across the mirror-still waters of Baofeng Lake, nestled in a bowl of sheer sandstone cliffs draped in subtropical foliage. Local boatmen sing traditional Tujia folk songs that echo off the canyon walls.

Afternoon

Tianmen Mountain & 999 Steps

Ascend Tianmen Mountain via one of the world's longest cable cars (7,455 metres). At the summit, walk the glass-bottomed skywalk clinging to the cliff edge, then descend the legendary 999 Steps to Heaven's Gate.

Evening

Furong Town by Night

Drive to the ancient riverside town of Furong (Hibiscus Town), famous for its dramatic waterfall cascading directly through the centre of the settlement. Arrive after dark to see the falls illuminated in colour.

Baofeng Lake 999 Steps to Heaven Tianmen Glass Skywalk Furong Town Waterfall at Night
Where You Stay
Wingate by Wyndham Furong Town room Wingate by Wyndham Furong Town twin room Wingate by Wyndham Furong Town breakfast Wingate by Wyndham Furong Town exterior

Wingate by Wyndham Furong Town or similar · 5-star

09
Day

Ancient Lanes & Homeward Rail

Furong Town → Chongqing
Morning

Furong Town Free Exploration

Wake to the sound of rushing water and explore Furong Town in the soft morning light. Wander cobblestone lanes, browse artisan shops selling Tujia embroidery and rice-wine, and photograph the waterfall from every angle.

Afternoon

High-Speed Rail to Chongqing

Board the high-speed train back to Chongqing, watching the dramatic Hunan-Chongqing border mountains roll past your window. Arrive refreshed and transfer to your familiar hotel in the Jiefangbei district.

Evening

Free Evening in Chongqing

Enjoy a final free evening in Chongqing. Revisit a favourite hotpot spot, take sunset photos from Nanshan viewpoint, or simply relax at the hotel before tomorrow's departure.

Furong Town Morning Furong Waterfall Daytime High-Speed Train Chongqing Skyline
Where You Stay
IntercityHotel Chongqing twin room IntercityHotel Chongqing king room IntercityHotel Chongqing restaurant IntercityHotel Chongqing exterior

IntercityHotel Chongqing Jiefangbei or similar · 5-star

10
Day

Farewell & Departure

Hotel → Chongqing Jiangbei Airport
Morning

Airport Transfer

Your driver collects you from the hotel lobby and delivers you to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport in good time for your onward flight. Your guide bids you farewell — until next time, China awaits your return.

What's Included

Inclusions & Exclusions

  • 9 nights in 5-star hotels with buffet breakfast
  • Dedicated English-speaking tour guide throughout
  • Private vehicle with professional driver for touring days and airport/station transfers (5-seat car for 2 pax, 7-seat MPV for 3–4 pax, minibus for 5–10 pax)
  • High-speed rail: Chongqing → Zhangjiajie (D5) and Zhangjiajie → Chongqing (D9)
  • All airport and train station transfers
  • Yangtze River Cableway one-way ride
  • Two Rivers Night Cruise
  • Hongya Cave & Cloud-Top Eye observation deck
  • Intangible cultural heritage hands-on workshop
  • Eighteen Steps old quarter guided walk
  • Kuixing Tower admission
  • Wulong Tiansheng Three Natural Bridges (UNESCO)
  • Wulong Fairy Mountain scenic area
  • Eling Er Chang art district, People’s Great Hall, Xiahao Lane & Guanyinqiao walks
  • 1949 Chongqing Grand Theatre immersive show
  • Huali Banquet dinner (complimentary)
  • 72 Peculiar Buildings night tour
  • Zhangjiajie National Forest Park full-day pass (three cableways + one elevator)
  • Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon + Glass Bridge (7-choose-5 thrill activities)
  • Huangshi Village & Golden Whip Stream
  • «Charming Western Hunan» large-scale live show
  • Baofeng Lake boat cruise
  • Tianmen Mountain full pass (999 Steps + glass skywalk + cable car)
  • Furong Town ancient quarter admission
  • 60-minute foot massage spa session
  • Comprehensive travel insurance
  • International flights to/from China
  • China visa fees and processing
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses (laundry, minibar, phone calls)
  • Gratuities for guide and driver
  • Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Tour Price

Transparent Pricing

Four package options per group size. All prices in USD per person — 5-star hotels with buffet breakfast, dedicated English-speaking guide, all entrance tickets and shows, high-speed rail and private transfers included.

Travelers
Private · 5★
Private · 4★
Didi · 5★
Didi · 4★
2 travelers
$2,136
$1,971
$1,785
$1,571
4 travelers
$1,594
$1,429
—
—
6 travelers
$1,484
$1,319
—
—
8 travelers
$1,429
$1,264
—
—
10 travelers
$1,325
$1,161
—
—

Private = chartered vehicle with driver throughout (5-seat car for 2 pax, 7-seat MPV for 3–4, minibus for 5+) · Didi = guide arranges ride-hailing cars, available for 2 pax only · ★ = hotel class · Twin sharing · Solo travelers & larger groups — request a tailored quote

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