9-Day Tour Through Wudang,Chengdu,Dujiangyan&Zhangjiajie

Exploring China’s Cultural and Natural Treasures in 9 Days

If you’re considering a comprehensive journey through some of China’s most iconic sights, this 9-day tour covering Wudang, Chengdu, Dujiangyan, and Zhangjiajie might just be worth your attention. From sacred mountains and ancient temples to adorable pandas and jaw-dropping mountain peaks, it offers a deep dive into China’s diverse landscapes and cultural highlights.

What we love about this experience? First, the chance to explore Wudang Mountain’s Taoist heritage and stunning scenery with cable car rides to the Golden Summit. Second, the opportunity to see the legendary Leshan Giant Buddha from the water, combined with visits to Mount Emei and the adorable panda sanctuary—great for animal lovers and culture buffs alike.

However, it’s worth noting that the itinerary is quite packed, which can be tiring, especially with early mornings and long travel segments. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, this might feel a bit rushed, but for those eager to see a lot in a short time, it hits many key spots.

This tour suits travelers who love a mix of culture, nature, and iconic sights, and who don’t mind a busy schedule. It’s especially appealing for those who want a guided experience that takes care of logistics while offering authentic highlights of China’s southwest.

Key Points

• Diverse Destinations: Combines cultural sites, natural wonders, and iconic landmarks.
• Well-Organized: All logistics like flights, trains, and transfers are handled, making the trip smoother.
• Varied Activities: Includes cable cars, boat cruises, temple visits, pandas, and mountain hikes.
• Value for Price: At $1,539, it includes many major attractions, meals, and accommodations—good value for a 9-day guided tour.
• Mixed Pace: Expect early mornings and full days, so pack efficiently and prepare for busy days.
• Authentic Experiences: Offers cultural activities like Tai Chi at Wudang and visits to important temples, plus stunning views.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering the Wonders of Wudang and Mount Emei

The journey begins in Wudang Mountain, a revered Taoist site. Your first day gets you settled at the Wudang Mountain Narada Resort Hotel, a comfortable base for exploring. On the second day, you’ll ascend via cable car to the Golden Summit, where the views are breathtaking—think sweeping mountain scenery and ancient temples perched high above. Visiting Taizipo and either the Purple Cloud Palace or Nanyan Palace offers insight into Taoist architecture and spiritual traditions.

What makes Wudang special isn’t just the scenic beauty, but also the spiritual atmosphere. The cable car ride to the Golden Summit is a highlight for many travelers, providing panoramic vistas along the way. The temples and palaces, like Taizipo, are steeped in history and spiritual significance.

The third day offers a mix of culture and a quick flight to Chengdu. Visiting Yuzhen Palace with a Tai Chi session is a peaceful way to start your day—this is a unique opportunity to see traditional Chinese martial arts in action. The Yuxu Palace and a scenic Taiji Lake Cruise contribute to a sense of tranquility before moving on to the next leg of the trip.

Chengdu: Pandas and More

Chengdu, often called the panda capital of the world, doesn’t disappoint. Visiting the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a highlight that many travelers cherish. It’s not just about seeing pandas—it’s about witnessing these gentle creatures in well-maintained habitats, which adds a layer of appreciation for conservation efforts. The base visit typically lasts around 2 hours, giving ample time to spot pandas and learn about their care.

The city itself is lively, and your stay at hotels like the Grand Mercure Chengdu East or Crowne Plaza Chengdu is comfortable and well-situated. The next days involve traveling to scenic spots like Huanglong Scenic Area, Jiuzhaigou, and Dujiangyan—each offering stunning natural beauty.

The Jiuzhaigou Valley is a standout, with its colorful lakes, waterfalls, and lush forests. The full-day itinerary here includes a scenic eco-bus ride, allowing you to soak in the surreal landscape without strenuous hikes. The area’s reputation for stunning vistas is well deserved, and many travelers mention how memorable the views are.

The Highlights of Dujiangyan and Mount Emei

Midway through, you’ll visit the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, an ancient marvel that still functions today. This UNESCO World Heritage site showcases sophisticated engineering that’s both historic and practical. The Du Fu Thatched Cottage adds a cultural touch, offering a glimpse into Chinese literary history.

In the later part of the trip, you’ll ascend Mount Emei, another UNESCO site. The full-day tour involves a cable car to the Golden Summit, where you can enjoy sweeping mountain vistas and visit ancient temples. The scenery here is often described as majestic and tranquil, a perfect counterbalance to the bustling cities.

From Pandas to Zhangjiajie’s Pinnacles

After exploring Chengdu’s cultural sites, the trip takes a delightful turn towards wildlife and natural landscapes. Visiting the Chengdu Panda Base remains a highlight—many reviews praise how enjoyable and memorable it is to see pandas up close. The chance to observe these gentle creatures in a well-maintained setting makes this stop worthwhile.

Next, you’ll take a high-speed train to Zhangjiajie, a place renowned for its “Avatar” mountain peaks. The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park offers awe-inspiring views of towering sandstone formations, especially at Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain. The Golden Whip Stream is a lovely walking area, providing a relatively gentle hike amidst incredible scenery.

The evening show at Xiangxi adds a cultural touch, featuring traditional performances that give you a taste of local art and storytelling.

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The Crown Jewel: Tianmen Mountain

Your last full day takes you to Tianmen Mountain, famous for its incredible Skywalk and the Bailong Elevator, which is one of the world’s tallest outdoor elevators. The views from Tianmen are among the most breathtaking of the entire trip—think vast mountain ranges, cloud veils, and sheer cliffs. The 45-minute tour here wraps up your journey with a final dose of natural grandeur.

Practical Details and Value

This tour includes a good mix of hotels, guided excursions, transportation, and meals, which makes the overall experience seamless. The cost of $1,539 per person covers most major attractions, comfortable accommodations, and key transport like flights, train tickets, and cable cars. The inclusion of breakfasts and 14 meals provides decent daily sustenance, though you’ll want to be prepared for some busy days with early starts and packed schedules.

The guide’s role is crucial here, helping you navigate logistics and offering insights into the sites. The only additional costs are tip-based, with a suggested $15/day for guides and drivers.

Who This Tour Is Best For

If you’re someone who loves to see many highlights on a trip, this tour offers tremendous value for the price. It’s especially well-suited for travelers interested in culture, natural landscapes, and wildlife, and who don’t mind a busy schedule filled with activities. The structured itinerary allows you to experience China’s southwest efficiently, leaving you with lasting memories of mountains, temples, pandas, and iconic peaks.

It’s also a good fit if you prefer guided travel, as the logistics are taken care of, and you get to focus on enjoying the sights and learning about each location.

Final Thoughts

This 9-day China tour is a compelling option for travelers eager to experience a variety of sights—from spiritual mountains and ancient temples to adorable pandas and dramatic mountain peaks. The included transportation, accommodations, and guided tours make it a practical choice for those wanting a well-organized trip without the hassle of planning every detail.

While it’s a busy itinerary, the stunning views and cultural insights make it worthwhile. If you’re looking to maximize your trip in a relatively short time and want a balanced mix of nature, history, and wildlife, this tour could be a fantastic fit.

Travelers who thrive on exploring big sights and don’t mind a full schedule will likely leave feeling satisfied and inspired by the diversity of China’s southwest region.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel accommodations for 8 nights, breakfasts, 14 meals, transportation (vehicles, flights, trains), and guided excursions to key attractions like Wudang Mountain, Leshan Buddha, Mount Emei, Jiuzhaigou, Panda Base, and Zhangjiajie.

Is the tour suitable for someone interested in culture?
Absolutely. You’ll visit Taoist temples, ancient palaces, and cultural sites, plus participate in Tai Chi sessions and see traditional performances.

How are the transportation arrangements?
Comfortable, professionally maintained vehicles are used throughout, with internal flights and train tickets included. Transfers are organized between sites, making logistics easier.

Can I expect free time during the trip?
The itinerary is quite full, with packed days full of activities, so expect limited free time. Most days involve early starts and full schedules.

What about accommodations?
You’ll stay in hotels like Wudang Mountain Narada Resort Hotel, Grand Mercure Chengdu East, Hilton Jiuzhaigou Resort, and Zhangjiajie Pullman Hotel—generally comfortable and well-located.

Are meals provided?
Yes, breakfast daily and 14 meals as specified in the itinerary. Some dinners are included, but you’ll need to budget for additional snacks or meals if desired.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While not explicitly marketed as family-focused, the activities are suitable for most travelers comfortable with a full schedule. Children under 18 need to be with an adult.

Are there any physical activity considerations?
Most sites involve walking, cable cars, and some stairs. Good footwear and a reasonable fitness level will help you enjoy the trip fully.

What is the best time to go?
The itinerary may change from October 1 to October 31, suggesting autumn is a popular time, but check specific dates for weather considerations.

How do I book and pay?
You can reserve your spot now with a flexible “reserve & pay later” option. Full payment is due later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start.

If this trip sounds like a fit for your travel style, it offers an exciting and well-rounded chance to see China’s southwest in just over a week. Happy planning!

You can check availability for your dates here: