China Explorer: Shanghai, Zhangjiajie & Changsha (Visa Free)

Board an international flight bound for Shanghai, eager to begin our China vacation. Spend the night aboard as our flight crosses the International Date Line.

We arrive in Shanghai, China’s largest city. Located where the Yangtze River empties into the East China Sea, and sometimes referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, this exciting city mixes 21st-century skyscrapers with elegant 1930s architecture, old world tea houses and traditional pagodas and pavilions. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy the evening free at leisure. Enhance your stay with our optional luxurious upgrade to the Executive Room at the Swissotel Grand Shanghai or Similar, where unparalleled service and elegant accommodations await you in the heart of the city.

*Airport transfers are not included for land-only travelers.

Spend the morning discovering Shanghai’s unique mix of tradition and modernity. Stroll along The Bund, known for its colonial architecture and stunning views of the city’s futuristic skyline. Explore Nanjing Road, one of the world’s busiest shopping streets, lined with luxury boutiques, malls, and local shops. Continue to the City God Temple Area, a vibrant neighborhood filled with traditional architecture, bustling markets, and authentic street food. Visit Xintiandi, a trendy pedestrian zone blending historic Shikumen buildings with modern cafés, shops, and restaurants. In the evening, enjoy free time or enhance your experience with the optional tour featuring the Oriental Pearl Tower for panoramic city views, followed by a Huangpu River Cruise to see the skyline sparkle at night. End the evening with a delicious Shanghai-style dinner, a perfect finale to your day.

Spend the day at leisure or join an optional excursion to the charming water town of Suzhou, often referred to as the “Venice of the Orient.” Located in the heart of the Yangtze Delta in southern Jiangsu Province, Suzhou is famed for its picturesque canals, classical gardens, and ancient charm. Beautiful stone bridges, graceful pagodas, and traditional architecture line the waterways that cover nearly 42% of the city. Visit the elegant Master of the Nets Garden, one of Suzhou’s finest classical gardens. Enjoy a peaceful canal boat ride through the city’s waterways, and explore the charming ancient water town streets lined with traditional shops and architecture. Enjoy lunch featuring local cuisine along the way. A day filled with the perfect blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and authentic local flavor.

Bid a fond farewell to Shanghai and board a short flight to Zhangjiajie, world-renowned for its surreal, mist-shrouded sandstone pillars. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel conveniently situated near the scenic mountain realm. Check in, unwind in luxurious comfort, and enjoy a restful evening as you prepare for the breathtaking natural wonders awaiting you tomorrow. Enhance your time in the city by opting for an executive room upgrade at the Pullman Zhangjiajie or similar, with club floor access and benefits.

Begin your day amidst the serene beauty of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, passing the clear waters of Golden Whip Stream before boarding the charming Ten-Mile Gallery Scenic Train to glide through a six-kilometer canyon of dramatic rock formations. The adventure elevates as you ride the world-famous Bailong Elevator, a giant glass lift clinging to a sheer cliff, ascending high into the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area. Here, marvel at the lush Back Garden, cross the natural rock arch of the First Bridge Under Heaven, and stand transfixed at Mihun Stage before the breathtaking Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, with grand views of the Yangjiajie Peak Wall stretching in the distance.

Continuing to Tianzi Mountain, take in the sweeping vistas of the delicate Imperial Writing Brush Peaks and the vast, jagged spires of the Xihai Stone Forest. After soaking in the summit views, finish your journey with a smooth, panoramic ride down on the Tianzi Mountain Cable Car, floating past towering spires as you return to the valley floor and retreat to your hotel nestling quietly in the mountains.

More incredible scenery awaits today as you venture deeper into the region to admire cascading streams, lush waterfalls, and picturesque landscapes. The ultimate highlight of your day is walking across the spectacular Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, the world’s longest and highest glass-walkway bridge, which offers dizzying, panoramic views straight down to the valley floor. Afterwards, savor a delicious lunch featuring authentic local Tujia Specialty Cuisine while taking in the surrounding natural beauty, then transfer into town to check in and relax at your hotel in Zhangjiajie City. This evening, choose to elevate your night with an optional performance of the famous Tianmen Fox Fairy Show. Set against the real illuminated cliffs of Tianmen Mountain, this grand outdoor musical brings a classic Chinese folk tale to life with spectacular lights, traditional music, and a massive live cast, complete with round-trip transfers and VIP seating.

Following breakfast, enjoy a morning tour of the Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park, a separate national forest also near Zhangjiajie. Marvel at the dramatic mountain scenery and ride cable cars to various locations, including Tianmen Cave —a rock arch high in the mountains—and the Glass Plank Road— a glass walkway pinned to a mountainside that commands thrilling views of the valley. Board the high-speed train to Changsha, the dynamic capital of Hunan Province. Elevate your time in the city by opting for an executive room upgrade at the Wyndham Grand Plaza Royale Furongguo Changsha or similar, with club floor access and benefits.

Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant energy of Changsha with a captivating city tour. Discover the world-renowned Hunan Museum, home to the extraordinary Mawangdui Han Tomb Exhibition Hall. Here, remarkably preserved artifacts, from delicate silk garments and exquisite lacquerware to the famous 2,000-year-old mummy of Lady Dai, offer an incredible window into ancient Han Dynasty nobility. Afterward, transition to Changsha's modern pulse at the bustling Huangxing Road Pedestrian Street and nearby Changsha IFS. Stroll through the lively thoroughfares, soak in the commercial charm, and sample famous local street food. Afterward, choose to stay at Huangxing Road to continue exploring and return to the hotel on your own, or transfer directly back to the hotel to rest and unwind.

*Visits to the Hunan Museum are subject to ticket availability and reservation confirmation. In the event tickets are unavailable, an alternative visit to the Changsha Bamboo Slips Museum will be provided.

Today, transfer to Changsha airport for your short flight to Hong Kong. Our voyage through China ends as we board our international flight back to the US.

*Airport transfers are not included for land-only travelers.
*For travelers extending their stay in Shanghai and/or Changsha beyond the 240-hour visa exemption, the Changsha - Hong Kong flight will not apply, and your itinerary will be adjusted accordingly.