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Soaring skyscrapers, stone-pillar forests and traditional water towns come together in this 12-day tour of central-southern China. After flying to Shanghai, travel to Wuzhen, one of China’s most beautifully preserved water towns to admire its waterways, bridges, and carved temples. From here, visit Hangzhou’s celebrated West Lake and marvel at the sandstone pinnacles, mountains, and valleys of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area of Zhangjiajie. Then, step back in time at Phoenix Ancient Town—also known as Fenghuang—famous for its “hanging” wooden riverside houses, before a final burst of Shanghai’s futuristic skyline, gardens, and temples.
Itinerary at a glance
Today, catch your international flight in the US and fly to Shanghai in China.
Arrive in Shanghai and after meeting your tour representative at the city’s international airport, enjoy a transfer to your hotel in this exciting metropolis. After checking in, enjoy the remainder of the day to yourself, perhaps opting to relax at your deluxe hotel or get your first taste of China’s most cosmopolitan city by diving into its vibrant culinary and shopping scenes.
After breakfast, bid a temporary farewell to Shanghai as you journey southwest to the nearby ancient water town of Wuzhen. With origins stretching back 6,000 years, this photogenic town is criss-crossed with waterways flanked by traditional houses, roofed waterfronts, and arched stone bridges—giving it the nickname of the “Venice of the East.” On arrival, take a walking tour of Wuzhen’s Xizha Scenic Area*—one of four areas marked out by its canals—to explore the ancient passageways. Admire the historical houses—some perched on pillars above the water—and see highlights such as temples and the famous “Bridge Within a Bridge”—two connecting bridges that can be seen through each other’s arches. Tonight, admire Wuzhen’s red-lantern-lit lanes and enjoy a dinner of tasty local cuisine.
Included: Breakfast, Special Dinner
Check out of your hotel and enjoy a journey by coach to Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province and a popular tourist spot for its West Lake—an iconic lake celebrated by China’s poets and artists down the centuries. Begin your time in this garden city with a scenic cruise on the West Lake*, followed by visits to two of the ten most beautiful sites around the West Lake, “Fish Viewing at the Flower Pond” and “Winery Yard and Lotus Pool”. Absorb the timeless calm and Hangzhou’s forested hills as you glide by shores dotted with willows, pagodas and bridges. Then, head to a local restaurant for a dinner showcasing Hangzhou’s speciality local dishes. Later this evening, attend the “Impression West Lake - Enduring Memories of Hangzhou”* show: a spectacle of light, music, dance, and theater performed on the West Lake’s surface. Be swept up by this magical outdoor display, which charts the lake’s folkloric legends and origins.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and show
Leave Hangzhou and take a short flight to Zhangjiajie, located in Hunan province in south-central China, and famous as the home of the stunning, UNESCO-listed Wulingyuan Scenic Area: a region of towering sandstone pinnacles, waterfalls, canyons, and lakes.* If no direct flight to Zhangjiajie is available today, travel to Shanghai by coach, drinking in views of China’s towns, villages, and farms en route. On arrival, enjoy a dinner of culinary specialties favored by the local Tujia peoples, an ancient community with its own language, food, customs and festivals. Enjoy the special local mushroom dishes.
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner at hotel
More incredible scenery awaits today with a second day in the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Admire the streams, waterfalls, and luxuriant forests of the Golden Whip Stream*, and walk across the spectacular Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, the world’s longest and highest glass-walkway bridge, for dizzying views. Other highpoints include a lunch of Tujia Specialty cuisine and the journey by little train in the Ten-Mile Gallery*—a scenic valley filled with bizarrely shaped natural rock formations. This evening, relax over dinner at your hotel and watch the “Zhangjiajie Tianmen Fox Fairy Show”*, a musical drama based on a centuries-old Chinese fairytale.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and show
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 below. After lunch at the restaurant, continue by coach to Phoenix Ancient Town, also known as Fenghuang—a beautiful old water town on the Tuo Jiang River, framed by wooded mountains. After an approximate 4-hour journey, arrive and check in at your hotel before relaxing over dinner tonight.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner at hotel
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Start today with a sightseeing tour of Phoenix, which provides a fascinating window into what life was probably like in rural China centuries ago. Have your camera ready on a ferry cruise along the Tuo Jiang: sailing by the town’s high-gabled wooden waterfront houses, known as Diaojiaolou, which appear as if they’re hanging above the river—as well as bridges, pagodas, and scenes of women washing clothes and fishing boats casting their nets in the water. Learn about Phoenix’s long history and predominant Miao ethnic community, and head inside one or some of the Diaojiaolou houses to view their unique design. Finish the day over some delicious Miao cuisine at dinner this evening.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Special Dinner
★★★★★ Wyndham Grand Plaza Royale Hot Springs Fenghuang or similar
Check out of your Phoenix hotel and board the high speed train to Zhangjiajie. Visit Tu Minority Culture Park before taking the flight to Shanghai. On arrival at the airport, catch your short flight to Shanghai,China’s second-largest city. Enjoy a transfer to your hotel and have a good night sleep.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, enjoy a city sightseeing tour of Shanghai’s landmarks. Head to the famous Bund waterfront to admire its stately colonial-era buildings—many of them in Art Déco style—and its views over the skyscraper-packed Pudong district on the opposite banks of the Huangpu River. Stroll around the exquisite Yu Garden*—a classical garden dating to the time of the Ming dynasty—and visit the City God Temple Bazaar, where streets filled with stalls, shops, and restaurants surround an ornate 600-year-old Taoist temple in the heart of old Shanghai. Following lunch at a local restaurant, this afternoon is free for you to relax and enjoy any last explorations of the city.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Following breakfast, enjoy a convenient transfer to the airport for your return flight to the US.
Included: Breakfast
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The award-winning Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai is a landmark located in a retail, dining and entertainment complex on the famous West Nanjing Road. Situated in the heart of the commercial, shopping and entertainment district of the city, our luxury hotel features unparalleled service, exquisite dining experiences and spacious accommodations. Business center and extensive health club with swimming pool and 24-hour gym are also featured at our downtown Shanghai hotel. The Club Level features relaxed lounging, internet connection and sumptuous delicacies served throughout the day.
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Revered as the most beautiful town in China, Fenghuang is ideal for a relaxing getaway, inspiring business gathering, or magical celebration. Enjoy exceptional amenities like 68 different types of hot springs and gourmet dining as well as unmatched service from our multilingual staff at Wyndham Grand Plaza Royale Hot Springs Fenghuang—nestled in lush Nanhua Mountain National Forest Park and close to the peaceful Tuojiang River. Although you’ll feel sublimely secluded in this idyllic forest oxygen bar, you’ll be only 40 kilometers from Tongren Fenghuang Airport (TEN) and minutes from Fenghuang Ancient Town—one of the most famous old towns in China.
