Olivia Garcia
April 5, 2026
Customized China Tours Tailored Just for You
Curated by National Geographic Journeys, this 10-day cross-China adventure brings you to six of the country’s most unforgettable destinations: giant panda home Chengdu, the jagged karst mountain peaks of Zhangjiajie, historic cultural hub Xi’an, the dramatic highlands of Tibet, bustling Hong Kong, and dynamic Shanghai. This expertly selected itinerary delivers unbeatable value at a great price, with secure, trusted payment processes to guarantee a seamless, memorable exploration of China’s top natural and cultural highlights.
This curated 10-day journey weaves together China's most incredible diverse landscapes and iconic destinations, starting in the bustling global metropolis of Shanghai before moving into the dramatic, otherworldly mountain country of Zhangjiajie. From there you'll travel to laid-back Chengdu, the home of giant pandas, then head south to the postcard-perfect riverside scenery of Yangshuo, before wrapping up your adventure in the vibrant, energetic city of Hong Kong. The route balances adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion to showcase the very best of China's natural beauty and rich heritage.
Your China adventure kicks off today in iconic Shanghai! You'll meet your expert expedition leader and fellow group members for a warm welcome moment, then head out to explore the legendary Bund. Stroll the waterfront to see historic colonial architecture framing postcard views of Pudong's futuristic skyline, before heading to your accommodation for the night. 🏨 Central Hotel Shanghai
Today you'll travel from Shanghai to Zhangjiajie, the heart of China's famous karst mountain region. After arriving, take a leisurely orientation walk to get familiar with the area and prepare for your upcoming mountain adventures. 🍽️ Breakfast and dinner are included today, and you'll settle in for the night at Qinghe Jinjiang International Hotel. 🏨
Get ready for a full day of exploring the otherworldly Wulingyuan National Forest Park, the jagged misty landscape that inspired Avatar's iconic floating mountains. You'll ride the famous Bailong Elevator, a glass cliffside lift that climbs thousands of feet for jaw-dropping panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. 🍽️ Breakfast is included, and you'll spend another night at Qinghe Jinjiang International Hotel. 🏨
Your mountain adventure continues today with a trip to Tianmen Shan Mountain National Park. Glide up to the summit on a scenic cable car with sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, then test your nerve walking across the famous glass bridge, which hangs thousands of feet above the valley floor. 🍽️ Breakfast is included today, and you'll stay overnight at Sunshine Hotel Zhangjiajie. 🏨
After morning breakfast, you'll travel from Zhangjiajie to Chengdu, the laid-back capital of China's Sichuan province. Once you arrive, take a relaxing stroll through the iconic People's Park, where you can watch locals play mahjong and drink traditional tea, before sitting down to a legendary family-style Sichuan hot pot dinner. 🍽️ Breakfast and hot pot dinner are included, and you'll stay overnight at Tibet Hotel Chengdu. 🏨
Today is the much-anticipated visit to the Giant Panda Conservation and Research Centre! Wander through forested, natural enclosures to watch giant pandas munch on bamboo, play, and nap, while learning about the important conservation work happening to protect this beloved endangered species. 🍽️ Breakfast is included, and you'll spend another night at Tibet Hotel Chengdu. 🏨
Today you'll leave Chengdu and travel to Yangshuo, a charming riverside town tucked between rolling karst hills in southern China. After arriving, take a gentle orientation walk to get your bearings, explore the local town streets, and soak up the laid-back riverside vibe. 🍽️ Breakfast is included, and you'll check into Yangshuo Green Lotus Hotel for the night. 🏨
Enjoy a full day of idyllic scenery and cultural fun today! Glide along the iconic misty Li River on a traditional bamboo raft, taking in postcard views of steep karst peaks rising straight out of the green water. After your raft ride, you'll enjoy a delicious lunch of traditional local flavors at Jia Community Restaurant, then head to Qixianfeng Tea Plantation for a guided tour followed by a traditional Chinese tea ceremony where you can sample local teas and learn about centuries-old tea culture. 🍽️ Breakfast and lunch are included, and you'll spend another night at Yangshuo Green Lotus Hotel. 🏨
After morning breakfast, you'll travel from Yangshuo to dynamic Hong Kong, a buzzing mix of Chinese tradition and international energy. Settle into your hotel, then head to Victoria Harbour in the evening to watch the world-famous Symphony of Lights, a dazzling synchronized light and sound show that illuminates Hong Kong's iconic skyline. After the show, sit down to a classic yum cha dim sum dinner, featuring fluffy steamed shrimp dumplings, savory congee, and all the beloved local favorites. 🍽️ Breakfast and dim sum dinner are included, and you'll stay overnight at Metropark Hotel Kowloon. 🏨
Your unforgettable 10-day China adventure comes to a close today. 🍽️ Breakfast is included to enjoy before you check out and depart for your next destination, with a camera full of new memories.
Min 2 · Max 20 people per group
Traveler reviews
April 5, 2026
Getting to see giant pandas up close in Chengdu was worth every penny alone.
February 10, 2026
Our consultant Ethan from HelloChinaTrip helped adjust our booking last minute when my international flight got rescheduled, and he was responsive and helpful every step of the way. The 10-day itinerary was perfectly balanced between heart-pounding hikes through Zhangjiajie’s peaks, peaceful time with giant pandas in Chengdu, and fascinating cultural deep dives in Xi’an and Shanghai. Local guides shared so much hidden context I never would have found on my own. This trip exceeded every single expectation I had.
January 20, 2026
This tour checked every single box on my China bucket list. I’ve wanted to visit Zhangjiajie for years after seeing it in films, and seeing the peaks in person was far more stunning than any photo could capture. I’m already recommending this trip to all my friends who love to travel.
September 22, 2025
The Terracotta Army in Xi’an was even more impressive than I imagined, and Zhangjiajie’s peaks feel like stepping into a fantasy painting. The pace of the 10-day tour was just right, with enough free time to explore on your own between organized stops.
July 14, 2025
I traveled with my teenage daughter on this trip, and we both agreed it was the best family vacation we’ve ever taken. Shanghai gave a fantastic, vibrant introduction to modern China before we moved on to natural and ancient highlights. The thrill of hiking around Zhangjiajie’s peaks paired perfectly with the quiet joy of watching pandas laze around in Chengdu’s bamboo forests. National Geographic really outdid themselves curating this unforgettable adventure.
May 2, 2025
We had unexpected heavy rain the day we hiked Zhangjiajie, which obscured most of the peak views and cut our hiking time short. Every other part of the tour, from exploring Xi’an’s Terracotta Army to wandering Shanghai’s Bund, was absolutely incredible.
March 12, 2025
This was the most magical cross-country adventure I’ve ever been on.
January 18, 2025
I’d recommend this tour to anyone who loves both nature and deep Chinese history.
December 28, 2024
The jagged karst peaks of Zhangjiajie took my breath away, and getting to watch giant pandas munch bamboo in Chengdu was a lifelong dream come true. National Geographic’s curated itinerary never felt rushed, and every stop balanced adventure and culture perfectly.
December 5, 2024
National Geographic skipped all the lame tourist traps and took us straight to the best spots each city has to offer. I loved getting to experience both modern bustle in Shanghai and 5000-year-old history in Xi’an all on one fantastic trip.
