Zhangjiajie, Xi'an & Chengdu: 9 Days Tour of Peaks, History & Pandas

Embark on a 9-day journey through China's natural and cultural marvels. Discover Zhangjiajie's surreal sandstone peaks, sky-high glass walkways, and lush forests. Step into Xi'an's ancient legacy with the Terracotta Warriors and lively Tang-style streets. Conclude in Chengdu, home to adorable pandas, vibrant food scenes, and iconic Sichuan opera performances.

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Tour Code: ZT-ZXC-09
Time: 9 Days
Cities: Zhangjiajie - Xi'an - Chengdu
Accommodation: 8 nights (4+ satrs Hotels)

Included with every escorted tour

Professional English speaking guide.
Domestic flights/High-speed Train Fee.

Hotel with breakfast in the itinerary.
Entrance fees of all the attractions as listed.

Day 1: Zhangjiajie

Arrival in Zhangjiajie--Free time

4+ stars Hotels

Breakfast & Lunch

After arriving in Zhangjiajie, you will be welcomed by your local guide at the airport or train station and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax and recover from your journey. Take this opportunity to get acquainted with the city at your own pace.

Zhangjiajie is a small city nestled in the mountainous region of Hunan Province, known for its otherworldly landscapes that inspired the floating Hallelujah Mountains in the movie Avatar. The air here is fresh and the pace of life is calm, making it an ideal start to your adventure.

You may choose to take a leisurely walk around the city or simply enjoy the facilities in your hotel. For those with more energy, optional light walks or a visit to a local market are available, offering a glimpse of the local Tujia ethnic culture and regional cuisine.

Evening Option:
In the evening, you may opt to enjoy a Tujia-style welcome dinner featuring regional Hunan dishes known for their rich flavor and spice. Alternatively, attend a local folk performance showcasing the customs, songs, and dances of the Tujia and Miao minorities, which will offer a colorful introduction to the cultural heritage of Zhangjiajie.

Day 2: Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park--Bailong Elevator--Yuanjiajie--Tianzi Mountain

4+ stars Hotels

Breakfast & Lunch

Today, we embark on a magical journey through Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. In the early morning, step into the park and find yourself immediately surrounded by over 3,000 sandstone peaks, towering majestically in every direction. The crystal-clear waters of the Golden Whip Stream flow gently, while wild macaques dart playfully among the trees. As you stroll along the streamside path, the sound of trickling water and reflections of jagged peaks create a scene like a living ink painting.

Next, take a ride on the world's tallest outdoor sightseeing elevator—the Bailong Elevator. In just 66 seconds, it lifts you 326 meters straight up a cliffside. As you ascend, clouds swirl around the glass cabin and the panorama below gradually opens up.

Upon arrival at Yuanjiajie, your first stop is the iconic "Southern Sky Column," the real-life inspiration for the floating mountains in Avatar. This solitary peak rises proudly into the sky, leaving visitors in awe. Continue to the Mihun Stage, one of the park's best viewing platforms, offering a breathtaking 360-degree view of dagger-like peaks piercing the clouds and a sea of mist drifting between the cliffs.

Later, visit Tianzi Mountain, known for its regal and commanding landscape. From the Helong Park viewing platform, enjoy sweeping views of the Yubi Peaks bathed in golden sunlight. As dusk approaches, the famous "Fairy Offering Flowers" rock takes on an even more graceful silhouette in the fading light. The day concludes amidst the magnificent hues of the mountain sunset.

Evening Option:
You may choose to attend the "Charming Xiangxi" cultural show, featuring ethnic dance, music, and folk legends from the Tujia and Miao minorities. It's a vivid window into the local traditions and a memorable way to end the day.

Day 3: Zhangjiajie-Xi'an

Tianmen Mountain Park--Tianmen Cableway--Glass Skywalk--Flight to Xi'an

4+ stars Hotels

Breakfast & Lunch

Today, you will experience the breathtaking journey through Tianmen Mountain and the architectural wonder of the 72 Strange Buildings. The day begins with a ride on the Tianmen Mountain Cableway, the world's longest high-altitude cable car at 7,455 meters. It carries you from the heart of the city into the heart of a pristine forest, with city streets and mountain landscapes alternating beneath your feet, creating an ever-changing scenic marvel.

Upon arrival, you will face the "Stairway to Heaven"—a flight of 999 steps leading up to Tianmen Cave, a massive natural arch carved through the mountain. Gazing upward, the sky portal feels like a gateway to another world, shrouded in mist and legend.

After passing through the cave, you will walk along the thrilling Glass Skywalk, a transparent walkway clinging to the cliffs at an elevation of 1,430 meters. Below you lies a dizzying vertical drop, often veiled by swirling clouds and mist, creating the surreal sensation of walking among the heavens.
(For those who prefer less walking, an alternate route using the Tianmen escalator is available. This reverse route allows you to visit the same highlights while conserving energy.)

After completing your exploration of Tianmen Mountain, you will be transferred to the airport to catch your evening flight to Xi'an. (There are typically two daily flights from Zhangjiajie to Xi'an, departing at 17:20 and 23:25.) Upon arrival in Xi'an, your local driver will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Day 4: Xi'an

Terracotta Warriors and Horses--Big Wild Goose Pagoda--Daci’en Temple--Great Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City

4+ stars Hotels

Breakfast & Lunch

Today, you will be immersed in the essence of Chinese civilization and the splendor of the Tang Dynasty. Prepare to uncover the fascinating stories behind some of Xi'an's most iconic landmarks.

At the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, legend says that Emperor Qin Shi Huang, obsessed with immortality, ordered craftsmen to create a life-sized army of clay soldiers to carry his imperial power into the afterlife. It's said that artisans were required to carve their names onto each figure—any mistake in workmanship could result in a death sentence, giving these warriors a mysterious duty to guard the emperor’s soul for eternity.

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda was built under the guidance of the monk Xuanzang, who returned from his pilgrimage to India with sacred scriptures and Buddhist relics. According to legend, he dreamed of the Buddha descending on a wild goose, which inspired the pagoda's name. Today, it stands as a monument to the cultural exchange between ancient China and India.

Da ci'en Temple was commissioned by Prince Li Zhi of the Tang Dynasty in memory of his mother, Empress Wende. It later became the site where Xuanzang dedicated himself to translating countless Buddhist scriptures from Sanskrit into Chinese, greatly contributing to the spread of Buddhism throughout East Asia.

In the evening, walk through the Great Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, where the architecture and lights recreate the grandeur of ancient Chang'an. Once a cosmopolitan metropolis teeming with merchants and envoys from across the world, its former prosperity is echoed in today's vibrant night scene, where tradition and modernity blend in dazzling harmony.

Recommended Activities:
You may choose to enjoy a cultural performance themed on the Tang Dynasty, combining live music, classical dance, and dazzling stage effects. It’s a rich visual and cultural experience that brings the golden age of Xi’an back to life.

Day 5: Xi'an

Xi'an City Wall--Bell Tower--Drum Tower--Muslim Quarter

4+ stars Hotels

Breakfast & Lunch

Today, you will spend the entire day exploring the historical architecture and cultural richness of ancient Xi'an.

Our journey begins at the Xi'an City Wall, originally built during the Ming Dynasty in the third year of Emperor Hongwu's reign (1370) and completed in 1378. Constructed upon the foundations of the imperial cities of the Sui and Tang dynasties, it once served as the city wall of the prefectural capital. Today, it stands as one of the largest and best-preserved ancient city walls in China, stretching 13.7 kilometers in circumference, 12 meters high, with a width of 12–14 meters at the top and 15–18 meters at the base. It offers invaluable insight into ancient military defense and urban planning. You will ascend the wall and enjoy contrasting views of old and modern Xi'an. If you wish, you can also rent a single or tandem bike to enjoy a relaxing ride along the top of the wall.

Next, we will visit either the Bell Tower or Drum Tower, depending on crowd levels. The Bell Tower, originally located at Guangji Street, was relocated in the Ming Dynasty when the city center shifted eastward. According to legend, a dragon caused disturbances underground during its construction, so the massive Jingyun Bell, known as the finest bell in China, was hung here to calm the dragon’s spirit—hence the name Bell Tower.

The Drum Tower, facing the Bell Tower from the west, echoes its presence. The ancient rhythm of ''morning bell and evening drum'' once shaped the daily life of the city. According to folklore, a sweet spring lies beneath the tower, considered the ''dragon's eye'' of ancient Chang'an, with the Drum Tower standing guard like a noble dragon.

Our final stop is Huimin Street, a vibrant Muslim quarter that dates back to the Silk Road during the Han Dynasty. During the Tang and Song periods, Arab merchants settled here, bringing exotic culture and cuisine that made this area a melting pot of influences. If you are interested, your guide can take you to watch a traditional Chinese shadow puppet play (about $5), or you may simply wander the alleys to taste some iconic Xi'an snacks such as the savory ''Roujiamo'' (about $1.5).

Recommended Activities:
After the day’s tour, feel free to explore Huimin Street at your own pace, try more local street food, or enjoy a cultural performance nearby showcasing traditional Shaanxi opera or folk music.

Day 6: Xi'an-Chengdu

High-Speed Train to Chengdu--Free time

4+ stars Hotels

Breakfast & Lunch

In the morning, we will transfer you to the Xi'an high-speed railway station. Today, you will take a bullet train to Chengdu, a journey of approximately 3.5 hours. Upon arrival in the afternoon, your local driver will be waiting to take you to the hotel for check-in and rest.

During your free time, we recommend visiting Chunxi Road or exploring the charming alleys of Kuanzhai Alley and the vibrant Fuqin Night Market. Feel free to consult your guide or travel advisor for complimentary recommendations tailored to your interests.

Evening Option:
If you are not too tired from the journey, consider visiting the lively Jiuyanqiao Bar Street or take a peaceful evening stroll along the Anshun Bridge area, beautifully lit up at night. You can also enjoy a traditional hotpot dinner, a must-try experience in Chengdu, with a wide variety of flavors ranging from mild to fiery. Your guide can recommend a local favorite.

Day 7: Chengdu

Giant Panda Base--Wuhou Shrine--Jinli Ancient Street--Night cruise on Jinjiang River

4+ stars Hotels

Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, your driver and guide will meet you at the hotel and take you to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Upon entering the park, you can first take the sightseeing shuttle to the Adventure Valley area, where you will visit several panda houses including the "Shan Yue Pavilion" and "Yun Yue Pavilion" to observe giant pandas in different habitats. Here, you will see newborn panda cubs, adorably clumsy young pandas a few months to a few years old, as well as adolescent and fully grown adult pandas—offering a full spectrum of panda life that will delight any visitor. The visit to the panda base typically takes about 3 to 4 hours.

After visiting the panda base, continue your cultural exploration with a visit to Wuhou Shrine, one of the most significant historical museums in southwest China. This shrine is dedicated to Zhuge Liang, the legendary military strategist of the Three Kingdoms period. As you walk through the tranquil courtyards, lush bamboo groves, and ancient stone paths, you will feel the depth of history and the reverence for a loyal and wise chancellor. The museum exhibits, stone tablets, and life-sized statues vividly recreate scenes from the turbulent yet heroic era of the Shu Kingdom.

Next, take a short stroll to the adjacent Jinli Ancient Street, one of the oldest and most famous commercial streets in Chengdu. Originally dating back to the Qin and Han dynasties, Jinli is now a bustling pedestrian street lined with traditional architecture, artisanal shops, and local snacks. Here, you can watch artisans craft sugar paintings or shadow puppets, try authentic Sichuan street food such as spicy rabbit head or sweet glutinous rice balls, and shop for hand-made souvenirs.

As night falls, enjoy a peaceful evening walk along the banks of the Jinjiang River. The Night Tour of Jinjiang offers a unique view of Chengdu under the lights, with traditional buildings, bridges, and trees illuminated in glowing colors. You can opt to take a boat cruise to admire the reflections of the city lights on the water, making for a tranquil and memorable end to the day.

Recommended Activities:
Consider watching a traditional Sichuan opera performance, featuring the famous face-changing (Bian Lian) act. The show typically starts around 8 PM and lasts about an hour. Your guide can help arrange tickets and transportation to a reputable venue such as Shufeng Yayun Teahouse or the Jinjiang Theater.

Day 8: Chengdu

Tianfu Square--People's Park--Gaiwan Tea Experience--Wenshu Monastery--Sichuan Opera Show

4+ stars Hotels

Breakfast & Lunch

Today, we will immerse ourselves in the everyday life of locals in Chengdu. In the morning, we will head to People's Park, which was established in 1911 and originally named "Shaocheng Park." As the oldest park in Sichuan, it is a vivid reflection of Chengdu's laid-back lifestyle. Covering over 112,000 square meters, this park holds the collective memory of the city and attracts visitors with its rich cultural atmosphere and strong local charm. The most famous spot within the park is the century-old Heming Teahouse. With bamboo chairs and rattan tables scattered around and tea masters gracefully wielding long-spouted copper kettles, a simple bowl of gaiwan cha (covered bowl tea) captures the essence of old Chengdu's slow life. Here, you can watch locals casually chatting, playing chess, walking pet birds, or even experience Chengdu's unique ear-cleaning service, a tingling, relaxing tradition.

The full gaiwan tea experience begins with selecting your tea — options include fragrant jasmine, the visually stunning Bitan Piaoxue, and the wild-mountain taste of Qingcheng Xueya, with prices ranging from $5 to $9. Tea masters perform dramatic pouring techniques with names like "Dragon Dives into the Sea" and "Flying Fairy," using long-spouted kettles to brew your tea in a traditional set consisting of a bowl, lid, and saucer. While sipping, you can chat with friends or quietly watch the world pass by. For those curious, the traditional ear-cleaning service is a local specialty not to be missed, performed with expert precision and priced around $5 to $15.

Around the teahouse, you'll find stalls offering classic Chengdu snacks such as Zhong dumplings, Dandan noodles, and egg pancakes. If you enjoy photography, the antique-style teaware and rustic furnishings make for perfect backdrops. You can also visit the park’s famous matchmaking corner to see how local parents publicly post information in hopes of finding a spouse for their children — a fascinating window into Chengdu’s social life.

In the afternoon, we will visit Wenshu Monastery, originally built during the Sui Dynasty and once known as Xinxiang Temple. It is the foremost Zen Buddhist temple along the Yangtze River, combining sacred heritage, classical gardens, ancient architecture, and spiritual practice. The monastery covers 82 acres with over 190 structures and 11,600 square meters of built area. Its gray tiles and red walls, arranged in solemn symmetry, convey a grand and tranquil aura.

Inside the monastery are many precious cultural relics. In the Grand Hall, three solemn Buddha statues preside, while the Sutra Library houses rare treasures such as the Thousand-Buddha Cassock, intricately embroidered with a thousand Buddha images, and a Song Dynasty edition of the Qisha Canon, a gem of Buddhist literature. After the visit, we will enjoy a live performance of Sichuan Opera — a nationally renowned art form that includes spectacular acts like fire-spitting, face-changing, and lamp-balancing, offering a dramatic and unforgettable cultural experience.

Evening Option:
In the evening, immerse yourself in Chengdu's rich cultural heritage by attending a traditional Sichuan Opera performance. These shows are famous for the mesmerizing face-changing (Bian Lian) technique, where performers swap masks in the blink of an eye. Most performances also feature fire-spitting, hand shadow puppetry, and live music played on traditional instruments. A recommended venue is the Shufeng Yayun Teahouse, where you can enjoy the show while sipping on more local tea. Performances usually start around 8:00 PM and last for about an hour.

Day 9: Chengdu

Chengdu Departure

4+ stars Hotels

Breakfast & Lunch

Today marks the end of your unforgettable journey through Zhangjiajie, Xi'an, and Chengdu. After breakfast, your driver will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport or Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, depending on your flight details.

As you leave the city, take a final look at the vibrant streets, towering skyscrapers, and hazy mountains in the distance. Whether it was walking among the towering peaks of Zhangjiajie, standing face to face with Terracotta Warriors, or sipping tea in a Chengdu park, the memories of this trip will stay with you for a lifetime.

We hope your time in China has been full of discovery, wonder, and inspiration. Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you back again someday.

Recommended Activities:
If you have some free time before your flight, consider visiting a local specialty store or airport duty-free shop to pick up some authentic Chengdu souvenirs. Popular items include Sichuan peppercorns, spicy hotpot base, bamboo-woven crafts, and panda-themed gifts. For tea lovers, local jasmine and Zhanggong Tibetan tea make excellent gifts. These treats not only carry the flavor of Sichuan but also make meaningful presents for friends and family back home.

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We tailor each journey to your schedule, interests, and budget. Whether you're a solo traveler, couple, or group, we work closely with you to design a personalized travel experience that fits your style and needs.

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IntoExplore

Excellent

Charnay Tung

March 11,2025

This agency offers good services and always help me with any errors during booking. Thanks for taking good care of my team during our trip at Shanghai.

Lucía Fernández

Nov. 20,2024

Special thanks to my guide, Sofia. It's really hard for me to find a Spanish tour guide. She is professional and I have a good understanding about the China culture under her guide. During the Xi'an trip, I was shocked by the strong atmosphere of culture. I hope I can go next time, really love it.

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Tripadvisor

Excellent

John J

Mar 2025 Family

An amazing experience with Into Explore, their services are absolutely brilliant

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Into Explore for providing the Johnston Family with an amazing experience in China, it really was a brilliant service with a very personal touch by Vicky/Tiana and their team of guides and drivers.
Our whole journey through China exceeded our expectations due to the fact that Into Explore made everything so easy and if issues arose, they were rectified in an extremely timely manner.
Their services is highly recommended and they are very flexible with their clients trip design. Design your vacation and they will work with you to ensure your personal needs are fully taken care off and supported by their office staff at all times.
Once again, our experience with Into Explore was a brilliant one and a very special thanks to Vicky.

Swandi T

Mar 2025 Family

Amaging Exploring Shenzen

Shenzen is wonderful city since arrive all imigration was very helpful and smiling,entering city has lot of park with so many tree. I got good travel agent who serve me well (IntoExplore),I like to explore food, city view hang out in seaworld area. People are welcome and helpful.

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Excellent

Robert Gex

Apr 15,2025

Independent travel by train in China…

Independent travel by train in China can be daunting ordeal. We decided to use Intoexplore for booking the trip and are very happy we did. It almost felt like Norman was a family member guiding us through how to use Alipay for payments in China to where to find the ticket office in the train station to convert digital tickets to paper. He was always available (sometimes at 6 am!) to answer any question and solve any problems that arose .. I would strongly recommend him to anyone who is thinking about independent travel to China .

Seaid

February 06,2025

Excellent experience in Great Wall

as a first-time traveler in beijing, I`m so many thanks to Norman for arranging a well-planned trip to great wall and also the kind driver and guide. My first experience to China was perfect. thanks a lot!!!

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Zhangjiajie, Xi'an & Chengdu: 9 Days Tour of Peaks, History & Pandas

Book this Tour

Included with every escorted tour

Day 1: Zhangjiajie

Day 2: Zhangjiajie

Day 3: Zhangjiajie-Xi'an

Day 4: Xi'an

Day 5: Xi'an

Day 6: Xi'an-Chengdu

Day 7: Chengdu

Day 8: Chengdu

Day 9: Chengdu

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Zhangjiajie, Xi'an & Chengdu: 9 Days Tour of Peaks, History & Pandas

Book this Tour

Included with every escorted tour

Day 1: Zhangjiajie

Day 2: Zhangjiajie

Day 3: Zhangjiajie-Xi'an

Day 4: Xi'an

Day 5: Xi'an

Day 6: Xi'an-Chengdu

Day 7: Chengdu

Day 8: Chengdu

Day 9: Chengdu

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Why Choose Intoexplore

China Travel Customer Reviews & Experiences

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We’re here to help you plan your unforgettable journey through China!