Duration
13 days / 12 nights
Price Per Person
Destinations

This 13-day itinerary covers some of the major scenic attractions within China, including the West Lake, Yellow Mountain and the stunning Jiuzhaigou National Park. You'll not only see some of China's most-visited natural attractions, you'll visit places off the beaten path, such as the eco-touristic Zharu Valley on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau. Cap off your journey with an unforgettable visit with a Chinese icon – the giant panda – at the panda research base in the picturesque mountains of Bifengxia Panda Base.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Mystical Mountains: Hike around the iconic Huangshan – Yellow Mountain – subject of countless poems and paintings. 
  • Ancient Heritage: Get insight into the storied Ming and Qing dynasties at Hongcun ancient village with its well-preserved architecture, pre-modern water systems, and decorative arts.
  • Panda Encounter: These cuddly mascots for endangered animals can only be found in one place: Sichuan province, China. Here in their homeland, learn about conservation efforts at a sanctuary and go behind-the-scenes.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Hangzhou

Your 13-day journey begins in Hangzhou, where you'll be met at the airport by your guide and transferred to your hotel. In Hangzhou, we recommend the Amanfayun Resort, which is surrounded by tea fields, natural forest, quaint villages and a pilgrimage circuit of five significant Buddhist temples. After checking in, you have free time to explore the lake at leisure before enjoying dinner in a local restaurant and retiring for the night.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

History: The Amanfayun occupies a traditional Chinese courtyard village, with some villas more than 100 years old.

Service: Discreet, attentive service is provided by a personal butler 24 hours a day.

Location: Just a 20-minute drive from West Lake surrounded by forest and bamboo groves.

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Amanfayun Preferred Hotel

Day 2

Huangshan

Start the day early with a 3.5-hour drive to Huangshan – Yellow Mountain. Huangshan's mist-veiled peaks recall Chinese watercolor paintings, and its beauty and cultural significance make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in China. Enjoy a cable car ride to one of its many summits or take a brisk hike up one of its stairway through pine forests, spotting the unique rock formations of this UNESCO Heritage site. You'll stay in Huangshan tonight – we recommend the Beihai Hotel, located within the scenic area of the mountain at 5,350 feet elevation.

Hotel Options
About

In a quiet location that allows guests to wake up to an incredible view of mountains peaking through the skyline, the Huangshan Beihai Hotel is beautifully situated high on Huangshan Mountain, just a 20-minute hike from the renowned tourist hotspots, Mengbishenghua Peak and Qingliang Terrace. The hotel itself offers a variety of amenities, including a karaoke room, beauty salon, fitness facilities and 220 guestrooms, each equipped with sofas, plasma TVs and complimentary WiFi.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Huangshan
Huangshan

Day 3

Huangshan

Wake up early this morning to watch the sunrise over the mountain from one of Huangshan's best view points. You'll spend the day exploring more of the locality's unique landscapes at Xihai Grand Canyon. Here, you'll encounter the famous Fairy Walking Bridge – a pedestrian bridge linking high up on the rock face, accessible via a staircase built onto the side of the mountain. There are many walking and hiking trails around the canyon, some more challenging than others – the tracks you explore are entirely up to you. In the evening return to your hotel in Huangshan.

Day 4

Huangshan

Enjoy more of Huangshan today – you can rise early for another dawn hike or take a leisurely breakfast in preparation for a hike to one of the mountain's summits. Today's trail leads up the western staircase of Huangshan, a journey of up to four hours. You'll pass the second-highest peak – the Brightness Summit – and eventually reach the Jade Screen Pavilion for lunch. Before returning to the hotel, we'll visit the famous Yingke Song – the Welcoming Guests Pine. You can continue hiking this afternoon or return to your hotel.

Day 5

Hangzhou

Today you'll drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hungcun ancient village to view its traditional Anhui architecture. Positioned on the Nan Lake, this well-preserved old town exhibits carvings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. After lunch in a historic house in the village, you'll drive 4 hours back to Hangzhou where you have the afternoon to spend at your leisure. 

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

History: The Amanfayun occupies a traditional Chinese courtyard village, with some villas more than 100 years old.

Service: Discreet, attentive service is provided by a personal butler 24 hours a day.

Location: Just a 20-minute drive from West Lake surrounded by forest and bamboo groves.

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Amanfayun Preferred Hotel
Hangzhou
Hangzhou

Day 6

Jiuzhaigou

Catch a morning flight to Chengdu, then enjoy the long (9 hours) scenic drive to Jiuzhaigou National Park on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau. En route, you'll see some of China's most spectacular scenery as you pass through the Min Mountains. You'll stop along the way in a Qiang Tibetan village, before finally arriving at the national park gates, where you can check into your hotel.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Nestled in the Rissai Valley, this resort is surrounded by picturesque mountains and ancient Tibetan villages making it a beautiful retreat steeped in cultural history.

Spacious Rooms: All of the villas are spacious with the smallest being 158 sqm/1,700 sqft and the largest being 428 sqm/4,605 sqft, and all feature large patio areas and views of picturesque mountains and ancient Tibetan villages, as well as full kitchens making it feel like a home away from home.

Nature Experiences: Jiuzhaigou’s 180,000-acre nature reserve affords active guests opportunities for hiking and biking excursions and with very little light pollution, amazing evening skies that are perfect for stargazing.

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Ritz-Carlton Jiuzhaigou Preferred Hotel

Day 7

Jiuzhaigou

After a good night's rest you'll explore the park today. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park has many striking natural features, the most remarkable of them its vividly hued lakes. Mirror Lake, Reed Lake and Five Flower Lake are just three must-see locations within the park. You can hike from site to site, but the park is vast and to cover more ground, you can join one of the buses that runs a circuit around all the major scenic points. Return to your hotel in the evening.

Day 8

Jiuzhaigou

Today you'll head to Zharu Valley, a picturesque area within Jiuzhaigou that promotes sustainable travel. In this quieter, less visited part of the park, your guide will take you to various sites – you’ll encounter a handful of tiny Tibetan villages, prayer flag-covered temples and ancient ruins. You'll see local flora and fauna, come close to sacred Mount Zayizhaga and see ethnic villages with centuries of history. Camp in the valley tonight, enjoying an authentic spicy Sichuan meal prepared by your guide.

Jiuzhaigou
Jiuzhaigou

Day 9

Jiuzhaigou

Explore more of Zharu Valley today – rise early for bird-watching or take a brisk morning hike through peaceful meadows. The valley attracts only a few hundred visitors a year, so you can enjoy it free of crowds. You'll leave the valley after lunch, heading back to Jiuzhaigou Grand Hotel with the afternoon free at your leisure.

Day 10

Huanglong

You'll head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Huanglong National Park today, noted for the bright blue pools of Yellow Dragon Gully. The park, 3 hours' drive away, is also the habitat of giant pandas and Golden snub-nosed monkeys, and features diverse ecosystems with hot springs, pine forests and waterfalls. After lunch, enjoy a hike around the park before heading to a Tibetan village for the night.

Hotel Options
About

Yaoquan Mountain Village, located at the foot of Holy Dabo Mountain, is conveniently close to Jiuzhaigou airport and is directly on the way to natural world heritage scenic areas of Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou. The property has 105 rooms with modern amenities and facilities, including laundry service, on-site restaurant and bar.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 11

Bifengxia

Fly to Chengdu today, driving out of the city to the rural town of Ya'an, home to Bifengxia Panda Base. Here, you'll have time to explore the reserve, including the picturesque Bifeng Gorge, accessible via a 26-floor elevator. Wander the streets of Ya'an, a highlight of which is a traditional bridge in the center of town complete with ancient Chinese architecture. Check into a hotel in Ya'an for the night.

Hotel Options
About

Offering 151 rooms and 4 room types, the Hongzhu Hotel is situated a mile away from the city center of Ya’an. The hotel is also positioned approximately 30 minutes from the Bifengxia Panda Center, one of the largest giant panda sanctuaries in the world.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

Located in Zhougongshan Spring Park outside of the Ya’an city center, Ya’an Nanshuige Hotel first opened in 2005 and was recently redecorated in 2013. The hotel offers 112 rooms, split between deluxe standard and deluxe queen rooms.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Bifengxia
Bifengxia

Day 12

Chengdu

Today you'll enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience – meeting giant pandas at the Bifengxia Panda Base. This sanctuary researches not only giant pandas but red pandas, south China tigers, golden snub-nosed monkeys and now leopards. You'll have the chance to meet a panda up close and maybe even have a picture with one. After that, return to Chengdu to visit the Old Town of Shangli, a stop on the Silk Road. Check into a hotel in Chengdu for the final night of your tour. 

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Overlooking Tianfu Square, this centrally-located hotel is just minutes’ walking distance from the nearest metro station ideal for navigating the tea-city.

History: Incorporating centuries of Cantonese and Sichuan traditions and style, the Ritz-Carlton opened their doors in October of 2013 in Chengdu.

Service: Founded in 1983, the Ritz-Carlton is world-renowned for their impeccable service. Guests even enjoy having their rooms serviced twice daily.

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Ritz-Carlton Chengdu Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

History: Named for nearby Daci temple, the hotel reflects the sensibilities and landscapes of the ancient city.

Location: Right in the center of fascinating Chengdu, The Temple House is the perfect base from which to experience city life.

Service: Priding itself on personalized service and unparalleled local knowledge, the staff are more than happy to help with anything guests may require.

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The Temple House Preferred Hotel

Day 13

Departure

Today you will be chauffeur-driven to the airport in time for your departing flight.

Suggested Hotel For Day 1

Amanfayun
Preferred Hotel

Amanfayun

Opened in Spring 2010, the Amanfayun is the second Aman property to open in China and is situated in the outskirts of Hangzhou, surrounded by tea fields, natural forest, quaint villages and a pilgrimage circuit of five significant Buddhist temples. All accommodations and common areas have broadband Internet connectivity and are decorated with calligraphy and woven bamboo accents. There are four restaurants, which serve a variety of dishes, from homemade dumplings in the casual Steam House to refined Western cuisine in The Restaurant. Aman’s legendary spa service is also available here; the spa consists of eight treatment rooms, a reflexology room, a fitness center, a room dedicated to tai chi, yoga and meditation, and a finishing salon. Amanfayun is a mere 20-minute drive from the city center and 50 minutes from the Hangzhou airport (HGH).

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Suggested Hotel For Days 2–4

Beihai Hotel

Beihai Hotel


In a quiet location that allows guests to wake up to an incredible view of mountains peaking through the skyline, the Huangshan Beihai Hotel is beautifully situated high on Huangshan Mountain, just a 20-minute hike from the renowned tourist hotspots, Mengbishenghua Peak and Qingliang Terrace. The hotel itself offers a variety of amenities, including a karaoke room, beauty salon, fitness facilities and 220 guestrooms, each equipped with sofas, plasma TVs and complimentary WiFi. A business center with several meeting rooms, as well as 24-hour front desk services, provide a convenient stay for people on more formal trips. Guests can arrange sightseeing trips at the front desk, such as a trip to the Tunxi Old Street in Huangshan Town, an hour and a half away by car, or further treks into the wild forests. An on-site restaurant and bar provides tasty meals throughout the day, contributing to a pleasant stay. 


Suggested Hotel For Day 5

Amanfayun
Preferred Hotel

Amanfayun

Opened in Spring 2010, the Amanfayun is the second Aman property to open in China and is situated in the outskirts of Hangzhou, surrounded by tea fields, natural forest, quaint villages and a pilgrimage circuit of five significant Buddhist temples. All accommodations and common areas have broadband Internet connectivity and are decorated with calligraphy and woven bamboo accents. There are four restaurants, which serve a variety of dishes, from homemade dumplings in the casual Steam House to refined Western cuisine in The Restaurant. Aman’s legendary spa service is also available here; the spa consists of eight treatment rooms, a reflexology room, a fitness center, a room dedicated to tai chi, yoga and meditation, and a finishing salon. Amanfayun is a mere 20-minute drive from the city center and 50 minutes from the Hangzhou airport (HGH).

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Suggested Hotel For Days 6–9

Ritz-Carlton Jiuzhaigou
Preferred Hotel

Ritz-Carlton Jiuzhaigou

The new Ritz-Carlton Jiuzhaigou is located near the heart of one of China’s earliest UNESCO world heritage sites at the stunning Jiuzhaigou National Park. With snow-capped mountain ranges, glass-clear waters, and a myriad of vivid colors, the park alone provides an unforgettable experience for visitors. The building is designed by WATG, while the late Jaya Ibrahim crafted the interior designs with John Pettigrew overseeing its landscape design, both of them blending the architecture into the surrounding environment. Each of its spacious 87 villas features panoramic views of the surrounding valley and houses such luxuries as full-sized kitchens, large patios, and bathrooms with rainforest showers and walk-in bathtubs. The hotel’s three premium restaurants offer a variety of dishes encompassing Tibetan, Sichuan, Cantonese, Italian, and Southeast Asian flavors. The resort is replete with a spa, indoor and outdoor event spaces, kids’ programs, and knowledgeable staff.

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Suggested Hotel For Day 10

Yaoquan Mountain Village

Yaoquan Mountain Village

Yaoquan Mountain Village, located at the foot of Holy Dabo Mountain, is conveniently close to Jiuzhaigou airport and is directly on the way to natural world heritage scenic areas of Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou. The property has 105 rooms with modern amenities and facilities, including laundry service, on-site restaurant and bar. On premise is a Tibetan medicinal herb garden, freshwater fish hatchery and wilderness breeding center which guests can visit.

Suggested Hotels For Day 11

Ya'an Hongzhu Hotel

Ya'an Hongzhu Hotel

Offering 151 rooms and 4 room types, the Hongzhu Hotel is situated a mile away from the city center of Ya’an. The hotel is also positioned approximately 30 minutes from the Bifengxia Panda Center, one of the largest giant panda sanctuaries in the world. Each room at the Hongzhu Hotel has air conditioning and a flat-screen TV. Hotel facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, sauna and massage service, a coffee shop and a restaurant offering both Chinese and international fare. Ya’an Hongzhu Hotel is located approximately 2 hours away from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport.

Ya'an Nanshuige Hotel

Ya'an Nanshuige Hotel

Located in Zhougongshan Spring Park outside of the Ya’an city center, Ya’an Nanshuige Hotel first opened in 2005 and was recently redecorated in 2013. The hotel offers 112 rooms, split between deluxe standard and deluxe queen rooms. Complimentary WiFi is available. Hotel facilities include a hot spring center, an eco-garden with therapeutic hot springs and an outdoor swimming pool. A restaurant is located on-site. Ya’an Nanshuige Hotel is located approximately 2 hours away from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport.

Suggested Hotels For Day 12

Ritz-Carlton Chengdu
Preferred Hotel

Ritz-Carlton Chengdu

The Ritz-Carlton, Chengdu, situated in the center of the capital of Sichuan province, is a strong new contender in Southwest China’s luxury hotel market. The hotel is located in Tianfu Square, one of the city’s main commercial districts. The Ritz-Carlton has 353 well-appointed suites designed in the style of a traditional Chengdu courtyard home, some of which can still be found in the old parts of the city. The room interiors combine light woods and a palette of cool blue and golden colors intended to subtly reflect the city’s heritage in a modern context. The hotel’s facilities include an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, spa, ballrooms and meeting rooms. There are three restaurants to choose from, serving refined Cantonese cuisine and other international specialties, as well as a lobby lounge where guests can enjoy a sweet treat with their afternoon tea.

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Rosewood Chengdu
Preferred Hotel

Rosewood Chengdu

The new Rosewood Chengdu will be located in the top floors of a 300-meter-tall mixed-use building, towering above the city's CBD. The property will be comprised of 180 guest rooms and suites (including the exclusive Manor Club executive lounge), four restaurants and bars, a spa, a fitness center, a swimming pool and business facilities.
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The Temple House
Preferred Hotel

The Temple House

Blending the traditional with the modern just like the city it stands in, The Temple House is a masterclass in elegant design. Guests enter through the lovingly-restored courtyard, dating back to the Qing dynasty, and the historic style is integrated into many of the building’s features. The hotel’s service, though, is slick and up to date, with paperless systems ensuring an effortless check-in so guests may relax in their elegant room, apartment or suite in no time. From local and international cuisine to tea and cocktails, the dining options are comprehensive and delicious, and with a spa, indoor pool, steam and sauna facilities and a state-of-the-art gym on site, every whim is taken care of. 

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