How to Plan Your 12-Day Private Tour to Chengdu, Chongqing, Yangtze River, Zhangjiajie & Beijing

Are you looking for an immersive tour experience that takes you through the most breathtaking attractions in China? If you’ve always wanted to see the country’s iconic landmarks, try authentic regional cuisine, and explore off the beaten path treasures, then this 12-day tour is exactly what you need.

Offered by Viator, this tour takes you throughout some of the most scenic and historically rich regions in China, offering an intimate look at the region’s culture, traditions, and natural beauty. In this blog post, we’ll give you all the information you need to plan your dream tour.

Overview

The tour is designed to take you through various cities throughout China, including Chengdu, Chongqing, Yangtze River, Zhangjiajie & Beijing. You’ll have a chance to see the giant pandas in their natural habitat, eat Sichuan cuisine, witness the stunning scenery from the top of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, and explore ancient architecture in Beijing. The tour spans 12 days, offering the perfect opportunity to get a comprehensive understanding of China’s best tourist destinations.

What’s Included

The tour includes the following:

• Flight tickets from Zhangjiajie to Beijing (Economy class)
• Private car & private tour guide
• Entrance tickets
• Hotel accommodation (with breakfast and dinner)
• Pickup from selected Chengdu hotels

Meeting and Pickup

The pickup points are selective, and you can choose the one closest to you. The pickup time is 8:00 AM, and the pickup locations are all hotels located in central Chengdu.

What to Expect

Travelers can expect a unique and culturally rich experience exploring the iconic attractions of China without the hassle of arranging logistics. You’ll be picked up by a private car and accompanied by an experienced tour guide who will show you the hidden treasures of each location.

Additional Information

• Confirmation will be received at the time of booking
• Infant seats are available for those who need them
• Not recommended for travelers with back problems
• Stroller and wheelchair accessible
• You can add more days of travel to the tour if you’d like

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel your tour up to 7 days in advance of the experience for a full refund. If you cancel less than 7 days before the tour start time, you’ll not get a full refund; only a 50% refund is provided for cancellations made between 3 and 6 days before the experience’s start time. Finally, if you cancel less than 2 full days before the experience’s start time, you will not be eligible for any refund.

If you’re looking to book this tour or learn more, visit the official page to book the tour here.

Conclusion

This 12-day tour through Chengdu, Chongqing, Yangtze River, Zhangjiajie & Beijing offers the perfect opportunity to explore China’s rich history, breathtaking scenery, and authentic cuisine. With a private tour guide and vehicle arranged for each destination, you can focus on the cultural immersion and let the tour company take care of logistics. Whether you’re an experienced traveler or embarking on your very first international trip, this tour is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won’t forget.

An Insider’s Guide to the Hidden Charms of Chengdu

Local Attractions: Hidden Gems only Locals Know

Chengdu, the capital of China’s southwestern Sichuan province, is known for its giant pandas, but there is so much more to discover. It’s a city full of hidden gems, and to truly experience it, you need to go off the beaten path.

One of the hidden gems is the old Chengdu Tea House located on the riverside in the city center. Here, you can experience authentic Sichuan-style tea culture, listen to traditional music, and enjoy a Sichuan Opera performance in a bamboo-decked outdoor courtyard.

Another must-visit spot that most visitors miss is the Wenshu Monastery. Located in the city center, this peaceful oasis is home to 300 monks and a large collection of Buddhist art and artifacts. The Monastery is an excellent place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city streets and gain some insights into Sichuan’s rich cultural heritage.

Dining Spots: Discovering the Sichuan Culinary Culture

Chengdu is renowned for its spicy and flavorful cuisine. It is a city of foodies, and with over 30,000 restaurants and food stalls, there’s lots to explore. One place you simply cannot miss is the Jinli Street. This ancient pedestrian street is lined with traditional storefronts and offers a plethora of palatable Sichuanese snacks. From Mapo Tofu to boiled fish in hot chili oil to spicy rabbit head, this place is a food lover’s haven.

Another must-visit spot that most tourists miss is the Yangxixian Food Street. It’s a small cobblestone street that brings together varieties of food and snacks from different regions of Sichuan. Locals prefer to hang out here, and it has a laid-back atmosphere that you won’t find elsewhere.

Cultural Experiences: Delving into Sichuan’s Rich Heritage

Beyond its spicy cuisine and adorable pandas, Sichuan has a rich cultural heritage. Chengdu’s folk culture museum, located at the Wangjianglou Park, is an excellent place to start exploring the city’s culture and history. Here you can immerse yourself in local artworks, traditional costumes, and old town streets.

Attending a Sichuan Opera performance at Shu Feng Ya Yun is an unforgettable experience. The opera consists of face-changing, acrobatics, and other traditional Chinese performance elements that showcase the province’s heritage.

Local History: Fascinating Tales from the Past

Chengdu has a long and rich history, and there are plenty of fascinating stories hidden within the city. One of them is the story of Du Fu. He is one of the most important poets in Chinese history and spent his last few years in Chengdu. The Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum, locate in the south of Chengdu, is a beautiful park showcasing Du Fu’s life and works.

Another fascinating historical place in Chengdu is the Wide and Narrow Alley. This area is made up of three parallel alleys that date back to the Qing Dynasty, offering a glimpse into Chengdu’s past glory.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unforgettable Experiences

If you’re looking for something different from the typical tourist spots, consider going to the Qingcheng mountain. It’s located just an hour’s drive from Chengdu, and it’s considered one of the Taoism birthplaces. Apart from the mountain’s natural beauty, you also get to explore the ancient Taoist sites and experience the spiritual culture.

Finally, a stroll in People’s Park is an excellent way to experience local leisure time activities. The park is also home to the Matchmaker’s Corner, where matchmaking parents gather weekly to find suitable partners for their children.

In conclusion, Chengdu is a beautiful city full of amazing hidden gems. Its rich heritage, spicy cuisine, and vibrant culture offer an unforgettable experience to all visitors. So, delve into the city’s charms and enjoy every moment.