Southwest China Odyssey: Ancient Mysteries & Living Traditions

Upon arrival at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport or Chengdu East Railway Station, your local team will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax and settle in, or explore the surrounding area at your own pace. Take this opportunity to get your first impressions of Chengdu, experience the city's relaxed atmosphere, and discover local life nearby.

Travel to Sanxingdui Museum (approx. 1-hour drive from Chengdu) to discover one of the 20th century's greatest archaeological finds — a mysterious 3,000-year-old Bronze Age civilization that left behind impressive bronze masks, a 4-meter sacred tree, and unique gold foil artifacts. After lunch, return to Chengdu and explore Kuanzhai Alley, a well-preserved historic neighborhood showcasing traditional architecture and local culture.

Travel to Mount Qingcheng, one of China's most famous Taoist mountains, known for its peaceful forests, ancient temples, and tranquil atmosphere. Continue to the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a remarkable ancient engineering achievement that has shaped the region's agriculture for over two thousand years. The mountain exploration route will be adjusted according to your fitness level, weather conditions, and site operation arrangements to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Visit Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding early in the day, then stop at People's Park to experience the city's relaxed local life. After the visits, transfer to the railway station and take a high-speed train to Chongqing. Upon arrival, meet the local team and transfer to the hotel.

Visit Eling Park and Liziba Station, then continue to Jiefangbei. In the evening, you may try Chongqing hotpot, ask your guide for a recommendation. End the day at Hongyadong, a riverside area with traditional-style buildings and night views.

After breakfast, visit Ciqikou Ancient Town, a historic riverside neighborhood known for its traditional streets, old-style buildings, and local snacks. Continue to Shibati Traditional Scenic Area, a restored hillside district that showcases Chongqing's unique mountain-city culture through historic architecture, local shops, and everyday life. After the visit, transfer to the railway station and take a high-speed train to Zunyi. Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you and take you to your hotel.

Visit the Zunyi Conference Memorial Hall to learn about the historic 1935 meeting and its place in modern Chinese history. Continue with a relaxed walk through Zunyi Old Town, where traditional streets and local life offer a glimpse of northern Guizhou. After the visits, transfer to the railway station and take a high-speed train toward the Huangguoshu area. Upon arrival at the appropriate railway station, continue by private vehicle to your hotel near Huangguoshu.

Huangguoshu Waterfall National Park — Asia's largest waterfall and one of the few in the world that can be viewed from the front, side, and behind through the Water Curtain Cave. Continue to Tianxingqiao Scenic Area, a labyrinth of stone forests, natural bonsai gardens, and cascading streams, followed by Doupotang Waterfall — the widest waterfall in the cluster at 105 metres across, whose gentle cascade was featured in the classic TV series 'Journey to the West.' Overnight near the waterfall for a peaceful mountain evening.

After breakfast, travel by private vehicle from Huangguoshu to the railway station, then take a high-speed train toward Congjiang. Upon arrival, meet the local team and continue by private vehicle to Zhaoxing Dong Village. After checking in, enjoy free time to explore the village at your own pace or relax at the hotel.

Spend a full day immersed in Dong culture. Hike to Tang'an Dong Village, an ancient mountain settlement offering panoramic views of terraced rice fields. Along the way, encounter local villagers in traditional clothing and experience their daily life. In the afternoon, enjoy hands-on cultural activities such as indigo dyeing, oil tea making, and weaving demonstrations. Explore the village market and join an evening gathering at the drum tower to experience traditional Dong singing.

Spend the morning exploring Zhaoxing Dong Village. Stroll among its traditional wooden houses, drum towers and wind-and-rain bridges, and observe the relaxed rhythm of local village life. Afterwards, transfer by private vehicle to the railway station and take a high-speed train to Guilin. Upon arrival, meet the local team and transfer to the hotel for a restful evening.

After breakfast, transfer to the pier and board a Li River cruise to Yangshuo. Relax on board as the river winds through karst peaks, rural scenery and waterside villages. Upon arrival in Yangshuo, transfer to the hotel and take time to rest. In the evening, enjoy a relaxed walk along West Street.

After breakfast, enjoy a bamboo raft trip on the Yulong River, surrounded by karst mountains, traditional villages and peaceful countryside scenery. Afterwards, transfer to the appropriate railway station and take a high-speed train to Guangzhou. Upon arrival, meet the local team and transfer to the hotel.

Full day at Chimelong Water Park — the world's most-visited water park and Asia's largest, set among swaying palms in Guangzhou's subtropical climate. Experience the Beach Wave Pool (the world's largest wave pool), the thrilling 'Free Fall' slide, the lazy river meandering through tropical landscaping, and family-friendly splash zones. (If the park is not yet open, the visit will be replaced with a Cantonese morning tea experience at Panxi Restaurant, followed by visits to the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Yongqingfang, the Cantonese Opera Art Museum, and Liwan Lake Park.)

Spend the day at Chimelong Safari Park, with time to observe giant pandas and other wildlife in its themed habitats. After the visit, return to the hotel for a short rest. In the early evening, continue to Haixinsha Island for a relaxed riverside walk and views of Guangzhou's illuminated Pearl River skyline.

It is time to end your Guangzhou journey. Enjoy your final moments at your own pace. When ready, your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel and take you to the airport for departure.