9-Day Tour Through Wudang,Chengdu,Dujiangyan&Zhangjiajie

9-Day Tour Through Wudang, Chengdu, Dujiangyan & Zhangjiajie offers a fascinating glimpse into some of China’s most iconic landscapes and cultural sites. For $1,539 per person, you’ll spend nine days exploring everything from spiritual temples and ancient engineering marvels to adorable pandas and otherworldly mountain peaks. Guided by knowledgeable local guides, this tour promises a balanced mix of history, nature, and cultural insights.

What we really appreciate about this itinerary is how it combines deep culture—like Tai Chi on Wudang Mountain and a visit to Du Fu’s Cottage—with awe-inspiring natural vistas, such as the Zhangjiajie peaks that inspired the movie Avatar. The fact that the tour includes both a cruise around the Leshan Giant Buddha and a cable car ride to the Golden Summit of Mount Emei means travelers get a good taste of China’s engineering and spiritual heritage in just nine days.

One potential consideration is the pace—this is a busy schedule with early mornings, multiple flights, and long travel days between some locations. But if you have the energy and curiosity, the variety is well worth it. This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of active sightseeing, cultural learning, and stunning scenery, especially those who appreciate authentic experiences and local guides’ insights.

Key Points

• Diverse destinations: From Taoist temples and pandas to mountain peaks and ancient irrigation systems.
• Balanced itinerary: Combines cultural sites, scenic views, and natural wonders.
• Included transport: Comfortable vehicles, flights, and train rides make logistics easier.
• Authentic experiences: Tai Chi, boat cruises, and local shows add depth.
• Good value: All major sights included, with some meals and accommodations covered.
• Active pace: Expect early starts and a packed schedule, ideal for energetic travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the 9-Day Itinerary

Starting at Wudang Mountain — The Heart of Taoism

Your journey begins at Wudang Mountain, a site renowned for its Taoist temples and legendary martial arts heritage. Arriving at Wudangshan Airport, you’ll meet your guide and head straight into the spiritual ambiance of the area. The highlight here is riding the cable car to the Golden Summit, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks—perfect for capturing those sweeping photos. You’ll also visit Taihe Palace and explore other temples such as Taizipo and either Purple Cloud Palace or Nanyan Palace.

The Golden Summit is especially striking, as it provides a breathtaking vantage point that makes the early morning or late afternoon light really pop against the temple’s intricate architecture. This part of the trip sets a tone of tranquility mixed with awe, especially if you’re interested in martial arts or spiritual practices.

Wudang’s Spiritual and Cultural Gems

On Day 3, you’ll experience Yuzhen Palace with a Tai Chi session—an excellent way to connect physically and mentally with China’s meditative traditions. The Taiji Lake cruise adds a peaceful waterway experience, and visiting Yuxu Palace rounds out your spiritual exploration. In the evening, a flight takes you to Chengdu, the modern capital of Sichuan cuisine and adorable pandas.

Chengdu — Pandas, History, and Scenic Escapes

Chengdu is where you’ll get your dose of China’s adorable pandas at the Chengdu Panda Base. The visit lasts about two hours, and you’ll have a chance to see pandas of all ages, often up close and with the possibility of seeing them feeding or playing—something that never gets old for animal lovers.

The tour then takes you to visit Du Fu’s Cottage and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System. The latter is a marvel of ancient engineering, with a golf cart helping you appreciate its scale and importance. It’s a reminder of how China’s ancestors crafted solutions that have lasted thousands of years.

More Great Tours Nearby

From Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou and Beyond

Midway through, you travel by train to Jiuzhaigou, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its multi-colored lakes, waterfalls, and lush forests. The full-day visit includes an eco-bus tour through the scenic area, giving you plenty of time to soak in the surreal landscape. We loved the way the landscape shifts from crystal-clear lakes to mist-shrouded mountains—the kind of scenery that makes you wonder whether you’re in a painting or real life.

From Jiuzhaigou, you ascend Mount Emei via cable car, reaching the Golden Summit for a view that’s often crowned with clouds—an unforgettable sight. Exploring the temples atop Emei offers a nice blend of spiritual serenity and mountain adventure.

The Marvels of Zhangjiajie

Next, a high-speed train whisks you to Zhangjiajie, famous for its pinnacle peaks that inspired the floating mountains in the film Avatar. The park is a surreal landscape of towering sandstone pillars, winding pathways, and glass bridges. Highlights include Tianzi Mountain, Yuanjiajie, and the Golden Whip Stream—each offering memorable views and photo opportunities.

You’ll also visit Tianmen Mountain, home to the famous Junsheng Painting Institute and the Bailong Elevator, which plunges you into a world of vertiginous cliffs and lush forest. The views from the Tianmen Mountain are especially dramatic, with a “Heaven’s Gate” archway framing the sky.

Final Day — Wrap-Up at Tianmen and Departure

Your last day includes a visit to Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park, with enough time to enjoy the scenery before heading to the airport for your flight home. The tour’s pace means you’ll leave with a sense of accomplishment and a camera full of memories.

Authenticity and Practicality

The tour is run by Jupiter Legend Corporation, and reviewers highlight how well-organized and friendly the guides are—”The guide was excellent. He provides us all the details and was very kind and courteous,” reports one traveler. The inclusion of hotels, breakfasts, and several meals means you won’t be constantly searching for places to eat, and the transportation—ranging from comfortable vehicles to trains and flights—keeps logistics manageable.

Pricing-wise, at $1,539, the tour offers considerable value given the number of destinations, guided insights, and included flights. It’s especially suited for those who want a rundown of southwestern China without the hassle of booking each component separately.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This trip is ideal for active travelers who want to see a broad cross-section of China’s cultural and natural highlights in a relatively short time. If you enjoy a mix of spiritual sites, scenic landscapes, and wildlife encounters, you’ll find it satisfying. It’s also good for those who prefer guided tours—everything from accommodations to transportation is handled—leaving you free to soak in the experiences. However, keep in mind the packed schedule; it’s not for those seeking a slow-paced, relaxed vacation.

Final Thoughts

For those eager to explore China’s diverse treasures, this 9-day tour offers a well-rounded, memorable experience. You’ll visit iconic spots like Wudang Taoist temples, Jiuzhaigou’s lakes, and Zhangjiajie’s stunning peaks, all while traveling comfortably between locations. The inclusion of cultural activities like Tai Chi, boat cruises, and local shows enriches the trip beyond just sightseeing.

The tour’s value lies in its ability to showcase the very best of southwestern China without requiring travelers to organize complex logistics themselves. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or someone returning to explore more, the mix of natural beauty and cultural depth makes this an adventure worth considering.

FAQ

What kind of accommodations are included?
You’ll stay in 4-star hotels such as the Wudang Mountain Narada Resort and the Sheraton Chengdu Lido Hotel, offering comfortable and convenient bases for exploring each area.

Are flights between major destinations included?
Yes, the tour includes economy class airfare from Wudang Mountain to Chengdu, and some train journeys like from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou and from Chengdu to Zhangjiajie.

What meals are included?
Breakfasts are provided throughout the trip, along with 14 meals specified in the itinerary—often local or Chinese cuisine. Additional meals are at your discretion.

How active is the schedule?
Very active—expect early starts, some long travel days, and walking at various sites. The itinerary is designed for those comfortable with a busy pace.

Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?
While children under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult, the tour can suit active older travelers, especially those accustomed to travel at a brisk pace.

Can I expect authentic experiences?
Absolutely. Activities like Tai Chi sessions, boat cruises, and visits to local temples and parks provide cultural depth and insight.

What is the main highlight of this tour?
Many travelers find the stunning views of Zhangjiajie’s pillars and the spiritual serenity of Wudang to be the most memorable parts, alongside the adorable pandas in Chengdu.

This tour offers a balanced, adventurous way to see some of China’s most famed sights. It’s perfect for those who want a guided journey packed with authentic experiences and natural beauty, all wrapped into nine days of exploration.

You can check availability for your dates here: