Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 10 Day Signature: Southwest China from Shangri-La to Shanghai. Trace the edge of the wild from Chengdu’s bamboo sanctuaries to the Himalayan foothills of Yunnan. Your path winds through Naxi villages and Tibetan highlands before descending to the limestone peaks of the Li River. Guided by experts, discover a China defined by its living heritage and dramatic natural beauty.
Trip Length
10 Days
Trip Starts
Chengdu
Trip Ends
Shanghai
Departures
Mar 2027 to Oct 2027
Countries Visited:
Operator
G Adventures
Trip Style
National Geographic Signature
Accommodation
4.5 - 5 Star
Budget
Premium
Age Range
6-99 Years
Max. Group Size
22
Pace
Moderate
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
ACDSNS
Itinerary
Welcome to China. Your expedition begins as you touch down in Chengdu where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Take a moment to absorb the relaxed rhythm of this city, where tea houses spill onto the sidewalks and the air carries the faint scent of chili oil. Join your National Geographic Expedition Leader for an orientation walk through the neighborhood, navigating the neon-lit streets. In the evening, gather with your fellow travellers and National Geographic Expeditions Expert for a presentation on the expedition ahead followed by a welcome dinner sampling your first taste of the region's famous ma la (numbing and spicy) flavors.
Included Meals:
Dinner
Included Experiences
- Arrival Transfer: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
- Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group: Your opportunity to meet your Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group. Enjoy a reception with wine, beer, and soft drinks, followed by an expert-led “Introduction to China” presentation and a welcome dinner.
Travel into the mist-shrouded Qingcheng Mountains to the Dujiangyan Panda Base for an exclusive meeting with Mr. Zhang, the “Father of Pandas", and gain exclusive access to behind-the-scenes areas for a deep dive into conservation. Return to the city to experience local life at a traditional tea house, sipping jasmine tea while watching the dramatic face-changing masks of a Sichuan opera performance. The day concludes with a quintessential hot pot dinner, gathering around a bubbling pot of rich, red broth to cook fresh meats and vegetables in the communal style of the region.
Accommodation:
Niccolo Chengdu
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Dujiangyan Panda Base Visit: Enjoy an exclusive, behind-the-scenes experience at the renowned Dujiangyan Panda Base. Meet the “Father of Pandas”, who offers rare insight into giant panda conservation.
- Tea House Visit: Visit a popular traditional teahouse where you’ll savor locally brewed tea while enjoying an opera performance alongside locals.
- Chengdu Hot Pot Dinner: Enjoy a delicious and spicy bowl of Sichuan hot pot in one of China's foodie capitals.
Dive into a fragrant Chengdu spice market. Walk past sacks overflowing with bright red chilies and numbing Sichuan peppercorns, learning to identify the ingredients that define this UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Take your finds to a traditional courtyard kitchen for a hands-on cooking class. Under the guidance of a local chef, learn to balance heat and flavor before savoring your creations for lunch. In the afternoon, fly west to Lijiang, watching the landscape shift from the fertile basin to the rugged foothills of the Himalayas. Touch down in this UNESCO World Heritage town and transfer to your resort, breathing in the crisp, thin air of the Yunnan highlands.
Accommodation:
InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
- Sichuan Spice Market & Cooking Class: Wander through a bustling local market to uncover the signature spices and fresh ingredients that define cuisine from Sichuan Province. Continue to a traditional courtyard restaurant for a hands-on cooking class to learn how to craft authentic Sichuan dishes under the guidance of a local chef. For lunch, eat the dishes created during the class.
- Plane: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Ascend the slopes of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain by cable car, rising through the clouds to 3,600 meters (11,800 ft). Stand before the glacier-capped peak, watching the snow glint against the blue sky, and witness the Impression Lijiang show, a massive outdoor performance set against the mountain backdrop. After lunch, travel to the ancient villages of Baisha and Luna to meet community leaders. The day culminates with an exclusive long table dinner at Luna Village. Join Naxi locals for a communal banquet of seemingly endless dishes, accompanied by the rhythm of traditional drums, folk dances, and toasts of homemade barley wine — a true immersion into the hospitality of the highlands.
Accommodation:
InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Yulong Snow Mountain and Impression Lijiang Show: Ascend by cable car to Yunshan Ping, where sweeping vistas of the snow-capped peak unfold in every direction. Complete the experience with a performance of Impression Lijian, an open-air production set against the mountain itself.
- Baisha Village Visit: Explore Baisha ancient village on the edge of Yulong mountain.
- Visit and Long Table Dinner at Luna Village: Explore Luna ancient village and immerse in Naxi culture with a communal banquet featuring traditional music, dances, local barley wine, and a hearty spread of Yunnan specialties.
Board a high-speed bullet train that climbs higher into the mountains, arriving in the mythical region of Shangri-La. Visit the magnificent Songzanlin Monastery, the "Little Potala Palace," where golden roofs shine against the stark landscape. You are welcomed by a resident monk for an exclusive tour. Walk the sacred kora circuit, smelling the juniper incense and hearing the low chant of prayers. Later, step into the warm, timber-framed home of a local Tibetan family. Sip rich, salty yak butter tea and taste traditional momos as they share stories of life on the plateau. Stroll the cobblestones of the Old Town before returning to Lijiang for dinner.
Accommodation:
InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Bullet Train: Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
- Old Town Shangri-La Visit: Stroll through the charming streets of the old town, soaking in local Tibetan architecture and culture before returning to Lijiang.
- Songzanlin Monastery Visit: Explore the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan, taking a gentle walk along its sacred Kora and experiencing the spiritual atmosphere.
- Tibetan Family Visit: Enjoy an authentic cultural encounter with a local Tibetan family, sampling yak butter tea, snacks, and Tibetan momos.
Fly south to Guilin and transfer to the subtropical paradise of Yangshuo, where limestone karsts rise like dragon's teeth from the rice paddies. In the late afternoon, board a private boat for a relaxing cruise along the Li River. Drift past water buffalo cooling in the shallows and fishermen on bamboo rafts. As the sun sets, sip a glass of wine and watch the dramatic peaks turn silhouette-black against a purple sky — a landscape immortalized in Chinese painting for centuries. Disembark to walk through the lively riverside energy near New West Street before settling in for a local dinner.
Accommodation:
Yangshuo Sugar House
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Plane: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
- Sunset Li River Cruise: Enjoy a private late-afternoon boat ride along the Li River, enjoying wine, beer, snacks, and the iconic karst landscape bathed in sunset light. Disembark near New West Street and enjoy a short walk through the lively riverside area before dinner at a local restaurant.
Step back in time at Fuli Village, wandering ancient stone streets to see artisans hand-painting traditional fans and fermenting rice wine. Cross the river to the Jia Community Restaurant, a G Adventures-supported organization. Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch of Guilin noodles and hear the owner’s inspiring story of community support. In the afternoon, ascend to the Qixianfeng Tea Plantation, a sea of green terraces shrouded in mist. Learn the delicate art of picking tea leaves and processing them by hand. Conclude the day with dinner in a hilltop pavilion, looking out over the endless layers of limestone mountains fading into the distance.
Accommodation:
Yangshuo Sugar House
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Fuli Village Visit: Explore a 300-year-old village and watch locals craft traditional rice wine and tofu, gaining insight into local artisanal practices.
- Ferry: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
- Jia Community Restaurant: Enjoy a traditional Chinese meal served by rural women working to create new opportunities for their families. Since the migration of men to urban centres is common in rural regions, women and children now have a safe place to gather and learn together at Community Corners, created by the Rural Women's Development Foundation. In Liandaowan Village, you'll enjoy a meal and support women developing new work skills to become self-reliant. This initiative helps to create meaningful employment alternatives to agriculture as a source of income.
- Qixianfeng Tea Plantation Visit: Learn about ancient tea production while wandering the plantations and soaking in the beautiful views. Qixianfeng Tea Plantation was voted as the most beautiful highland tea field in China, nestled in Yangshuo's karst mountains. Taste some samples in a tea ceremony and learn about different types of tea from a local expert.
Fly to Shanghai, the futuristic pulse of modern China. Once you have freshened up, head out for a tasty dinner of typical Shanghai dishes before taking your VIP seat for the spectacular ERA 2 Acrobatics Show. Hold your breath as performers execute gravity-defying stunts and motorcycle feats, a dazzling display of precision and artistry that mirrors the energy of Shanghai itself.
Accommodation:
The Peninsula Shanghai
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Shanghai Circus World Acrobatics Show: Enjoy VIP seating at this award-winning performance, showcasing breathtaking acrobatics and jaw-dropping stunts.
- Plane: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Walk the plane-tree-lined avenues of the Former French Concession, admiring the Art Deco villas and hearing stories of the city’s colonial past. Wander the classical rockeries and koi ponds of Yuyuan Gardens then have a light lunch at the bazaar. Take some free time to refresh then conclude your expedition with a group dinner and discussion reflecting on the dynasties, landscapes, and cultures you have traversed.
Accommodation:
The Peninsula Shanghai
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
- French Concession: This French Concession was a ceded territory that belonged to France in China from 1849 until 1946. It's now an upscale neighbourhood with a decidedly French flavour and boasts impressive examples of French architecture. Stroll through serene, leafy boulevards, some with French names, such as Avenue Joffre, and admire the beautiful buildings.
- Yuyuan Garden: Explore this tranquil, 400-year-old, five-acre garden. Climb to the top of the Rockery to see the greenery from above. Check out the Jade Rock and watch the swarms of fish swim around in the ponds. With multiple pavilions and halls there is plenty to see. Depending on when you visit there may be flower shows or tea ceremonies in the area. Opt to visit the bustling bazaar located outside the gardens and hone your bargaining skills.
- Group Dinner in Shanghai: Conclude the journey with a local dining experience accompanied by a wrap-up presentation from a local expert.
Your expedition concludes today. Transfers are provided to the airport at any time during the day.
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Departure Transfer: You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport at the end of your adventure.
Trip Inclusions
- Panda conservation Go behind the scenes learning about the conservation and care of giant pandas.
- Naxi long table feast Share a communal banquet.
- Barley wine, and traditional music with Naxi villagers.
- Sichuan cooking class Shop a spice market and master the heat of Sichuan cuisine in a hands-on class.
- Tibetan family visit Sip yak butter tea and share stories in the home of a local Tibetan family.
- Jia Community lunch Enjoy a farm-to-table meal and hear the story of a G Adventures-supported restaurant.
- Your G for Good Moment: Jia Community Restaurant, Yangshuo
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Chengdu
- Signature Moment: Dujiangyan Panda Base Visit, Dujiangyan Shi
- Your Foodie Moment: Chengdu Hot Pot Dinner, Chengdu
- Your Foodie Moment: Sichuan Spice Market & Cooking Class, Chengdu
- Your Foodie Moment: Visit and Long Table Dinner at Luna Village, Luna
- Your Local Living Moment: Tibetan Family Visit, Shangri-La
- Arrival and departure transfer
- Sample Tea at a local Tea House
- Yulong Snow Mountain and Impression Lijiang Show
- Baisha Village Visit
- Songzanlin Monastery
- Old Town Shangri-La
- Sunset Li River Cruise
- Fuli Village Visit
- Shanghai Circus World Acrobatics Show
- Shanghai French Concession
- Yuyuan Garden
- Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout
- Porterage at hotels and when getting on and off of vehicles
- Tips are included for all activities, meals and porterage, except for your Expedition Leader
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Private Vehicle, Walking, Plane, Bullet Train, Boat, Ferry
- National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert
- Hotel (9 Nights)
- Train travel is often used throughout our China trips as it's an easily accessible and fast way to make the most of the time you have in China. While packing for your trip please note the following restrictions and remember that the local policies in place are for yours and everyone's safety. Prohibited items on China's trains and metro: 1. Any knives or scissors 2. Items or food that have an unpleasant odour (ex. Durian) 3. Open liquor bottles (new bottles with the seal intact are okay) 4. Pressurized/flammable containers over 120ml in size (ex. sunscreen spray, mosquito repellent spray, hairspray, etc.)
- Prohibited items on trains to/from Guangxi Province - Guilin/Yangshuo 1. Floria Water - a mosquito repellent water common in China 2. Self-heating food items (self-heating hot pot, rice, etc.) 3. As well as everything on the previous list above
- 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 8 dinners
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Operator
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, giving you meaningful more experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Trip Style: National Geographic Signature
These ultra-premium journeys combine deep cultural immersion with five-star comfort and the authority of National Geographic. Created in collaboration with G Adventures, each experience offers rare access, meaningful connections with communities, and expert insight from leading specialists.
With world-class service, thoughtfully curated inclusions, and unforgettable Signature Moments throughout, these journeys are designed for travelers who seek refined luxury without losing a sense of purpose or discovery.
Dates & Pricing
USD
Monday
22 Mar 2027
22 Mar 27
Chengdu
Wednesday
31 Mar 2027
31 Mar 27
Shanghai
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$6,899
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday
12 Apr 2027
12 Apr 27
Chengdu
Wednesday
21 Apr 2027
21 Apr 27
Shanghai
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$6,899
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday
19 Apr 2027
19 Apr 27
Chengdu
Wednesday
28 Apr 2027
28 Apr 27
Shanghai
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$6,899
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday
17 May 2027
17 May 27
Chengdu
Wednesday
26 May 2027
26 May 27
Shanghai
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$7,399
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday
31 May 2027
31 May 27
Chengdu
Wednesday
09 Jun 2027
09 Jun 27
Shanghai
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$7,399
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday
14 Jun 2027
14 Jun 27
Chengdu
Wednesday
23 Jun 2027
23 Jun 27
Shanghai
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$7,399
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday
13 Sep 2027
13 Sep 27
Chengdu
Wednesday
22 Sep 2027
22 Sep 27
Shanghai
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$7,399
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday
20 Sep 2027
20 Sep 27
Chengdu
Wednesday
29 Sep 2027
29 Sep 27
Shanghai
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$7,399
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday
18 Oct 2027
18 Oct 27
Chengdu
Wednesday
27 Oct 2027
27 Oct 27
Shanghai
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$7,399
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday
25 Oct 2027
25 Oct 27
Chengdu
Wednesday
03 Nov 2027
03 Nov 27
Shanghai
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$7,399
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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