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Signature: Southwest China from Shangri-La to Shanghai

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Signature: Southwest China from Shangri-La to Shanghai
Signature: Southwest China from Shangri-La to Shanghai
Signature: Southwest China from Shangri-La to Shanghai
New Release Fully Guided Adventure Small Group
Our Price From
US$6,692
Save up To $222
Twin Share (Per Person)
 Trip Length
10 Days
 Trip Starts
Chengdu
 Trip Finishes
Shanghai
10 Day Signature: Southwest China from Shangri-La to Shanghai Itinerary (G Adventures)
Countries Explored: China
Trip Style
National Geographic Signature
Departures
Accommodation
4 - 5 Star
Max. Group Size
22
Pace
Moderate
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
ACDSNS

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.

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. (D)

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. Stay: Niccolo Chengdu (B/L/D)

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. Stay: InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort (B/L)

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. Stay: InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort (B/L/D)

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. Stay: InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort (B/L/D)

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. Stay: Yangshuo Sugar House (B/D)

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. Stay: Yangshuo Sugar House (B/L/D)

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. Stay: The Peninsula Shanghai (B/D)

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 farewell dinner and final discussion reflecting on the dynasties, landscapes, and cultures you have traversed. Stay: The Peninsula Shanghai (B/L/D)

Your expedition concludes today. Transfers are provided to the airport at any time during the day. (B)

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 Journeys Highlight Moment: Qixianfeng Tea Plantation, Yangshuo
  • 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

  • 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

  • National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert

  • 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 8 dinners

  • Private Vehicle, Walking, Plane, Bullet Train, Boat, Ferry

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Trip Style: National Geographic Signature
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.

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Dates & Pricing USD USD

Monday 22 Mar 2027 22 Mar 27 Chengdu
Wednesday 31 Mar 2027 31 Mar 27 Shanghai
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Was: $6,899
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Save $207
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Monday 12 Apr 2027 12 Apr 27 Chengdu
Wednesday 21 Apr 2027 21 Apr 27 Shanghai
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Was: $6,899
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Monday 19 Apr 2027 19 Apr 27 Chengdu
Wednesday 28 Apr 2027 28 Apr 27 Shanghai
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Was: $6,899
US$6,692
Save $207
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Monday 17 May 2027 17 May 27 Chengdu
Wednesday 26 May 2027 26 May 27 Shanghai
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Was: $7,399
US$7,177
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Monday 31 May 2027 31 May 27 Chengdu
Wednesday 09 Jun 2027 09 Jun 27 Shanghai
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Was: $7,399
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Monday 14 Jun 2027 14 Jun 27 Chengdu
Wednesday 23 Jun 2027 23 Jun 27 Shanghai
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Was: $7,399
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Monday 13 Sep 2027 13 Sep 27 Chengdu
Wednesday 22 Sep 2027 22 Sep 27 Shanghai
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Was: $7,399
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Monday 20 Sep 2027 20 Sep 27 Chengdu
Wednesday 29 Sep 2027 29 Sep 27 Shanghai
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Was: $7,399
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Monday 18 Oct 2027 18 Oct 27 Chengdu
Wednesday 27 Oct 2027 27 Oct 27 Shanghai
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Was: $7,399
US$7,177
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Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday 25 Oct 2027 25 Oct 27 Chengdu
Wednesday 03 Nov 2027 03 Nov 27 Shanghai
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Was: $7,399
US$7,177
Save $222
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.
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.

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