Discover the World Natural Heritage: Jiuzhaigou & Zhangjiajie Trip with Yangtze Cruise Holiday

-- Mr. and Mrs. Mak's 12 Days Unforgettable Trip in China

Hi, I'm Evelyn, the personal travel consultant of Mr. and Mrs. Mak who have just finished their unforgettable 12-day trip in China, including Jiuzhaigou and Zhangjiajie, the two World Natural Heritage Sites, with a classic Yangtze River Cruise tour, and also visiting Chengdu, Chongqing and Yichang. It is my honor to customize this successful 12 days China trip for them. Now, Let me share with you how I and Mr. and Mrs. Mak worked together to make their 12-day unforgettable China trip come true!

A Customized Yangtze Cruise Tour with Jiuzhaigou & Zhangjiajie

It was July, 2023 when I received an order from Mr. Melvyn Mak and his wife to book a downstream Yangtze River Cruise - Yangtze Gold 7 in December. Meanwhile, they also added some other destinations like Jiuzhaigou and Zhangjiaje in the inquiry. I offered them that I can customize a Yangtze River Cruise Tour that includes both Jiuzhaigou and Zhangjiajie and I got the answer from Mr. and Mrs. Mak: “We are happy for you to quote both Jiuzhaigou and Zhangjiajie tours.” Since then, we have devoted ourselves to this upcoming trip to China.

Before setting off, we discussed the details of this trip many times. Due to weather conditions, the cruise originally planned for December may be affected. After communicating with Mr. Melvyn Mak, the time schedule was ahead one month of initial time. At the same time, considering the actual transportation conditions to connect all of destinations, I adjusted the itinerary and arranged a more suitable cruise - Century Oasis, which not only fitting the date but also meeting Mr. and Mrs. Mak’s demands and they were very delighted to take this new itinerary.

With more details finally confirmed, this exciting journey was about to begin! I offered Mr. and Mrs. Mak more details about the weather in destinations, what to wear in winter, local dining suggestions, time of the daily itinerary and so on to help them well prepared for this upcoming trip. As excited as they were, I was also looking forward to this trip and did my best to make sure they have a wonderful vacation in China. And then, let's take a look at their amazing 12 days journey in China now!

Day 1-3 Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong - God's Creation Appreciation

The first destination of this trip is Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong, the two World Natural Heritage Sites. Jiuzhaigou Valley is known as Fairytale Land and the Most Beautiful Waterscape in China, and Huanglong National Park has earned itself the fame of Heaven Lake as well as the Calcification Museum. No matter what season you go to Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong, you can always enjoy the beautiful natural scenery.

In low season, due to heavy snow or other reasons some spots like cable in Huanglong may be unopen. I was concerned that these factors may affect their experience in Huanglong. Luckily, I received good feedback from Mr. and Mrs. Mak: “The weather was great. Not sunny, but slight sun, experience a little light snow on Long Lake, and beautiful masterpiece of creation in JZG. Huanglong was wonderful too. Nice weather. Even with the cable car, we walked a total of 16000 steps. Unforgettable 2 days.”

They also tasted the yummy tibetan food in Jiuzhaigou, including Tibetan Hot Pot and the “Yak Meat hotpot was good.” I am glad that they had wonderful days in Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong and wish all the best for the rest of their journey.

“Huanglong n Jiuzhaigou, Sichuan. Always our dream to visit this UNESCO site in China. Superb views, fantastic weather, God's creation enjoyed!” Mr. Melvyn Mak reviewed on his Facebook.

Mr. and Mrs. Mak Spent Unforgettable 2 Days in Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong

Day 4-5 Chengdu - Home of the Giant Panda

For geographical location and convenient transportation, Chengdu serves as an important gateway city to transfer. As a local travel agency, China Discovery, also based in Chengdu. After the wonderful trip from Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong, Mr. and Mrs. Mak came to my city Chengdu, the Land of Abundance and also the Hometown of Giant Panda. During their trip in Chengdu, Kevin, one of our best local guides, took Mr. and Mrs. Mak around Chengdu to experience special local leisure lifestyle and authentic Sichuan food. “Kevin seems like a nice guy.” As I expected, Kevin received great praise from Mr. and Mrs. Mak.

Their first station in Chengdu is Chengdu Panda Base, where Mr. and Mrs. Mak spent a great time and took many photos of the adorable giant pandas. Then they went to Chengdu People's Park to experience the leisure lifestyle, and Wuhou Temple, Jinli Old Street, Chengdu Museum to learn more about the history and culture of Chengdu, and at the same time they watched the wonderful Sichuan Opera performance in Shufengyayun Sichuan Opera House, Mrs. Mak also dressed the Sichuan Opera costume. What a wonderful experience!

After a short trip in Chengdu, they will head to the next destination - Chongqing, and they will take the high-speed train to Chongqing. With a flying speed of 350 km/h, it takes just 1 ~ 1.5 hours to cover approximately 319 kilometers (198 miles) from Chengdu to Chongqing, which is more than twice as fast as normal trains. Mr. and Mrs. Mak were satisfied with this high-speed rail experience.

“Chengdu in Sichuan has such a key significant role in the history of China - home of the Giant Panda where the Research Base has more than 200 of these cute fellas. But it's also Operas, puppets, the incredible face masks changing, the high speed rail - they called this city the happiest and most relax city in China. We like the feel of Chengdu.” Mr. Melvyn Mak reviewed on his Facebook.

Mr. and Mrs. Mak Enjoyed Happy Time in Chengdu

Day 6-8 Yangtze River Cruise - Nature & Culture Exploration Journey

It's time for the exciting Yangtze River Cruise! According to the time and itinerary, I rearranged the Century Oasis cruise provided by Century Cruises company to Mr. and Mrs. Mak. This was a 4-day and 3-night downstream itinerary from Chongqing to Yichang. “Century Oasis - it's new and we were given 3rd Level, but only dine in one restaurant. Still it's good. Allan, the Cruise manager took good care of us as we were the only few that requires English guides.” Mr. Melvyn Mak reviewed on their feedback.

During the 4 days and 3 nights cruise tour from Chongqing to Yichang, Mr. and Mrs. Mak visited Three Gorges, Fengdu Ghost City, White Emperor City, Shennv Stream and Three Gorges Dam. Of all the excursions, the optional and need extra pay shore excursion - Feng Yan San Guo Show was their favorite. Feng Yan San Guo Show, a large-scale open air live show with the culture of the Three Kingdoms as the background, which Mr. Melvyn Mak had always wanted to see during the Yangtze River Cruise itinerary and finally made it come true. He also gave high praise to this show: “The Fengyansanguo show is super n spectacular. Very glad to have seen it. Thanks.” Mr. Melvyn Mak reviewed on their Feedback.

When they finally arrived in Yichang, this unforgettable cruise tour came to an end, but the highlights of this trip had just begun, as they were about to move on to their next destination - Zhangjiajie. Direct train between Yichang and Zhangjiajie was accessible too and they had good conversations with the local senior couple on the train.

“The iconic Yangtze River Cruise goes through the heart of Chinese civilisation. Beautiful 3 Gorges and the largest Dam in the world, the peaceful atmosphere as we sailed along the river, the history of the 3 Kingdoms - all just so inspiring.”

“We watched Feng Yan San Guo fire show - the stage and sets were fantastic. Even where we were seated can be moved around automatically. It's outdoor with at least 30 horses and 100s of actors/actresses. Didn't expect that level of performance. Very well done.” Mr. Melvyn Mak reviewed on his Facebook.

Mr. and Mrs. Mak Had a Memorable Tour with Yangtze River Cruise

Day 9-12 Zhangjiajie - Amazing Avatar World

Zhangjiajie is the top favorite tourist destination for fantastic nature admiration, and Wulingyuan Scenic Area is listed as the World Natural Heritage Site, where you can encounter with the surreal Avatar World, which created by James Cameron in the big movie Avatar. Zhangjiajie is also a treasure place with the perfect combination of the strangeness of Yellow Mountain, the peril of Mount Hua, the magnificence of Mount Tai and the idyllic beauty of Guilin. As it goes like “It is best to enjoy water scenery at Jiuzhaigou, and best to enjoy mountain sightseeing in Zhangjiajie.”

Mr. and Mrs. Mak spent wonderful 4 days in Zhangjiajie. They visited Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Wulingyuan, Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Yellow Dragon Cave, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, Tianmen Mountain and all of the highlights in Zhangjiajie. The amazing Avatar Hallelujah Mountains, the breathtaking Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, the thrilling cable ride to the Tianmen Cave and the stunning scenery in Yellow Dragon Cave...... All of these were splendid! As Mr. Melvyn Mak said: "how to describe these, except to travel here."

Compared with the previous itinerary, Zhangjiajie is a little challenging, so it is necessary to have a good rest. The rearranged 5-star Zhangjiajie Pullman Hotel were approved by Mr. and Mrs. Mak, which provided them with good rest accommodation for their 4-day trip in Zhangjiajie.

“The grand finale of our trip is no other than Zhangjiajie/Wulingyuan National Park - also known as the Avatar hallelujah mountains.”

“The awesome pictures of this UNESCO site must be experienced - the longest glass bridge, the largest cave with a river and boat ride inside the cave, the longest cable ride ride to the Tianmen Hole in the mountain, the zip line experience - how to describe these, except to travel here.” Mr. Melvyn Mak reviewed on his Facebook.

Mr. and Mrs. Mak’s Wonderful Trip in Zhangjiajie

Mr. and Mrs. Mak’s Amazing Travel Videos in Zhangjiajie

Excellent Experience and Wonderful Service

Finally, it turned out that the whole itinerary went on smoothly and Mr. and Mrs. Mak quite enjoyed their trip. “Yes, time flies, but the memories remain. It's been a really great trip for my wife and i over the past 14 days.”(with the arrival and departure day) Mr. and Mrs. Mak said in their feedback and their overall experience with this trip is “excellent”. Mr. Melvyn Mak sent me many beautiful pictures they had took during their trip by WeChat and shared their feedback after the whole tour. He also told me that he shared this wonderful experience on his Facebook. I am so happy for that!

Above all, I really appreciate all their trust on me and their kind cooperation as well as their approval and recognition to me. I put a lot of efforts in it and it was them who encouraged me to improve myself and worked out the most suitable arrangement for them. I am so grateful for their understanding and friendliness and also feel great honored to receive high praise from them: “Thank you bet much for the smooth arrangements and your helpful attitude. Thank you for your wonderful service.”

Mr. and Mrs. Mak's 12 days unforgettable trip in China ended here. And your story just begins!