Zhangjiajie & Huangshan Trip with Yangtze Cruise Holiday

-- Mr. and Mrs. Zakrevski's First time in China with China Discovery

According to the traditional Chinese zodiac calendar, 2024 is the Year of the Dragon. Our guests, Mr. and Mrs. Zakrevski from the United States, chose to complete their first trip to China this year. Living near New York's Chinatown, they imperceptibly have an understanding of traditional Chinese culture and festival customs. "I was born on the year of Dragon. That's why I want to visit China this year." Mrs. Zakrevski saied that.

Tailor-made Experience with China Discovery

In their first China trip, they went to Beijing, Xian, Zhangjiajie, Chengdu, Chongqing, Yangtze River, Shanghai, Huangshan in three weeks and enjoyed the customized travel service by China Discovery in most of the two weeks. "We just came back from amazing 3 weeks in China. Usually I plan all our trip myself, occasionally purchasing tours in some locations, but it was our first trip to China, we do not speak the language, so I decided to explore options to hire tour guides. We started with booking our Yangtze river cruise when I was contacted by Phoebe from China Discovery. She was very professional, details oriented, patient as we changed our dates and requests several times. She provided all details and answered all our questions immediately. We decided to book other tours with her as Phoebe seems like know what we are looking for and need. She customized the tours offered on their official website, adding some sights and activities we wanted."

"we used China Discovery in Zhangjiajie N.P., Chengdu, Chongqing, 4d/3n Yangtze river cruise, Yichang and Huangshan, and we were independent in Shanghai." "Before the trip Phoebe kept reminding about some to do stuff for the trip." Like adequate clothing and sun protection equipment, as well as local temperature, weather, accommodation, etc. Not just before the trip, but throughout the two-week trip, their travel consultant - Phoebe always there to provide immediate and attentive assistance and service for them. "Phoebe, thank you so much for organizing our tour in China, Great job!" Now, come to read their travel story to see what happened in their amazing two weeks trip in China!

Zhangjiajie - Discover the Real Avatar World (3 days)

After the first historical and cultural trip in China - Beijing and Xi'an, Mr. and Mrs. Zakrevski were about to start their magical nature exploration journey - Zhangjiajie! Located in the northwestern part of Hunan Province, Zhangjiajie is the top fever tourist destination for fantastic nature admiration including the Wulingyuan Scenic Area that is listed as the World Natural Heritage Site, where you can encounter with the surreal Avatar Mountain in the big movie by James Cameron.

Accompanied by a local guide - Tim, Mr. and Mrs. Zakrevski enjoyed a fantastic 3-day tour in Zhangjiajie. They not only went to the spectacular Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon to experience the thrilling Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge - world’s longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge, took the world’s tallest outdoor lift - Bailong Elevator to Yuanjiajie to witness the real Pandora’s Hallelujah Mountain in Avatar, but also took the longest cable car to Tianmen Mountain and walked down the 999 Stairs from the miraculous Tianmen Cave. Besides, they also toured Yellow Dragon Cave to have a fancy view of thousands of typical Karst stalactites and stalagmites, rivers and caves of thousands of years old, and Tianzi Mountain to admire the well-known nature wonders - the Sea of Clouds, Rays of Sunshine, etc. "Tim was excellent. He accommodated all our request and provide great recommendations. Without Tim, we would miss many attractions." Mrs. Zakrevski reviewed on their feedback.

Mr. and Mrs. Zakrevski are satisfied with the tour guide in Zhangjiajie

Chengdu - Encounter with Giant Panda and Hot Pot (2 days)

Chengdu, Home of Giant Panda and the Land of Abundance, where travelers could not only meet the adorable Giant Pandas, explore Ancient Shu civilization, culture of Three Kingdoms, Buddhist and Taoism cultures, featured streets and historic towns, but also can experience special local leisure life and authentic Sichuan food.

In just two days, Mr. and Mrs. Zakrevski not only went to Leshan near Chengdu to visit world-known UNESCO World Natural & Cultural Heritage Site - Leshan Giant Buddha, but without missed all the highlights in Chengdu, such as the must-see site - Chengdu Panda Base to closely contact with Giant Pandas and Red Pandas, the First Street of Shu Kingdom - Jinli Ancient Street to step back into the distant Three Kingdoms Period, Shufeng Yayun Sichuan Opera House to watch the wonderful Face-changing Sichuan Opera show, Wenshu Monastery and Chengdu People's Park to witness the authentic local culture and experience the real Chengdu leisure life, etc. "All were interesting. Leshan Buddha was amazing. Sichuan opera awesome, my husband still trying to figure out how they changed masks. and panda were so cute."

Adorable Giant Pandas in Chengdu Panda Base

When come to Chengdu, Sichuan Hot Pot is your must-try item, which consists of various types of condiments and spices used in the soup base and dipping sauces for hot pot and famous for its spicy flavor. For most of foreign guests, we suggest try the double flavor with both spicy and non-spicy hot pot for the first-timer. This was also the first time for Mr. and Mrs. Zakrevski to try the authentic Sichuan hot pot. When talked about the taste experience, Mrs. Zakrevski saied: "It was super! It was too spicy for me, so I ate the mild version. but my husband loved the spicy one!" Although only stayed in Chengdu for about two days, Mr. and Mrs. Zakrevski were very impressed with everything in Chengdu."We love Chengdu. the hotel was also very good, modern, and great location."

Mr. and Mrs. Zakrevski tasting Delicious Sichuan Hot Pot

8D Chongqing & Leisure Yangtze River Cruise (4 days)

Where is the next destination? Chongqing, of course! Reputed as “Little Hong Kong”, Chongqing has become the fastest-growing tourism city in recent years with both enthralling urban cityscape and traditional cultural elements. With a flying speed of 350 km/h by high-speed train, you can get to Chongqing within only 1 ~ 1.5 hours to cover approximately 319 kilometers (198 miles) from Chengdu.

There are so much to see in Chongqing. In just one day, Mr. and Mrs. Zakrevski experienced popular Liziba House-Crossing Metro, where you can experience the incredible house-crossing metro train running through a modern flat building, and enjoyed the charming night view of Hongya Cave, a largest building complex built on a cliff side, where you can fully appreciate the charm of this 8D city - Chongqing. "Yes it was stunning" from Mrs. Zakrevski. For the rest of the time, they also visited Three Gorges Museum, Chongqing People’s Assembly Hall and E’ling Park. "David our Chongxing guide was excellent. Chongxing was our biggest surprise." Mrs. Zakrevski reviewed on their feedback.

Positioned alongside the upper Yangtze River in Southwest China, Chongqing is also the launching point for scenic relaxing cruise down the Yangtze River through the magnificent Three Gorges and Three Gorges Dam. Taking the 4 days & 3 nights downstream Yangtze River Cruise running between Chongqing to Yichang is the main reason for Mr. and Mrs. Zakrevski to come to Chongqing. Arranged by their travel consultant - Phoebe, they boarded the Century Victory, a 5-star standard cruise provided by Century Cruises company. "The cruise was awesome!" During their 4D & 3N cruise journey, they not only enjoyed the spectacular natural scenery of the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, but also visited the Three Gorges Dam, Shennv Stream, Fengdu Ghost City and other interesting historical and cultural attractions along Yangtze River, all of which greatly enriched their cruise sightseeing experience. Finally, they arrived in Yichang to end their cruise journey and were about to make their way to the next destination.

Huangshan - Indulge in the Natural Wonders of China (3 days)

After a one day of free and city explore in Shanghai and witnessed the bustle of this modern metropolis, Mr. and Mrs. Zakrevski embarked on the train to Huangshan for unique natural and cultural experience. Located in the south of Anhui Province, Huangshan is home of UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Mt. Huangshan and the ancient villages in southern Anhui - Hongcun and Xidi. It is one of the top tourist destinations in China and is usually visited in conjunction with popular tourist destinations such as Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou in the Yangtze River Delta.

Before the Huangshan trip, Mr. and Mrs. Zakrevski first went to the Tunxi Ancient Street and Hu Kaiwen Ink-stick Factory to experience the local Huizhou culture and get touch with the mysterious Chinese inkstick. They were impressed by the traditional Hui-style architectures and time-honored local history and culture. Then is the spectacular natural wonders - Huangshan Mountain (Yellow Mountain), which reputed as the "Most Beautiful Mountain in China". Mr. and Mrs. Zakrevski started their journey from the relatively easy Back Mountain area, and took the Yungu cableway to the Beihai Scenic Area, a wide and open region on the top region of Yellow Mountain over 1600 meters high, which features in lofty peaks, clouds sea, terraces, pine trees, and historical sites like Begin-to-believe Peak, Cloud Dlispeling Pavilion, Flying-over Rock, Bright Summit, etc. Blessed by the sunny weather, Mr. and Mrs. Zakrevski were also enjoyed a beautiful sunset view. "Yes, we got lucky with the weather."

Mr. and Mrs. Zakrevski at Mt. Huangshan with Good Weather

That night, they stayed at the Xihai Hotel in the Huangshan Scenic Area, so that they could get up early the next day and enjoy the stunning sunrise view at Refreshing Terrace, which located not far from the hotel. After admiring the sunrise view and enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, they continued their journey in Mt. Huangshan the next day and toured Lion Peak, Stone Monkey Watching the Sea, Dawn Pavilion, etc. Then took the cableway back, and their Huangshan trip ended here.

Mr. and Mrs. Zakrevski enjoying the Beautiful Sunrise View of Mt. Huangshan

Travel Experience and Feedback Shared by Mr. and Mrs.Zakrevski for First-timer

Navigating some parts of the country, for example Zhangjiajie N.P., is difficult without knowledge of Mandarin. Even in Beijing and Shanghai, very few people speaks English, therefore having a knowledgeable local guid is a must specially if you visit a country for the first time,

All our guides (Tim, Jason, David, Nancy and Jessica (June)) spoke good to great English. They made sure we are comfortable, had plenty of water, their recommendations for food was very good. They adjusted our schedule as needed.

The choice of hotels was very good. And, of course, the program was very good tailored. I suggest to install WeChat, it is the best communication tool with your guides to setup meeting points, and report the problem to main office if any and make last minute adjustments if necessary.

China Discovery also booked all our internal flights and train tickets, hotels, and upgraded us to business class for one flight with no additional cost.

I highly recommend China Discovery as your tour agency in China. We certainly planning to come and discover different part of this great country and will hire China Discovery again as our travel operator.

(Above travel story was written by our editor, inspired by our customers Mr. and Mrs. Zakrevski real experience and the feedback they sent to Phoebe.)