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Signature: Southwest China From Shangri-La To Shanghai
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Length
10 Days
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Quality
This indicates the overall quality of the tour operator's products. A low rating does not mean it is not good - it just means that it does not include as much, or perhaps is of a more standard quality than the higher quality tours. For example, a 3 star quality rating means that it is a more standard/economical tour, while 5 stars is a very luxurious tour that often includes a lot of amenities. -
Starts in
Chengdu (China)
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Ends in
Shanghai (China)
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Available Tour Start Dates
MAY 17, 2027 to MAY 26, 2027
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Style
Fully-Guided
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Guaranteed Date(s)
Yes means that there is at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur. No means that there is not at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur, which usually means that the vendor wants a certain amount of reservations on each tour in order for each one to occur. Of course, the terms and conditions of the vendor do allow for the vendor to cancel guaranteed tour dates for certain reasons (for example, a natural disaster).Yes
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Special Interest(s)
National Geographic Signature
Exceptional exploration led by renowned experts, offering rare, private access to the world's most storied sites - all defined by an unparalleled level of service and comfort., Small GroupGroup trips average 12 travellers per departure, depending on the adventure. The maximum is usually no more than 16, but some can be smaller or bigger, depending on the trip. Check individual trips for details.
From
Pricing listed is per person, based on double occupancy, and is the least expensive price for at least one departure date of this tour. Price is for the tour only. Additional items, including but not limited to, airfare (unless noted otherwise), travel insurance, and more, are additional.
$7,399.00
Contact Us for a Special Price!
Overview
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.
Visited During Tour
Chengdu (China) | Lijiang (China) | Shanghai (China) | Yangshuo County (China)
Dates, Offers & Prices
Tour Itinerary
Accommodations
More Details
Dates, Offers & Prices
The following are Signature: Southwest China From Shangri-La To Shanghai tour dates available from G Adventures. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
Tour Itinerary
G Adventures Tour Code ACDSNS-11214
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Day
1Chengdu
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.
- Meals Included:
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
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.
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Day
2Chengdu
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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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.
Accommodations: Niccolo Chengdu -
Day
3Chengdu/Lijiang
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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Exclusive Inclusions:
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodations: InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort -
Day
4Lijiang
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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Baisha Village Visit
Explore Baisha ancient village on the edge of Yulong mountain.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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.
Accommodations: InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort -
Day
5Lijiang
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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
Bullet Train
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
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.
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.
Bullet Train
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Accommodations: InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort -
Day
6Lijiang/Yangshuo
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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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.
Accommodations: Yangshuo Sugar House -
Day
7Yangshuo
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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
Fuli Village Visit
Explore a 300-year-old village and watch locals craft traditional rice wine and tofu, gaining insight into local artisanal practices.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Qixianfeng Tea Plantation
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodations: Yangshuo Sugar House -
Day
8Yangshuo/Shanghai
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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
Shanghai Circus World Acrobatics Show
Enjoy VIP seating at this award-winning performance, showcasing breathtaking acrobatics and jaw-dropping stunts.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Accommodations: The Peninsula Shanghai -
Day
9Shanghai
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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
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.
Farewell Dinner in Shanghai
Conclude the journey with a local dining experience accompanied by a wrap-up presentation from a local expert.
Accommodations: The Peninsula Shanghai -
Day
10Shanghai
Your expedition concludes today. Transfers are provided to the airport at any time during the day.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Exclusive Inclusions:
Departure Transfer
You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport at the end of your adventure.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Accommodations
Select a destination below to to view the hotel(s) included by G Adventures in their Signature: Southwest China From Shangri-La To Shanghai tour:
Chengdu
Niccolo Chengdu
Location
Tower 3, Chengdu IFS, No.1 Section 3, Hongxing Road, Jinjiang District, Chengdu, Sichuan 610021, China
Chengdu, China-610021
Other Details
- Hotel as shown or similar (G Adventures may replace it with a similar property)
Lijiang
InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort
Location
276 Xianghe Road, Old Town District Lijiang, Yunnan 674100 Mainland China
Lijiang, China-674100
Other Details
- Hotel as shown or similar (G Adventures may replace it with a similar property)
Shanghai
The Peninsula Shanghai
Location
THE PENINSULA SHANGHAI, No. 32 The Bund 32 Zhongshan Dong Yi Road Shanghai 200002 The People's Republic of China
Shanghai, China-200002
Other Details
- Hotel as shown or similar (G Adventures may replace it with a similar property)
Yangshuo
Yangshuo Sugar House
Location
No, 102 东岭路 Yangshuo County, Guangxi, China, 541905
Yangshuo, China-541905
Other Details
- Hotel as shown or similar (G Adventures may replace it with a similar property)
More Details
G Adventures is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Signature: Southwest China From Shangri-La To Shanghai tour:
Group Size
Max 22
What's Included
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Qixianfeng Tea Plantation, YangshuoYour G for Good Moment: Jia Community Restaurant, YangshuoYour Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, ChengduSignature Moment: Dujiangyan Panda Base Visit, Dujiangyan ShiYour Foodie Moment: Chengdu Hot Pot Dinner, ChengduYour Foodie Moment: Sichuan Spice Market & Cooking Class, ChengduYour Foodie Moment: Visit and Long Table Dinner at Luna Village, LunaYour 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.
Highlights
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.
Message from G Adventures About Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Accommodation Summary
Hotel (9 nights)
Meals Included
9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 8 dinners
What are the meals like on this trip?
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. While trekking in remote regions, food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. For all trips, please refer to the meals included and budget information.
Group Leader
National Geographic Expedition Leader and Expedition Expert throughout
International Flights
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Transportation
Private Vehicle, Walking, Plane, Bullet Train, Boat, Ferry.
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
How should I dress to respect local customs during the tour?
In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites.
Checklist
Documents:o Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)o Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)o Passport (required) (With photocopies)o Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)o Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)Essentials:o Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)o Binoculars (optional)o Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)o Cash, credit and debit cardso Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)o Ear plugso First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)o Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)o Fleece top/sweatero Footwearo Hato Headphones (Noice-cancelling recommended)o Locks for bagso Long pants/jeanso Moneybelto Outlet adaptero Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)o Reusable water bottleo Shirts/t-shirtso Sleepwearo Small travel towelo Sunglasseso Swimwearo Watch and alarm clocko Waterproof backpack covero Windproof rain jacketHealth & Safety:o Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)o Hand sanitizero Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
Service Level
Luxury: Five-star hospitality and meticulously curated inclusions, featuring iconic properties, fine dining, and private door-to-door service.
Pricing and availability are subject to change and must be confirmed by one of our travel advisors, who can contact the vendor to do so. Intra-vacation air (also referred to as internal air) is usually based on economy class seating (do not assume otherwise, unless explicity noted otherwise) and may be 100% non-refundable at time of final payment. Air quotes (including intra-vacation airfare) may be subject to change until final payment has been received by the vendor. Flight confirmation may be based on availability. Air reservations may not be able to be confirmed until a passport copy is received by the vendor. The following charges are not included in the vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee, passenger facility charges, Federal domestic flight segment fees, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed fees added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature. Itinerary details are provided by the vendor. Vendors may reserve the right to change itineraries, even on existing reservations. There may be instances where the name of a tour contains a tour length in it, but where there is a version of the tour that is a different number of days in length. You can check the true length of a tour by referring to the length value listed in association with that tour. Destination images displayed on this web page, some which are supplied by the related vendor and some which are not, are intended to simply give a general representation of the region of the world being visited during the tour. Such images are not necessarily of the exact areas being visited during the tour. Hotel details (including, but not limited to: rating/class, descriptions, images, amenities and addresses) are provided by G Adventures. Hotel amenities may be communicated in shorthand by G Adventures (for example, if "Laundry" is listed that may only mean that the hotel has an optional fee-based service that would allow for your laundry to be done by their staff). We reserve the right to correct errors.