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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.
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style: 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.
Service Level: Luxury
Five-star hospitality and meticulously curated inclusions, featuring iconic properties, fine dining, and private door-to-door service.
Physical Grading: 3 - Average
Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
Merchandising: New Trips
Trip Type: Small Group
Group 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.
Age requirements: 12+
All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Check Your Visa Requirements
Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.
Signature: Southwest China from Shangri-La to Shanghai - Itinerary
DAY 1
Chengdu
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.
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.
Signature: Southwest China from Shangri-La to Shanghai - Itinerary
DAY 1
Chengdu
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.
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.
What’s Included
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Qixianfeng Tea Plantation, Yangshuo
- Your G for Good Moment: Jia Community Restaurant, Yangshuo
- Your Welcome Moment: 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
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
- Hotel (9 nights)
- 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 8 dinners
- Private Vehicle, Walking, Plane, Bullet Train, Boat, Ferry.
- National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert
Signature: Southwest China from Shangri-La to Shanghai Departure Dates
All Years
| Start | Ending | Availability | Prices from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon, Mar 22 2027 | Wed, Mar 31 2027 | Open (22) | $6,899 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Mon, Apr 12 2027 | Wed, Apr 21 2027 | Open (20) | $6,899 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Mon, Apr 19 2027 | Wed, Apr 28 2027 | Open (22) | $6,899 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Mon, May 17 2027 | Wed, May 26 2027 | Open (22) | $7,399 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Mon, May 31 2027 | Wed, Jun 09 2027 | Open (22) | $7,399 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Mon, Jun 14 2027 | Wed, Jun 23 2027 | Open (22) | $7,399 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Mon, Sep 13 2027 | Wed, Sep 22 2027 | Open (22) | $7,399 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Mon, Sep 20 2027 | Wed, Sep 29 2027 | Open (22) | $7,399 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Mon, Oct 18 2027 | Wed, Oct 27 2027 | Open (22) | $7,399 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Mon, Oct 25 2027 | Wed, Nov 03 2027 | Open (22) | $7,399 USD (price includes taxes and fees) |
More from Signature: Southwest China from Shangri-La to Shanghai
USEFUL INFO
What's Included
What's Included
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Qixianfeng Tea Plantation, Yangshuo
Your G for Good Moment: Jia Community Restaurant, Yangshuo
Your Welcome Moment: 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. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
What are the main highlights of this trip?
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.
Is there a disclaimer I should read before booking this trip?
Is there a disclaimer I should read before booking this trip?
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Is there an itinerary Disclaimer?
Is there an itinerary Disclaimer?
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
What important notes should I be aware of before the trip?
What important notes should I be aware of before the trip?
COMBO TRIP
Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.
INTERNET ACCESS
Please note while traveling through mainland China you will not be able to access some popular internet websites, certain websites such as Google, Dropbox, Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WordPress,etc. It may be possible to access some of these websites using a VPN. If you wish to use above blocked sites, we suggest you get a suitable VPN on your device prior to travel.
Peak season notice: Golden Week falls between October 1st and 7th, 2019/2020/2021. Please note that Golden Week is a semi-annual 7-day or 8-day national holiday for the people of China. This is a very busy time of the year for domestic tourists, so expect some crowding at major attractions. We recommend booking these dates well in advance as accommodations and transportation availability is extremely limited.
ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
