If you want to find out more about this adventure of a lifetime, call Louise Oliver from our Tenterden Branch on 01580 764344 pr call Becca Martyn from our Uckfield Branch on 01825 760488
Becca’s Highlights:
- Changsha Evening River Cruise
- Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge and Zip line
- Visiting the Great Wall
Louise’s Highlights:
- Sandstone Art Gallery – Zhangjiajie
- Night Food Courts – Beijing
- Zip lining over the Grand Canyon
Day 1 – Fly from Heathrow to Changsha
Today we flew with Hainan Airlines from Heathrow at 10pm to Changsha. The aircraft was spacious and very clean. Staff wore beautiful traditional style dresses. Two meals were provided on the over night flight. Food options were good; with multiple traditional Chinese meals such as Chicken Fried Rice, Pork Dumplings and Congee Porridge in the mornings. These were accompanied by a bread roll, and either fruit or a cake. On the plane we found out that Hainan Airlines have restrictions on using portable phone chargers whilst on board. They do have plug sockets on board so our advice is to take an adaptor and normal phone chargers in your hand luggage.
Before we left the UK we purchased and set up our E-Sims from Halofly. Having an E-Sim with a built in VPN meant we could still have full functionality of our phones including the use of social media. A lot of apps are banned in China so without a VPN we would not have been able to post our pretty photos on Instagram.
Day 2 – Arrival into Changsha
We arrive in Changsha, also known as The Star City, at approximately 4:15pm CST. Upon arrival, our we were meet at the airport and took a coach transfer to the Meixi Lake Hotel, where we stayed for two nights. At the hotel, we were greeted with a bouquet of local flowers. The city provided amazing views of Changsha from the hotel room on at 42nd floor. We had dinner, independently explored the local area, before sleeping soundly in the comfiest of beds!
Day 3 – Exploring Changsha
After breakfast, we spent a few hours at the ‘Ni Hao Changsha’ Tourism event. This was an insightful gathering where we learnt all about the attractions in Changsha and their local cultural crafts. Louise tried her hand at some of the local crafts including embroidery.
In the afternoon, we headed to the Hunan Museum, home to the 2000 year old mummy of ‘Lady Xin Zhui’. Following our Museum visit, we had dinner at Wenheyou (Haixin Square). There was so many foods to try, it was a feast. This dinner was the first time we realised how important it is to know how to use chopsticks. We recommend learning how to use chopsticks before going to China or be happy asking for cutlery.
In the evening, we went on a river cruise. We got to experience an spectacular light show which are projected on the skyscrapers of the riverside. We tried Chinese beer for the first time. We sung and danced the night away. After the cruise we headed to the nearby Orange Island, which offers spectacular views of Changsha.
Destination Information:
Lady Xin Zhui – Despite the many years, her body is still in a condition very similar to when It was first mummified. Lady Xin Zhui was a distinguished Chinese noblewoman.
Orange Island – Orange Island, also known as Juzizhou Island, stretches narrowly along the centre of the Xiang Jiang River. It holds the distinction of being the world’s longest river Island and is a top attraction In Changsha. The island is home to the headstone statue of Chairman Mao.
Day 4 – Journey to Zhangjiajie
This morning started with a visit to the the Yue Lu Academy, a prestigious institution that’s over 1,000 years old and ranks as the third oldest operating university in the world. Set against the scenic backdrop of Yue Lu Mountain. We enjoyed lunch at the Fire Palace, which has many local cuisine such as stinky tofu, and chilli fish head. We explored the Huangxing street, famous for its multi story buildings. After our stroll we visited the city museum where they closed the whole place to experience a fully private tour and experience all traditional Chinese music. Then we boarded a bullet train to Zhangjiajie, arrived at the Sunshine Hotel, where we stayed for 4 nights. We found out that the Bullet Trains have restrictions on the size of aerosol toiletries that you can take on board. Our advice is to take roll on deodorant and a non aerosol bug repellent to avoid any issues.
Destination information:
Yue Lu Mountain – West of the Xiang Jiang River lies Yue Lu Mountain. Nestled among the trees on the mountain is the prestigious Yuelu Academy, a historic university founded in the year 976.
Zhangjiajie National Park – recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992 as part of the expansive Wulingyuan Scenic Area. The park is renowned for its striking collection of vegetation-covered stone pillars scattered throughout the landscape.
Day 5 – Hallelujah Mountain
Our adventure begun with a visit to the original Hallelujah Mountain and other breath-taking landscapes that were featured in “Avatar”. We also walked along the remarkable glass footpath, which is set on the cliff edge showcasing incredible heights, offering a unique fusion of ancient China, natural beauty, and modern engineering. We purchased some souvenirs here with cash. It’s important to carry cash and/or down the Alipay app, as cards are not widely accepted.
We visited an art museum where all of the art was creating using sand and stones instead of paint. The colourful sand was coloured using plants.
In the evening, we experienced the “Charming Xiangxi” stage show, set against a stunning backdrop, rounding out a unforgettable experience.
Destination Information:
Hallelujah Mountain – The 2009 film “Avatar” directed by James Cameron, brought global attention to Zhangjiajie National Park, particularly to what Is now known as Hallelujah Mountain.
Day 6 – Baofeng Lake
This morning was spent on a tranquil boat ride on Baofeng Lake, a fantastic way to appreciate the towering peaks and stunning scenery of Zhangjiajie from a lower perspective. Following our lake excursion, we took a coach to travel to Heavenly Gate Mountain via the scenic hairpin drive. There, we boarded one of the world’s longest cable car routes, offering breath-taking panoramic views, of the mountains and the hairpin drive. We walked down 999 steps to get down from Heavenly Gate and then treated ourselves to a lovely cold drink and an ice-cream.
We concluded the day by partying the night away with Wendy Wu herself at the 72 story building; with live action theatre you follow around to watch, dancing and lots of eating
Dumplings. The live action theatre was based on a 1920s nightclub and the Chinese mafia. Wendy had also never experienced a night at the 72 story building so that made it even more exciting and special.
Destination Information:
Baofeng Lake, originally a man-made reservoir, is now more of a stunning natural beauty within a tranquil gorge. The best way to experience the lake Is by boat, where Its magical, green waters create an enchanting atmosphere.
Heavenly Gate Mountain – also known as Tianmen Mountain, is situated In Zhangjiajie. In 2005, a cable car system was Installed, providing visitors with a way to easily reach the summit. From the top, you can enjoy 360-degree views of the stunning national park surrounding it.
72 story Building- this wonderful facade is full of traditional buildings, was created to make a unique stage for shows and events. Wonder the streets filled with souvenir shops, street food and drinks before heading to the main stage where the action begins; bonfires, live theatre, knife walking and may more unique shows.
Day 7 – Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
We explored Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, known for its incredible rides and adventurous activities across steep heights. We’ll ascend to the top via the sky lift and walk across the glass bridge. The bridge is made up of 99 panels of glass. The number 9 means long lasting in China. Following that, we experience a virtual hot air balloon ride offering a bird’s eye view of the canyon. For the descent, we were zooming down by zipline, and enjoying a slide at the bottom. For the more adventurous, there’s even an opportunity to bungee jump! (No I was not brave enough for this)
The afternoon was a workshop all about the destination and some product training on the new Wendy Wu tours which included Zhangjiajie and Changsha. The day finished with a farewell dinner for the Australians and New Zealanders, where I tired salamander soup. After which we were taken to the mountains for the breath-taking Fox Tale show. This performance, set against a backdrop of beautiful mountain ranges and towering peaks, is directed by Zhang Yimou, the renowned art director of the 2008 Beijing Olympics
Destination Information:
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon – Walk across the Incredible glass bridge spanning
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, which can accommodate up to 800 visitors at a time! It is 800m long and 300m above the canyon. This remarkable structure offers breath-taking views of the canyon below.
Day 8 – Journey to Beijing
After breakfast, we took a high-speed train from Zhangjiajie to Changsha, followed by a flight from Changsha to Beijing. On the short flight with Hainan Airlines we were offered a free drink and food. From there, we will got a coach to the Empark Prime Hotel located in central Beijing. In the evening, we all enjoyed a traditional Peking duck.
Day 9 – The Great Wall
After waking up, we headed straight to the Great Wall. Visiting the Great Wall was amazing experience as being on a Wendy Wu tour meant we were taken to a lovely quiet part of the wall. It was great to experience another Wonder Of The World.
In the afternoon we wondered the Summer Palace Gardens with its beautiful lake, stunning pavilions all hand painted with stories and beautiful scenery. That evening after dinner we experienced a serene evening cruise on the Liangma River. Which provides a small cinema tunnel, to watch some CGI videos of space/China and many other unique projections. We created quite an appetite, so we wondered the streets of Beijing (Wangfujing Street) on the hunt of a street food courtyard. Where we enjoyed giant duck pancakes, noodle soups, egg fried rice and many other local delicacies.
Day 10 – Forbidden City & Tiananmen Square
Today we visited Tiananmen Square, one of the world’s largest public squares (800m by300m). The Square contains the National Museum of China, which is the largest museum in China and one of the largest in the world. Next we visited the Forbidden City, the world’s largest palace complex. Our tour guide told us that 40’000 people visit the Forbidden City each day.
We then explored the enchanting traditional Hutong area, where we visited a local family to experience everyday life in Beijing, who’s craft was the traditional calligraphy (no photography was allowed) and enjoyed a rickshaw along the lake.
We joined locals for a session of Taiji in the gardens of the temple of heaven. Spent the evening enjoying a traditional “Kung Fu show” (which is more acrobatics) followed by a hot pot dinner.
Day 11 – Return to Heathrow