China between heaven and earth: pandas, Avatar and Hong Kong

Departure from Europe to the former British colony of Hong Kong.

We land in an autonomous region of China, where a different currency is used, different laws apply, and the highest concentration of skyscrapers in the world is located. Besides well-known places such as Nathan Road, Victoria Peak, and the Star Ferry, we will also explore less-visited neighborhoods. What is it really like to live here? How much space do locals have? You will get to know the lesser-known Hong Kong as well.
Along the way, we will lose ourselves in narrow alleys and taste typical Cantonese cuisine – something different every day.

A full-day trip to the former Portuguese colony of Macao. By fast ferry across the Pearl River Delta, we will reach the city in approximately 70 minutes – a city that today earns more from gambling than Las Vegas. Why here? Besides the casinos, we will also walk through the historic center from the era of Portuguese rule – in some places, you will feel as if you are in Lisbon rather than in China.

Travel by Chinese high-speed train (up to 350 km/h) to the Zhangjiajie area. Our destination will be the iconic mist-shrouded mountains. Is this how you imagined China? Dramatic scenery, rocks, and greenery all around.

A full-day program in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. The area is famous for its unique sandstone rock towers that rise high above the landscape. We can expect viewpoints, hiking trails, and even a glass-bottomed bridge over a canyon.
Depending on your preference, we will split into groups – those who want more activity can go on foot, while others can choose the more comfortable option using cable cars. You can adapt the program on site to your own pace.

Transfer to the Tianmen mountain range. The highlight is the rock arch known as “Heaven’s Gate.” We will ride the world’s longest cable car, and those who wish can climb the 999 steps (or take the escalator as an alternative). Glass-bottomed walkways with views over the surrounding landscape are also part of the experience. In the late afternoon, we will continue by high-speed train to Chongqing.

Chongqing – a major city at the confluence of two rivers, known for its hilly terrain and modern architecture. You will also see the iconic trains passing through buildings. We will taste a local specialty – spicy hot pot. How many chilies can you handle?

Transfer by high-speed train to Chengdu. The main attraction will be the pandas – calm, a bit clumsy, and utterly addictive to watch. Meeting them is one of those moments you won’t forget.
Chengdu also offers a pleasant atmosphere, traditional teahouses, and a more relaxed pace compared to the big metropolises.

Transfer to Xi’an. We will visit the Terracotta Army – thousands of clay soldiers that have guarded the tomb of China’s first emperor for more than 2,000 years. Each figure is unique, and the whole complex feels even more impressive in person than in photographs.
In the city, we will walk through the Muslim Quarter, see the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, and taste local specialties – including pomegranates.

Transfer by high-speed train to Beijing. A first introduction to the city and a walk through the traditional hutong alleys.

A trip to the Great Wall of China — we will also visit a less crowded section. (And we will explain the myth of whether it is visible from space.) In the afternoon, a visit to the Temple of Heaven.

The Forbidden City and the history of imperial China. We will explore the symbolism of colours, the number nine, and the architecture, then continue through Tiananmen Square—one of the largest public squares in the world.

Flight home.