Chengdu · Jiuzhaigou · Zhangjiajie 9 Days · A Journey Through Natural Wonders

Take the shuttle bus to the Bailong Elevator and experience a 335 m vertical ascent — the world's tallest outdoor lift. Step out at the summit of Yuanjiajie, where wind- and water-carved quartz-sandstone pillars stand beneath drifting clouds; this is the very landscape that inspired the floating Hallelujah Mountain in the film Avatar. During peak season the elevator and cable car can mean queues, so we arrange the best time slots for you.

Return to the national forest park and hike Golden Whip Stream for two or three hours. Lush primeval forest lines both sides of the gorge, the stream is clear to the bottom and fish drift through it, and it is especially cool in summer. Often called one of the most beautiful gorges in the world, walking into it feels like stepping into a verdant fairy-tale world — just don't forget to watch for the wild macaques that live here.

Dare to stand on a glass bridge suspended 300 m above the canyon floor? The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge is among the world's highest and longest glass bridges — a transparent abyss beneath your feet, knife-cut cliffs rising above. The first step takes a little courage, but once you cross, it becomes the most unforgettable memory of the whole trip.

The 72 Wonder Towers are a landmark in the centre of Zhangjiajie and a gateway to the charm of western Hunan. After nightfall the stilted-house complex glows enchantingly under the lights; interactive performances are staged here — street parades, folk songs and bonfire parties — and you can taste special snacks from all over the region.

Spend a full day inside Jiuzhaigou Valley. Its three main gullies — Rize Valley, Zechawa Valley and Shuzheng Lakes — meet in a "Y" shape, each with its own charm. Our guide plans the best route for you based on shuttle-bus times, weather and crowds, winding down the valley so you take in Long Lake, Five-Flower Lake, Shuzheng Lakes, the spectacular Nuorilang Waterfall and Pearl Shoal Waterfall, all from the finest angles.

Huanglong is famed for its "Four Wonders": the Five-Colour Pond, snow mountains, gorges and forests. A cable car and shuttle bus take you straight to its essence — the layered, colourful Five-Colour Pond at the mountain top, where travertine pools look like palettes lit by sunlight. On the way down you can choose to walk through the primeval forest or ride the cable car back.

In the early morning drive from Chengdu to Dujiangyan Panda Valley. Here you have the chance to see a dozen or so giant pandas up close, and meet the lovable red pandas in their natural habitat. This verdant reserve is rich in plants, including stunning azaleas — and morning is when the pandas are most active, the best time for photos.

In the afternoon ride the cable car up Mount Qingcheng, then stroll leisurely along the loop trail. The path is wrapped in green trees and pleasant views, and its many ancient Taoist temples lend the mountain a touch of mystery — Mount Qingcheng is one of the birthplaces of Chinese Taoism, and the old saying "Qingcheng is the quietest under heaven" captures it perfectly. After the visit, ride the cable car down and return to your Chengdu hotel.

Step into the historic Kuanzhai Alley, a paradise for street-food lovers. From the spicy, fragrant dan dan noodles to wontons and juicy dumplings, eating your way through will let your taste buds remember Chengdu for you. Nearby is Wenshu Monastery — grey tiles, red walls, ancient ginkgo trees — where a bowl of gaiwan tea and a seat is all it takes to feel the Chengdu pace of "take it slow".