Being strongly recommended for those who are crazy about natural experience, who want to try something different, and who want to escape the tourist crowds, this 4 day private packaged tour is a magnificent wonders tour as well as an off-the-beaten-track adventure and a rare opportunity for photography. It can be started conveniently from the ancient capital city Xian (or Yan’an – can be reached by high speed trains).
You will be brought to explore many natural wonders by a private tour guide and driver, including the less-known Yucha Grand Canyon, Jingbian Danxia Landform, Yellow River Shequ National Park, and also the famous Hukou Waterfall, and pass by many rural villages and small towns in the northern Shaanxi region where folk culture is quite unique. We will take care of all the itinerary planning, transfer, hotels, meal and activities for you so that you can focus 100% on the fun of the traveling. If you want to adjust the itinerary, or want to add new places, please feel free to contact us for customization.
Day 1 Xian - Yucha Grand Canyon - Yan'an (L)
Today's highlight: Yucha Grand Canyon
This early morning after breakfast, meet our tour guide and driver in your hotel, then drive about 325km (about 4.5) hours to Yucha Grand Canyon which is praised as the “natural crack wonder of the Loess Plateau”.
You will arrive at Yucha Grand Canyon after noon time. The rest about 3~4 hours after lunch is to admire the geographical wonders in the canyon. Yucha Grand Canyon is the China version of Antelope Canyon in the United States. It has four smaller canyons, including Longbagou Canyon, Huabaogou Canyon, Nanhegou Canyon (also known as Mudangou) and Huashugou Canyon. Each canyon has its own characteristics. What you can find here is a wonderful world carved by wind, water and time for millions of years. The walls of the gorge are uneven, beautiful and smooth. Everything looks so simple, harmonious and natural. How was the Grand Canyon formed? According to scientific research, about ten million years ago, there was a strong earthquake occurred on the Loess Plateau. After the earthquake, a gigantic crack appeared. The surface of the crack then got eroded by water, wind and sunlight, and formed various textures and shapes. Walking in the canyon is feeling like the waves of the sea passing by you. Occasionally, some sunlight falls into the canyon, forming a dreamy world of light and shadow.
Visiting tips: 1) In the wide canyons, several people can walk side by side, while in the narrow canyons, you can only pass by one person. To walk safely through the narrow and dark spaces, you can carry a tripod and ultra-wide-angle lens. 2) Please note it is not safe to visit the canyon during rainy days because there may be rapid water flow. The rainy season in the northwest is June, July, and August, so pay attention to the weather forecast before you go.
Leaving the Grand Canyon, you will keep drive about 70 km (about 1.5 hours) to Yan’an city for accommodation.
Nightlife suggestions: 1) hunt for local snacks at Erdaojie Night Market; 2) enjoy night view of the city from Baotashan (Baota Mountain).
Yucha Grand Canyon - a world of light and shadow
Tourist in Yucha Grand Canyon
Yucha Grand Canyon in sunny day
Day 2 Yan’an - Jingbian - Yan’an (B, L)
Today's highlights: Wavy Valley (Flaming Danxia, Geocentric Danxia, Water Danxia)
Today, you are going to explore another natural wonder in the region – the Wavy Valley (officially Longzhou Danxia Landform Scenic Area) in Longzhou Town, Jingbian County, about 150 km (2 hours’ drive) from Yan’an city. The Danxia landform here, which can compete with the Arizona’s the Wave, was formed between the Paleozoic Permian, Mesozoic Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous when the earth activity was the most active, and creatures were the most prosperous in the history of our planet. Due to constant erosion of wind and rain, the red sandstones here present strange postures and colors, and look different at different angles and times. When it is sunny after the rain, the color of red sandstone will be more vivid.
You will first visit the Flaming Danxia and Geocentric Danxia Scenic Area. Against the backdrop of the Loess Plateau, the Danxia landscape here is more beautiful. Looking from afar, the Danxia hills and canyons are like a rushing red sea, and viewing closely, they are like the “rings of time”. This spectacular Danxia landform stretches for several kilometers! When you walk through the Danxia mountains, the red cliffs appears to be cut by an axe, sitting in a canyon which is about 50 meters wide and deep. Later, we will come to Water Danxia Scenic Area. The Danxia landform here is colorful and amazing, with the clear water as natural background.
Lastly, drive the same way back to Yan’an city for accommodation.
Flaming Danxia Landform in the Wavy Valley
Geocentric Danxia Landform in the Wavy Valley
Water Danxia Landform in the Wavy Valley
Day 3 Yan’an - Yellow River Shequ National Geopark - Yanchuan (B, L)
Today's highlight: Yellow River Shequ National Park (Qiankunwan, Plank Road, Qingshuiwan, Huifengzhai)
Today，you will go to discover a spectacle on the Yellow River - Yellow River Shequ National Park. It is only about 150km (2.5 hours’ drive) from Yan’an City. The mighty Yellow River flows through the winding canyons on the plateau junction between Shanxi Province and Shaanxi Province like a giant yellow snake (hence the name – Shequ (Winding Snake).
There are so many things to do in the Shequ National Park that you can stay up to a half day there. The most impressive sight is the Qiankunwan (Taichi Bay) which was selected as one of the “10 Most Beautiful Canyons in China”. The Yellow River here is stopped by an “S” band with a radian over 320° which looks naturally like a Chinese Taichi. Walking on the plank road along the Yellow River is another featured experience. You can get closer to feel the majesty of this China’s “Mother River” and feast on the magnificent Losses Plateau landscape. You will also make a stop at Qingshuiwan (Pure Water Bay) which is a small tributary of Yellow River, and used to serve as an ancient port. Taking a cable car from Qingshuiwan, you will get to Huifengzhai (Peaks-gathering Village), the last attraction in the park. Sitting on the higher cliffs, Huifengzhai was an important military defensive base. For tourists, it offers open view of Yellow River and nearby mountains, gorges and plantations.
After the Geopark exploration, drive to nearby Yanchuan county for accommodation.
Qiankunwan (Taichi Bay) - one of the “10 Most Beautiful Canyons in China”
Yellow River Shequ National Park
Day 4 Yanchuan - Hukou Waterfall - Xi'an (B, L)
Today's highlight: Hukou Waterfall
Today after breakfast, you will drive about 160km (about 3.5 hours) to Hukou Waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in China.
You will get to Hukou Waterfall around noon time. Take your time to explore this largest yellowish waterfall in the world and the second largest waterfall in China. When Yellow River cleaves Shanxi province and Shaanxi province at the point where riverbed abruptly narrows down, the thunderous water splashes on the rock form spectacular Hukou Waterfall naturally. Hukou Waterfall gets its name of Hukou (meaning kettle spout literally) because the it seems pouring down from a huge kettle. As the water stirs up a mass of smoke and clouds, the scene of Hukou Waterfall is extremely overwhelming. In the sunny days, the mist is refracted by sunlight to create a rainbow like a beautiful bridge spanning river. You will have enough time enjoy the magnificent waterfall and take nice photos.
Notes: 1) May to October is the best time to see the powerful waterfall but you can see calm glacier fall in cold winter; 2) you can pay an optional visit to the Dragon Cave (CNY 20) beneath Hukou Waterfall to get a different view.
After the waterfall tour, drive about 300km (about 4 hours) back to Xian.
Get amazed by majesty Hukou Waterfall
Winter View of Hukou Waterfall
Challenge yourself to hike the thrilling hiking routes on Mount Huashan.
Mount Huashan is located in Shaanxi Province, 120 kilometers away from Xian. It is not only as one of the sacred Taoist mountains in China, but also a very challenging mountain for hiking lovers. Mount Hua is famous for its lofty peaks and steep paths. Some travelers who have walked the Skywalk (Plankroad in the Sky) describe Mount Hua Hiking as the “Most Dangerous Hike in the World”. Well, this used to be true many years ago when little safe facilities were constructed, such as the cableway, tight wire, handrails. Today, it is available for most travelers to climb from the foot to the top of the mountain.
Xian, as the capital of 13 ancient China dynasties, is filled with amazing historic and cultural wonders.
With only 2 days, you can travel the best highlights of ancient capital Xian at an enjoyable pace. The Day 1 is a full day visit to the famous Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Local Snack Street - Muslim Quarter. In the Day 2, you have a half day for visiting to the symbol of Xian - Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and having an educational learning in Shanxi History Museum. The rest time is free for departure.
1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one standard double-bed room in 4-star hotel and traveling with our private tour in low seasons.
2. This price is subject to change according your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate. If you want a lower price, you can get more people to join you, or use economy class hotels.
3. This price is only valid to March 31, 2023.
4. Reference exchange rate of USD 1=RMB 6.85. The final quote is based on current exchange rate. It may change according to the currency fluctuation, while the RMB quotation will be remained the same.
Hi Wonder,
We are safely back in Guangzhou. Wonderful experience. All the planned events were highlights and the little extra side trips were a plus. Thank you for all your careful planning.
Hi Leo,
This is a very short customised arrangement during which the China border is not fully opened yet.
China Discovery charges a premium though, but it delivered without fail.
The VOA is very new to even the custom officers who were on duty when I cleared the immigration check at Shenzhen as well as the HK side. I must say that the agent did his professional service by always on the call to allow on-site changes of my arrival time because immigration clearance was so unpredictable. I can be assured that someone is just outside the arrival hall to pick me up and, I could tell the immigration officer that my local contact person is just waiting outside to pick me once I am cleared with this new procedure.
It is always safer to have a local contact to guide you and make arrangements for your local transfer when language ( Cantonese instead of Mandarin) is a problem in China .
Thx for the service . Thx to Matt too.
Rgds
Rita,
thank you for your arrangement. The tour and logistics were really good. We are very happy and look forward to the next trip in China with your company.
Dear Jack,
I have tried to leave the following review with tripadvisor several times now but somehow it is not accepted, I do not know why.
"Just back from our 9-day trip to Yunnan, long planned and waited for. It was our second time with China Discovery Tours. Once again they tailored the tour according to our ideas and interests - and succeeded in surprising us! Thanks to the local guides we learned a lot about history, traditions and customs, and, of course, food. We always felt in safe hands and the organization was just perfect with enough on spot flexibility. Big thanks to Jack who figured it all out so well and to the next time with China Discovery! Johannes (GER) & Elizabeth (GRC)"
Thanks again for an excellent trip, best regards, Johannes&Elizabeth
Hi Jack!
It's was great, we loved it! Our tour guide Frank was very kind, informative, and funny :) We loved how easy it was and how much we got to see in a day, I will definitely recommend to our friends!
We are one of the few China travel agencies who have kept active and received lots of feedbacks and reviews during pandemic years
"Highest Standards of Quality and Honesty" is the core value of each specialized team at China Discovery.
Eveyone in our company is working hard for only one goal, which is to ensure the highest level of service, luxury, and attention to detail from the minute you begin planning your trip, to the day you return home.
Our travel consultants are professional, experienced and responsible, helping you from the very beginning to the end of your China trip!
After sending us an inquiry, one of our travel consultants will get back to you within 0.5~23.5 hrs. In the next few days, he/she will be working closely with you to formulate a customized tour plan, as well as providing professional suggestions based on your travel interests, time, and budget.
Beside, he/she will keep in contact with you during your entire tour in China, continually checking if everything is going well as planned.
We're working at Chengdu Bamboo International Tours, local based in Chengdu.
Our local guide in every destination is not only very friendly, enthusiastic but also very informative and knowledgeable.
Once you arrive in the destination, the patient and punctual guides will pick you up and take you to get under skin of the city at your own pace. By in-depth discovery and explanation, they’ll show you more about the history, culture, customs and authentic local life. Throughout the journey, they're not only expert guides who take care of all the details but also fellow travelers who are dedicated to help you explore in comfort and style.
Our guides are passionate about what they do, and it shows all the way!
Using our private transfer service makes you comfortable, relaxed and worry free all the way!
Our private service includes licensed drivers with many years’ driving experience and air-conditioned, non-smoking, clean and well-maintained cars/vans. Drivers are local, polite, friendly and helpful, taking you to your tourist sites, hotels, airport/train stations in safety. All kinds of vehicle are offered, and yours depends on the size of your group. Usually, we offer sedan cars, SUVs, business vans (MPV) and different types of buses, all with extra space for your luggage.
Our private transfer service guarantees you the highest comfort!
In each destination, you’ll enjoy a comfortable stay in a great location!
The hotels we choose are based on star rating, great locations, well-equipped facilities, cozy bed, high quality service and guests’ feedbacks. Choices are a lot ranging from luxury 5 star, comfortable 4 star to budget 3 star. You could decide where to stay to best suit for your budget and likes. Generally, the hotels have both Western and Chinese breakfast with a wide choices.
If you have already got an ideal hotel, please feel free to tell our travel consultants and they'll book the hotel for you.
Have good sleep in our well-selected hotels in all the destinations of China.
We can satisfy all the dietary requirements no matter you want Chinese local food, western food, vegetarian food or muslin food.
The restaurants we will take you for lunch or dinner are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. They have very good sanitary conditions and the food is prepared fresh and clean.
There will be some meals excluded in your itinerary as you like, and your private guide will be delighted to give you some suggestions and take you to the local restaurants to taste like Beijing Roast Duck, Xian Dumpling Dinner, Sichuan Hotpot, etc., if you are interested in local food tasting.
All the dining options will satisfy your stomach!
Yucha Grand Canyon - a world of light and shadow
Tourist in Yucha Grand Canyon
Yucha Grand Canyon in sunny day
Flaming Danxia Landform in the Wavy Valley
Geocentric Danxia Landform in the Wavy Valley
Water Danxia Landform in the Wavy Valley
Qiankunwan (Taichi Bay) - one of the “10 Most Beautiful Canyons in China”
Yellow River Shequ National Park
Hukou Waterfall Shaanxi
Hukou Waterfall (Shaanxi Side) in Winter
Xining - Zhangye - Badain Jaran Desert
Xian / Mount Huashan
Datong / Wutaishan / Pingyiao / Hukou Waterfall
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