China's Hidden Treasures and Avatar Mountains Tour

Our journey begins four hours before our flight with our meeting with our guide at Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal. At 02:05, we set off towards the mysterious geography of the East with Turkish Airlines flight TK 226. After a sky journey of approximately nine hours, we land in Chengdu at 15:40 local time. Following our welcome at the airport, we have our dinner at a local restaurant. We proceed to our hotel to shake off the tiredness of the journey and prepare for our fascinating explorations starting in the coming days.

We start the day after breakfast at our hotel and our check-out procedures, setting off to explore the monumental Leshan Giant Buddha Statue, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. We witness the serenity and fascinating magnificence of this 71-meter colossal work carved into steep mountain cliffs. After having our lunch at a local restaurant, we return to Chengdu city center. We set out to explore the famous Wide and Narrow Alley, which gracefully blends the city's historical past with its modern rhythm. We take a pleasant walk in this nostalgic atmosphere lined with traditional courtyard houses and authentic shops, closely feeling Chengdu's unique lifestyle culture and tranquil spirit. After this first day of exploration filled with unforgettable moments, we proceed to our hotel to rest.

Making an early start to the day, we set off by high-speed train for a journey of approximately 4 hours from Chengdu towards the fascinating geography of Zhangjiajie. Following our arrival in the city and our lunch at a local restaurant, we visit the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon region where nature displays all its magnificence, and the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, one of the highest and longest pedestrian glass bridges in the world, invites us to a breathtaking experience. Afterwards, we move on to Baofeng Lake, shining like an emerald hidden among steep mountains. During our boat tour on the tranquil waters of the lake, we experience peaceful moments by witnessing the reflections of mystical cliffs and lush nature on the water. At the end of this special day full of exploration, we proceed to our hotel to rest.

After breakfast at our hotel, we set off towards the heart of the fairytale-like pillar cliffs that inspired the movie Avatar. We step into a fascinating visual feast as we reach the Yuanjiajie area via the majestic Bailong Elevator, the world's highest outdoor elevator. In Yuanjiajie; we explore the Mihun Stage offering panoramic views of canyons stretching towards the sky, the miracle of nature First Bridge under Heaven, and the mystical silhouette of the legendary Hallelujah Mountains. Then, by taking our shuttle bus to the Tianzishan (Emperor Mountain) region, we see Helong Park and the fascinating fairy maiden peak resembling a flower blooming among stone pillars. We descend to the valley via a cable car ride. In the final part of our trip, we tour the Ten Mile Gallery, which embraces the unique nature of the valley, accompanied by a mini train. We admiringly watch fairytale-like rock formations sculpted patiently by nature, such as the Old Man Gathering Herbal Medicines and the Three Sisters Peaks. Following our lunch at a local restaurant, we leave behind a day full of fascinating memories and proceed to our hotel to rest.

After starting the day with breakfast at our hotel, we set off towards Fenghuang to explore historical towns where time seemingly stands still. During our journey, our first stop is the fairytale-like Furong Ancient Town, built over a magnificent waterfall. We take a pleasant stroll in this unique atmosphere where waterfall sounds and traditional wooden architecture intertwine. After our lunch, we move on to Fenghuang Ancient Town, considered one of China's most romantic and fascinating settlements, and witness the delicate texture of the region. Following our dinner consisting of authentic local delicacies, we head to our hotel to conclude our day in the fascinating atmosphere of the town, which turns into a fairytale with evening lights. We provide transportation to our hotel in the town, which is closed to vehicle traffic to preserve its historical texture, via local shuttle services. After settling into our hotel, we withdraw to rest.

After breakfast at our hotel, we start by stepping forward step by step through the fairytale atmosphere of Fenghuang, one of China's best-preserved ancient settlements. We carry out a fascinating stroll among traditional wooden stilt houses (Diaojiaolou) rising on both banks of the Tuojiang River, historic stone bridges, and timeless streets. To breathe in the spirit of the town in its purest form, we go on a traditional boat tour on the Tuojiang River. While gliding over the waters, we watch the noble silhouette of the wooden architecture rising from the river and share the centuries-old peaceful rhythm of the town. Following our lunch at a local restaurant, in the afternoon we set off by high-speed train from the mystical town texture towards China's futuristic megacity, Chongqing. Following our arrival in the city after a journey of approximately 4 hours, we step into the world of fascinating lights and modern architecture and transfer to our hotel to rest.

After breakfast at our hotel, we set off to explore the streets of Chongqing, which offer a combination of its deep-rooted history and futuristic spirit. Our first stop is the historic Ciqikou Ancient Town, stretching along the banks of the Jialing River and preserving the texture of the Ming and Qing dynasties. After feeling the ancient past of the city among the narrow stone streets, authentic tea houses, and traditional handicraft workshops, we turn our route to the modern center of the city. We experience the high tempo of the Jiefangbei CBD (Central Business District) area, considered the heart of Chongqing, and then take a photo break at the world-famous Liziba Metro Station, which symbolizes the city's extraordinary urban planning approach with a metro line passing through a residential building. Afterward, we visit Hongya Cave (Hongyadong), which offers a fairy-tale visual feast with its traditional architecture built on steep cliffs. Following our lunch at a local restaurant, we depart by high-speed train from Chongqing to Chengdu, the heart of Sichuan culture. After arriving in the city following a journey of about 1.5 hours, we transfer to our hotel to rest and get ready for days full of new discoveries.

After breakfast at our hotel, we set off for the world-famous Panda Base, where we will observe China's cute national symbol, giant pandas, in their natural habitats. These unique moments in the heart of nature will turn into flawless and aesthetic frames through your lens. After the joyful moments we spend with these cute mascots of China, we move to People’s Park to feel the daily life rhythm of the city. Here, in a local tea house, we experience the serenity and elegance of traditional Chinese tea culture. Following a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, we return to Chengdu city center. We spend pleasant free time to shop and choose memories for our loved ones on the famous Chunxi Road, which carries the liveliest, most modern, and dynamic rhythm of the city. In the evening hours, saying goodbye to the mystical spirit of the East, we transfer to the airport. We come to the end of our journey with unforgettable memories we accumulated in this fairy-tale geography stretching from mystical mountains to futuristic cities.

Departure for Istanbul at 00:45 on Turkish Airlines flight TK 227 and arrival in Istanbul in the early morning hours at 05:55.