From the Three Gorges to the Taoist Temples of Mount Wudang
“The Secret Kingdom of Gorges and the Immortal Mountain” offers a rare immersion in the heart of Central China, far from the traditional tourist routes. Your journey begins in Yichang, true gateway to the Three Gorges, where you’ll explore the city, attend an immersive show on the history of the Yangtze, and visit the monumental Three Gorges Dam before embarking on a river cruise between two dams through the Xiling Gorge and the Three Gorges Tribe scenic area — a vibrant center of Ba‑Chu folk culture.
Next, the itinerary leads you to Shennongjia, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve renowned for its primary forests, extraordinary biodiversity, and mountainous landscapes featuring alpine wetlands and pristine valleys. Between the Shennong Altar, Mount Guanmen, and the Dajiuhu Wetland Park, you’ll enjoy a unique natural environment, staying in lodges harmoniously integrated into the scenery.
Finally, you’ll spend several days on Mount Wudang, a sacred Taoist site and birthplace of tai chi. Its complexes of temples and palaces, built during the Ming and later dynasties, are listed as UNESCO World Heritage. From Xuanyue Gate to the Golden Summit, and through Zixiao, Nanyan, and Qiongtai, follow ancient pilgrimage paths winding between cliffs, forests, and cliff‑edge pavilions in a deeply spiritual atmosphere.
The itinerary’s pace allows time for contemplation, with minimal hotel changes, private transfers, an English-speaking guide, and French-speaking support for travel preparation. This tour is designed for curious travelers who have already seen China’s major highlights or seek a more exclusive experience focused on vast landscapes, natural heritage, and Taoist traditions.
Daily program: Secret China – Three Gorges, Shennongjia & Mount Wudang
Day 1: Arrival in Yichang
Arrive in the “Hydroelectric Capital” Yichang, where you’ll be welcomed by your guide. Transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax after your journey. Perhaps take an evening stroll near the Yangtze River or enjoy a local specialty meal. Lunch and dinner on your own. Overnight at Yichang A’er Baogeli Hotel
Day 2: Yichang - Three Gorges Show (B)
Begin your day with a visit to the “Sanxia Qian Gu Qing” immersive theatre performance. Through stunning stage effects, dynamic choreography, the show brings to life the 8,000-year history and legends of the Three Gorges region. Lunch and dinner on your own.Overnight at Yichang A’er Baogeli Hotel
Day 3: Three Gorges Dam Scenic Area - "Two Dams & One Gorge" Cruise （B, L）
After breakfast at the hotel, head to the Three Gorges Dam tourist area to explore the “world’s largest dam.” Stand at the Tanziling Viewing Platform for a panoramic view. Walk along the 185 Platform to get up close and feel its immense scale. After lunch, board a cruise ship for the “Two Dams and One Gorge” journey. The ship sails gently along the Yangtze River, passing by the Gezhouba Dam, the Three Gorges Dam, and Xiling Gorge.Dinner on your own. Overnight at Yichang A’er Baogeli Hotel
Day 4: Yichang -Tribe of the Three Gorges - Muyu Town(B) ~3h drive
Visit the Tribe of the Three Gorges.Renowned for its breathtaking gorge scenery and rich Ba-Chu culture. Enjoy intangible cultural heritage displays like boatmen’s chants and Tujia wedding laments, which vividly recreate traditional life.After lunch, take a roughly 3-hour drive to Shennongjia, the “Roof of Central China.” Along the way, the scenery shifts from cityscapes to lush mountains and clear streams. You’ll pass the Guzhao Water Road, an ecological highway built over a flowing creek, blending into the natural landscape.Arrive in Muyu Town, Shennongjia, and check into a local-style hotel. You are then free to wander through this peaceful mountain town. Lunch and dinner on your own. Overnight at Kangdi Junlan Hotel
Day 5:Shennong's Exploration , Close to Nature (B) 3h drive
Visit Shennong Altar, a sacred site honoring the legendary Shennong, father of Chinese herbal medicine. Wander among ancient cypress trees and learn about local cultural traditions. In the afternoon, explore Guanmen Mountain Scenic Area, home to rare flora and fauna, with possible sightings of golden snub-nosed monkeys. Lunch and dinner on your own. Overnight at Nanshan Xishe Homestay (Shennongjia Dajiuhu Branch)
Day 6: Pinqian Town, Shennongjia - Dajiuhu National Wetland Park - Wudangshan (B) 5h drive
Morning excursion to Dajiuhu National Wetland Park, an ethereal alpine wetland surrounded by misty peaks—ideal for photography and nature walks along wooden boardwalks. After lunch, drive to Wudang Mountain Town, a center of Taoist culture. Check into your hotel and enjoy a free evening. Lunch and dinner on your own. Overnight at NARADA Wudangahan Hubei
Day 7: Wudang Town - Xuanyue Gate - Yuzhen Palace - Yinxian Rock - Wulong Palace (B)
Begin your spiritual journey at Xuanyue Gate, the majestic entrance to Wudang Mountain. Visit Yuzhen Palace, dedicated to founder Zhang Sanfeng, and explore Yinxian Rock with its Taoist carvings and statues. In the afternoon, discover Wulong Palace, one of the mountain’s oldest temples, featuring exquisite wood carvings and a serene setting. Lunch and dinner on your own.Overnight at Yinxian Bieyuan Guest House
Day 8:Wudang Town-Yinxian Academy-Ancient Path- Nanyan Palace（B）
Visit the historic Yinxian Academy before hiking a section of the Shendao Ancient Path, the traditional pilgrimage route lined with ancient trees and stone carvings. Continue to Nanyan Palace, dramatically perched on a cliff and featuring the famous Dragon Head Incense burner. Lunch and dinner on your own.Overnight at Sitting in Wangli Guanluan Homestay
Day 9 : Zixiao Palace - Taizi Slope - Qiongtai Zhongguan (B)
Explore Zixiao Palace, a grand and well-preserved Ming-era complex known for its intricate woodwork. Visit Taizi Slope to admire the ingenious “One Pillar Twelve Beams” structure, a masterpiece of ancient engineering. In the afternoon, reach Qiongtai Zhongguan, a temple at the foot of Tianzhu Peak, offering cable car access to the summit. Overnight near Qiongtai. Lunch and dinner on your own.Overnight at Yunwai Mountain Residece in Wudang Mountain
Day 10 : Golden Summit (Taihe Palace) - Airport/Railway Station (B)
Take the cable car to the Golden Summit (Taihe Palace), Wudang’s symbolic peak, with its gleaming bronze hall and panoramic views. Explore the summit before descending. After lunch, transfer to the airport or railway station. Lunch and dinner on your own.
