798 Art Zone

We arrive in Beijing in the morning hours. Upon arrival, we meet our guide and drive to Zone 798, a modern art compound, in which artists from all over the city create and exhibit their work. At the galleries we can engage in conversation with some of the artists, hearing from them about what it is like to express yourself in a country where self-expression was taboo until not so long ago. In the early afternoon we go back to the airport to board our flight to Jiuzhaigou. As we arrive in Jiuzhaigou early in the evening, we meet our guide and driver, and drive straight to our hotel, where we check in and have dinner. Overnight in Jiuzhaigou.

Jiuzhaigou Natural Reserve

We spend the entire day taking in the marvels of Jiuzhaigou (Nine Villages Valley). This nature reserve and its superb and breathtaking landscapes are extremely attractive on account of the karst scenery, the large number of lakes, and spectacular waterfalls. A great number of endangered plant and animal species, including the giant panda, inhabit this wonderland. The name Jiuzhaigou derives from the nine Tibetan villages scattered throughout the valley. Its attraction lies in its simple, idyllic beauty; it is primitive, natural and still in a pristine state. With majestic and unrivalled emerald lakes, layered waterfalls, colorful forests, snow-peaked mountains, and Tibetan folk villages, all blending in harmony with each other, it is a jewel of nature set in spectacular mountain scenery. Jiuzhaigou lies in a transitional area where northern and southern flora and fauna meet. A natural botanical and zoological garden, it is home to densely growing conifers and broadleaf trees, and to rare and endangered animal species such as the giant panda, golden snub-nosed monkey, and white-lip deer. Overnight in Jiuzhaigou.