We are just back from one of our best trips with the very best natural scenery in China.

At first, we were amazed by the beauty of the “Rainbow Mountains ", glowing in orange, ochre and dark red colors at sunset in Zhangye Danxia Geological Park and by castle-like red sandstone peaks in Binggou Park nearby. (Flight to Zhangye from Xian, then car drive to the parks)

Then, we went to Jingbian to see the Chinese red "Wave Valley", very similar to “The Wave" in Arizona in USA, and we were lucky enough to have a native-born guide who guided to the best spots to take fantastic photos. (High speed train from Xian to Yanan and car drive to Jingbian and to the remote Wave valley)

Zhangjiajie was our next destination to view the breathtaking panoramas of the well-known and majestic peaks from the film Avatar. (Flight to Zhangjiajie from Xian)

We had a beautiful peaceful cruise in Guilin to enjoy the karst mountains of the Li River. (Flight from Xian to Guilin)

Finally, Huangshan was the place for the famous beautiful "Yellow Mountains", so often painted by Chinese artists. (Flight from Guilin to Huangshan and car drive / bus to the Yellow Mountains)

I would also recommend a worthwhile day trip to Pingyao (by high speed train from Xian), a typical ancient town with its beautiful architecture and cute shops. In Huangshan, Tunxi Old street was interesting to wander along and Hongcun (by car), a very old typical village, was a must -see too.

We booked the whole tour with Elysian Tour and we were really satisfied by the prompt answers and reliability of its travel consultant, Candy Tang, who managed this private- designed tour perfectly. At every destination, our private speaking guide and driver were at the airport/ train station to welcome us and they were all punctual and competent to show us the best views of every itinerary. This was essential and comforting as we cannot understand and speak Chinese at all. So everything went smoothly thanks to a reliable and well-planned organization and staff.

There is only one thing which did not meet our expectations: some dishes (i.e. mind smashed small bones mixed with chicken/ fish meat) in Chinese restaurants in those areas we went to, were not as good as we are used to. Well, it is also good to realize that Chinese roast ducks, char-sui and wok cooking served abroad, are really delicious.

Another thing should be mentioned: the traffic from Xian airport to Xian downtown is a mess. It is advisable not to book a hotel in Xian center town to avoid car traffic jams and pollution if you have a stopover in Xian and to transit by Xian airport.

Apart from that, we are grateful to everyone who were so helpful to have made this marvelous trip possible. We have been to a lot of wonderful places in the world and this one is one of the best!