10-Day Classic Sichuan Tour: From Jiuzhaigou to Chengdu

Day 1 – Arrival in Chengdu

Upon arrival in Chengdu, a local guide well-versed in the city’s culture will kick off your exciting journey through Chengdu’s ancient Shu culture. Departing from the airport or train station, a private vehicle will take you to a well-appointed hotel for check-in. Along the way, you can enjoy the city’s scenery while listening to the guide’s relaxed introduction to Chengdu’s unique features. After checking in, you are free to stroll through the surrounding streets and alleys to experience the vibrant local atmosphere. Along the way, feel free to ask your guide for practical information on popular attractions and authentic local cuisine. Your guide will be happy to offer recommendations and, if needed, assist you with ordering food, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the authentic, laid-back lifestyle of Chengdu.

Meals Included: None

Day 2 – Chengdu → Huanglong: The Paradise on Earth → Jiuzhaigou

After breakfast, we’ll embark on a magnificent journey from the plains to the highlands. First, we’ll head to the Huanglong Scenic Area, known as the “Paradise on Earth.” We’ll take the cable car up the mountain and stroll along winding wooden walkways, admiring the spectacular scenery created by thousands of colorful pools, snow-capped peaks, gorges, and forests, and marveling at the marvelous natural formations of the travertine landscape. We will then travel by coach to the fairy-tale world of Jiuzhaigou, taking in the magnificent scenery of the Min Mountains along the way. Upon arrival, we will check into our hotel to rest up for the in-depth tour the following day.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 – In-Depth Tour of Jiuzhaigou: A Fairytale World

Today, we will spend the entire day exploring Jiuzhaigou National Park, delving into this fairy-tale landscape designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. We’ll ride a shuttle bus through the three valleys, taking in classic sights such as Five-Color Lake, Five-Color Pool, and Nuorilang Waterfall. Reflecting the sunlight, the lake waters shimmer in dreamlike hues of blue, green, and yellow—like a palette overturned by God. Along the way, you can hike through the tranquil primeval forest, listen to the legends of Tibetan villages, and experience the profound awe that comes from the saying, “Once you’ve seen Jiuzhaigou, you’ll never look at water the same way again.”

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 – Jiuzhaigou → Mount Emei: The Sacred Mountain of Buddhism

After breakfast, we’ll take a high-speed train from Jiuzhaigou back to Chengdu, then transfer to Mount Emei to embark on a journey that combines Buddhist culture with natural scenery. Upon arriving at the foot of Mount Emei, we will check into our hotel. In the evening, you can take a stroll around the Baoguo Temple area to soak in the serene atmosphere of this ancient monastery, or head to the food street to sample Mount Emei specialties such as tofu pudding and grilled skewers, stocking up on energy for the next day’s hike.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 – The Golden Summit of Mount Emei: A Buddhist Paradise in the Clouds

Today, we will set out to conquer the Golden Summit of Mount Emei. We’ll take an eco-friendly shuttle to Leidongping, then walk to Jieyin Hall to board the cable car up the mountain. In about 20 minutes, we’ll reach the Golden Summit at an elevation of 3,079 meters. Here, you can admire the 48-meter-tall Golden Statue of Samantabhadra, gaze down upon the surging sea of clouds and the majestic expanse of snow-capped mountains, and, if the weather is clear, even catch a distant view of Mount Gongga. Along the way, visit ancient temples such as Wannian Temple and Huazang Temple to experience the profound heritage of Buddhist culture. After descending, return to the city of Emei to enjoy a leisurely evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 – Mount Emei → Leshan Giant Buddha: A Millennium of Zen → Chengdu

After breakfast, we will head to the Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area to view up close the world’s tallest carved stone statue of the Seated Maitreya Buddha. Carved during the Tang Dynasty and completed after 90 years of construction, the Great Buddha stands 71 meters tall and is built into the mountainside, creating a truly majestic sight. You can descend along the Nine-Turns Plank Walkway to experience the Buddha’s solemnity and awe-inspiring presence up close, or take a boat ride to view it from afar and admire the magnificent scenery where the Buddha stands amidst the confluence of the Min, Qingyi, and Dadu Rivers. Afterward, head to the ancient town of Suji, where you can stroll along the blue-stone cobblestone paths, savor authentic Leshan “Qiaojiao” beef, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this ancient town in western Sichuan. In the afternoon, return to Chengdu by coach and check into your hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7 – Chengdu: Adorable Pandas and the Mysteries of Ancient Shu

Today, we embark on a cultural and natural journey through Chengdu. In the morning, we’ll visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to observe the endearing giant pandas up close, watch them eat bamboo, climb trees, and play, and learn about the history of giant panda conservation and research. Afterward, we’ll head to the Sanxingdui Museum to uncover the mysteries of the ancient Shu civilization. We’ll admire precious artifacts such as the Giant Standing Bronze Figure, the Bronze Sacred Tree, and the Golden Mask, and experience the splendor and wisdom of the ancient Shu Kingdom from over 3,000 years ago.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 – Chengdu: Hydraulic Engineering Marvels and the Legacy of the Three Kingdoms

After breakfast, we will head to the Dujiangyan Scenic Area to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site and experience the wisdom and marvel of the hydraulic engineering project constructed by Li Bing and his son over 2,000 years ago. The three main structures—the Yuzui Water-Diverting Embankment, the Feisha Weir Spillway, and the Baopingkou Inlet—still serve flood control and irrigation functions to this day, contributing to the prosperity of the “Land of Abundance.” We will then visit the Wuhou Temple to immerse ourselves in the rich heritage of the Three Kingdoms era, stroll along the ancient Jinli Street, and sample Chengdu snacks such as tangyouguozi and san da pao, experiencing the folk customs of Western Sichuan. In the evening, enjoy a Sichuan Opera face-changing performance and experience the unique charm of this national-level intangible cultural heritage.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 9 – Chengdu: Where Fashion Meets Tradition

Today, we’ll experience the diverse charms of Chengdu. In the morning, we’ll head to the Global Center, the world’s largest single-structure building that combines shopping, leisure, and entertainment, allowing us to soak in the bustling atmosphere of a modern metropolis. Next, we’ll head to East Suburb Memory, a former industrial site in Chengdu that has been transformed into a cultural and creative industrial park. It preserves industrial elements such as red-brick factory buildings and vintage machine tools while incorporating modern culture like music, art, and fashion, making it a great spot for photos. In the afternoon, we’ll stroll through the Wide and Narrow Alleys to experience Chengdu’s laid-back lifestyle and savor authentic local cuisine on Kuixinglou Street, bringing our journey to a perfect close.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 – Farewell to Chengdu

After checking out, you’ll head to Chunxi Road or Taikoo Li, where you can purchase local specialties and souvenirs to share the joy of your trip and a taste of Chinese culture with friends back home. Your guide will accompany you all the way to the airport to ensure you board your flight home.

Meals included: Breakfast

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