Tour Overview
An epic 8-day journey through Sichuan's diverse landscapes — from giant pandas in Chengdu to the alpine peaks of Mount Siguniang (Four Girls Mountain), traditional Tibetan villages of Danba, the vast grasslands of Tagong, photographer's paradise Xinduqiao, and the UNESCO treasures of Leshan and Mount Emei. This tour reveals the true diversity of Sichuan beyond the typical tourist trail.
Highlights
- ✅ Mount Siguniang — 'Alps of the East' with four snow-capped peaks over 5,000m
- ✅ Danba Tibetan Village — ancient watchtowers & traditional stone houses
- ✅ Tagong Grassland & Lhagang Monastery — Tibetan culture on the plateau
- ✅ Xinduqiao — 'Photographer's Paradise' with golden poplars & grasslands
- ✅ Leshan Giant Buddha & Mount Emei — two UNESCO sites
What's Included
- ✅ Professional English-speaking guide
- ✅ 7 nights accommodation (mix of 4-star hotels & Tibetan guesthouses)
- ✅ All entrance tickets
- ✅ 4WD vehicle for mountain roads
- ✅ Airport transfers
What's Excluded
- ❌ Flights/trains to/from Chengdu
- ❌ Lunches & dinners
- ❌ Altitude sickness medication (if needed)
- ❌ Personal expenses
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Chengdu
Arrive at Chengdu. Afternoon: Panda Base. Evening: Jinli Ancient Street and Sichuan hotpot. Overnight in Chengdu.
Day 2: Chengdu to Mount Siguniang (4h drive)
Drive west from Chengdu across the Tibetan Plateau escarpment. Pass through the Wolong Panda Nature Reserve via the Balang Mountain Tunnel (3,800m). Arrive at Mount Siguniang — the 'Alps of the East' with four distinct peaks over 5,000m. Afternoon hike in Shuangqiao Valley — alpine scenery with snow peaks, waterfalls, and Tibetan prayer flags. Overnight at Siguniang Town (3,200m).
Day 3: Siguniang to Danba via Xiaojin (3.5h)
Morning: Haizi Valley or Changping Valley hike — pristine alpine lakes reflecting snow peaks. Afternoon: drive to Danba County — 'the most beautiful village in China.' Explore Jiaju Tibetan Village — hundreds of traditional white stone houses with colorful window frames, surrounded by ancient watchtowers and terraced fields. Overnight in Danba.
Day 4: Danba to Tagong to Xinduqiao (5h)
Morning: visit Suopo Watchtower Complex — dozens of ancient stone towers dating from the Song Dynasty, some over 60m tall. Drive across the vast Tagong Grassland — yaks grazing beneath snow peaks. Visit Lhagang (Tagong) Monastery — a 1,400-year-old Tibetan Buddhist temple. Continue to Xinduqiao — 'Photographer's Paradise' renowned for its golden poplar trees, Tibetan houses, and the Minya Konka (Gongga Mountain, 7,556m) backdrop. Overnight in Xinduqiao.
Day 5: Xinduqiao to Chengdu via Kangding (7h)
Dawn photography at Xinduqiao — the golden light on poplars, streams, and Tibetan architecture. Drive through Kangding — the historic gateway between Han China and Tibet. Cross the spectacular Zheduo Mountain Pass (4,298m). Descend through the Dadu River Valley back to the Sichuan Basin. Arrive in Chengdu in the evening. Overnight in Chengdu.
Day 6: Leshan Giant Buddha
Day trip to Leshan (2h). Visit the 71m Giant Buddha — walk the cliffside stairs and take the river boat for the iconic view. Explore the Lingyun Temple complex. Afternoon: Wuyou Temple on the hilltop island. Return to Chengdu. Overnight in Chengdu.
Day 7: Mount Emei — Golden Summit Express
Early morning high-speed train to Emeishan (1.5h). Direct ascent to Golden Summit (3,099m) — cable car, Huazang Temple, 48m Samantabhadra statue, Sea of Clouds. Descend by afternoon. Train back to Chengdu. Farewell dinner. Overnight in Chengdu.
Day 8: Departure
Morning: People's Park and Heming Teahouse for a relaxed Chengdu farewell. Transfer to airport. Your diverse Sichuan journey concludes.