Chengdu Essence

Visiting Sichuan for the First Time: Sichuan Panorama Loop

Deeply experience all the most essential cultural and natural landscapes of Sichuan, worthy of being called "the ultimate answer to Sichuan travel" (more specific itinerary needs can be customized)

6 Days 5 NightsChengdu→Aba→Leshan800 – 1,000 USD

6Days

5Nights

3Destinations

800From

PandasFoodTeahouseOpera

Overview

Trip Overview

Giant panda base at opening hour, teahouse culture, temple lanes, Sichuan opera and a proper mapo tofu lunch — paced like a local.

Highlights

Trip Highlights

✓Panda Valley: See giant pandas and red pandas
✓Jiuzhaigou: Known as the "Fairy Tale World" and "King of Water Landscapes"
✓Dujiangyan's thousand-year-old ancient weir, a dream at South Bridge - pay homage to the waters of Dujiangyan
✓Qingcheng Mountain, one of China's four great Taoist mountains
✓Huanglong: A jade pool in heaven, Huanglong Pool on earth
✓Leshan Giant Buddha: The world's largest ancient cliff-carved seated Maitreya Buddha statue
✓Mount Emei, one of China's four great Buddhist mountains
✓Sanxingdui: Explore the ancient Shu civilization, sleeping for thousands of years, awakening to astonish the world

Day-by-day

Day-by-day Itinerary

1DAYChengdu

Chengdu - Sanxingdui - Jiuzhaigou Entrance - First Encounter with a 3,000-Year-Old Mystery

Destination

Chengdu

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, is the vibrant heart of southwestern China and a city that wears its ancient nickname, 'Land of Abundance,' with easy pride. It is home to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where you can watch pandas at their liveliest in the early morning, and it is the birthplace of Sichuan cuisine and hotpot—bold, numbing and utterly addictive. Centuries of history come alive in Kuanzhai Alley, Jinli, the Wuhou Shrine and Du Fu's Thatched Cottage, while the UNESCO-listed Dujiangyan irrigation system and Qingcheng Mountain reveal ancient engineering and Taoist serenity. Teahouse culture and a famously relaxed pace make Chengdu ideal for food lovers, families and culture seekers.

BreakfastNot included · Hotel breakfast · Please dine in a timely manner

Morning(About 08:00-12:00): Explore the ancient Shu civilization. Depart from Chengdu, with morning pickup within the Third Ring Road (recommended accommodation in Chengdu: near Yipin Tianxia/Yangxi Interchange subway station); drive about 1 hour to the [Sanxingdui Museum] in Guanghan City. Tour highlights: This is the cultural feast of the trip. Spend 3-4 hours immersed in the mysterious ancient Shu culture and witness world-class treasures such as the bronze sacred tree, bronze standing figure, gold mask, and protruding-eye mask. The new museum has excellent exhibition conditions, allowing you to deeply feel the impact of a civilization completely different from that of the Central Plains.

LunchNot included · Recommended Sichuan cuisine experience

AfternoonLunch (about 12:00-13:00): Dine simply near Sanxingdui or in a town along the way. Afternoon to evening (about 13:00-18:30): Cross mountains and rivers, heading to Jiuzhaigou. Scenery along the way: The drive goes north, with the terrain gradually changing from plains to hills, then entering the Minshan Mountains. You will pass through many tunnels and bridges, enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Fujiang Gorge along the way, and experience the convenience of "turning a natural moat into a thoroughfare."

DinnerNot included · Recommended highland hot pot

EveningArrive at the hotel at [Jiuzhaigou Entrance] and check in. After dinner, you can take a leisurely walk here, adapt to the altitude, and conserve energy for the next day's highlight.

TransportBusiness vehicle (nanny car)StayJiuzhaigou Entrance Hotel

2DAYAba

Bipenggou - Songzhou Ancient City - Jiuzhaigou Entrance

BreakfastIncluded · Hotel breakfast · Complimentary from the hotel

MorningAfter breakfast at the hotel, pack your luggage and depart for the scenic area

LunchNot included · At your own expense inside the scenic area

Afternoon08:30-18:00 Core scenic area tour: [Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area] (Jiuzhaigou low-season ticket 80 yuan + sightseeing bus 80 yuan, high-season ticket 190 yuan + sightseeing bus 90 yuan, at your own expense, lunch not included, please arrange by yourself) (Complimentary 3 retouched electronic photos of Tibetan costume travel photography in Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area + all negatives included) · Arrive at the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area parking lot, get off and walk to the visitor center (about 1000 meters). After collecting tickets with your own valid ID (consistent with the booking document), enter the scenic area and transfer to the sightseeing bus inside the scenic area to tour the World Natural Heritage [Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area]. In the afternoon, gather at the scenic area parking lot at the time agreed by the group.

DinnerIncluded · Tibetan family clay pot

Evening18:30-19:30 After the tour, head to a Tibetan family to enjoy a sumptuous Tibetan-style dinner (Tibetan-style clay pot) and experience the singing and dancing Tibetan customs (if the scenic area tour runs too late to make it, dinner will be at your own expense). Tibetan Family Joy Song + Tibetan Family Clay Pot [about 40-60 minutes, complimentary item, dinner included]

TransportBusiness vehicle (luxury MPV)StayJiuzhaigou Entrance Hotel

3DAYSongpan / Jiuzhaigou / Dujiangyan

Huanglong Scenic Area - Songpan Ancient City - Wenchuan - South Bridge Night View - Dujiangyan

BreakfastIncluded · Hotel breakfast · Complimentary from the hotel

MorningMorning (about 07:30-12:30): Encounter the "Fairyland on Earth" · After breakfast, depart from Jiuzhaigou to [Huanglong Scenic Area] (about 2 hours by car). · Tour highlights: It is recommended to take the uphill cableway, then walk about 40 minutes to the highest point of the scenic area - Five-Color Pool. This is the soul of Huanglong, where countless travertine colorful pools layer upon layer in the sunlight, like a fairyland palette. Then walk all the way down along the viewing boardwalk to visit Huanglong Temple, Zhengyan Pool, Jinsha Pudi and other attractions. · Altitude sickness reminder: Huanglong Scenic Area is at a relatively high altitude (Five-Color Pool 3570 meters). Be sure to move slowly, keep warm, and you may prepare a small bottle of oxygen.

LunchNot included · Please dine on time

AfternoonNoon (about 12:30-13:30): · Have a simple lunch outside Huanglong Scenic Area or along the way. · Afternoon (about 13:30-18:00): Echoes of history and scenery viewed from the car · Drive south, passing through [Songpan Ancient City]. You can take photos outside the ancient city wall and feel the historical weight of this Tang Dynasty "Songzhou" ancient city. If time permits, you can enter the city for a brief visit. Continue forward and view the new city of [Wenchuan] from the car, witnessing the miracle of post-disaster reconstruction.

DinnerNot included · Please dine on time

EveningEvening to night (about 18:00-20:00): The dazzling night view of Dujiangyan · After arriving at [Dujiangyan], first check into the hotel. Then head to [Guanxian Ancient City] and [South Bridge]. At night, the South Bridge is brilliantly lit, and the Minjiang River roars and surges under the lights with magnificent momentum. The night view is extremely stunning. You can have dinner in the ancient city.

Today's Highlights

Dujiangyan Scenic Area - Fulong Temple

Fulong Temple (Fulong Guan) sits atop Lidui Hill inside the Dujiangyan Scenic Area, right beside the ancient irrigation works. Built to honor Li Bing, the Qin-dynasty engineer who tamed the Min River over 2,000 years ago, the temple commands the best close-up view of Baopingkou, the narrow channel that diverts water into the Chengdu plain. From its terraces you can watch the river surge through the gap and look across to Yulei Mountain. It is a short but rewarding stop, best combined with the Anlan Suspension Bridge and Erwang Temple on a loop through the site. Come in the morning for softer light and thinner crowds; the walkways can be slippery after rain. Wear comfortable shoes, as the route involves steps and slopes.

都江堰古建水利摄影

TransportBusiness vehicle (luxury MPV)StayDujiangyan City Hotel

4DAYDujiangyan / Mount Emei

Dujiangyan Scenic Area - Panda Valley / Qingcheng Mountain - Emeishan City

BreakfastIncluded · Hotel breakfast · Complimentary from the hotel

MorningMorning (approx. 08:30-11:30): Experience a thousand years of wisdom · Visit [Dujiangyan Scenic Area]. Suggested to enter from the Qinyan Tower entrance (the most effortless route), overlooking the panoramic view of Erwang Temple - Anlan Suspension Bridge - Yuzui. Personally experience the great water-management wisdom of Li Bing and his son, who "adapted to circumstances and made timely adjustments."

LunchNot included · Please dine on time

Afternoon(Choose one, approx. 12:30-15:30): · Option A (A cute and fun choice): [Panda Valley] · Visit [Dujiangyan Panda Valley]. The environment here is quiet and serene, allowing you to observe giant pandas up close, and there is also a free-roaming red panda area, offering an excellent experience. Option B (A choice of culture and nature): [Qingcheng Mountain] (Front Mountain) · Visit [Qingcheng Front Mountain], known as "Qingcheng, the most serene under heaven." Take the cable car and focus on visiting Taoist temples such as Jianfu Palace and Shangqing Palace, experiencing Taoist culture amid the tranquil mountain forests.

DinnerNot included · Please dine on time

EveningLate afternoon to evening (approx. 16:00-18:30): Head to the famous Buddhist mountain · After finishing, drive to [Emeishan City]. · After checking in, you can enjoy authentic Emei cuisine in the city, such as barbecue, doufunao, and more.

TransportBusiness van (nanny car)StayEmeishan City Hotel

5DAYMount Emei

Emeishan Essence One-Day Tour

BreakfastIncluded · Hotel breakfast · Complimentary from the hotel

MorningFull day (approx. 07:30-17:30): Pilgrimage to "Emei, the most beautiful under heaven"

LunchNot included · Please dine on time

AfternoonThis is a full-day mountain hiking and Buddhist pilgrimage tour. Suggested itinerary: 1. Take the scenic-area shuttle bus to Leidongping, walk to Jieyin Hall, transfer to the Golden Summit Cableway, and go directly to the Golden Summit. Pay homage to the 48-meter-high Samantabhadra Bodhisattva statue, and view the sea of clouds and Buddha's halo (weather permitting) at Sheshen Cliff. 2. In the afternoon, take the cableway and shuttle bus down the mountain, head to the mid-mountain area, visit Wannian Temple (the heart of Mount Emei), Qingyin Pavilion, and Yixiantian, and interact with the monkeys in the Natural Ecological Monkey Area (please be sure to pay attention to safety).

DinnerNot included · Please dine on time

EveningStay in a hotel at the foot of Mount Emei or in the city area. Soaking in hot springs to wash away the fatigue of a day of hiking is an excellent choice.

TransportBusiness van (luxury MPV)StayHotel at the foot of Mount Emei / city area

6DAYLeshan / Chengdu

Leshan Giant Buddha - Huanglongxi - Chengdu

BreakfastIncluded · Hotel breakfast · Complimentary from the hotel

Morning(Approx. 08:30-12:00): Look up at “the mountain is a Buddha” · Depart from Mount Emei and head to Leshan City (about 1 hour by car). · Visit the [Leshan Giant Buddha]. You can choose a boat tour (the most time-saving and effortless option, with a full view of the Giant Buddha) or enter the scenic area and walk (to experience the grandeur of the Giant Buddha up close, but it takes longer and requires physical strength). · Noon (approx. 12:00-13:00): Taste authentic Leshan Qiaojiao Beef, Tianpi Duck, and other local delicacies in Leshan.

LunchNot included · Please dine on time

Afternoon(Approx. 13:30-16:00): The last leisure time in the ancient town · Drive back toward Chengdu, and on the way visit [Huanglongxi Ancient Town]. This is a western Sichuan water town with more than 1,700 years of history, featuring ancient streets, ancient trees, ancient temples, and ancient docks, with a relaxed atmosphere. You can drink tea, step in the water, and experience the last bit of Chengdu people's leisure.

DinnerNot included · Please dine on time

EveningEvening (approx. 17:00): Return from Huanglongxi to downtown Chengdu, about 1 hour by car, bringing the entire itinerary to a successful conclusion.

TransportBusiness van (luxury MPV)StayNone

Hotels

Hotel Reference

Destination	Hotel	Rating	Room type	Nights
Dujiangyan	Dujiangyan City Hotel	4-star	Standard Twin Room	3
Chengdu	Jiuzhaigou Kou Meishan Hotel	3-star	Standard Twin Room	2

Activities

Recommended Activities

Panda Valley

See giant pandas and red pandas

Fairyland on Earth - Jiuzhaigou

Fairyland on Earth - Jiuzhaigou: Known as 'Fairy Tale World' and 'King of Water Scenery'

Jade Pool on Earth - Huanglong

National 5A-level tourist attraction and World Natural Heritage Site, famous for its 'Four Wonders' landscapes of travertine colorful pools, snow-capped mountains, gorges, and forests, known as the 'Jade Pool on Earth'

Sanxingdui

Explore the ancient Shu civilization, sleeping for thousands of years, awakening astonishes the world

Mount Emei

Mount Emei: Below all gods, above all gods, one of China's Four Great Buddhist Mountains, known as 'Emei's Beauty Under Heaven'

Leshan Giant Buddha:

The Leshan Giant Buddha is located at the confluence of the Minjiang, Qingyi, and Dadu rivers in Leshan, Sichuan. It is a seated Maitreya Buddha statue carved in the Tang Dynasty, with a total height of 71 meters, and is the most iconic highlight of the scenic area.

Tibetan Family Joy Song

Visit Tibetan Family Joy Song: experience Tibetan folk customs, eat yak meat, drink highland barley wine, and watch Tibetan singing and dancing

Tibetan costume photo experience

Tibetan costume travel photography: be a Gesang flower on the plateau for a day and amaze your entire WeChat Moments!

Mount Qingcheng

World Cultural Heritage Mount Qingcheng - known as the "most secluded Mount Qingcheng under heaven"

Add-ons

Add-on Services

Item	Destination	Details	Currency	Fee	Remark
Traditional Chinese Medicine Healing · Massage Spa	Chengdu	Traditional Chinese medicine therapy, massage spa, and other relaxing experiences can be arranged	CNY	Price negotiable	Advance reservation required
Airport transfer · Luggage assistance	Chengdu	Private car transfer and luggage handling upon arrival/departure	CNY	Included

Included / Not included

Pricing

Included

Full-journey bilingual guide service
Hotel accommodation as listed in the itinerary
Full-journey vehicle + driver
Travel accident insurance
Meals as specified in the itinerary
Tibetan-style travel photography
5 breakfasts and 1 main meal throughout the trip (the main meal includes: Tibetan home visit with local hot pot)

Not Included

International round-trip airfare
Tourist visa fees
Personal expenses and gratuities
Single room supplement
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Entrance tickets and other main meal expenses
Invoice: invoice not included in the quotation

Notes

Good to Know

Passport and visa: Please ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry and has at least 2 blank visa pages. Carry your hotel booking confirmation and itinerary with you, as they may be checked upon entry.
Mobile payment: We recommend linking an overseas bank card to Alipay or WeChat Pay before departure. Daily spending in China is mainly via QR code payment, and cash is used in limited situations, so carrying a small amount of RMB for emergencies is sufficient.
Internet and communications: Some international apps cannot be accessed directly in mainland China. We recommend purchasing an eSIM with international roaming, or downloading offline tools such as translation and map apps in advance, and keeping in touch with your travel designer.
Dietary and religious needs: If you have vegetarian, halal, allergen, or religious dietary requirements, please inform your travel designer in advance. We will arrange compliant restaurants accordingly and note them day by day in the itinerary.
Tipping and cultural etiquette: Tipping is not mandatory in China, and gratuities for guides and drivers are voluntary. Dress appropriately when entering temples, mosques, and similar sites, do not photograph military facilities, and smoking is completely prohibited in indoor public places.
Weather and high-altitude tips: China has large climate differences between north and south, so please check the weather at your destination before traveling. If traveling to areas above 3,000 meters in altitude such as Tibet and Qinghai, please consult a doctor in advance and prepare medication for altitude sickness.
The travel agency shall not be liable for compensation for economic losses suffered by tourists due to objective reasons not attributable to the travel agency such as force majeure, or due to personal reasons of the tourist. If force majeure such as severe weather, natural disasters, train delays, or traffic congestion causes changes to the group itinerary, delays, stranded stays, or early termination, the travel agency shall not be liable. The travel agency shall also not be liable for itinerary delays or changes or failure to visit certain attractions due to non-travel-agency reasons such as large crowds within scenic areas, public transportation arrival and departure times, or some scenic areas limiting the number of entrants during peak season or requiring queued reservations. If expenses occur due to the above reasons,
Aba Prefecture has an alpine and plateau climate, so sufficient cold-weather clothing is necessary. Prepare long-sleeved shirts and trousers, woolen sweaters, and jackets. Even in summer, mornings and evenings are cool while midday is hot, so pay attention to keeping warm, especially to prevent colds and upper respiratory infections. Sunlight is strong in scenic areas and ultraviolet rays are intense. Some visitors may experience mild altitude sickness, so please bring your own medication for altitude sickness or oxygen.
People with limited mobility or who cannot care for themselves, or those suffering from serious illnesses (including cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, heart disease, circulatory system diseases, mental illness, and chronic diseases that are prone to relapse during travel and may threaten life safety), are not suitable to participate in this trip.
Please pay all tour fees before departure. Please read our company's notices carefully before departure so that your journey can be smoother.

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