5 days | An in-depth journey into the cultural and natural essence of Sichuan
Overview
An in-depth journey into the cultural and natural essence of Sichuan. From the soothing everyday life of the giant pandas at Panda Valley to the majestic presence of the Leshan Giant Buddha, then up to the Golden Summit of Mount Emei to pray for blessings and watch the sea of clouds, with a night at a five-star hot-spring hotel to relax completely. The itinerary blends ancient-town atmosphere, authentic local food and modern creativity as you travel slowly through Chengdu and Dujiangyan, soaking up the charm and depth of the Land of Abundance. A restorative trip of blessings and hot springs, ideal for families, couples or groups of friends.
Highlights
Itinerary
Fly in to Chengdu, where your airport pickup is arranged and you are taken to your hotel to check in. The day is kept easy: rest a little, or head out on your own to the popular shopping districts nearby such as Chunxi Road and Taikoo Li to feel the relaxed rhythm and charm of the city.
In the morning you head to Panda Valley to watch the adorable giant pandas up close. Next you explore Guanxian Ancient Town, with more than two thousand years of history, and take in the culture of ancient Shu and the beauty of western Sichuan architecture. In the evening you stroll along Nanqiao Bridge for the Blue Tears night view, where lights and water weave together into a romantic spectacle.
After breakfast you drive to Leshan and board a sightseeing boat to view the Leshan Giant Buddha, a World Heritage Site (the boat trip takes about 25 minutes). After lunch you make your way to Leshan's food street to graze as you please, then continue to Mount Emei to check in at the hot-spring hotel and unwind with a long soak.
Early in the morning you ascend to the Golden Summit of Mount Emei, one of the great Buddhist mountains, to admire the magnificent sea of clouds and the Buddha's halo over the golden hall and pray for peace. In the afternoon you return to Chengdu to visit Kuanzhai Alley, where history and modern life blend, and finish at the new landmark Tower of Life for a look at Chengdu's creative, green-energy side.
On the final day, after breakfast you are taken to Chengdu's airport in time for your flight home, bringing this rich journey through the culture and landscapes of Sichuan to a close with a store of memories.
Inclusions
Quoted per trip. Tell us your dates and group size and a travel consultant will send a tailored quote within 24 hours.
The final plan and quote are confirmed by your travel consultant.
Stops
Panda Valley is a natural habitat devoted to protecting and presenting giant pandas, where visitors can watch the pandas' daily routines and endearing antics at close range. The grounds are beautiful and the visit educational, a must for families and animal lovers.
With more than 2,000 years of history, Guanxian Ancient Town is one of the important sites of ancient Shu civilisation. Its streets preserve many Ming- and Qing-style buildings that blend western Sichuan character with history and culture; a stroll through the old town reveals deep cultural roots and the traces of time.
Nanqiao Bridge spans the inner river at Dujiangyan, an old bridge of both scenic and historic value. At night, special lighting creates a dreamlike Blue Tears effect, making it a favourite night-view photo spot for influencers and photographers.
The Leshan Giant Buddha is the largest stone-carved Buddha in the world, carved over 90 years into the cliff at the confluence of three rivers, with a commanding presence. From a sightseeing boat you can look up at the whole figure from the water and take in the majestic statue and its natural setting together.
The itinerary takes you to Leshan's well-known food street to sample authentic local snacks at your leisure. The must-try is bobo chicken: skewered ingredients of every kind steeped in a special chilli oil, numbing, spicy, fresh and fragrant, and a firm favourite with locals. Let your taste buds revel in the flavours of Sichuan.
The Golden Summit sits at the highest point of Mount Emei, one of the four sacred mountains of Chinese Buddhism, with its golden hall, Wannian Temple and magnificent seas of cloud. A cable car and shuttle bus take you up the mountain, and in clear weather you may see the sea of clouds, the Buddha's halo and the golden Buddha, combining quiet prayer with natural wonders.
Converted from a district of Qing-dynasty buildings, it blends traditional and modern elements with teahouses, Sichuan opera face-changing masks and craft shops in abundance. Ideal for a leisurely stroll through the everyday life of old Chengdu and its modern creative culture, it is the signature spot for experiencing the city's slow pace.
A futuristic landmark of Chengdu, SKP and its Tower of Life combine a nature theme with modern technology, and the dazzling changing lights at night make it a new must-visit for photographers and style-conscious travellers, and a first choice for city night-view photos.
At the foot of Mount Emei, the Orange Tree Hot Spring Resort is a highly rated Trip.com 5-diamond property that pairs mountain woodland with the healing of hot springs for a superb place to unwind. The resort has its own natural hot-spring facilities, and guests can soak in a private pool for two while taking in the tranquil scenery of Mount Emei, washing away the fatigue of the road. It is the most relaxing place to rest after exploring the mountain.
Related
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