Chengdu

Chengdu - Welcome to Chengdu, the Land of Abundance, renowned across China for its relaxed lifestyle and spicy cuisine. Your guide and driver will greet you at the airport or train station and escort you to your hotel in a private vehicle. If time allows, your guide will take you on a tour of Chengdu. Join the crowd to explore the famous Broad and Narrow Alley, savor delicious spicy snacks, enjoy fascinating folk shows, and experience the vibrant energy of this lively city!

Chengdu-Dujiangyan-Mount. Siguniang

Dujiangyan Panda Base - Depart from Chengdu this morning and drive for an hour and a half to the Dujiangyan Panda Base. Arrive around 9:00 a.m. when the pandas are most active. It’s the perfect time to observe their habits as they eat, nap, tumble, and climb trees.

Dujiangyan Irrigation System - Leave Chengdu this morning and drive for an hour to Dujiangyan, home to the world’s oldest and only surviving no-dam irrigation system. The project includes three key components: Yuzui, Feishayan, and Baopingkou, all scientifically designed to automatically manage river water flow from the mountains to the plains year-round. While sightseeing, learn how ancient people constructed it and how it functions. After lunch, drive about two and a half hours to Mount Siguniang, known as the “Oriental Alps.”

Mount Siguniang-Danba

Mt. Siguniang Nature Reserve - After breakfast, visit Shuangqiao Valley, one of the most renowned attractions in the Mount Siguniang area. The blue sky, expansive alpine meadows and glaciers, and ancient cypress forests make this a dream for nature lovers and a paradise for photographers. Spend a relaxing morning hiking along the valley and capturing the breathtaking scenery of Mount Siguniang.

Danba County - After lunch, drive three hours to Danba. On the way, pass through Zhonglu Tibetan Village. Stroll through the traditional small town and immerse yourself in the stunning view of the setting sun casting an orange glow over the brick walls and distant hills. Stay here for the night.

Danba-Yajiang

Danba County - Enjoy a tranquil morning in Danba. Take a walk through these ethnic villages and explore the local cultures and traditions. You can choose to visit local families and learn some Tibetan words.

Yajiang-Daocheng-Riwa

Litang County - After breakfast at the hotel, leave Yajiang and head to Daocheng, celebrated as the “last pure land on our blue planet.” During the seven-hour drive, pass through Litang Temple, one of the oldest and largest Tibetan Buddhist temples, built by Sonam Gyatso. It’s a great place to pray for good luck. You can also glimpse the dazzling array of instruments, various Buddha statues, and the vast collection of documents in this temple. Afterward, drive two and a half hours to Riwa. A comfortable hotel will be ready for you to enjoy a relaxing night.

Riwa

Yading Nature Reserve - Rise early to spend more time outdoors in the fresh air. Today is dedicated to a long-route tour in Yading Nature Reserve. Start the day at Chonggu Monastery and hike to visit the famous Three Holy Mountains, revered as embodiments of the Bodhisattvas of Mercy, Wisdom, and Power. If you make sincere pilgrimages, your wishes may come true. Then, head to Luorong Pasture, where you can watch herds of sheep and cattle leisurely grazing on the green grass and see flowers swaying gently in the breeze. Additionally, the Five Color Lake and Milk Lakes are well worth visiting.

Riwa-Shangri-la

Shangri-La County - Travel to Shangri-la, a journey of about five and a half hours. The destination is Dukezong Old Town, the largest and best-preserved Tibetan community in China, built over 1300 years ago. Join tourists in turning the largest Prayer Wheel in the world clockwise. Tibetans consider it a good way to pray for happiness, and your life will be peaceful and joyful if you pray sincerely.

Shangri-la-Tiger Leaping Gorge

Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Xia) - In the late afternoon, drive two hours to Tiger Leaping Gorge. After checking into your hotel, take a walk around the area.

Tiger Leaping Gorge

Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Xia) - Begin your day with a hike along Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world’s Top Ten hiking routes. Once here, don’t miss the chance to hike along the gorge and admire the splendid scenery. The gorge is divided into three sections: the first is the narrowest, the uppermost is ideal for sightseeing, and the middle section is best for hiking. After hiking for a while, follow your guide to continue exploring the middle section for a more wonderful view of the gorge; if not, relax in a café, enjoy a cup of coffee, and admire the scenery.

Tiger Leaping Gorge-Lijiang

Old Town of Lijiang - China - Bid farewell to Tiger Leaping Gorge and head to Lijiang, a journey of nearly two hours. Lijiang Ancient Town is located on the plateau, surrounded by mountains. This beautiful place is home to residents from various ethnic groups, making Lijiang an inclusive city. After a short rest, embark on a captivating tour of Lijiang Ancient Town. The quaint small town, established in the Ming Dynasty, has served as a commercial center for over 800 years. Visit Mufu Palace, a grand mansion known for its magnificence. Wander through the narrow streets and admire superb handicrafts and national costumes. As night falls, join hands and dance with the locals. End the day with a joyful dance!

Lijiang

Old Town of Lijiang - China - Continue exploring the nearby beauties. This morning, head to Baisha Village and appreciate the ancient Baisha Mural paintings. The evening here is equally charming. With the smooth melody of folk music and soft lights, the whole town is enveloped in tranquility, gentleness, and tenderness.

Departure from Lijiang

Old Town of Lijiang - China - It’s time to say goodbye. Today, your guide and driver will see you off at the airport. If you wish to extend your stay in China, we are happy to create customized tour plans for you.

• Accommodations
• Breakfast
• English-speaking driver who will also act as a tour guide
• Hotel/Airport/Station pickup
• All required taxes, fees and entrance tickets
• Private air-conditioned car

• Personal expense
• Gratuity

This 12-day tour covers the most charming classical destinations and the extraordinary scenery destinations in the Southwestern China.
Your tour begins in Chengdu, a vibrant city where you feel the collision of the laid-back lifestyle and the high-paced lifestyle. Then you will be transferred to Dujiangyan to witness the oldest extant irrigation system. Then going west, touch the unspoiled natural beauty in Mount. Siguniang and discover the Tibetan culture in Danba. Pray for happiness in the Litang Temple, make a pilgrimage in the Three Holy Mountains, turn the pray-wheel to pray for peace in the Dukezong Old Town, and just await morning sun to dye the snow-capped peaks gold in the Songzanlin Monastery. After leaving the fairy-tale land, let’s step into the Tiger Leaping Gorge. Go hiking in the splendid gorge and have a glimpse of the turbulent torrent pouring down over the rocks. Afterwards, head to the Lijiang Old Town to experience the lifestyle of Naxi people.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.