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Sichuan Discovery
Highlights
- See Pandas at the Panda Research Centre
- Marvel at the Giant Buddha at Leshan
- Visit holy Mount Emei
- Explore the 'valley of the nine Tibetan villages'
- Price for 2 people. From 4 pp or more the price decreases
from £
2500
Overview
Sichuan is known mostly to the West for its spicy cuisine, her shy, gentle pandas and its fascinating 'mask-changing' opera. However this 'land of abundance' is not only a rich agricultural region but also home to some of China's most precious ancient wonders. This tour in Sichuan will bring you to charming villages, sacred mountains and scenic spots of rare diversity and beauty.
Body:
All the suggested prices on our website are based on a 2-people private group price. As the number of people in a group increases the price per person decreases.
If you wish to learn more about Sichuan check our blog article China Travel Guide: Sichuan Heaven on Earth
Price Includes
* Economy class domestic flights
* Twin-shared accommodation with breakfast
* Transfers, transportation, meals and sightseeing as listed
* This tour is escorted by local guides
* Most air taxes
Not Included
* International flights
* Tipping payable locally £65 per person
* Optional excursions, travel insurance, personal expenses and gratuities
* Chinese visa
* Any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after brochure publication
* Optional excursions, travel insurance, personal expenses and gratuities
* Chinese visa
* Any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after brochure publication
Business Class Upgrades
British Airways upgrades on request
Extensions
Extensions to Xian and Beijing, and to Yunnan Province. Further details and prices on request.
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Sichuan Discovery
Chengdu, Panda Research Centre, Leshan Giant Buddha, Mount Emei, Dujiangyan, Maoxian, Huanglong, Jiuzhaigou, Chengdu
Day 1
London - Chongqing
Depart from London Heathrow to Chongqing. Overnight in Chongqing
Day 2
Chongqing - Leshan - Mt Emei2 nights
Drive to Leshan and visit the 8th century 234ft high Buddha in the Lingyun Temple hewn from the mountainside that guards the boatmen on the treacherous rivers below. Take a boat journey for around 20 minutes along the river at the foot of the Buddha. Continue to Emeishan, 35km away and the 4-star Century Sunshine Hotel for two nights. (BL)
Day 3
Mt Emei
Early morning rise to take a cable car to visit the summit of Mt Emei. Towering in the Southwest of the Chengdu Plain, Mt Emei has been considered holy by both Daoists and Buddhists since the Eastern Han dynasty and it was here that Buddhism first gained ground and spread through China. Around 20 temples dot the slopes, sometimes hidden amongst an amazing variety of trees and shrubs. At the summit (3,079 m) is the opulent Golden Temple where sunrise, cloud seas and other atmospheric phenomena are admired. Return down the mountain to your hotel (B)
Day 4
Mt Emei - Chengdu2 nights
Return to Chengdu pausing en-route at the traditional village of Huanglonxi, a rustic riverside village where you can see half a dozen Qing Dynasty narrow flag-stoned streets with their rickety wooden shops. Once an important market town, it is now busy with visitors. Along the main street, you can visit the Gulong Temple before taking some tea in one of the many teahouses. Return to the Tibet Hotel for an overnight stay. (B)
Day 5
Chengdu
Visit the People’s Park. This is a busy square popular for tea houses and is home to one of the last statues of Mao. Head further into the city and stop to explore the thriving areas of Wide Alley & Narrow Alley. These are two rows of traditional courtyard buildings that have been saved and turned into hotels, restaurants and shops. Stay at the Tibet Hotel for 2 nights.
Day 6
Chengdu 1 night
See the world’s beloved Giant Pandas at the Panda Research Centre. Afternoon visit to the beautifully carved and painted Wenshu Monastery founded in the 6th century during the Tang dynasty and renowned for its many precious works of art and hundreds of Buddhist statues. Nearby is China’s tallest cast iron pagoda with bells all the way up, a tranquil garden and atmospheric tea house. Continue to Jinli and the Tibetan Quarter before a visit to the Shu Brocade and Embroidery Museum.
Day 7
Chengdu - Maoxian 1 night
Depart for Mount Qingcheng, stopping en-route to visit the ingenious Dujiangyan irrigation system, built in 256 BC to bring water to an otherwise dry plain and control regular flooding. Nowadays it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered to be ‘Sichuan’s treasure’ by the Chinese. Continue east to the beautiful and evergreen Mount Qingcheng dubbed “the most peaceful and secluded mountain under the heavens”. Enjoy a shared cruise on the scenic Yuecheng Hu (Moon City Lake) and ascend by cable car to see the 4th century Shangqing Gong Temple and Laojin Pavilion. Drive (approx. 2 hours) through countryside to Maoxian and overnight at the 3-star Maoxian International Hotel or Guibinlou Hotel (best available). (BL)
Day 8
Maoxian - Huanglong 2 nights
Visit the Munigou Scenic Area, belonging to the western part of Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area and listed as a World Natural Heritage site. Drive to the Tibetan town of Songpan which stands at 2200m on the plateau. Once a Qing-era garrison town protecting a mountain pass with stone walls, gateways and a bridge across the Min River. Tibetan and Qiang villagers visit the town to buy supplies, shops are stocked with handmade woven blankets, jackets, ornate knives and jewellery – amber, silver and coral. You can climb the wall in some places for views over the town. Drive the final distance to Huanglong and stay for two nights at the Seercuo International Hotel (BLD).
Day 9
Huanglong
Today is dependent on the weather. If it is fine cross the 4000m Xuebaoding pass to reach an area of alpine habitat. The road parallels the flanks of the 5000m Xuebaoding massif and with good weather the views could be excellent. If the weather is not hospitable to this high country then instead travel east to visit the forest habitat of the Dan Yun Xia Valley. (BLD)
Day 10
Huanglong - Jiuzhaigou 2 nights
Travel approx 2 hours to Jiuzhaigou, (around 90km). The name means ‘valley of the nine Tibetan villages' which sit amidst colourful lakes, dozens of waterfalls, snow-capped mountains and forests. According to legend, a Tibetan goddess shattered her mirror into a hundred pieces which were transformed into the lakes. Check-in to the Intercontinental Resort for 2 nights. The hotel is within Zhangzha Town which is at an altitude of 2000m. Depart for the park entrance then switch to a shared sightseeing coach (private vehicles are not permitted in this scenic area), which stops at various ‘scenic spots’ within the park. (BLD)
Day 11
Jiuzhaigou
Full day sightseeing at Jiuzhaigou Valley. Farewell dinner in the evening. (BLD)
Day 12
Jiuzhaigou - Chengdu 1 night
In the morning take the bullet train to Chengdu and spend the rest of the day at leisure.(BLD)
Day 13
Chengdu - London
In the morning take the bullet train to Chongqing and at 15:05 take the flight back to London.
Hotels
Tibet Hotel, Chengdu
The Tibet hotel has a selection of 300 guest rooms with modern comforts and conveniences. There are 2 restaurants providing both Chinese and Western cuisine, and a bar. There is also a beauty salon, fitness room, massage room and sauna.
Century Sunshine Hotel, Emei Shan
The Century Sunshine Hotel is near to the centre of the town and within easy driving distance of Mount Emei. There is an outdoor swimming pool , sauna, and a restaurant serving Chinese cuisine. The guest rooms are comfortable with modern amenities.
Intercontinental Resort, Jiuzhaigou
This Jiuzhai hotel is an intimate upcountry retreat nestled high in the mountains, featuring design reminiscent of an ancient city protected under a glass atrium. With over 1,020 rooms, this hotel is the largest in the region and perfect for leisure travellers seeking comfort and relaxation. Feed your body, mind and soul at this oriental paradise with five restaurants offering Sichuan, Tibetan, Qiang and International cuisine, and the peaceful Tonayu Spa, with its two stunning pools. The guest rooms are well-appointed and are decorated with local Tibetan style and equipped with full modern appliances and a balcony.
M Hotel Chengdu
The M Hotel Chengdu combines modern elegance with contemporary comforts. The guest rooms are modern, spacious and comfortable, all with flat screen TV, in-room safe, and a sofa. There is a fitness centre, and the M-Café – an all-day dining restaurant that serves traditional Southeast Asian cuisine such as Bak Kut Teh, Singapore Peranakan Laksa and other Peranakan dishes.
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