Rates are not valid for Festivals, Expos or Public Holidays
Private Holiday with English-speaking guide/driver
8 Days ex Chengdu
Departs: Daily
Chengdu (1) | Jiuzhaigou (2) | Chengdu (2) | Emei (1))
Journey into the heart of Sichuan, a province renowned for its dramatic landscapes, ancient traditions and extraordinary wildlife. This carefully designed itinerary reveals a fascinating region of China where mist-covered mountains, turquoise lakes, sacred temples and historic wonders create a remarkable travel experience.
From the colourful pools and waterfalls of UNESCO-listed Jiuzhaigou National Park to the peaceful surroundings of Mount Emei and the world-famous giant pandas of Chengdu, each destination showcases a different side of Sichuan’s natural and cultural heritage. Combining scenic rail journeys, fascinating historical sites and authentic local experiences, this itinerary provides an in-depth exploration of one of China’s most captivating regions.
Highlights:
- 24/7 local operator support in China
- Discover the turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls and alpine scenery of Jiuzhaigou National Park
- Explore the colourful limestone pools and ancient temples of Huanglong Scenic Area
- Meet giant pandas at the renowned Dujiangyan Panda Reserve
- Travel through Sichuan’s spectacular landscapes aboard China’s high-speed rail network
- Cruise the Min River and admire the magnificent Leshan Giant Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Step back in time through the historic streets of Huanglongxi Ancient Town
- Uncover the ancient engineering marvel of the UNESCO-listed Dujiangyan Irrigation Project
- Ascend Mount Emei’s Golden Summit and discover one of China’s most sacred Buddhist mountains
- Experience Chengdu’s relaxed lifestyle through People’s Park, Kuanzhai Alley and Chunxi Road
- Taste the bold flavours of Sichuan cuisine with a traditional Leshan hot pot experience
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
Day 1: Chengdu
Upon arrival in Chengdu, you will be met by your local English-speaking guide and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel for an overnight stay.
The remainder of the day is at leisure, providing time to settle in before beginning your exploration of Sichuan.
Day 2: Chengdu – Jiuzhaigou (BD)
Transfer to Chengdu Railway Station this morning and board the high-speed train to Jiuzhaigou. On arrival, meet your local guide and travel to the spectacular Huanglong Scenic Area before continuing to your hotel. Dinner is included this evening at your hotel.
Huanglong Scenic Area is renowned for its remarkable terraced limestone pools that shimmer in shades of blue, green, yellow and white. Waterfalls, ancient temples, caves and snow-capped peaks combine to create one of China's most impressive natural landscapes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 3: Jiuzhaigou (B)
Spend the day exploring the extraordinary Jiuzhaigou Scenic Reserve, one of China's most celebrated national parks.
Located within the snow-covered Minshan Mountains, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its crystal-clear lakes, cascading waterfalls, colourful forests and alpine scenery. The reserve also protects a rich variety of wildlife including giant pandas, golden snub-nosed monkeys and numerous bird species, making it one of China's most significant natural sanctuaries.
Day 4: Jiuzhaigou – Chengdu (B)
Travel by high-speed train back to Chengdu where you will be met by your guide before commencing an afternoon city tour.
Visit Chengdu People's Park, where locals gather to socialise, practise tai chi and relax in traditional tea houses. Continue through the beautifully preserved Kuanzhai Alley with its Qing Dynasty architecture before finishing at vibrant Chunxi Road, Chengdu's premier shopping and entertainment district where historic character blends with contemporary city life.
Day 5: Chengdu (B)
Travel to Dujiangyan for a full day exploring some of Sichuan's most significant attractions before returning to Chengdu this afternoon.
Visit the Dujiangyan Panda Reserve, one of China's leading conservation centres dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of giant pandas in a natural mountain environment. Continue to Yangtianwo Square before discovering the remarkable Dujiangyan Irrigation Project, an engineering masterpiece built over 2,200 years ago that continues to irrigate vast areas of fertile farmland and remains a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 6: Chengdu – Emei (BL)
Depart Chengdu for Leshan, stopping en route to explore the historic Huanglongxi Ancient Town.
Dating back more than 1,700 years, Huanglongxi retains its ancient streets, temples and traditional riverside architecture from the Qing Dynasty. Continue to Leshan where lunch features the famous local Sichuan hot pot before taking a cruise on the Min River for outstanding views of the 71-metre-high Leshan Giant Buddha, the world's largest ancient stone Buddha and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later continue to Emei for an overnight stay.
Day 7: Emei – Chengdu (B)
Explore today, one of China's Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains, before returning to Chengdu.
Travel to the spectacular Golden Summit, situated 3,079 metres above sea level, where magnificent mountain panoramas surround the impressive golden statue of Samantabhadra. Historic temples, dramatic scenery and deep spiritual significance combine to make Mount Emei one of China's most revered pilgrimage destinations.
Day 8: Chengdu (B)
Following breakfast, transfer to Chengdu Airport for your onward flight.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- 24/7 local operator support in China
- 7-nights' hotel accommodation
- Breakfast daily at hotels
- Arrival and departure transfers by private vehicle
- Private tour escorted by English-speaking guide-private car
- High-speed rail travel between Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou in second-class seating
- Entrance fees
- China Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel
TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
- International airfares
- Optional tours and excursions
- Porterage
- Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)Personal Expenses
- Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
- Visas (unless specified)
- Travel Insurance (compulsory)
- Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above
Accommodation based on the below (or similar):
Chengdu
First Class: Xizang Hotel Chengdu – Standard Room
Deluxe Class: Shangri-La Chengdu – Superior Room
Jiuzhaigou
First Class: Grand Rezen Jiuzhaigou Resort
Deluxe Class: Delta Hotels by Marriott Jiuzhaigou
Emei
First Class: Hengmai Hotel
Deluxe Class: Le Méridien Emei Mountain Resort
