Highlights of Sichuan and Tibet

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14 Days Private Tour Chengdu - Leshan - Mount Emei - Dujiangyan - Panda in Wolong - Taoping - Maoxian - Songpan - Huanglong - Jiuzhaigou - Songpan - Chengdu – Lhasa – Yamdrok – Gyantse – Shigatse – Lhasa

We arrive in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province - hometown of the panda. Here in Sichuan we discover Leshan Giant Buddha, the Buddhist Mount Emeishan, the Daoming Bamboo Craft Village, the ancient irrigation system in Dujiangyan, the Pandas in Wolong, Taoping Village of the Qiang Minority and the high-level civilization of Sanxingdui. On this trip, two of the most beautiful national parks in China will be visited: Jiuzhaigou (UNESCO World Nature Heritage since 1992) and Huanglong (UNESCO World Nature Heritage since 1992) that are located in the midst of the magnificent mountains of the Minshan Mountain Range in the northwest of Sichuan Province. The crystal clear water, countless alpine lakes, rushing streams and waterfalls, lush vegetation, active wild animals, the rugged peaks, all of these create the unreal beauty of Jiuzhaigou, but its beauty is true. Because of its spectacular and breathtaking karst landscape with countless limestone terraces, the Huanglong National Park is world famous.

By air we reach the holy city Lhasa on the roof of the world. In Lhasa - the capital city of Tibet - you have two days for the attractions: Potala, Jokhang, Norblinka and Sera. And from Parla Lupu Monastery we'll enjoy the magnificent view of Potala Palace. We could circle around the Tibetan holiest Monastery Jokhang with pilgrims, who come from all over Tibet and the Tibetan cultural areas of Kham-Amdo of the provinces of Sichuan, Qinghai, Gansu and Yunnan. Many pious Tibetans measure the way on the Barkhor market with their body length. On the scenic drive to Gyantse and Shigatse we will experience the magnificent scenery, pass by the turquoise Yamdrok Lake and cross over the passes Kamba La (4,794m) and Karo La (5,010m). Then visit the unique Kumbum Pagoda in Gyantse and Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.

Highlights

Itinerary

Itinerary
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DAY
1

Arrive in Chengdu

Home town of panda, Kuanzhai Xiangzi, drink tea in People’s Park

In the morning arrive in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, home town of giant panda. Picked up by the local guide at airport and then transfer to hotel.
In the afternoon stroll in the beautiful old block of Chengdu - Wide Alley and Narrow Alley (Kuan Xiangzi and Zhai Xiangzi), the relics of the Manchurian garrison since 1718 and consist of 3 parallel lanes with the old classical houses, which are unique in southern China just like the northern Chinese architectural style presented by Hutong. After a careful renovation in June 2008, the pubs, tea houses, restaurants and guesthouses are concentrated here, and in no time at all, it becomes the "lobby of leisure capital Chengdu". A walk here gives you a first impression of the "city of loafers".
Then visit the People’s Park, have a seat at the 100-year old Heming Tea House, and enjoy your Gaiwan Tea in a comfortable environment. Gaiwan (traditional Chengdu tea pot with three parts: lid, bowl and saucer), bamboo armchair, bamboo table and an exciting tea ceremony with a long mouth teapot show you the authentic tea culture of Chengdu, which is known throughout China.

Overnight at Boyun Jinjiang Hotel

Tea House in People’s Park

DAY
2

Chengdu - Leshan - Mount Emei

Visit Grand Buddha in Lingyun Temple, and boat on the Minjiang River. Visit nunnery Fuhu Si

In the morning depart for Leshan. On the way enjoy the beautiful countryside landscape of western Chengdu Plains during about two hour’s driving on the expressway.
Upon arrival in Leshan visit the Grand Buddha in Lingyun Temple. The grand Buddha was completed in 803 of Tang Dynasty after 90 year’s construction and enjoys the fame of the biggest sitting stone sculpture in the world with a 71-meter height. Carved on the cliff face, the sculpture is well designed with perfect balance and effective water drainage system.
After visiting the Lingyun Temple and the Grand Buddha, boat on the Minjiang River to see the front site of the Grand Buddha and the “hidden sleeping Buddha”.
Afterwards head for Mt. Emei, the main ritual place of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva (Puxian Pusa) and one of the four most celebrated Buddhism Mountains in China. Visit nunnery Fuhu Si at the foot of Mt. Emei.

196 km, 3 hours 25 minutes
Overnight at Hongzhushan Hotel (Fifth Building)

Breakfast

Grand Buddha

DAY
3

Mount Emei

Golden Summit of Mt. Emei, Wannian Temple

Early in the morning take the sightseeing bus to the Leidongping Bus Station along the 52-kilometer zigzag mountain road.
Upon arrival, take the cable car to the Golden Summit that is with an elevation of 3099 meters. If the weather is well, you will find that your vision becomes broadened; the verdant forest waves surge along the mountain; Min River, Qingyi River and Dadu River are like three pieces of silk; Mt. Daxue and Mt. Gongga seem to stretch to the horizon; the sun emerges with all shimmering rays through the surging cloud. Lucky enough, the Buddhist light is available to see.
Visit Huazang Si Temple and the golden statue of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva (Puxian Pusa).
Then take cable car and the sightseeing bus down to the Wannian Temple to enjoy the famous carving of Bodhisattva Samantabhadra riding on his white elephant.
Hike on the old stone steps descend via Qingyin Pavilion (Clear Sounds Pavilion) to the One-Thread-Sky, and to the bus station at Wuxiangang, and then get picked up to descend the mountain.

Overnight at Hongzhushan Hotel (Fifth Building)

Breakfast

Golden Summit of Mt. Emeishan

DAY
4

Mount Emei - Dujiangyan

Daoming Bamboo Craft Village, Sightseeing at Dujiangyan

Today depart from Mt. Emei to Dujiangyan, on the way visit Daoming Bamboo Craft Village to experience the national intangible cultural heritage of Daoming Bamboo Weaving. The Bamboo Craft Village is conceived as a natural, artisanal, and socioeconomic utopia. Daoming Bamboo Village has practiced bamboo knitting for more than 2,000 years, and villagers have made a living from traditional bamboo techniques.
Then visit Dujiangyan Irrigation System that was built around 250 BC by Li Bin, a governor of Shu Prefecture in Qin State. The great project still works well today after more than two thousand year’s function, which not only puts an end of the water disaster to the local people but also makes Chengdu Plain “the land of abundance”. While visiting the water conservation work, you may find that the methods of harnessing the river that the ancient people used are so simple but useful. In 2000, Dujiangyan became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And we’ll also visit the Temple of Two Kings (Erwang Miao), Anlan Cable Bridge, Fish Mouth Water-Dividing Dam (Yuzui). Take the panorama view of Dujiangyan Irrigation System from the Qinyan Pavilion.
If you are interested, you can go and take a picture with the giant panda sculpture that is taking selfies and in the evening walk around the ancient South Bridge (Nanqiao), a landmark of Dujiangyan.

236 km, 3 hours 31 minutes
Overnight at Dujiangyan Ancient City International Resort Hotel

Breakfast

Sanxingdui Museum

DAY
5

Dujiangyan - Wolong - Taoping - Maoxian

Shenshuping Panda Base in Wolong Natural Reserve, Taoping Village of Qiang Minority

In the morning drive to Wolong Natural Reserve. It is one of the China earliest natural reverses, which is rated the preservation zones network of “mankind and living beings” by UNESCO. Visit Shenshuping Panda Base in Wolong, about 70 pandas live here, it is the largest breeding center for giant pandas, integrating scientific research, feeding, breeding, reproduction, wildness training, etc.
Then continue to drive through the magnificent valleys along the upper Min River, picturesque villages of the Qiang nationality with their characteristic stone houses and striking towers attract visitors’ eyes: beautiful, idyllic, prominent and mystical. The Qiang nationals are descendants of an ancient ethnic group of China. "Qiang" is a historical ethnic group of China, which was found on 3,000-year-old oracle bones. Over time, records of other nationalities in China such as Han (Han Chinese), Zang (Tibetan), Yi, Naxi, Bei, Hani and Lisu emerged. Their way of life is the evidence of ancient traditions practiced. The villages with the tower-like stone houses testify the advantageous of a high-building life, especially in the epochs of warlike conflicts.

200 km, 4 hours
Overnight at The Whisper Mountain Hotel

Breakfast

Bao'en Si Temple at Pingwu

DAY
6

Maoxian - Songpan - Huanglong - Jiuzhaigou

Songpan Ancient Town, Huanglong National Park

Depart from Maoxian and drive along the Ming River via the Songpan Ancient Town.
Arrive at the Huanglong National Park (since 1992 UNESCO World Heritage Site). The main attraction of Huanglong National Park is Huanglong Valley, with 3.5 km long, at an altitude between 3100 and 3600 meters and with countless travertines. The water, which origins from the snow-capped peaks and irresistibly makes its way down into the valley, over time created a spectacular and breathtaking karst landscape with countless terraced pools or ponds, often shining in blue, turquoise and green. Running from south to north, the valley is located below the snow-capped main summit of the Minshan Mountains - Xuebaoding (5588 m). The Yellow Dragon Valley, according to the Huanglong Valley Translation, allegedly owned its great name from the Huanglongsi Monastery, which is located in the upper part of the valley and is originally a Taoist monastery from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). When see from a distance, a yellow, scaly dragon winds in the midst of lush forests to the valley. Welcome to a magnificent natural landscape of China: The wooden walkway with numerous wooden promenades invites you to have a hike. Finally, take the cable car back down.
Then continue drive to Jiuzhaigou.

283 km, 5 hours 23 minutes
Overnight at Jiuzhaigou Northwest Grand Hotel

Breakfast

Jiuzhaigou Nature Park

DAY
7

Jiuzhaigou

Sightseeing and Walking in Jiuzhaigou Nature Park

In western China, in the north of Sichuan Province, between the Sichuan Red Basin and the eastern foothills of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau lies Jiuzhaigou - the Nine-village valley. In the midst of the magnificent mountains of the Minshan Mountains, Jiuzhaigou stretches for 50 kilometers and covers a total area of 720 square kilometers at an altitude between 1900 and 3100 meters. The Nine-village valley includes two mountain rivers, which merge in the middle of the area Y-shaped and thus form a chain of countless lakes, which string like pearls. According to a traditional story, a Tibetan mountain god fell in love with a goddess and one day gave her a precious mirror, brilliantly polished with wind and clouds. But the mirror fell out of her hand, splintering and tumbling down into the valley, where the 108 pieces of shards turned into crystal-clear mountain lakes shining in bright blue or dark blue, turquoise and green. There are lush brooks and waterfalls everywhere, magnificent bamboo groves and mixed deciduous and coniferous forests, snow-capped peaks and picturesque Tibetan villages. The Jiuzhaigou Natural Park was protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1992. With the help of the environmental buses of the National Park, which commute between the Scenic areas, you have a fantastic view of Jiuzhaigou.

Overnight at Jiuzhaigou Northwest Grand Hotel

Breakfast

National Park Huanglong

DAY
8

Jiuzhaigou - Songpan - Chengdu

Visit Sanxingdui Museum in Guanghan

Transfer to Songpan railway station to take the high speed train (2nd Class) back to Chengdu.
In the afternoon visit Sanxingdui Museum in Guanghan, about 40 km north of Chengdu and just setting up at the northeast corner of the famous Sanxingdui Ruins. The nearly square ruin covers an area of 12 square kilometers and is protected by a river on the northern side and a city wall on the other sides. It was the Sanxingdui culture in the period 2800 to 800 BC. Sanxingdui is one of the oldest cultivated settlements of humanity and is one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Opened in October 1997, the modern and informative Sanxingdui Museum showcases over 1,000 excavated gold, bronze, jade, clay and stone and ivory works of art. But the most beautiful, astonishing and mysterious are the bronzes, above all huge bronze masks and a larger than life bronze sculpture - they are so strange and with their big ears and eyes and the high-bridged nose look completely different from the already known Chinese art works! Apparently, the Sanxingdui culture mastered both the fine art of bronze technique and unprecedented aesthetics. This site is recognized as one of the most important ancient remains in the world for its vast size, lengthy period and enriched cultural contents. The unique Sanxingdui Museum is a good place to explore the mysterious ancient Shu culture and history.

Overnight at Boyun Jinjiang Hotel

Breakfast

Taoping Village of Qiang Minority

DAY
9

Flight Chengdu – Lhasa

Welcome to Lhasa - the roof of the world. Visit nunnery Ani Sangkhung

Early morning transfer to the airport and fly (CA4401 0800/1020) to the holy city Lhasa, the capital of Tibet (3,650 m). Upon arrival at Gonggar Airport pick up and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, visit the nunnery Ani Sangkhung. "Ani" means nun, "Sangkhung" is a meditation cave. The nunnery Ani Sangkhung was founded in the 15th century by a disciple of Tsongkapa. It is located in the old city center near Jokhang. Today about 100 nuns live here. The monastery set up prayer hall, dorm, kitchen, etc. The nuns grow many plants, so the monastery looks like a garden.

Overnight at Snow Paradise International Hotel

Breakfast

Dujiangyan Ancient Irrigation System

DAY
10

Lhasa

Potala Palace – landmark of Lhasa, Jokhang and Barkhor Street

In the morning visit Potala that was originally constructed in 637 by Songtsen Gampo, the first king of the united Tibet, and later expanded and served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas as well as the religious-political nexus of traditional Tibet. The crowds of pilgrims, innumerable magnificent murals, Buddhist statues, scriptures and rare treasures altogether create a dense religious and art atmosphere that impresses every visitor. In the afternoon visit Jokhang monastery, the center of the Tibetan Buddhism and the sacred land of Buddhist followers where thousands of pilgrims come for worship everyday. The temple, built in 647, is the earliest wood-and-masonry structure still existing in Tibet. Walk on the Barkhor street surrounding Jokhang, a big free market with its prolific stalls for selling local specialties.

Overnight at Snow Paradise International Hotel

Breakfast

Barkhor Street

DAY
11

Lhasa

Panoramic view over Potala, Norbulingka, Debate in Sera

In the morning visit Parla Lupu Cave Monastery that is located on the slopes of Yaowang Mountain and was built in the 7th century. It is 22m high and from here you can have a wonderful panoramic view over Potala palace. Afterwards visit Norbulinka, the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas. In the afternoon visit Sera monastery, Sera, the Wildrosenhof, also one of the six master monasteries of the Gelugpa. You have the opportunity to experience lamas' debates. Public religious debates are part of the education of monks.

Overnight at Snow Paradise International Hotel

Breakfast

Potala Palace

DAY
12

Lhasa – Gyantse – Shigatse

Karo La Pass and Glacier, holy lake Yamdrok, Palkhor with Pagoda Kumbum

Look forward to a breathtaking mountain world! Today you will cross several passes to Gyantse (260 km). At the highest point of the trip (Karo La Pass at 5,010 m) is the glacier of Noejin Kangsa (7,223 m) during the drive. On the way to the third largest holy lake of Tibet – Yamdrok, you can take some fantastic photos. Upon arrival in Gyantse you will visit Palkhor Monastery and the impressive pagoda of Kumbum. Then drive to Shigatse, the second largest city of Tibet.

356 km
6 hours 41 minutes
Overnight at Wangrun Hotel

Breakfast

Debate in Sera Monastery

DAY
13

Shigatse – Lhasa

Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse, traditional manufactory for Tibetan incense sticks

In Shigatse visit the Tashilunpo monastery. Tashilunpo is one of the six master monasteries of the Gelugpa. Shigatse was the seat of Pantschen Lama. The monastery houses a giant statue of the Maitreya Buddha, the biggest gilded statue of Maitreya (Buddha of the future) in China. Then return to Lhasa. On the way visit a traditional manufactory for Tibetan incense sticks in the small village Tunba beside the Yarlung Tsangpo River.

273 km
4 hours 58 minutes
Overnight at Snow Paradise International Hotel

Breakfast

Gyantse

DAY
14

Leave Tibet

Travel to next destination

Transfer to airport or railway station, and then leave Tibet.

Breakfast

Tashilunpo Monastery

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