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12-Day Private Tour to the Last Paradise--Sichuan to Yunnan
This 12-day tour of Southwestern China begins in Chengdu, where you can experience both laid-back and high-paced lifestyles. Next, visit Dujiangyan's ancient irrigation system, then explore the natural beauty of Mount Siguniang and Tibetan culture in Danba. Pray at Litang Temple, pilgrimage to the Three Holy Mountains, and visit Dukezong Old Town and Songzanlin Monastery. Hike through Tiger Leaping Gorge and end the tour in Lijiang Old Town, immersing yourself in the Naxi people's lifestyle.
Meeting Point
Day 1 Arrive Chengdu(Tianfu/Shuangliu Airport)
- Day 1 Arrive Chengdu Welcome to Chengdu, the Land of Abundance, which is famous throughout China for its laid-back lifestyle and spicy cuisines. we will meet you at the airport/ train station and then escort you to your hotel in a private vehicle. If time permits, your guide will show you around in Chengdu. Follow the crowd to visit the famous Broad and Narrow Alley, tasting delicious spicy snacks, watching interesting folk shows, and feeling the hustle and bustle in the lively city!
Day 2 Chengdu-Wolong panda base-Mount. Siguniang
Embark on a two-hour drive to the Wolong Panda Base.
Arrive at the panda base, which is less crowded, providing an excellent opportunity to observe pandas and learn about their behaviors and habits.
Afternoon:Drive to Mount Siguniang (Four Girls Mountain).
Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure, acclimatizing to the altitude and enjoying the stunning alpine scenery.
Overnight stay at Mount Siguniang, preparing for the next day’s adventures in the beautiful mountain area.
Day 3 :Mount. Siguniang-Danba
After breakfast, head out to Shuangqiao Valley, one of the most famous attractions in the area of Mount. Siguniang. The blue sky, boundless alpine meadows and glaciers, and ancient cypress forests make this area a nature lovers’ dream and a photographers’ paradise. Spend the relaxing morning to hike along the valley and capture the breathtaking scenery of Mount. Siguniang.
After lunch, we will drive three hours to Danba. During our journey to Danba, we will get across the Zhonglu Tibetan Village. Wander in the traditional small town and immerse yourself in the stunning spectacle view of setting sun casting orange glow over the brick walls and distant hills. We will stay here for a night.
Day 4:Danba-Yajiang
Enjoy a peaceful morning in Danba. Take a walk in this ethnic villages and explore the cultures and traditions of the locals. You can choose to visit local families and learn some Tibetan words.
Then we will make our way to Yajiang. The drive is about five hours. Upon arrival, you can walk around the small town on the cliff. The stewed chicken with tricholoma matsutake (a kind of mushroom grows on the root of pine trees) is a famous local delicacy, you can give it a try.
Day 5 Yajiang-Daocheng-Riwa
After breakfast at the hotel, we will leave Yajiang and head to Daocheng, which is praised as the “last pure land on our blue planet”. During the seven-hour drive, we will pass through Litang Temple, one of the oldest and largest Tibetan Buddhist temples which was built by Sonam Gyatso. It is a good place for you to pray for good luck. You can also have a glimpse of the dazzling array of instruments, various statues of Buddha, and the vast collection of documents in this temple. Afterward, we will drive two and a half hours to Riwa. A comfortable hotel will be prepared for you to enjoy a relaxing night.
Day 6 Daocheng Yading Scenic Area.
We will spend the entire day today visiting the Daocheng Yading Scenic Area.It is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and is often referred to as the “Last Shangri-La.” The area features majestic snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and lush pastures. It is particularly famous for its three sacred lakes known as the “Three Pools Reflecting the Sky.” Yading is a popular destination for hiking, photography, and those seeking a serene and untouched natural environment. It is considered a must-visit destination for nature lovers and spiritual seekers alike.
Day 7 Riwa-Shangri-la(Yunnan)
Head to Shangri-la Yunnan , and the drive is about five and a half hours. The destination is Dukezong Old Town, the largest and the best-preserved Tibetan community in China which is built over 1300 years. Join in the tourists to turn the largest Prayer Wheel in the world in clockwise direction. Tibetans regards it as a good way to pray for happiness, and your life will be peaceful and happy as long as you pray in a sincere way.
Day 8 Shangri-la-Tiger Leaping Gorge
Shangri-La means the “sun and moon in heart” in Tibetan. An ancient Chinese saying goes like that, "the earliest sunrise is seen in Shangri-la; and the most unique place is also there.” Once you visit, you will fully appreciate the meaning of this saying. Try to get up early and pay a visit to Songzanlin Monastery. Stand quietly, absorbing the cold air and wafting fog, and watching the very first ray of sunshine dye the snow-capped peaks gold. Enjoy a relaxing morning to take in your spectacular setting. You may like to go for a walk in the surrounding area and get a closer look at the beautiful Tibetan city.
In the late afternoon, we will drive two hours to Tiger Leaping Gorge. After checking in your hotel, you can take a walk around here.
Day 9 Tiger leaping Gorge
Start your day with a hiking along Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the Top Ten hiking routes in the world. Once you come here, you can’t miss the chance to go hiking along the gorge to admire the splendid scenery around it.
The gorge is divided into three sections: the first section is the narrowest, the uppermost is good for sightseeing, and the middle section is best for go hiking. After going hike for a while, you can follow the lead of your guide and continue visiting the middle section to discover a more wonderful view of gorge; if not, you can just sit down in a cafe shop, drinking a cup of coffee and admiring the scenery.
Day 10 Tiger Leaping Gorge-Lijiang
Say goodbye to Tiger Leaping Gorge and head to Lijiang. It will takes you almost two hours. Lijiang Ancient Town is located on the plateau, which is embraced by mountains. The beautiful place is inhabited by residents from different peoples, thus making Lijiang a inclusive city. After a short rest, start a captivating tour in Lijiang Ancient Town. The quaint small town is established in the Ming Dynasty and works as a commercial center for over 800 years. Visit Mufu Palace, a grand mansion famous for its grandness. Wander through the narrow avenues and have a look of superb handicrafts and national costumes. As the night closes in, let’s join hands and dance round with local people. End the day with the joyful dance!
Day 11 Old Town of Lijiang
Let’s continue to explore the beauties nearby. This morning head to Baisha Village and appreciate the ancient Baisha Mural paintings. The evening here is also charming. With smooth melody of folk music and faint lights, the whole town seems to be reigned by tranquility, gentleness and tenderness.
Day 12 Departure from Lijiang
We’ve reached the point of farewell. Today, we will accompany you to the airport for your departure. Should you wish to prolong your time in China, we stand ready to arrange a personalized travel itinerary to suit your preferences.
Ending Point
Lijiang(Yunnan)
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Inclusions & Exclusions
Airport/Station pick up and drop off
Accommodation（Three-star hotel, the itinerary will involve more remote areas, with relatively simple accommodations, but they are clean, with private bathrooms and hot water.）
Private air-conditioned car
(All toll fees, fuel costs, parking fees, and the driver’s accommodation expenses.)
English-speaking driver who will also act as a tour guide
All required taxes, fees and entrance tickets
Meals
Personal expense
Gratuities
Tour Important Information
Altitude Sickness: Western Sichuan can be high. We will be traveling to the plateau, which is at an altitude of around 4,000 meters.
Weather Changes: The weather in Western Sichuan can be unpredictable. Pack layers and be ready for both hot and cold conditions.
Local Customs: Respect the local Tibetan customs and traditions, especially when visiting monasteries and temples.
Important message from the supplier
See the calendar for availability
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Sichuan Tour Reviews
“Travelling”
Nice Person Good personality Customize travel
Jason L.
(2 reviews)Hi,Martin,Thank you very much for your kind words! It was a pleasure having you as my guest.and I am thrilled that you appreciated our efforts to make your travel enjoyable.If you have any more travel needs in the future or need any assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. We look forward to serving you again!
“Amazing Tour with Jason”
I had the pleasure of doing a city Tour of Chengdu with Jason. He showed me some amazing places. We finished the tour at a local restaurant with delicious food. Jason is a kind, caring person and I highly recommend others book with him. You will not regret it
Jason L.
(2 reviews)Thank you so much for your kind words! It was an absolute pleasure showing you around Chengdu and sharing some of its hidden gems with you. I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the tour and the delicious food at the local restaurant. Your recommendation means a lot to me, and I look forward to welcoming more guests and creating memorable experiences together. Thank you again for choosing to explore Chengdu with me!
