Days 1-2 Fly to Chengdu
Fly overnight to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 3 Leshan Grand Buddha
Travel to Leshan to visit the Grand Buddha. The 71-metre Buddha, the world’s largest and UNESCO World Heritage-listed, is carved into a hillside overlooking the confluence of the Dadu and Min Rivers. Completed in the year 803, it is said that the Buddha’s presence has calmed the turbulent waters of the river. A short boat trip will give an even better perspective. Continue to Mount Emei. You'll spend that evening at the foot of the mountain.
Day 4 Explore Mount Emei
Mount Emei is the cradle of the Buddhist religion in China with the first temple built here, on its peak, in the 1st century. Pilgrims and tourists mix amongst the lush vegetation and inconspicuous old temples, all admiring the striking and diverse natural beauty of the mountain and its setting. Spend the day soaking up the ambiance and exploring. If the weather is right the summit offers extraordinary views over the river below.
Day 5 Peaceful Fuhu Temple
Discover the best-kept secret on Emei Mountain as you head deep into the forest to Fuhu Temple. This wonderful structure is remarkably preserved and largely unspoilt, and the surrounding scenery is beautiful. After lunch drive to the sub-tropical city of Ya'an
Day 6 Bifengxia Panda Base
Visit the world's finest panda conservation centre where you'll gain a real insight into the hard work that goes into caring for and boosting the population of this endangered species. Bifengxia is located high in the mountains and up here the pandas are kept close to their natural habitat. Later walk through Bifeng Gorge, passing fairytale waterfalls trickling through otherworldly forest.
Day 7 Pingle Ancient Town
Dating back to the Han Dynasty, Pingle was a stopping point on the Tea Horse Road. Take time to walk through its maze of teahouse-lined streets before seeing the forest from above on Jinjigu Suspended Rope Bridge.. Lastly, pay a visit to Lugou Bamboo Sea where you can get lost amongst creaking, swishing spears of green. Drive to Mt Qingcheng.
Day 8 Taoist Mt Qingcheng
Mt Qingcheng is the most important Taoist Holy mountain in China. It is also a truly beautiful spot with numerous peaks covered with lush greenery and secluded temples. You'll be welcomed by a Taoist priest at the Old Master Pavilion on the summit of Mt. Qingcheng. Take the opportunity to speak to him and learn about his religion. You'll also be shown the art of Chinese painting and calligraphy.
Days 9 Nine Villages Valley
Enjoy the drive through spectacular mountain scenery to Nine Villages Valley, where you'll spend three nights
Day 10 Nine Villages Valley
A national park of ragged peaks, sapphire lakes, abundant forests and rushing waterfalls, the Nine Villages Valley(Jiuzhaigou National Park) is considered one of China’s most beautiful areas. Named after the nine typical Tibetan settlements scattered through the valley, the park is a World Biosphere Reserve, full of endemic flora and 140 species of birds. Whilst the scenery transforms with the seasons it is always spectacular and you will spend time in the depths of it, reveling in your arresting surroundings.
Day 11 Shuzheng Village
Visit Shuzheng village, the largest settlement in the park. Spend some time with a local Tibetan family who will give you an insight into daily life in Nine Villages Valley. A lovely afternoon walk takes you from Rhinoceros Lake, passing Tiger Lake ending at Reed Lake - an excellent way to really relish the local scenery. You'll pass an old watermill, many prayer wheels and Tibetan prayer flags en route.
Days 12 Huanglong Pools
Hundreds of vivid pools in striking colours, formed by thousands of years of mineral deposits, tumble gently down through the bright green forests of the Huanglong Valley. The whole area is studded with waterfalls and hot springs and, as it is relatively undiscovered, is a pleasure to explore. There is an option to take the chair lift up to Huanglong Temple at the head of the valley for excellent views over the whole valley, before we continue on to the delightful Mao County.
Day 13 Qiang Minority Village
The Qiang people are an ethnic minority group in China with a population of about 326,500. Qiang is actually a Chinese word that translates in English as 'shepherds'. Their customs, architectural style, clothing and religious beliefs are far removed from the western world. You will visit a minority village where you'll be joined by a local elder, who will talk through the history and culture of his people. You'll then visit a local family - strangely you'll join them on the roof of their house. Later in the afternoon, drive to Chengdu.
Day 14 Local Chengdu
Spend the morning absorbing the local cultures at Peoples' Park. People watching here is an endless pleasure, from the grizzled locals playing Mah-jong to the lonely singles looking for love in Matchmakers' Corner - there is always something going on. Stop at a local tea house then wander down Jinli Street, a pedestrianised road in the old city which is lined with antique shops and cafes. In the evening enjoy the remarkable 'face changing' show and dinner.
Day 15 Fly Away From Chengdu
Departure.
