10 Days Classic Sichuan & Yunnan Highlights Tour

After completing the Leshan Giant Buddha and Peak Chengdu Tour Package. Mount Emei, it’s time to indulge in the magnificent scenery of Lijiang and Naxi culture, and immerse yourself in the historical Shangri-La Paradise. Take a moment to witness the entire Yunnan impression in the flower city of Kunming. Not from books or pictures, but from the person.

Highlights:

  • Come to Panda’s Hometown and have close contact with the lovely creatures;
  • Be marvel at the largest stone Buddha in the world and pay pilgrimage to Mount Emei
  • Explore at your pace in the Colorful Yunnan by visiting old towns, national parks, lakes, gorges, mountains, stone forests, pagodas…

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Chengdu Arrival

Sightseeing and Activities
Accommodation
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Welcome to Chengdu, the hometown of the Giant Panda. Your local guide will meet you at the airport and then escort you to your hotel in a private vehicle. The rest of today is yours to enjoy the leisurely life pace of this city on your own.

Day 2 Chengdu – Leshan – Mt. Emei

Sightseeing and Activities:  Leshan Giant Buddha, Baoguo Temple
Accommodation
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In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel, and then drive around Chengdu for about 2 hours to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Leshan Giant Buddha, the largest and tallest stone sculpture in the world. It was carved on a rocky cliff by the river from 713 to 803 AD, with its head reaching the top of the mountain and its feet on the river. The total height is 71 meters; the head is 14.7 meters high, 10 meters wide, ears 7 meters high, and 28 meters between knees and insteps. Its instep can hold more than a hundred people. On the right cliff of the Buddha, there is a boardwalk built with the Buddha. From top to bottom, the boardwalk has 9 turns, so it is called a nine-turn boardwalk. The widest part of the road is 1.45m, the narrowest part is only 0.6m, and there are 217 stone steps. You will walk along the boardwalk to the feet of the Big Buddha and take a closer look.

After visiting the Big Buddha, drive for about half an hour to reach Baoguo Temple at the foot of Mount Emei. It has several tranquil gardens with rare plants, a Buddhist scripture library and a huge porcelain Buddha. Another famous historical site in the temple is the 25-ton bronze bell, which is said to be the second largest bell in China. As you go deeper into the temple, you will admire the different views of Mount Emei.

Finally, drive to your hotel. On tomorrow’s Emei trip, take a break and rest more.

Day 3 Mt. Emei – Chengdu

Sightseeing and Activities: Mount Emei
Accommodation
Meals:

The Golden Summit Temple of Mount Emei

After breakfast this morning, meet with your guide, go to Mount Emei. As one of the few World Heritage Site has both cultural and natural heritage, Mount Emei is a fascinating blend of lush forests and artifacts. It is one of China’s four Foshan, also 5000 kinds of plants (more than total European plants) and home to more than 2300 kinds of wild animals.

You first need to travel to the private car center, then take the ecological bus, which will take you to reach the summit within 1.5~2 hours. Upon arrival Lei Dongping (2400m), continue for about 30 minute walk along the mountain pass to reach the cable car station along the cable car station you will have the chance to see wild monkeys. Take the cable car (about 5 minutes), the biggest bright spot to reach Mount Emei – Jin peak (3077m), from where the 48-meter-high golden Buddha statues, temples and bronze vision. On some days, you may be lucky enough to enjoy the magnificent spectacle of its sea of ​​clouds. Sightseeing in the Golden Summit area for about 1.5 hours, and then take the cable car down to the level in Toledo, then take the bus to return to eco-tourist center. Your private car will be ready for your return to Chengdu (about 1.5~2 hours). Say goodbye to your hotel guide and driver. The tour ends.

If you are a hiking enthusiast, please read the following:

Above the itinerary is a classic itinerary suitable for all ages. If you want more hiking experience on the go, please contact your travel consultant to tailor your hiking route to your time and physical condition. The route is 2 hours (from Qingyin Pavilion to Wannian Temple), 4 hours (from Qingyin Pavilion to Wannian Temple + Lei Dongping to Jindingfeng), one day (from Wannian Temple to Lei Dongping) and 2 days (From Qingyin Pavilion to Jin Dingfeng).

Day 4 Chengdu

Sightseeing and Activities: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
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Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

This morning, you will visit the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, which is not only the most important scientific research center for pandas, but also houses more than 100 giant pandas. Take a leisurely walk across the bamboo path and watch closely pandas of different ages eating bamboo, playing with each other, rolling, climbing trees, etc. Don’t miss the chance to watch the panda take care of the cubs in the nursery. There is also a very useful panda museum that will let you know more scientific facts about giant pandas.

Following the giant panda, you will be taken to Wenshu Temple, a hidden spiritual Buddhist temple in the bustling downtown of Chengdu, where the city is so busy. Marvel at the exquisite Buddhist architecture, immerse yourself in a pious atmosphere, and stroll on peaceful paths.

Chengdu is known for its leisure and leisure pace, which will prove after a stay in Renmin Park. Sit down, order a pot of Chinese tea, chat casually with your friends, and watch the locals indulge in various folk entertainment activities-playing in the lively teahouse, playing mahjong, disco, neck massage, ear wash … … Next is an impressive tour of the famous Jinli Ancient Street. When you stroll on the lively streets, time will steal you away, full of delicious local snacks, exquisite handicrafts, interesting folk performances and more.

Day 5 Chengdu – Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities: Lijiang Ancient Town
Accommodation
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After breakfast, your guide will escort you to the airport and fly to Lijiang. Upon arrival at Lijiang Airport, your local guide and driver will wait in the arrivals hall before transporting you to the hotel.

After a short break, you will start your unforgettable trip to Lijiang from the ancient city of Lijiang. Enjoy panoramic views of this charming ancient city from Lijiang’s landmark building, the Vanguard Tower. This pure wood building was built 33 meters high on top of the Lion Rock, where you can also overlook the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Then, visit the Forbidden City of Ming Dynasty’s “Forbidden City” to learn about the history of the rule of the toast. Then, cross the ancient alleys, ancient bridges, specialty shops and bars to Sifang Street Square, a fusion place where you can enjoy the lively atmosphere and relax yourself.

Day 6 Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities: Yuhu Village, Baisha Mural Paintings
Accommodation
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Baisha Holiday Resort in Baisha Ancient Town Lijiang

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. First, you will transfer from the ancient city of Lijiang to Yuhu Village at the foot of Yulong Snow Mountain. When you walk into this authentic Naxi village, you will see unique stone houses, Naxi women dressed in traditional costumes, children playing and playing, a peaceful rain lake … explore leisurely in the village, and then come to the former home of Joseph Locke Ogilvy botanists came to Lijiang and lived in Yuhu Village for 27 years, doing a lot of research on Naxi people.

After that, head to Baisha Village and admire the ancient white sand murals. Visit the Dabaoji Palace and Liuli Temple and watch the frescoes more than 1,000 years ago, which are a combination of Tibetan Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. Then, proceed to Shuhe Ancient Town, one of the earliest settlements of the Naxi people, and the well-preserved ancient tea-horse route.

After that, transfer to the Dongba Culture Museum, where there are more than 10,000 Dongba cultural relics, showing the mysterious Dongba culture of the Naxi people. Stroll to Black Dragon Pool Park, enjoy the views and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. If the weather allows, head to the best spot overlooking the snow-capped Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and take some stunning photos.

Day 7 Lijiang – Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities: the First Bend of Yangtze River, Tiger Leaping Gorge
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Yixiantian Ray of Sunshine in the Middle Section of Tiger Leaping Gorge

After breakfast, drive 45 kilometers and admire the first bend of the Yangtze River. This is an extraordinary turn of nearly 180 degrees, and enjoy beautiful and wonderful scenery, such as the wonderful landscape paintings displayed in front of you. Visit the Iron Chain Bridge in Shigu Town.

After that, transfer to Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest and most spectacular river canyons in the world. It is 16 kilometers long and covers a total of 3900m from the waters of the Jinsha River to Haba Snow Mountain and Yulong Snow Mountain. It is divided into three parts: upper, middle and lower Tiger Leaping Gorge. You will climb up (the narrowest part of the canyon) and walk along the boardwalk for about 2.6 kilometers from the entrance of Tiger Jump Rock. Take a moment to admire the magnificent canyon views and rolling waves.

After the hike, you will be driven to Shangri-La, which will take approximately 2 hours. Admire the enchanting natural scenery along the way. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and explore Shangri-La on your own at any time.

Day 8 Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities: Songzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo National Park.
Accommodation
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Ganden Songzanlin Monastery in Shangrila

Today is a full day exploring the earthly paradise described in James Hilton’s famous novel Lost Horizon.

You will first visit the Songzanlin Monastery known as the Little Potala Palace. The monastery was founded by the Fifth Dalai Lama in 1679. It belongs to the Gelug Sect of Buddhism and is the largest Buddhist monastery in Yunnan. Walk 143 steps to the top of the monastery, visit the main monastery buildings clockwise, and learn more about Tibetan Buddhism. If time permits, take some time to stroll around the tranquil Lamuyangcuo Lake and enjoy the breathtaking views of this pure land.

After that, drive to China’s first national park-Pudacuo National Park. Put yourself into the lush green forest with a wide range of flora and fauna, walk along the boardwalk to admire the beautiful scenery of Shudu Lake (hiking 3.3 km, about 1 hour) and Bita Lake (4.2 km, about 1.5 hours) Find true paradise in this natural wonderland. (Note: Pudacuo has an altitude of 3500m-4150m, and intense activities should be avoided. Hiking in the park is no problem.) After spending a happy time in the park, visit the local Tibetan family and experience the praise of Tibet The hospitality of the people.

Day 9 Flight to Kunming

Sightseeing and Activities: Western Hills, Yunnan Minority Village
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Free until escorted to the airport for a flight to Kunming. Upon arrival, meet and transfer to your hotel in Kunming. After a short break, you will start to visit Western Hills, known as “Sleeping Beauty Mountain”, and it looks like a beautiful young lady lying next to Lake Dian (the largest freshwater in Yunnan, known as the “Pearl of the Plateau”). Walking in this long grass and exploring the famous temples (including Huating Temple and Taihua Temple) and other cultural sites will be a very lovely journey. As the saying goes: If you do n’t go to Western Hills, then you did n’t go to Kunming. If you don’t come to Longmen, then you haven’t been to Western Hills. Working hard to climb the magical Dragon Gate, where you will enjoy panoramic views of Lake Dianhu and see a group of grottoes and sculptures.

After visiting the Longmen, then visit the Yunnan minority villages where the minority communities live. In ethnic minority villages, you can not only learn about ethnic architectural styles, costumes, customs, interesting marriages, etiquette, but also interact with ethnic minorities, sing, sing, dance and even taste some ethnic snacks.

Day 10 Kunming & Kunming Departure

Sightseeing and Activities: Stone Forest, Yuantong Buddhist Temple, Green Lake Park
Accommodation
Meals:

After breakfast, drive 85 kilometers to reach the typical karst landform-Stone Forest. Walk into the large stone forest, marvel at the clusters of gray-black stone peaks, and climb up a gazebo to enjoy the intricate panorama of the stone forest. Visit Little Stone Forest and hear the legendary story of “Ashma”. Visiting the extraordinary natural stone forest will be a real treat. You feel like you have entered the “world of stones”.

After that, drive back to Kunming city and visit the 1200-year-old Yuantong Buddhist Temple, the largest temple in Kunming. Learn the three traditions of Buddhism and explore this impressive temple for peace and tranquility. After that, walk for a few minutes to Green Lake Park, the most beautiful park in Kunming. Here you can share the joy of locals doing Tai Chi, performing local operas and other vibrant activities. If you visit the park in November or December, you will see stunning views of the large number of black-headed gulls migrating from Siberia.

After the tour, transfer to the airport and take a plane (after 17:00) to your nest destination.

Service Included:

  • Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
  • Meals as listed in the itinerary;
  • Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
  • Private English-speaking tour guide;
  • Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
  • Service charge & government taxes;
  • Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
  • Domestic train tickets of soft sleeper.

Service Excluded:

  • Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
  • Chinese visa fees;
  • Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
  • Single room supplement;
  • Tips to guides and drivers;
  • Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
  • Personal travel accident insurance;
  • All optional programs.