China – Sichuan – Between Sacred Mountains and Eternal Rivers
A journey through alpine landscapes, the Giant Buddha, pandas, rock carvings, and the flavors of Sichuan
Spirit of the journey
A 9-day itinerary between Chongqing and Sichuan, combining Chengdu, Leshan, Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong, the Panda Base, Dazu, and Chongqing. The program combines alpine landscapes, Buddhist heritage, rock carvings, local culture, spicy gastronomy, tea art, and major cultural stops in Southwest China.
A Journey Between Chongqing and SichuanThis 9-day circuit links Chongqing, Chengdu, Leshan, Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong, Dazu, and the majestic landscapes of Southwest China. It allows you to combine a major mountain-city, Chengdu's tea culture, the alpine scenery of Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong, the Giant Buddha of Leshan, pandas, and the rock carvings of Dazu.Between Nature, Heritage, and GastronomyThe program alternates cultural visits, spectacular landscapes, Buddhist heritage, Sichuan cuisine, tea art, ancient alleys, markets, high-speed trains and mountain roads. It offers a complete and contrasting discovery of Sichuan and Chongqing.
Itinerary
Highlights
- Chengdu: tea art, People's Park, ancient alleys, markets, and Sichuan gastronomy
- Leshan: Giant Buddha, cliffs, river, and Buddhist heritage
- Jiuzhaigou: turquoise lakes, waterfalls, forests, and UNESCO-classified alpine landscapes
- Huanglong: limestone pools, mineral colors, and high-altitude scenery
- Panda Base: discovery of giant pandas and red pandas as conditions allow
- Dazu: rock carvings and masterpiece of Chinese Buddhist art
- Chongqing: mountain-city, Ciqikou, Three Gorges Museum, and urban ambiance along the Yangtze
- Gastronomy: hot pot, Sichuan cuisine, markets, spices, and local addresses
- Balanced program between nature, culture, Buddhist heritage, gastronomy, and Southwestern landscapes
Well-located hotels, balanced pace, strong natural and cultural stages, with an organization designed to alternate visits, travel times, landscapes, gastronomy, and moments of relaxation.
Local French-speaking or English-speaking guides depending on stages and availability. On-the-ground assistance during important moments of the program.
A balance between Chongqing, Chengdu, alpine landscapes, Buddhist heritage, Sichuan gastronomy, pandas, and carefully selected addresses.
Who is it for?
- Clients wishing to combine Chongqing and Sichuan in the same journey
- Travelers interested in pandas, gastronomy, alpine landscapes, Dazu, and Buddhist heritage
- Families, couples, or small groups seeking a varied and comfortable program
- Repeat clients who already know Beijing, Xi’an, or Shanghai
- Agencies wishing to propose a more sensory, natural, and immersive Southwest China
To check before quoting
- Exact accèss to Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong: train, flight, road, and transfer times
- Altitude, weather, and accèss conditions to Huanglong
- Feasibility of the stop in Songpan according to schedules
- Hotel availability in Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong, and Chongqing
- Desired walking level for Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong
- Conditions and availability of expériences around the pandas
- Availability of French-speaking guides on secondary stages
- Desired hotel comfort level
- Travel season, crowds, Chinese public holidays, and potential restrictions on sites
- Consistency of the number of trains mentioned in the inclusions
Day by day
Jour 1 Arrival in Chongqing - Chengdu Open
Arrival in Chongqing, welcome and transfer to Chengdu by high-speed train or vehicle depending on the confirmed version. Depending on arrival time, first gentle walk in People's Park, around a tea house or in a local neighborhood. Sichuan opera show optional depending on timing and clients' fatigue. Overnight in Chengdu.
Jour 2 Leshan: Facing the Millennia-old Colossus Open
Departure to Leshan and visit the Giant Buddha. Depending on conditions, view from the site on foot and/or a cruise on the river to admire the statue from the water. Return to Chengdu in the evening. Overnight in Chengdu.
Jour 3 Jiuzhaigou: At the Gates of Tibetan Paradise Open
Departure to Jiuzhaigou by train, flight, or road depending on conditions and available schedules. If timing allows, stop in Songpan for a brief discovery of the ancient fortified city. Check-in at the hotel in Jiuzhaigou. This day should allow sufficient margin due to distance, transfers, and altitude.
Jour 4 Jiuzhaigou: The Symphony of Heavenly Lakes Open
Day dedicated to Jiuzhaigou Park: lakes, waterfalls, forests, walkways, and alpine landscapes. The pace should be adapted to altitude, crowds, and weather. Overnight in the Jiuzhaigou area.
Jour 5 Huanglong: The Golden Terraces of the Gods Open
Visit to Huanglong depending on weather, altitude, and accèss conditions. Discover limestone pools and high mountain landscapes. Return to Chengdu by train, flight, or road depending on the confirmed version. Long day to be well framed in the quotation.
Jour 6 Chengdu: Meeting the National Treasure Open
Visit to a panda base depending on conditions available. Return to Chengdu for a free or local lunch according to the confirmed version, then transfer to Chongqing. In the evening, stroll through the old neighborhood of Ciqikou depending on timing. Overnight in Chongqing.
Jour 7 Dazu: The Stones that Whisper Eternity Open
Excursion to Dazu to discover the rock carvings, masterpiece of Chinese Buddhist art. Return to Chongqing and dinner around local flavors or hot pot according to client profile. Overnight in Chongqing.
Jour 8 Chongqing: Between the Memory of the Three Gorges and Hanging Lights Open
Discovery of Chongqing: Three Gorges Museum, Grand Hall of the People, Ciqikou, Shibati or relief neighborhoods according to the pace of the group. Possibility to add a nighttime stroll or gastronomic expérience depending on the confirmed version. Overnight in Chongqing.
Jour 9 Chongqing: Last Glances, Promises of Return Open
Depending on flight schedule, free time or last stroll in a market, an old neighborhood, or an urban site in Chongqing, then transfer to the airport or train station. Meals will be confirmed according to departure schedule.
Included
- Selected accommodations, double or twin room basis with breakfasts
- Transfers to airports, stations, and hotels
- Private transportation with driver for mentioned land stages
- Trains, domestic flights, or long-distance transfers mentioned in the final quotation
- French-speaking or English-speaking guides depending on stages and availability
- Visits, entries, and expériences mentioned in the final quotation
- Meals mentioned in the confirmed program
- Local assistance during the trip
Not included
- International flights
- Visa to China
- Travel insurance
- Tips
- Personal expenses
- Beverages not included
- Meals, drinks, or visits not mentioned in the final quotation
- Optional activities
- Internal shuttles, cable cars, or site buses not mentioned in the final quotation
- Supplements related to altitude, weather, or operational changes