Sichuan's Scenic and Sacred Mountains Tour

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Listing Description

This seven-day travel itinerary through Sichuan combines stunning natural landscapes, ancient heritage, and cultural experiences. This journey offers a perfect mix of Sichuan's natural wonders, cultural richness, and leisurely urban charm.




Booking

 Chengdu--Dujiangyan--Chuanzhusi Town

 4+stars Hotel

 None


Depart from Chengdu to Dujiangyan by car (approximately 1.5 hours drive).


Visit Dujiangyan Irrigation Project (2 hours)

Dujiangyan is an ancient irrigation system dating back over 2,000 years. The Dujiangyan Irrigation Project is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous ancient water control projects in the world. You can explore the Leaping Fish Mouth, Fei Lake, and the Fengqi Bridge. This project still works today and helps irrigate a large part of the Sichuan Basin.


Then drive from Dujiangyan to Chuanzhusi Town. Chuanzhusi is a small Tibetan town surrounded by scenic mountains and lush landscapes. It’s a good place to experience Tibetan culture and lifestyle. Visit the Chuanzhusi Monastery, which features Tibetan Buddhist architecture and offers a peaceful ambiance for reflection.


Finally head towards Maoxian, a small town located about 1.5 hours from Chuanzhusi. You can have dinner and stay overnight at Maoxian.


 Chuanzhu Town--Huanglong--Jiuzhaigou Valley

 4+stars Hotel

 Breakfast


After breakfast you will visit Huanglong. Huanglong National Park is located in Songpan County, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan Province. It is renowned for its stunning travertine lakes and ponds, deep mountain valleys, majestic snow-capped peaks, and serene wild forests, earning it the titles of "Wonder of the World" and "Paradise on Earth." The park is home to many notable accolades, including UNESCO World Natural Heritage status, World Biosphere Reserve designation, and Green Globe 21 certification, among others.


Huanglong National Park comprises Huanglong Valley, Danyu Gorge, Xuebao Peak, and Munigou Valley. However, only Huanglong Valley and Munigou Valley are well-maintained and developed for visitors, while the other two areas are primarily explored by hikers.


Upon arriving at Huanglong, you can first hike up the mountain. Once at the summit, you can pass through Wanglongping to reach the Five-Color Ponds. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle to the ponds, which takes only a few minutes. For descending, it’s recommended to take the cable car, as the downhill views mainly feature calcified landscapes without the ponds. This way, hiking up allows you to fully enjoy the beauty of Huanglong, while taking the cable car down saves energy. Exploring the entire scenic area takes approximately 5-6 hours. After the tour, we will drive to Jiuzhaigou.


 Jiuzhaigou Valley

 4+stars Hotel

 Breakfast


Jiuzhaigou is renowned for its crystal-clear lakes, vibrant waterfalls, and pristine forests. With its transparent waters and towering peaks, it is often called a "paradise on earth." The scenic area has three main routes: Zechawa Valley, Rize Valley, and Shuzheng Valley, which can be explored through a combination of shuttle bus rides and walking.


Route 1: Zechawa Valley (18 km)

From the highest point, Changhai (Long Lake), to Nuorilang, this route is approximately 18 km. It’s recommended to walk the 750-meter stretch from Changhai to the Five-Color Pond, which takes about an hour, including time for photography.

○ Changhai (Long Lake): Jiuzhaigou’s largest lake, with an ink-blue surface, often described as a "heavenly colored ribbon."

○ Five-Color Pond: The smallest but most stunning lake in Jiuzhaigou, its colors shift under sunlight, creating a mesmerizing palette.


Route 2: Rize Valley (17 km)

From the highest point, Primeval Forest, to Nuorilang, this route is about 17 km. It’s recommended to hike the 1,500-meter stretch from Grass Sea to Swan Lake and the 500-meter path from Pearl Shoal to Mirror Lake. The full tour takes about five hours.

 Arrow Bamboo Lake: A filming location for the movie Hero, surrounded by arrow bamboo, the favorite food of giant pandas.

 Five-Flower Lake: A multicolored lake displaying hues of yellow, navy, green, and sapphire.

 Mirror Lake: Known for its still surface, reflecting the surrounding scenery like a perfect mirror.


Route 3: Shuzheng Valley (7.9 km)

This route stretches from Nuorilang to Bonsai Lake, covering 7.9 km. Visitors can walk or take the shuttle to explore as much as they wish.

 Nuorilang Waterfall: One of Jiuzhaigou’s most famous waterfalls, standing 25 meters high. It was featured in the ending scenes of the 1986 Journey to the West TV series.

 Shuzheng Lakes: A chain of 19 connected lakes where trees grow in water and streams flow through forests.

 Reed Lake: A unique sight where a blue ribbon of water winds through a sea of reeds.

Each route offers a unique perspective of Jiuzhaigou's breathtaking beauty, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.


Notes for Visitors:

1.  Jiuzhaigou is at a relatively high altitude. Visitors are advised to keep warm and carry a sweater or jacket.

2.  Please be mindful of environmental protection. Avoid spitting or littering.

3.  Follow the regulations of the nature reserve. Hunting and picking plants are strictly prohibited.


 Jiuzhaigou Valley--Chinese Ancient Castle of Erma--Dujiangyan

 4+stars Hotel

 Breakfast


After breakfast, you will go to the Chinese Ancient Castle of Erma, located in Fengyi Town, Maoxian County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, is the largest Qiang cultural exhibition base in China and one of the largest Qiang architectural complexes in the world. This ancient city not only carries a deep historical and cultural heritage but also represents the living blend of modern Qiang people's lifestyles and traditional culture.


Chinese Ancient Castle of Erma has a strong Qiang cultural atmosphere. You can see snow-capped mountains and watch locals dressed in traditional clothing performing dances, with some activities likely taking place on weekends. Next, head to the Watchtower, the tallest building in Maoxian, which requires climbing stairs to reach the top, where you'll enjoy a fantastic view. You can also visit Fengyi Bridge to admire the river scenery; there are many bridges along the river, all named Fengyi Bridge. The water beneath the bridge flows swiftly, and walking along it can be a bit intimidating. Finally, take a stroll through the agricultural market, where you can buy fruits and beef.


After the visit, drive to Dujiangyan and stay overnight in Dujiangyan.


 Dujiangyan--Shuangqiao Valley of Mount Siguniang

 4+stars Hotel

 Breakfast


Depart from Dujiangyan to the most beautiful Shuangqiaogou in Siguniang Mountain. Shuangqiao Valley, like a brilliant jewel of Mount Siguniang, is the ideal destination for travelers visiting this mysterious mountain range for the first time. Early development has equipped the area with complete facilities, and sightseeing vehicles shuttle through the valleys, as if taking you through a tunnel of time. Visit the scenic area at 10 am and return around 5:30. There are many sightseeing buses and the queue is fast.


Sightseeing bus tour route: 6 stops

Red Shirt Forest-Potala Peak-Sigunacuo-Nianyuba-Longzhucuo-Ginseng Fruit Terrace, the middle four stops + Zhuganacuo are recommended.


Potala Peak: There is a white pagoda, it is very good for taking photos of the road

Zhuganacuo: Few people know about it, the scenery is beautiful and quiet (you can see it 1km away from Potala Peak towards the redwood forest)

Sigunacuo: The lake view is beautiful, you can walk around the plank road

Nianyuba: If the weather is good, you can consider rafting, which is more interesting

Longzhucuo: Beautiful lake view and small waterfall


 Changping Valley of Mount Siguniang--Chengdu

 4+stars Hotel

 Breakfast


After breakfast, go directly to Changping Valley of Mount Siguniang. As soon as you enter Changping Valley, it feels like stepping into a dreamlike world. The towering snow-capped mountains rise majestically, their white peaks shining with a pure, sacred glow under the sunlight, evoking a sense of awe and reverence. Take a 15-minute sightseeing bus from the entrance of the scenic area to the Lama Temple, and you can start your hiking journey.


The round-trip hiking in Changpinggou is 26km, suitable for people with good physical strength, 6~8h if you are in good physical strength. Generally, the journey starts at 8 am and ends at 12 noon. If you can't complete the journey, you can return halfway.


Scenic spots along the way: Dead Tree Beach - Chongchongjiao Waterfall - Wooden Mule. Compared with Shuangqiaogou, the scenery is very different. Changqiaogou belongs to the primitive forest. There are many plank roads along the way, and you can ride a horse, but horse riding is more expensive (660/person) and very tiring, so it is not recommended.


After the tour, you will return to Chengdu and stay overnight in Chengdu.


 Chengdu People's Park--Jinli Ancient Street

 Breakfast


After breakfast you will first arrive at Chengdu People’s Park, a famous local park where you can experience the laid-back culture of Chengdu. Stroll around the park's serene lakes, watch locals practicing tai chi, and enjoy a tea session at one of the park's traditional tea houses. Then Visit the Wangjiang Pavilion, offering great views of the park and the city, or relax by the lake.


In the afternoon, head to Jinli Ancient Street, a charming pedestrian street with traditional architecture, vibrant shops, and food stalls. You can explore the historic street, shop for local souvenirs, and sample street food such as dan dan noodles, Chengdu-style dumplings, or tea eggs. Don’t forget to admire the ancient architecture and the lively atmosphere.


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