Sichuan Explorer

China remains a nation of diverse landscapes and cultures. Join us on this incredible tour through the province of Sichuan.  The scenery you will encounter along the way will surprise you. Located in southwest China, Sichuan is bordered by the Tibetan Plateau in the west, the Three Gorges and the Yangtze River in the east and Yunnan Province to the south. Sichuan is known as the ‘land of abundance’ and has three places on the UNESCO World Cultural and World Heritage lists; Jiuzhaigou (Nine Villages Valley), Huanglong Valley and Mt. Emei.  The name Jiuzhaigou refers to the nine Tibetan villages that are situated within the valley. Huanglong Valley has some of the most stunning scenery in the world and Mt. Emei is regarded as one of Buddhism’s most sacred and China’s most remarkable mountains.  Known for its landscape and legendary Buddhist sites, this mountain kingdom will certainly delight all who visit.

TOUR ITINERARY

DAYS 1-2: SOUTH AFRICA TO CHENGDU

Fly overnight with Cathay Pacific to Chengdu for a one-night stay. Our welcome dinner will be a banquet of Sichuan cuisine.

DAY 3: CHONGQING TO DAZU

Enjoy a tour of the city taking in Erlin Park, the People’s Hall and the General Stilwell Museum. We continue to Dazu where we visit the Beishan Frescoes.

DAY 4: DAZU TO CHENGDU

Today we visit the Boadin Stone Carvings, before travelling to Chengdu. This evening enjoy a sumptuous Sichuan Banquet.

DAY 5: CHENGDU TO MT. EMEI

This morning we travel to Mt. Emei, one of Buddhism’s most sacred and China’s most impressive mountains. En route we explore Leshan’s Grand Buddha, an enormous statue carved into the side of the Lingyun Mountain. From here we continue our journey to Mt. Emei. Upon arrival this evening we transfer to our hotel for a two night stay.

DAY 6: MT. EMEI

Local legend has it that the mountain derived its name from two peaks that face each other and resemble eyebrows. Most of the monasteries and temples on Mt. Emei were built during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 AD), while others were added later. As a well-known Buddhist sanctuary, Mt. Emei once had more than 100 monasteries. Today we explore the magnificent mountain and mingle with the locals and the many pilgrims that pay homage to this holy site.

DAY 7: MT. EMEI TO CHENGDU

Today we depart Mt. Emei and travel back to Chengdu for an overnight stay.

DAY 8: CHENGDU TO MIANYANG

This morning we visit the Panda Research Centre to see these endearing animals being reared in surroundings reminiscent of their natural habitat. We also visit a local bamboo park and the Sanxingdui Museum.

DAYS 9-10: MIANYANG TO NINE VILLAGES VALLEY

Travel to the breathtaking Nine Villages Valley (Jiuzhaigou), a botanical gallery that is heavily forested and home to many protected species. Entering the valley is like being transported into a different world, where crystal clear lakes gather at the foot of every waterfall. It is as if one of the world’s most beautiful silk scroll paintings unfolds along this scenic valley. We stay in the valley for two nights to further explore its beauty.

DAY 11: NINE VILLAGES VALLEY TO JIANGYOU

Today we journey to Jiangyou, visiting the Huanglong Temple at the peak of the mountain en route. Upon arrival in Jiangyou we transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay.

DAY 12: JIANGYOU TO CHENGDU

We leave Jiangyou today and return to Chengdu.

DAY 13: DEPART CHENGDU

Enjoy the morning at leisure before we transfer to Chengdu airport to board our overnight flight to South Africa.

DAY 14: ARRIVE SOUTH AFRICA

Arrive back home today.

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Images from Sichuan Explorer