Example Itinerary

The Sights of Sichuan

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Price Per Person
From $6,500
Interests
Wildlife
Destinations
China

This 8-day luxury itinerary introduces you to the delights of Sichuan Province, home to the famous Chengdu Panda Base, Huanglong Scenic Area and the remarkable Jiuzhaigou Valley. On this trip, you'll see important religious landmarks such as the towering Leshan Giant Buddha and Mount Emei, one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China. You’ll also get plenty of free time in Chengdu to see the sights and sample authentic spicy Sichuan cuisine.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Panda Encounter: Wild pandas exist in only one place in the world: Sichuan, China. Here in their home region, go behind the scenes at a panda base where you can get up close with these incredible animals.
  • Technicolor Nature: Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area is a fairytale landscape of gem-colored lakes, limestone cliffs, yellow gullies, and lush foliage.
  • Sacred Mountain: The first Buddhist temple in China was built on the summit of Mount Emei. With the addition of more temples built hroughout the centuries, Mount Emei turned into one of Buddhism's holiest sites. In its proximity is a great giant Buddha which took over 90 years to carve into a mountainside.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Map

Chengdu

You'll arrive in Chengdu on your first day, where you’ll be greeted at the airport by a guide who will transfer you to your hotel. Unwind after your flight and gear up for the next day. 

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Overlooking Tianfu Square, this centrally-located hotel is just minutes’ walking distance from the nearest metro station ideal for navigating the tea-city.

History: Incorporating centuries of Cantonese and Sichuan traditions and style, the Ritz-Carlton opened their doors in October of 2013 in Chengdu.

Service: Founded in 1983, the Ritz-Carlton is world-renowned for their impeccable service. Guests even enjoy having their rooms serviced twice daily.

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Ritz-Carlton Chengdu Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

History: Named for nearby Daci temple, the hotel reflects the sensibilities and landscapes of the ancient city.

Location: Right in the center of fascinating Chengdu, The Temple House is the perfect base from which to experience city life.

Service: Priding itself on personalized service and unparalleled local knowledge, the staff are more than happy to help with anything guests may require.

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The Temple House Preferred Hotel

Day 2

Map

Chengdu

Today you'll visit the city's most famous attraction – the Chengdu Panda Base. This research and breeding facility is set in lush green countryside similar to the panda's natural habitat. Here, you can see panda adults and babies at play in their gardens and have your picture taken with a baby panda. Next, you'll visit Sanxingdui Museum, a vast indoor and outdoor museum with bronze, gold and copper artifacts from the Sanxingdui Kingdom (1,600 BCE). Return to your luxury hotel in Chengdu tonight.

Chengdu
Chengdu

Day 3

Map

Jiuzhaigou

Fly to Jiuzhaigou today, a journey of just an hour, to see the famous sights of Jiuzhaigou Valley. You'll start your exploration of this area with a half-day tour of UNESCO World Heritage Site Huanglong, noted for the bright blue pools and yellow calcite deposits of Yellow Dragon Gully. 

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Nestled in the Rissai Valley, this resort is surrounded by picturesque mountains and ancient Tibetan villages making it a beautiful retreat steeped in cultural history.

Spacious Rooms: All of the villas are spacious with the smallest being 158 sqm/1,700 sqft and the largest being 428 sqm/4,605 sqft, and all feature large patio areas and views of picturesque mountains and ancient Tibetan villages, as well as full kitchens making it feel like a home away from home.

Nature Experiences: Jiuzhaigou’s 180,000-acre nature reserve affords active guests opportunities for hiking and biking excursions and with very little light pollution, amazing evening skies that are perfect for stargazing.

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Ritz-Carlton Jiuzhaigou Preferred Hotel
About

Between the Duo'ema Mountain Range and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, sprawls the Sheraton Jiuzhaigou Resort. Set amidst miles and miles of conservation area inhabited by pandas and monkeys, surrounded by glassy lakes and sparkling waterfalls, the hotel is a true retreat into Southwestern China’s fairy land.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 4

Map

Jiuzhaigou

You'll spend today inside Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic Area, where you can hike or take a bus around a circuit of spectacular natural attractions. The fairytale landscapes here stretch across roughly 72,000 hectares and house old-growth forests, gem-colored lakes, limestone cliffs, alpine mountains and endangered animal species. After exploring the park, you'll return to your hotel in Jiuzhaigou Valley.

Jiuzhaigou
Jiuzhaigou

Day 5

Map

Chengdu

Fly back to Chengdu today and explore its historic sites. You'll first visit the famed Thatched Cottage of Du Fu – a Tang Dynasty poet – situated within a picturesque park on the outskirts of the city. Next, enjoy more Chinese history with a visit to Jinli Street, a long cobblestone road lined with perfectly-preserved architecture from the Qing Dynasty, strung with rows of red lanterns. Tonight you have the option to attend a Sichuan Opera performance in Chengdu before returning to your hotel.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Overlooking Tianfu Square, this centrally-located hotel is just minutes’ walking distance from the nearest metro station ideal for navigating the tea-city.

History: Incorporating centuries of Cantonese and Sichuan traditions and style, the Ritz-Carlton opened their doors in October of 2013 in Chengdu.

Service: Founded in 1983, the Ritz-Carlton is world-renowned for their impeccable service. Guests even enjoy having their rooms serviced twice daily.

Read More
Ritz-Carlton Chengdu Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

History: Named for nearby Daci temple, the hotel reflects the sensibilities and landscapes of the ancient city.

Location: Right in the center of fascinating Chengdu, The Temple House is the perfect base from which to experience city life.

Service: Priding itself on personalized service and unparalleled local knowledge, the staff are more than happy to help with anything guests may require.

Read More
The Temple House Preferred Hotel

Day 6

Map

Chengdu

Visit another famous Sichuan site today – the Giant Buddha of Leshan, around 90 minutes' drive away. The tribute is by far the largest statue from pre-modern times. This stone statue is carved into the side of Mt Leshan, measures 233 feet tall, and dates back to the Tang Dynasty. You can climb to the summit – a challenging hike of around two hours - or enjoy views of the statue from the river. You'll return to your hotel in Chengdu in the afternoon, with the evening at your leisure.

Chengdu
Chengdu

Day 7

Map

Mount Emei

Today, visit another important Buddhist site – Mount Emei. Here, you'll take a cable car to the Golden Summit, a picturesque locale that houses the first Buddhist temple built in China. Various temples, pavilions, shrines and statues can be found in the ancient pine forests here.

Hotel Options
About

The first international hotel of its kind in stunning Emei, southwest China, The Anantara Emei welcomes visitors with unrivalled hospitality. Located at the foot of the dramatic Emei mountain - a sacred destination for Buddhist pilgrims, guests are sure to be wowed by the scenery.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Anantara Emei

Day 8

Map

Departure

After a delicious gourmet breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be chauffeur-driven to Chengdu airport today in time for your departure flight.

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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