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

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.

See Hotel
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.

See Hotel
The Temple House Preferred Hotel

Day 2

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

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.

See Hotel
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

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

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.

See Hotel
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.

See Hotel
The Temple House Preferred Hotel

Day 6

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

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

Departure

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

Suggested Hotels For Days 1–2

Ritz-Carlton Chengdu
Preferred Hotel

Ritz-Carlton Chengdu

The Ritz-Carlton, Chengdu, situated in the center of the capital of Sichuan province, is a strong new contender in Southwest China’s luxury hotel market. The hotel is located in Tianfu Square, one of the city’s main commercial districts. The Ritz-Carlton has 353 well-appointed suites designed in the style of a traditional Chengdu courtyard home, some of which can still be found in the old parts of the city. The room interiors combine light woods and a palette of cool blue and golden colors intended to subtly reflect the city’s heritage in a modern context. The hotel’s facilities include an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, spa, ballrooms and meeting rooms. There are three restaurants to choose from, serving refined Cantonese cuisine and other international specialties, as well as a lobby lounge where guests can enjoy a sweet treat with their afternoon tea.

The Temple House
Preferred Hotel

The Temple House

Blending the traditional with the modern just like the city it stands in, The Temple House is a masterclass in elegant design. Guests enter through the lovingly-restored courtyard, dating back to the Qing dynasty, and the historic style is integrated into many of the building’s features. The hotel’s service, though, is slick and up to date, with paperless systems ensuring an effortless check-in so guests may relax in their elegant room, apartment or suite in no time. From local and international cuisine to tea and cocktails, the dining options are comprehensive and delicious, and with a spa, indoor pool, steam and sauna facilities and a state-of-the-art gym on site, every whim is taken care of. 

Suggested Hotels For Days 3–4

Ritz-Carlton Jiuzhaigou
Preferred Hotel

Ritz-Carlton Jiuzhaigou

The new Ritz-Carlton Jiuzhaigou is located near the heart of one of China’s earliest UNESCO world heritage sites at the stunning Jiuzhaigou National Park. With snow-capped mountain ranges, glass-clear waters, and a myriad of vivid colors, the park alone provides an unforgettable experience for visitors. The building is designed by WATG, while the late Jaya Ibrahim crafted the interior designs with John Pettigrew overseeing its landscape design, both of them blending the architecture into the surrounding environment. Each of its spacious 87 villas features panoramic views of the surrounding valley and houses such luxuries as full-sized kitchens, large patios, and bathrooms with rainforest showers and walk-in bathtubs. The hotel’s three premium restaurants offer a variety of dishes encompassing Tibetan, Sichuan, Cantonese, Italian, and Southeast Asian flavors. The resort is replete with a spa, indoor and outdoor event spaces, kids’ programs, and knowledgeable staff.

Sheraton Jiuzhaigou

Sheraton Jiuzhaigou


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. On site, the accommodation is world class; from superior rooms to presidential suites, the decor is elegant but cosy, with all the mod cons including high-speed internet and enormous flat-screen televisions. Dining options are diverse, from the flavors of Sichuan, Tibet and Qiang at Pearl Court Restaurant to international choices at Coloured Lake Cafe. What’s more, there’s live music and entertainment in the basement disco including karaoke or, for a more tranquil evening, cocktails, wines and cigars are on offer in the lobby bar. Recreation opportunities abound with an onsite theater, indoor pool and a games room featuring table tennis and billiards. Guests in need of a little pampering can head to the spa where a range of treatments are available as well as wet and dry saunas.


Suggested Hotels For Days 5–6

Ritz-Carlton Chengdu
Preferred Hotel

Ritz-Carlton Chengdu

The Ritz-Carlton, Chengdu, situated in the center of the capital of Sichuan province, is a strong new contender in Southwest China’s luxury hotel market. The hotel is located in Tianfu Square, one of the city’s main commercial districts. The Ritz-Carlton has 353 well-appointed suites designed in the style of a traditional Chengdu courtyard home, some of which can still be found in the old parts of the city. The room interiors combine light woods and a palette of cool blue and golden colors intended to subtly reflect the city’s heritage in a modern context. The hotel’s facilities include an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, spa, ballrooms and meeting rooms. There are three restaurants to choose from, serving refined Cantonese cuisine and other international specialties, as well as a lobby lounge where guests can enjoy a sweet treat with their afternoon tea.

The Temple House
Preferred Hotel

The Temple House

Blending the traditional with the modern just like the city it stands in, The Temple House is a masterclass in elegant design. Guests enter through the lovingly-restored courtyard, dating back to the Qing dynasty, and the historic style is integrated into many of the building’s features. The hotel’s service, though, is slick and up to date, with paperless systems ensuring an effortless check-in so guests may relax in their elegant room, apartment or suite in no time. From local and international cuisine to tea and cocktails, the dining options are comprehensive and delicious, and with a spa, indoor pool, steam and sauna facilities and a state-of-the-art gym on site, every whim is taken care of. 

Suggested Hotel For Day 7

Anantara Emei

Anantara Emei


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. Set amidst countryside deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the hotel enjoys 360-degree panoramas of beautiful Chinese landscape. This peaceful retreat boasts a range of accommodation options including rooms with garden and lake views as well as suites with private jacuzzis, all equipped with the latest mod cons to ensure maximum comfort. Foodies can indulge in traditional Chinese and pan-Asian cuisine at the hotel’s two restaurants or lounge with elegant drinks at the cocktail bar or on the poolside terrace. Guests not wishing to venture into nature can relax and unwind with the range of modern and traditional treatments available at the hotel spa. Alternatively, the lakeside pool is the perfect spot for a refreshing dip with a stunning view.


Similar Itineraries

Classic China

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
From $9,800
See Itinerary

A Journey Across the Rooftop of the World: Beijing to Lhasa by Train

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Price Per Person
From $6,800
See Itinerary

China's Natural Wonders: National Parks and Pandas

Duration
13 days / 12 nights
Price Per Person
From $18,800
See Itinerary

China's Silk Road

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
From $14,600
See Itinerary

Cities, Slopes And Serenity: Skiing the Mountains and Seeing the Cities of China

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Price Per Person
From $7,000
See Itinerary

Colors of Northwest China: Zhangye Danxia & Jiayuguan

Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Price Per Person
Extension: Optional add-on to your itinerary.
See Itinerary

Datong to Pingyao

Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Price Per Person
Extension: Optional add-on to your itinerary.
See Itinerary

Discover Cantonese Culture From Hong Kong To Conghua

Duration
6 days / 5 nights
Price Per Person
From $6,600
See Itinerary

Exploring the Yangtze

Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Price Per Person
Extension: Optional add-on to your itinerary.
See Itinerary

Moscow to Beijing on the Trans-Siberian Railway

Duration
17 days / 16 nights
Price Per Person
From $16,700
See Itinerary
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.

Travelogues

An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.

What Others Say

Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.