Wild Sichuan: Pandas, Ancient Towns & Natural Wonders

Start your journey with a morning visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where you’ll see pandas playing, eating bamboo, and even baby pandas in the nursery. Your guide will share insights into panda conservation efforts. After enjoying some time with these adorable creatures, begin your scenic drive to Songpan, a charming ancient town surrounded by mountains. On the way, stop for a delicious Sichuan-style lunch. In the afternoon, stroll through Songpan’s old streets, where you can see traditional Tibetan-style architecture and interact with local merchants.

Optional: Enjoy a traditional Tibetan hotpot dinner in Songpan or other food based on your preference.

Overnight in Songpan.

After breakfast, head to Huanglong National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its vibrant turquoise pools, travertine terraces, and snow-capped peaks. Take a cable car ride (optional) to the higher viewpoints and then hike down, passing stunning limestone formations and pristine waterfalls. Enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant before driving towards Jiuzhaigou Valley, where you’ll check into a comfortable hotel near the park entrance. Spend the evening at leisure, preparing for tomorrow’s adventure.

Optional: Attend a Tibetan cultural show with traditional music and dance.

Overnight in Jiuzhaigou.

Wake up early for a full-day guided tour of Jiuzhaigou National Park, one of China’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. Explore its three main valleys—Shuzheng, Rize, and Zechawa—each filled with crystal-clear lakes, colorful forests, and tiered waterfalls. Walk along wooden trails, take in the stunning reflections in the water, and listen to your guide share stories about the region’s Tibetan heritage.

For lunch, enjoy a picnic inside the park or a meal at a local restaurant. Spend the afternoon at Five Flower Lake and Pearl Shoal Waterfall, two of the most famous sites in Jiuzhaigou. After a full day of exploring, return to your hotel for a relaxing evening. Sichuan or western dinner included.

Optional: Try a Tibetan-style yak meat dinner.

Overnight in Jiuzhaigou.

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Jiuzhaigou with a visit to Shuzheng Lakes and Nuorilang Waterfall, some of the park’s most photogenic spots. Take your time soaking in the magical scenery before checking out of your hotel. After lunch, begin your journey back to Chengdu by private car.

Your driver will drop you off at your Chengdu hotel, marking the end of an unforgettable adventure.

Optional: Or challenge yourself with a spicy Sichuan hotpot dinner?