China Tour

Into the Heart of Protected Wilderness

Upon landing in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province and the fifth most populous city in China, we will transfer to the hotel.

In Chengdu, which is built in a circular layout, there is a rural and traditional atmosphere characterized by narrow alleys, low wooden buildings, Chinese markets, picturesque tea houses, and greenery everywhere. Today, Chengdu serves as a powerful industrial and economic center for both local and international markets. It is one of the largest producers of technology and electronics in China and is also known as the capital of traditional Chinese medicine and a center for herbal remedies.

After some rest and refreshment, we will visit Wenshu Temple, a Buddhist temple first built during the Tang Dynasty, named after a famous monk who made the monastery his residence in the 17th century. Today, the temple includes several structures typical of Chinese temples, featuring inner courtyards, ponds, pagodas, 200 Buddha statues, and around 120 scriptures housed in authentic wooden and stone buildings.

We will continue our tour along Jinli Street, built in the style typical of Ming Dynasty streets. This ancient street retains the romantic charm that many tourists long for.
After that, we will transfer back to the hotel.
Overnight in Chengdu.

After breakfast, we will visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where we can observe these adorable creatures.

Next, we will travel to Huanglongxi, the largest ancient town in Sichuan, boasting over 1,700 years of history, with its ancient buildings, cobblestone streets, over 1,000-year-old banyan trees, a water station from the Qing Dynasty, and ancient temples.
We will return to Chengdu to visit Du Fu Park, dedicated to the poet from the Tang Dynasty, which features the ancient house with its thatched roof.

In the evening, enjoy a hot pot meal. This meal consists of a large pot placed in the center of the table, filled with a spiced broth, either clear or red. (Typically, the red broth is the spicier one, so caution is advised.) Next to the pot are plates of meat and vegetables. The meal is conducted in a “fondue” style—dipping skewers into the broth, fishing them out, and enjoying! Bon appétit…
Overnight in Chengdu.

After breakfast, we will drive for approximately two hours to Leshan, an important Buddhist site in China known for its giant Buddha statue, which stands 71 meters tall and is carved into the rock overlooking the river. Upon arrival, we will take a shared boat ride to view the enormous statue.

Afterward, we will continue with a short drive of about half an hour to Emeishan, a small city where the main attraction is Mount Emei, located 7 kilometers away. Standing at an elevation of 3,077 meters, Mount Emei is considered one of the four sacred mountains of Buddhism in China. At the summit, you will find some of the most sacred temples and pagodas in the Buddhist religion, offering impressive views.

Like Leshan, the Emeishan area is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and serves as a pilgrimage site for hundreds of thousands of tourists each year.
Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Emeishan.

After breakfast, we will enjoy a day of hiking in Emeishan, which includes walks along the trails and encounters with pilgrims visiting the sacred monasteries. In addition to the numerous monasteries scattered throughout the area, the beautiful views from the lookout points, Mount Emei is rich in flora and fauna. Hikers who climb the paths alongside the Chinese pilgrims may encounter lively monkeys. (Cable car ascent, walking descent).

In the afternoon, we will drive for about an hour and a half through the picturesque countryside of Sichuan Province to Yaan, a town located in the western part of Sichuan Province, situated beneath the Tibetan plateau.

Yaan is renowned for its hot springs and exquisite tea fields, but beyond that, it is the first place in China where pandas were discovered. In 2001, the large panda reserve in the fertile Bifengxia Valley opened, dedicated to the breeding and rescue of pandas that are endangered.
Overnight in Yaan.

After breakfast, we will head to the fertile Bifengxia Valley to visit the giant panda reserve. We will explore the area, observe the pandas, and enjoy a leisurely nature walk. In addition to the diverse vegetation and rich wildlife, we can also enjoy the beauty of several waterfalls.

Afterward, we will drive back to the city of Chengdu. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Chengdu.

After breakfast, we will transfer to the airport for a flight to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan Province.

Zhangjiajie is China’s first national forest park, established in 1982 and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park spans 480,000 square meters and is adorned with sharp karst stone pillars, the most famous of which is known as “Hallelujah Mountain,” as it is said to have inspired filmmaker James Cameron when he created the world of Pandora for the blockbuster film “Avatar.” Nearby, there is another popular attraction, “The First Bridge Under Heaven”—a natural stone bridge surrounded by stunning scenery.
Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Zhangjiajie.

After breakfast, we will embark on a full day of exploration within the reserve. We will ascend to breathtaking viewpoints (including an elevator and cable car) and stroll along the park’s trails, where the steep, jagged peaks rise above us and golden-hued streams flow at our feet.
Overnight in a hotel near the reserve.
Transportation within the park will be by shuttle bus.

After breakfast, we will embark on a day trip to Baofeng Lake. We will board a boat for a scenic cruise on the lake, surrounded by stunning views of lush mountains.

Afterward, we will visit the “Grand Canyon” of the reserve. We will walk on the glass bridge, which is 430 meters long and 6 meters wide, connecting two cliffs 300 meters above the ground.
Overnight in a hotel near the reserve.
Transportation within the park will be by shuttle bus.

After breakfast, we will drive to Tianmen Mountain. We will take the world’s longest and fastest cable car, which takes about half an hour to travel 7 kilometers, offering breathtaking views along the way!
We will walk along wooden paths and suspended glass walkways that cling to the mountain’s side at an elevation of about 1,500 meters. If you visit on a clear day, you will be rewarded with fantastic visibility. If the weather is foggy, you’ll experience the amazing sensation of being surrounded by mist, with occasional glimpses of the stunning scenery below. You can also choose to climb to Tianmen Cave (999 steps).

Overnight in a hotel near the reserve.
Transportation within the park will be by shuttle bus.

After breakfast and depending on your flight time, we will transfer to the airport for your flight back to Chengdu. Following this, you will continue your flight back home.