Day 1, Chengdu: The first full day after arriving in Chengdu will be spent easing you into the time change with a few comfortable stops in and around the capital city. In the morning we will visit the Wenshu Monastery, Chengdu's largest Buddhist complex. After a creative vegetarian lunch we'll visit the Great Buddha of Leshan, the world’s biggest stone seated Buddha. On our way back we’ll stop by the ancient town of Huanglongxi for snacks and tea. We’ll return to Chengdu in the evening for a traditional Sichuan style meal consisting of a wide variety of stir-fried meat, vegetable and tofu dishes.

Day 2, Pingwu: On the second morning we will set out for Pingwu County to the northwest of Chengdu. After stopping off at Bao’en Temple, one of China’s most well-preserved 15th century Buddhist complexes, we will arrive in the Wanglang Nature Reserve in time for dinner. The entire days drive takes about 8 hours.

Day 3, Wanglang Nature Reserve: Naturalists will be available to serve as guides to explain more about the sensitive eco-system and other rare flora and fauna that call Wanglang home. In addition to its biodiversity, the park is famous for its mountain scenery, rushing streams, magnificent wildflowers and breathtaking forests. At night, guests will be able to make use of the many nature resources at the Wanglang Eco-Lodge.

Day 4, Wanglang Nature Reserve - Jiuzhaigou: In the morning we'll visit the nearby Baima minority villages.  The Baima are a vibrant community whose population is unfortunately shrinking with each passing year.  Only 4,000 Baima people are left in the entire world, most of whom reside in the villages near the Wanglang reserve.  They are well known for their colorful dress and passion for song. In the afternoon we’ll continue north into Sichuan’s mountains to Jiuzhaigou.

Days 5-6, Jiuzhaigou National Park: The next two days will be spent exploring one of China’s most revered natural spaces, Jiuzhaigou.  Every season has its advantages at the park whether it's the snowy white tipped forests of winter, the gushing waterfalls and multi-colored lakes in the summer, or the brilliant foliage in autumn.  Excellent boardwalks line the park with smooth electric buses available to shuttle visitors between scenic points. We’ll need two hours to reach the ancient town of Songpan, cradled in a valley along the Min River, where we’ll stay for the night.

Day 7, Drive to Chengdu:  After a morning tour of Songpan and a quick visit to a hidden Tibetan monastery in the nearby Muni Valley we’ll make the scenic drive back to Chengdu along the powerful Min River. Back in the big city, you will have the chance to enjoy a fiery Sichuan hotpot dinner (Don't worry though, a mild version of hotpot is also available). 

Day 8, Chengdu: No trip to Sichuan is complete without a glimpse of the famous Giant Panda. In the morning we will visit the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding and Research Center, which guarantees visitors the ability to get up close up with these enchanting animals.  More than 40 pandas of all ages reside at the research base. Depending on your departure schedule we can also visit Songxianqiao art market or River Viewing Pavilion Park. At the park a stroll allows visitors to witness Chengdu locals in their element: drinking tea, playing mahjong or cards, snacking, and just chatting the day away.

We will see you off to the airport on the 8th day, but we hope it won't be the last time we meet! 

Note: A two day overnight trek is possible from Wanglang to either Jiuzhaigou or Huanglong National Park. Trekkers should be sure to ask about the trek when inquiring about this itinerary. Very, very few people have made this journey.

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