Commonly known as the ‘Wilder side of Sichuan Province’ this magnificent program is well suited to those students wishing to challenge the stereotyped views of developing countries.
A few hours drive west of Chengdu leads to the Tibetan Khampa areas on the east Edge of the Himalayan Plateau. Stunning scenery awaits you, and the warmth of the local Tibetan people will stay with you forever
Today we arrival at Chengdu airport, meet with our host and transfer to hotel. Free the balance of day. Dinner tonight is arranged at a fine local restaurant - a great introduction of Chinese cuisine (with the assistance of your local tour leader).
You will have some leisure time in the morning until you meet your guide and driver. You will be transferred to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding that is situated in the northern suburbs of Chengdu. About 50 pandas live in the semi-natural environment at this base. Return to town and enjoy a leisurely tea time at Wenshu Temple, a lovely local teahouse. Don’t miss the night ritual ceremony by the Buddhist monks at the Temple. Enjoy a nice vegetarian dinner near the temple.
After breakfast, depart for Leshan. On the way, stop in the countryside to go for an enjoyable walk in a tranquil village in south Chengdu. You will walk on a small path through a valley and mountain ridge, passing farmland, an orchard, brushwood and meet with local people. On arrival, visit a local farmhouse and learn how to play Chinese Mah-jong, then enjoy a local home cooked lunch. In the afternoon transfer to Leshan famous for the Leshan Giant Buddha Statue. It is the largest Buddha in the world, about 71 meters high! It is a statue of Maitreya in sitting posture and started to be carved in 713 A.D and finished 90 years later. Take a boat cruise on the Min River to view the mighty Grand Buddha from a floating perspective. Drive to the foot of Mount. Emei and visit Bao Guo Temple, the largest Buddhist temple at the foot of the mountain
Being one of China’s Four Buddhist Holy Mountains, Emei Shan is noted for its profound history, secluded Buddhist Temples, dense forests and amazing landscape on the Golden Summit. Since ancient times Emei Mountain has been described as "Beauty Under Heaven". Temples were built as early as the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220AD) and Buddhism was introduced to the mountain during the Jin Dynasty. In the morning wake up and transfer by shuttle bus and cable car up to the Summit. Hike on zigzagging mountain trails descending to Jieying Hall and further onwards to Leidong. The view is spectacular. Later in the afternoon proceed to the Crouching Tiger Monastery to explore the mighty 500 Arhats Hall.
In the morning leave for Kangding. On the way stop at Liujiang, a lovely and peaceful Old Town in Western Sichuan Province. The 800-year-old town today is a showcase for the typical old-town wooden structures in Sichuan. Enjoy a leisurely stroll in the old town by the river. The drive from Liujiang onwards to Kangding is extremely scenic as you pass through Erlang Shan and leave the plain areas to Tibetan highland. Kangding is the traditional gateway to Tibet from Sichuan. Enjoy some free leisure time under teachers guidance upon arrival in Kangding.
In the morning set off for Tagong. Take a photo break at Xinduqiao. Afterwards drive to Tagong Grasslands and visit Lhagang Monastery of Sayka Sect. If weather permits, you can view holy mountain Yala from a distance. Take a leisurely walk through the gilded Golden Stupa in Tagong. A local village visit can be arranged when time permits.
The Yak River leads us to Danba. On the way you can view the snowy peak of Yala. Visit Huiyuan Monastery near Bamei and stop at DingGuo Hill near a Tibetan Bön Temple. The local people in Danba are called Jiarong (Gyarong) Tibetans. It is said that they are the descendants of the people of the ancient Xixia Kingdom, who merged with the local people after they fled from Gansu and settled here. Danba has long been acclaimed as the Kingdom of Thousands of Ancient Blockhouses. Upon arrival in Danba you will have photo opportunities at Suopo Village. They were made of clay and block and look fine from outside with solid thick walls. Overnight home stay in Tibetan village (standard room).
The morning offers you a great opportunity to capture the true colours of the Tibetan Village Jiaju. Take a walk to the higher viewing terrace from where you can view the holy mountain Morduo just opposite the village. After breakfast leave for Zhonglu Tibetan Village where you will trek on a small trail. Cross a higher pass through bushes, farmlands, peach and pear trees, and most impressively the Stone Watching Towers standing at the mountain slopes by the roadside. The backdrop is of the mountain ridge in NW Sichuan. The hike lasts approx. 4-5 hours. Enjoy a picnic lunch during the walk. Later on in the day arrive in Suopo and drive back to the town.
In the morning leave for Ya’an. Drive along Dadu River before getting to Luding. Take a break at Luding to explore the Ancient Luding Bridge. Once the Chinese Red Army went through this part of the province in the 1930s during their expedition on the Long March. Check in to your hotel and enjoy some free leisure time under teachers guidance in Ya’an.
This morning visit the lovely Giant Pandas at Ya’an Breeding Institute. Take a hike in the green valley of Bifeng Gorge. Later in the afternoon transfer back Chengdu to enjoy a savoury Sichuan Hotpot Dinner.
Check out in the morning and transfer to airport for flight home. End of your amazing Western China Journey.
