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Sichuan ExplorerFrom $3,810 - 14 Days, Fully Inclusive from selected Australian citiesJoin us on this incredible tour through the province of Sichuan. The scenery you will encounter along the way will surprise you. Located in southwest China, Sichuan is bordered by the Tibetan Plateau in the west, the Three Gorges and the Yangtze River in the east and Yunnan Province to the south. Sichuan is known as the ‘land of abundance’ and has three places on the UNESCO World Cultural and World Heritage lists; Nine Villages Valley (Jiuzhaigou), Huanglong Valley and Mt. Emei. The name Jiuzhaigou refers to the nine Tibetan villages that are situated within the valley. Huanglong Valley has some of the most stunning scenery in the world and Mt. Emei is regarded as one of Buddhism’s most sacred and China’s most remarkable mountains. Known for its landscape and legendary Buddhist sites, this mountain kingdom will certainly delight all who visit. Watch Documentary Videos of Sichuan ExplorerIn September 2011, Barry Matheson travelled with our one of our Sichuan Explorer groups to film what it is like to travel with Wendy Wu Tours to this fascinating region. TOUR ITINERARYDAYS 1-2: AUSTRALIA TO CHENGDUFly overnight with Cathay Pacific Airways to Chengdu for an overnight stay. DAY 3: CHENGDU TO DAZUTravel to the small town of Dazu, home to numerous rock carvings and 50,000 stone statues. View some of the most remarkable frescoes at Beishan, where many are over 1,000 years old. Carved into the limestone hills, they illustrate Buddhist deities and centuries-old stories. DAY 4: DAZU TO CHENGDUThis morning view the UNESCO World Heritage listed Baodin Stone Carvings, dating from the Tang Dynasty to the Song Dynasty. The carvings include a reclining Buddha which is over 31m long. These carvings show tenets of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. This afternoon return to Chengdu. Dinner this evening will be a banquet of Sichuan cuisine. DAY 5: CHENGDU – LESHAN TO MT. EMEIJourney to Mt. Emei, one of Buddhism’s most sacred and China’s most impressive mountains. En route you will explore Leshan’s Grand Buddha, an enormous statue carved into the side of the Lingyun Mountain. The Buddha is over 71m tall and is wide enough for more than 100 people to sit between its feet. Take a short boat trip to view the statue from the river. From here, continue on to Mt. Emei, arriving this evening. DAY 6: MT. EMEIMt. Emei is the tallest sightseeing mountain in China. Local legend has it that the mountain’s name is derived from two peaks that face each other, resembling eyebrows. Most of the monasteries and temples on Mt. Emei were built during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25220AD), while others were added later. As a well-known Buddhist sanctuary, Mt. Emei once had more than 100 monasteries. Explore the magnificent mountain and interact with the locals and the many pilgrims that pay homage to this holy site. DAY 7: MT. EMEI TO CHENGDUDepart Mt. Emei and travel back to Chengdu for an overnight stay. DAY 8: CHENGDU TO MIANYANGVisit the famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see these famous animals in an environment similar to their natural habitat. The base also includes a protected wilderness and breeding area, as well as a museum and research facility. Next, visit a local bamboo park and the Sanxindui Museum, home to many significant cultural relics unique to Chengdu. Continue to Mianyang for an overnight stay. DAYS 9-10: MIANYANG TO NINE VILLAGES VALLEYTravel to the breathtaking Nine Villages Valley (Jiuzhaigou). Entering the valley is like being transported into a different world, where crystal clear lakes gather at the foot of every waterfall and rich coloured forests are dotted with flowers. Stay here for two nights to explore the natural beauty of the area. Journey by coach to Mao County for an overnight stay. En route visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Huanglong Valley. Huanglong, also called the ‘Five-Coloured Ponds’, has some of the most amazing ponds where you will see beautiful colours intertwined into a rainbow splendour. Some say the valley resembles a golden dragon winding its way through the forest, mountains and glaciers.DAY 12: MAO COUNTY TO CHENGDUReturn to Chengdu, visiting the Dujiangyan Irrigation Project en route. In the 3rd Century BC the project succeeded in capturing flood waters for use during the drought periods, linking this inaccessible region with the Grand Canal and the far corners of the Qin Kingdom. This was an incredible feat in China’s history, altering trade between the coast and western regions over the following centuries. Continue to Chengdu for your final night in China. DAY 13: DEPART CHENGDUThis morning is free at your leisure before you are transferred to Chengdu airport to board your overnight flight to Australia. DAY 14: ARRIVE AUSTRALIAArrive home today. Tour reviewsWendy Wu Tours Review: (Also see Part 3 of the videos above)"I cannot fault this tour. All the reservations I had regarding how I would cope with mountainous roads and long hours of travelling were dispelled once the tour started. Our National Guide Ryan asked for the most experienced coach driver available and Mr Jung did an excellent job keeping us safe on roads that at times made driving difficult. Mrs Loris Erb, New Zealand - October 2011 Price guide
Important Note: Above prices include Fuel surcharges and tipping of $370 (correct as at May 2013 and subject to change). Please note the Tipping amount of USD63 is payable on arrival in China. Though status is regularly updated, availability above is indicative only, not live and hence does not guarantee that space is available on your selected tour when you or your agent calls Wendy Wu Tours to book. Booking early is the only way to ensure availability of your selected departure date. |
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