Sichuan Explorer

No region of China offers such breathtaking and spectacular beauty in its scenery than the province of Sichuan. Located in south west China, Sichuan is bordered by the Tibetan Plateau in the west, the Three Gorges and the Yangtze River in the east and with the Yunnan Province to the South. Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan and it is here that we will also see one of the most important locations in the world for the conservation of the Giant Panda. Sichuan is known as the ‘Land of Abundance’ and has three places on the World Cultural and Natural Heritage List: Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area (Nine Villages Valley), Huang Long Valley and Mt Emei. Jiuzhaigou is a deep valley of stunning natural beauty, approximately 620 square kilometres located in north Sichuan. It is a national park and has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. The name Jiuzhaigou refers to the nine Tibetan villages that are situated in the valley where there is a variety of natural scenery - lakes, waterfalls, snowy mountains and lush green forests. Huang Long Valley has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. In 1992 it entered the ‘China World Cultural and Natural Heritage List’. It covers an area of about 700 square kilometres and has two parts: Huanglong and Muni Gorge. Mt Emei is similarly revered in China as one of the four most sacred Buddhist Mountains and a place of great beauty. Sichuan Cuisine is one of the Eight Great Cuisines in China and is famous all over the world for its richness and variety. Characterized by spicy and pungent flavours, the style has a myriad of tastes, emphasises the use of chilli, red hot peppers and garlic. It’s said that one who doesn’t experience Sichuan food has never truly reached Sichuan!

TOUR ITINERARY

Days 1-2: Australia/Chengdu

Fly with Singapore Airlines to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, where upon arrival we will be welcomed by our National Escort and transferred to our hotel for an overnight stay. Our welcome dinner tonight will be a sumptuous Sichuan Banquet.

Days 3-4: Dazu

Today we travel to Dazu and view some of the most remarkable frescoes in the world this afternoon at Beishan. Stay overnight. On the following day we view the Baodin stone carvings before returning to Chengdu for 1 night.

Day 5: Chengdu/Leshan/Mt Emei

Travel by coach to Mt Emei, one of Buddhism’s most sacred and China’s most impressive mountains. En-route we will explore the Leshan Grand Buddha, an enormous statue carved into the side of Lingyun Mountain. The Buddha is over 71 metres tall and is wide enough for more than 100 people to sit between its feet. The massive carving was begun in 713 AD during the Tang Dynasty and was completed in 803 AD. The Buddha overlooks the confluence of the Min, Qingyi and Dadu rivers and is reputed to be the largest carved stone Buddha in the world. A local saying says, ‘The Mountain is a Buddha, the Buddha is a Mountain’. We arrive at Mt Emei in the evening and transfer to our hotel for 2 nights.

Days 6-7: Mt Emei

Local legend has it that the mountain derived its name from two peaks that face each other and resemble eyebrows. The undulating peaks, covered with lush forests and green bamboo occupy an area of more than 300 square kilometres. Most of the monasteries and temples on Mt. Emei were built during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220AD), while others were added later. As a well-known Buddhist sanctuary, Mt. Emei once had more than 100 monasteries. The mountain is known for its steep cliffs, lofty peaks, roaring waterfalls, gurgling springs, towering trees and fragrant flowers. Explore the magnificent mountain and mingle with the locals and the many pilgrims that pay homage to this holy site. Return to Chengdu on the next day for an overnight stay.

Day 8: Chengdu/Mianyang

Firstly we will visit the famous Panda Reserve, situated only 10kms outside of the city. The Reserve includes a protected wilderness and breeding area, as well as a museum and research facility opened to the public in 1995. The Giant Panda has become one of the most adored animals in China and the cute and memorable mascot for the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF). Today we will be able to explore the grounds to see some of the animals up close, and learn more about the region’s endangered species. Afterwards we visit the Sanxindui Museum, home to many significant cultural relics unique to the Chengdu area. Continue on to one of the towns within the Sichuan Province, Mianyang.

Days 9-10: Nine Villages Valley

Travel to the breathtaking Nine Villages Valley (Jiuzhaigou), a botanical gallery that is heavily forested and home to many protected species. 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. It is as if one of the world’s most beautiful silk scroll paintings unfolds along this scenic valley. Transfer to our hotel for the next 2 nights.

Day 11: Nine Villages Valley/Mao County

Today we journey by coach to Mao County and en route visit the Huanglong Temple at the peak of the mountain. Huanglong, also called the ‘Five-Coloured Pools’, with some of the most amazing ponds located behind the Huanglong Temple, from its hundreds of sparkling ponds, beautiful colours intertwine making it a rainbow splendor. Stay overnight in Mao County.

Day 12: Mao County/Chengdu

On our way back to Chengdu today we will visit the Dujiangyan Irrigation Project. In the 3rd century BC the project succeeded in capturing flood waters for use during the drought periods, and linked this inaccessible region with the Grand Canal and the far corners of the kingdom. This was an incredible feat in China’s history, altering trade between the coast and western regions over the following centuries. Check in to our hotel for our last night in China.

Day 13: Depart Chengdu

Enjoy the morning at leisure before transferring to the airport to board our overnight flight to Australia.

Day 14: Arrive Australia

Arrive home filled with many happy memories.

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Images from Sichuan Explorer