Culture and Nature Tour in Sichuan, Gansu, and Qinghai

Home > Discovery Tour in Tibetan Areas Kham and Amdo

12 Days Private Tour Chengdu – Wolong – Siguniang Mountain – Wolong – Taoping – Songpan - Huanglong - Jiuzhaigou – Shenxianchi - Zhagana - Tiebu - Langmu Si – Hezuo - Xiahe – Tongren – Kumbum – Xining

On this trip, we will experience the leisure life in Chengdu firstly, and then departure to Siguniang Mountain, honored as the “Chinese Alps”. And on the way there, we will visit the pandas in Wolong - the first panda reserve in China. We continue to Taoping Village, visiting the traditional residences and watchtower architectural complex of Qiang Minority. Walking and sightseeing in the World Natural Heritages - “jade pond" Huanglong and “fairy tale world” Jiuzhaigou. Then drive northward via Shenxianchi Park to enjoy the hidden beauty of Zhagana. Ruoergai, one of the three great wetlands in China, provides an ideal habitat for wild animals. Sichuan Sika Deer, a rare kind of wild animal, will be found by us in Tiebu Sika Deer Natural Reserve. Then we will visit Langmu Si Monastery at the junction of Sichuan Province and Gansu Province. Visit Labrang Monastery, which is one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism in Xiahe, and is also known as the "Tibetan Academy of the World". Afterwards, we enter Qinghai Province and go to Tongren, the Regong art center, visiting Longwu Monastery and Wutun Monastery. Xining is the last destination for this culture and nature tour in Tibetan area Amdo. Here, we will visit the Ta'er Si Monastery (Kumbum), where the great Master Tsongkhapa was born, who was the founder of Gelugpa sect of the Tibetan Buddhism, and visit the Grand Dongguan Mosque.

Highlights

Culture and Nature Tour in Sichuan, Gansu, and Qinghai

Itinerary

Itinerary
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DAY
1

Arrive in Chengdu

Enjoy Chengdu leisurely daily life, Kuanzhai Xiangzi, drink tea in People’s Park

Arrive in Chengdu, capital of province Sichuan, the home town of Panda. Pick up and transfer to hotel. In the afternoon stroll in the beautiful old block of Chengdu - Wide Alley and Narrow Alley (Kuan Xiangzi and Zhai Xiangzi), they are the relics of the Manchurian garrison since 1718 and consist of 3 parallel lanes with the old classical houses, which are unique in southern China just like the northern Chinese architectural style presented by Hutong. After a careful renovation in June 2008, the pubs, teahouses, restaurants and guesthouses concentrate here, and in no time at all, it becomes the "lobby of leisure capital Chengdu". A walk here gives you a first impression of the "city of loafers". Then visit the People’s Park in the city center, have a seat in an old teahouse, enjoy your covered-bowl tea in a comfortable environment with bamboo chair and bamboo table, the tea culture of Chengdu is well known throughout China.

Overnight at Boyun Jinjiang Hotel

Tea House in People’s Park

DAY
2

Chengdu - Maobiliang - Siguniangshan Town

Shuangqiao Valley, Sunset of Mt. Siguniangshanz

proceed to Siguniang Shan Town (formerly Rilong) via the Balang Tunnel. Siguniang Shan Mountain, also known as the Four Sisters Mountain, Four Girls Mountain or Four Maidens Mountain, boasts four peaks exceeding 5000 m in height. According to legend, each peak represents one of the four sisters. The highest peak, Yaomei Feng, symbolizing the youngest sister, stands at 6250 m and is revered as the "queen of Sichuan's peaks."
Embark on a sightseeing bus tour and explore Shuangqiao Valley on foot. Enjoy a leisurely hike in the Shuangqiao Valley (Double-bridge Valley) of Siguniang Shan Mountain, renowned for its concentrated and enchanting scenery. If the weather permits, marvel at the breathtaking sunset views of Siguniang Shan Mountain (Four Sisters Mountain) from Maobiliang.

221 km, 4 hours 10 minutes
Overnight at Balan Tribe Cloud Inn (3200 m)

Breakfast

Pandas in Wolong

DAY
3

Siguniang Shan Town - Wolong - Taoping

Shenshuping Panda Base in Wolong National Nature Reserve

Drive to Wolong National Nature Reserve. It is one of the Chinese earliest natural reverses, which is rated the preservation zones network of “mankind and living beings” by UNESCO. Visit Shenshuping Panda Base in Wolong, 74 pandas live here, it is the largest breeding center for giant pandas, integrating scientific research, feeding, breeding, reproduction, wildness training, etc. Drive to Taoping Qiang Village, known as the “Living Fossil of Qiang Architecture,” where ancient stone watchtowers and traditional houses reflect the Qiang minority culture.

190 km, 3 hours 27 minutes
Overnight at Taoping Qiang Village Sharon Style Hotel

Breakfast

Sunset of Mt. Siguniangshan

DAY
4

Taoping - Maoxian - Songpan

Taoping Village of Qiang Minority, Songpan Ancient Town

In the magnificent valleys along the upper Min River, picturesque villages of the Qiang nationality with their characteristic stone houses and striking towers attract visitors’ eyes: beautiful, idyllic, prominent and mystical. The Qiang nationals are descendants of an ancient ethnic group of China. "Qiang" is a historical ethnic group of China, which was found on 3,000-year-old oracle bones. Over time, records of other nationalities in China such as Han (Han Chinese), Zang (Tibetan), Yi, Naxi, Bei, Hani and Lisu emerged. Their way of life is the evidence of ancient traditions practiced. The villages with the tower-like stone houses testify the advantageous of a high-building life, especially in the epochs of warlike conflicts. In the morning visit the Taoping village of Qiang minority. The village is located in the epicenter of Sichuan's major earthquake on May 12, 2008 and has been severely damaged. As part of the reconstruction program, the Qiang national stonemasons and villagers have masterfully restored their village from the rubble heaps. Then drive to Songpan, visit Songpan Ancient Town.

202 km, 4 hours 30 minutes
Overnight at Fengyu Shangyuan Hotel

Breakfast

Taoping Village of Qiang Minority

DAY
5

Songpan - Huanglong - Jiuzhaigou

Walking and sightseeing in national park Huanglong (Yellow Dragon)

Drive to Huanglong. The main attraction of Huanglong National Park is Huanglong Valley, with 3.5 km long, at an altitude between 3100 and 3600 meters and with countless travertines. The water, which origins from the snow-capped peaks and irresistibly makes its way down into the valley, over time created a spectacular and breathtaking karst landscape with countless terraced pools or ponds, often shining in blue, turquoise and green. Running from south to north, the valley is located below the snow-capped main summit of the Minshan Mountains - Xuebaoding (5588 m). The Yellow Dragon Valley, according to the Huanglong Valley Translation, allegedly owned its great name from the Huanglongsi Monastery, which is located in the upper part of the valley and is originally a Taoist monastery from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). When see from a distance, a yellow, scaly dragon winds in the midst of lush forests to the valley. Welcome to a magnificent natural landscape of China: The wooden walkway with numerous wooden promenades invites you to have a hike. Finally, take the cable car back down. Then drive to Jiuzhaigou.

137 km, 2 hours 40 minutes
Overnight at Jiuzhaigou Northwest Grand Hotel

Breakfast

Jiuzhaigou Nature Park

DAY
6

Jiuzhaigou

Walking and sightseeing in national park Jiuzhaigou

In western China, in the north of Sichuan Province, between the Sichuan Red Basin and the eastern foothills of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau lies Jiuzhaigou, the Nine-village valley. In the midst of the magnificent mountains of the Minshan Mountains, Jiuzhaigou stretches for 50 kilometers and covers a total area of 720 square kilometers at an altitude between 1900 and 3100 meters. The Nine-village valley includes two mountain rivers, which merge in the middle of the area Y-shaped and thus form a chain of countless lakes, which string like pearls. According to a traditional story, a Tibetan mountain god fell in love with a goddess and one day gave her a precious mirror, brilliantly polished with wind and clouds. But the mirror fell out of her hand, splintering and tumbling down into the valley, where the 108 pieces of shards turned into crystal-clear mountain lakes shining in bright blue or dark blue, turquoise and green. There are lush brooks and waterfalls everywhere, magnificent bamboo groves and mixed deciduous and coniferous forests, snow-capped peaks and picturesque Tibetan villages. The Jiuzhaigou Natural Park was protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1992. With the help of the environmental buses of the National Park, which commute between the Scenic areas, you have a fantastic view of Jiuzhaigou.

Overnight at Jiuzhaigou Northwest Grand Hotel

Breakfast

National Park Huanglong

DAY
7

Jiuzhaigou - Shenxianchi - Zhagana

Shenxianchi (Fairy Pool), Zhagana

Drive to Shenxianchi (Fairy Pool), a hidden natural gem at high altitude. The pools, colored in shades of blue and green, are formed by calcium deposits and surrounded by dense forests and meadows. Local legends say fairies once bathed here, giving the place a magical charm.
Continue to Zhagana, also known as the “Stone Fortress.” This Tibetan village sits in a valley embraced by towering cliffs, resembling a natural castle. The village is rich in Tibetan traditions, with houses built of stone blending harmoniously into the mountainside. Arrive in time for the breathtaking Zhagana sunset view, when golden light paints the valley and stone walls.

249 km, 5 hours 43 minutes
Overnight at Diebu zhaganadieshan Boutique Guesthouse

Breakfast

Tiebu Sika Deer

DAY
8

Zhagana

One day depth trip in Zhagana

Zhagana is hidden deep in the mountains of Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in southern Gansu. The explorer Joseph Rock visited Zhagana over 90 years ago, he compared Zhagana to the birthplace of Adam and Eve.
The viewing platform, which occupies the commanding heights of Badai Village, is the most suitable place for watching the sunrise of Zagana. From here you can not only overlook the entire valley, but also have the most beautiful angle for watching sunrise. You have one whole day for depth trip in Zhagana, visit local family, soft hiking, horseback riding (option), or have a nice rest… Admire the panoramic landscape of Zhagana at sunset.

Overnight at Diebu zhaganadieshan Boutique Guesthouse

Breakfast

Tiebu Sika Deer

DAY
9

Zhagana - Langmusi

Sichuan Sika Deer in Donglie Town and Chong’er Town, Langmusi

Early morning, drive into the Tiebu Sika Deer Nature Reserve, where herds of wild sika deer roam freely in the meadows and forests. Passing through Chonger Township and Donglie Township, you may catch sight of these elegant creatures in their natural habitat.
In the afternoon, continue to Langmusi (the “Oriental Little Switzerland”), a Tibetan town split by the Gansu–Sichuan border. Visit Langmu Monastery, a sacred Tibetan Buddhist site nestled in the mountains. The monastery complex, surrounded by green hills and rivers, is a peaceful retreat where monks practice centuries-old traditions. This village Langmusi hosts two Gelugpa Tibetan Buddhist monasteries - Taktsang Lhamo Kirti Monastery in Sichuan Province and Taktsang Lhamo Sertri Monastery in Gansu Province.

97 km, 2 hours
Overnight at Jinhao Ecological Hotel

Breakfast

Labrang Monastery

DAY
10

Langmusi - Hezuo - Xiahe

Milarepa Monastery. Labrang Monastery

Drive to Xiahe, which is 2,900 meters above the sea level and almost exclusively inhabited by Tibetans. On the way visit the Milarepa Monastery in Hezuo. In the afernoon visit Labrang Monastery in Xiahe, the most important religious centre on the northeast border of the Tibetan region. The monastery created in 1710, as one of the six grand monasteries in Tibetan area, has served for centuries there to connect the Tibetan and Mongolian Lamaism.

227 km, 3 hours 40 minutes
Overnight at Lazhang Pengcuoling Homestay

Breakfast

DAY
11

Xiahe - Tongren - Xining

Longwu Monastery, Tibetan Rebgong Art

In the morning drive to Tongren, visit Longwu monastery of Gelugpa, which was initially constructed in Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) as a monastery of Sakya-sect and Wutun village. It is the center of Tibetan Regong-Art, which is a successful mixture of religion and folk art. Then drive to Xining, the capital of Qinghai province. This city is mainly inhabited with Tibetan but also a home of Uygur, Kazak and Hui minorities.

265 km, 4 hours 32 minutes
Overnight at Hampton by Hilton Xining Kunlun Road

Breakfast

Kumbum Monastery (Ta'er Si)

DAY
12

Leave Xining

Kumbum Monastery, Grand Dongguan Mosque

In the morning drive to Kumbum Monastery (Ta'er Si) of Gelukpa-sect, which was built in 1560 in Huangzhong county and also one of the six grand monasteries in Tibetan area. Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Lamaistic "yellow hat sect", was born here. As Kumbum-monastery has always been playing an important role to connect the Mongolian with the Lamaism, today many Mongolian come to this place for worship. Then visit their Grand Dongguan Mosque, located directly on Dongguan Street in the old district of Xining. Originally built in the 14th century during the Ming Dynasty, it has been destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout history, most recently in the 1910s. The architecture reflects the multicultural character of the city: a temple built in the Han-Chinese tradition combined with Islamic and Tibetan cultural features. The entire building covers a total area of 13,602 square meters. And the main building, the imposing prayer hall with around 1102 sqm offers seats for three thousand believers. Obviously, it cannot satisfy the numerous prayers - for the Friday prayer (Jum'a) almost ten thousand believers gather and transform the huge courtyard and the adjacent Dongguan Street to the prayer area, of course with the help of the local administration. In the afternoon transfer to railway station or airport, journey ends.

Breakfast

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Private travel, great experiences! Please contact us for your tailor-made travel offer.

With individual China Tibet travel, you can decide when, where and how you go on tour by yourself. What's more, you can choose the length of travel and whom you go with.

Information

Hotel, program and itinerary are subjected to change with prior notice.
We must point out that you counter a basic tourism infrastructure in this region. You stay overnight sometimes at simple hotel. Long journeys on bad roads and on high altitude and delays require good physical fitness, resilience and flexibility of the participants. Program and route changes due to unforeseen events are expressly reserved. If you desire the unknown and have an understanding of contingency, this is the right trip for you.

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