12-Day Private Tour to the Last Paradise--Sichuan to Yunnan

Day 1: Chengdu

1. Chengdu
   6h
   Welcome to Chengdu, the Land of Abundance, which is famous throughout China for its laid-back lifestyle and spicy cuisines. Your guide and driver will meet you at the airport/ train station and then escort you to your hotel in a private vehicle. If time permits, your guide will show you around in Chengdu. Follow the crowd to visit the famous Broad and Narrow Alley, tasting delicious spicy snacks, watching interesting folk shows, and feeling the hustle and bustle in the lively city!

Day 2: Chengdu-wolong panda base -Mount. Siguniang

1. Wolong Giant Panda Nature Reserve
   3h · Admission ticket included
   Depart Chengdu this morning and drive one hour and half to wolong panda base.We will arrive here at about 9:00 a.m. when most of them are active. It is a perfect time to observe their living habits when they do different things--eating, snoozing, tumbling and climbing trees.

Day 3: Mount. Siguniang-Danba

1. Mt. Siguniang Nature Reserve
   6h · Admission ticket included
   After breakfast, head out to Shuangqiao Valley, one of the most famous attractions in the area of Mount. Siguniang. The blue sky, boundless alpine meadows and glaciers, and ancient cypress forests make this area a nature lovers’ dream and a photographers’ paradise. Spend the relaxing morning to hike along the valley and capture the breathtaking scenery of Mount. Siguniang.
2. Danba County
   2h
   After lunch, we will drive three hours to Danba. During our journey to Danba, we will get across the Zhonglu Tibetan Village. Wander in the traditional small town and immerse yourself in the stunning spectacle view of setting sun casting orange glow over the brick walls and distant hills. We will stay here for a night.

Day 4: Danba-Yajiang

1. Danba County
   4h
   Enjoy a peaceful morning in Danba. Take a walk in this ethnic villages and explore the cultures and traditions of the locals. You can choose to visit local families and learn some Tibetan words.
2. Yajiang County
   4h
   Then we will make our way to Yajiang. The drive is about five hours. Upon arrival, you can walk around the small town on the cliff. The stewed chicken with tricholoma matsutake (a kind of mushroom grows on the root of pine trees) is a famous local delicacy, you can give it a try.

Day 5: Yajiang-Daocheng-Riwa

1. Litang County
   6h
   After breakfast at the hotel, we will leave Yajiang and head to Daocheng, which is praised as the “last pure land on our blue planet”. During the seven-hour drive, we will pass through Litang Temple, one of the oldest and largest Tibetan Buddhist temples which was built by Sonam Gyatso. It is a good place for you to pray for good luck. You can also have a glimpse of the dazzling array of instruments, various statues of Buddha, and the vast collection of documents in this temple. Afterward, we will drive two and a half hours to Riwa. A comfortable hotel will be prepared for you to enjoy a relaxing night.

Day 6: Riwa

1. Yading Nature Reserve
   6h · Admission ticket included
   Get up early to spend more time out of doors in the fresh air. Today is all for a long-route tour in Yading Nature Reserve. Let’s start our day in the Chonggu Monastery and go hiking to visit the famous Three Holy Mountains. The three mountains are worshipped as embodiments of three Bodhisattvas: The Bodhisattvas of Mercy, Wisdom, and Power, respectively. If you make pilgrimages sincerely, your wishes may come true. Then, let’s head to the Luorong Pasture where you can watch herds of sheep and cattle enjoying the green grass leisurely and see flowers swaying gently in the breeze. In addition, the Five Clolor Lake and Milk Lakes are well worth visting.

Day 7: Riwa-Shangri-la

1. Shangri-La County
   6h
   Head to Shangri-la, and the drive is about five and a half hours. The destination is Dukezong Old Town, the largest and the best-preserved Tibetan community in China which is built over 1300 years. Join in the tourists to turn the largest Prayer Wheel in the world in clockwise direction. Tibetans regards it as a good way to pray for happiness, and your life will be peaceful and happy as long as you pray in a sincere way.

Day 8: Shangri-la-Tiger Leaping Gorge

1. 6h · Admission ticket included
   Shangri-La means the “sun and moon in heart” in Tibetan. An ancient Chinese saying goes like that, "the earliest sunrise is seen in Shangri-la; and the most unique place is also there.” Once you visit, you will fully appreciate the meaning of this saying. Try to get up early and pay a visit to Songzanlin Monastery. Stand quietly, absorbing the cold air and wafting fog, and watching the very first ray of sunshine dye the snow-capped peaks gold. Enjoy a relaxing morning to take in your spectacular setting. You may like to go for a walk in the surrounding area and get a closer look at the beautiful Tibetan city.
2. Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Xia)
   6h · Admission ticket included
   In the late afternoon, we will drive two hours to Tiger Leaping Gorge. After checking in your hotel, you can take a walk around here.

Day 9: Tiger leaping Gorge

1. Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Xia)
   6h · Admission ticket included
   Start your day with a hiking along Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the Top Ten hiking routes in the world. Once you come here, you can’t miss the chance to go hiking along the gorge to admire the splendid scenery around it. The gorge is divided into three sections: the first section is the narrowest, the uppermost is good for sightseeing, and the middle section is best for go hiking. After going hike for a while, you can follow the lead of your guide and continue visiting the middle section to discover a more wonderful view of gorge; if not, you can just sit down in a cafe shop, drinking a cup of coffee and admiring the scenery.

Day 10: Tiger Leaping Gorge-Lijiang

1. Old Town of Lijiang - China
   6h · Admission ticket included
   Say goodbye to Tiger Leaping Gorge and head to Lijiang. It will takes you almost two hours. Lijiang Ancient Town is located on the plateau, which is embraced by mountains. The beautiful place is inhabited by residents from different peoples, thus making Lijiang a inclusive city. After a short rest, start a captivating tour in Lijiang Ancient Town. The quaint small town is established in the Ming Dynasty and works as a commercial center for over 800 years. Visit Mufu Palace, a grand mansion famous for its grandness. Wander through the narrow avenues and have a look of superb handicrafts and national costumes. As the night closes in, let’s join hands and dance round with local people. End the day with the joyful dance!

Day 11: Lijiang

1. Old Town of Lijiang - China
   6h · Admission ticket included
   Let’s continue to explore the beauties nearby. This morning head to Baisha Village and appreciate the ancient Baisha Mural paintings. The evening here is also charming. With smooth melody of folk music and faint lights, the whole town seems to be reigned by tranquility, gentleness and tenderness.

Day 12: Departure from Lijiang

1. Old Town of Lijiang - China
   Pass by
   It’s time to say goodbye. Today your guide and driver will send you off in the airport. If you want to extend your stay in China, we are willing to make customized tour plans for you.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness