Welcome to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province and the cultural heart of southwestern China. Upon arrival, your private driver will greet you at the airport or train station and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, the rest of the day is free for you to rest or explore the city at your own pace.
Chengdu is a city where ancient charm meets modern vibrancy. You may begin your exploration on Chunxi Road, one of the busiest shopping streets in Chengdu, where global brands and local snack stalls coexist. Wander into Kuanzhai Alley (Wide and Narrow Alleys), a preserved area of old Chengdu architecture with traditional teahouses, artisan boutiques, and street performances. For a taste of the city’s nightlife, visit the buzzing Fuqin Night Market, or take a riverside stroll along Jiuyan Bridge, beautifully lit at night.
Don't miss trying local dishes such as Zhong-style dumplings with chili oil, spicy Bobo Chicken on skewers, Chengdu hotpot with numbing Sichuan peppercorns, or a refreshing bowl of sweet icy jelly (bingfen).
Recommended Activities:
In the evening, unwind at a traditional Chengdu teahouse. Order a pot of jasmine or chrysanthemum tea and soak in the laid-back local culture. If you're feeling adventurous, try the famous Sichuan-style ear-cleaning service or watch a face-changing performance as part of the Sichuan opera tradition.
After breakfast, you will embark on a journey to Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area, which is is well known for the"four wonders"of colorful ponds, snow mountains, alpine gorges and forests. It has well preserved tectonic zones, glacial remains, and river source topography.
First we will arrive at Huanglong Valley, which is famous for its world-class travertine lake terraces. It is named Huanglong because it resembles a yellow dragon perched under Xuebao Peak (5,588 meters)
The most amazing attraction is the Colorful Pools at an altitude of 3,556 meters, with 693 colorful pools that look like emerald jewels. In addition, Huanglong Valley is also a paradise for giant pandas and golden monkeys.
Next you will take a cable car to the top of the mountain and then walk through the valley, which is expected to take about 3 hours. After finishing your trip in Huanglong, you will be transferred to Jiuzhaigou Valley, where we will stay for the night.
Tips:
After breakfast, you will head to this piece of Jiuzhaigou Valley, which is known as the fairyland on earth.
Jiuzhaigou, named after the nine Tibetan villages spread out in the scenic area, has attracted the world's attention with its unrivaled natural beauty since its discovery in the mid-20th century.
The area boasts a stunning array of natural wonders, including snowy peaks, crystal-clear lakes, majestic waterfalls, lush forests, and colorful flora. The scenery changes with the seasons, with autumn being particularly vibrant as the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and yellow.
The classic tour route includes starting from the entrance of Nuorilang Waterfall, passing by the Wucai Pool, then proceeding to the Sea of Five Flowers, Pearl Beach Waterfall and so on. Eventually, you will enjoy Rhinoceros Sea, Shuzheng Waterfall and so on until you return to the park entrance to end the day's journey to the wonderland.
Afterwards, your guide and driver will transfer you back to the hotel for a rest.
Tips:
After breakfast, board a high-speed train back to Chengdu (approx. 2 hours). Upon arrival, enjoy a local lunch before starting your cultural journey through Chengdu city.
Begin with a visit to People's Park, where you'll experience firsthand the slow-paced, people-focused lifestyle Chengdu is known for. Sip tea by the lake, watch elderly locals dance and practice tai chi, and maybe even see someone matchmaking their children via handwritten notes at the “marriage market.”
Next, delve into history at Wuhou Shrine, dedicated to Zhuge Liang, the brilliant strategist of the Shu Kingdom during the Three Kingdoms era. This beautifully landscaped complex is a spiritual site for those interested in Chinese history and features ornate architecture, ancient inscriptions, and serene gardens.
As dusk falls, stroll into the adjacent Jinli Ancient Street. This cobbled pedestrian area is a recreation of a traditional Sichuan marketplace, full of lanterns, folk crafts, snack stalls, and open-air stages.
Evening Option:
Jinli Street is especially magical at night. You can snack on spicy skewers, sweet glutinous cakes, and other traditional delicacies while enjoying live Sichuan opera performances, shadow puppet shows, and local artisan stalls under red lantern light.
After breakfast at your hotel, you'll head to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, one of the most beloved wildlife conservation centers in the world. As of late 2024, the base is home to 244 giant pandas, making it the largest captive panda population globally.
Arriving early (around 8:00 AM) is the best time to catch pandas at their most active — munching on bamboo, playing, or rolling around in the grass. You’ll see both adult and baby pandas in spacious enclosures that mimic their natural habitat. Don't miss the red pandas, too — smaller, raccoon-like animals equally adorable and native to the region.
After your panda visit, take a scenic drive (approx. 2 hours) to Leshan to explore the awe-inspiring Leshan Giant Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site carved into a cliff face where the Minjiang, Dadu, and Qingyi rivers converge. Standing at 71 meters high, this colossal stone statue was begun in the Tang Dynasty (713 AD) to calm dangerous river currents and protect passing boats. Marvel at the massive features — each ear is 7 meters long, and just one big toe could seat a person comfortably!
You’ll ascend the trail to the Buddha’s head for a panoramic view and then descend the narrow staircase alongside the statue for an up-close look at its full height.
Evening Option:
Before heading back to Chengdu, enjoy a riverside dinner in Leshan featuring local specialties like spicy boiled fish and bean-jelly noodles. If time permits, opt for a boat cruise to see the illuminated Buddha from the water — a unique and majestic night view.
Today, you'll take a morning flight from Chengdu to Shenzhen (approx. 2 hours). Upon arrival, your local guide and driver will pick you up and escort you to Window of the World, one of Shenzhen’s most iconic theme parks.
This expansive park features over 130 miniature replicas of the world’s most famous landmarks. From the Eiffel Tower and the Egyptian pyramids to the Taj Mahal and Mount Rushmore, the park offers a whirlwind “world tour” in just one afternoon. You can climb the scaled Eiffel Tower for a great view, enjoy a boat ride through Venice’s canals, or witness live shows inspired by different cultures.
Don't miss the thrill rides such as the "Speeding Mount Fuji" roller coaster or the 4D flying theater "Fly Over America," which gives a virtual aerial tour of major U.S. cities. The park is especially enchanting at night when all the miniature monuments are lit up in dazzling displays.
Recommended Activities:
Try on traditional costumes from different countries, or take part in cultural dances and musical performances hosted daily in the themed areas. For family travelers or couples, this park offers a playful and romantic afternoon in a globally themed setting.
Start your day with a hotel lobby pickup between 08:50 and 09:00 by your professional guide. Your first stop is the Shenzhen Museum, an enlightening space detailing the city’s transformation from a small fishing village to a megacity. Explore the Folk Culture Exhibition Hall, where wax figures vividly depict the lifestyles and traditions of Cantonese and Hakka ethnic groups. The Shenzhen Reform and Opening Exhibition Hall narrates the city’s astonishing economic growth and innovation over the past decades.
Next, visit the Ping'an Financial Center, soaring 599 meters high and ranking as China’s second-tallest building. Experience the thrill of riding the world’s fastest elevator to the 116th-floor observation deck. From this vantage point, admire breathtaking views of Shenzhen’s skyline and the distant Hong Kong harbor.
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in history and culture at Splendid China Folk Village. This vast miniature park features over 80 scaled-down landmarks and 27 recreated ethnic villages showcasing China’s diverse traditions. Watch live folk performances, traditional dances, and marvel at intricate architectural details representing 5,000 years of Chinese civilization.
End the day at Shenzhen Bay Park, a serene waterfront area offering spectacular views of the bay and Hong Kong’s skyline. The park’s scenic walking paths and tranquil environment provide the perfect spot to unwind after a busy day.
Evening Option:
Dine at OCT Harbour, a lively entertainment complex offering restaurants, cafes, bars, and night cruises on the lake. Enjoy the blend of modern leisure and beautiful night scenery.
Today marks the conclusion of your enriching journey through Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou, and Shenzhen. After breakfast at the hotel, your driver will escort you to the airport or train station according to your departure schedule.
Before you leave this vibrant city, you may want to pick up some local specialties and souvenirs as thoughtful gifts or personal mementos. Shenzhen offers a range of high-quality, innovative, and traditional products. Popular local items include:
Chaozhou-style Teas and Tea Sets – Elegant ceramic teapots and locally blended teas are ideal for tea lovers.
Lychee Products – Dried lychees or lychee wine made from Guangdong’s seasonal fruit are sweet and aromatic.
Shenzhen Tech Gadgets – From portable chargers and Bluetooth earbuds to smart home accessories, Shenzhen is the heart of China’s tech innovation.
Handmade Embroidery and Silk Items – Visit select boutiques for scarves, qipao-style accessories, and embroidered purses crafted with southern Chinese techniques.
Cantonese-style Pastries and Snacks – Phoenix rolls, almond cakes, and traditional mooncakes (if in season) make excellent edible gifts.
These can be conveniently purchased at Luohu Commercial City, COCO Park, or duty-free stores at the airport.
Recommended Activities:
If you have extra time before departure, take a final stroll through a nearby park or enjoy a relaxing dim sum brunch at a local Cantonese restaurant. Your guide or driver will be happy to offer advice based on your flight or train schedule.
We hope your time exploring China — from the misty valleys of Jiuzhaigou and the ancient culture of Sichuan to the dazzling modernity of Shenzhen — has left you with unforgettable memories. We wish you a smooth journey home and look forward to seeing you again!
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