6 Days Chengdu & Daocheng Yading Adventure Tour: Pandas & Peaks

Welcome to Chengdu, the Hometown of Giant Pandas! Your private driver and guide will be ready for you when you arrive in Chengdu. Enjoy a trouble-free transfer to your hotel. The rest of today is yours to relax in panda city on your own.

Arrival Ideas:

Chengdu is well connected by air and high-speed rail. There are two airports - Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport operating many international and domestic airlines. Travelers can go to Chengdu by air from most cities in China, like Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xian, Guilin, Hangzhou, Kunming, Lhasa, Lanzhou, Wuhan, Xiamen, Guiyang, Chongqing… In addition, travelers can take high speed train to Chengdu from Xian (3-4 hours), Chongqing (1.5-2hours), Guiyang (3.5-4.5 hours), Kunming (6-6.5hours), Shanghai (12.5-14.5 hours), etc.

Recommended Optional Evening Activities:

1. Watch a wonderful Sichuan Opera performance which includes face changing, spitting fire, hand shadows, puppet show, dancing, singing and acrobatics. (usually from 20:00 to 21:30).

2. Appreciate the city’s night view by boat (30mins) along the Jinjiang River, which winds through central Chengdu. ( 18:00~23:30)

In the morning, you will meet your guide early at the appointed time in your hotel lobby. Since pandas prefer cool weather and are more active in the morning, we advise you to arrive early at Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (Chengdu Panda Base), located only about 17 kilometers away from the city center. This is the closest panda base around Chengdu for you fulfill your panda dream.

Chengdu Panda Base is the base with the largest population of captive giant pandas in the world, accommodating over 100 pandas of different ages. You can watch pandas playing, eating, climbing, sleeping, and in autumn, even see the pink newborn giant panda cubs in the Sunshine Nursery House and the Moonlight Nursery House. Discover the charming panda stars at this base, such as Hua Hua, the most adored and celebrated panda who has captured the hearts of the nation, and Zhi Ma, the real-life inspiration behind the panda mascot of the World University Games. Besides giant pandas, the cute red pandas (rarer than giant pandas) at the Red Panda Playgrounds are also the highlight of the Chengdu Panda Base. Nowadays, the panda base has also become an urban birding spot for local birders and kids to search for Red-billed Leiothrix, Black-throated Tit, Chinese Blackbird, Spotted Dove, White-browed Laughingthrush, and more. If you're interested, you can follow your guide to discover more about pandas' secrets through the Chengdu Giant Panda Museum, which is free to enter but requires advance reservation, and closed on Mondays.

Later, pay a visit to Wenshu Monastery, a 1400-year-old temple dedicated to honoring Manjushri Bodhisattva, the Symbol of Wisdom. It is one of the four great temples of the Chan (Zen) school of Buddhism in China. Before entering the temple, take a moment to capture the beauty of the Red Wall. Once inside, stroll leisurely through the temple's beautiful Qing Dynasty-style buildings and marvel at the Heavenly Kings Hall, Three Saints Hall, Grand Buddha Hall, Dharma Hall, and Scripture Library in that order. The temple's buildings, such as the bell tower and corridor, are seamlessly integrated with the main complex, creating a peaceful and immersive atmosphere where you can explore and reflect on the teachings of Buddhism.

In this afternoon, it's time to take a leisurely stroll inside Chengdu Renmin Park (Chengdu People's Park) like a local and enjoy the city's slow lifestyle. You can watch locals square dancing, practicing Taiji, singing Chinese folk songs, playing traditional Chinese musical instruments, as well as playing Chinese chess and boating on the lake. Don’t miss the blind date corner (a marriage market) where parents of unmarried adults flock to the park to find a partner for their daughter or son. Then, order a cup of fragrant jasmine green tea (a favorite of Chengdu locals) while sitting in a time-honored tea house, such as Heming Tea House. Chat with your friends, try Chengdu Ear Cleaning by professional ear cleaner, and see locals having fun playing mahjong.

When the sun sets, the nightlife on Jinli Street becomes even more charming. Known as the "Chengdu Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival Scroll" and ranked at the top of the world's most beautiful streets by CNN Travel in 2021, Jinli Street was first built during the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280) and was then known as "Shu Jinli". Walking on Jinli Street, you can appreciate the brilliant Chinese Traditional buildings of Qing Dynasty style (1616-1911), buy all kinds of souvenirs (Shu embroidery, lacquer products, folk handicrafts, calligraphy, and paintings), try delicious local snacks (Dan Dan Noodles, Egg Pancake, Bon Bon Chicken, Sweet Potato Noodles with Pork Intestines, Iced Jelly, Sour and Spicy Tofu Pudding), and discover intangible heritages like Sugar Painting, Shadow Puppy Play, Sichuan Opera Show...

After the tour, be transferred to your hotel in Chengdu downtown for a good rest.

Altitude: 500m-4,411m-2,800m

On this day, you will be picked up from your hotel in Chengdu and be escorted to the airport for a flight to Daocheng Yading (about 1h 20m).

After your arrival, you will be welcomed by your local guide and driver at the arrival hall of Daocheng Yading Airport (4,411m) and driven to Shangri-La Town. On the way, you will pass through the town of Sangdui, where during the golden autumn season, you can witness the enchanting beauty of the "Sangdui Red Grassland." As you approach a beautiful "White Pagoda," you will know you have arrived in Daocheng.

The Daocheng White Pagoda, also known as the White Pagoda Temple, is the largest white pagoda in the Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. The pure square layout forms the base of the Daocheng White Pagoda. The pagoda is divided into three parts: the spire, the body, and the pedestal. The pedestal is adorned with rows of prayer wheels for devout Tibetans to worship. The body of the pagoda is divided into three sections, with the top section housing a statue of a bodhisattva. The main structure of the white pagoda is a grand tower that reaches a height of 37 meters. The bottom three layers of the pagoda's pedestal are constructed in proportion to the base of the Qiniandian Hall in the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. These three layers of the pagoda feature a total of 512 brass prayer wheels and several stone relief decorations.

After the visit, transfer to Shangri-La Town. The rest of the day is on your own. Have a good rest for the following hiking experience!

Altitude: 2,800m-3,900m-4,120m

Today, you will go from Shangri-La Town to Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve, a distance of 41.5 km that will take approximately 1-1.5 hours. This reserve has been hailed as the "Last Pure Land on Earth", discovered by Joseph Rock in 1928, and widely regarded as the "Soul of Shangri-La", an enchanting wonderland.

You will explore the short route of Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve (Tourist Bus Terminus: Zhaguanbeng → Chonggu Monastery → Chonggu Grassland → Pearl Lake). The round trip for the short route is approximately 3 kilometers, taking around 2-3 hours.

Here is the detailed itinerary:

Visit Chonggu Monastery, following the same route as Day 4, by taking the sightseeing bus and hiking. Take some time to appreciate the sacred Gelug Buddhist temple architecture in white, red, yellow, and black, and learn the interesting story behind the temple and Joseph Rock's visit. Capture excellent photos of the magnificent temple and the three pure white holy snow mountains. After a short walk, experience the beauty of Chonggu Grassland (4,020m), which can be compared to a fairyland on earth. Walk on the vast grassland resembling a soft, thick carpet in yellow and green, regardless of the season. Enjoy the enchanting chanting river, with its transparent water revealing countless little stones resembling grains of gold at the bottom. Don't miss the best viewpoint to admire the majestic Xianuoduoji snow mountain. Continue hiking for 30 minutes to reach Pearl Lake (4,120m), a captivating spot to admire the picturesque landscape of surrounding snow peaks, dense green and orange forests, shimmering prayer flags, and their reflection on the clear lake. It's also an ideal location to appreciate the sacred Xiannairi snow mountain.

After the sightseeing, you will return back to Yading Village for accommodation. If the weather is clear, you can enjoy the magnificent "Plateau Starry Sky" in the evening.

Important Notes:

(1) Today, we will transfer to a sightseeing vehicle to travel to the Yading Scenic Area. The vehicle and driver cannot enter the scenic area with the team members. We will stay overnight in Yading Village, where the weather can be unpredictable. It is recommended that team members keep their suitcases in the vehicle and bring a small backpack (containing necessary toiletries, warm clothing, valuable items, rain gear, etc.) into the scenic area.

(2) Accommodation in Yading Village is relatively basic and the facilities are quite primitive. The lodging facilities are converted from local houses and serve as tourist reception points. Please be mentally prepared for this and appreciate the simplicity and originality of the place. Seasonal water and power outages may occur, which are unavoidable. Please prepare a flashlight in advance.

(3) There are limited restaurants specifically operated within the Yading Scenic Area. Team members can dine at the accommodation or at the Luorong Cattle Farm Restaurant within the scenic area. However, since all supplies need to be transported from outside the area, it is advisable to make sufficient preparations in advance. During the National Day and autumn season, there may be traffic congestion or long waiting times within the scenic area. Arriving at the dining point may be delayed, so it is recommended to bring some snacks and chocolates to satisfy hunger.

(4) On the way to trek to Zhoma La Tso (Pearl Lake), there are many small animals. Please do not tease or play with them, as these animals can be harmful. There are no vaccines available, so please prioritize your safety.

(5) The itinerary for the day is as follows: Visitor Center ~ Scenic Area Sightseeing Vehicle ~ Yading Village ~ Scenic Area Shuttle/ Sightseeing Vehicle 3.4km ~ Zhaguanbeng ~ 0.5km trek ~ Chonggu Temple ~ 1.5km trek ~ Zhoma La Tso (Pearl Lake) ~ Xianairi Shen Mountain ~ Return to Yading Village along the same route.

Altitude: 2,800m-3,900m-4,120m-3,700m

After breakfast, you will first reach the tourist center from Yading Village. Then, board a sightseeing bus that will transport you to Zhaguanbeng in about 1-1.5 hours. From there, indulge in a 2-2.5 hours' hike to Luorong Pasture (4,150m), passing through Chonggu Monastery (3,900m). Alternatively, you can choose to walk for 20 minutes to Chonggu Monastery and then take a 0.5-hour battery car ride to Luorong Pasture if you prefer to conserve energy. At Luorong Pasture, take pleasure in leisurely strolling amidst the serene landscape, surrounded by carefree grazing cattle and goats, vibrant layers of alpine forest, and a crystal-clear winding stream. The scene is enhanced by the awe-inspiring presence of three sacred snow-capped mountains: Xiannairi (Mount Chianrezig), Yangmaiyong (Mount Jambeyang), and Xianuoduoji (Mount Chanadorje). Pay close attention to the majestic appearance of Xianuoduoji snow mountain, resembling a mighty figure.

Next, prepare yourself for a challenging 5km hike that will take approximately 3-3.5 hours to reach the magnificent Milk Lake (4,600m). If desired, horse riding is available to Milk Lake for an additional fee. Marvel at the enchanting allure of this sacred lake, akin to a precious blue gem capable of evoking tears. Then, continue your journey by walking for another 0.5 hour to visit the Five Color Lake (4,500m), located just 0.3 km away. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery, featuring majestic snow-capped mountains adorned in shades of white, grey, silver, and chocolate, alongside the mesmerizing blue and green waters, diverse alpine plant life, and a backdrop of clear skies. This sight is reminiscent of a world-class oil painting.

After your sightseeing in Yading Nature Reserve, you will board a sightseeing vehicle and depart the scenic area. Continue to Daocheng County for your overnight stay (approximately 117 km, a 2-2.5 hour drive).

Important Travel Tips:

• Chonggu Monasteryto Luorong Pasture: There are five stations in total: starting point (Chonggu Monastery Station), Station 1 (Qianfo Mountain Station), Station 2 (Shengshui Lake Station), Station 3 (Yangmai Yong Station), and end point (Luorong Cattle Farm Station). The round-trip ticket for the shuttle bus is 70 yuan, and the one-way ticket is 40 yuan. The interval ticket for each station is 10 yuan (hiking is optional, and guests can choose to do it at their own expense).
• Disclaimer: The attractions of Five-color Lake andMilk Lake are not included in the regular itinerary of the travel agency. If you want to visit these two attractions, the expenses and safety will be your own responsibility, and you assume the risks.
• There are two ways to get from Luorong Cattle Farm to Milk Lakeand Five Color Lake. One way is to hike on the horse path, which takes about 5-6 hours round trip and covers a distance of 10 kilometers. The other way is to ride a horse, which takes about 3 hours uphill (horse riding fee is self-funded, 300 yuan per person for one way, the horse caravan operates for a total of 3.5 kilometers from Luorong Pasture to the destination). When riding a horse, please pay attention to safety and ensure that the horse is led by the horseman. From the horse caravan's destination to Milk Lake (4,600 meters) and Five Color Lake (4,700 meters), there is a 1.8-kilometer trekking section that is quite rugged. It requires a higher level of physical fitness from visitors. Additionally, the altitude is high, temperatures are lower, and there are strong mountain winds, so bring sufficient clothing.
• The itinerary for the day is as follows: Yading Village ~ Scenic Area Shuttle/ Sightseeing Vehicle 3.4km ~ Zhaguanbeng ~ 0.5km trek ~ Chonggu Temple ~ 6.7km by shuttle bus ~ Luorong Cattle Farm (Sanhu Main Snow Mountain) ~ Horse riding/ trekking 3.5km ~ Horse caravan's destination ~ Trek to Nai Nai Hai and Wuse Hai ~ Return to Yading Village to collect luggage ~ Take a sightseeing vehicle out of the scenic area.
• Regarding visitor flow control in the Daocheng Yading Scenic Area:To avoid excessive crowds, the maximum capacity of the Daocheng Yading Scenic Area is 16,850 people, with a visitor capacity of 3,900 people in the Milk Lake and Five Color Lake We will make advance reservations for your entrance tickets. If there are too many reservations during peak seasons and you are unable to visit Milk Lake and Five Color Lake, we will adjust the itinerary accordingly based on the actual situation.

After breakfast, your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in Daocheng County and accompany you to the airport for your flight to your next destination.

Trip Extension Ideas: If you want to explore other parts of Sichuan, like Jiuzhaigou National Park, Leshan Giant Buddha, Mount Emei, or other China destinations, we would be glad to assist you with an extension trip. Feel free to tell us your ideas!

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your China tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia. Safe journey!