This trip starts in Chengdu, which has served as the capital of Sichuan province for more than 2,300 years. It is renowned as "the best place to live," a title repeatedly awarded by various magazines and events in China over the years. With its vibrant culture, friendly people, and rich cultural heritage, Chengdu offers a wide range of experiences to suit all tastes.At the beginning of our journey, we will take you to the majestic Leshan Giant Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can marvel at the world’s largest stone Buddha. Afterward, we will drive to the scenic Labahe Nature Reserve, one of the first reserves established to protect giant pandas and their habitats in China. Labahe is also famous as the best place to encounter the elusive Red panda. In the reserve, we will explore diverse flora and fauna across different elevations, while enjoying breathtaking landscapes and searching for rare endemic alpine flowers, including a wide variety of orchids.

After visiting the panda habitat, we will also stop by Panda Valley in Dujiangyan, where you can observe pandas of different ages, either sleeping, eating, or roaming in their enclosures surrounded by lush vegetation. We will then travel to Maoxian County, home to the Qiang people, where the unique Qiang-style architecture will transport us back to ancient times. The Qiang ancestors had to develop various methods to protect themselves from attacks by other tribes. This included strategic village locations, underground defense networks, and distinctive house designs.

From Maoxian County, we will travel to Huanglong, renowned for its colorful pools and alpine flora. We will take a cable car to the top and hike through pristine forests, capturing the beauty of the landscape and wildflowers along the way. Our next destination, Jiuzhaigou, will captivate us with its stunning lakes, waterfalls, and diverse wildflowers that can be spotted as we explore its breathtaking valleys.

In Wanglang Nature Reserve, we will hike through ancient forests in search of more floral treasures before heading to Qingxi Ancient Village to experience the local culture. Later, we will visit Tangjiahe Nature Reserve to explore the unique flora system within panda habitats and encounter the animals that share the environment with these iconic creatures.

The journey concludes with visits to Pingwu, where we will explore the historic Bao'en Temple. Known as a mini-Forbidden City hidden in the depths of the Minshan Mountains, Bao'en Temple is famous for its unique traditional Chinese architecture. We will also visit the Sanxingdui Museum in Guanghan, which showcases the ancient Shu civilization, discovered unexpectedly in the last century. This mysterious civilization, dating back 3,000 to 5,000 years, still holds many secrets waiting to be interpreted. Afterward, we will return to Chengdu.

Trip Highlights

1. Leshan Giant Buddha: Visit the UNESCO-listed site and enjoy a boat ride to view the world’s largest stone Buddha.

2. Labahe Nature Reserve: Explore scenic trails, observe a variety of wildflowers, and spot unique species of orchids.

3. Panda Valley: Get up close with giant pandas in their natural habitat and learn about their conservation efforts.

4. Ancient Qiang City: Experience the rich history and unique architecture of the Qiang people in Mao County, including their traditional watchtowers.

5. Huanglong Scenic Area: Take a cable car to the top and hike to the colorful pools, surrounded by alpine forests and diverse flora.

6. Jiuzhaigou Valley: Explore the stunning lakes, waterfalls, and diverse ecosystems in this UNESCO World Heritage site.

7. Wanglang Nature Reserve: Trek through ancient forests and discover hidden wildflower species in the heart of Sichuan’s natural beauty.

8. Sanxingdui Museum: Discover the fascinating ancient Shu civilization at this world-renowned archaeological site.

The cost includes the following:

The cost does not include the following:

D1: Arrive in Chengdu  Meals: D

Upon arrival in Chengdu, we will meet our guide and transfer to the hotel. In the evening, we will enjoy a welcome dinner and a trip briefing by your guide to help you gain a better understanding of the exciting adventure ahead.

Overnight: Chengdu Jiuyanqiao Yue Shang Licheng Hotel

D2: Chengdu – Leshan – Labahe  Meals: BLD

In the morning, we head to Leshan to take a boat ride and view the magnificent Leshan Giant Buddha. Afterward, we travel to Labahe Nature Reserve, one of the first reserves set up in the last century to protect giant pandas and their habitat. In the afternoon, we will walk along the Eastern Trail to explore the local flora and fauna. We may see species such as Berneuxia thibetica, Deutzia longifolia, Epipactis mairei, Bletilla ochracea, Euonymus hamiltonianus, Euonymus frigidus, Dysosma versipellis, Isotrema moupinense, Saxifraga epiphylla, Rhododendron orbiculare, Rhododendron faberi, and Rhododendron oreodoxa etc.

Overnight: Labahe Tianquan Luming Hotel

D3: Labahe – Dujiangyan  Meals: BLD

We start the day by hiking the Western Trail in Labahe Nature Reserve, taking a shuttle to the middle part of the mountain, then ride a cable car to a higher part of the mountain, and walk down along the paved trail to understand the unique flora system in panda habitats. Afterward, we will visit scenic spots like Red Stone Beach, Panda Walkway, and Deer Lake. In the afternoon, we drive to Dujiangyan and check in at our hotel. After dinner at a local popular restaurant, we can take a night walk along the illuminated Minjiang River to the South Bridge area.

Overnight: Dujiangyan Center International Hotel

D4: Dujiangyan – Maoxian County  Meals: BLD

In the morning, we visit Panda Valley to see the giant pandas. In the afternoon, we head to Maoxian County to explore the ancient Qiang city and experience its unique architecture and culture. We will explore the defense functions of the towers and learn how the Qiang people used local resources to create homes that blend with the natural surroundings.

Overnight: Minshan Yinli Hotel

D5: Maoxian County – Songzhou Ancient City – Huanglong  Meals: BLD

In the morning, we visit the ancient Qiang city and witness the opening ceremony. In the afternoon, we travel to Songzhou Ancient City and later head to Huanglong for an overnight stay.

Overnight: Huanglong Selcsa International Hotel

D6: Huanglong – Jiuzhaigou  Meals: BLD

In the morning, we take a cable car to the top of Huanglong National Park and then hike to the Five-Color Pools. We pass through coniferous forests, searching for and photographing wildflowers. In the afternoon, we descend along the travertine stream, continuing to look for more flowers before heading to Jiuzhaigou. During our hike, we may encounter species such as Tipularia szechuanica, Oreorchis fargesii, Lilium leucanthum, Galearis spathulata, Cremastra appendiculata, Cardiocrinum giganteum, Ponerorchis chusua, Oreorchis nana, Cypripedium flavum, Cypripedium calcicola, Corallorhiza trifida, Calanthe delavayi, Cypripedium tibeticum, Cypripedium bardolphianum and Calypso bulbosa etc.

Overnight: Jiuzhaigou Licheng Huating Resort Hotel

D7: Jiuzhaigou – Wanglang Nature Reserve  Meals: BLD

We visit Jiuzhaigou Valley in the morning, starting with the valley on the left side and taking in the stunning scenery of the Five-Color Pools and Long Lake. After lunch, we move to the valley on the right side, exploring the forested areas near Fangcao Sea, Panda Sea, Wuhuahu Sea, and Shuzheng Waterfall. In the evening, we head to Jiuzhaigou County for the night. We have the opportunity to see Viola variegata, Viola collina, Viola dissecta, Polygonatum cyrtonema, Neottia acuminata, Paeonia veitchii, Cypripedium plectrochilum, Cephalanthera longifolia, Aquilegia ecalcarata, Tipularia szechuanica, Thalictrum baicalense, Thalictrum macrorhynchum, Thalictrum petaloideum, Spiraea sericea, Silene fortunei, Buddleja davidii, Cynoglossum amabile, Philadelphus incanus, Hypopitys monotropa, Platanthera souliei, Ponerorchis chusua, Ribes stenocarpum, Rhododendron watsonii, Rhododendron przewalskii, Rhododendron maculiferum, Rhododendron concinnum, Pyrola renifolia, Primula tangutica, Primula polyneura, Primula kialensis, Pedicularis torta, Oreorchis nana, Oreorchis foliosa, Oreorchis fargesii, Oreorchis erythrochrysea, Micranthes lumpuensis, Maianthemum bifolium, Kolkwitzia amabilis, Koelreuteria paniculata, Kingdonia uniflora, Eremurus chinensis, Epipactis mairei, Dactylorhiza viridis, Cypripedium shanxiense, Cypripedium tibeticum, Cypripedium palangshanense, Cypripedium guttatum, Cypripedium flavum, Cypripedium calcicola, Corallorhiza trifida, Clematoclethra scandens, Chamerion angustifolium, Calypso bulbosa, Calanthe delavayi, Calanthe brevicornu, Calanthe alpina, Calanthe arcuata, Arisaema erubescens, Arisaema lobatum, Euonymus frigidus and Euonymus japonicus etc.

Overnight: Jiuzhaigou County Hotel

D8: Wanglang Nature Reserve – Qingxi Ancient Village  Meals: BLD

After breakfast, we head to Wanglang Nature Reserve for a hike through the ancient forest, searching for wildflowers. Afterward, we continue to Qingxi Ancient Village to explore the traditional town. We may encounter Cypripedium calcicola, Dactylorhiza viridis, Galearis roborowskyi, Calypso bulbosa, Oreorchis erythrochrysea, Crepidium biauritum, Galearis spathulata, Ponerorchis chusua, Cypripedium farreri, Cypripedium flavum, Neottia acuminata, Herminium monorchis, Calanthe alpina, Cypripedium franchetii, Oreorchis foliosa, Platanthera souliei, Corallorhiza trifida, Calanthe delavayi, Hypopitys monotropa, Tipularia szechuanica, Cypripedium bardolphianum, Cypripedium tibeticum, Oreorchis nana, Cypripedium guttatum, Gymnadenia conopsea, Cypripedium palangshanense, Neottia wardii, Fritillaria unibracteata, Thalictrum petaloideum, Pedicularis macrosiphon, Pedicularis rex, Polygonatum hookeri, Kingdonia uniflora, Meconopsis horridula, Primula tangutica, Thalictrum uncatum, Pedicularis siphonantha, Meconopsis punicea, Pedicularis fargesii, Pyrola calliantha, Polygonatum verticillatum, Pedicularis davidii, Pedicularis torta, Pedicularis oederi, Paris polyphylla, Dianthus superbus, Pedicularis phaceliifolia, Meconopsis quintuplinervia, Arisaema parvum, Circaeaster agrestis, Cassiope selaginoides, Thalictrum przewalskii, Thalictrum macrorhynchum, Meconopsis lancifolia, Maianthemum purpureum and Meconopsis racemosa etc.

Overnight: Yinping No.1 Lodge

D9: Qingxi Ancient Village – Tangjiahe Nature Reserve  Meals: BLD

In the morning, we explore Tangjiahe Nature Reserve, trekking through the Linghou Valley to spot wildflowers and wildlife. Afterward, we head to Tangjiahe Hotel for a relaxing evening. We have the opportunity to see Tarenaya hassleriana, Pleione bulbocodioides, Meconopsis integrifolia, Epimedium brevicornu, Gastrodia elata, Aquilegia rockii, Buddleja crispa, Calanthe alpina, Campylotropis macrocarpa, Arisaema elephas and Phedimus aizoon etc.

Overnight: Tangjiahe Grand Hotel

D10: Tangjiahe – Pingwu – Guanghan  Meals: BLD

We leave Tangjiahe in the morning and head to Pingwu to visit Bao'en Temple, known as a miniature version of the Forbidden City hidden in the depths of the Minshan Mountain. It was built by a local tribal leader who modeled it after the Forbidden City. Afterward, we continue to Guanghan and check into our hotel.

Overnight: Xin Hua Hai Yi Sanxingdui Qushang Garden Hotel

D11: Guanghan – Sanxingdui – Chengdu  Meals: BLD

In the morning, we visit the Sanxingdui archaeological site and museum to learn about the ancient Shu civilization, how it was discovered by accident and the links between Shu people and people in central part of China, how were they impacted by different civilizations such as Egypt civilization, and unveil the mysterious stories behind those alien bronze statues, exquisite jade objects. Afterward, we return to Chengdu for free time to explore the city or shop.

Overnight: Chengdu Jiuyanqiao Yue Shang Licheng Hotel

D12: Departure from Chengdu  Meals: B

After breakfast, we will be transferred to the airport for our departure based on the flight schedule.

We will arrange one of our WildFloraTour experts for this trip based on the focus of this trip. All our experts have rich experiences of guiding tours in this region. The following are some of our best local guides for your references.

Cory Li      WildFloraTour plant expert

Cory Li,co-founder, and general manager of WildFloraTour is a super fan of nature, especially for flowers. His passion for nature grows from the beauty of greens in the little boys' eyes. As a native of Sichuan Chengdu, he has spent a lot of time exploring nature in the mountains nearby his hometown. During his study at Sichuan University, he began to take lots of outdoor activities like hiking and mountain climbing and started to study knowledge about flora by himself. After graduation, he even spent more time in the wild than office exploring wildflowers in Sichuan and nearby provinces with other nature lovers and photographed about two thousand wildflower species. He even found several new distributions of some endemic species and even some new species of plants along with some other nature lovers. He loves to share his findings and stories behind the photos with other nature lovers on the internet and became a “flora idol” in southwest China. He never expected becoming famous out of this, he just enjoys sharing the beauty of those lovely flowers with others.

Ray      WildFloraTour plant expert

Ray graduated from Leshan Normal University, majoring in plant science. As an expert at WildFlora, Ray is responsible for the daily operations of WildFloraTour. He possesses a profound passion for nature, which prompted him to resign from his job in his hometown of Deyang and relocate to Chengdu to pursue his dreams and join WildFloraTour. Having specialized in botanical studies during his university years, Ray has acquired a distinct advantage in his work, affording him opportunities to discover endemic species and make thrilling new findings. Additionally, Ray is an avid photographer who captures the ephemeral beauty of nature, preserving invaluable moments that inspire others to appreciate the wonders of the natural world. At WildFloraTour, he collaborates with a team of plant specialists to design customized tours that cater to the individual interests of each traveler who has keen interests in plants. Whether it involves botanical exploration, cultural immersion, or wildlife safaris, Ray and his team strive to provide a comprehensive and immersive experience that fosters a deeper connection with nature.

Bella      WildFloraTour bird and mammal expert

Bella, the director of AlpineBirding, was graduated from Sichuan Agricultural University with a Bachelor's Degree. She joined AlpineBirding in early 2016 and became the director of AlpineBirding in 2018. She was born and grown up in a Bai ethnic family in Yunnan Province which boasts of the largest number of bird species in China. Her interests toward birds started with her observation of a Long-tailed Minivet in her mom’s garden at a very young age. As she grows up, the interests and love toward birds become stronger and stronger. Because of that, she found AlpineBirding before graduation and joined the company for further learning of birds. Bella has guided a number of birding trips in cooperation with AlpineBirding guide in the past years, her passion, readiness to help and detail-oriented attitude have won her lots of praise from our clients. She takes great pride in the work she is doing, now she is ready to help you plan your best birding trip in China in cooperation with her colleagues.

Karen       WildFloraTour Logistic Expert

Karen Lin is a native of Chengdu, Sichuan province. She loves and knows the culture of her hometown well, such as ancient Shu civilization, folk customs and ancient Chinese poetry.She has over 14 years' experience in foreign affairs service and tourism. She is familiar with the whole process of group operation. She is always good at thinking and full of ideas, and always gives the guests a warm experience with the special attention and consideration.Karen loves birds and enjoys go out for birding with the team, sometimes, she works as assistant for the group. She likes nature and is good at parent-child natural activities and education. In addition, she has long devoted herself to public welfare, especially caring for the elderly and disabled people, environmental protection, and reading promotion. She organizes and participates in a number of related volunteer work. She is a passionate and intelligent member of our team.

Philip      WildFloraTour plant expert

As a half Kangba Tibetan, Philip is the founder of WildfloraTour and is native of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. He has a deep love for his Kangba Tibetan heritage and the land where he was born and raised. Philip's career has gone from mining technician to teacher, to translator, and finally to a guide and tour operator. Along the way, Philip discovered his passion and love for helping tourists understand the beauty and history of his people and homeland. Philip is known for his ability to plan and execute unique and exciting adventure trips exploring the sights off the usual tourist routes. He is active, open-minded, and adventurous and always ready to share interesting and useful information with his clients. As a travel professional working in this field for more than 15 years, Philip believes travel is an art and a process of learning and discovery. Each trip is a unique artistic work created with knowledge and expertise based on the resources available and the interests and tastes of travelers. To help more people to understand the unique resources in panda habitats and neighboring areas, he established Wildflora to bring his educational fun-filled tours to more people eager to explore and learn about China. Besides, Philip is an active and knowledgeable birder and a dedicated photographer.

Besides, one of WildFloraTour's local guides in Southeast China will participate in this trip to ensure a high-end traveling experience.