Located in the southwest of China, Sichuan offers an ideal climate and abundant rainfall for plant growth. This region is part of the Hengduan Mountains, a global biodiversity hotspot and one of China's three centers for endemic and rare plants (the other two being the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau and East Sichuan-West Hubei). The area boasts rich plant resources, including many endemic, rare, and endangered species under state protection. This botanical photography expedition will take you deep into the heart of Sichuan's diverse landscapes, from the lush valleys of Erlang Mountain to the stunning peaks of Siguniang Mountain. You will explore renowned nature reserves such as Wolong and Wanglang, and iconic sites like Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou, capturing the beauty of orchids, rhododendrons, and other alpine flowers. Alongside the natural wonders, you will experience the unique cultural heritage of local communities, with their distinctive architecture and traditional customs. This self-drive tour is designed for plant enthusiasts, nature photographers, and cultural explorers, promising a journey filled with breathtaking scenery, diverse flora, and rich cultural experiences.

The cost includes the following:

The cost does not include the following:

D1 Arrives at Chengdu. Meals: D 

Arrives at Chengdu. Meet your guide at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Welcome dinner in the evening. 

Overnight: Chengdu Tianfu Airport Yuhang Hotel or similar

D2 Chengdu to Baoxing. Meals: BLD 

Morning drive (~3 hours) to Baoxing. Enjoy the blooming orchids along Moyu Road, and reach Erlang Mountain to find rare alpine flowers. 

Overnight: Baoxing Jiajinshan Hotel or similar

D3 Baoxing to Siguniang Mountain. Meals: BLD 

Drive (~3 hours) to the magnificent Siguniang Mountain, appreciating the vibrant orchids in Shuangqiaogou. 

Overnight: Siguniangshan Jiarong Qingcheng Guesthouse or similar

D4 Siguniang Mountain to Maoxian. Meals: BLD 

Drive (~1 hour) to Balang Mountain, then proceed to Wolong National Nature Reserve (~2 hours drive). 

Overnight: Maoxian Mingyu Yashe Hotel or similar

D5 Maoxian to Huanglong. Meals: BLD 

Drive (~3.5 hours) to Huanglong National Scenic Reserve, admire the orchids at the base of Danyun Gorge. 

Overnight: Huanglong Seercuo International Hotel or similar

D6 Huanglong to Jiuzhaigou. Meals: BLD 

Explore Huanglong National Park on foot, then take a cable car in the afternoon to Jiuzhaigou (~2.5 hours drive). 

Overnight: Jiuzhaigou LiCheng HuaTing Resort Hotel or similar

D7 Full-day Tour of Jiuzhaigou National Park. Meals: BLD 

Spend the whole day exploring Jiuzhaigou National Park, discovering its diverse vegetation and landscapes. 

Overnight: Jiuzhaigou LiCheng HuaTing Resort Hotel or similar

D8 Jiuzhaigou to Wanglang. Meals: BLD 

Drive (~2.5 hours) to Wanglang Nature Reserve, with a stop at Huangtuliang Mountain Pass to see wildflowers. 

Overnight: Pingwu Baima Tribe Boutique Inn or similar

D9 Full-day Flower Viewing in Wanglang Nature Reserve. Meals: BLD 

Spend the entire day in Wanglang Nature Reserve, searching for and documenting unique alpine flowers. 

Overnight: Pingwu Baima Tribe Boutique Inn or similar

D10 Wanglang to Chengdu. Meals: BLD 

Continue flower viewing in Wanglang Nature Reserve in the morning, then drive back to Chengdu (~4.5 hours drive). Enjoy a lavish dinner in the evening. 

Overnight: Chengdu Tianfu Airport Yuhang Hotel or similar

D11 Fly back home from Chengdu. Meals: B 

Departure from Chengdu. Airport transfer service provided.

Introduction to Trip Destinations:

Siguniang Mountain

Siguniang Mountain, located in Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, is a renowned destination known for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich biodiversity. It consists of four peaks, the highest being Yaomei Peak at 6,250 meters above sea level. The area is characterized by its stunning alpine scenery, lush valleys, and a variety of wildflowers, including numerous orchid species. Siguniang Mountain is also home to several endangered species, such as the Sichuan golden monkey and the giant panda. The area offers excellent opportunities for hiking, mountaineering, and flower photography, particularly in Shuangqiaogou Valley, where the vibrant colors of the orchids can be appreciated.

Wolong National Nature Reserve

Wolong National Nature Reserve is located in Wenchuan County, Sichuan Province. Established in 1963, it is one of China's oldest and most famous nature reserves. Covering an area of 2,000 square kilometers, the reserve is part of the Qionglai Mountains and is renowned for its significant biodiversity. Wolong is home to around 150 giant pandas, making it one of the most important panda conservation areas. The reserve also features a variety of other wildlife, including red pandas, golden monkeys, and a rich diversity of bird species. In terms of flora, Wolong boasts numerous species of rhododendrons and orchids, making it a paradise for botanists and photographers alike.

Huanglong National Scenic Reserve

Huanglong National Scenic Reserve is located in Songpan County, Sichuan Province. Known for its stunning travertine pools, waterfalls, and diverse ecosystems, Huanglong covers an area of 700 square kilometers. The reserve's elevation ranges from 1,700 to 5,588 meters, providing a variety of habitats for different plant species. The lower elevations feature lush forests with many orchid species, while the higher elevations are home to alpine meadows and the rare Sichuan golden monkey. The Danyun Gorge at the base of the reserve is particularly famous for its beautiful orchids, making it a highlight for flower enthusiasts.

Jiuzhaigou National Park

Jiuzhaigou National Park is located in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in northern Sichuan Province. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and World Biosphere Reserve, renowned for its multi-level waterfalls, colorful lakes, and snow-capped peaks. The park covers an area of 720 square kilometers and is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. Jiuzhaigou's diverse ecosystems include temperate broadleaf forests and mixed forests, where visitors can find a range of plant species, including rhododendrons and orchids. The park is a prime location for nature photography, offering stunning landscapes and vibrant floral displays.

Wanglang Nature Reserve

Wanglang Nature Reserve is situated in Pingwu County, Sichuan Province, and spans an area of 320 square kilometers. Established in 1965, the reserve is part of the Minshan Mountains and is known for its rich biodiversity. It serves as a habitat for the giant panda and is also home to other endangered species like the golden snub-nosed monkey and the takin. The reserve's alpine meadows and forests are filled with various wildflowers, including rare alpine orchids and rhododendrons. Wanglang is an excellent destination for those interested in botany and wildlife photography, offering opportunities to capture the beauty of unique plant species and their natural habitats.

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.

Ke Huang      WildFloraTour plant expert

Huang Ke, who graduated with a master's degree from Sichuan University, joined a local NGO after graduation, dedicating himself to environmental protection and biological resource surveys. Through years of study and fieldwork, he has gained a profound understanding of the diverse animals and plants in Southwest China. His work has taken him to remote forests, high-altitude meadows, and pristine river valleys, where he has documented rare species and contributed valuable ecological data.In addition to his field research, Huang Ke actively participated in the editing of several nature-related books, including the "Wild Bird Cartoon Guide" series, Between the Forest and the Sea, Picture of Giant Pandas, and Chengdu Nature Notes, which aim to enhance public awareness of biodiversity and conservation. His botanical research has also led to the discovery and publication of new plant species, such as Primula xilingensis and Primula meishanensis, enriching scientific knowledge of China’s flora. His passion for nature continues to drive his efforts in research, conservation, and education.

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 culture and bird 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.