9 day itinerary
Western Szechuan
Itinerary
Western Sichuan is a stunning region filled with breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and delicious food. Here’s a fun and engaging 9-day itinerary that will let you soak in the beauty and charm of this area. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Chengdu
Morning: Arrive in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. After checking into your hotel, take a moment to relax and freshen up.
Afternoon: Head to the and . The shrine is dedicated to Zhuge Liang, a famous strategist from the Three Kingdoms period. Stroll through Jinli, where you can sample local snacks like spicy noodles and tanghulu (candied fruit).
Evening: Enjoy a traditional Sichuan hot pot dinner. Don’t forget to try the spicy broth!
Day 2: Chengdu to
Morning: After breakfast, take a bus or train to , one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China. The journey takes about 2-3 hours.
Afternoon: Start your hike up the mountain. You can take the cable car part of the way if you prefer. Visit the and enjoy the stunning views.
Evening: Stay overnight at a guesthouse on the mountain. Enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by nature.
Day 3: to Leshan
Morning: Wake up early to catch the sunrise from the . After breakfast, continue your hike or take the cable car back down.
Afternoon: Head to Leshan to see the , a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can take a boat ride for a unique view of the statue.
Evening: Explore the local night market and try some Leshan specialties like spicy fish.
Day 4: Leshan to Kangding
Morning: Depart Leshan and take a bus to Kangding, a beautiful town in the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. The journey takes about 4-5 hours.
Afternoon: Once you arrive, take a leisurely stroll around the town. Visit the and enjoy the local Tibetan culture.
Evening: Try some Tibetan food for dinner, like yak meat or tsampa (roasted barley flour).
Day 5: Kangding to
Morning: After breakfast, head to , a small Tibetan town about 1.5 hours from Kangding. The scenery along the way is breathtaking!
Afternoon: Visit the and take in the stunning views of the surrounding grasslands and mountains. You can also explore the local nomadic culture.
Evening: Spend the night in a local guesthouse and enjoy a cozy evening under the stars.
Day 6: to
Morning: Depart for , known for its stunning landscapes and Tibetan culture. The drive takes about 3-4 hours.
Afternoon: Explore . If time allows, take a short hike to see the beautiful scenery, including the iconic snow-capped peaks.
Evening: Stay overnight in and enjoy a quiet evening reflecting on the day’s adventures.
Day 7:
All Day: Spend the day exploring . Hike to the three sacred mountains: Chenresig, Jampayang, and Chanadorje. The views are absolutely breathtaking, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities for stunning photos!
Evening: Return to your accommodation in for a well-deserved rest.
Day 8: to Chengdu
Morning: After breakfast, start your journey back to Chengdu. It’s a long drive, so enjoy the scenic views along the way.
Afternoon: Once back in Chengdu, visit the . Spend some time with the adorable pandas!
Evening: Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a local restaurant and perhaps catch a Sichuan opera performance, famous for its face-changing act.
Day 9: Departure from Chengdu
Morning: Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance to visit the for a relaxing stroll or to sip some tea at a traditional teahouse.
Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure. Take with you wonderful memories of Western Sichuan!
And there you have it! A delightful 9-day itinerary that balances adventure, culture, and relaxation. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of photos! Safe travels! 🌏✈️