8 Days World Natural and Cultural Heritage Tour from Chongqing
Giant Buddha & Emeishan & Jiuzhaigou In-depth Tour
Giant Buddha & Emeishan & Jiuzhaigou In-depth Tour
Discover southwest China's sacred and scenic wonders with Chongqing as your gateway! Embark on an extraordinary journey through southwest China, where ancient Buddhist heritage meets breathtaking natural landscapes. Starting in Chongqing, one of the region’s most important transportation hub, you’ll enjoy seamless access to Sichuan’s most iconic destinations, including the World Natural and Cultural Heritage - Leshan Giant Buddha & Mount Emei , World Natural Heritage - Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong.
Start your journey in Chongqing, the dynamic "Mountain City" along the Yangtze River, where modern skyscrapers blend with rich traditions. As a major transportation hub, Chongqing offers convenient flights, high-speed rail, and expressways for seamless travel. From Chongqing, take a 2-hour high-speed train to Leshan to marvel at the Giant Buddha, the world’s largest stone-carved Buddha. A 1-hour drive brings you to Mount Emei, one of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains, where ancient monasteries and misty peaks create a spiritual retreat. Ride the cable car to Golden Summit for breathtaking views above the clouds.
After visiting the Chengdu Panda Base, take a 2-hour direct train to Jiuzhaigou, a UNESCO-listed paradise of turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. Explore Jiuzhaigou Valley, home to Tibetan villages and fairytale landscapes, and visit Huanglong National Park, where terraced pools shimmer in vibrant hues. Back in Chengdu, experience the city’s blend of history and modern charm. Stroll through Jinli Old Street, enjoy a Sichuan opera face-changing show, and indulge in local cuisine. With Shuangliu and Tianfu International Airports and an extensive high-speed rail network, Chengdu offers easy access to your next adventure.
With private transport, expert guides, and premium accommodations, our all-inclusive package ensures a seamless and enriching journey. Experience the perfect blend of Buddhist heritage and natural splendor — all effortlessly accessible from Chongqing!
Day 1 Chongqing Arrival
Chongqing Airport or Train Station Pick-up
Welcome to Chongqing, the Mountain City of China! Upon your arrival, our local tour guide will meet you with a sign which says your name at the arrival hall at the airport or train station. Then, our guide and driver will transfer you directly to your hotel in Chongqing downtown by our comfortable private car (non-smoking), and the guide will help you check in. The rest of today is on your own to explore this magical "Mountain City" in China.
Arrival Ideas: Chongqing Jiangbei Airport, about 20 kilometers from the city downtown, serves flights between major domestic cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Huangshan, Guangzhou, Guiyang, Kunming, Lhasa, etc., and some international cities like New York, Singapore, London, Sydney, etc. Besides, you can also take a normal train to the 4 railway stations in Chongqing from many destinations, like Chengdu (1-2 hours), Xian (5.5 hours around), Guiyang (2 hours around), Guilin (4-5 hours), Shanghai (11.5 hours around), Beijing (12 hours around), Guangzhou (7.5 hours around), and so on.
Chongqing Nightlife | Places to Visit & Travel Inspirations: 1. Nanbin Road: Take an evening walk along Nanbin Road to see Chongqing's cityscape lit up. This scenic route offers great views of the river and the city's vibrant nightlife. 2. Night Cruise: Experience Chongqing's beauty from the water on a night cruise. Sail past famous landmarks, enjoy live performances, and soak in the city's sparkling nightscape.
Chongqing Night Cruise
Day 2 Chongqing City Tour (B, L)
Chongqing's Highlights: Three Gorges Museum, People‘s Assembly Hall, Liziba Metro Station, E’ling Park, Hongya Cave
After breakfast, your local guide and driver will meet you at your hotel. On this day, you’ll have the chance to fully experience the uniqueness of the Mountain City and the culture of the Yangtze River. First, be escorted to the Three Gorges Museum in the city downtown. The vast collection of more than 280 thousand pieces of precious historical relics will let you have an amazing understanding of the great Yangtze River and the formation of the magnificent Three Gorges, and tell you the gradual thriving of Chongqing from 3,000 years ago, to its war defense in 20s century, and developmental path to be one of the 4 prosperous municipalities in China. Stepping out from the museum, have a nice look at the People’s Assembly Hall that is popular with fancy classical exterior design and was listed into the History of Architecture compiled in London in 1987.
Later, be transferred to take Chongqing Rail Transit Line 2 from Huanghuayuan Metro Station to Liziba Metro Station to look at the city’s prototype from a different angle. Then, get off to have the never-seen magic of the train going through an 11-storey block of flats, existing only in the fantastically structured Chongqing built against mountains.
After that, travel up to E’ling Park and embrace the impressive panorama of Chongqing City, which has been highly praised as “Little Hong Kong” with its well-arranged row upon row of modern skyscrapers and two winding rivers surrounding. Then, go down to Hongya Cave to catch the symbolic view of Chongqing. The featured Ba & Shu regional wooden structures are tiered up to 11 floors on a hillside, creating a stunning sight with neon lights at night. Enjoy your leisure walk there and take some beautiful photos!
After the tour, be transferred to your hotel. Have a nice sleep! (You can decide whether to enjoy dinner and nightview at Hongya Cave or be escorted directly to your hotel. Please discuss with your tour guide.)
Day 3 Chongqing - Leshan - Emeishan (B, L)
Today's highlights: High-speed Train to Leshan, Leshan Giant Buddha, Baoguo Temple
In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel, then take the direct high-speed train about 2 hours from Chongqing to Leshan. Your local guide will meet you at the train station and then escort you to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site - Leshan Giant Buddha which is the largest and tallest stone-carved statue of Buddha in the world. It was carved during AD713~803 on a mountain rock cliff by the river, with its head reaching to the mountain top and its feet standing next to the river. The total height is 71m; while the head is 14.7m high and 10m wide, ear is 7meters high, 28 meters between knees and insteps. Its insteps can hold over a hundred people. You may be wondering why such a giant Buddha was built? It is said to have been built to calm the turbulent waters that plagued passing boats and killed many people each year in ancient time. On the right cliff of the Giant Buddha, there is a plank road built along with the Giant Buddha. From the top to foot, the plank road has nine turns, thus it’s called Nine Bends Plank Road. The widest part of the road is 1.45m and the narrowest part is only 0.6m, and there are 217 stone steps in total. You will walk down to the feet of the Giant Buddha for a closer view. Please note you may have to queue up to enter the stone stairway if you visit the Giant Buddha during the busy hours.
After the Giant Buddha visit, drive about 45mins to Baoguo Temple, the biggest temple of Mount Emei at the mountain foot. It has several serene gardens with rare plants, a library of sutras and a huge porcelain Buddha. Another famous historical relic in the temple is the 25-ton bronze Bell, reputedly as the second largest bell in China. While traveling deeper into the temple, you will enjoy different views of Mount Emei.
Lastly, drive to check in your hotel. Have a good rest for tomorrow's Mount Emei trip which has some walkings involved.
Recommended Optional Activity: take a 30 minutes’ sightseeing boat to enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the Giant Buddha on the river.
Day 4 Emeishan - Chengdu (B, L)
Highlights of today: Mount Emei (Leidongping, Golden Summit, Huazang Temple)
This morning after breakfast, meet your tour guide and set out for Mount Emei. As one of the few World Heritage Sites of both cultural and natural heritages, Mount Emei is an enchanted combination of lush forest and cultural relics. It is one of the Four Great Buddhist Mountains in China, also the home to 5000 kinds of plants (more than the total species in Europe) and over 2300 kinds of wild animals.
You will first take your private car to the tourist center, then shift on to an Eco-Bus which will take you up to the mountain top area in 1.5~2 hours. Once you reaching at Leidongping (2400m), keep on walking about 30mins along stone steps to the cable car station, along which you will have a chance to see the wild monkeys. Take a cable car (about 5mins) up to the Golden Summit (3077m) which is the biggest highlight and very essence of Mount Emei. Once you get to the Golden Summit, the first view appearing in front of you is a towering multi-faced golden statue (48m) of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva. Next to the golden statue sits the bronze Huazang Temple which is the first temple established on Mount Emei whose history can be traced back to the 1st century CE. You can stroll around the Golden Summit to explore Buddhist architecture and tradition, and enjoy a panoramic view of Mount Emei and surrounding. On clear days, you can even see the snow-clad of Mount Gongga (7556m), Asia’s largest table mountain - Wawu Mountain and winding rivers flowing through Emeishan city. If weather permits, you will have luck to enjoy its magnificent wonder of Cloud Sea. Sightsee around 1.5 hours on the Golden Summit area, then descend by cable car to Leidoping and take Eco-Bus again back to the tourist center. Your private car is ready to transfer you back to Chengdu (about 2.5~3hrs).
Above itinerary is a classic visit route which is suitable for different ages of tourists. If you want more hiking experience during your trip, please contact your travel consultant to tailor-make the hiking routes according to your time and physical condition. There are routes of 2 hours (Qingyin Pavilion to Wannian Temple), 4 hours (Qingyin Pavilion to Wannian Temple + Leidongping to Golden Summit), one day (Wannian Temple to Leidongping) and 2 days (Qingyin Pavilion to Golden Summit) available.
Day 5 Chengdu Panda Visit - Jiuzhaigou (B, L)
Today's highlights: Chengdu Panda Base, High-speed Train to Jiuzhaigou
This morning you will make a stirring visit to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding which is not only the most important panda scientific research center, but also dwelling home to more than 100 Giant Pandas. Walk at leisure through the bamboo framed paths, and closely observe giant pandas of different ages eating bamboos, playing with each other, tumbling, climbing trees, etc. Don't miss the chance to visit the most adorable panda cubs in the panda kindergartens. If you are lucky, you may be able to see the precious panda babies in the nursery rooms. There is also a very informative Panda Museum where you can learn more scientific facts about Giant Pandas.
Leaving the panda center, your Chengdu guide and driver will escort you to the train Station. You will take a high speed train for about 1.5~2 hrs to Huanglong Jiuzhai Station (黄龙九寨站). Upon arrival, you will be greeted by local tour guide and driver who will then transfer you to Jiuzhaigou directly (about 1.5~2 hrs' drive). Check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the local areas and acclimatize yourself to the air, temperature and altitudes of Jiuzhaigou.
Day 6 Jiuzhaigou (B)
Highlights of today: Jiuzhaigou's three valleys - Shuzheng Valley, Zechawa Valley and Rize Valley
After breakfast at your hotel, set out for the full-day exploration of Jiuzhaigou National Park. Your guide will accompany you to hop on a sightseeing bus to enter the park to explore the fairyland landscape of Jiuzhaigou.
Having been hidden as a mysterious home to nine Tibetan villages and never been bothered by outsider until the first discovery in the middle 20th century, Jiuzhaigou is a reserve of superb and diverse natural beauty of which the waterfall and plateau lakes are praised as the most stunning waterscape in the world. According to official records, there are up to 114 turquoise pools and lakes, 47 tranquil springs, 17 groups of waterfalls, 11 rapids and 5 beautiful tufa shoals scattering in the three main valleys of Jiuzhaigou, Rize Valley, Zechawa Valley and Shuzheng Valley. They present various color patterns of white, blue, green, turquoise and emerald in different seasons. The visual feast of Jiuzhaigou also expands from waterscape to spectacular jagged alpine mountains, wild forests with multi-colors and many other remarkable natural features.
Visiting Jiuzhaigou Valley is relaxing and enjoyable. There are sightseeing buses running from the entrance to the three valleys with stops near the scenic spots. Travelers hop off the bus, walk along wooden plank roads to enjoy the sights, then hop on another bus to next attractions. Our tour guide will organize your visit route according to your time, energy and crowd level, and accompany you to explore the essence of Jiuzhaigou at a comfortable pace. The classic visit route is to take tourist bus from the entrance to Nuorilang Water Fall first, then transfer to Zechawa Valley to visit the Long Lake and Five-Color Pond, then move to Rize Valley to visit the Panda Lake, Five Flowers Lake, Pearl Shoal, Mirror Lake, etc. Lastly, get back to Nuorilang, and descend along Shuzheng Valley to the park entrance and visit Rhinoceros Lake, Tiger Lakes, Shuzheng Waterfall, Sparkling Lake, etc. on route.
After Jiuzhaigou sightseeing, your tour guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.
Useful tips: 1) try to have breakfast and enter the park earlier to escape the crowds of tourist groups; 2) wear comfortable walking shoes and seasonal cloths based on your travel month; 3) Buffet lunch is provided in Nuorilang Restaurant (the only restaurant in the valley) but food options are limited. You can also bring some snacks or let your hotel prepare packed food for you if you like.
Day 7 Jiuzhaigou - Huanglong - Chengdu (B)
Today's highlights: Huanglong National Park, High-speed Train to Chengdu
After breakfast, drive about 2 hours from Jiuzhaigou to visit Huanglong National Park which has one of three most outstanding travertine lake terraces in the world, which is 3.6 kilometers long, and lies under the grandiose peak of Xuebao Peak (Snow Treasure Mountain: 5,588 meters) like a yellow dragon. This is how the valley gained the name of Huanglong (Yellow Dragon). The travertine scenery was created by geological evolution for thousands of years, including glacial revolution, terrane movement, chemical reaction, climate changing, etc. At the top (3556 m) of the valley lies the best highlight - Five-Color Ponds consisting of 693 ponds of different sizes, shapes, colors, dazzling like beautiful emeralds. Huanglong Valley is also renowned for superlative sceneries of snow mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, wild forests, etc. as well as an important habitant of Giant Pandas and Snub-nosed monkeys. All these magnificences of nature helped Huanglong gain the title of World Natural Heritage Site in 1992.
It usually takes about 6 hours to hike from the entrance to Five-Color Ponds, then return to the entrance. To save energy and time, you will take a quick cable car directly to the top, and then walk down the valley to enjoy the scenery.
After about 3-hour sightseeing in Huanglong Valley, you will leave the park and be driven a short while to Huanglong Jiuzhai Station to catch your high speed train back to Chengdu (about 2 hours' ride). Be picked up by your driver in Chengdu, then go to check in to your hotel in Chengdu.
Day 8 Chengdu Sightseeing & Departure (B, L)
Today's highlights: Wenshu Temple, Renmin Park, Jinli Old Street
This morning you will make a memorable visit to a hidden spiritual Buddhist temple in the bustling downtown of Chengdu - Wenshu Temple. Marvel at the exquisite Buddhist architecture, soak in the reverent atmosphere, and wander on the peaceful paths. Adjacent to the monastery is a small bazaar (Wenshufang) where you can enjoy a leisure stroll through to experience local market and living style.
Chengdu is famous for its relaxing and leisure pace throughout China, which will be proved after a stay in Renmin Park. Sit down, order a pot of Chinese tea, make a casual chat with your friends and watching locals indulging themselves in different kinds of folk entertainment - napping in a lively teahouse, playing mahjong, disco dancing, neck massage, ear cleaning... Next is an impressive trip to the famous Jinli Old Street. Time steals away from you quietly while walking on the lively streets which are full of delicious local snacks, delicate artifacts, interesting folk shows, etc.
After the tour, you will be taken to the airport / train station for your flight or train to next destination or home.
1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one standard double-bed room in a 4-star hotel and traveling with our private tour in low seasons. It will drop greatly if your group has 4 or more members.
2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, month and date. There may be huge price increasing during public Chinese holidays, school summer vacations, tourism peak seasons or some special dates. (China Public Holiday 2025 Schedule Released)
3. Other factors that may change the final tour price include group size, hotel class, tour activities, fluctuation of currency exchange rate, etc.
4. This price is based on exchange rate USD 1=RMB 7.00. The final price will be based on the exchange rate in effect at the time of agreement with our quotation.
5. This price is only valid to March 31, 2026.
6. This price is not the final price until the Confirmation Letter is sent.
7. The items included and excluded in this price are for reference only. The final services included, please refer to the confirmation letter sent to you by the travel consultant.
Hi Shirley,
I will appreciate your assistance. Your services and assistance was excellent. The cruise itself for my opinion it needs improvement for foreigners customers. Thanks.
Winner
Hi Shirley,
Firstly, I would like to thank you because the planning and preparation from your side was wonderful.
The only small mix up was when we arrive in Shanghai, our guide was not aware of our changed air ticket and he waited for us at the wrong gate. But luckily it was in the same airport so he could come over quickly.
Everything else was smooth and great. Thank you.
For Zhangjiajie, we really enjoyed ourselves most over there. Especially we want to mention our Guide, Tim. He was the best guide we ever had from all our previous trips. He was very kind and patient with my elderly dad too. Very good service and always things even more comfortable by doing little things such as preparing tissues for our meals etc. Throughout our time in ZJJ, we felt like he was a family member. For the itinerary and journey, everything was well thought out too. *always make things even more comfortable.
Hotels in ZJJ are generally very good too.
But Tim really made a big difference in makingke the whole trip even better and enjoyable. He deserves all the praise.
For Shanghai, our Guide Mark was very knowledgeable with a lot of facts and history.
However, just want to point out that our hotel room has strong cigarette smell. But other than that everything else is fine.
Lastly, both drivers in ZJJ and SH drives smoothly and safely too.
No problem at all. We are very satisfied with your company's general service. Will definitely recommend to our friends. Thanks again Shirley, and wishing you all the best too.
All the best to you Shirley, have a wonderful day We hope to use your service again in the future.
Riastasia
Hi Rita.
We've concluded our trip. Now on the way to Guiyang airport.
Tq for organizing the trip for us. We had a wonderful time exploring Guizhou.
Mona
Hi Leo,
I am back in HKG yesterday after 1 night/day in Macau.
I am flying back to Bali tomorrow.
The Tour of SHANGHAI SUZHOU and HANGZHOU you arranged for me WAS ABSOLUTELY GREAT!
Everything was so PERFECT!
I particularly like the visits of 2 famous historical GARDENS OF SHANGHAI and SUZHOU. And TONGLI Watertown.
My tour guide SEVEN PING PING was BEST! very knowledgeable, friendly and just very lovely personality!
The hotel in Shanghai was very luxurious and comfortable.
However … I LOVE THE BOUTIQUE HOTEL CHINESE STYLE in HANGZHOU much better. Beautiful, classy, good Chinese architecture and peaceful.
The car and driver in Hangzhou were so special … a great style I appreciate!
OVERALL… it was a GREAT EXPERIENCE for me and I hope to return to China with my husband … next trip!
A million thanks for your very professional arrangement.
Best regards,
Monique
Hi Shirley,
Thank you for the new year wishes. The cruise you help arranged for me was very good.
Thanks
Josh
We are one of the few China travel agencies who have kept active and received lots of feedbacks and reviews during pandemic years!
"Highest Standards of Quality and Honesty" is the core value of each specialized team at China Discovery.
Eveyone in our company is working hard for only one goal, which is to ensure the highest level of service, luxury, and attention to detail from the minute you begin planning your trip, to the day you return home.
Our travel consultants are professional, experienced and responsible, helping you from the very beginning to the end of your China trip!
After sending us an inquiry, one of our travel consultants will get back to you within 0.5~23.5 hrs. In the next few days, he/she will be working closely with you to formulate a customized tour plan, as well as providing professional suggestions based on your travel interests, time, and budget.
Beside, he/she will keep in contact with you during your entire tour in China, continually checking if everything is going well as planned.
We're working at Chengdu Bamboo International Tours, local based in Chengdu.
Our local guide in every destination is not only very friendly, enthusiastic but also very informative and knowledgeable.
Once you arrive in the destination, the patient and punctual guides will pick you up and take you to get under skin of the city at your own pace. By in-depth discovery and explanation, they’ll show you more about the history, culture, customs and authentic local life. Throughout the journey, they're not only expert guides who take care of all the details but also fellow travelers who are dedicated to help you explore in comfort and style.
Our guides are passionate about what they do, and it shows all the way!
Using our private transfer service makes you comfortable, relaxed and worry free all the way!
Our private service includes licensed drivers with many years’ driving experience and air-conditioned, non-smoking, clean and well-maintained cars/vans. Drivers are local, polite, friendly and helpful, taking you to your tourist sites, hotels, airport/train stations in safety. All kinds of vehicle are offered, and yours depends on the size of your group. Usually, we offer sedan cars, SUVs, business vans (MPV) and different types of buses, all with extra space for your luggage.
Our private transfer service guarantees you the highest comfort!
In each destination, you’ll enjoy a comfortable stay in a great location!
The hotels we choose are based on star rating, great locations, well-equipped facilities, cozy bed, high quality service and guests’ feedbacks. Choices are a lot ranging from luxury 5 star, comfortable 4 star to budget 3 star. You could decide where to stay to best suit for your budget and likes. Generally, the hotels have both Western and Chinese breakfast with a wide choices.
If you have already got an ideal hotel, please feel free to tell our travel consultants and they'll book the hotel for you.
Have good sleep in our well-selected hotels in all the destinations of China.
We can satisfy all the dietary requirements no matter you want Chinese local food, western food, vegetarian food or muslin food.
The restaurants we will take you for lunch or dinner are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. They have very good sanitary conditions and the food is prepared fresh and clean.
There will be some meals excluded in your itinerary as you like, and your private guide will be delighted to give you some suggestions and take you to the local restaurants to taste like Beijing Roast Duck, Xian Dumpling Dinner, Sichuan Hotpot, etc., if you are interested in local food tasting.
All the dining options will satisfy your stomach!
Chongqing Night Cruise
Nanbin Road, Chongqing Night
Hongya Cave Daytime-2018-Leow's Group from Singapore
Beautiful Appearance of People's Assembly Hall
Chongqing Light Rail Going Through a Building at Liziba Metro Station
E'ling Park - Chongqing City Panorama
Leshan Giant Buddha in summer
Look up at Leshan Giant Buddha from its foot stage
Baoguo Temple at the foot of Mount Emei
Golden Summit
Stunning scenery of Cloud Sea on Golden Summit
Our dear clients from Singapore on Golden Summit of Mount Emei
Lovely Pandas in Chengdu Panda Base - Photographed by Our Guest Chona
The Spring View Jiuzhaigou - Robert
Five-color Lake in Zechawa Valley
Jiuzhaigou in autumn - world of colors
Jiuzhaigou Nuorilang Waterfall
Five-Color Ponds in Huanglong National Park
Huanglong Five-Color Ponds in Autumn
Wenshu Temple with Flourishing Incense
Our dear clients was experiencing Chengdu local living style in the People's Park
Try Chengdu local snacks at Jinli Old Street
Chongqing / Wulong / Zhangjiajie
Chongqing / Wulong / Huanglong / Jiuzhaigou
Chengdu / Huanglong / Jiuzhaigou
“Very good experience”
“WONDERFUL 25 DAYS IN CHINA - PRIVATE TOUR”
“Awesome China tour from northeast to southwest”
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