A Summer to Remember

Finding a reliable travel agency online can often be a daunting task. You may be hesitant to trust an agency that you know little about and sending money online can also be a concern. However, having a friend who has already use a particular agency can make the process much safer and more reassuring. Lina was fortunate enough to have such a friend. Upon her recommendation, Lina felt confident in choosing China Discovery as her travel agency. With a professional travel expert - Jack's help, she was able to plan an unforgettable trip for her and her four friends. From arranging transportation and accommodations to providing recommendations for local activities, Jack went above and beyond to ensure that Lina's trip was a success. Lina reviewed that "I travelled with a party of 5 to Chengdu, Chongqing and did a 5-day Yangtze River Cruise with China Discovery. My experience with them was great. Our agent, Jack was very attentive to my group's needs and was flexible at all times when we had to make changes. He offered timely service and kept me updated on unforeseen modifications in our itinerary." Let's take a view of her travel story and itinerary.

8 Days Best of Sichuan with Yangtze Cruise Tour

Itinerary: Chengdu / Leshan / Emei / Chengdu / Chongqing / Yangtze Cruise / Yichang
Highlights: Chengdu Giant Panda, Leshan Giant Buddha, Mount Emei, Three Gorges, Three Gorges Dam, Luxury Cruise

Day 1 - 2: Changchun to Chengdu & Chengdu City Walk

Upon arrival, Lina and here group were greeted by the local guide and driver. After a warm welcome, they were taken to get a Covid-19 test before heading to their hotel to check in. The following day was left open for the group to explore the city of Chengdu at their leisure.

Day 3 - 4: Leshan Giant Buddha and Emeishan Mountain Sightseeing

In the morning of Day 3, Lina's group set off on a 150 km (approximately 2 hours' drive) journey to visit the Leshan Giant Buddha. After a short hike from the front gate to the mountain, they arrived at a platform where they were able to overlook the impressive statue. From this vantage point, they had an unparalleled view of the Leshan Giant Buddha. Next, they walked along a narrow planked road from the hilltop to the Buddha's feet, giving them an up-close look at the colossal statue. Standing at the feet of the giant Buddha, Lina's group felt humbled by its sheer size and majesty, as if they were dwarfs in comparison.

View Leshan Giant Buddha from two perspectives

Following their incredible visit to Leshan, Lina and her group drove to Mount Emei, one of the most revered Buddhist mountains in China, in the afternoon. Upon arrival, they first visited Baoguo Temple located at the foot of Mount Emei before checking into their hotel.

On Day 4, Lina's group enjoyed a full-day exploration of Mount Emei. They were transported to the tourist center of Mount Emei by their driver before taking a park bus to Leidongping, where they encountered playful monkeys. After a 30-minute walk, they then took a cable car from Jieyindian to the Golden Summit. The weather was pleasant, and they were captivated by the stunning views of the golden Buddha statue. After admiring the breathtaking scenery, they made their descent down the mountain and returned to their hotel in Chengdu with their driver.

The Golden Summit Landscape

Overall, it was a remarkable experience that showcased the beauty and grandeur of Mount Emei, providing Lina and her friends with unforgettable memories.

2 Days Mount Emei Leshan Giant Buddha Smart Tour

Itinerary: Chengdu / Mount Emei / Leshan Giant Buddha / Chengdu
Highlights: Leshan Giant Buddha, Mount Emei, Huanglongxi Ancient Town

Day 5 Chengdu Essences Discovery

Lina and her friends had been eagerly anticipating their visit to see the Giant Pandas, one of the most beloved creatures in the world. During their visit to Chengdu Panda Base, they had the chance to see some adorable baby pandas, which left them enchanted. Another highlight of their trip was a visit to the People's Park, where they immersed themselves in the local culture. They enjoyed a cup of tea, just like the locals, and observed the daily activities of the people around them. From watching square dancing to seeing locals playing cards and mahjong, they were able to gain a deeper understanding of Chengdu's vibrant and lively community. Overall, it was a memorable and enriching day for Lina and her friends.

Lina's Group and Their Guide in Chengdu Panda Base

2 Days Leisure Chengdu Private Tour with Panda Visit

Itinerary: Chengdu: Jinli Street, Giant Panda Base, Wenshu Temple
Highlights: Chengdu Panda Base, People's Park, Jinli Street, Chengdu Museum, Wenshu Temple

Day 6-9 High Speed Train to Yichang & Yangtze River Cruise Trip

Lina had booked a flight from Chengdu to Yichang initially, but the flight was cancelled by the airlines unexpectedly while they were already in Chengdu. Thankfully, Jack quickly found an alternative solution despite the limited time. He was able to successfully book a high-speed train for them, ensuring that their travel plans remained on track. They thought this experience demonstrated the value of having a reliable travel agency and a knowledgeable travel expert like Jack to help navigate unexpected situations.

The highly anticipated cruise journey finally arrived, and it was a truly relaxing and visually stunning experience. As the cruise sailed through Wu Gorge, Lina's group couldn't help but be mesmerized by the picturesque scenery, capturing the moment with several photos. The sky was a vivid shade of blue, the clouds soft and fluffy, the mountains lush and green, and the river clear and tranquil - it was a truly uplifting experience.

Beautiful Scenery of Wu Gorge

On their last night aboard the cruise, they were treated to a memorable Farewell banquet, and even had the opportunity to take a group photo with the captain, solidifying the wonderful memories they had made on their journey.

Lina's gourp enjoyed the Captain's Farewell Banquet

After the cruise trip, Lina commented that "Every part of the trip was amazing, but the highlight was definitely the 3 Gorges Cruise up the Yangtze River. The landscape is too beautiful for words. The crew on board were super friendly and the food was amazing!"

4 Days Chongqing Essence Tour with Yangtze River Cruise

Itinerary: Chongqing / Yangtze Cruise / Yichang
Highlights: Luxury Yangtze River Cruise Sailing along Three Gorges, Three Gorges Dam, Shibaozhai Pagoda, Shennv Stream, Three Gorges Museum, E'ling Park, Hongya Cave

Day 10 Chongqing Sightseeing and Departure

In the morning, they disembark at Chongqing Chaotianmen Port and met by their guide in Chongqing. Upon disembarking at Chongqing Chaotianmen Port, Lina's group was greeted by their guide and embarked on a sightseeing tour of the city. They marveled at the famous scene of the light rail passing through a building and visited top attractions such as Eling Park, which provided a panoramic view of Chongqing City, Hongya Cave with its houses abutting a steep cliff, and the time-honored Ciqikou Ancient Street.

The Light Rail were passing through a building

Lina spoke highly of the guide and driver in both Chengdu and Chongqing. "The local tour guides in both Chengdu and Chongqing were incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. The drivers drove safely and were polite."

As their sightseeing tour came to an end, they took their flight back to Changchun, but their travel memories will last a lifetime. Lina post his review on Tripadvisor.com. "The sites we visited during this 10- day trip were: Leshan Giant Buddha, Emei Mountain, the Panda Research Base in Chengdu, a day trip in Chongqing and the river cruise. It was action-packed, yet we went at our own pace, mostly due to the heat. I would highly recommend China Discovery and will use their services again in the future." Lina was so impressed that she has already booked another Gansu tour to explore the charming Silk Road with the help of their trusted friend, Jack. We can't wait to hear about their next adventure!

6 Days Hexi Corridor Discovery Tour(Zhangye/Jiayuguan/Dunhuang)

Itinerary: Lanzhou - Zhangye - Jiayuguan - Dunhuang
Highlights: Zhangye Danxia, Jiayuguan Fort, Mogao Grottoes, Mingshashan, Yulin Caves, Bullet Train