Itinerary

1. Day 01: Chengdu - Wolong - Siguniangshan Town

   • In the morning, drive to Wolong National Nature Reserve. 
     • At 52 km long from east to west and 62 km wide from south to north, the reserve covers an area of 200,000 hm². 
     • It is one of the earliest Chinese natural reverses, which is rated the preservation zones network of “mankind and living beings” by the Organization of Education, Science and Culture of the United Nations (UNESCO). 
     • The virgin forest, second bush forest and bamboo groves are very green. Over 4,000 high-level plants exist, 24 of which are valuable plants, such as Gongtong (Chinese dove tree), red China fir, Lianxiang, and so on. 
     • There are more than 450 kinds of vertebras, 45 of which are rated national focal preserved animals, such as giant pandas, golden monkeys, antelopes, and white-mouth deer. The natural, beautiful scene is quiet and secluded. 
   • Visit Shenshuping Panda Base in Wolong. About 50 pandas live here. It is the largest breeding center for giant pandas, integrating scientific research, feeding, breeding, reproduction, wildness training, etc.
   • Then, proceed to Siguniang Shan Town (formerly Rilong) via the Balang Tunnel. Siguniang Shan Mountain, also known as the Four Sisters Mountain, Four Girls Mountain or Four Maidens Mountain, boasts four peaks exceeding 5000 m in height. According to legend, each peak represents one of the four sisters. The highest peak, Yaomei Feng, symbolizing the youngest sister, stands at 6250 m and is revered as the "queen of Sichuan's peaks."
   • Embark on a sightseeing bus tour and explore Shuangqiao Valley on foot. Enjoy a leisurely hike in the Shuangqiao Valley (Double-bridge Valley) of Siguniang Shan Mountain, renowned for its concentrated and enchanting scenery. If the weather permits, marvel at the breathtaking sunset views of Siguniang Shan Mountain (Four Sisters Mountain) from Maobiliang.

   221 km, 4 hours 10 minutes

   Overnight at Cloud Inn (3200 m)

   Breakfast

2. Day 02: Siguniang Shan Town – Danba

   • Drive to visit Wori Tusi Manor, the former official residence of the local Tusi, a kind of imperial kingship leader.
   • After that, drive to visit the Tibetan village of Jiaju, which is renowned as the most beautiful village in China. In Danba, the local inhabitants are known as Jiarong (Gyarong) Tibetans. Take a walk and explore Jiaju village, where over a hundred buildings with the same architectural style showcase the distinctive and cohesive character of Jiarong Tibetan homes. Against the backdrop of the blue sky, these Tibetan residences, adorned in red, white, and black hues, are scattered seemingly at random yet harmoniously along the valley's slopes from the base to the middle.
   • Then, continue to visit the Tibetan Village of Zhonglu. There are ancient block towers with a long history here. In autumn, the village is even more beautiful, and the trees are full of heavy pomegranates, pears, apples, etc. At sunset, the whole village is shrouded in the afterglow of the setting sun.

   110 km, 2 hours 26 minutes

   Overnight at Shengdi Yingxiang Cultural Theme Hostel (2100 m)

   Breakfast

3. Day 03: Danba - Bamei – Tagong

   • Watchtowers in Suopo, Huiyuan Temple, Lhagang Monastery, Gyergo Nunnery and the grand mani wall of Hepingfahui, Panoramic view of Gongga and Yala Mountain
   • Danba has long been acclaimed as the Kingdom of Thousands of Ancient Watchtowers. In the morning, visit the ancient watchtowers in Suopo. They were made of clay and block and look fine from outside with solid thick walls.
   • Then drive to Bamei, on the way visit the Huiyuan Temple and the beautiful villages.
   • Upon arrival at Tagong, visit the Lhagang Monastery (Tagong Si) of Sayka Sect, surrounded by three hills symbolizing three Bodhisattvas. The blessing of a reserved Jowo Shakyamuni image left by the Wencheng Princess in this monastery to the pilgrims is said to resemble the Lhasa Jowo Shakyamuni image in Lhasa.
   • Then, visit the impressive Gyergo Nunnery and the grand mani wall of Hepingfahui. Drive to the Balang Shengdu Village. If the weather is good, enjoy the panoramic view of Gongga Mountain and Yala Mountain from the 360-degree Balang Viewing Platform. 

   117 km, 2 hours 43 minutes

   Overnight at Kangding Tagong Prairie Mandala Hotel (3730 m) 4*

   Breakfast

4. Day 04: Tagong- Kangding - Luding – Chengdu

   • Siting Tso Lake, Zheduo Shan Pass (4298 m), Luding Bridge
   • In the morning, drive on the beautiful zigzag road S434 to Kangding, the capital of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and an important juncture in the history of the Tibetan and Han People. If the weather is fine, you can admire the panorama of Gongga Mountain (7556 m, Minya Konka, "the King of Mountains of Sichuan") from Siding Tso Lake and Zheduo Pass (4298 m). 
   • Keep driving to Luding and crossing through Mt. Erlang Shan's 4.1 km long tunnel to Yaan, the famous rainy city. In Luding, visit the Luding Iron Chain Bridge on the Dadu River, a treasure of ancient Chinese architecture. The bridge was built in the 44th year of Kangxi in the Qing Dynasty (1705) to enhance the connection with Tibetan culture. On May 29th, 1935, the Chinese Red Army reached Luding Bridge during the Long March. Facing a hail of bullets, the Chinese Red Army, with 22 warriors as the pioneers of the commando, destroyed the bridge’s guards in one fell swoop, which is an important historical monument of the Communist Party of China.
   • Finally, return to Chengdu, transfer to the airport or railway station, and depart from Chengdu.

   352 km, 5 hours 16 minutes

   Breakfast