Private cultural journey
About this Journey
From the ancient streets of Chengdu to the stunning sapphire lakes of Jiuzhaigou, this 6-day itinerary offers a perfect blend of sacred nature, rich heritage, and local vibrance. Stroll through Taikoo Li, witness the magic of Sichuan Opera with its famous face-changing performances, and ride a UTV through the highland forests. Immerse yourself in the dreamlike beauty of Jiuzhaigou’s cascading waters, explore the thousand-year-old city walls of Songpan, and try your hand at traditional leatherwork. Back in Chengdu, visit the panda research base and learn about the ancient Shu civilization at Sanxingdui. Conclude your journey the Chengdu way—with a quiet cup of tea under the bamboo eaves at Heming Teahouse.


Chengdu’s opera, pandas, tea culture, and ancient Shu heritage frame two days among Jiuzhaigou’s forests, lakes, waterfalls, and Tibetan highland scenery.



Songpan, Sanxingdui, and a final morning at Heming Teahouse connect the highland scenery to Sichuan’s craft, archaeological, and everyday traditions.

The return to Chengdu places Jiuzhaigou's lakes and waterfalls beside Songpan's craft traditions, Sanxingdui's ancient bronzes, giant pandas, Sichuan opera, and a final morning at Heming Teahouse.
Itinerary
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Chengdu: Chengdu – Taikoo Li – Sichuan Opera Theatre
Upon arrival in Chengdu, transfer privately from the airport or railway station to the hotel for check-in. Once settled, take a leisurely stroll through Taikoo Li, a vibrant shopping and cultural district where ancient courtyards harmoniously blend with modern design.
In the evening, enjoy a special Sichuan Opera experience, featuring the captivating art of face-changing. Try on traditional opera costumes during the theatre visit—a fun and culturally rich start to your journey.


Day 2: Into the Wild Tibetan Highlands: Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area
After breakfast, board the high-speed train heading northwest through the dramatic Minjiang Gorge, arriving in the alpine region of Jiuzhaigou—often called the “Pearl of the Plateau.”
In the afternoon, enjoy a gentle trek through primeval forest trails, breathing in the pure mountain air. Later, hop into a UTV for a thrilling ride through scenic Tibetan landscapes, giving you a taste of adventure and wilderness rarely seen.


Day 3: Fairytale Landscapes of Jiuzhaigou: Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area
Spend the entire day immersed in the dreamlike beauty of Jiuzhaigou Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its crystal-clear turquoise lakes, multi-level waterfalls, and sacred snow-capped peaks.
Wander through iconic sites such as Five Flower Lake, Nuorilang Waterfall, and Mirror Lake. The ever-changing colours of the water, framed by forested mountains, make this an unforgettable natural spectacle.


Day 4: Songpan Ancient City · Craft Heritage: Songpan Ancient Town – Chengdu
In the morning, journey to Songpan Ancient Town, a historically important Tang-Tibetan border fortress with well-preserved walls and gates. Visit a local leather workshop and take part in a hands-on craft experience, learning the techniques behind this local leatherworking tradition.
Later, return to Chengdu by high-speed train. In the evening, explore Yulin Alley, a maze of food stalls and backstreets where you can sample authentic Chengdu street snacks amidst local life.


Day 5: Pandas & Bronze Mysteries · Culture of Ancient Shu: Chengdu Panda Base – Sanxingdui Museum
After breakfast, head to the Chengdu Panda Base, a major conservation centre for giant pandas. Watch these national treasures roam, nap, and munch bamboo in a serene, natural setting.
In the afternoon, continue to the Sanxingdui Museum, one of China’s most important archaeological sites. The museum displays spectacular bronzeware, masks, and artefacts that shed light on the mysterious civilisation of ancient Shu.


Day 6: Leisurely Farewell in Chengdu · Tea Bowl Moments: Heming Teahouse – Airport or train station
Wrap up your journey with a slow-paced morning in Heming Teahouse, one of Chengdu’s oldest and most beloved local tea spots. Sit back in a bamboo chair, sip traditional gaiwan tea, and absorb the laid-back rhythm of the city. Enjoy Zhong dumplings, one of Chengdu's signature local dishes, for lunch.
After lunch, continue by private transfer to Chengdu airport or railway station, where the six-day journey concludes.


Scenic Highlights
Scenic highlights

Sichuan Opera

Taikoo Li

Jiuzhaigou

Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area

Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area

Jiuzhaigou scenery

Songpan Ancient Town

Yulin Alley

Chengdu Panda Base

Sanxingdui Museum

Heming Teahouse

Zhong Dumplings
Vehicle Reference
Vehicle reference
The vehicles below are common references. Final arrangements depend on guest count, luggage, road conditions, and local fleet availability.
5-seat
Comfort
7-seat
Business
12-15 seat
Comfort
12-15 seat
Luxury
Capacity notes
- 1. Passenger and luggage figures are comfort references. The final vehicle type is confirmed by our team before departure.
- 2. Please tell us in advance if you need a child seat, booster seat, or similar equipment. Any additional fees are confirmed before booking.
- 3. Reducing one passenger usually creates room for one additional piece of luggage, subject to the actual trunk or cargo space.
Details
Details
What's included
Private air-conditioned vehicle and experienced driver for the road transfers described in the itinerary.
Licensed guide in the language confirmed for the guided sightseeing described in the itinerary.
Comfort-level accommodation with daily breakfast, where accommodation is included in the confirmed itinerary.
Entrance tickets, activities, and meals specifically listed as included in the confirmed itinerary.
Important notes
Price on request. Send your preferred travel dates, room arrangement, and travel-party details for a quotation.
Travel dates are arranged on request for your preferred schedule.
The sightseeing order may be adjusted for confirmed tickets, weather, traffic, attraction access, or local operating conditions while retaining the route’s main experiences.
Guide language, hotel standard, room arrangement, and transport details are confirmed before booking.
Why Travel With Us
Why us
Stay China plans complete journeys across China with clear routing between each destination.
A detailed day-by-day itinerary shows the pace, key experiences, and transport before you enquire.
Guide language, accommodation level, vehicle choice, and included activities are confirmed before booking.
Local culture, major landmarks, and time to experience each place are balanced within one coherent route.