Located in the western part of Sichuan Province, the Western Sichuan Plateau is a place where the grandeur of nature meets the richness of cultural heritage. This region is known for its diverse ecosystems, ranging from verdant forests to expansive grasslands, and is home to a wealth of endemic flora. Among these, the colorful rhododendrons and rare orchids stand out, drawing nature lovers from around the world. The plateau's high altitude and varied landscapes also create unique habitats for many rare and endangered plant species, making it a paradise for botanical enthusiasts.

Beyond its natural wonders, the Western Sichuan Plateau is a melting pot of cultures. The area is predominantly inhabited by Tibetan communities, who have preserved their unique traditions, vibrant festivals, and distinctive architecture. Travelers will have the opportunity to visit ancient monasteries, explore traditional Tibetan villages, and witness the locals' deep connection with their land. The journey through this region is not just about the breathtaking landscapes but also about experiencing the living culture of the Tibetan people.

During our 14-day expedition, we will take you on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Western Sichuan Plateau. From the bustling city of Chengdu to the serene grasslands of Hongyuan, from the sacred mountains of Four Sisters to the mystical valleys of Jiuzhaigou, each day will be filled with discovery and wonder. You will trek through pristine nature reserves, admire stunning high-altitude lakes, and immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of Tibetan monasteries. This journey promises a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural depth, offering a truly immersive experience in one of China's most captivating regions.

The cost includes the following:

The cost does not include the following:

D1 Arrives at Chengdu. Meals: D

Arrive at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. Transfer to your reserved hotel for check-in. Enjoy free time to explore Chengdu city. In the evening, attend a welcome dinner and trip briefing.

Overnight: Hotel in Chengdu

D2 Chengdu - Dujiangyan. Meals: BLD
Drive to the Sanxingdui Museum in the morning to explore the ancient Shu civilization. In the afternoon, visit the Dujiangyan Panda Valley to observe giant pandas. In the evening, enjoy a stroll around Nanqiao Old Town, savoring local delicacies and nightlife.

Overnight: Gui Xin Shanyue Homestay, Dujiangyan

D3 Dujiangyan - Wolong Nature Reserve. Meals: BLD
Drive to Wolong Nature Reserve in the morning and visit the Shenshuping Panda Base to learn about panda conservation. In the afternoon, take a short hike in Huangcaoping to appreciate the natural scenery.

Overnight: Wolong Panda Inn

D4 Wolong - Four Sisters Mountain. Meals: BLD
Drive to Four Sisters Mountain, stopping en route at Balang Mountain for a scenic hike to admire alpine meadows and wildflowers. Arrive at Four Sisters Mountain in the afternoon and begin acclimating to the high altitude by exploring the area near your hotel.

Overnight: Siguniang Jiarong Qingcheng Homestay, Rilong

D5 Four Sisters Mountain. Meals: BLD
Spend the day exploring Four Sisters Mountain. Take a hike in Shuangqiao Valley to enjoy the stunning alpine meadows, glaciers, and wildflowers. Have a picnic lunch in the wild and continue exploring the valley's other attractions in the afternoon.

Overnight: Siguniang Jiarong Qingcheng Homestay, Rilong

D6 Four Sisters Mountain - Danba. Meals: BLD
Drive to Danba in the morning, and visit the Jiaju Tibetan Village to learn about the local Tibetan culture and architecture. In the late afternoon, capture the beautiful sunset over the Tibetan village.

Overnight: Homestay near Jiaju Tibetan Village, Danba

D7 Danba - Maerkang. Meals: BLD
Depart from Danba and drive to Maerkang, passing through scenic highland landscapes. Take breaks for photography and rest. In the afternoon, visit the Zhibo Tsang Family Manor to learn about the local culture and history.

Overnight: Tibetan-style Homestay, Maerkang

D8 Maerkang - Hongyuan. Meals: BLD
Drive from Maerkang to Hongyuan Grassland. Enjoy the scenic drive through the Aba region, with opportunities to stop at picturesque spots. Upon arrival in Hongyuan, enjoy free time to explore the vast grasslands and experience the tranquility of the area.

Overnight: Hongyuan Deluxe Boutique Hotel

D9 Hongyuan - Ruoergai. Meals: BLD
Depart early for Ruoergai Grassland and visit Huahu Lake, where you can admire the stunning views of the lake and grassland. Later in the day, visit the First Bend of the Yellow River to witness the majestic river scenery.

Overnight: Ruoergai Zun Yue Ritian Hotel

D10 Ruoergai - Jiuzhaigou. Meals: BLD
Drive to Jiuzhaigou in the morning. After arriving in the afternoon, enjoy free time to rest at your hotel or take a short walk to explore the nearby sights in preparation for the next day's full exploration.

Overnight: Howard Johnson Tianyuan Resort, Jiuzhaigou

D11 Jiuzhaigou. Meals: BLD
Spend the entire day exploring Jiuzhaigou. Visit the famous Five Flower Lake, Pearl Shoal Waterfall, and Long Lake, enjoying the spectacular lakes and waterfalls throughout the park.

Overnight: Howard Johnson Tianyuan Resort, Jiuzhaigou

D12 Jiuzhaigou - Shenxian Pond - Huanglong - Chuanzhusi. Meals: BLD
Drive to Shenxian Pond in the morning and explore the high-altitude lakes and calcified ponds. In the afternoon, continue to Huanglong to visit the colorful pools and hike in the Danxia Gorge to search for wildflowers. Later, drive to Chuanzhusi for the night.

Overnight: Hotel near Chuanzhusi

D13 Chuanzhusi - Chengdu. Meals: BLD
Drive back to Chengdu in the morning, with stops along the way to enjoy the natural scenery and take photos. In the afternoon, enjoy free time in Chengdu for shopping or sampling local cuisine. In the evening, attend a farewell dinner.

Overnight: Tianfu Airport Enjoy Hotel, Chengdu

D14 Fly back home from Chengdu. Meals: B
End of the trip, transfer to the airport for departure from Chengdu.

Introduction to Trip Destinations:

Siguniang Mountain

Siguniang Mountain, located in Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, is a renowned destination known for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich biodiversity. It consists of four peaks, the highest being Yaomei Peak at 6,250 meters above sea level. The area is characterized by its stunning alpine scenery, lush valleys, and a variety of wildflowers, including numerous orchid species. Siguniang Mountain is also home to several endangered species, such as the Sichuan golden monkey and the giant panda. The area offers excellent opportunities for hiking, mountaineering, and flower photography, particularly in Shuangqiaogou Valley, where the vibrant colors of the orchids can be appreciated.

Wolong National Nature Reserve

Wolong National Nature Reserve is located in Wenchuan County, Sichuan Province. Established in 1963, it is one of China's oldest and most famous nature reserves. Covering an area of 2,000 square kilometers, the reserve is part of the Qionglai Mountains and is renowned for its significant biodiversity. Wolong is home to around 150 giant pandas, making it one of the most important panda conservation areas. The reserve also features a variety of other wildlife, including red pandas, golden monkeys, and a rich diversity of bird species. In terms of flora, Wolong boasts numerous species of rhododendrons and orchids, making it a paradise for botanists and photographers alike.

Huanglong National Scenic Reserve

Huanglong National Scenic Reserve is located in Songpan County, Sichuan Province. Known for its stunning travertine pools, waterfalls, and diverse ecosystems, Huanglong covers an area of 700 square kilometers. The reserve's elevation ranges from 1,700 to 5,588 meters, providing a variety of habitats for different plant species. The lower elevations feature lush forests with many orchid species, while the higher elevations are home to alpine meadows and the rare Sichuan golden monkey. The Danyun Gorge at the base of the reserve is particularly famous for its beautiful orchids, making it a highlight for flower enthusiasts.

Jiuzhaigou National Park

Jiuzhaigou National Park is located in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in northern Sichuan Province. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and World Biosphere Reserve, renowned for its multi-level waterfalls, colorful lakes, and snow-capped peaks. The park covers an area of 720 square kilometers and is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. Jiuzhaigou's diverse ecosystems include temperate broadleaf forests and mixed forests, where visitors can find a range of plant species, including rhododendrons and orchids. The park is a prime location for nature photography, offering stunning landscapes and vibrant floral displays.

Ruoergai Grassland

Ruoergai Grassland, also known as Zoige Marsh, is one of the largest and most beautiful highland marshlands in China. Located on the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, this vast grassland is known for its sweeping vistas, colorful wildflowers, and abundant wildlife, including the black-necked crane. The grassland is also culturally significant, being home to Tibetan nomadic herders. The serene landscape of Ruoergai offers a perfect escape into nature.

Danba Jiaju Tibetan Village

Located in the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan, Danba Jiaju Tibetan Village is celebrated for its unique Tibetan architecture and cultural heritage. The village, with its traditional stone houses, is often referred to as the "most beautiful village in China." Set against the backdrop of lush green hills and terraced fields, Jiaju offers visitors an authentic experience of Tibetan rural life and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

We will arrange one of our best flower guides for this trip who has rich experiences of guiding tours in this region. The following are some of our best local guides for your references.

Cory Li

Cory Li, co-founder, and general manager of WildFloraTour is a super fan of nature, especially for flowers. His passion for nature grows from the beauty of greens in the little boys' eyes. As a native of Sichuan Chengdu, he has spent a lot of time exploring nature in the mountains nearby his hometown. During his study at Sichuan University, he began to take lots of outdoor activities like hiking and mountain climbing and started to study knowledge about flora by himself. After graduation, he even spent more time in the wild than office exploring wildflowers in Sichuan and nearby provinces with other nature lovers and photographed about two thousand wildflower species. He even found several new distributions of some endemic species and even some new species of plants along with some other nature lovers. He loves to share his findings and stories behind the photos with other nature lovers on the internet and became a “flora idol” in southwest China. He never expected becoming famous out of this, he just enjoys sharing the beauty of those lovely flowers with others.

Philip

As a half Kangba Tibetan, Philip is the founder of WildfloraTour and is native of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. He has a deep love for his Kangba Tibetan heritage and the land where he was born and raised. Philip's career has gone from mining technician to teacher, to translator, and finally to a guide and tour operator. Along the way, Philip discovered his passion and love for helping tourists understand the beauty and history of his people and homeland. Philip is known for his ability to plan and execute unique and exciting adventure trips exploring the sights off the usual tourist routes. He is active, open-minded, and adventurous and always ready to share interesting and useful information with his clients. As a travel professional working in this field for more than 15 years, Philip believes travel is an art and a process of learning and discovery. Each trip is a unique artistic work created with knowledge and expertise based on the resources available and the interests and tastes of travelers. To help more people to understand the unique resources in panda habitats and neighboring areas, he established Wildflora to bring his educational fun-filled tours to more people eager to explore and learn about China. Besides, Philip is an active and knowledgeable birder and a dedicated photographer.

Besides, one of WildFloraTour's local guides in Southeast China will participate in this trip to ensure a high-end traveling experience.