This Sichuan adventure combines the tranquility of nature with meaningful cultural interactions, offering a well-rounded travel experience. Beginning in Chengdu, you'll start by visiting the Panda Valley for an up-close encounter with these iconic animals before journeying into the highland areas of Xiling Snow Mountain, known for its striking displays of early-spring flora, including rhododendrons and primulas. After exploring Xiling’s scenic peaks, relax in Huashuiwan Hot Springs, a rejuvenating retreat nestled among mountain views.

Next, you'll travel to Emei Mountain, famed for its rich variety of endemic plants and its cultural significance as one of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains. Here, at mid-altitudes, you’ll seek out the rare dove tree in bloom and ascend to the Golden Summit, where stunning sunrises and breathtaking landscapes await. As the journey continues, you’ll enjoy Sichuan's iconic landscapes and, on the last day, take in the majestic view of the Leshan Giant Buddha from across the Min River before returning to Chengdu.

This tour appeals to plant enthusiasts, nature photographers, and those seeking a mix of botanical discoveries and cultural exploration, promising both breathtaking views and deep appreciation for the region’s biodiversity and heritage.

The cost includes the following:

The cost does not include the following:

D1 Arrival in Chengdu, Welcome Dinner. Meals: D

Upon arrival at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, our staff will greet you and assist with the transfer to your hotel near the airport. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring authentic Chengdu cuisine, providing a perfect start for the journey ahead.

Overnight: Bailun International Hotel Dujiangyan or similar

D2 Dujiangyan Panda Valley and Transfer to Xiling Snow Mountain. Meals: BLD

After breakfast, head to Panda Valley to observe and photograph the resident giant pandas and the surrounding spring flora. After lunch, drive to Xiling Snow Mountain and take the Yuanyang Pool cable car up to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy exploring the area, observing early blooms of rhododendrons and primulas.

Overnight: Yingxue Hotel Xiling Snow Mountain or similar

D3 Explore the Yin-Yang Boundary and Alpine Flower Hiking. Meals: BLD

Take the cable car to Riyueping to visit the Yin-Yang Boundary, famous for its climate division and rich high-altitude flora. Hike down through forested trails, viewing various species of rhododendrons, primulas, and other spring flowers. In the evening, unwind with a hot springs experience at Huashuiwan.

Overnight: Howard Johnson Hot Spring Resort Huashuiwan or similar

D4 Emei Mountain - Lower and Mid-Altitude Flora Observation, Ascend to Golden Summit. Meals: BLD

In the morning, drive to Emei Mountain and begin exploring its lower altitudes, known for early-blooming primulas. Continue to mid-altitude areas to search for the rare dove tree (Davidia involucrata), famed for its "dove-like" blossoms. Ascend by cable car to the Golden Summit and enjoy the evening at this scenic high-altitude retreat.

Overnight: Golden Summit Hotel Emei Mountain or similar

D5 Golden Summit Sunrise and Rhododendron Exploration, View Leshan Buddha. Meals: BLD

Rise early to witness the sunrise from the Golden Summit. After breakfast, explore the high-altitude rhododendron varieties in bloom. Descend the mountain by cable car and, during the return drive to Chengdu, enjoy a scenic view of the Leshan Giant Buddha from across the Min River. In the evening, celebrate with a farewell dinner.

Overnight: Tianfu Airport Enjoy Hotel Chengdu or similar

D6 Chengdu Departure. Meals: B

After breakfast, you’ll have free time for last-minute explorations before being transferred to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport for your departure, concluding this memorable botanical journey through Sichuan.

We will arrange one of our WildFloraTour experts for this trip based on the focus of this trip. All our experts have rich experiences of guiding tours in this region. The following are some of our best local guides for your references.

Cory Li      WildFloraTour plant expert

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.

Ke Huang      WildFloraTour plant expert

Huang Ke, who graduated with a master's degree from Sichuan University, joined a local NGO after graduation, dedicating himself to environmental protection and biological resource surveys. Through years of study and fieldwork, he has gained a profound understanding of the diverse animals and plants in Southwest China. His work has taken him to remote forests, high-altitude meadows, and pristine river valleys, where he has documented rare species and contributed valuable ecological data.In addition to his field research, Huang Ke actively participated in the editing of several nature-related books, including the "Wild Bird Cartoon Guide" series, Between the Forest and the Sea, Picture of Giant Pandas, and Chengdu Nature Notes, which aim to enhance public awareness of biodiversity and conservation. His botanical research has also led to the discovery and publication of new plant species, such as Primula xilingensis and Primula meishanensis, enriching scientific knowledge of China’s flora. His passion for nature continues to drive his efforts in research, conservation, and education.

Ray      WildFloraTour plant expert

Ray graduated from Leshan Normal University, majoring in plant science. As an expert at WildFlora, Ray is responsible for the daily operations of WildFloraTour. He possesses a profound passion for nature, which prompted him to resign from his job in his hometown of Deyang and relocate to Chengdu to pursue his dreams and join WildFloraTour. Having specialized in botanical studies during his university years, Ray has acquired a distinct advantage in his work, affording him opportunities to discover endemic species and make thrilling new findings. Additionally, Ray is an avid photographer who captures the ephemeral beauty of nature, preserving invaluable moments that inspire others to appreciate the wonders of the natural world. At WildFloraTour, he collaborates with a team of plant specialists to design customized tours that cater to the individual interests of each traveler who has keen interests in plants. Whether it involves botanical exploration, cultural immersion, or wildlife safaris, Ray and his team strive to provide a comprehensive and immersive experience that fosters a deeper connection with nature.

Bella      WildFloraTour bird and mammal expert

Bella, the director of AlpineBirding, was graduated from Sichuan Agricultural University with a Bachelor's Degree. She joined AlpineBirding in early 2016 and became the director of AlpineBirding in 2018. She was born and grown up in a Bai ethnic family in Yunnan Province which boasts of the largest number of bird species in China. Her interests toward birds started with her observation of a Long-tailed Minivet in her mom’s garden at a very young age. As she grows up, the interests and love toward birds become stronger and stronger. Because of that, she found AlpineBirding before graduation and joined the company for further learning of birds. Bella has guided a number of birding trips in cooperation with AlpineBirding guide in the past years, her passion, readiness to help and detail-oriented attitude have won her lots of praise from our clients. She takes great pride in the work she is doing, now she is ready to help you plan your best birding trip in China in cooperation with her colleagues.

Karen       WildFloraTour logistic expert

Karen Lin is a native of Chengdu, Sichuan province. She loves and knows the culture of her hometown well, such as ancient Shu civilization, folk customs and ancient Chinese poetry.She has over 14 years' experience in foreign affairs service and tourism. She is familiar with the whole process of group operation. She is always good at thinking and full of ideas, and always gives the guests a warm experience with the special attention and consideration.Karen loves birds and enjoys go out for birding with the team, sometimes, she works as assistant for the group. She likes nature and is good at parent-child natural activities and education. In addition, she has long devoted herself to public welfare, especially caring for the elderly and disabled people, environmental protection, and reading promotion. She organizes and participates in a number of related volunteer work. She is a passionate and intelligent member of our team.

Philip      WildFloraTour culture and bird expert

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.