For real travelers, plant lovers, and photographers, Sichuan Province in western China is an unparalleled destination where they can experience diverse ethnic cultures, breathtaking scenery, and discover the rare plants they have long dreamed of seeing in their natural habitats. This region boasts vast, varied landscapes, different climate zones, and an incredible wealth of plant species. From the dense forests of Labahe to the glacial terrains of Hailuogou, this itinerary is crafted to immerse you in the wonders that have inspired generations of explorers and naturalists.

Our journey begins in Chengdu, the vibrant capital of Sichuan and the main gateway to western China. We set off towards Labahe Scenic Area, known for its rich wildlife, striking landscapes, and rare flora such as Rhododendron and other native blooms. This area provides a glimpse into Sichuan’s verdant mountains and hidden natural treasures.

Next, we venture to Hailuogou Scenic Area, renowned for its majestic glaciers, lush primeval forests, and unique ecosystems. Here, the towering ice waterfall and diverse plant life present an extraordinary scene for photography. The journey continues through Danba, with its famous Jiaju Tibetan Village that epitomizes the region’s architectural and cultural heritage, and on to the expansive Hongyuan Grasslands, where wildflowers bloom amidst nomadic Tibetan culture and roaming yak herds.

Further exploration takes us to the awe-inspiring Huanglong Scenic Area, famed for its terraced travertine pools and the Five-Colored Pool, surrounded by high-altitude meadows and alpine flowers. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a mesmerizing blend of vibrant plant life and geological wonders.

From Huanglong, we proceed to Dujiangyan Panda Valley, a sanctuary dedicated to panda conservation where travelers can observe these beloved creatures in a serene, natural environment. The itinerary also includes the scenic Xiling Snow Mountain, known for its panoramic views and rich plant biodiversity. The mountain's slopes are adorned with wildflowers, forests, and striking alpine features, offering excellent photography opportunities.

The journey concludes with a return to Chengdu, allowing time for urban exploration and a final taste of the city’s culture. This 12-day experience is designed to showcase the unparalleled natural beauty, cultural richness, and botanical diversity of western China, making it an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and cultural explorers alike.

Trip Highlights:

1. Hike Xiling Snow Mountain to enjoy alpine flowers and panoramic views.

2. Explore Huanglong Valley’s colorful pools and unique wildflowers.

3. Experience Tibetan and Qiang cultures in their traditional heartlands.

4. Spot rare and endemic plants across diverse habitats.

5. View the Leshan Giant Buddha from a scenic riverboat.

6. Observe giant pandas at Dujiangyan Panda Valley.

7. Discover Labahe Nature Reserve’s serene landscapes and wildlife.

The cost includes the following:

The cost does not include the following:

D1: Arrival in Chengdu. Meals: D

We arrive at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport and meet our tour guide. We'll be transferred to our hotel to check in. In the evening, we enjoy a welcome dinner featuring local delicacies and attend a briefing to prepare for the exciting journey ahead.

Overnight at Chengdu Jiuyanqiao Yue Shang Licheng Hotel

D2: Chengdu – Labahe. Meals: BLD

We depart for Labahe in the morning. In the afternoon, we take a hike along the Eastern Trail to observe wildflowers and spot deer in their natural habitat. The trail offers opportunities to explore the vibrant flora and wildlife of this pristine region. Today we may see Berneuxia thibetica, Deutzia longifolia, Epipactis mairei, Dysosma versipellis, and Bletilla ochracea.

Overnight at Labahe Blue Crystal Hotel

D3: Labahe – Hailuogou. Meals: BLD

In the morning, we explore the Western Trail of Labahe. A scenic shuttle ride takes us to the mountain peak, followed by a descent along paths featuring Red Stone Beach, Panda Walkway, and Deer Lake, perfect for flower photography. In the afternoon, we drive to Hailuogou and check into our hotel. Today we may see Rhododendron orbiculare, Rhododendron faberi, Rhododendron oreodoxa, Euonymus frigidus, and Saxifraga epiphylla.

Overnight at Hailuogou Yixiyun Shanyeming Inn (Yanzi Valley branch)

D4: Hailuogou. Meals: BLD

We spend the day hiking in Hailuogou, starting at Camp 2 and trekking to Camp 3, which takes about an hour. The route offers stunning glacier views and untouched primeval forests. Alternatively, we take a shuttle bus to Camp 3 for a more relaxed experience. Today we may see Monotropastrum humile, various Cypripedium species, Rhododendron varieties, Rheum alexandrae, Primula species, Paris polyphylla, Oreorchis angustata, Meconopsis integrifolia, Gymnadenia crassinervis, Galearis species, Bletilla formosana, Calanthe alpina, Goodyera biflora, Neottianthe cucullata, and Gagea ixiolirioides.

Overnight at Hailuogou Yixiyun Shanyeming Inn (Yanzi Valley branch)

D5: Hailuogou – Danba. Meals: BLD

We drive to Danba, passing through Yajiageng and Yumolu Road. We stop along the way to admire and photograph mountain flowers that flourish in this region. Today we may see Cassiope selaginoides, Galearis spathulata, Chamerion conspersum, Gymnadenia crassinervis, Herminium monorchis, Platanthera chlorantha, and Ponerorchis simplex.

Overnight at Danba Jinhe Hotel

D6: Danba – Maerkang – Hongyuan. Meals: BLD

We travel from Danba to Hongyuan, stopping along riverbanks to capture beautiful flower scenes and experience the vibrant lifestyle of the Jiarong Tibetan community. We transition from mountainous terrain to the grasslands of the Tibetan Plateau, where wildflowers bloom among grazing yaks. Today we may see Sinopodophyllum hexandrum, various Meconopsis and Pedicularis species.

Overnight at Hongyuan Delang Boutique Hotel

D7: Hongyuan – Huanglong. Meals: BLD

We cross Xueshanliang Pass, stopping to photograph alpine flowers and breathtaking mountain views before continuing to Huanglong Nature Reserve. Today we may see Cypripedium shanxiense, Cypripedium franchetii, Meconopsis henrici, Dactylorhiza viridis, Meconopsis huanglongensis, and Pedicularis davidii.

Overnight at Huanglong Selcsa International Hotel

D8: Huanglong. Meals: BLD

In the morning, we take a cable car to the upper section of Huanglong. We hike to the Five-Colored Pool through dense coniferous forests, searching for wildflowers along the way. In the afternoon, we descend along the travertine streams while capturing more floral beauty and the area's striking geological formations. Today we may see Cypripedium flavum, Cypripedium calcicola, Cypripedium bardolphianum, Cypripedium tibeticum, Calanthe delavayi, Corallorhiza trifida, Calypso bulbosa, Cremastra appendiculata, Tipularia szechuanica, Oreorchis fargesii, and Oreorchis nana.

Overnight at Huanglong Selcsa International Hotel

D9: Huanglong – Dujiangyan. Meals: BLD

We drive to Dujiangyan, enjoying scenic stops along the way for landscape and roadside photography.

Overnight at Dujiangyan Bailun International Hotel

D10: Dujiangyan – Xiling Snow Mountain. Meals: BLD

We visit Panda Valley in the morning to observe giant pandas in their natural environment and learn about conservation efforts. In the afternoon, we travel to Xiling Snow Mountain, take a cable car up, and explore its flower-filled trails and diverse forested zones.

Overnight at Xiling Snow Mountain Yingshui Hotel

D11: Xiling Snow Mountain – Chengdu. Meals: BLD

We spend the morning hiking downhill from the Yin-Yang Border, capturing stunning plant and landscape photographs. We return to Chengdu in the afternoon for free time to explore or shop. Today we may see Cremastra appendiculata, Dactylorhiza viridis, Cypripedium flavum, Calanthe davidii, Dysosma versipellis, Calanthe tricarinata, andvarious Arisaema species.

Overnight at Chengdu Jiuyanqiao Yue Shang Licheng Hotel

D12: Departure from Chengdu. Meals: B

We transfer to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport for our departure.

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.