Land of the Panda (Sichuan Explorer)From $4,525 - 14 Days - Fully Inclusive From New ZealandNo region of China offers such breathtaking and spectacular beauty in its scenery than the province of Sichuan. Located in southwest China, Sichuan is bordered by the Tibetan Plateau in the west, the Three Gorges and the Yangtze River in the east and the Yunnan Province to the south. Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan and it is here that we will also see one of the most important locations in the world for the conservation of the Giant Panda. Sichuan is known as the ‘Land of Abundance’ and has three places on the World Cultural and Natural Heritage List: Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area (Nine Villages Valley), Huang Long Valley and Mt Emei. Jiuzhaigou is a deep valley of stunning natural beauty, covering an area of approximately 620 square kilometres located in north Sichuan. It is a national park and has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The name Jiuzhaigou refers to the nine Tibetan villages that are situated in the valley where there is a variety of natural scenery - lakes, waterfalls, snowy mountains and lush green forests. Huang Long Valley has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. In 1992 it entered the ‘China World Cultural and Natural Heritage List’. It covers an area of about 700 square kilometres and has two parts: Huanglong and Muni Gorge. Mt Emei is similarly revered in China as one of the four most sacred Buddhist Mountains and a place of great beauty. Sichuan cuisine is one of the Eight Great Cuisines in China and is famous all over the world for its richness and variety. Characterised by spicy and pungent flavours, the style has a myriad of tastes and emphasises the use of chilli, red hot peppers and garlic. It’s said that one who doesn’t experience Sichuan food has never truly reached Sichuan! TOUR ITINERARYDays 1-2: New Zealand to ChengduFly with Singapore Airlines to Chengdu for a 2 night stay. Our welcome dinner will be a sumptuous Sichuan Banquet on day 2. Please note our first night in Chengdu is on bed & breakfast basis only. Day 3: Chengdu to DazuTravel to the small town of Dazu for an overnight stay. This afternoon we view some of the most remarkable frescoes in the world at Beishan. Day 4: Dazu to ChengduToday we view the Baodin Stone Carvings dating from the Tang Dynasty (9th Century) to the Song Dynasty (13th Century). This afternoon we return to Chengdu for an overnight stay. Day 5: Chengdu to Mt. Emei via LeshanTravel by coach to Mt. Emei, one of Buddhism’s most sacred and China’s most impressive mountains. En route we will explore Leshan’s Grand Buddha, an enormous statue carved into the side of the Lingyun Mountain. The Buddha is over 71 metres tall and is wide enough for more than 100 people to sit between its feet. From here we continue on to Mt. Emei. Upon arrival this evening we transfer to our hotel for a 2 night stay. Day 6: Mt. EmeiLocal legend has it that the mountain derived its name from two peaks that face each other and resemble eyebrows. The undulating peaks, covered with lush forests and green bamboo occupy an area of more than 300 square kilometres. Most of the monasteries and temples on Mt. Emei were built during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220AD), while others were added later. As a well-known Buddhist sanctuary, Mt. Emei once had more than 100 monasteries. The mountain is known for its steep cliffs, lofty peaks, roaring waterfalls, gurgling springs, towering trees and fragrant flowers. Today we explore the magnificent mountain and mingle with the locals and the many pilgrims that pay homage to this holy site. Day 7: Mt. Emei to ChengduWe depart Mt. Emei this morning and travel back to Chengdu by coach for an overnight stay. Day 8: Chengdu to MianyangVisit the famous Panda Research Centre to see these delightful animals being reared in surroundings reminiscent of their native habitat, as well as a local bamboo park. We will also visit the Sanxindui Museum before we contine our journey to Mianyang, a town within Sichuan Province for an overnight stay. Days 9-10: Mianyang to Nine Villages ValleyTravel to the breathtaking Nine Villages Valley (Jiuzhaigou), a botanical gallery that is heavily forested and home to many protected species. Entering the valley is like being transported into a different world, where crystal clear lakes gather at the foot of every waterfall and rich coloured forests are dotted with flowers. It is as if one of the world’s most beautiful silk scroll paintings unfolds along this scenic valley. We stay in the valley for 2 nights to further explore its beauty. Day 11: Nine Villages Valley to Mao CountyToday we journey by coach to Mao County. En route we visit the Huanglong Temple at the peak of the mountain. Huanglong, also called the ‘Five-Coloured Pools’, has some of Day 12: Mao County to ChengduToday we leave Mao County and return to Chengdu visiting the Dujiangyan Irrigation Project along the way. In the 3rd Century BC the project succeeded in capturing flood waters for use during the drought periods, linking this inaccessible region with the Grand Canal and the far corners of the kingdom. This was an incredible feat in China’s history, altering trade between the coast and Upon arrival in Chengdu we transfer to our hotel and check in for our final night in China. Day 13: Depart Chengdu to SingaporeEnjoy the morning at leisure before transferring to the airport to board our flight to Singapore. Upon arrival into Singapore we will be met and transferred to our hotel. Please note that only breakfast is included in Singapore. Day 14: Depart Singapore - Arrive New ZealandDepart Singapore - arriving home this evening. |
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Due to flight schedules, Christchurch passengers need to depart New Zealand one day earlier and take a Singapore stopover on the way to Chengdu, at their own expense. On their return to Christchurch, passengers will arrive one day later. This will extend the itinerary to 16 days. Travel Info
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Images from Land of the Panda (Sichuan Explorer)
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