Sichuan Explorer
China tour information
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| Pandas | Buddhist Site | Beautiful Scenery | Temples & Palaces | UNESCO World Heritage | Shopping |
Mountains, Lakes & Pandas
14 days from £2190
Sichuan Province is the natural habitat of the Giant Panda and we observe these magnificent creatures at the famous reserve in Chengdu. This area has so much to offer from holy Mt Emei to Buddhist Dazu and the beauty of Nine Villages Valley. This is a fabulous tour for the connoisseur or second-time visitor to China.
This tour reaches a maximum altitude of 3,500m at Huanglong Temple
N.B. The tour was formally known as "Land of the Panda"
Days 1-2 : UK – Chengdu
Fly overnight via Hong Kong to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. Enjoy a delicious Sichuan meal in the evening.
Day 3 : Chengdu – Dazu
Travel to the small and rural town of Dazu. In the afternoon, we see some of the most fascinating rock carvings in the world – the Beishan Frescoes, which are a UNESCO world heritage site.
Day 4 : Dazu – Chengdu
We visit the magnificent Baodin stone carvings, which are a series of Chinese religious sculptures and carvings, depicting and influenced by Buddhist, Confucian and Taoist beliefs. Often compared to other great Buddhist cave sculptures at Dunhuang, Luoyang and Datong; these sculptures date from the Tang Dynasty (9th century) to the Song Dynasty (13th century). The thousands of exquisitely carved and painted figures form a graceful horseshoe round the mountainside. After lunch, we return to Chengdu.
Day 5 : Leshan–– Mt Emei
Travel to Leshan to visit the Grand Buddha, the world’s largest stonecarved Buddhist statue. We take a short boat trip to view the statue from the river. The carving of the Buddha into the side of Lingyun Mountain began in 713AD and was completed in 803AD. After lunch, continue to Mt Emei (Emeishan) – a UNESCO world heritage site, one of China’s most picturesque mountains and the highest of the four sacred Buddhist mountains in China. We stay in the area for two nights.
Day 6 : Mt Emei
We spend the day exploring the magnificent mountain and mingle with the locals and the many pilgrims that pay homage to this holy site. Mt Emei once had more than 100 monasteries and occupies an area of more than 300 square kilometers. The mountain is known for its steep cliffs, lofty peaks, roaring waterfalls, gurgling springs, towering trees and fragrant flowers.
Day 7 : Mt Emei – Chengdu
Return to Chengdu and stay overnight.
Day 8 : Chengdu – Mianyang
Visit the famous Panda Reserve to see these adorable animals being reared in wooded surroundings reminiscent of their natural habitat. We also explore a local bamboo park. Later we visit the Sanxingdui Museum before continuing to Mianyang, which houses pieces of ceramics, jade, bronze and gold.
Days 9-10 : Mianyang – Nine Villages Valley
Travel by coach 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 dense forests are dotted with colourful flowers. The entire valley presents a seemingly never-ending display of stunning natural scenery that will inspire any budding photographer. We stay in the area for two nights.
Day 11 : Nine Villages Valley – Jiangyou
Travel by coach to Huanglong, which is renowned for its hundreds of sparkling mineral pools where beautiful colours intertwine and the waters cascade down the mountainside. We have the option to take a cable car or walk past the many waterfalls to visit Huanglong Temple at the head of the valley. After lunch, we continue to the rural town of Jiangyou.
Day 12 : Jiangyou – Chengdu
Return to Chengdu and stay overnight.
Days 13-14 : Chengdu – UK
Fly overnight to the UK via Hong Kong, arriving home the following day. N.B. Varying road conditions in Sichuan Province may require an alternative route to be taken to Nine Villages Valley or flights may be used.
Dates and Prices
Tour departs Sunday and returns Saturday
- Prices are fully inclusive from the UK and based on London Heathrow departures
- Regional connections to London Heathrow are available at a supplement
- World Traveller Plus supplement from £680pp
- Other flight upgrades available on request
- Land only from £1,790pp (Chengdu - Chengdu)
- Single supplement from £390 (no supplement if you are willing to share)
- Tipping payable locally US$60pp
Hainan Island - 6D/5N
Day 1: Arrive Sanya
Transfer from Sanya Airport to the five-star Crowne Plaza Hotel at Yalong Bay. Hainan Island is located off the southern coast of China and lying at a similar latitude to Hawaii. The island enjoys a year-round tropical climate with an average temperature of between 22-26 ºC.(B)
Days 2-5: Sanya
Spend the next four days at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities, stroll along the beautiful beach or further explore Hainan Island. Visit the Tropical Wildlife Park which is home to the 'Macaque' monkey, experience the many watersports on offer such as snorkelling, water-skiing and parasailing or play a round of golf. All activities are optional and paid locally. (B)
Day 6: Depart Sanya
Transfer from your hotel to Sanya Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Hotel Information:
Crowne Plaza Hotel at Yalong Bay
With its beachfront location, this tropical delight has all modern amenities. Facilities at the hotel include Café Trio with its open concept kitchens and poolside setting serving Chinese, Japanese and Italian cuisine, a Thai restaurant and a Seafood restaurant. The Havana Bar features tapas, exotic cocktails and live music. There is also a pool bar and a lobby lounge. Other facilities at the hotel include an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, Tea Tree Spa with sauna and jacuzzi and a gift shop. The hotel boasts 463 comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, satellite TV with DVD player, tea/coffee making facilities, mini-bar, hairdryer and a safe deposit box.
Price from £ 410.00pp
Other Supplement from:
Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation
Single supplement from £390
Sole passenger price from £800
Includes: accommodation, local transportation and meals as stated
Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping
Hong Kong Extension - 4D/3N
Day 1: Arrive Hong Kong
Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Hong Kong.
Day 2: Hong Kong
Enjoy a half day island tour visiting Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, Aberdeen Fishing Village and an optional sampan ride (paid locally). The afternoon is at leisure. (B)
Day 3: Hong Kong
Enjoy the day at leisure to further explore Hong Kong. (B)
Day 4: Depart Hong Kong
Transfer to Hong Kong Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Hotel Prices:
BP International 3*+ star from £260pp
Park Hotel 4* from £290pp
Harbour Grand Kowloon 4*+ from £390pp
Intercontinental Grand Stanford 5* from £390pp
Price from £ 260.00pp
Other Supplement from:
Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation
Single supplement from £160
Sole passenger price from £420
Includes: accommodation, local transportation, touring, entrance fees, guides and meals as stated
Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping
Hong Kong & Lantau Island - 4D/3N
Day 1: Arrive Hong Kong
Transfer from Hong Kong Airport to your hotel.
Day 2: Hong Kong
Enjoy a half day island tour visiting Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, Aberdeen Fishing Village and an optional sampan ride (paid locally). The afternoon is at leisure. (B)
Day 3: Lantau Island
Travel by ferry across the Victoria Harbour to Silvermine Bay and visit beautiful Cheung Sha beach. This is followed by Tai O Fishing Village, where many homes are built on stilts. Then travel to Ngong Ping Plateau to see the Giant Buddha and explore Po Lin Monastery where you will enjoy a vegetarian lunch. Later, visit the culturally themed Ngong Ping Village before ending the day with a spectacular ride aboard the Skyrail cable car. (B,L) If the cable car is cancelled due to poor weather or any other reason, alternative transportation will be arranged.
Day 4: Depart Hong Kong
Transfer from your hotel to Hong Kong Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Hotel Prices:
BP International 3* from £350pp
Park Hotel 4* from £380pp
Harbour Grand Kowloon 4*+ from £480pp
Intercontinental Grand Stanford 5* from £480pp
Price from £ 350.00pp
Other Supplement from:
Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation
Single supplement from £160
Sole passenger price from £510
Includes: accommodation, local transportation, touring, entrance feels, guides and meals as stated
Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping
Hong Kong & Macau - 4D/3N
Day 1: Arrive Hong Kong
Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Hong Kong.
Day 2: Hong Kong
Enjoy a half day island tour visiting Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, Aberdeen Fishing Village and an optional sampan ride (paid locally). The afternoon is at leisure. (B)
Day 3: Macau
Transfer to the port for a hydrofoil ride across the Pearl River Estuary to Macau. Visit the sights of this former Portuguese colony including the ruins of the St. Paul Church, Ama Temple and Macau Museum (closed Mondays). There will also be the opportunity to visit one of the local casinos for which Macau is famous (minimum age 18). Return by hydrofoil to Hong Kong. (B,L)
Day 4: Depart Hong Kong
Transfer to Hong Kong Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Hotel Prices:
BP International 3* from £370pp
Park Hotel 4* from £400pp
Harbour Grand Kowloon 4*+ from £500pp
Intercontinental Grand Stanford 5* from £500pp
Price from £ 370.00pp
Other Supplement from:
Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation
Single supplement from £160
Sole passenger price from £530
Includes: accommodation, local transportation, touring, guides, entrance fees and meals as stated
Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping
Hong Kong Shopping - 4D/3N
Day 1: Arrive Hong Kong
Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Hong Kong.
Days 2-3: Hong Kong
Enjoy a two day shopping tour (5 hours per day) including Chinese Dim Sum lunches at local restaurants. During the two days, visit the Horizon Plaza, Aberdeen Fishing Market, Porcelain and Jewellery factories, Stanley Market, Jade Market and the Ladies’ Market. (B,L)
Day 4: Depart Hong Kong
Transfer to Hong Kong Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Hotel Prices:
BP International 3* from £390pp
Park Hotel 4* from £420pp
Harbour Grand Kowloon 4*+ from £520pp
Intercontinental Grand Stanford 5* from £520pp
Price from £ 390.00pp
Other Supplement from:
Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation
Single supplement from £160
Sole passenger price from £550
Includes: accommodation, local transportation, touring, entrance fees, guides and meals as stated
Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping
This document is designed to be read in conjunction with the other pre-departure information provided by Wendy Wu Tours including the tour itinerary as described in our brochure and/or website. It aims to provide a straightforward description of the physical activities involved in sightseeing or travelling during the tour.
If there are any particular challenges, from the length of time spent on your feet, the length of drives and flights, to the standard of remote accommodation for our more adventurous tours; they will be explained here.
All passengers must read this document to ensure the itinerary is suitable for their interests and physical capabilities. This is not your final itinerary and therefore does not mention all the sites visited. The order of sightseeing is subject to change.
| Sichuan Explorer Tour Dossier |
