4-Day Sichuan Heritage Tour of Leshan, Emei Mountain & Jiuzhaigou

Summary

Day 1 Chengdu-Leshan-Emei: Drive to Leshan, Leshan Giant Buddha,Drive to Emei, stay the night at Emei
Day 2 Emei-Chengdu: Mount Emei(Golden Summit), Drive Back to Chengdu, stay the night at Chengdu
Day 3 Chengdu-Jiuzhaigou: High-speed Train to Jiuzhaigou,Jiuzhaigou Senic Area, stay the night at Jiuzhaigou
Day 4 Jiuzhaigou-Chengdu: Jiuzhaigou Senic Area, Train back to Chengdu

Day 1 Chengdu-Leshan-Emei

Upon your arrival in Chengdu, your personal guide and driver—holding a “Your Way Holiday” sign—will warmly welcome you at your designated meeting point, whether it's the airport, train station, or your hotel. After assisting with luggage and confirming the tour details, you’ll enjoy a comfortable ride to your first destination. Over the next four days, you’ll journey through Sichuan’s three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: witness the awe-inspiring Leshan Giant Buddha carved into a riverside cliff, explore the sacred peaks and monasteries of Mount Emei, and marvel at Jiuzhaigou’s crystal-clear alpine lakes and cascading waterfalls. 

Upon arrival of Leshan, embark on a guided walk along the scenic trails surrounding the Buddha, descending the narrow cliffside steps for an up-close look at this 71-meter-high marvel carved directly into the mountainside during the Tang Dynasty. Your guide will share insights into its historical context, spiritual significance, and the ingenious drainage system that has preserved it for centuries. As you admire the Buddha’s serene expression and monumental scale, you’ll also learn about the Buddhist belief in harmony between man and nature.

For a different perspective, board a short river cruise for panoramic views of the Giant Buddha from the water. This angle offers a dramatic reveal of the colossal figure nestled between two cliffs. Your guide will point out the three rivers merging below—Minjiang, Dadu, and Qingyi—and explain how the statue was intended to calm their turbulent confluence to protect passing ships. After this awe-inspiring visit, continue your journey to Emei town, where your guide will assist with hotel check-in and offer local dining suggestions or optional evening cultural shows.

Day 2 Emei-Chengdu

Today’s adventure takes you to the sacred Mount Emei, one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China. With your guide, begin your journey up the mountain by shuttle bus and cable car, reaching the renowned Golden Summit (Jinding). Here, at over 3,000 meters, marvel at the golden, multi-faced Puxian Bodhisattva statue and enjoy sweeping views of cloud seas, snow-capped peaks, and ancient temple roofs. Your guide will explain the deep religious importance of the summit to pilgrims and highlight key historical landmarks, including the Huazang Temple.

As you descend, explore some of Emei’s mid-mountain sites with your guide, such as the Wannian Temple or Qingyin Pavilion, where winding paths are lined with centuries-old trees and roaming Tibetan macaques. These stops offer a peaceful atmosphere and insight into Buddhist practices and mountain ecology. In the late afternoon, relax as your driver takes you back to Chengdu. Upon arrival, your guide will help you check into your hotel and provide recommendations for dinner or cultural experiences like Sichuan opera or hotpot dining.

Day 3 Chengdu-Jiuzhaigou

Early in the morning, take a high-speed train from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou. Your guide will assist with station transfers and all train formalities. After arriving in Jiuzhaigou, meet your local guide and head directly to Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its emerald lakes, waterfalls, and Tibetan villages. Begin your tour at Shuzheng Valley, where a series of terraced lakes like Shuzheng and Tiger Lakes reflect autumn leaves or snowy forests depending on the season. Your guide will describe the geology and local legends behind these vibrant waters.

Continue to Rize Valley, home to Pearl Shoal Waterfall, which flows across a wide travertine terrace in dazzling cascades. With its bright pools and rushing waters, it's one of the park’s most photogenic spots. Your guide will tailor the route to avoid crowds and optimize your time, sharing stories and fun facts along the way. End the day with a short visit to Shuanglong Lake or another hidden gem before returning to your hotel in Jiuzhaigou. Your guide can also help with local dinner reservations or suggest a Tibetan-style cultural performance in the evening.

Day 4 Jiuzhaigou-Chengdu

Spend your final day continuing the exploration of Jiuzhaigou’s natural wonders. Visit the iconic Nuorilang Waterfall, one of the widest highland waterfalls in China, where your guide will explain the cultural symbolism and name origins from the Tibetan language. Next, visit the enchanting Five-Color Pond, a small but vividly colored lake famous for its surreal shades of turquoise and green. Surrounded by limestone cliffs and prayer flags, this tranquil spot is ideal for peaceful reflection and photos.

End your tour with a trip to Long Lake, the largest and deepest in the park, formed by glacial activity and revered by local Tibetans. Your guide will share its spiritual significance and point out native plant life unique to the alpine climate. After soaking in Jiuzhaigou’s serene beauty one last time, your guide and driver will escort you to the train station. Take the high-speed train back to Chengdu, where your trip concludes upon arrival.

Price Per Person in US Dollars