Overview
Trade the crowded city for the raw grandeur of Western Sichuan on this curated 3-day private journey.
Your adventure begins with an intimate encounter at the Wolong Shenshuping Panda Reserve, where giant pandas roam in a natural alpine sanctuary. From there, you will journey deep into the rugged landscapes of Mount Siguniang. Spend a full day exploring the dramatic boardwalks and pristine forests of either Changping Valley or Shuangqiao Valley.
This private vehicle tour combines flexible day-hiking with seamless door-to-door comfort. It’s perfect for travelers who are seeking a tranquil, crowd-free mountain escape.
Highlights
- Watch giant pandas in a peaceful mountain setting far less crowded than urban sanctuaries.
- Marvel at the snow-capped peaks of Mount Siguniang from the panoramic Maobiliang Viewpoint.
- Enjoy a light day hike in either Changping Valley or Shuangqiaogou Valley.
Itinerary
Day 1: Chengdu → Wolong Shenshuping Panda Base → Rilong Town
The Experience:
In the early morning, we depart from Chengdu in our private vehicle for the rising peaks of western Sichuan.
Our first major stop is the Wolong Shenshuping Panda Base, located within the Wolong National Nature Reserve. This sanctuary replicates their true alpine habitat, offering a remarkably serene and natural encounter.
After lunch, we navigate the dramatic, winding highway up toward Balangshan. As we climb, you will watch the lush greenery transform into rugged alpine meadows.
We will stop at the spectacular Maobiliang Viewpoint to capture your first breathtaking view of Mount Siguniang’s four jagged peaks.
By late afternoon, we descend safely into Rilong Town at 3,100 meters, checking into your hotel for a relaxed evening of acclimatization.
Highlights
- Watch giant pandas thrive in an authentic
- First panoramic view of Siguniang Mountain
Tip
- Drink plenty of water, avoid sudden physical exertion on your first day
- Overnight: Rilong Town
Day 2: Siguniang Mountain Hiking
The Experience:
Today is dedicated to hiking in Mount Siguniang. The scenic area contains three valleys:
- Shuangqiao Valley: Easiest for sightseeing and relaxed walks
- Changping Valley: Best for immersive hiking
- Haizi Valley: More remote and physically demanding trekking
Depending on your interests and fitness level, we have two hiking styles to choose from:
Option 1: Shuangqiao Valley Hiking
This option is more relaxed while still offering stunning scenery.
A sightseeing bus takes you directly to Hongshanlin near the upper valley, where you can slowly hike downhill through forests, streams, meadows, and snow mountain viewpoints.
The best hiking section is: Hongshanlin → Potala Peak (5.5–6 km)
Most travelers spend 3–5 leisurely hours exploring the valley.
Option 2: Changping Valley Hiking
Route: Entrance → Lama Temple → Xiaganhaizi → Shangganhaizi → Hongshizhen → Muluozi
The full round-trip hike is approximately 22 km and usually takes 6–8 hours.
This is the more adventurous choice and ideal for travelers who want a true mountain hiking experience. Besides, horse riding services are available in parts of the valley for travelers who prefer to save energy.
After hiking, your driver will transfer you back to the hotel.
Highlights
- Flexible hiking choices for different fitness levels
- Alpine scenery and glacier valleys
Tips
- Wear layered clothing and comfortable hiking shoes
- Walk slowly and avoid overexertion at altitude.
- Overnight: Rilong Town
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Siguniang Mountain → Chengdu
The Experience:
After breakfast, we take our private vehicle for the scenic drive back to Chengdu.
In the afternoon, we will transfer you to your hotel in the center of the city and end our journey.
- Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
- Rilong Town: 2 Nights
We will stay in Riling Town, a small Tibetan village at the foot Siguniang Mountain. We carefully select boutique Tibetan-style hotels featuring modern heating, reliable hot water, and oxygen facilities.
Meanwhile, we provide 100% tailor-made accommodation options ranging from rustic local guesthouses to luxury alpine resorts based entirely on your preferences.
Cost
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver throughout the journey
- Expert English-speaking local guide
- First entrance fees for all listed attractions, including Shenshuping Panda Base, Siguniang Mountain (Shuangqiao Valley or Changping Valley)
- Park sightseeing bus in Siguniang Mountain
- 2 nights of hand-picked accommodation with breakfast
Excluded
- International or domestic flights to Chengdu
- Lunches and dinners
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities for guide and driver
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Transportation
This itinerary uses a private vehicle throughout the entire journey, offering a much more flexible and comfortable experience compared with public transportation or fixed group tours.
Depending on your group size, we typically arrange:
- Comfortable 5–7 seat vehicles for couples, families, or small groups
- Spacious business vans for larger groups
Inside Mount Siguniang, local sightseeing shuttle buses are used according to park regulations.
Essential Tips
- Rilong Town sits at roughly 3,100 meters (10,170 feet). Drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous running on day one, and save the deep hikes for day two.
- Mountain weather shifts rapidly. Bring windproof jackets, a fleece layer, and sturdy hiking shoes with solid traction.
- Pandas are most active during their morning feeding times (between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM). We depart Chengdu early to catch them at their liveliest.
Gallery
FAQ
Which valley is better to visit, Changpinggou or Shuangqiaogou?
Shuangqiaogou is fully accessible with wooden boardwalks and scenic bus stops at every major highlight, making it ideal for photography and relaxed walks. Changpinggou requires more physical hiking or horse riding on dirt paths, offering a closer look at the base of the snow peaks and a wilder, more traditional trekking feel.
Is altitude sickness common on this specific itinerary?
Because the drive from Chengdu climbs over mountain passes before settling into Rilong Town at 3,100 meters, some travelers may feel minor headaches or lightheadedness. Our private vehicles carry oxygen canisters, and our itinerary is specifically paced slowly on the first day to give your body ample time to acclimatize naturally.
