Overview
This 8-day journey connects two of China’s most beautiful and culturally rich regions: Sichuan and Guangxi.
Begin in Chengdu, home of giant pandas and relaxed teahouse culture. Visit the famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and explore historic Jinli Old Street.
Continue to the majestic Leshan Giant Buddha and sacred Mount Emei, where misty peaks and the Golden Summit create unforgettable views.
Then fly to Guilin to admire the stunning Longji Rice Terraces, cruise the scenic Li River, and unwind in picturesque Yangshuo.
This route is ideal for travelers who want wildlife, UNESCO heritage, dramatic scenery, and authentic cultural encounters, all in one smooth itinerary.
Highlights
- Meet adorable giant pandas in Chengdu
- Visit the 71-meter-tall Leshan Giant Buddha (UNESCO site)
- Experience sunrise or cloud seas at Mount Emei’s Golden Summit
- Walk through Ping’an Village in the Longji Rice Terraces
- Cruise the Li River through iconic karst landscapes
- Cycle or stroll through Yangshuo countryside
- Explore classic Guilin landmarks before departure
Itinerary
Day 1: Chengdu Airport → Hotel
The Experience:
Welcome to Chengdu, the relaxed capital of Sichuan Province.
Upon arrival, your private guide and driver will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel.
The rest of the day is free to recover from your journey. You may choose to explore nearby streets, enjoy a cup of Sichuan tea, or simply rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.
- Overnight: Chengdu
Day 2: Chengdu Panda Base → Jinli Old Street
The Experience:
Start your day at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, arriving early when pandas are most active. Watch them eating bamboo, climbing trees, and playing. It’s an unforgettable wildlife moment.
In the afternoon, explore Jinli Old Street. Traditional architecture, handicrafts, and Sichuan snacks create a lively cultural atmosphere. It’s a wonderful place to experience local heritage.
Highlights:
- Close encounter with giant pandas
- Cultural exploration of historic Chengdu
- Authentic Sichuan snacks and souvenirs
Tips:
- Morning visits offer the best panda activity.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes.
The Experience:
Visit the world-famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in the morning when pandas are most active.
Later, stroll through the People’s Park and enjoy traditional tea culture.
Continue to Jinli Old Street to see Qing-style architecture and taste authentic Sichuan snacks.
Highlights:
- Close-up panda experience
- Traditional tea house culture
- Historic streets and local flavors
Tips:
- Arrive early at the panda base to avoid crowds.
- Comfortable walking shoes recommended.
- Overnight: Chengdu
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Chengdu → Leshan → Mount Emei
The Experience:
Travel to Leshan to see the majestic Leshan Giant Buddha, carved into a cliff face at the confluence of three rivers. Standing 71 meters tall, it is the largest ancient stone Buddha in the world.
In the late afternoon, continue onward to Mount Emei, one of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains, and check into the hotel. The peaceful forest environment and mountain air offer a refreshing change of pace.
Highlights:
- UNESCO World Heritage Buddha statue
Tips:
- Walking down to the Buddha’s feet involves stairs. Take your time.
- Overnight: Emei
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Mount Emei → Golden Summit → Chengdu
The Experience:
Ascend Mount Emei by sightseeing bus and cable car to the Golden Summit. If the weather permits, admire sweeping mountain views, seas of clouds, and distant peaks. The golden statue of Samantabhadra glows impressively against the sky.
After exploration, return to Chengdu by private transfer.
Highlights:
- Golden Summit panorama
- Buddhist temple atmosphere
- Scenic mountain landscapes
Tips:
- Temperatures are cooler at the summit. Bring layers.
- Early departure helps avoid crowds.
- Overnight: Chengdu
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Chengdu → Guilin (Domestic Flight) → Longsheng
The Experience:
Fly south to Guilin, then transfer to Longsheng County. As you approach the Longji area, terraced rice fields begin to unfold across the hillsides like ribbons.
Enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by mountain villages.
Highlights:
- First view of Longji Rice Terraces
- Village atmosphere
Tips:
- Roads to Longsheng are winding; motion sickness medication may help.
- Pack light for terrace walking.
- Overnight: Guilin
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Ping’an Village → Longji Rice Terraces → Guilin
The Experience:
Explore Ping’an Village within the Longji Rice Terraces. Walk along stone paths through layered rice fields that change color with the seasons, green in summer, golden in autumn.
Return to Guilin in the afternoon.
Highlights:
- Iconic terrace viewpoints
- Minority village culture
Tips:
- The best photos are taken from higher viewpoints.
- Wear non-slip shoes.
- Overnight: Guilin
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Li River Cruise → Yangshuo Countryside → West Street
The Experience:
Board a cruise along the breathtaking Li River. Limestone peaks rise dramatically from the water, forming one of China’s most iconic landscapes.
Arrive in Yangshuo and explore the countryside by bike or leisure walk. End the day at lively West Street.
Highlights:
- Li River karst scenery
- Peaceful rural landscapes
- Yangshuo’s vibrant atmosphere
Tips:
- Keep your camera ready during the cruise.
- Consider cycling for a deeper countryside experience
- Overnight: Yangshuo
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 8: Elephant Trunk Hill → Reed Flute Cave → Airport
The Experience:
Before departure, visit Elephant Trunk Hill, the symbol of Guilin, and explore the colorful stalactites of Reed Flute Cave.
Transfer to the Guilin airport for your onward journey.
Highlights:
- Guilin’s iconic landmark
- Underground limestone cave
- Smooth airport transfer
Tips:
- Confirm flight time in advance for proper scheduling.
- Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
- Chengdu: 3 Nights
- Emei: 1 Night
- Guilin: 2 Nights
- Yangshuo: 1 Night
We provide 100% tailor-made service. If you prefer boutique stays, luxury 5-star hotels, or charming guesthouses in Yangshuo, your travel consultant will help customize the perfect accommodation plan for you.
Cost
Included
- Private driver & air-conditioned vehicle in the city
- Domestic flight (Chengdu–Guilin)
- Airport transfers
- Professional English-speaking guide'
- Hotel accommodation (7 nights)
- Breakfast at hotels
- All entrance tickets listed
- Li River cruise ticket
- Cable car at Mount Emei
Excluded
- International flights
- Personal expenses
- Visa fees
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Optional activities
- Gratuities
Transportation
- Private airport transfers in Chengdu and Guilin
- Private vehicle for all land tours
- High-quality domestic flight (Chengdu → Guilin)
- Scenic Li River cruise boat
- Mount Emei sightseeing bus + cable car
- All transportation is arranged for comfort and efficiency.
Essential Tips
- Chengdu cuisine is spicy; inform your guide of dietary needs
- Bring comfortable walking shoes for terraces and mountain areas
- Pack layers, weather differs between Sichuan and Guilin
- Early starts help avoid crowds at major attractions
Gallery
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes. It combines wildlife, scenery, and light walking, suitable for most age groups.
Can we upgrade hotels?
Absolutely. We offer flexible accommodation options from boutique to luxury.
Is Mount Emei difficult to climb?
No. Most of the journey uses sightseeing buses and cable cars.
Can this itinerary be shortened or extended?
Yes. We can adjust days or add destinations such as Zhangjiajie or Xi’an.
Is the Li River cruise private?
Standard cruises are shared. Private upgrades are available upon request.
