About this Tour
This 12-day nature-focused journey reveals the wild beauty of Southwest China across Sichuan and Yunnan. In Sichuan, observe giant pandas at Panda Valley, a wilderness research and release center dedicated to giant panda conservation, and wander the lantern-lit lanes of Jinli Ancient Street and Kuanzhai Alley in Chengdu before exploring the UNESCO-listed landscapes of Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou, famed for their travertine terraces, alpine lakes, and waterfalls. Continuing south into Yunnan, the journey takes in the limestone pinnacles of the Stone Forest and the old towns of Dali, Shaxi, and Lijiang, where Bai and Naxi cultural traditions remain part of everyday life. The journey concludes amid some of the region’s most dramatic scenery, from Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Blue Moon Valley to the towering cliffs of Tiger Leaping Gorge.
4CanGo Small Group Program
Our 4CanGo departures are confirmed to operate as soon as four guests are booked, with a maximum of ten travelers per departure. Once the minimum is met, your trip goes ahead, so you can plan with confidence and enjoy the attentive pace that only a small group allows.
Online booking is set up for parties of four or more. If you are traveling solo or with a group of three or fewer, please contact us and we will arrange your booking directly. We are glad to build flexible arrangements around your preferred dates, group size, and travel style.
Quality of service is our priority. Every Horizon itinerary is planned by a team led by a founder with more than 20 years in the travel industry, specializing in both U.S. national park tours and international travel. We are committed to delivering a personalized and memorable journey.
About Yunnan
Yunnan is one of China’s most diverse provinces, a meeting point of varied landscapes and ethnic cultures in the country’s far southwest. For centuries it was crossed by the Tea-Horse Road, a network of trade routes that carried tea, horses, and goods between Yunnan, Tibet, and beyond. It is a side of China far from the imperial north, shaped by mountains, minority traditions, and centuries of exchange.
Tour Highlights
- Giant Panda Conservation: Observe giant pandas in spacious, naturalistic habitats at Panda Valley, a wilderness research and release center
- Jiuzhaigou National Park: Explore a UNESCO-listed landscape of alpine lakes, waterfalls, and forested valleys
- Huanglong Scenic Area: Walk among colorful travertine terraces surrounded by alpine forests and dramatic mountain scenery in this UNESCO-listed landscape
- Bai and Naxi Cultural Traditions: Experience living traditions through historic architecture, traditional crafts, a Bai tea ceremony, and local cuisine across Dali, Shaxi, and Lijiang
- Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Blue Moon Valley: Travel by cableway to high-altitude viewpoints on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, subject to weather and operating conditions, and continue to Blue Moon Valley
- Tiger Leaping Gorge: Take a guided scenic hike through Tiger Leaping Gorge, with views of towering cliffs and rushing waters
Moments from this Tour
What’s Included
- Accommodation: 11 nights in five-star hotels and distinctive boutique properties with local character, based on double occupancy, at the properties listed in the itinerary or alternatives of an equivalent standard.
- Meals: Daily breakfast and other meals as listed in the itinerary, with complimentary bottled drinking water provided daily.
- Transfers and Transportation: Scheduled arrival and departure transfers, air-conditioned ground transportation for included sightseeing and transfers, and intercity travel by second-class high-speed rail and/or economy-class domestic flights, as outlined in the itinerary or confirmed for the applicable departure.
- Guides: Professional English-speaking guides for scheduled sightseeing.
- Included Sightseeing & Signature Experiences: Entrance fees and guided experiences as specified in the itinerary, including:
- Chengdu: Wuhou Shrine, Jinli Ancient Street, Panda Valley, and Kuanzhai Alley.
- Huanglong & Jiuzhaigou: Huanglong Scenic Area and Huanglong Temple; and a full-day visit to Jiuzhaigou National Park, including Five Flower Lake, Nuorilang Waterfall, Long Lake, Arrow Bamboo Lake, Shuzheng Lakes, and Mirror Lake.
- Kunming: Stone Forest Geopark.
- Dali, Xizhou & Shaxi: The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, Dali Ancient Town, Foreigner’s Street, the Catholic Church in Dali Old Town, Xizhou Ancient Town, a traditional Bai tea ceremony, a tie-dye experience in Zhoucheng, and visits to Shaxi Ancient Town, Xingjiao Temple, Yujin Bridge, the South Gate, and the Ancient Stage.
- Lijiang & Northwest Yunnan: Lijiang Old Town with an introduction to Dongba script and Naxi traditions; Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Snowfield Ranch, including the required Glacier Park or Spruce Meadow cableway, depending on weather and operating conditions; Blue Moon Valley with electric-cart transportation; Shigu Town, the historic Iron Chain Bridge, and views of the First Bend of the Yangtze River; a guided hike through Tiger Leaping Gorge; and Lashihai Wetland Park.
What’s Excluded
- International airfare and related airport taxes
- Meals and beverages not listed in the itinerary
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- Personal expenses, optional activities, and any services or attraction tickets not specifically listed in the What’s Included section
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Single-room supplement
- Visa fees, if applicable
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Chengdu
Upon arrival in Chengdu, guests are met at the airport and transferred to the hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, visit Wuhou Shrine to gain insight into the history of the Three Kingdoms period. The day concludes with an evening walk along Jinli Ancient Street, known for its traditional architecture and local snacks.
Day 2: Chengdu – Panda Valley – High-Speed Train – Jiuzhaigou/Songpan
The day begins with a visit to Panda Valley, a wilderness research and release center dedicated to giant panda conservation. Guests can observe and photograph giant pandas in spacious, naturalistic habitats while learning about ongoing conservation and research efforts. After lunch featuring Sichuan cuisine in Chengdu, transfer to the railway station for a high-speed train to Huanglongjiuzhai or Songpan Railway Station, depending on the applicable train schedule, followed by a road transfer to the hotel in Songpan or Chuanzhusi.
Day 3: Huanglong – Jiuzhaigou
In the morning, explore Huanglong Scenic Area, celebrated for its colorful travertine pools, alpine forests, and dramatic mountain scenery, and visit Huanglong Temple. After a light lunch near the park, continue by road to Jiuzhaigou.
Altitude Note: Huanglong is located at high elevation. Travelers are encouraged to walk at a comfortable pace and take breaks as needed.
This evening, guests may choose to attend the optional Jiuzhai Eternal Love performance.
Day 4: Full-Day Jiuzhaigou National Park Exploration
A full day is dedicated to sightseeing in Jiuzhaigou National Park. Highlights include Five Flower Lake, Nuorilang Waterfall, Long Lake, Arrow Bamboo Lake, Shuzheng Lakes, and Mirror Lake. Lunch is arranged inside the park as a picnic or buffet. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.
Day 5: Jiuzhaigou – High-Speed Train – Return to Chengdu
Around midday, transfer to Huanglongjiuzhai or Songpan Railway Station for a high-speed train back to Chengdu. In the evening, explore Kuanzhai Alley, with dinner arranged locally. Sichuan hotpot is recommended.
The morning is free for leisure, with an optional visit to a Tibetan village.
Day 6: Chengdu – Kunming – Stone Forest
After breakfast, take a flight to Kunming, with an airport transfer upon arrival. In the afternoon, visit Stone Forest Geopark to admire its dramatic karst formations. Dinner features Yi-style roast duck before returning to the hotel.
Day 7: Kunming – Dali
Travel to Dali after breakfast. Visits include the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, Dali Ancient Town, Foreigner’s Street, and the Catholic Church in the old town. In the evening, enjoy a relaxed walk through the ancient town and experience local Bai culture and cuisine.
Day 8: Dali – Xizhou – Shaxi
In the morning, visit Xizhou Ancient Town, including the ancient banyan tree and Corner Tower, and observe a traditional Bai tea ceremony. After lunch featuring local Bai cuisine, continue to Zhoucheng for an in-depth tie-dye experience. Later, travel to Shaxi Ancient Town for a leisurely evening.
Day 9: Shaxi – Lijiang
Morning visits include Xingjiao Temple, Yujin Bridge, the South Gate, and the Ancient Stage in Shaxi. Transfer to Lijiang around midday. Upon arrival, explore Lijiang Old Town, with an introduction to Dongba script, Naxi wedding customs, and traditional embroidery.
Day 10: Lijiang – Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Ascend Jade Dragon Snow Mountain by either the Glacier Park or Spruce Meadow cableway, depending on weather and operating conditions, and visit Snowfield Ranch. In the afternoon, explore Blue Moon Valley, admiring its alpine lake scenery, with electric-cart transportation included.
Day 11: Lijiang – Tiger Leaping Gorge Adventure
Depart Lijiang for Shigu Town, where you will visit the historic Iron Chain Bridge and enjoy views of the First Bend of the Yangtze River. Continue to Tiger Leaping Gorge in the afternoon for a guided scenic hike through one of China’s deepest and most dramatic river canyons. Along the way, take in towering cliffs, rushing waters, and sweeping mountain scenery before returning to Lijiang.
Day 12: Lijiang – Lashihai Wetland – Departure
In the morning, visit Lashihai Wetland Park. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for departure.
Optional horseback riding and boating are available, offering an opportunity to experience a section of the historic Tea Horse Road. Take in the serene landscapes and cultural significance of this historic trade route.
Itinerary Note: To ensure the best possible travel experience, the order of visits and daily arrangements may be adjusted by the guide based on local conditions, travel time, visitor traffic, weather, and operational considerations. All key included experiences will be arranged as appropriately as possible throughout the journey.
Scheduled Departure Dates
Select a year below to view currently scheduled small-group departure dates.
2026 7 departures
September
October
November
December
2027 18 departures
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
2028 18 departures
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Scheduled departures are subject to availability and final operational confirmation. Additional departure dates may be available on request.
Accommodation Selection
Hotels are selected for their location, facilities, service standards, and overall guest experience, rather than by formal star classification alone. Star ratings, where referenced, follow local standards and are provided for general reference only. Hotel assignments are finalized for each departure based on availability and operational requirements, with selections made to maintain the intended level of comfort and overall guest experience.
Important Notes
High-Altitude Travel
Parts of this itinerary, particularly Huanglong, are located at high elevation. Travelers with pre-existing medical conditions or concerns about altitude should consult a medical professional before travel.
Age Requirements
Travelers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or authorized adult responsible for their supervision and well-being throughout the tour. All travelers should be able to safely and comfortably participate in the itinerary.