WHERE
Sichuan, Western Sichuan
From Ancient Bronze to Highland Traditions
A 9-Day Journey Through the Living Heritage of Southwest China
Price
Average 396 per person per day (minimum 2 travelers required)
For detailed price, please contact us.
How long
9 Days / 8 Nights
The Inspiration Behind the Journey
Sichuan and Western Sichuan form a living corridor of cultural heritage, where traditions have continued to evolve across generations.
From the 3,000-year-old civilization of Sanxingdui and the energy of Sichuan Opera, to the Tibetan traditions of Kangding and Litang, this journey follows culture beyond museums and performances—into workshops, monasteries, villages and everyday life.
Meet artisans, work with traditional materials and take part in hands-on experiences such as Thangka painting, Tibetan wool weaving, Mani stone carving and traditional incense making.
Rather than simply seeing cultural heritage, this journey invites you to touch it, make it and become part of it.
Over nine days, travel from the Chengdu Basin into the Tibetan plateau, following artisans and traditions as your guide.
Here, heritage is not simply something to observe. It is something to hear, touch, create and take home.
Journey Highlights
Perfect for:Travelers with a deep interest in Chinese history, traditional culture, intangible cultural heritage and immersive cultural journeys.
A Living Cultural Journey
A Living Cultural Journey: Discover Sanxingdui, Sichuan Opera, Sichuan brocade and embroidery, and the diverse traditions of Western Sichuan.
Hands-On Heritage
Hands-On Heritage: Try Thangka painting, Tibetan wool weaving, Mani stone carving and traditional incense making.
Into Tibetan Culture
Into Tibetan Culture: Explore monasteries, ancient towns and Tibetan communities in Kangding, Litang and the Muya region.
From City Streets to High Mountains
From City Streets to High Mountains: Experience the contrast between Chengdu’s teahouses and the snow mountains, grasslands and valleys of Western Sichuan.
Something to Take Home
Something to Take Home: Bring home your own handmade cultural piece—and memories created through direct participation.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day / 01
Chengdu · Sanxingdui · Sichuan Opera
Arrive at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, where your private driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.
In the afternoon, visit the new Sanxingdui Museum with an English-language introduction for international visitors. Discover the iconic Bronze Sacred Tree and Golden Masks, and explore the mysteries of the ancient Shu civilization.
In the evening, enjoy a performance of Sichuan Opera, featuring its celebrated face-changing, fire-breathing and traditional acrobatic acts.
Flexible arrival option: If your international flight arrives late, the Sichuan Opera performance can be moved to Day 2, while Sanxingdui can be shifted to the final day.
Meals: Breakfast (/); Lunch (/); Dinner (at your own expense)
Stay: Luxury hotel in Chengdu
Day / 02
Pandas · Hot Pot · Sichuan Opera
After breakfast, visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, with English-language interpretation. See the panda nursery areas and red panda habitat.
Enjoy a local Chengdu lunch before spending the afternoon at People’s Park, sipping traditional covered-bowl tea and wandering through the old streets of Chengdu.
In the evening, experience authentic Chengdu hot pot, with a split-flavor broth option available for international guests.
If you did not attend Sichuan Opera on Day 1, the performance will take place this evening.
Meals: Breakfast (hotel); Lunch (local Chengdu cuisine); Dinner (Chengdu hot pot)
Stay: Luxury hotel in Chengdu
Day / 03
Kangding · Tea Horse Road · Folk Songs
Travel west by private vehicle along the Ya-Kang Expressway, stopping at Luding Bridge on the way.
With an English-language introduction, discover the history of the Tea Horse Road and the cultural exchange between Han Chinese and Tibetan communities.
After checking in and allowing time to acclimatize, explore Kangding Old Town and discover the region’s traditional folk songs, including the famous Kangding Love Song.
At sunset, join locals in a traditional Guozhuang circle dance before enjoying a Tibetan-style hot pot dinner.
Meals: Breakfast (hotel); Lunch (casual meal en route); Dinner (Tibetan-style hot pot)
Stay: Luxury hotel in Kangding
Day / 04
Zheduo Pass · Tagong Monastery · Mountain Pastures
Cross Zheduo Mountain Pass, a historic geographical and cultural transition between the Sichuan Basin and the Tibetan plateau.
Continue through Xinduqiao to visit Juli Temple’s Tibetan Opera exhibition, exploring the heritage of the Muya Tibetan opera tradition.
Visit Tagong Monastery and the surrounding grasslands, with views toward Yala Snow Mountain, while discovering the traditional stone-building techniques of the Muya region.
Later, arrive at your mountain guesthouse at Lagang Ranch, with direct views of Yala and Yamu Snow Mountains. The property features oxygen supply and underfloor heating throughout.
In the evening, enjoy a private Tibetan family-style dinner, featuring hand-pulled yak meat, plateau yogurt and seasonal matsutake dishes.
Meals: Breakfast (hotel); Lunch (local Tibetan meal in Xinduqiao); Dinner (private Tibetan dinner)
Stay: Lagang Ranch mountain homestay
Day / 05
Litang · Thangka · Tibetan Wool Weaving
After breakfast, travel along the spectacular 18 Bends of the Sky Road to Litang’s Letong Ancient Town and Thousand-House Tibetan Village.
In the afternoon, discover two traditional crafts through hands-on experiences.
At a Thangka workshop, work alongside a bilingual artisan to learn traditional coloring techniques and create your own piece to take home.
Then visit a traditional Tibetan wool weaving workshop to see how wool is spun and woven using traditional methods.
Continue to the Tibetan Incense Museum and Renkang Ancient House, followed by a visit to the White Pagoda Park for a quiet moment of reflection.
End the day with a lively Litang Guozhuang gathering.
Meals: Breakfast (hotel); Lunch (Litang Tibetan cuisine); Dinner (yak meat hot pot & sweet tea)
Stay: Luxury homestay in Litang
Day / 06
Litang in Depth · Monastery · Living Crafts
Visit Changqingchun Ke’er Monastery, where you can walk clockwise around the prayer route with monks and discover centuries-old murals and butter sculptures, gaining a deeper understanding of Tibetan Buddhist culture.
In the afternoon, choose from several hands-on heritage experiences, including Mani stone carving, traditional Tibetan incense sachet making and Tibetan opera costume displays.
Browse the local heritage craft district before taking a quiet walk through the Maoya Grassland and Wuliang River Wetland, surrounded by highland pastoral scenery.
End the day with barley-based sweets and seasonal mountain vegetables.
Meals: Breakfast (hotel); Lunch (traditional Tibetan cuisine); Dinner (barley desserts & local vegetables)
Stay: Luxury homestay in Litang
Day / 07
Xinduqiao · Sunset Over Gongga
Begin the morning exploring the Thousand-House Tibetan Village and browsing locally made heritage souvenirs.
Travel back along National Highway 318, arriving in Xinduqiao in the afternoon.
Continue to Yuzixi or Gedilamu Viewing Platform for panoramic views of the Gongga peaks and Yala Snow Mountain, with the opportunity to watch the mountains turn golden at sunset.
In poor weather or heavy fog, the experience will be replaced by a visit to the Xinduqiao Photography Corridor, with an English-language introduction to the geography and cultural landscape of Gongga Mountain.
Enjoy a Tibetan-style dinner before settling into your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast (hotel); Lunch (casual meal en route); Dinner (Tibetan-style family dinner)
Stay:Luxury hotel in Xinduqiao
Day / 08
Chengdu · Sichuan Brocade & Embroidery
Travel back to Chengdu along National Highway 318, passing through Zheduo Mountain and the Erlang Mountain Tunnel.
In the afternoon, explore Taikoo Li and Daci Temple, where contemporary Chengdu meets centuries-old traditions. Stop at the famous IFS panda before visiting the Sichuan Brocade & Embroidery Museum.
Observe traditional weaving techniques dating back centuries, with the option to join a hands-on Sichuan embroidery handkerchief workshop.
In the evening, enjoy refined contemporary Sichuan cuisine in Taikoo Li.
Meals: Breakfast (hotel); Lunch (casual meal en route); Dinner (modern Sichuan cuisine)
Stay:Five-star city hotel in Chengdu
Day / 09
Old Chengdu · Departure
Spend your final morning wandering through Kuanzhai Alley or Jinli Street, taking in traditional courtyards, stone lanes and old teahouses.
Take some time to shop for local souvenirs before your private transfer to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, according to your international flight schedule.
Your journey through the living heritage of Sichuan and Western Sichuan comes to an end.
Meals: Breakfast (hotel); Lunch (/); Dinner (/)
Accommodation Portfolio
Chengdu | Luxury Hotel
Kangding | Luxury Hotel
Lagang Ranch | Mountain Homestay
Litang | luxury Homestay
Xinduqiao | Luxury Hotel
Chengdu | Five-Star City Hotel
Pricing & Details
[Pricing Note]
This is a high-end, customized itinerary. Quotes are flexible and tailored based on travel dates, group size, hotel tier, and selected experiences. Please consult our customer service for a detailed quote.
To proceed with booking, a $500 USD per person itinerary planning fee is required to secure your arrangements. This fee will be applied to your total trip cost and deducted from your final balance. Full payment is required 30 days prior to departure. If booking within 30 days of departure, immediate full payment may be required.
[Inclusions]
• 8 nights of accommodation according to the itinerary
• All meals specifically marked as included
• Private vehicle and driver throughout the journey
• Chengdu Tianfu International Airport transfers
• First-entry admission to the listed attractions
• Sichuan Opera performance ticket, with flexible scheduling on Day 1 or Day 2
• English-language guiding at the included attractions
• English-speaking guide throughout the journey
• Driver service fees and parking fees
[Exclusions]
• Meals on Day 1
• International round-trip flights
• Visa or transit-without-visa related services and documentation
• Personal expenses, including drinks, laundry and souvenirs
• Materials for the Sichuan embroidery handkerchief workshop
• Purchases of Tibetan handicrafts
• Personal expenses and local transportation within scenic areas
• Any other expenses not specifically listed as included
Important Notes & Terms
Itinerary Flexibility: As a customized tour, activities can be flexibly adjusted based on arrival time, weather, and personal preferences. The guide reserves the right to adjust the sequence of the tour for an optimal experience without reducing the core attractions.
Check-out Policy: Hotel check-out time is before 12:00 PM. For late check-out, please consult the front desk directly. Luggage can be stored at the reception while you wait in the lobby; please keep valuables with you.
High-Altitude Travel: The route follows a gradual elevation increase from Chengdu → Kangding → Xinduqiao → Litang to allow time for acclimatization. Litang is at high altitude; strenuous activity and bathing on the day of arrival are not recommended.
Tibetan Etiquette: Walk clockwise around monastery prayer corridors. Please ask permission before photographing local residents, monks or Buddhist statues. Do not step on Mani stones or pull prayer flags.
Heritage Crafts: Thangka painting, Tibetan wool weaving, Mani stone carving and Tibetan incense experiences may be taken home. Some materials and finished pieces require an additional fee.
Viewpoints: Sunset at Yuzixi / Gedilamu depends on weather and visibility. In poor weather, the itinerary may be changed to the Xinduqiao Photography Corridor.
Road Conditions: Road travel in Western Sichuan may take longer during the rainy season. Additional flexibility has been built into the itinerary.
Advance Reservations: During peak periods, hotels, heritage workshops and Sichuan Opera seats require advance reservation. If the selected theatre is fully booked, a performance of similar level may be arranged instead.
Cancellation& Changes: For personal cancellations, please notify us at least 7 working days in advance. We will do our best to arrange a change of date. If rescheduling is not possible, the remaining amount will be refunded after deducting incurred hotel and ticket booking costs. No refund will be provided for no-shows on the day of departure or for leaving the journey early. For details, please refer to the Booking Terms.
Why travel with us
Beyond
the Landmark
Living Heritage
Experiences
Tailored
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Local Stories,
Real Connections
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We will use it as the first thread in a journey designed around you.