8 Days Best of Sichuan with Yangtze Cruise Tour
- Duration: 8 days (published programme)
- Collection: China Yangtze Tours
- Giant Panda Breeding, Wenshu Temple, Jinli Old Street
- Leshan Giant Buddha, Baoguo Temple
- Mount Emei (Leidongping, Golden Summit, Huazang Temple)
- Review the programme below for included and optional arrangements.
Planning 8 Days Best of Sichuan with Yangtze Cruise Tour
The published idea runs for 8 days. Consider whether that timing fits your arrival, departure and preferred sightseeing pace.
The published material highlights Giant Panda Breeding, Wenshu Temple, Jinli Old Street; Leshan Giant Buddha, Baoguo Temple; Mount Emei (Leidongping, Golden Summit, Huazang Temple). Use these details to decide which parts of the journey matter most to your group.
- Discuss walking comfort, hotel preferences and any activities you would like to prioritise. Changes are subject to the final agreed programme.
- Check the daily programme, transfer days, optional activities and exclusions before confirming.
- Share your group size and any practical preferences when requesting a proposal.
Ask about this travel idea. The full original programme remains below for reference.
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Day 1 Chengdu Arrival
Highlights: Airport / railway station pick up
Welcome to Chengdu , the hometown of Giant Pandas . Upon arrival, your guide will meet and escort you to your hotel in Chengdu downtown in a private vehicle. The rest of today is free to explore the leisure city on your own.
Optional Activity: In the evening, you can enjoy a delicious dinner of Sichuan cuisine at a local restaurant.
Day 2 Chengdu City Tour ( B, L )
Highlights: Giant Panda Breeding, Wenshu Temple, Jinli Old Street
This morning you will make a stirring visit to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding which is not only the most important panda scientific research center, but also dwelling home to more than 100 Giant Pandas. Walk at leisure through the bamboo framed paths, and closely observe giant pandas of different ages eating bamboos, playing with each other, tumbling, climbing trees, etc. Don't miss the chance to visit the most adorable panda cubs in the panda kindergartens. If you are lucky, you may be able to see the precious panda babies in the nursery rooms. There is also a very informative Panda Museum where you can learn more scientific facts about Giant Pandas.
Leaving the panda center, you will be taken to a hidden spiritual Buddhist temple in the bustling downtown of Chengdu – Wenshu Temple . Marvel at the exquisite Buddhist architecture, soak in the reverent atmosphere, and wander on the peaceful paths. Adjacent to the monastery is a small bazaar ( Wenshufang ) where you can enjoy a leisure stroll through to experience local market and living style.
Chengdu is famous for its relaxing and leisure pace throughout China, which will be proved after a stay in Renmin Park . Sit down, order a pot of Chinese tea , make a casual chat with your friends and watching locals indulging themselves in different kinds of folk entertainment – napping in a lively teahouse, playing mahjong, disco dancing, neck massage, ear cleaning… Next is an impressive trip to the famous Jinli Old Street . Time steals away from you quietly while walking on the lively streets which are full of delicious local snacks, delicate artifacts, interesting folk shows, etc.
At the end, your guide will escort you to your hotel.
Recommended Optional Evening Activities : 1) enjoy a delicious dinner of Sichuan cuisine (or hotpot) at a local restaurant; 2) watch a wonderful performance of Sichuan Opera which includes folk opera, face changing, fire spitting, rolling lights, and other delightful entertainment (usually performs during 20:00~21:30).
Day 3 Chengdu – Leshan Giant Buddha – Mount Emei ( B, L )
Highlights: Leshan Giant Buddha, Baoguo Temple
In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel, then be driven about 2 hours from Chengdu to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Leshan Giant Buddha which is the largest and tallest stone-carved statue of Buddha in the world. It was carved during AD713~803 on a mountain rock cliff by the river, with its head reaching to the mountain top and its feet standing next to the river. The total height is 71m; while the head is 14.7m high and 10m wide, ear is 7meters high, 28 meters between knees and insteps. Its insteps can hold over a hundred people. You may be wondering why such a giant Buddha was built? It is said to have been built to calm the turbulent waters that plagued passing boats and killed many people each year in ancient time. On the right cliff of the Giant Buddha, there is a plank road built along with the Giant Buddha. From the top to foot, the plank road has nine turns, thus it’s called Nine Bends Plank Road. The widest part of the road is 1.45m and the narrowest part is only 0.6m, and there are 217 stone steps in total. You will walk down to the feet of the Giant Buddha for a closer view. Please note you may have to queue up to enter the stone stairway if you visit the Giant Buddha during the busy hours.
After the Giant Buddha visit, drive about 45mins to Baoguo Temple , the biggest temple of Mount Emei at the mountain foot. It has several serene gardens with rare plants, a library of sutras and a huge porcelain Buddha. Another famous historical relic in the temple is the 25-ton bronze Bell, reputedly as the second largest bell in China. While traveling deeper into the temple, you will enjoy different views of Mount Emei.
Lastly, drive to check in your hotel. Have a good rest for tomorrow's Mount Emei trip which has some walkings involved.
Recommended Optional Activity: take a 30 minutes’ sightseeing boat to enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the Giant Buddha on the river.
Day 4 Mt. Emei – Chengdu ( B, L )
Highlights: Mount Emei (Leidongping, Golden Summit, Huazang Temple)
In the morning, wake up leisurely and enjoy the gentle sunshine shining over the tranquil and beautiful Yangtze River. It will be colorful and interesting whether you decide to stay onboard or go ashore at river stops.
Onboard you will enjoy different kinds of activities, like practicing Tai Chi on the boat’s sundeck, drinking a relaxing morning coffee, attending a Yangtze River history and culture lecture, or taking part in the Captain’s Welcome Party and evening shows.
Today’s highlight is an afternoon excursion to Three Gorges Dam , the world’s largest hydropower project, located at the middle of Xiling Gorge near Yichang. You will marvel at this gigantic dam from different angles, learn more of the background history of the Three Gorges Dam Project and enjoy the surrounding beautiful landscape and scenery. If you like, you can take optional experience to sail through Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift , the largest ship lift in the world, which takes only 40 minutes with fresh insight into the dam project.
Optional excursion: take shore excursion to the Tribe of Three Gorges in the Xiling Gorge which charges extra fee. It has lovely scenes everywhere – waterfalls, boats, fishermen, laundry girls washing in the stream, a mock wedding ceremony…Take an easy boardwalk in the valley to enjoy impressive scenery and explore the life and customs of Bai people of this region.
Day 5 High Speed Train to Chongqing (B, L)
Highlights: Yangtze Cruise Embarkation
This morning, you will be transferred to Chengdu Eastern Railway Station to take the high speed train to Chongqing (about 2hrs). Upon arrival at Chongqing Northern Railway Station, you will be met by our tour guide and then go to visit Ciqikou Ancient Town – Chongqing's old harbor and once the site of the residential houses of many of Chongqing's richest merchants. Here you can still see exquisite Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, visit local shops and tea houses, watch local Sichuan street performances and undertake other interesting activities. After this you will be taken to the next highlight site, Three Gorges Museum , a large monographic museum presenting the history and culture of the Three Gorges Dam Project and its place in Chinese history.
After the tour, you’ll be transferred to Chongqing Chaotianmen Port to board your cruise ship between 18:00-20:00 that evening. Your once-in-a-lifetime Yangtze River cruise sails at 21:00! (Please note: the boarding time and departure piers change based on the ship line, water level, season, weather, and other factors. Your travel consultants will ensure you have the actual departure time and boarding pier before your boarding.)
Day 6 Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)
Highlights: Shibaozhai Pagoda
In the morning, wake up leisurely and enjoy the gentle sunshine shining over the tranquil and beautiful Yangtze River. It will be colorful and interesting whether you decide to stay onboard or go ashore at river stops.
Onboard you will enjoy different kinds of activities, like practicing Tai Chi on the boat’s sundeck, drinking a relaxing morning coffee, attending a Yangtze River history and culture lecture, or taking part in the Captain’s Welcome Party and evening shows.
Next follow a local guide and make a shore excursion to Shibaozhai Pagoda , one of the “Pearls” of the Yangtze River. A gem of Chinese architecture, this 12-story, 18th century red wooden temple on the northern bank of Yangtze River is an architectural delight full of legends and beautiful stories. (Note: Comfortable shoes are highly recommended since there will be lots of stairs to climb up!)
Optional Excursion : Take a shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City for an extra fee. Called the “City of Ghosts”, it is endowed with mysterious stories about underworld and cruel tortures and different kinds of devils and Chinese demons. Entering this ghost city, you will find many statues of demons and vivid scenes of their perfidious activities. (Note: Once again, the visit to Fengdu Ghost City requires much walking and comfortable shoes are again highly recommended!)
Day 7 Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)
Highlights: Three Gorges – Shennv Stream – Captain’s Farewell Party
Today you will sail through the spectacular Three Gorges while relaxing on the sun deck and soak up the breathtaking gorge scenery passing by as you drift through Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge respectively.
In Wu Gorge you will take an enjoyable adventure to primitive Shennv Stream (Goddess Stream). Switch to a smaller boat to sail down this beautiful stream running in a narrow side gorge where you will have close-up views of high mountain peaks and hanging coffins on the steep cliff faces. After watching an entertaining music and dance show of local Tujia ethnic minority, sail back to your ship.
In the evening, you will firstly enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Party with all your mates onboard, and then watch the fascinating process of passing the ship through the Three Gorges Dam Five-stage Ship Locks at 23:00 PM.
Optional Excursion : Take a shore excursion to White Emperor City for an extra fee. Located at the entrance of Qutang Gorge, this excursion offers the best viewing spot to appreciate the magnificent Kuimen Gate.
Day 8 Yichang & Yichang Departure( B )
Highlights: Three Gorges Dam
After breakfast, you’ll begin to check out and disembark at Maoping Port. Today’s highlight is a morning excursion to Three Gorges Dam , the world’s largest hydropower project, located at the middle of Xiling Gorge near Yichang. You will marvel at this gigantic dam from different angles, learn more of the background history of the Three Gorges Dam Project and enjoy the surrounding beautiful landscape and scenery. If you like, you can take an optional experience to sail through Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift , the largest and the most sophisticated ship lift in the world, which takes only 40 minutes with fresh insight into the dam project.
After the dam visiting, you’ll take the bus arranged by the cruise company heading to Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal for leave. Here you will be pick up by our local guide and escorted to the airport or train station to catch your flight or train to next destination. Service ends!
Disembarkation Tips: No matter you take Ship Lift or not, you’ll check out and take your luggage away in this early morning. (1) Only dam visiting: you’ll take bus from Maoping Port to Three Gorges Dam for sightseeing, and then arrive at Yichang downtown around 12:30. (2) Dam & Ship Lift Experience: travelers who are interested in Ship Lift will first switch to a sightseeing boat to sail through the Ship Lift and then visit Three Gorges Dam Site. You’ll arrive at Yichang downtown around 13:30.
Departure Ideas: You can take flights from Yichang Sanxia Airport to Shanghai, Xian, Beijing, Guangzhou and Hangzhou, etc. Or you can take high speed trains from Yichang East Railway Station to Wuhan (about 2hrs), Shanghai (about 8hrs), Beijing (about 7.5hrs), Hangzhou (about 7.5hrs), Chengdu (about 7hrs), Guangzhou (about 7hrs) and more cities.
What’s Included
- Professional licensed English-speaking guide
- Admission tickets for all attractions listed in the itinerary
- Accommodation as listed in the itinerary (4-star standard)
- Necessary vehicle transfers as listed in the itinerary
- Domestic flights (economy class) and high-speed trains (second class) as listed in the itinerary
- Airport (and train station) pick up and drop off
- Luggage Transfers: between airports (railway station) and hotels
- All meals as listed( “B” for Chinese and Western breakfast buffet in your hotel; “L” for Chinese Lunch in local restaurant; “D” for Chinese dinner in local restaurant.)
- Accident insurance
- Our service charge, including tour planning, handling, operational and communication charges.
Not Included
- China visa
- Personal expenses
- Accommodation not listed in the itinerary
- Single Room Supplement
- Tourist sites which are not listed in the itinerary
- Recommended optional activities
- Flights or trains not listed in the itinerary
- Excess Baggage Charges
- Optional tips to guides, drivers, etc.
Pricing Note
Final pricing is tailored to your travel dates, party size, hotel preferences and confirmed services. Your proposal will clearly list every included and excluded item.
Travel Tips
Pack comfortable walking shoes and clothing suited to the season. Keep your passport available on travel days, and tell your planner about mobility or dietary needs before departure.
