📋 Trip Overview
14 Nights · Sep 14–28, 2026 · Tour + DIY
✈️ Flights
| Flight | Route | Date & Time | Passengers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3U3994 | KUL → TFU | Sep 14, 12:20am → 4:50am | Wilson + Wife |
| 3U3995 | TFU → KUL | Sep 28, 9:40am → 2:20pm | Wilson + Wife |
Booking: AliTrip 51928464629780 · PNR PJ2YG0 · Conf 876-4884618989
🏨 Hotel Bases
Sep 14🏨 宜尚酒店(成都春熙路IFS国金中心店) Yìshàng Hotel (CD Chunxi Lu IFS) · 1 night (tour, agency)
Sep 15–16🏨 九寨沟玺舍云山设计师温泉酒店 Jiǔzhàigōu Xǐshè Yúnshān Designer Hot-Spring Hotel · 2 nights, same hotel (tour, agency, hot-spring upgrade ✓)
Sep 17🏨 宜尚酒店(成都春熙路IFS国金中心店) Yìshàng Hotel (CD Chunxi Lu IFS) · 1 night (tour, agency)
Sep 18🏨 峨眉山高铁站峨秀湖亚朵酒店 Éméishān Gāotiězhàn Éxiùhú Yàduǒ Hotel · 1 night (tour, agency, hot-spring upgrade ✓)
Sep 19🏨 宜尚酒店(成都春熙路IFS国金中心店) Yìshàng Hotel (CD Chunxi Lu IFS) · 1 night (tour, agency)
Sep 20🏨 宜尚酒店(成都春熙路IFS国金中心店) Yìshàng Hotel (CD Chunxi Lu IFS) · 1 night (tour, agency, last tour night)
Sep 21–27🏨 成都睿景酒店 Ruijing Hotel (蜀都大道少城路8号13号楼) · 7 nights, same hotel · ✅ BOOKED ¥289/2F × 7 = ¥2,023
Sep 28 airport transfer: Agency confirmed free pickup from Ruijing Hotel (蜀都大道少城路8号13号楼) → TFU. Tell agency "成都睿景酒店, 13号楼" when you book. Show them the address screenshot.
📅 Schedule
| Day | Date | Plan | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 14 Sep Mon | Arrive · 宽窄巷子 Kuānzhǎi Xiàngzi / 春熙路 Chūnxi Lù evening | Tour |
| 2 | 15 Sep Tue | 叠溪海子 → 黄龙 Huánglóng → 藏家 Zàngjiā night | Tour |
| 3 | 16 Sep Wed | 九寨沟 Jiǔzhàigōu full day | Tour |
| 4 | 17 Sep Thu | 岷江源 → 藏寨 → 松潘古城 → CD | Tour |
| 5 | 18 Sep Fri | 峨眉山 Éméi Shān — 金顶 + 半山 | Tour |
| 6 | 19 Sep Sat | 乐山大佛 Lèshān Dàfó → CD | Tour |
| 7 | 20 Sep Sun | ⏸️ Free in Chengdu (tour DJY+QQS skipped) · 交子公园 evening 双子塔 view | DIY |
| 8 | 21 Sep Mon | Tour ends · check into Ruijing | DIY |
| 9 | 22 Sep Tue | 🧖 Spa 24h — 水裹汤泉 Shuǐguǒ Tāngquán | DIY |
| 10 | 23 Sep Wed | 🚄 Day trip · 都江堰 Dūjiāngyàn + 青城山 Qīngchéng Shān | DIY |
| 11 | 24 Sep Thu | 文殊院 + 杜甫草堂 + 玉林路 + 🎭 蜀风雅韵 | DIY |
| 12 | 25 Sep Fri | 🌙 中秋 Zhōngqiū · 安顺廊桥 + 抚琴夜市 | DIY |
| 13 | 26 Sep Sat | 新世纪环球中心 + 望平街 | DIY |
| 14 | 27 Sep Sun | Pack + final shopping | DIY |
| 15 | 28 Sep Mon | Fly Home ✈️ | — |
💰 Tour Price (CONFIRMED)
Per person¥1,280 CNY (you + wife = ¥2,560 total)
Deposit¥500 (paid); balance ¥2,060 due before trip
✓ IncludedJZG ticket + sightseeing bus · Huanglong ticket + cable car UPLINE · Emei ticket + sightseeing bus + 金顶 cable car UPLINE · Leshan ticket · Qingcheng ticket · Dujiangyan ticket · coach+driver+guide · 7 nights hotels (incl. JZG + Emei hot-spring upgrades) · all listed meals · Sep 14 airport pickup · Sep 21 hotel drop-off · Sep 28 airport pickup from your DIY hotel → TFU · 《九寨千古情》show ¥200/pp
⚠️ CaveatDay 4 has ~2h unavoidable shopping stops (藏寨 + 古羌城, agent-confirmed)
Not includedDay 3 lunch (~¥50–80 inside JZG); drinks beyond set meals
🍚 Tour Meals Included
| Day | Date | Meals |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 15 Sep | Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner (藏家 hotpot) |
| 3 | 16 Sep | Breakfast · Dinner (lunch own — carry snacks) |
| 4 | 17 Sep | Breakfast · Lunch |
| 5 | 18 Sep | Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner |
| 6 | 19 Sep | Breakfast · Lunch |
| 7 | 20 Sep | Breakfast · Lunch |
| 8 | 21 Sep | Breakfast only |
💡 Tips & Must-See Options
🏆 Top 3 Non-Negotiables
1. 🏺 三星堆博物馆 Sānxīngduī Bówùguǎn
Why3,000-year-old bronze masks that look alien. THE wow museum in China. If you do one DIY excursion, this is it.
How成都东 Chéngdū Dōng→广汉北 Guǎnghàn Běi HSR 30min · half day · book ahead
2. 🛕 文殊院 Wénshū Yuàn Wenshu Monastery
WhyFree, working monastery, few tourists. Vegetarian restaurant inside (香园 Xiāngyuán) is legitimately good. Back gardens, free incense, quiet.
NearYour hotel area (Wenshu) — walkable
3. 🍵 People's Park slow morning
WhyFree refills, mahjong tables, marriage market corner, ear cleaning masters circling. Peak Chengdu.
When8–10am weekday for calm
🏛️ City Sights Worth Slotting
大慈寺 Dàcí Sì Daci Temple
Odd1,600yr temple INSIDE Taikoo Li mall. Red walls, no crowds, wild contrast.
武侯祠 + 锦里 Wǔhóu Cí + Jǐnlǐ
TrickRed wall alley at 8am opening or queue 30min. 锦里 Jǐnlǐ at NIGHT (lanterns) — Kuanzhai at 9am instead.
IFS climbing panda 🐼
TrickElevator to 7F rooftop garden = front-facing shot. Street level = panda butt only.
东郊记忆 + 安顺廊桥 Dōngjiāo Jìyì + Ānshùn Lángqiáo
EveningIndustrial-chic park (pair with 大戏台茶馆 opera) then riverside night walk, bridge lit gold.
🌐 新世纪环球中心 Xīnshìjì Huánqiú Zhōngxīn — the WORLD'S LARGEST BUILDING
Must1.76M m² Guinness record holder. Metro Line 1 锦城广场站 Jǐnchéng Guǎngchǎng Zhàn opens straight into it. Indoor water park 天堂岛 + IMAX + 600 shops. Half day.
💎 Hidden Gems (local research)
彭镇老茶馆 Péngzhèn Lǎo Cháguǎn
WhatCoal-stove locals tea house · ¥10–15 all day · 30–40min out · zero tourists
官塘新村 Guāntáng Xīncūn
WhatRice-paddy village + 蜀锦博物馆 Shǔjǐn Bówùguǎn + 荥窑 Xíngyáo · ~1hr · near-empty
道明竹艺村 Dàomíng Zhúyì Cūn · 洛带古镇 Luòdài Gǔzhèn
WhatBamboo weaving DIY (free entry) · 簪花 Zānhuā costume photos ¥100–300
成都漆器工艺厂 DIY Chéngdū Qīqì Gōngyìchǎng
WhatLacquer bookmark/chopsticks, 1.5–2h, take home · 蜀华街72号 · ¥30 entry
望平街 + 玉林路 Wàngpíng Jiē + Yùlín Lù
WhatLocals' riverside evening strip · old neighborhood bars & food stalls
🏨 Where to Stay (DIY Days) — 3 Locals-Recommended Areas
📍 玉林路 Yulin Lu · 文殊院 Wénshū Yuàn · 人民公园 Rénmín Gōngyuán
玉林路 ¥220The street from Zhao Lei's 《成都》"玉林路的小酒馆". Real 老成都 烟火气 nightlife. Line 3 + Line 8 — direct to 熊猫基地 (40 min). Walk 800m from metro. Best for evening food crawls (串串/烧烤/降龙爪爪 ¥10).
文殊院 ¥1201,400-year-old Buddhist temple, quiet nights. Line 1 K口 (3 min walk) — single line to 春熙路 (10 min), 三星堆 HSR (15 min), 环球中心 (25 min). Hotel range ¥120–300. Walk to 张老二凉粉 (6:30am, gone by 9am), 香园禅茶院 ¥8, 闻酥园桃酥.
人民公园 ¥330Center of Chengdu life. Line 2 D1口 (5 min). 鹤鸣茶社 + 采耳 + 浣花溪公园. Walk to 春熙路 (15 min), 宽窄巷子 (10 min). ¥330 hotel tier — premium 4★+ cluster.
🏆 Booked✅ 成都睿景酒店 Ruijing Hotel — 蜀都大道少城路8号13号楼 · 2F, Sep 21–28 × 7 nights · ¥289/night = ¥2,023 total (~MYR 1,190). Kew Green (中旅酒店) 4★ brand, opened 2026. Across from 人民公园, 5 min walk to 宽窄巷子, 3 min to Line 2 人民公园站. Smart rooms + King Koil bed + Herborist amenities + rooftop view 10F. (¥289/2F vs ¥350+/8F — earplugs solve the 2F noise concerns, save ¥427 for hotpot dinners)
🎫 Address蜀都大道少城路8号13号楼 · 青羊区 · Send to agency for Sep 28 pickup
🍜 Food Knowledge
Hotpot protocol
油碟 YóudiéSesame oil + raw garlic — cooling ANTIDOTE, not sauce. 毛肚 = 七上八下 7-sec dips. 鸳鸯锅 Yuānyāng Guō split pot, no shame.
Try at least once
Wild双流老妈兔头 Shuāngliú Lǎomā Tùtóu (spicy rabbit head) — worth it for the story
Street蛋烘糕 Dànhōng Gāo carts (cream + meat floss ¥5–10) · 冰粉 Bīngfěn with every spicy meal
Breakfast甜水面 / 素椒杂酱面 streetside · ¥12 · better than hotel breakfast
Ordering hack
No Chinese reading?Menus have photos — point-and-order works everywhere. 大众点评 / 美团 deals = 30–50% off walk-in price.
🧠 Practical Tricks
PayAlipay + WeChat Pay, link foreign cards BEFORE flying. Cash nearly dead.
TrainsPassport = ticket, needed at station gates same as flights.
Scams"Friendly" tea ceremony / calligraphy invites near 锦里 / 宽窄巷子 — polite no, walk on.
Weather20–28°C + osmanthus (桂花 Guìhuā) season. Compact umbrella always.
Nap culturePost-lunch foot-massage nap = legitimate itinerary item.
✨ Things to Consider — Spas · Ear Cleaning · Tea · Eats · Shows
🧖 Spas / Massage + Unlimited Food
🌡️ 水裹汤泉 Shuǐguǒ Tāngquán (Shuiguo Spa)
Price~¥368/pax · 大众点评 discount · unlimited fruits, ice cream, hot food
Best forFull-day lounge + eat. Can spend 18hrs.
💆 水木和足道 Shuǐmùhé Zúdào (Shuimu He)
Price~¥165/pax · unlimited 糖水 Tángshuǐ + drinks + snacks
Best forProper massage, snacks as bonus
👂 Ear Cleaning (采耳 Cǎi'ěr)
人民公园 Rénmín Gōngyuán masters
Price¥30–60 · 10–30 min · blue uniforms, sterilized tools
TipMorning weekday, combined with tea house sitting
鹤鸣茶社 Hèmíng Cháshè · open-air 采耳
Price~¥30–50 · traditional outdoor ear cleaning with tea · 人民公园 People's Park
VibeIconic Chengdu combo — sip 盖碗茶 gài-wǎn tea while the ear tech works. Tourist-crowded but the real experience.
川耳匠 Chuān'ěr Jiàng / 耳居 ěr Jū · spa-style
Price~¥68–138 · private room, otoscope camera, neck massage
VibeModern pampering: you see inside your own ear on the screen, plus neck/shoulder work. Bookable, calmer.
💅 Nails & Pampering (for her) — Chunxi Road 春熙路
📍 1. 第一城 B座 First City Tower B
Address小科甲巷 Xiǎokējiǎ Xiàng — directly opposite IFS / Chunxi Road
VibeClean, private boutique studios across multiple floors. Best for trending 🇯🇵/🇰🇷 art, cat-eye gels, custom extensions.
📍 2. 壹购潮流广场 EGO Trend Plaza
Address东大街 Dōngdàjiē near 盐市口 Yánshìkǒu
VibeMulti-stall walk-in setup (like Guangzhou Liwan / Shangxiajiu). B2/B3 have rows of tip-display booths at affordable local prices.
📍 3. 香槟广场 Champagne Plaza
Address东大街97号 (97 Dōngdàjiē) — right next to Chunxi Road Metro Station 春熙路站
VibeMixed commercial building full of independent beauty, nail, and lash studios. Easy to compare-and-choose on the spot.
📍 4. 青年路 / 泰华服装城 Qingnian Rd · Taihua Market
AddressQingnian Road, just off Chunxi Road
VibeHigh-energy local fashion market — budget-friendly nail stalls popular with students. Best for quick designs at the lowest prices.
💡 Nails Tips
RefsBring reference photos from Instagram or 小红书 Xiǎohóngshū — techs can replicate almost any design.
Walk-insEasy. Check 大众点评 Dàzhòng Diǎnpíng (search 美甲 团购) for set-menu discounts.
🍵 Tea Houses
鹤鸣茶社 Hèmíng Cháshè — iconic
¥10–20103 years old, 人民公园, touristy but historic
小桃园 Xiǎotáoyuán — ceremony
~¥18–20Michelin Bib Gourmand, tea master guided, book via Klook
彭镇老茶馆 Péngzhèn Lǎo Cháguǎn — authentic
¥10–15Coal stove, locals only, the real thing, 30–40min out
🥢 Must-Eat: Chengdu
玉林串串香 Yùlín Chuànchuàn Xiāng · 蜀大侠火锅 Shǔ Dàxiá Huǒguō
Skewers/HotpotThe two essential Chengdu meals
降龙爪爪 Xiánglóng Zhuǎzhuǎ · 烤匠麻辣鱼 Kǎojiàng Málà Yú · 龙抄手 Lóng Chāoshǒu
Local hitsBraised chicken paws · 椒麻 fish · classic wontons
建设路小吃街 Jiànshè Lù Xiǎochī Jiē
Night marketStudent area, cheap + real, evening walk
🛍️ Wholesale Markets — Bargains & Local Shopping
👗 1. Clothes · Fashion · Accessories
九龙广场 Jiǔlóng Plaza · 泰华服装城 Tàihuá Fúzhuāngchéng
Address青年路 Qīngnián Lù — short walk from Chunxi Road
What to buyTrendy women's fashion, Korean-style clothes, streetwear, coats, accessories. Multi-floor wholesale mall right in the city center.
荷花池商圈 Héhuāchí Wholes-chē District
AddressNear North Railway Station 北站 — Metro Line 1 / Line 7
What to buySouthwest China's largest wholesale hub. Multi-building complex — clothes, shoes, bags, leather goods, accessories at rock-bottom prices.
🍵 2. Tea & Teaware
大西南茶城 Great Southwest Tea City
AddressJiulidi, Jinniu District 金牛区九里堤
What to buyPremium Sichuan Jasmine tea 碧潭飘雪 Bìtán Piāoxuě, Zhuyeqing green tea 竹叶青, authentic porcelain 盖碗 gaiwan tea sets, ceramic cups, travel tea sets.
VibeSit down with shop owners and sample any tea free before buying.
🌶️ 3. Sichuan Spices & Hotpot Bases
五块石干杂调料批发市场 Wǔkuàishí Spice Market
AddressWukuaishi — Metro Line 5
What to buyTop-grade 花椒 huājiāo (Sichuan peppercorns), chili flakes, aged 郫县豆瓣 Píxiàn Dòubànjiāng bean paste, restaurant-grade hotpot soup bases.
🎨 4. Crafts · Ceramics · Antiques
送仙桥古玩艺术城 Sòngxiānqiáo Art & Curio Market
AddressHuanhuaxi 浣花溪 — next to Du Fu Thatched Cottage 杜甫草堂
What to buy蜀绣 Shǔ embroidery, handmade ceramics, tea cups, calligraphy tools, jade, cultural souvenirs.
TipBest on weekends — more stalls open.
💡 Shopping Tips
Retail (零售)Single-item retail purchases are welcome at almost all fashion and tea stalls.
BargainNormal for clothes and antiques — aim for 20–30% off the first quote.
PayAll stalls accept Alipay / WeChat Pay.
🥢 Must-Eat: Leshan (tour day 6 free moments)
赵鸭子甜皮鸭 Zhào Yāzi Tiánpí Yā · 冯三孃跷脚牛肉 Féng Sānniáng Qiāojiǎo Niúròu
¥40/¥30–501939 非遗 (intangible heritage) candied duck · signature beef soup
九九豆腐脑 Jiǔjiǔ Dòufunǎo · 游记肥肠 Yóujì Féicháng
¥15/¥25Leshan-style tofu pudding · 1855 intestine shop
🎭 Shows
蜀风雅韵 Shǔfēng Yǎyùn
¥150–580#1 classic · book Trip.com/Klook
大戏台茶馆 Dàxìtái Cháguǎn (东郊记忆 Dōngjiāo Jìyì)
¥150–200Opera + 变脸 (face changing) + tea + 6 snacks · nightly · casual
芙蓉国粹 Fúróng Guócuì
¥150–350Backup if sold out
九寨千古情 Jiǔzhài Qiāngǔqíng (Day 3 evening)
~¥280–320Songcheng spectacle — 千古情 franchise, Jiuzhaigou Tibetan/Qiang edition. Book on 美团 / 大众点评.
🚇 Transport Guide
🚌 Days 2–7 — Tour coach
CoverageEverything covered — just be on time at the hotel lobby
🚇 Chengdu Metro (DIY days)
App天府通 Tiānfǔtōng WeChat mini-program / Alipay QR · or physical card at any station
Hours~6:00 AM – 11:00 PM · ¥2–9 per ride
Line 2人民公园 Rénmín Gōngyuán · 春熙路 Chūnxi Lù · most tourist spots
Line 1→ 锦城广场站 = 新世纪环球中心 (world's largest building) direct
To TFULine 19 · 45–60 min · ¥8–10
🚕 DiDi / Taxi
DiDiIn WeChat/Alipay app · enter destination in Chinese · most rides ¥15–25
SaveHotel Chinese name in favorites before first ride
🚄 Trains (if adding excursions)
Apps12306 official or Trip.com · passport needed to book AND at gates
三星堆Sānxīngduī: 成都东 Chéngdū Dōng → 广汉北 Guǎnghàn Běi · 30 min · ¥18
TipBook 1–2 days ahead. Morning trains 8–10 AM most convenient.
💳 Payment
AlipayLink Malaysian card before flying — easiest for foreigners
WeChat PaySame setup
CashRarely needed. ATM fallback: 中国银行 Zhōngguó Yínháng / ICBC
📱 Connectivity
eSIMChina Mobile/Unicom · ~¥100–150 for 15 days data
Maps高德地图 Gāodé Dìtú (Amap) — essential
TranslateGoogle Translate (Chinese downloaded) · WeChat translate works too
Day 1 of 15 · Tour
14th September 2026 (Monday)
Arrive Chengdu + Free Evening Chengdu
🌧️ Cloudy · 5°C · Humid
🛬 Flight 3U3994 — KUL → TFU
DepartKUL 12:20 AM (midnight, Sun→Mon, Sep 13→14)
ArriveTFU 4:50 AM Sep 14 (UTC+8)
Flight info3U3994 Sichuan Airlines direct · 4h30m · book PNR PJ2YG0 / AliTrip 51928464629780
🚌 Tour: 专人接机 Zhuānrén Jiējī (dedicated airport pickup)
🚗 Airport → Chengdu Hotel
WhoAgency driver with your name sign at international arrivals B
Time~50–70 min depending on traffic · TFU is 50km south of downtown
Phrase"你好，我是 Wilson，到 宜尚酒店"
Fallback if no driver: DiDi ~¥80–120 (have hotel Chinese name ready) · Metro Line 19 ¥8–10 (45–60 min, last train ~10:30pm).
☕ Recovery
🏨 Early check-in & jet lag
Check-inDepends on availability — ask politely. If not ready, leave bags at bell desk.
Wake-upYou've been awake since ~10pm KL the day before. Sleep early tonight or Day 2 will be brutal.
Free evening — pick one
🌆 Two anchor options
Option A — historic alleys
宽窄巷子 Kuānzhǎi Xiàngzi (Wide-Narrow Alleys)
What300-year-old Manchu-era neighborhood of restored courtyard houses (四合院 sìhéyuàn). Three parallel lanes — 宽巷子, 窄巷子, 井巷子.
WhyMost concentrated slice of "old Chengdu" — stone-paved lanes, teahouses, souvenir shops, street snacks. Best before 10am (calm) or after dark (lanterns lit).
Tips① Skip "tea ceremony" touts near entrance (¥200+ scam). ② Try 三大炮 (¥10) — chef throws rice balls at drum. ③ 糖油果子 (¥5) sesame fried dough. ④ Real teahouse is 鹤鸣茶社 next door in People's Park. ⑤ Bring ¥50 cash for snacks.
Phrase"请问宽窄巷子怎么走？" · Metro Line 4 to 宽窄巷子站
Option B — shopping + photo
春熙路 Chūnxi Lù + 太古里 Tàigǔlǐ + IFS 熊猫 Pándà
WhatChunxi Road is Chengdu's main shopping strip. Adjacent 太古里 is an open-air luxury mall built around the 1,600yr 大慈寺 temple. IFS mall has a giant climbing panda sculpture on its rooftop.
Why① The panda sculpture is Chengdu's most-photographed icon. ② 太古里's old temple + modern mall mix is unique. ③ Window-shopping, not buying.
Tips① IFS panda: elevator to 7F rooftop garden for the front-facing shot. Street level = panda BUTT only. ② 太古里 night lights up after 8pm. ③ Skip 蛋烘糕 carts here (¥15, inflated); better ¥5–8 at People's Park. ④ 大慈寺 inside 太古里 is FREE and overlooked — red walls, 5min stop.
Phrase"请问 IFS 楼顶熊猫怎么上去？" · Metro Line 2/3 to 春熙路站
🍽️ Day 1 Food — keep it simple (jet lag)
Lunch龙抄手 Lóng Chāoshǒu (Chunxi Road) — classic Chengdu wontons, cheap, central.
Dinner宽窄巷子 street food: 三大炮 (¥10), 糖油果子 (¥5), 冰粉 Bīngfěn (¥8, sweet jelly, palate-cooler).
SkipHotpot on Day 1 — your stomach's been on a 4am plane. Save it for Day 11 after Emei's hardest days.
MealsOwn expense today (tour meals start Day 2)
🏨 Overnight — Chengdu Chengdu
Day 2 of 15 · Tour
15th September 2026 (Tuesday)
成都 CD → 叠溪海子 → 黄龙 Huánglóng → 藏家 Zàngjiā Jiuzhaigou
❄️ Huanglong 5–15°C · big altitude jump
🚌 The day in one line
RouteChengdu (500m) → 叠溪海子 (2,200m, 4h) → 黄龙 (3,500m, 1h) → 九寨沟口 (2,000m, 2h) — same-day 3,000m climb, the hardest day of the trip
PackDown jacket · sunglasses · sunscreen · motion-sickness pills · light snacks for the coach
Phrase"我们想上厕所" (we need toilet) · "可以停车拍照吗？" (can we stop for photos?)
Stop 1 — 30 min photo
叠溪海子 Diéxī Hǎizi (Diexi Lake)
WhatThree turquoise landslide-dammed lakes formed when a 1933 magnitude 7.5 earthquake collapsed a mountain into the Min River, killing ~9,300 people and submerging the entire old town of Diexi.
Why① Pretty mountain backdrop, jade-green water. ② Geological/historical weight. ③ A bathroom break.
Tips① Walk the short path on the left side — different angle than the main viewpoint. ② Buy yak jerky here — ~¥30/bag, fresher than city. ③ Cold wind — keep the jacket on. ④ Don't feed the local guard dogs.
Stop 2 — 3 to 4 hours
黄龙 Huánglóng (Yellow Dragon) Scenic Area
WhatUNESCO World Heritage. A 3.5km-long valley of terraced travertine (calcium carbonate) pools — bright blue, turquoise, yellow, white — running down a mountain at 3,000–3,500m. Looks like a giant's staircase of color.
Why① The only natural travertine landscape of this scale in the world. ② Cable car UP + 3h walking DOWN the boardwalk — easy. ③ Five-Color Pool at the top is the iconic shot.
Sights迎宾池 Yíngbīn Chí (Welcome Pools) → 飞瀑流辉 Fēipù Liúhuī (Flying-Waterfall) → 争艳池 Zhēngyàn Chí (Competing-Color Pools) → 黄龙洞 Huánglóng Dòng (Yellow Dragon Cave) → 映月彩池 Yìngyuè Cǎichí (Moon-Reflecting Pools) → 五彩池 Wǔcǎi Chí (Five-Color Pool, top — the postcard)
Tips① Take cable car UPLINE (included). ② Walk DOWN 5km boardwalk — never up at altitude. ③ WALK SLOWLY. 3,500m + same-day climb = breathlessness is normal. ④ Oxygen cans ¥20–30 — buy one even if you feel fine. ⑤ Down jacket essential — 5–15°C up top vs 25°C Chengdu. ⑥ Best light 11am–2pm. ⑦ Don't touch the water — it's the travertine deposition.
Evening — 1 hour
🔥 藏家体验 Zàngjiā Tǐyàn (Tibetan Family Night)
WhatTourist-arranged evening in a Tibetan family's courtyard. Hotpot in a copper pot over charcoal, then 锅庄 (folk circle dance) around a 篝火 bonfire. Drinks served.
Why① Most immersive cultural experience the tour offers. ② The hotpot is genuinely good. ③ Dance is participatory.
Tips① Join the dance. ② 青稞酒 (highland barley wine) — sip politely, ~40% ABV. ③ Accept the white 哈达 scarf + photo — their welcome. ④ Souvenirs after (yak butter, Tibetan knives) — browse, don't buy.
🏨 Overnight — 九寨沟玺舍云山设计师温泉酒店 Xǐshè Yúnshān Designer Hot-Spring Hotel Jiuzhaigou
Altitude~2,300m. Sleep arrives fast after a 12h day.
RecoveryDesigner hot-spring at the hotel — best altitude medicine. Soak 30min, no hotter than 40°C.
Day 3 of 15 · Tour
16th September 2026 (Wednesday)
九寨沟 Jiǔzhàigōu Full Day + 千古情 Qiāngǔqíng Jiuzhaigou
☀️ Crisp mountain morning · 8–18°C
🏞️ Jiuzhaigou Valley — the big day
WhatUNESCO World Heritage. A Y-shaped valley of 108+ glacial lakes and waterfalls at 2,000–3,100m. Water is turquoise, jade, emerald, cobalt — colored by dissolved carbonate and travertine.
Why① "Most beautiful valley in the world" — not an exaggeration. ② Y-shaped: bus to top of branch, walk down. ③ 4.1万 visitor cap/day — Sep shoulder season, not crowded.
LayoutBus from 沟口 → 树正沟 (right branch) → 诺日朗 transfer → 则查洼沟 (left branch, top: 长海/五彩池) → bus back. ~6–8h total.
The hits五花海 Wǔhuā Hǎi · 五彩池 Wǔcǎi Chí · 诺日朗瀑布 Nuòrìlǎng Pùbù (270m wide) · 树正群海 Shùzhèng Qúnhǎi · 长海 Cháng Hǎi (longest, 7.5km) · 熊猫海 Xióngmāo Hǎi · 珍珠滩瀑布 Zhēnzhūtān Pùbù · 芦苇海 Lúwěi Hǎi · 犀牛海 Xīniú Hǎi · 老虎海 Lǎohǔ Hǎi · 镜海 Jìnghǎi
MealsBreakfast + Dinner included · Lunch NOT included (~¥50–80 inside valley or carry snacks)
📷 Photo strategy
🚌 Shuttle routing + best-light windows
RoutingTake the first bus to 长海 (furthest point), then work backwards down. You walk AGAINST the crowd — every viewpoint empty when you arrive.
镜海 rule镜海 reflections die after ~10am when wind picks up. Hit it FIRST.
五花海 lightPostcard shot. Mid-morning sun = colors pop. Late afternoon = underwhelming.
SeptemberEarly autumn color at high elevations — maples turning red, greens + golds mix.
⚠️ Lunch gap
🍱 Lunch on your own inside the valley
Option 1诺日朗服务中心 cafeteria — convenient but tourist-priced (~¥50–80). Noodles + rice + small Sichuan dishes.
Option 2 (recommended)Grab extra breakfast pastries + snacks at the hotel BEFORE entering.
🎭 Evening — booked!
《九寨千古情》Jiǔzhài Qiāngǔqíng — agency book ¥200/pp ✓
What70-minute spectacular by 宋城演艺 — large-scale stage show on the history, mythology and culture of the Tibetan and Qiang peoples. Big cast, real horses, flying rigs, smoke effects, audience participation.
Why① Single best stage show in Sichuan. ② Perfect after a full-day valley walk. ③ Same franchise as Xi'an's 西安千古情 — different content.
Price¥200/pp through agency (vs ¥280–320 on 美团 / 大众点评) — agency is cheaper.
Tips① Doors open 30min before — front-center seats unassigned. ② Chinese with no English subs — visuals carry. ③ Don't leave early — finale is best. ④ No photos/video (staff enforce).
🏨 Overnight — 九寨沟玺舍云山设计师温泉酒店 Xǐshè Yúnshān Designer Hot-Spring Hotel Jiuzhaigou
Same hotel as Day 2No check-out — 2-night stay. Leave bags after the valley, pick up before dinner / show.
Day 4 of 15 · Tour
17th September 2026 (Thursday)
岷江源头 → 藏寨 → 古羌城 → 松潘古城 → Chengdu Chengdu
☀️ Mountain pass morning · highway day
🚌 Return leg — culture + shopping stops
WhatLong coach ride (~7–8h) from Jiuzhaigou back to Chengdu, with 3 culture stops + 2 unavoidable shopping breaks.
MealsBreakfast · Lunch included
Stop 1 — 20 min
岷江源头 Mínjiāng Yuántóu (Min River Source)
WhatA roadside monument and short boardwalk marking the geographic source of the Min River. Mountain spring, prayer flags, view of 3,500m+ peaks.
Why① Geographic significance — Min has irrigated Chengdu 2,300 years via 都江堰. ② Pretty alpine scenery. ③ Bathroom break.
Tips① Walk to the prayer-flag pole for the postcard shot. ② Cold wind — keep jacket on. ③ Don't drink the spring water without boiling.
Stop 2 — 40 to 60 min (shopping)
藏寨 Zàngzhài (Tibetan Village)
WhatA preserved Tibetan/Qiang mountain village — stone houses, prayer flags, carved watchtowers. The village operates a co-op shop selling Tibetan silver jewelry and traditional medicine.
Why① Authentic Tibetan-Qiang architecture and atmosphere. ② Brief insight into minority culture.
⚠️ Shopping"Cultural visit" segues into a 30–45min silver/tibetan-medicine shop stop. Agent-confirmed 40–60 min total. Buy nothing — prices 3–5x market.
Tips① Smile, photos of village exterior, follow group. ② Don't sit for "free tea ceremony" — high-pressure upsell. ③ Yak jerky 牦牛肉干 from street stalls ¥30–50/bag — fine to buy.
Stop 3 — 40 to 60 min (shopping)
古羌城 Gǔqiāng Chéng (Ancient Qiang City)
WhatA recreated/preserved Qiang ethnic village in 茂县. Qiang are one of China's oldest minorities. Stone watchtowers (UNESCO-listed), traditional homes, Qiang folk performances.
Why① Qiang culture you wouldn't otherwise encounter. ② Watchtower photo ops. ③ Folk dance performance.
⚠️ ShoppingAnother co-op shop stop, usually silversmith. Another 30–40 min. Browse, buy nothing.
Tips① Watchtower at village center = best photo. ② Catch the Qiang dance if scheduled. ③ Skip herbal medicine demos.
Stop 4 — 1 hour lunch + walk
松潘古城 Sōngpān Gǔchéng (Songpan Ancient Town)
WhatA 1,300-year-old frontier garrison town on the historical Tea-Horse Road — the trade route that carried Sichuan tea to Tibet on horseback. Three intact gates, stone walls, restored old streets.
Why① Lunch stop, but town is the reason to linger. ② Real (not reconstructed) ancient walls — walk on them. ③ 汉藏 和睦 stone arch is the iconic shot. ④ Lunch is Tibetan/Han hotpot or noodles — fresh yak meat, mushrooms.
Tips① Walk the gate tower — climb the 100+ wooden steps. ② Try yak meat hotpot for lunch — leaner, gamey. ③ Buy 牛肉干 / 藏红花 from old-street stalls — ¥30–50 a bag. ④ 1 hour total.
🏨 Overnight — Chengdu Chengdu
Tomorrow: Emei day — another early coach. Repack tonight, charge devices.
Day 5 of 15 · Tour
18th September 2026 (Friday)
峨眉山 Éméi Shān — 金顶 Jīndǐng + 半山 Bànshān Emeishan
🌤️ Summit 5–12°C · cloud sea chances good
🚌 The day in one line
RouteChengdu (500m) → 报国寺 Emei base (550m, 2.5h) → 雷洞坪 (2,400m, sightseeing bus) → 接引殿 (2,600m, cable car up) → 金顶 (3,099m) → back down to 半山 → Emeishan town hotel
IncludedEmei ticket · 全山观光车 · 金顶索道上行 ✓. DOWN cable car ~¥55 extra — buy on-site or walk down (~1.5h).
PackDown jacket · raincoat · warm socks · gloves · powerbank · snacks · cash for cable car down
Phrase"请问报国寺客运中心怎么走？" (Where is the Baoguosi passenger center?)
Stop 1 — 2 to 3 hours at the top
⛰️ 金顶 Jīndǐng (Golden Summit)
WhatThe 3,099m summit of Mount Emei — UNESCO World Heritage and one of Buddhism's Four Sacred Mountains of China. Home to a 48m golden statue of Samantabhadra, the Gold/Silver/Bronze Halls, the famous 云海 (sea of clouds) and 佛光 (Buddha's halo — a rainbow ring around your shadow on fog).
Why① One of China's four most sacred Buddhist mountains. ② One of China's most-photographed peaks. ③ Best chance in Sichuan to see 云海. ④ September = low crowds, good visibility.
What's at the top48m 十方普贤 Shífāng Pǔxián golden statue · 金殿 Jīn Diàn (Gold Hall) · 银殿 Yín Diàn (Silver Hall) · 铜殿 Tóng Diàn (Bronze Hall) · 华藏寺 Huázàng Sì · 卧云禅院 Wòyún Chányuàn · 舍身崖 Shèshēn Yá (cliff edge — don't get too close)
Tips① Take cable car UP — never climb at 3,099m. ② Walk DOWN to 接引殿 (~1.5h stone steps) for savings, or cable car down (~¥55). ③ Cloud-sea = clearest early morning or after rain. ④ 佛光 only appears with low cloud + sun behind you — not guaranteed. ⑤ Wind is brutal — hat + gloves essential.
Stop 2 — afternoon, ~3 hours
🌿 半山 Bànshān (Mid-Mountain scenic loop)
WhatAfter coming down from the Golden Summit, the sightseeing bus drops you at 清音阁 area — the classic mid-mountain Emei loop. Twin bridges over a stream, a narrow gorge, a cliff-hugging plank trail, and the famous wild monkey zone.
Why① Spiritual heart of Emei. ② 清音阁 alone is worth the trip. ③ Monkeys are unforgettable.
Sights清音阁 Qīngyīn Gé (twin bridges + stream) → 一线天 Yīxiàntiān (narrow gorge) → 黑龙江栈道 (cliff plank trail) → 白龙洞 Báilóng Dòng (optional) → 生态猴区 Shēngtài Hóuqū (wild monkey zone)
⚠️ Monkey rules① NO plastic bags visible — monkeys WILL grab. ② NO loose phones / food. ③ Don't make direct eye contact. ④ If a monkey jumps on you, drop whatever you're holding. ⑤ Buy ¥5 monkey food only if you want the chaos.
Tips① Walking order: 清音阁 → 一线天 → 栈道 → 猴区 — natural descent. ② 清音阁's twin bridges = iconic Emei photo. ③ 猴区 has staff with slingshots — listen. ④ Total: ~3km, mostly downhill. ⑤ Lots of teahouses on the loop.
🏨 Overnight — 峨眉山高铁站峨秀湖亚朵酒店 Éméishān HSR Station + Éxiùhú Atour Hotel Emeishan
LocationBy the Emeishan HSR station. Built 2024, modern, hot spring on-site.
RecoverySoak 30min. Don't combine with alcohol — altitude amplifies both.
Day 6 of 15 · Tour
19th September 2026 (Saturday)
乐山大佛 Lèshān Dàfó — "山是一尊佛" Leshan
☁️ Overcast · 25°C
🚌 The day in one line
RouteEmeishan (550m) → Leshan (~1.5h coach) → 乐山大佛景区 → back to Chengdu (~2h coach). Lighter than Day 2 / Day 5.
IncludedLeshan entrance ticket ✓. Boat trip ¥70 extra — optional.
⚠️ SaturdayDomestic tourism peak day. Arrive early (which the tour will).
Main attraction — 2 to 3 hours
🗿 乐山大佛 Lèshān Dàfó (Leshan Giant Buddha)
WhatA 71m-tall stone Buddha carved into the cliff face where the Min, Qingyi, and Dadu rivers meet. Carved 713–803 AD (Tang Dynasty). Largest stone Buddha in the world.
Why① Largest stone Buddha. ② 三江汇流 (three-river confluence) is dramatic. ③ 九曲栈道 is one of China's great stairway walks. ④ UNESCO. ⑤ Three completely different views: river, cliff, side.
Route凌云寺 Língyún Sì → 大雄宝殿 Dàxióng Bǎodiàn → 九曲栈道 (descend from Buddha's head down to his feet) → riverside base → 灵宝塔 Língbǎo Tǎ (opposite bank view)
Tips① Go DOWN 九曲栈道 first (queue shorter), then up via temple — beats Saturday crowd. ② 九曲栈道 single-file, steep. Allow 1h for descent + ascent + photos. ③ Each toe of Buddha seats a person — photo from the bottom. ④ River-side view = iconic shot. ⑤ Don't feed the river monkeys.
Phrase"请问乐山大佛景区怎么走？"
Back in Chengdu
🌆 Evening — first proper free evening
Option玉林路 Yùlín Lù food street or rest. Tonight: try 蜀大侠火锅 Shǔ Dàxiá Huǒguō (group hotpot) or 玉林串串香 Yùlín Chuànchuàn Xiāng (skewers, cheaper).
Leshan food?If the tour lunch allows, try 甜皮鸭 Tiánpí Yā / 钵钵鸡 Bōbō Jī — see Things to Consider.
🏨 Overnight — Chengdu Chengdu
Day 7 of 15 · DIY (tour dropped)
20th September 2026 (Sunday)
⏸️ Free day in Chengdu · 🌆 交子公园 Jiāozǐ Gōngyuán 双子塔 night view Chengdu
Rest day
🛋️ Today = recover + reset
Drop-outWK opted out of today's tour DJY+QQS day. No penalty — agency tour ends tomorrow (Sep 21) at breakfast as planned.
HotelStill at 宜尚酒店(成都春熙路IFS国金中心店) Yìshàng Hotel (Chunxi Lu IFS) tonight. Free WiFi, breakfast tomorrow included.
⚠️ TomorrowAfter breakfast → agency coach drops you at YOUR Chengdu hotel (Ruijing 睿景酒店). Last agency leg. After that = full DIY.
Sunset / night
🌆 交子公园 Jiāozǐ Gōngyuán — 双子塔 Shūangzǐ Tǎ (Twin Towers) night view
Why tonightTODAY (Sun Sep 20) IS the weekend — perfect twin-tower light-up window. By Sep 25 (Mid-Autumn) the holiday crowds will be ugly; come tonight while it's still pleasant.
WhatTwin 218m glass skyscrapers across from a riverside park — the modern Chengdu skyline, lit up 19:00–22:00. 交子大道 Jiāozǐ Dàdào has the iconic photo angle.
Best angleWalk south on 交子大道 from 金融城地铁站 Jīnróngchéng station Exit A → river path under the towers. The water reflects both towers — the money shot.
Best timeArrive 19:30 for blue-hour glow → 21:00 the lights are at full warm color → leave before 22:00 metro crowds
HowMetro Line 1 → 金融城站 Jīnróngchéng Zhàn · 3 min walk · OR DiDi ¥30 from Chunxi Road
Pair with晚餐 烤匠麻辣鱼 Kǎojiàng Málà Yú at 银石广场 Yínshí Plaza (5 min walk from the towers) — Chengdu's #1 Sichuan pepper fish. ¥150/pp.
If morning plans
🍵 彭镇老茶馆 Péngzhèn Lǎo Cháguǎn — the 100+ year-old coal-stove tea house
WhatA coal-fired-stove tea house operating continuously since the 1920s — brick floors, bamboo chairs, old posters peeling off the walls. Locals come with newspapers and mahjong tiles. ¥10–15 buys you a thermos of jasmine + a seat all day.
Why① The rawest, least-renovated old tea house in Chengdu. ② Coal stove in the center = unmistakable smell of burning coal + jasmine. ③ Zero tourists — 100% neighborhood grandpas. ⑤ The single most authentic old-Chengdu experience left.
HowDiDi ¥50–80 south from Chunxi Road (~50 min, 30 km). Show driver: "双流区彭镇马市坝街60号，百年老茶馆，请带我去，谢谢". Open 05:00–18:00.
Order一壶茶 (yì hú chá — one pot tea, ¥10). Sunflower seeds + boiled peanuts are communal — sit at a table with elders and they'll share. Bring ¥50 in small bills + ¥10 for the老板娘 (boss lady) tip.
Time1.5h is plenty. Don't rush — that's the point. If you stay past lunch, 老板娘 will offer you a simple bowl of noodles.
CombineDiDi to 彭镇 ~12:30 → tea 13:00–14:30 → DiDi back ~15:00 → nap at hotel → 18:30 leave for 交子公园 双子塔. Clean day.
🏨 Overnight — 宜尚酒店(成都春熙路IFS国金中心店) Yìshàng Hotel (CD Chunxi Lu IFS) Chengdu
Tomorrow: Last tour breakfast → Ruijing Hotel check-in → DIY officially begins. Light pack tonight so the morning is easy.
Day 8 of 15 · Tour ends · DIY starts
21st September 2026 (Monday)
Tour ends — back in Chengdu Chengdu
Tour ends
🚌 Breakfast → back to your Chengdu hotel
WhatAfter breakfast, the agency coach drops you at your own Chengdu hotel. Tour is done — agency handled pickup Sep 14 → hotel, now handles hotel → drop-off Sep 21.
MealsBreakfast included · Last tour meal
Recovery day
😴 Slow start after 7 tour days
AMSleep in. You've earned it — 7 consecutive tour days with 3 altitude jumps.
PMEasy walk: 人民公园 Rénmín Gōngyuán tea + ear cleaning, or 文殊院 Wénshū Yuàn temple + vegetarian lunch
Low effort options
🍵 The Chengdu slow afternoon
Classic人民公园 → 鹤鸣茶社 Hèmíng Cháshè — one bowl = all-day seat + free refills. Ear cleaning masters circle the tables.
Alt水木和 Shuǐmùhé foot massage (~¥165, unlimited 糖水 + snacks) — recovery-appropriate
🏨 Overnight — 成都睿景酒店 Ruijing Hotel (蜀都大道少城路8号13号楼) · 2F ✓ BOOKED Chengdu
LocationAcross from 人民公园, 5 min walk to 宽窄巷子, 3 min to Line 2 人民公园站 D口
GotSmart room + King Koil bed + Herborist bath · rooftop view (10F breakfast)
TipsPack earplugs (¥10 at any 7-11) for 2F noise · skip breakfast add-on (save ¥68/day, eat at 鹤鸣茶社 or street)
Day 9 of 15 · DIY
22nd September 2026 (Tuesday)
🧖 24hr Spa Day — 水裹汤泉 Shuǐguǒ Tāngquán Chengdu
The big reset
🧖 水裹汤泉 Shuǐguǒ Tāngquán — 24hr all-day spa
WhatModern Korean-style hot-spring spa resort. ¥368/pp · unlimited: hot spring pools, sauna/steam rooms, loungers, ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT fruit + ice cream + hot food + snacks + drinks. Stay 6–24 hours.
Why① Chengdu's #1 rated spa on 大众点评 Dàzhòng Diǎnpíng — locals' pick. ② The buffet is genuinely good (mango, durian, Häagen-Dazs, hotpot station). ③ Real recovery after 7 consecutive tour days + 3 altitude jumps.
DiscountBook via 大众点评 app — ¥50 cheaper than walk-in (¥318 vs ¥368). Search "水裹汤泉 成都".
Hours24hr. Most guests do 14:00 → 22:00 (8h evening) or stay overnight till 10:00 next morning.
What to bringPhone + swimsuit (or buy ¥30 at door). Towel + robe + slippers provided. No outside food.
Address武侯区 Wǔhóu Qū (Wuhou District) · Metro Line 3 → 红牌楼站 HóngPáiLóu Exit B, 5 min walk. DiDi from Ruijing ¥35.
⚠️ TipSkip dinner — the buffet IS dinner. Fruit plate at 19:00 is the peak.
If spa not your thing
📋 Backup plans
Foot + Thai水木和足道 Shuǐmùhé Zúdào (~¥165, 龙湖上城天街店) — 90min foot + unlimited snacks, no overnight
Tea + park鹤鸣茶社 Hèmíng Cháshè (人民公园) — slow day, ¥15 tea all afternoon + ear cleaning ¥30
Museum成都博物馆 Chéngdū Bówùguǎn (free, reservation on Trip.com) — 5 min walk from Ruijing, world-class.
🏨 Overnight — 成都睿景酒店 Ruijing Hotel Chengdu
Tomorrow (Wed Sep 23): 都江堰 + 青城山 day trip — early start. Buy HSR tickets on Trip.com tonight for 成都东→都江堰 08:00 train.
Day 10 of 15 · DIY
23rd September 2026 (Wednesday)
🚄 Day Trip — 都江堰 Dūjiāngyàn + 青城山 Qīngchéng Shān Chengdu
UNESCO Heritage
🛕 Self-DIY day trip — both sites in one day
RouteChengdu → 都江堰 (~30min HSR) → 青城山 (~30min shuttle) → return 都江堰 (~30min shuttle) → HSR back to Chengdu. Total 14–16h door-to-door.
Why todayBoth UNESCO sites, geographically adjacent (15km apart). Skip the tour, do it DIY — same sites, no shopping pressure, your pace.
Tickets都江堰 ¥80 + 青城山 ¥80 (book on Trip.com 公众号). 都江堰观光车 ¥20 + 青城山索道 ¥60 round-trip optional. Total ≈ ¥220/pp.
TransportHSR 成都东 Chéngdū Dōng → 都江堰 Dūjiāngyàn station: 6+ trains/day, 25 min, ~¥15. Return same way after 21:00.
AM — 2h
💧 都江堰 Dūjiāngyàn (Dujiangyan Irrigation System)
WhatUNESCO World Heritage. A 2,300-year-old (256 BC, Qin Dynasty) water management system on the Min River — still operational, irrigating 5,300km². Built by 李冰 Lǐ Bīng and his son, WITHOUT A DAM.
Why① One of the oldest functioning water projects on Earth. ② Fish mouth 鱼嘴 splits the river 60/40 automatically — no gates, no power. ③ Pairs with 青城山 (built together in 256 BC) for a complete UNESCO day.
Sights鱼嘴分水堤 Yúzuǐ Fēnshuǐ Dī (Fish Mouth Levee) · 飞沙堰泄洪道 (Flying-Sand Weir) · 宝瓶口 Bǎopíng Kǒu (Bottle-Neck Channel) · 安澜索桥 Ānlán Suǒqiáo (wobbly rope bridge — the famous photo) · 二王庙 Èrwáng Miào (Two-Kings Temple)
Tips① Walk across 安澜索桥 — iconic wobbly bridge, free, 5min. ② 二王庙 view of fish-mouth = classic photo. ③ Buy the 观光车 shuttle ticket (¥20) — saves 30min walk between main spots. ④ Read at least the "fish mouth" panel. ⑤ Skip bridge souvenirs.
PM — 3h
⛰️ 青城山 Qīngchéng Shān (Green-City Mountain)
WhatUNESCO World Heritage. One of China's most sacred Taoist mountains — birthplace of religious Taoism (张道陵 Zhāng Dàolíng founded the 天师道 "Way of the Celestial Masters" here in 142 AD). Quiet ancient forests, mist, dozens of Taoist temples.
Front mountain route建福宫 Jiànfú Gōng (entrance) → 天然图画 Tiānrán Túhuà → 朝阳洞 Cháoyáng Dòng → 全真观 Quánzhēn Guàn → 天师洞 Tiānshī Dòng (Celestial Master Cave — MUST SEE) → 祖师殿 Zǔshī Diàn → 上清宫 Shàngqīng Gōng (summit)
Front vs BackTake the 前山 (front mountain, ~3h). 后山 (back mountain, ~5–6h, harder) is for return trips.
Tips① Cable car (¥60 round trip) saves the last 30min climb. ② The mist IS the attraction. ③ Temple etiquette: don't photograph priests during rituals; step OVER thresholds. ④ Taoist priests sell talismans at 天师洞 — ~¥50, buy or not.
Return
🚄 Return Chengdu
Last train都江堰→成都东 HSR runs until 21:30. From 青城山 station back to 都江堰 station: take 都江堰→青城山 shuttle OR a DiDi (¥60).
Late dinnerBack in Chengdu by 22:00 → late dinner at 玉林路 Yùlín Lù串串香 — 10 min walk from Line 3 衣冠庙站.
🏨 Overnight — 成都睿景酒店 Ruijing Hotel Chengdu
Day 11 of 15 · DIY
24th September 2026 (Thursday)
🏛️ 文化日 — 文殊院 + 杜甫草堂 + 玉林路 + 🎭 蜀风雅韵 Chengdu
AM — 2h
🛕 文殊院 Wénshū Yuàn Wenshu Monastery
WhatA 1,400-year-old working Buddhist monastery in central Chengdu — one of the city's 4 great temples. Free entry. Active monks, incense, back gardens, peaceful amid the city.
Why① Real working monastery — monks chanting 8am + 4pm. ② Vegetarian restaurant 香园 Xiāngyuán inside is legitimately good (¥50 lunch set). ③ Free incense, no tourist push. ④ Quiet back gardens for reflection.
Tips① Arrive 8am for morning chanting. ② Eat lunch at 香园 Xiāngyuán (11:00–14:00). ③ Buy 闻酥园桃酥 Wénsūyuán peach pastries next door (¥20/box) — best in Chengdu. ④ Skip donation pressure.
Address青羊区文武路 Wénwǔ Lù, Qingyang District · Metro Line 1 → 文殊院站 K口, 3 min walk · ¥0 to Ruijing (across the road)
PM — 2h
📜 杜甫草堂 Dùfǔ Cǎotáng Du Fu Thatched Cottage
WhatTang dynasty poet Du Fu's home 757–759 AD — wrote 240+ poems here. Now a museum + gardens + 浣花溪公园 Huanhua Stream Park.
Why① China's "Poet Saint" lived here — every Chinese student reads his work. ② Beautiful bamboo + willows + traditional gardens. ③ Pair with 浣花溪公园 next door for a slow afternoon.
Tickets¥50/pp · book on Trip.com · 8:00–18:30 (last entry 17:30)
Address青羊区青华路38号 Qīnghuá Lù 38 · DiDi from 文殊院 ¥25 · Metro Line 4 → 杜甫草堂站 D口, 5 min walk
Tips① Skip crowds — go Thursday PM or weekday mornings. ② Walk through 浣花溪公园 on the way back (free, beautiful). ③ Adjacent 送仙桥古玩艺术城 Sòngxiānqiáo — weekend curio market if time.
Evening
🌃 玉林路 Yùlín Lù night food crawl
The streetFrom Zhao Lei's song《成都》"玉林路的小酒馆" — the real 老成都 烟火气 street life. Night market energy, bars + food stalls + locals.
Must-eat① 玉林串串香 Yùlín Chuànchuàn Xiāng (skewers, ¥1/stick). ② 降龙爪爪 Xiànglóng Zhuǎzhuǎ (braised chicken feet, ¥10). ③ 王妈串串 Wáng Mā (¥60/pp). ④ Various 烧烤 BBQ stalls (¥3-5/skewer).
BarsMahu Picchu 马丘比丘 (acoustic + jazz open mic Thu 9pm) · 小酒馆 Little Bar (¥15 cover)
HowMetro Line 3 → 衣冠庙站 Yīguānmiào Exit B, 800m walk · OR DiDi ¥25 from 杜甫草堂
WhenGo 19:00+ — the street comes alive after 19:30. Plan 2–3 hours, no agenda.
Evening option
🎭 蜀风雅韵 Shǔfēng Yǎyùn — Sichuan opera + 变脸 (face-changing) ★ TOP PICK
Why tonightChengdu's #1 traditional Sichuan opera venue — 90-min show with 变脸 (face mask change), 喷火 (fire breathing), 手影 (hand shadows), 古筝 (guzheng), 滚灯 (rolling lamp). Includes 盖碗茶 ceremony + 8 traditional snacks. The experience locals bring guests to.
Tickets¥150 (basic) · ¥280 (middle) · ¥580 (VIP front row + dinner). Book on Trip.com / 大众点评.
Showtime20:00 nightly. Arrive 19:30 for tea ceremony + snacks pre-show.
Venue琴台路 Qíntái Lù · 青羊区 · Metro Line 2 → 通锦桥站 Tōngjǐnqiáo Exit A, 10 min walk · DiDi ¥20 from 玉林路
Plan19:00 leave 玉林路 → 19:30 arrive venue (tea ceremony start) → 20:00 show begins → 21:30 show ends + photos → 22:00 back to Ruijing
Backup芙蓉国粹 Fúróng Guócuì @ 锦江剧场 (5 min walk from 春熙路, ¥150–350) — easier logistics, tourist-crowd, same acts. Pick this if 蜀风雅韵 sold out.
🏨 Overnight — 成都睿景酒店 Ruijing Hotel Chengdu
Day 12 of 15 · DIY
25th September 2026 (Friday)
🌙 中秋 Zhōngqiū — Mid-Autumn Festival Chengdu
Night
🌙 Moon + riverside + night market
Classic龙泉山 Lóngquán Shān — DiDi up, mooncakes + tea, moonrise ~19:00 with locals
Easy安顺廊桥 Ānshùn Lángqiáo riverside night walk — bridge lit gold, bars along 锦江
LocalTea house + osmanthus (桂花 Guìhuā season — whole city smells of it) + moon cakes
🌙 Mid-Autumn EveToday IS the eve. Moon rises ~19:15 in 长安. 安顺廊桥 view is the easiest paired with 抚琴夜市 dinner below.
Late dinner
🍢 抚琴夜市 Fǔqín Yèshì (Fuqin Night Market)
WhatWest Chengdu's biggest local night market (抚琴西区片区, near 地铁 Line 7 抚琴站). Permanent stalls, ¥5–25 snacks, BBQ skewers, 烧烤 凉面 冰粉 everything.
Why① REAL local market — students + families, no tourists. ② Cheap eats ¥30–60/pp fills you up. ③ Open 18:00–02:00, perfect post-moon-view dinner.
Must-eat① 烤脑花 Kǎo Nǎohuā (grilled brain, signature). ② 冷锅串串 Lěng Guō Chuànchuàn (cold skewers, ¥1/stick). ③ 锅盔 Guō Kuí (stuffed flatbread). ④ 冰粉 Bīngfěn dessert.
HowMetro Line 7 → 抚琴站 Fǔqín Exit B, 5 min walk · DiDi from Ruijing ¥20
Daytime
🛍️ Shopping (if not done)
Where春熙路 · 太古里 · IFS (7F rooftop panda photo)
MooncakesEverywhere today — accept them; egg-yolk lotus ones are the good ones
Book dinnerMid-Autumn = restaurants full. Reserve or eat early.
⚠️ HolidaySep 25–27 (Fri–Sun) is the official 3-day Mid-Autumn national holiday — crowds everywhere. Book museums (成都博物馆 needs reservation), panda base, shows NOW for these 3 days.
🏨 Overnight — Chengdu Chengdu
Day 13 of 15 · DIY
26th September 2026 (Saturday)
🌐 新世纪环球中心 + 🌃 望平街 Wàngpíng Jiē Chengdu
🏆 The world's largest building — don't miss it
🌐 新世纪环球中心 Xīnshìjì Huánqiú Zhōngxīn (New Century Global Center)
Why1.76M m² — the WORLD'S LARGEST building by floor area (Guinness). The dome is 500m long.
Inside天堂岛海洋乐园 Tiāntángdǎo Hǎiyáng Lèyuán — huge INDOOR water park + wave pool under a glass dome (¥130–180) · IMAX · skating rink · InterContinental hotel · 600+ shops
Best forIndoor beach vibe — perfect if weather turns. Shopping + lunch + AC all in one.
Getting thereMetro Line 1 → 锦城广场站 Jǐnchéng Guǎngchǎng Zhàn (Jincheng Plaza) — station opens DIRECTLY into the building
TimeHalf day to full day. Water park ~2–3h, rest is mall.
Evening
🌃 望平街 Wàngpíng Jiē — final riverside night
WhatLocals' riverside strip — 香香巷 Xiāngxiāng Xiàng bar street, renovated old factories, cafes overlooking 锦江 river. The Chengdu-without-tourists evening.
Why① Old neighborhood gentrified but not over-touristed. ② Riverside walk + bars + cheap eats. ③ Lit-up bridges at night. ④ Better atmosphere than 春熙路 for evening.
Must-do① Walk the riverside path 望平滨河路 (15 min one-way). ② 香香巷 bar crawl (multiple small bars). ③ 望江楼公园 Wàngjiāng Lóu Park next door for evening quiet.
HowMetro Line 4 → 望平街站 Exit B · OR DiDi ¥25 from 环球中心
When19:00 onwards — sunset lights on bridges +20:00 the bars fill.
Last full weekend day
📋 Finish the list
UnfinishedWhatever you missed — 三星堆, pandas, 武侯祠 — today's the buffer
Tea彭镇老茶馆 if not yet done — the authentic one
Wet market菜市场 Càishìchǎng 7–9am — real local life, cheap fruit, great photos
🏨 Overnight — Chengdu Chengdu
Day 14 of 15 · DIY
27th September 2026 (Sunday)
Pack + Final Prep Chengdu
Departure prep
🎒 Pack + Final Check
MorningSort shopping · pack bags · weigh luggage (23kg limit)
Overweight?Ship via 顺丰 Shùnfēng SF Express — cheaper than excess baggage
Final buysHotpot base 火锅底料 Huǒguō Dǐliào, tea, panda stuff — supermarket run
Farewell
🍵 Last rituals
AM人民公园 鹤鸣茶社 — one final 盖碗茶 Gàiwǎn Chá + ear cleaning
Lunch龙抄手 (春熙路) — wontons · 钟水饺 Zhōng Shuǐjiǎo · 赖汤圆 Lài Tāngyuán
Decision
🏨 Tonight — city or airport hotel?
Flight9:40 AM Sep 28 — city departure means leaving ~6:30 AM
Airport hotelTFU is 45–60km out — airport hotel tonight = stress-free morning
TransferAgency confirmed pickup from your Chengdu hotel on Sep 28, no extra charge — confirm exact pickup time (~6:30–7:00am)
🏨 Overnight — Chengdu / Airport hotel
Day 15 of 15
28th September 2026 (Monday)
✈️ Fly Home
🛫 Sep 28 — agency pickup
🚐 Agency airport transfer → TFU
PickupFrom YOUR self-booked hotel. Send hotel name + Chinese address to the agent once you book.
TimeFor a 9:40am flight, pickup ~5:00–5:30am. Be at TFU by 7:30am.
CostFree (included in tour package)
☀️ Sunny · 27°C
✈️ Flight 3U3995 — TFU → KUL
RouteTFU (Chengdu Tianfu) → KUL (Kuala Lumpur)
Depart9:40 AM local time (UTC+8)
Arrive2:20 PM Kuala Lumpur time (UTC+8)
🛫 Checklist
✅ Departure
☐ BagsUnder 23kg each? Excess shipped via SF?
☐ DocumentsPassport, boarding pass
☐ SouvenirsPanda items, tea, 火锅底料, lacquerware DIY
☐ Liquids>100ml in checked bag
TimingArrive airport 7:30 AM · international departure flow
🇲🇾 Home
ArrivalKUL 2:20 PM
NoteYou dodge Golden Week entirely — country starts moving Sep 30 🎉
🐼🌶️🏔️
Chengdu + Sichuan 2026
Sep 14–28 · 14 Nights · Wilson + Wife