Chengdu + Sichuan
📋 Trip Overview
14 Nights · Sep 14–28, 2026 · Tour + DIY
✈️ Flights
FlightRouteDate & TimePassengers
3U3994KUL → TFUSep 14, 4:50am → 9:25amWilson + Wife
3U3995TFU → KULSep 28, 9:40am → 1:05pmWilson + Wife
Booking: AliTrip 51928464629780 · PNR PJ2YG0 · Conf 876-4884618989
🏨 Hotel Bases
Sep 14🏨 Chengdu · 1 night (tour start)
Sep 15🏨 川主寺 / 九寨沟口 Chuanzhusi or Jiuzhaigou town · 1 night (tour)
Sep 16🏨 九寨沟口温泉酒店 Jiuzhaigou hot-spring hotel · 1 night (tour)
Sep 17🏨 Chengdu · 1 night (tour)
Sep 18🏨 峨眉山温泉酒店 Emeishan hot-spring hotel · 1 night (tour)
Sep 19–27🏨 Chengdu · 9 nights (tour Days 6–7 + DIY; agency handles Sep 21 drop-off)
Sep 28 airport transfer: Agency confirmed free pickup from your Chengdu hotel to TFU (~7am at airport). Exact pickup time TBC.
📅 Schedule
DayDatePlanType
114 Sep MonArrive · 宽窄巷子 Kuānzhǎi Xiàngzi / 春熙路 Chūnxi Lù eveningTour
215 Sep Tue叠溪海子 Diéxī Hǎizi → 黄龙 Huánglóng → 藏家 Zàngjiā nightTour
316 Sep Wed九寨沟 Jiǔzhàigōu full dayTour
417 Sep Thu岷江源 Mínjiāng Yuán → 藏寨 Zàngzhài → 松潘古城 Sōngpān Gǔchéng → CDTour
518 Sep Fri峨眉山 Éméi Shān — 金顶 Jīndǐng + 清音阁 Qīngyīn Gé + 猴区 HóuqūTour
619 Sep Sat乐山大佛 Lèshān Dàfó → CDTour
720 Sep Sun青城山 Qīngchéng Shān AM + 都江堰 Dūjiāngyàn PMTour
821 Sep MonRest / easy recoveryDIY
922 Sep TueFlex — see Tips (三星堆 Sānxīngduī top pick)DIY
1023 Sep WedFlex / Spa dayDIY
1124 Sep ThuFlex / Hidden gemsDIY
1225 Sep Fri🌙 中秋 Zhōngqiū (Mid-Autumn)DIY
1326 Sep Sat新世纪环球中心 Xīnshìjì Huánqiú Zhōngxīn (world's largest building) + ShowDIY
1427 Sep SunPack + final shoppingDIY
1528 Sep MonFly 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 · 3 transfers (Sep 14 pickup, Sep 21 hotel drop-off, Sep 28 airport drop-off) · 《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
DayDateMeals
215 SepBreakfast · Lunch · Dinner (藏家 Zàngjiā hotpot)
316 SepBreakfast · Dinner (lunch own — carry snacks)
417 SepBreakfast · Lunch
518 SepBreakfast · Lunch · Dinner
619 SepBreakfast · Lunch
720 SepBreakfast · Lunch
821 SepBreakfast only
Day 1 of 15 · Tour
14th September 2026 (Monday)
Arrive Chengdu + Free Evening Chengdu
🌧️ Cloudy · 24°C · Humid
🛬 Flight 3U3994 — KUL → TFU
吉隆坡 = Kuala Lumpur · 天府国际机场 = Chengdu Tianfu International Airport · 航班 = flight number
DepartKUL 4:50 AM (UTC+8)
ArriveTFU 9:25 AM (UTC+8)
Why this flight3U3994 Sichuan Airlines direct · ~4h30m · book PNR PJ2YG0 / AliTrip 51928464629780
🚌 Tour: 专人接机 Zhuānrén Jiējī (dedicated airport pickup)
🚗 Airport → Chengdu Hotel
接机 = meet-and-greet airport pickup · 大巴 = tour coach · 酒店 = 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 to show driver"你好,我是 {your name},到 {hotel name}"
Fallback if no driver: DiDi ~¥80–120 (have hotel Chinese name ready in phone favorites) · Metro Line 19 ¥8–10 (45–60 min, last train ~10:30pm).
Free evening — pick one
🌆 Two anchor options
宽窄巷子 = Wide-Narrow Alleys (historic lane district) · 春熙路 = Spring Sunshine Road (main shopping) · 太古里 = Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li (upscale open mall) · IFS = International Finance Square
Jet lag4:50am departure = awake since ~2am. Keep it light, sleep early. Real touring starts tomorrow.
Option A — historic alleys
宽窄巷子 Kuānzhǎi Xiàngzi (Wide-Narrow Alleys)
宽 = wide · 窄 = narrow · 巷子 = lane/alley · 三大炮 = "Three Cannon Shots" (glutinous rice ball dessert) · 糖油果子 = sugar-oil fried dough balls
What300-year-old Manchu-era neighborhood of restored courtyard houses (四合院 sìhéyuàn). Three parallel lanes — 宽巷子 (wide), 窄巷子 (narrow), 井巷子 (well).
Why we goMost concentrated slice of "old Chengdu" — stone-paved lanes, teahouses, souvenir shops, street snacks. Best before 10am (calm) or after dark (lanterns lit).
Tips① Skip the "tea ceremony invitation" touts near the entrance — they lead to ¥200+ scam shops. ② Try 三大炮 (¥10) at any cart — the chef throws glutinous rice balls against a drum. ③ 糖油果子 (¥5) is the sesame-coated fried dough classic. ④ Real teahouse is 鹤鸣茶社 Hèmíng Cháshè in People's Park next door — not here. ⑤ Bring cash (¥50) for snacks even though you can pay by phone.
How to say it"请问宽窄巷子怎么走?" (Where is Wide-Narrow Alleys?) · 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
春熙路 = Spring Sunshine Road · 太古里 = Taikoo Li · IFS = International Finance Square · 熊猫 = panda
WhatChunxi Road is Chengdu's main shopping strip — neon, crowds, flagship stores. Adjacent 太古里 Tàigǔlǐ 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.
Why we go① The panda sculpture is Chengdu's most-photographed icon. ② 太古里's mix of old temple + modern mall is uniquely Chengdu. ③ Window-shopping, not buying.
Tips① IFS panda: take elevator to 7F rooftop garden (free) for the front-facing shot. Street-level view = panda BUTT only — the most common Chengdu photo fail. ② 太古里 night lights up after 8pm — best photos. ③ Avoid 蛋烘糕 dànhōnggāo carts here (¥15, inflated); better ¥5–8 at People's Park. ④ 大慈寺 Dàcísì temple inside 太古里 is FREE and often overlooked — red walls, no crowds, 5min stop.
How to say it"请问 IFS 楼顶熊猫怎么上去?" (How do I get to the IFS rooftop panda?) · 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. Photo it before you eat — legend has it the calligraphy was hung backwards when the shop opened.
Dinner宽窄巷子 street food: 三大炮 (¥10), 糖油果子 (¥5), 三大炮 冰粉 bīngfěn (¥8, sweet jelly, the Sichuan 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
成都 Chéngdū · 叠溪海子 Diéxī Hǎizi · 黄龙 Huánglóng · 藏家 Zàngjiā (Tibetan family)
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 (just in case) · light snacks for the coach
Phrase to driver"我们想上厕所" (we need the 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)
叠溪 = overlapping streams · 海子 = local word for "lake" (literally "sea child") · 地震 = earthquake · 堰塞湖 yānsè hú = landslide-dammed 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.
Why we stop① En-route photo stop — pretty mountain backdrop, jade-green water. ② Geological/historical weight. ③ A bathroom break (tour coach toilets are rare on mountain roads).
Tips① Walk the short path on the left side — different angle than the main viewpoint. ② Buy yak jerky here if you want — ~¥30/bag, fresher than city. ③ Cold wind off the lake — keep the jacket on. ④ Don't try to feed the local guard dogs.
Stop 2 — 3 to 4 hours
黄龙 Huánglóng (Yellow Dragon) Scenic Area
黄龙 = Yellow Dragon · 索道 = cable car (UPLINE INCLUDED ✓) · 五彩池 = Five-Color Pool · 钙华 = travertine · 海拔 = altitude
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.
Why we go① The only natural travertine landscape of this scale in the world. ② 2 hours up the cable car → 3 hours walking DOWN the boardwalk — easy physical demand. ③ Five-Color Pool (五彩池) at the top is the iconic shot.
Sights along the way迎宾池 Yíngbīn Chí (Welcome Pools, lower) → 飞瀑流辉 Fēipù Liúhuī (Flying-Waterfall Glow) → 争艳池 Zhēngyàn Chí (Competing-Color Pools) → 黄龙洞 Huánglóng Dòng (Yellow Dragon Cave, dry) → 映月彩池 Yìngyuè Cǎichí (Moon-Reflecting Pools) → 五彩池 Wǔcǎi Chí (Five-Color Pool, top — the postcard)
Tips① Take the cable car UPLINE (included). ② Walk DOWN the 5km boardwalk — never up at altitude. ③ WALK SLOWLY. 3,500m + same-day climb from 500m = mild breathlessness is normal. ④ Oxygen cans at the entrance ¥20–30 — buy one even if you feel fine. ⑤ Light down jacket essential — 5–15°C up top vs 25°C Chengdu. ⑥ Five-Color Pool's color comes from mineral content + sunlight angle — best photos between 11am–2pm. ⑦ Don't touch the water — it's the travertine deposition that builds these pools.
Evening — 1 hour
🔥 藏家体验 Zàngjiā Tǐyàn (Tibetan Family Night)
藏家 = Tibetan household · 土火锅 Tǔ Huǒguō = clay hotpot · 锅庄舞 Guōzhuāng Wǔ = circle dance · 篝火 Gōuhuǒ = bonfire · 青稞酒 Qīngkē Jiǔ = highland barley wine · 哈达 Hādá = ceremonial scarf
WhatTourist-arranged evening in a Tibetan family's courtyard. Hotpot cooked in a copper pot over charcoal, then 锅庄 (folk circle dance) around a 篝火 bonfire. Drinks served.
Why we go① Most immersive cultural experience the tour offers. ② The hotpot is genuinely good (yak meat, wild mushrooms, hand-pulled noodles). ③ The dance is participatory — not a staged show.
Tips① Join the dance, even if awkward — the family loves when foreigners try. ② 青稞酒 Qīngkē Jiǔ (highland barley wine) is offered — sip politely, don't down it (deceptively strong, ~40% ABV). ③ They may put a white 哈达 Hādá scarf around your neck and ask for a photo with you — accept, it's their welcome. ④ Souvenirs will be on sale after (yak butter, Tibetan knives) — browse, don't buy.
🏨 Overnight — 九寨沟口 Jiǔzhàigōu Kǒu Jiuzhaigou
沟口 = valley entrance town · 温泉酒店 = hot-spring hotel (upgraded ✓)
Altitude~2,300m. Sleep arrives fast after a 12h day.
RecoveryHot spring at the hotel (if upgraded ✓) is the 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
九寨沟 = Nine Villages Valley · 海 = lake (literally "sea") · 瀑布 = waterfall · 滩 = shoal · 观光车 = sightseeing bus (INCLUDED ✓) · 镜海 = Mirror Lake · 长海 = Long Lake
WhatUNESCO World Heritage. A Y-shaped valley of 108+ glacial lakes and waterfalls at 2,000–3,100m. Water is the unreal part — turquoise, jade, emerald, cobalt — colored by dissolved carbonate and travertine.
Why we go① Often called "the most beautiful valley in the world" — not an exaggeration. ② Y-shaped: take sightseeing bus to the top of either branch, walk down, switch to the other branch. ③ 4.1万 visitor cap per day — Sep is shoulder season (early autumn colors just starting), not crowded.
LayoutBus from 沟口 (entrance) → 树正沟 Shùzhèng Valley (right branch) → mirror lakes / 诺日朗 transfer → 则查洼沟 Zécháwā Valley (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, China's widest) · 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 (Journey-to-the-West waterfall) · 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 — get this right
🚌 Shuttle routing + best-light windows
五花海 = Five-Flower Lake · 镜海 = Mirror Lake · 倒影 = reflection · 最佳光线 = best light
Routing trickTake the first bus to 长海 Cháng Hǎi (the furthest point), then work backwards down the valley. You walk AGAINST the crowd all day — every viewpoint is empty when you arrive.
镜海 rule镜海 Jìnghǎi (Mirror Lake) is the famous reflection lake. Reflections die after ~10am when wind picks up. Hit it FIRST thing, before any other stop.
五花海 light五花海 Wǔhuā Hǎi (Five-Flower Lake) is the postcard. Mid-morning sun = colors pop. Late afternoon = underwhelming.
September bonusEarly autumn color at higher elevations — maples starting to turn red, greens + golds mix. Lower elevations still summer-green.
⚠️ Lunch gap — solve before you enter
🍱 Lunch on your own inside the valley
诺日朗服务中心 = Nuorilang Service Center · 自助餐 = buffet · 方便面 = instant noodles
Option 1诺日朗服务中心 Nuòrìlǎng Service Center cafeteria — convenient but tourist-priced (~¥50–80). Buffet noodles + rice + small Sichuan dishes.
Option 2 (recommended)Grab extra breakfast pastries + snacks at the hotel BEFORE entering. The valley itself is the show — don't waste an hour of light at a cafeteria.
🎭 Evening — booked!
《九寨千古情》Jiǔzhài Qiāngǔqíng — agency book ¥200/pp ✓
千古情 = "Song of Eternity" · 宋城演艺 = Songcheng Performance Group · 藏羌 = Tibetan & Qiang ethnic groups
What70-minute spectacular by 宋城演艺 (Songcheng) — large-scale stage show covering the history, mythology and culture of the Tibetan and Qiang peoples of Jiuzhaigou. Big cast, real horses, flying rigs, smoke effects, audience participation.
Why we go① The single best stage show in Sichuan. ② Perfect after a full-day valley walk — sit down, get fed cultural context you didn't get on the trail. ③ Same franchise as Xi'an's 西安千古情 — but different content. This one is about Tibetan/Qiang, not Tang dynasty.
Price¥200/pp through agency (vs ¥280–320 on 美团 Měituán / 大众点评 Dàzhòng Diǎnpíng) — agency is cheaper, take it
TimingTonight. You sleep at 沟口 Gōukǒu, show is ~20 min away. Agent confirmed it fits the schedule.
Tips① Doors open 30min before — get there early, front-center seats are unassigned. ② Show is in Chinese with no English subtitles — but the visuals carry it. ③ Don't leave early — the finale is the strongest part. ④ No photos/video during the show (staff enforce).
🏨 Overnight — 九寨沟口温泉酒店 Hot-Spring Hotel Jiuzhaigou
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
岷江源头 = Min River source · 藏寨 = Tibetan village · 古羌城 = Ancient Qiang City · 松潘古城 = Songpan Ancient Town · 碉楼 = watchtower · 茶马古道 = Tea-Horse Road
What today isLong coach ride (~7–8h) from Jiuzhaigou back to Chengdu, with 3 culture stops + 2 unavoidable shopping breaks. Light physical demand (mostly coach time + short walks).
MealsBreakfast · Lunch included
Stop 1 — 20 min
岷江源头 Mínjiāng Yuántóu (Min River Source)
岷江 = Min River (a major Yangtze tributary) · 源头 = source/headwater · 海拔 = altitude
WhatA roadside monument and short boardwalk marking the geographic source of the Min River, one of the Yangtze's main tributaries. Mountain spring, prayer flags, view of the surrounding 3,500m+ peaks.
Why we stop① Geographic significance — the Min has irrigated Chengdu for 2,300 years via 都江堰 (which you'll see Day 7). ② Pretty alpine scenery. ③ Bathroom break.
Tips① Walk to the prayer-flag pole for the postcard shot. ② Cold wind — keep the jacket on, you're still at 3,500m. ③ Don't drink the spring water without boiling.
Stop 2 — 40 to 60 min (includes shopping)
藏寨 Zàngzhài (Tibetan Village)
藏寨 = Tibetan village · 碉楼 = stone watchtower (Qiang-style) · 银饰 = silver jewelry · 藏药 = Tibetan traditional medicine
WhatA preserved Tibetan/Qiang mountain village — stone houses, prayer flags, carved watchtowers. The tour visits it, and the village operates a co-op shop selling Tibetan silver jewelry and traditional medicine.
Why we go① Authentic Tibetan-Qiang architecture and atmosphere — beautiful. ② Brief insight into minority culture.
⚠️ Shopping realityThe "cultural visit" segues into a 30–45min silver/tibetan-medicine shop stop. Agent-confirmed 40–60 min total in this stop. Buy nothing — prices are 3–5x market, and the products are not what they claim.
Tips① Smile, take photos of the village exterior, follow the group. ② Don't sit down for "free tea ceremony" — that's the high-pressure upsell. ③ Genuine yak jerky (牦牛肉干) is sometimes sold at street stalls nearby for ¥30–50/bag — fine to buy.
Stop 3 — 40 to 60 min (includes shopping)
古羌城 Gǔqiāng Chéng (Ancient Qiang City)
羌族 = Qiang ethnic group (one of China's oldest minorities) · 碉楼 = stone watchtower · 释比 = Qiang shaman
WhatA recreated/preserved Qiang ethnic village in 茂县 Mao County. Qiang are one of China's oldest minorities — Tibetan-related but distinct. Stone watchtowers (碉楼, UNESCO-listed in their own right), traditional homes, Qiang folk performances.
Why we go① See Qiang culture that you wouldn't otherwise encounter. ② Watchtower photo ops. ③ Folk dance performance (often included).
⚠️ Shopping realitySame pattern — another co-op shop stop, usually silversmith or local crafts. Another 30–40 min you're not choosing to spend. Stay polite, browse, buy nothing.
Tips① Watchtower at the village center = best photo. ② Catch the Qiang dance performance if scheduled — short and authentic. ③ Skip the herbal medicine demonstrations.
Stop 4 — 1 hour lunch + walk
松潘古城 Sōngpān Gǔchéng (Songpan Ancient Town)
松潘 = Songpan · 古城 = ancient town · 茶马古道 = Tea-Horse Road · 城门 = city gate
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 with Tibetan and Han shops.
Why we go① Lunch stop, but the town is the reason to linger. ② Real (not reconstructed) ancient walls — you can walk on them. ③ The 汉藏 和睦 (Han-Tibetan harmony) stone arch is the iconic shot. ④ Lunch is usually a simple Tibetan/Han hotpot or noodles here — fresh yak meat, mushrooms.
Tips① Walk the gate tower — climb the 100+ wooden steps for the view (no elevator, but easy). ② Try yak meat hotpot for lunch — leaner than beef, gamey. ③ Buy any 牛肉干 / 藏红花 from the old-street stalls — ¥30–50 a bag, real product. ④ 1 hour total — don't wander far from the gate.
🏨 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
峨眉山 = Mount Emei ("Eyebrow Mountain") · 金顶 = Golden Summit · 半山 = mid-mountain · 索道 = cable car · 观光车 = sightseeing bus · 云海 = sea of clouds · 佛光 = Buddha's halo
RouteChengdu (500m) → 报国寺 Bàoguósì Emei base (550m, 2.5h) → 雷洞坪 Léidòngpíng (2,400m, sightseeing bus) → 接引殿 Jiēyǐndiàn (2,600m, cable car up) → 金顶 Jīndǐng (3,099m) → back down to 半山 → Emeishan town hotel
What's includedEmei entrance ticket · 全山观光车 (full-mountain sightseeing bus) · 金顶索道上行 (cable car UP to Golden Summit) ✓. The DOWN cable car is ~¥55 extra — buy on-site or walk down the steps (~1.5h).
PackDown jacket · raincoat (mountain weather flips fast) · warm socks · gloves (helps with cold + monkey issues) · powerbank · small snacks · cash for cable car down
Phrase to driver"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)
金顶 = Golden Summit · 十方普贤 = Samantabhadra Bodhisattva (one of the four great Buddhist bodhisattvas) · 金银铜殿 = Gold, Silver, Bronze Halls · 云海 = sea of clouds · 佛光 = Buddha's halo (a rainbow-ring around your shadow on fog) · 华藏寺 = Huazang Temple · 卧云禅院 = Woyun Zen Monastery
WhatThe 3,099m summit of Mount Emei — UNESCO World Heritage and one of Buddhism's Four Sacred Mountains of China (the others are Wutai, Putuo, Jiuhua). Home to a 48m golden statue of Samantabhadra, the Gold/Silver/Bronze Halls, and the famous 云海 (sea of clouds) and 佛光 (Buddha's halo — a rainbow ring around your shadow on fog below).
Why we go① Mount Emei is one of China's four most sacred Buddhist mountains — pilgrims climb it for thousands of years. ② The Golden Summit is one of China's most-photographed peaks. ③ Best chance in Sichuan to see 云海 (sea of clouds). ④ September = low crowds, good visibility window.
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 · the 舍身崖 Shèshēn Yá (cliff-edge photo platform — don't get too close)
Tips① Take the cable car UP — never climb at 3,099m. ② Walk DOWN to 接引殿 (~1.5h on stone steps) for the savings, OR take the cable car down (~¥55). ③ Cloud-sea = clearest early morning or after rain; afternoon clouds build. ④ 佛光 (Buddha's halo) only appears with low cloud + sun behind you — not guaranteed, no point chasing. ⑤ Wind at the top is brutal — hat + gloves essential. ⑥ Don't take photos near the cliff edge — wind gusts.
Stop 2 — afternoon, ~3 hours
🌿 半山 Bànshān (Mid-Mountain scenic loop)
清音阁 = Clear Sound Pavilion · 一线天 = One-Line Sky gorge · 黑龙江栈道 = Heilongjiang plank trail · 生态猴区 = wild monkey zone · 白龙洞 = White Dragon Cave
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.
Why we go① The mid-mountain is the spiritual heart of Emei — most Buddhist monasteries, the best scenery, manageable walking. ② 清音阁 alone is worth the trip. ③ The monkeys are unforgettable.
Sights清音阁 Qīngyīn Gé (Clear Sound Pavilion — twin bridges + stream) → 一线天 Yīxiàntiān (One-Line Sky — narrow gorge) → 黑龙江栈道 Hēilóngjiāng Zhàndào (cliff plank trail) → 白龙洞 Báilóng Dòng (White Dragon Cave, optional) → 生态猴区 Shēngtài Hóuqū (wild monkey zone)
⚠️ Monkey rules① NO plastic bags visible — monkeys associate them with food and WILL grab them. ② NO loose phones / food in hand. ③ Don't make direct eye contact (challenge). ④ If a monkey jumps on you, drop whatever you're holding — they'll grab and run. ⑤ Buy ¥5 monkey food only if you want the chaos experience — they take it aggressively.
Tips① Walking order: 清音阁 first, then 一线天, then 栈道, then 猴区 — this is the natural descent. ② 清音阁's twin bridges + waterfall = the iconic Emei photo. ③ 猴区 has staff with slingshots — listen to them. ④ Total walking: ~3km, mostly downhill. ⑤ Lots of teahouses on the loop — stop for one mid-walk.
🏨 Overnight — 峨眉山温泉酒店 Hot-Spring Hotel Emeishan
温泉酒店 = hot-spring hotel (upgraded ✓)
RecoveryAfter 2 altitude jumps in 4 days, soak 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
乐山大佛 = Leshan Great Buddha · 凌云寺 = Lingyun Temple · 九曲栈道 = Nine-Turn Cliff Stairway · 三江汇流 = confluence of three rivers · 灵宝塔 = Lingbao Pagoda · 岷江 = Min River · 青衣江 = Qingyi River · 大渡河 = Dadu River
RouteEmeishan (550m) → Leshan (~1.5h coach) → 乐山大佛景区 Lèshān Dàfó Scenic Area → back to Chengdu (~2h coach). Long-ish day but lighter than Day 2 / Day 5.
What's includedLeshan entrance ticket ✓ (no extra fees inside,). No boat trip needed unless you want the river view (¥70 extra, optional).
PackComfortable walking shoes (lots of steps) · sunscreen · water · light raincoat if forecast wet
⚠️ SaturdaySaturday = domestic tourism peak day. Arrive early (which the tour will).
Main attraction — 2 to 3 hours
🗿 乐山大佛 Lèshān Dàfó (Leshan Giant Buddha)
大佛 = Great Buddha · 凌云寺 = Lingyun Temple ("Cloud-Soaring") · 大雄宝殿 = Great Hero Hall (main Buddha hall) · 九曲栈道 = Nine-Turn Plank Path · 三江汇流 = three-river confluence
WhatA 71m-tall stone Buddha carved into the cliff face where the Min, Qingyi, and Dadu rivers meet. Carved 713–803 AD (Tang Dynasty). The largest stone Buddha in the world, and one of the largest Buddha statues of any kind. The cliff stairway 九曲栈道 lets you descend from the head all the way down to the feet.
Why we go① Largest stone Buddha in the world. ② The 三江汇流 (three-river confluence) is dramatic in its own right. ③ The 九曲栈道 is one of China's great stairway walks. ④ UNESCO World Heritage. ⑤ Visible from the river, from the cliff, from the side — three completely different views.
Route through the site凌云寺 Língyún Sì (Lingyun Temple, top of hill) → 大雄宝殿 Dàxióng Bǎodiàn (Main Buddha Hall) → 九曲栈道 Jiǔqū Zhàndào (Nine-Turn Stairway, descend from Buddha's head down to his feet, beside the Buddha) → riverside base → 灵宝塔 Língbǎo Tǎ (Lingbao Pagoda, opposite bank view)
Surrounding sights凌云寺 Língyún Sì (Lingyun Temple) · 大雄宝殿 Dàxióng Bǎodiàn (Main Buddha Hall) · 九曲栈道 Jiǔqū Zhàndào (Nine-Turn Cliff Stairway — the famous walk down) · 三江汇流 Sānjiāng Huìliú (the 3-river confluence — best view from the cliff) · 灵宝塔 Língbǎo Tǎ (Lingbao Pagoda)
Tips① Go DOWN the 九曲栈道 first (queue is shorter), then back up via the temple — opposite of instinct, beats the Saturday crowd. ② The 九曲栈道 is single-file and steep. Allow 1 hour for descent + ascent + photos. ③ Each toe of the Buddha is large enough to seat a person — get a photo from the bottom. ④ The river-side view of the Buddha's full face is the iconic shot — cross to the 灵宝塔 观景台 if your tour allows. ⑤ Don't feed the river monkeys (different species than Emei's, less aggressive but present).
Phrase to show"请问乐山大佛景区怎么走?" (Where is the Leshan Giant Buddha scenic area?)
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 experience) or 玉林串串香 Yùlín Chuànchuàn Xiāng (skewers, cheaper) — your reward for the altitude week.
Leshan food?If the tour lunch stop in Leshan allows, try 甜皮鸭 Tiánpí Yā / 钵钵鸡 Bōbō Jī — see Things to Consider page for the hit list (赵鸭子 Zhào Yāzi etc.).
🏨 Overnight — Chengdu Chengdu
Day 7 of 15 · Tour
20th September 2026 (Sunday)
青城山 Qīngchéng Shān AM + 都江堰 Dūjiāngyàn PM Chengdu
☁️ Misty mountain AM · 24°C
🚌 The day in one line
青城山 = Green-City Mountain (Taoist sacred mountain) · 都江堰 = Dujiangyan Irrigation System · 世界文化遗产 = UNESCO World Heritage · 世界自然遗产 = World Natural Heritage
RouteChengdu → 青城山 Qīngchéng Shān (~1h) → lunch → 都江堰 Dūjiāngyàn (~30min) → return to Chengdu (~1.5h). Mostly easy walking, gentle grades.
What's includedBoth entrance tickets ✓. Note: optional 青城山索道 (cable car, ~¥60) and 都江堰游船 (boat, ~¥20) are NOT included — your choice on the day.
⚠️ Sep 20 bonusSep 20 is a national make-up workday — locals at work, noticeably quieter than a normal Sunday. Free gift.
PackWalking shoes · raincoat (Qingcheng is misty 300 days/year, they call it "青城天下幽" — the most serene) · mosquito repellent
AM — 2 to 3 hours
⛰️ 青城山 Qīngchéng Shān (Green-City Mountain) ✓
青城山 = Green-City Mountain · "青城天下幽" = "Qingcheng, the most serene under heaven" · 道教 = Taoism · 天师 = Celestial Master (Taoist priest) · 祖师殿 = Ancestral Hall
WhatUNESCO World Heritage. One of China's most sacred Taoist mountains — birthplace of the religious Taoism movement (张道陵 Zhāng Dàolíng founded the 天师道 Tiānshī Dào "Way of the Celestial Masters" here in 142 AD). Quiet ancient forests, mist, dozens of Taoist temples.
Why we go① Active Taoist site — you'll see priests in robes, incense rituals, the original 阴阳 yīnyáng balance philosophy in architecture. ② The most serene ("幽 yōu") of all Chinese mountains — quiet, dripping moss, bird song. ③ Pair with 都江堰 (built together in 256 BC) for a complete UNESCO day.
What's at the front mountain (前山 qián shān)建福宫 Jiànfú Gōng (entrance) → 天然图画 Tiānrán Túhuà (Natural Painting pavilion) → 朝阳洞 Cháoyáng Dòng (Sun-Facing Cave) → 全真观 Quánzhēn Guàn (Complete Truth Abbey) → 天师洞 Tiānshī Dòng (Celestial Master Cave — birthplace of Taoism, MUST SEE) → 祖师殿 Zǔshī Diàn (Ancestral Hall) → 朝阳洞 → 上清宫 Shàngqīng Gōng (Supreme Clarity Palace — summit)
Front vs BackTour visits 前山 qián shān (front mountain, temples, easy paths, ~3h). 后山 hòu shān (back mountain, harder hikes, waterfalls, ~5–6h) is for return trips.
Tips① Front mountain takes 2–3h at moderate pace. ② Cable car (~¥60 round trip) saves the last 30min climb to 上清宫 — take it if legs are tired after Emei/Leshan. ③ Skip the back mountain if pressed for time. ④ The mist IS the attraction — don't complain about no view. ⑤ Temple etiquette: don't photograph priests during rituals; step OVER the wooden threshold (never on it). ⑥ Taoist priests sell talismans at 天师洞 — interesting souvenir if you want one (~¥50).
Phrase to show"请问青城山前山怎么走?" (How do I get to Qingcheng front mountain?)
PM — 2 hours
💧 都江堰 Dūjiāngyàn (Dujiangyan Irrigation System) ✓
都江堰 = Dujiangyan · 安澜索桥 = Anlan Rope Bridge ("Peaceful Wave") · 鱼嘴 = Fish Mouth (dike) · 飞沙堰 = Flying-Sand Weir · 二王庙 = Erwang Temple (Two-Kings Temple) · 分水堤 = water-dividing levee
WhatUNESCO World Heritage. A 2,300-year-old (256 BC, Qin Dynasty) water management system on the Min River — still operational, still irrigating 5,300km² of farmland. Built by 李冰 Lǐ Bīng (the Qin governor) and his son, WITHOUT A DAM. Pure gravity-fed engineering genius.
Why we go① One of the oldest functioning water projects on Earth. ② The "fish mouth" 鱼嘴 design splits the river 60/40 automatically — no gates, no power. ③ Pairs perfectly with 青城山 (same engineer, same era). ④ Real engineering you can walk across, not a museum piece.
What's at the site鱼嘴分水堤 Yúzuǐ Fēnshuǐ Dī (Fish Mouth Levee — the iconic split) · 飞沙堰泄洪道 Fēishāyàn Xièhóngdào (Flying-Sand Weir — auto-flush flood channel) · 宝瓶口 Bǎopíng Kǒu (Bottle-Neck Channel — the final flow control) · 安澜索桥 Ānlán Suǒqiáo (Anlan Rope Bridge, wobbly suspension bridge — the famous photo) · 二王庙 Èrwáng Miào (Two-Kings Temple, dedicated to Lǐ Bīng and his son)
Tips① Walk across 安澜索桥 Ānlán Suǒqiáo — it's the iconic wobbly suspension bridge, free, 5min round trip. ② 二王庙 view of the fish-mouth is the classic photo. ③ 西游记 (Journey to the West) filming site — the path along the canal. ④ Don't try to understand the engineering in 2 minutes — the explanatory signs are genuinely good. Read at least the "fish mouth" panel. ⑤ Souvenirs on the bridge are overpriced; skip.
Phrase to show"请问鱼嘴分水堤在哪?" (Where is the Fish-Mouth Levee?)
🏨 Overnight — Chengdu Chengdu
Tour ends tomorrow! Tomorrow morning after breakfast, you get dropped back at your own Chengdu hotel — agency handles it. Then 7 DIY days + Sep 28 agency pickup to TFU.
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
送回成都酒店 = drop-off at Chengdu hotel (not airport) ✓
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
鹤鸣茶社 = Crane-Cry Teahouse · 糖水 = sweet soup
Classic人民公园 Rénmín Gōngyuán → 鹤鸣茶社 Hèmíng Cháshè one bowl of tea = your seat all day + free refills. Ear cleaning masters circle the tables.
Alt水木和 Shuǐmùhé foot massage (~¥165, unlimited 糖水 Tángshuǐ + snacks) — recovery-appropriate
Full plan?See Tips & Options page (menu) for the full must-see list
🏨 Overnight — Chengdu (self-booked) Chengdu
Day 9 of 15 · DIY
22nd September 2026 (Tuesday)
Flex Day — 三星堆 Sānxīngduī Top Pick Chengdu
Recommended
🏺 三星堆博物馆 Sānxīngduī Bówùguǎn — my #1 DIY pick
三星堆 = "Three-Star Mound" · 博物馆 = museum · 广汉北 = Guanghan North station
WhyNew 2024 building, world-class. 3,000-year-old bronze masks that look alien. THE wow museum in China.
Getting there成都东 Chéngdū Dōng → 广汉北 Guǎnghàn Běi HSR 30 min + taxi/¥18 · or direct tourist bus
TimeHalf day. Book tickets on official WeChat 公众号 Gōngzhònghào or Trip.com ahead.
Alternatives
📋 Not museum people?
熊猫基地Xióngmāo Jīdì (Panda Base) 7:30am opening — pandas active 8–10am only. Line 3 direct.
武侯祠 + 锦里Wǔhóu Cí (Wuhou Shrine) red walls 8am, 锦里 Jǐnlǐ lanterns evening · ¥50
Spa day水裹汤泉 Shuǐguǒ Tāngquán ~¥368 24hr all-you-can-eat resort — full day version
More ideasSee Tips & Options page in menu
🏨 Overnight — Chengdu Chengdu
Day 10 of 15 · DIY
23rd September 2026 (Wednesday)
Flex Day — Spa / Tea / Hidden Gems Chengdu
Pick one lane
📋 Three ways to spend today
Spa lane水裹汤泉 Shuǐguǒ Tāngquán (24hr buffet spa, ¥368) or 水木和 Shuǐmùhé (foot + Thai, ¥165) — post-tour recovery continues
Culture lane成都博物馆 Chéngdū Bówùguǎn (free, Tianfu Square) + 东郊记忆 Dōngjiāo Jìyì industrial park + 大戏台茶馆 Dàxìtái Cháguǎn evening opera
Hidden lane彭镇老茶馆 Péngzhèn Lǎo Cháguǎn (coal-stove locals tea house, 30–40 min out) — the real Chengdu
Evening
🎭 Show night option
蜀风雅韵Shǔfēng Yǎyùn ¥150–580 · classic opera + face changing · book ahead on Trip.com/Klook
大戏台茶馆Dàxìtái Cháguǎn ¥150–200 · includes tea + 6 snacks · at 东郊记忆 Dōngjiāo Jìyì · more casual
🏨 Overnight — Chengdu Chengdu
Day 11 of 15 · DIY
24th September 2026 (Thursday)
Flex Day — Hidden Gems Chengdu
Off the tourist path
💎 Hidden gems day
官塘新村 = Guantang New Village · 道明竹艺村 = Daoming Bamboo-Art Village · 洛带古镇 = Luodai Ancient Town · 漆器 = lacquerware
官塘新村Guāntáng Xīncūn — rice-paddy art village + 蜀锦博物馆 Shǔjǐn Bówùguǎn + 荥窑 Xíngyáo — near-empty, ~1hr out
道明竹艺村Dàomíng Zhúyì Cūn — bamboo weaving village, free entry, DIY workshop (Chongzhou)
洛带古镇Luòdài Gǔzhèn — 簪花 Zānhuā costume photos (¥100–300) — atmospheric, huge hit with Chinese visitors
漆器 DIY成都漆器工艺厂 Chéngdū Qīqì Gōngyìchǎng (蜀华街72号 Shǔhuá Jiē 72) — make a lacquer bookmark/chopsticks to take home
In-city望平街 Wàngpíng Jiē riverside + 玉林路 Yùlín Lù evening — locals' Chengdu
Food
🌶️ Tonight: proper hotpot
蜀大侠 = Shu Daxia (Great Hero) · 玉林串串香 = Yulin skewers · 油碟 = oil dip · 鸳鸯锅 = split pot · 毛肚 = beef tripe
Go蜀大侠火锅 Shǔ Dàxiá Huǒguō (big group experience) or 玉林串串香 Yùlín Chuànchuàn Xiāng (skewers, cheaper)
Protocol油碟 Yóudié = sesame oil + raw garlic — it's the cooling antidote, not a sauce. Order 鸳鸯锅 Yuānyāng Guō. 毛肚 Máodǔ = 7-sec dips (七上八下 Qī Shàng Bā Xià).
🏨 Overnight — Chengdu Chengdu
Day 12 of 15 · DIY
25th September 2026 (Friday)
🌙 中秋 Zhōngqiū — Mid-Autumn Festival Chengdu
🌕 Full moon
🌙 Mid-Autumn — how to spend it
中秋 = Mid-Autumn · 龙泉山 = Longquan Mountain · 安顺廊桥 = Anshun Covered Bridge · 锦江 = Jin River · 桂花 = osmanthus
Classic龙泉山 Lóngquán Shān — Didi up, mooncakes + tea, moonrise ~7–8pm with locals
Easy安顺廊桥 Ānshùn Lángqiáo riverside night walk — bridge lit gold, bars along 锦江 Jǐnjiāng
LocalTea house + osmanthus (桂花 Guìhuā season — whole city smells of it) + moon cakes
Daytime
🛍️ Shopping (if not done)
Where春熙路 Chūnxi Lù · 太古里 Tàigǔlǐ · 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 Chéngdū Bówùguǎn 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 Xīnshìjì Huánqiú Zhōngxīn + Last Show Chengdu
🏆 The world's largest building — don't miss it
🌐 新世纪环球中心 Xīnshìjì Huánqiú Zhōngxīn (New Century Global Center)
新世纪 = New Century · 环球中心 = Global Center · 天堂岛海洋乐园 = Paradise Island Ocean Park (indoor!) · 锦城广场 = Jincheng Plaza (metro)
Why1.76M m² — the WORLD'S LARGEST building by floor area (Guinness). You'll see it from the metro — 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 escape if weather turns, and it's a mall so shopping + lunch + AC all in one
Getting thereMetro Line 1 → 锦城广场站 Jǐnchéng Guǎngchǎng Zhàn (Jincheng Plaza) — the station opens DIRECTLY into the building
TimeHalf day to full day. Water park ~2–3h, rest is mall.
Last full weekend day
📋 Finish the list
UnfinishedWhatever you missed — 三星堆 Sānxīngduī, pandas, 武侯祠 Wǔhóu Cí — today's the buffer
Tea彭镇老茶馆 Péngzhèn Lǎo Cháguǎn if not yet done — the authentic one
Wet market菜市场 Càishìchǎng 7–9am — real local life, cheap fruit, great photos
Evening
🎭 Show — last chance
Pick蜀风雅韵 Shǔfēng Yǎyùn (classic) · 大戏台茶馆 Dàxìtái Cháguǎn (opera + dinner combo) · 芙蓉国粹 Fúróng Guócuì (backup)
Book NOWMid-Autumn holiday weekend (Sep 25–27 official 3-day) — shows/restaurants/museums all need advance booking
🏨 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 Rénmín Gōngyuán 鹤鸣茶社 Hèmíng Cháshè — one final 盖碗茶 Gàiwǎn Chá + ear cleaning
Lunch龙抄手 Lóng Chāoshǒu (春熙路 Chūnxi Lù) — 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 pickup
🚐 Agency airport transfer → TFU
送机 = airport drop-off · 天府机场 = TFU (Tianfu International)
PickupFrom your Chengdu hotel · exact time TBC (~7am at airport for 9:40am flight)
CostFree (confirmed by agent)
☀️ Sunny · 27°C
✈️ Flight 3U3995 — TFU → KUL
RouteTFU (Chengdu Tianfu) → KUL (Kuala Lumpur)
Depart9:40 AM local time
Arrive1:05 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 Huǒguō Dǐliào, lacquerware DIY
☐ Liquids>100ml in checked bag
TimingArrive airport 7:30 AM · international departure flow
🇲🇾 Home
ArrivalKUL 1:05 PM
NoteYou dodge Golden Week entirely — country starts moving Sep 30 🎉
🐼🌶️🏔️
Chengdu + Sichuan 2026
Sep 14–28 · 14 Nights · Wilson + Wife
💡 Tips & Must-See Options
Wilson's picks — DIY days, for consideration
🏆 Top 3 Non-Negotiables
1. 🏺 三星堆博物馆 Sānxīngduī Bówùguǎn
三星堆 = Three-Star Mound · Sanxingdui Museum
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
文殊 = Manjushri (bodhisattva of wisdom) · 香园 = Incense Garden (vegetarian restaurant)
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
人民公园 Rénmín Gōngyuán · 鹤鸣茶社 Hèmíng Cháshè · one bowl = all-day seat
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 Dàxìtái Cháguǎn 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 Tiāntángdǎo + 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 Shǔhuá Jiē 72 · ¥30 entry
望平街 + 玉林路 Wàngpíng Jiē + Yùlín Lù
WhatLocals' riverside evening strip · old neighborhood bars & food stalls
🍜 Food Knowledge
Hotpot protocol
油碟 YóudiéSesame oil + raw garlic — cooling ANTIDOTE, not sauce. 毛肚 Máodǔ = 七上八下 Qī Shàng Bā Xià 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 Tiánshuǐmiàn / 素椒杂酱面 Sùjiāo Zájiàng Miàn streetside · ¥12 · better than hotel breakfast
Ordering hack
No Chinese reading?Menus have photos — point-and-order works everywhere. 大众点评 Dàzhòng Diǎnpíng / 美团 Měituán 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 Jǐnlǐ / 宽窄巷子 Kuānzhǎi Xiàngzi — 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 — reference
🧖 Spas / Massage + Unlimited Food
🌡️ 水裹汤泉 Shuǐguǒ Tāngquán (Shuiguo Spa)
水裹汤泉 = Water-Wrapped Hot Springs · 24hr hot spring + all-you-can-eat
Price~¥368/pax · 大众点评 Dàzhòng Diǎnpíng discount · unlimited fruits, ice cream, hot food
Best forFull-day lounge + eat. Can spend 18hrs.
💆 水木和足道 Shuǐmùhé Zúdào (Shuimu He)
水木和 = Water-Wood Harmony · 足道 = foot path (reflexology) · 龙湖上城天街 = Longfor Uptown mall
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
🍵 Tea Houses
鹤鸣茶社 Hèmíng Cháshè — iconic
鹤鸣 = crane cries · 103-year-old People's Park teahouse
¥10–20103 years old, 人民公园 Rénmín Gōngyuán, touristy but historic
小桃园 Xiǎotáoyuán — ceremony
小桃园 = Small Peach Garden
~¥18–20Michelin Bib Gourmand, tea master guided, book via Klook
彭镇老茶馆 Péngzhèn Lǎo Cháguǎn — authentic
彭镇 = Pengzhen town · 老茶馆 = old tea house
¥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 jiāomá fish · classic wontons
建设路小吃街 Jiànshè Lù Xiǎochī Jiē
Night marketStudent area, cheap + real, evening walk
🥢 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 fēiyí (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 Biànliǎn (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 Qiāngǔqíng franchise, Jiuzhaigou Tibetan/Qiang edition. Book on 美团 Měituán / 大众点评 Dàzhòng Diǎnpíng.
🚇 Transport Guide
DIY days logistics
🚌 Days 2–7
Tour coachEverything 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
Line 2人民公园 Rénmín Gōngyuán · 春熙路 Chūnxi Lù · most tourist spots
Line 1→ 锦城广场站 Jǐnchéng Guǎngchǎng Zhàn = 新世纪环球中心 Xīnshìjì Huánqiú Zhōngxīn (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