📋 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🏨 Self-booked Chengdu hotels (DIY Days 8–14) · 7 nights
Sep 28 airport transfer: Agency confirmed free pickup from YOUR self-booked hotel → TFU. Send hotel name + Chinese address to the agent when you book it.
📅 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 | 青城山 + 都江堰 | Tour |
| 8 | 21 Sep Mon | Rest / easy recovery | DIY |
| 9 | 22 Sep Tue | Flex — see Tips (三星堆 top pick) | DIY |
| 10 | 23 Sep Wed | Flex / Spa day | DIY |
| 11 | 24 Sep Thu | Flex / Hidden gems | DIY |
| 12 | 25 Sep Fri | 🌙 中秋 Zhōngqiū (Mid-Autumn) | DIY |
| 13 | 26 Sep Sat | 新世纪环球中心 + Show | 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
🍜 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
🍵 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
🥢 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 · 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
RouteChengdu → 青城山 (~1h) → lunch → 都江堰 (~30min) → return to Chengdu (~1.5h). Easy walking.
IncludedBoth entrance tickets ✓. Optional 青城山索道 (~¥60) and 都江堰游船 (~¥20) NOT included.
⚠️ Sep 20 bonusNational make-up workday — locals at work, quieter than a normal Sunday.
AM — 2 to 3 hours
⛰️ 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.
Why① Active Taoist site — priests in robes, incense rituals, original 阴阳 philosophy. ② The most serene ("幽") of all Chinese mountains. ③ Pairs with 都江堰 (built together in 256 BC) for a complete UNESCO day.
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 BackTour visits 前山 (front mountain, ~3h). 后山 (back mountain, harder, ~5–6h) is for return trips.
Tips① Front mountain 2–3h. ② Cable car (~¥60 round trip) saves the last 30min climb. ③ Skip back mountain. ④ The mist IS the attraction. ⑤ Temple etiquette: don't photograph priests during rituals; step OVER thresholds. ⑥ Taoist priests sell talismans at 天师洞 — ~¥50.
PM — 2 hours
💧 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. ④ Real engineering you can walk across.
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 西游记 filming site — canal path. ④ Read at least the "fish mouth" panel. ⑤ Skip bridge souvenirs.
🏨 Overnight — Chengdu Chengdu
Tour ends tomorrow! After breakfast, agency drops you at your own Chengdu hotel. 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
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 — 宜尚酒店(成都春熙路IFS国金中心店) Yìshàng Hotel (CD Chunxi Lu IFS) Chengdu
LocationChunxi Road / IFS — central, walkable to 春熙路, 太古里, IFS panda rooftop
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
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
🏨 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Guāntáng Xīncūn — rice-paddy art village + 蜀锦博物馆 + 荥窑 — 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
漆器 DIY成都漆器工艺厂 (蜀华街72号) — 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
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 — cooling antidote. 鸳鸯锅 Yuānyāng Guō. 毛肚 = 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
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
LocalTea house + osmanthus (桂花 Guìhuā season — whole city smells of it) + moon cakes
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 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)
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.
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
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) — shows/restaurants/museums 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 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