Explore Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites at Once
Designed for nature enthusiasts and history buffs, this itinerary invites you to marvel at two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Jiuzhaigou's ethereal beauty and the Terracotta Warriors' historic grandeur.
In this 8-day itinerary, your journey will take you from western Sichuan's mystical landscapes to Xi'an's timeless relics. To add flavor to your trip, we've curated a day dedicated to panda encounters and shopping in Chengdu, as well as a night in the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, complete with a tantalizing food experience in Xi'an.
As a seasoned travel agency specializing in private tours, we're delighted to tailor your itinerary to create your dream journey.
Tour 'Wow' Points
Revel in the Enchanting Scenery of Jiuzhaigou
Traverse a fairytale landscape of gem-like blue pools and lakes ensconced in verdant forests.
Explore China's Only Well-preserved Highland Wetland in Huanglong
Marvel at the stunning spectacle of the cascading calcium carbonate deposits, which create an array of multi-colored ponds, earning it the name 'Yellow Dragon'.
Uncover the Mysteries of Tibetan Life
Visit a traditional Tibetan house in local villages and engage in a unique Intangible Cultural Heritage handicraft experience.
Encounter Pandas and Indulge in Panda-Themed Afternoon Tea
Visit the Panda Base before treating yourself to a delightful panda-themed afternoon tea in the city downtown.
Shop 'Til You Drop at Chunxi Road's Stores
Plunge into the bustling heart of the city's shopping scene, mingle with locals, and get a taste of modern urban life.
Stand in Awe of the Majestic Terracotta Warriors
Immerse in the overwhelming spectacle of thousands of Terracotta Warriors and uncover the secrets of their intricate craftsmanship.
Back to the Splendor of the Tang Dynasty
Journey from the daytime majesty of the Pagoda to the nighttime allure of the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, encapsulating the essence of the Tang Dynasty.
Discover Xi'an's Muslim Quarter Culinary Treasures
Dive into the Muslim Quarter, a foodie's paradise, to savor Xian's famous noodles and local delicacies.
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
|
|
Overview of Chengdu.
We were able to see the most notable areas of a very large city in s short period of time. Mr. Evan was friendly, knowledgeable and patient. more
May 2025, John V
|
Fantastic chengdu with China highlights.
Our tour guide was Evan who was very helpful and provided us with local recommendations and was informative. Whilst in Chengdu we went to the panda base, leshan Buddha, mount Qing Chen and the Dujiangyan irrigation site all guided by Evan. During our month touring China, we found Chengdu to be one of the highlights. more
May 2025, mcgahano
|
All the tour guides we had arranged via Carrie at China Highlights were excellent. We had Jessica in Beijing for the Forbidden City, the hutongs, followed by Mutianyu at the Great Wall. At the last minute, we arranged to go to the summer palace and had Mary as our guide. Paul in Xi'an guided us to the terracotta warriors and was very informative. We had Evan in Chengdu for the panda base, Mount Qing Chen, the Leshan Buddha and Dujiangan irrigation site. Evan was helpful and able to adapt to our pace. He also provided us with useful recommendations for local places to eat in Chengdu. When we went to Guilin and Yangshuo, we had LiPing, who was very good. She accompanied us to the Longji rice terraces, the boat trip to Yangshuo and the cormorant fisherman photo shoot. In Suzhou, we had Juliette who accompanied us to Tongli water town, the Tongli garden and the humble administrators garden. It was a truly relaxing morning on the boat in Tongli. Our day trips were well organised and enjoyable. more
May 2025, Mcgahano
|
Itinerary Quick Look
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.
Your private guide will be ready to meet and greet you at the arrival hall in Chengdu. A comfortable private car with an experienced driver will transfer you directly to your hotel. Your guide will help you check in.
Arrive at Jiuzhaigou Area after a two-hour high-speed train ride in the morning. Your exploration begins in the ethereal landscape of Huanglong.
Take a scenic cable car and a shuttle bus journey followed by a 750m hike to the summit. Here, you'll encounter the iconic Five-Coloured Pond, perched at an elevation of approximately 3500m. The high altitude of Huanglong offers unique seasonal experiences: snow in winter and spring, and lush alpine meadows and wildflowers in summer and autumn.
After visiting, your private car will drive you to a hotel located near Jiuzhai Valley National Park.
Immerse yourself in the majestic beauty of Jiuzhaigou for an entire day. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, this natural wonder is a spectacle of nature's artistry with its blue lakes shimmering in varying shades, majestic waterfalls cascading down, lush forests, and towering snow peaks.
As a well-known yet generally jam-packed tourist destination, having our professional guide by your side is invaluable. He or she will expertly navigate you through the three valleys, ensuring an efficient visit to all the iconic spots and areas of your interest.
Explore the hidden gem of Jiuzhaigou Area, Zhongchagou. This tranquil 'back garden' is dotted with ancient Tibetan villages and free-roaming livestock. After a leisurely 30-minute walk, you'll step into a traditional Tibetan house. Here, the hospitable hosts will warmly welcome you, offering a unique glimpse into the daily life of the Tibetan people.
Next, take a brief visit to a private museum to immerse yourself in Tibetan and Qiang cultures for about half an hour. Then, choose from a selection of Intangible Cultural Heritage handicraft experiences! You can try your hand at Thangka painting using mineral and plant pigments, Tibetan incense-making, or Tibetan paper printing.
After visiting, you'll be transported to Huanglongjiuzhai Station and return to your hotel in Chengdu.
Begin your journey at the Panda Breeding and Research Center, where you'll witness pandas munching on bamboo and frolicking around.
Venture to Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street to kick off your shopping spree. As the busiest commercial street in Chengdu, it boasts time-honored shops, trendy malls, and popular online stores, making it a must-visit spot for locals.
Don't miss out on the iconic 'I Am Here' Panda Sculpture, a gigantic art installation that has become a fashionable landmark.
When the shopping gets tiring, treat yourself to a delightful panda-themed afternoon tea, where you can also find a variety of panda-related souvenirs for sale.
After breakfast, take a high-speed train from Chengdu to Xi'an for about 4 hours.
Explore the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, an iconic Xi'an landmark with over 1300 years of history, built to house the Buddhist scriptures, relics, and statues brought back from the westward journey of monk Xuanzang.
Plunge into the golden era of the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) at the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City. With architecture and sculptures echoing the period's grandeur and lifelike recreations of daily life, indulge in captivating light shows, interactive NPC encounters, performances, shopping, and sightseeing.
Embark on a one-hour drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, hailed as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World.' Explore the history of Emperor Qin's grand army of about 8000 figures, guarding his tomb since 210 BC. Uncover the secrets of the three excavated pits and learn more at the museum of this awe-inspiring site.
Next, head to the bustling food hub of the Muslim Quarter. Here, many small eateries run by the Hui people offer a chance to savor Xi'an's distinctive delicacies, such as Yang Rou Pao Mo (mutton soup with bread), Rou Jia Mo (Chinese sandwich), and succulent lamb kebabs.
Finally, stroll along the ancient Xi'an City Wall, basking in the glow of the setting sun and twilight. With a history spanning 600 years, this Ming Dynasty wall offers a wide and rustic promenade for a tranquil end to your day.
It's time to say goodbye! Your guide will bid you farewell, ensuring your seamless departure from Xi'an at the airport or railway station.
Hotel Selection
—the Icing on the Cake
Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.
Tour Price
Price includes:
- Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
- English speaking local guide
- Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
- Flights/trains between itinerary cities
- 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling
Tour code: cht-sc-6