Sichuan Family Tour: Pandas, Food & Culture

Itinerary

• Day 1: Chengdu, Arrival

  Welcome to Chengdu, the laid-back capital of Sichuan Province! Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and take some time to settle in.

  As evening falls, explore on your own for a perfect introduction to Chengdu's vibrant street-food culture. You may walk along Jianshe Road, a lively local food street, sample popular snacks such as grilled pork intestines with onions and potatoes, or crispy fried pork ribs - golden on the outside and tender within.

  • Chengdu

• Day 2: Chengdu, Pandas & Sichuan Hot Pot

  Be delighted as you explore the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. You'll chuckle at these adorable creatures tumbling and roughhousing in the verdant bamboo groves.

  For lunch, experience the buzz of a typical Sichuan dining experience with a bubbling hot pot filled with numbingly spicy broth. The pungent aromas are sure to whip up your appetite!

  Afterward, soak in the rich cultural heritage of Chengdu at the Chengdu Museum. A treasure trove of over 200,000 relics awaits, transporting you through the dynasties while regaling you with the city's enchanting history and folk traditions.

  As night falls, dazzle your senses with the mystifying Sichuan opera. The flamboyant costumes, exotic Chinese melodies, and mind-bending face changes will leave you spellbound.

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  • Chengdu

• Day 3: Chengdu - Zigong, Zigong Dinosaur Museum & Shenhai Well

  Today, head to Zigong with a 2.5-hour drive. Housing over 30,000 fossils, the Zigong Dinosaur Museum showcases the densest collection of Jurassic dinosaur fossils in Asia. This is a mecca for dinosaur lovers, a magical place for kids and adults to geek out on prehistoric discoveries.

  Not far away lies Shenhai Well, the finest illustration of Zigong's storied salt industry history. You will get to know the ancient Chinese drilling technology and see how the masters boil salt using traditional methods.

  Come at nightfall and indulge in Zigong's gastronomic treats. Pick up a piece of fish with your chopsticks and relish the intertwining tastes of chili's zest and fish's succulence, swirling in your mouth.

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  • Zigong

• Day 4: Salt Industry Museum & Zhang Fei Temple, Zigong - Leshan

  This morning, venture to the Salt Industry Museum, an illuminating institution chronicling the ascent and decline of Zigong's historic salt mining industry. Through an array of artifacts, photographs, and multimedia, the museum documents how Zigong became China's largest salt producer, bringing wealth and prosperity to this inland city.

  Then, proceed to Zhang Fei Temple and immerse yourself in the legend of General Zhang Fei. Gaze up at the golden tiles of his temple, a relic of centuries past, and meet his likeness, a 2.4-meter deity gripping his famed spear. After the day's sightseeing, drive two hours to Leshan.

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  • Leshan

• Day 5: Leshan, Luocheng Ancient Town & Jiayang's Train

  Today, you will uncover the outdated charms of Luocheng Ancient Town. Meander Luocheng's stone alleys, ducking into teahouses where the elderly play cards over tea. Afterward, embark on Jiayang's Train. Dubbed "living history", this vintage train shuttles through perilous beauty. Through your carriage window, stunning vistas unfold, from emerald peaks to silver streams, a scenic wonderland changing with each season.

  Next, descend to Huangcun Coal Mine. Take an authentic mining tour, posing with lifelike miner sculptures and observing dismoded equipment in the tunnels. Gain insight into coal's formation and how it fueled an era.

  At nightfall, indulge in local fare on your own. Don't miss silky uncongealed tofu, chewy flatbreads, and savory shumai bursting with Sichuan flavor.

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  • Leshan

• Day 6: Giant Buddha, Leshan - Chengdu

  Today, get up early for an encounter with grandeur incarnate - the magnificent Giant Buddha. Ascend the worn stone steps winding up its flanks for a vertiginous view of the serene visage looming 71 meters overhead, every chiseled feature imbued with wizened grace. Or glide by boat over Minjiang's waters, lapping at the Buddha's feet for centuries.

  After the day's journey, drive two hours back to Chengdu. The Buddha's face and aura are still deeply imprinted in your mind.

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  • Chengdu

• Day 7: Chengdu, Departure

  Your memorable tour of Sichuan has concluded, yet giant pandas, fiery cuisine, and the Jiayang stream train will forever dwell in your memory. Have some time at leisure before your guide takes you to the airport for your return flight.

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