Arriving in Chengdu, the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy, you will be transferred to hotel to settle down. Afterwards, wander through the wide and narrow alleys, as well as two ancient streets restored in the Ming and Qing architectural styles.

Start early with Qingyang Palace, considered to be the birthplace of Taoism’s founder Lao Tzu.Wander in Jinlin old street before it gets crowded, one of the oldest shopping streets presenting Chengdu’s ancient lifestyle. Continue to Jinsha Museum at Jinsha Ruins (closed on Mondays except Jan-Feb & Jul-Aug), home to a significant archaeological discovery of an ancient kingdom predating Chinese settlement. If closed, we drive 1 hour to Sanxindui Museum (closed Chinese New Year eve) showcasing civilization relics unearthed at the Sanxingdui site.

Returning to the city, visit Dufu Thatched Cottage in memory of a famous Tang Dynasty poet followed by a leisure stroll in the People’s Park to watch the locals playing Mahjong or writing water calligraphy. Sip a cup of Sichuan tea at a nearby teahouse, where you can learn to play Mahjong with the locals. This evening, marvel at the rapid skill of “face-changing” at a Sichuan Opera show (closed during Chinese New Year holiday), with a backstage pass to see how the performers make up for the show.

We make an excursion to Leshan Big Buddha, the largest stone carved sitting Buddhist statue in the world which at 71 meters tall dwarfs all in its presence! We will climb the entire height of the Buddha as well as a shared boat ride to view the Buddha from the river. In the afternoon, drive to Mount Emei and stay at the foot of the mountain. Enjoy free leisure time to roam the street or try some Emei Snacks.

The UNESCO-listed Mountain Emei is one of the four mountain ranges in China that Buddhists consider sacred. Take private car up to the mountain, then ride a cable car to Golden Summit (3,099m) to admire the sunrise glow, seas of clouds and the Buddha’s halo. Descend by foot (or cable car) to visit Wannian Temple dedicated to Samantabhadra and the Qingyin Pavilion harmoniously built in waters and hills.  Return to your hotel for a good rest and enjoy private hot spring in your room.

Leave Mount Emei towards Qingcheng Mountain. Stop by the less known Yuantong Ancient Town, a trading hub and shipping starting point rich in old houses, mansions, guild halls, temples, bridges. Continue to Daoming Village with a strong rural atmosphere along with vernacular intangible cultural heritage of bamboo weaving. Learn about this bamboo project to integrate local lifestyle with ecology, culture and industry. Arrive Six Senses Resort, located at the picturesque gateway to the majestic Qing Cheng Mountains.

We will spend the day at Dujiangyan Reserve to volunteer as Panda Keeper (6hrs with lunch). Enjoy an exclusive visit to the panda base with a conservation expert, from whom you will learn about the on-the-ground process of reintroducing pandas to their natural habitat and the history of the project. You will get to participate in cleaning the enclosure, prepare bamboo to feed the pandas and make panda cakes. 

Qingcheng Mountain (UNESCO) is one of the most famous Taoist mountains, covered by verdant trees and pilgrimage temples which are seemingly carved into the thick forest of bamboo trees and caves, where you’ll take a boat ride and hike with your guide.

Marvel at the construction of the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, the UNESCO heritage site, which was built in 256 BC and led to significant irrigation and agricultural development of the region.

Transfer directly to the Chengdu airport for your departure flight.