8-Day Natural Wonders of Xi’an and Chengdu

Giants of Clay, Mountains of Peace

This immersive tour takes you on a remarkable journey through China’s cultural and natural treasures. Begin in Xi’an, where you’ll uncover the silent stories of the Terracotta Warriors and ascend the inspiring heights of the sacred Mount Hua. Your adventure continues in Chengdu, offering heartwarming encounters with gentle Giant Pandas and a glimpse into ancient civilization at the Sanxingdui Ruins. Conclude your exploration by marveling at the monumental Leshan Giant Buddha and finding serenity amidst the sacred landscapes of Mount Emei.

This itinerary is fully customizable to your specific needs and interests. Our team is available to provide you with personalized assistance.

Suggested Xi’an and Chengdu Tour

Day	Highlights
1-3 Xi’an	Terracotta Warriors, Qin Relics Handling, Hands-on Warrior Restoration, Huaqing Palace, Mt. Hua, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter
4-5 Chengdu	Panda Breeding and Research Center, Sanxingdui Museum
6-8 Leshan / Emei	Leshan Giant Buddha, Emei Mountain

Xi’an & Chengdu Natural Wonders Tour Map

Tour ‘Wow’ Points

Enjoy the Spectacle of Mt. Emei

Experience the majestic Golden Summit, while taking in the stunning vistas of the sea of clouds, distant peaks, and age-old temples.

Admire Huashan with Ease

Glide up and down Mt. Huashan with ease, enjoying spectacular views of towering cliffs, verdant forests, and ancient temples.

Witness the Leshan Buddha

Explore Lingyun Temple’s intricate art, including the Buddha’s 1,020 coiled buns. Afterward, a short trail reveals the colossal 71m Leshan Giant Buddha.

Meet Giant Pandas

Witness the Giant Pandas in their natural habitat with a chance to see pink baby pandas during the autumn season.

Encounter the Terracotta Army

See the vast Terracotta Army and view restored warriors and examples of their conservation, then handle real Qin artifacts in the lab.

Discover Sanxingdui

Visit the excavation site of the ‘Jie Jie Shou’ from the Nezha film and immerse yourself in the enduring history of the Shu Kingdom.

Suggested Itinerary

Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests and schedule.

Day 1Xi’an Arrival

Xi’an welcomes you! Your tour guide, full of local knowledge, will be there to greet you at the airport or train station, ready to begin your tour.

Enjoy a seamless transfer to your hotel in a private car. During the ride, your guide will offer an insightful overview of Xi’an’s fascinating past and present.

Day 2Xi’an | Encounter the Terracotta Warriors

Breakfast & Lunch

Enjoy a private ride with your guide to the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum.

Enter the Terracotta Warriors Museum via tram, and witness three captivating pits that display the concealed power of Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s extensive military force. Your guide will provide insights into their fabrication and safeguarding, emphasizing the precise workmanship, lasting strength, and the former colorful brilliance of these historical sentinels.

Get an up-close view of the first restored Terracotta Warriors, learn their restoration story, handle authentic Qin Dynasty relics, and participate in a hands-on restoration experience in the Conservation Laboratory.

Explore the Huaqing Palace, a Tang Dynasty retreat famous for its hot springs and the love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei, and optionally, enjoy the popular ‘Everlasting Regret’ show.

Day 3Mt. Huashan | Triumph Over Mt. Hua

Breakfast & Lunch

A comfortable 2-hour drive from your hotel to Mt. Huashan awaits, during which you’ll gain fascinating insights into the region from your guide.

A shuttle bus ride will bring you to the West Peak cable car, where you’ll embark on a 20-minute scenic journey to the summit, with breathtaking vistas accompanying you.

Set out from the summit on a leisurely 30-minute hike, a scenic passage leading to the South Peak and the iconic Plank Walk, where a continuous spectacle of breathtaking vistas will accompany your every move.

For a more comprehensive adventure, consider traversing the network of scenic trails that meander through the East and Middle Peaks, where you’ll discover hidden gems and panoramic landscapes, culminating in your return to the West Peak.

The downward trip from the mountain echoes your ascent, resulting in a smooth arrival at your comfortable Xi’an hotel.

Day 4Xi’an – Chengdu | A Change of Scenery

Breakfast & Lunch

Your visit to the Ancient City Wall provides breathtaking panoramic views of Xi’an. This impressive fortification, with its towering walls, ramparts, gates, and watchtowers, stands as one of China’s most well-preserved ancient defenses.

Wander through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, where the tantalizing aromas of street food mingle with the bustling sounds of local markets. Leisurely explore, savor delectable local snacks, and immerse yourself in the community’s rich culture.

As your Xi’an tour concludes, you’ll be transferred to the railway station for an afternoon high-speed train to Chengdu.

Our guide and driver will meet you at arrivals and transfer you to Chengdu hotel.

Day 5Chengdu | Meet Giant Pandas

Breakfast & Lunch

Witness the Giant Pandas in their natural habitat at Panda Breeding and Research Center, with a chance to see pink baby pandas during the autumn season. You’ll also encounter beloved pandas such as Hua Hua and Zhi Ma, and the adorable red pandas.

Discover a unique part of China’s history at the Sanxingdui Museum (the excavation site of the ‘Jie Jie Shou‘ from the Nezha film), a large modern thematic museum displaying the 3,000-year-old treasures of the Shu Kingdom.

Through the guide’s explanation, you’ll grasp the strong similarities of the unearthed bronze statues and gold rods to artifacts from the Mayan and ancient Egyptian civilizations, making you wonder about possible connections between these enigmatic cultures and the Sanxingdui Civilization’s abrupt end, as with the others.

Day 6Leshan | Witness The Giant Buddha

Breakfast & Lunch

A comfortable 2-hour drive from your hotel to Leshan awaits, during which you’ll gain fascinating insights into the region from your guide.

Step inside the Grand Buddha Temple (Lingyun Temple) and marvel at its intricate sculptures and wall designs. Afterward, take a moment to admire the elaborate construction of its coiled hair, which features around 1,020 twisted buns.

Hike down the trail to the left of the Giant Buddha (approximately 30 minutes) to witness its impressive grandeur and an unparalleled sight: the world’s largest carved Buddha sculpture, standing tall at 71 meters high and 28 meters wide.

Enjoy a seamless and comfortable transfer to your Mount Emei hotel.

Day 7Mt. Emei | Reach the Golden Summit

Breakfast & Lunch

Enjoy a shuttle bus ride to Leidongping with your guide, followed by a hike to Jieyin Hall(about 1.5km) through stunning natural beauty.

Take the cable car up to the Golden Summit and enjoy the sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and lush forests during your ascent.

Experience the awe-inspiring views on the Golden Summit, including the magnificent Huazang Temple and the breathtaking sea of clouds, where on a nice day, mist creates a surreal, ethereal atmosphere around the peaks.

Discover the Baoguo Temple, located at the mountain’s base, and see the giant porcelain Buddha and a massive 25-ton bronze bell before heading back to your Emei hotel.

Day 8Chengdu Departure

Breakfast

Make the most of your remaining free time in Emei before your guide comes to escort you to the Chengdu airport or train station.

Hotel Selection

—the Icing on the Cake

The boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.