8 Days trip from Chengdu to Lanzhou--A Journey of the Fairy Tale., Chengdu

About this activity

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of western Sichuan, where snow-capped peaks, lush forests, expansive grasslands, and traditional Tibetan villages await your discovery. Along the route, encounter a rich tapestry of ethnic minority communities, each with their unique traditions, cultures, and languages.

Explore the grandest Tibetan Monastery in Gansu Province, renowned as one of the six most prestigious monasteries of the Gelug School. Experience the depth of spiritual heritage and the vibrant cultural essence of the region.

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At a glance

Duration: 8 days
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Real North Adventure

Ages: Adults (15–80 years)

What is included

Included

Included: English-speaking tour guide(Only "Private Guide & Car" option is booked)
Included: Private air-conditioned car
Included: Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Not included

Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Meals
Not included: Accommodation
Not included: Entrance tickets

Itinerary

Day 1 · Arrive in Chengdu

Chengdu

6 hours

Today we arrive in Chengdu and take a private car to the hotel. If arrive early, we can visit the bustling Kuanzhai Alley, the vibrant Taikoo Li and Chunxi Road, or the ancient streets of Kuanzhai Alley. Of course, we can't miss the famous Chengdu cuisine. Let's rest early tonight and get ready to start our journey tomorrow.
Daci Temple

2 hours Admission not included

Tai Koo Li, is suitable for you who don’t have much time but want to quickly understand the true uniqueness of Chengdu. On the one hand, Tai Koo Li is the most fashionable place in Chengdu, blessed with numerous Western and Chinese brands, enchanting restaurants, luxury stores, and so much more; on the other hand, just by the side of prosperous street stands a peaceful and majestic temple, namely Daci Temple (Temple of Great Mercy), where you can have a glimpse of the Buddhist culture, pray for happiness and wisdom, and feel the peace and tranquility.

Day 2 · Chengdu -Dujiangyan- Jiuzhaigou

Dujiangyan Irrigation System

9 hours Admission not included

After breakfast, we set off for Jiuzhaigou, leaving the Chengdu Plain and arriving at Dujiangyan. Over 2,000 years ago, the oldest and still functioning irrigation project in the world was built here. It has been serving as flood control and irrigation, making the Chengdu Plain known as the "Land of Abundance" with its "water and dryness controlled by man".

Passing through Songpan Ancient City, built during the Ming Hongwu period, the ancient city served as a military fortress in Northwestern Sichuan, as well as an important trading post for tea and horses among the Tibetan, Qiang, Hui, and Han ethnic groups.

In the evening, we will arrive at the entrance of Jiuzhaigou and check in at the hotel.

Day 3 · Jiuzhaigou

Jiuzhaigou Natural Reserve

8 hours Admission not included

Today, we will spend the whole day exploring the Jiuzhaigou Valley. Known for its stunning natural beauty, Jiuzhaigou is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a nature lover's paradise. The valley is famous for its colorful lakes, cascading waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks.

We will start our journey by taking a shuttle bus to the upper reaches of the valley. From there, we will hike along the picturesque paths, passing by crystal-clear turquoise lakes, such as Shuzheng Lake, Sparkling Lake, and Five-Flower Lake. The vibrant colors of these lakes, ranging from emerald green to sapphire blue, are truly mesmerizing.

Overnight at Jiuzhaigou

Day 4 · Jiuzhaigou -Huanglong- Ruoergai

Huanglong Scenic Valley

8 hours Admission not included

After breakfast, set off early to have a sightseeing of Huanglong. There lies one of three most splendid travertine lake terraces in the world. Looking down from the Snow Treasure Mountain, the lake terrace is like a Yellow dragon with showy scales, and hence the beautiuful place gains the name of Huanglong ( which means yellow dragon in Chinese).

Walking Downhill, you can immerse yourself in the beautiful snow mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, lakes, etc.

Afterwards, we will leave huanglong and head towards Ruoergai Grassland, one of the largest marshlands in China.

Upon arrival in Ruoergai, we will be greeted by the vast and beautiful grassland scenery. Here, we can see countless herds of yaks and sheep grazing freely on the fertile land. The grassland offers a peaceful and idyllic atmosphere, where we can take a leisurely walk and enjoy the fresh air.

Overnight at ruoergai

Day 5 · Ruoergai -Langmu Monastery

Langmu Temple

6 hours Admission not included

In the morning, we will go to "Zaga Na", a paradise for photography. (approximately 2 hours)

In the afternoon, we will go to Langmusi, which is called "Little Switzerland in the East" by the National Geographic of the United States.Langmusi Town, located in the valley, is quiet and peaceful.Mountains, grasslands, pine forests and streams converge here.On a hillside behind the temple, you can take a panoramic view of the town and the sky burial platform on the top of the mountain.

overnight at langmusi town

Day 6 · Langmu monastery-Xiahe

Labrang Monastery (Labuleng Si)

6 hours Admission not included

After breakfast, we will continue our journey to Labrang Monastery (approximately 3 hours), one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world. Located in Xiahe County, Gansu Province, Labrang Monastery has a history of more than 300 years and is renowned for its architectural beauty and cultural significance.

Here, we can explore the various halls, temples, and residences within the monastery complex. We can also witness the daily religious rituals and ceremonies performed by the resident monks.

overnight at xihe

Day 7 · Xiahe-Liujiaxia

Bingling Temple Grottoes

6 hours Admission not included

We drive two hours to get to Bingling Grottoes, located in Xiaojieshi Mountain.It was built in the first year of Jianhong of the Western Qin Dynasty (AD 420).It has a history of more than 1600 years.On the steep and dangerous red sandstone cliffs 2 km long from north to south, the grottoes are lined up with niches and the plank roads are suspended in the air.Among them, the 169th cave is a natural large cave, which is the most important grotto.The cave contains statues and murals from the Western Qin Dynasty.Bingling Temple Grottoes are divided into upper temple, cave valley and lower temple.The lower temple is the most magnificent, and its relief pagoda and Tantric murals are as famous as Mogao Grottoes and Maijishan Grottoes.

overnight at Liujiaxia

Day 8 · Liujiaxia-Lanzhou

Lanzhou

8 hours

In the morning ,we drive to Lanzhou(approximately 2 hours) is a city with a long history and a cultural ancient city.For more than a thousand years from the Han to the Song Dynasty, Lanzhou has always been a major town in the northwest with the reputation of "barrier to the Central Plains and connection to the Western Regions".The city is full of ancient sites and numerous relics.The Yellow River runs through the city, giving Lanzhou a unique and diverse natural landscape.

In Lanzhou, we can visit the Yellow River Mother Sculpture, which symbolizes the importance of the Yellow River in Chinese culture. We can also take a stroll along the Yellow River's banks and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Finally, we will check into a hotel in Lanzhou and have dinner, concluding our journey through the enchanting region of north Sichuan and Gannan.

overnight at Lanzhou

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Chopin Short-term Rent Apartmen
Puqi Yunting Hotel
Niccolo Chengdu
Xu Li Traveling Hotel (Chengdu Taikoo Li Chunxi Road Branch)
Cheng Xin Apartment
7 Days Inn Chengdu Yanshikou East Main Street
Chunyi V Hotel Chunxi Road Taikooli
Yixin Apartment Hotel
Taizilai Boutique Apartment Hotel
Youke Hotel
Zhuxia Hotel
Yixin Inn

and 232 more pickup points

The tour guide will be waiting for you in the hotel lobby, holding a piece of paper with your name on it.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Options

Private Guide & Car Service

Great local guide, private driver and car are included (Meals and entrance fees ,hotels at your own expense).

Pickup included

Pickup included
Private car service

private car service: Includes a private vehicle and Chinese-speaking driver for the entire trip. Hotels, entrance fees,meals are not included.

Pickup included