4-Day Western Sichuan Tour with Danba Villages and Tagong

• In the morning, drive to Wolong National Nature Reserve.
  • At 52 km long from east to west and 62 km wide from south to north, the reserve covers an area of 200,000 hm².
  • It is one of the earliest Chinese natural reserves and is listed in the preservation zone network of "mankind and living beings" by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
  • The virgin forest, secondary bush forest, and bamboo groves are richly green. More than 4,000 higher-level plants exist here, 24 of which are valuable species, such as Gongtong (Chinese dove tree), red China fir, Lianxiang, and others.
  • There are more than 450 kinds of vertebrates, 45 of which are nationally protected animals, such as giant pandas, golden monkeys, antelopes, and white-lipped deer. The natural scenery is beautiful, quiet, and secluded.
• Visit Shenshuping Panda Base in Wolong. About 50 pandas live here. It is the largest breeding center for giant pandas, integrating scientific research, feeding, breeding, reproduction, and wilderness training.
• Then proceed to Siguniang Shan Town (formerly Rilong) via the Balang Tunnel. Siguniang Shan Mountain, also known as Four Sisters Mountain, Four Girls Mountain, or Four Maidens Mountain, has four peaks exceeding 5000 m in height. According to legend, each peak represents one of the four sisters. The highest peak, Yaomei Feng, symbolizing the youngest sister, stands at 6250 m and is revered as the "queen of Sichuan's peaks."
• Embark on a sightseeing bus tour and explore Shuangqiao Valley on foot. Enjoy a leisurely hike in the Shuangqiao Valley (Double-bridge Valley) of Siguniang Shan Mountain, renowned for its concentrated and enchanting scenery. If the weather permits, marvel at the breathtaking sunset views of Siguniang Shan Mountain (Four Sisters Mountain) from Maobiliang.

221 km, 4 hours 10 minutes

Overnight at Cloud Inn (3200 m)

Breakfast

• Drive to visit Wori Tusi Manor, the former official residence of the local Tusi, a kind of imperial kingship leader.
• After that, drive to visit the Tibetan village of Jiaju, which is renowned as the most beautiful village in China. In Danba, the local inhabitants are known as Jiarong (Gyarong) Tibetans. Take a walk and explore Jiaju village, where more than a hundred buildings in the same architectural style showcase the distinctive and cohesive character of Jiarong Tibetan homes. Against the backdrop of the blue sky, these Tibetan residences, adorned in red, white, and black hues, are scattered seemingly at random yet harmoniously along the valley slopes from the base to the middle.
• Then continue to visit the Tibetan village of Zhonglu. There are ancient block towers with a long history here. In autumn, the village is even more beautiful, and the trees are full of heavy pomegranates, pears, apples, and more. At sunset, the whole village is shrouded in the afterglow of the setting sun.

110 km, 2 hours 26 minutes

Overnight at Shengdi Yingxiang Cultural Theme Hostel (2100 m)

Breakfast

• Visit the watchtowers in Suopo, Huiyuan Temple, Lhagang Monastery, Gyergo Nunnery, and the grand mani wall of Hepingfahui, and enjoy panoramic views of Gongga and Yala Mountain.
• Danba has long been acclaimed as the Kingdom of Thousands of Ancient Watchtowers. In the morning, visit the ancient watchtowers in Suopo. They were made of clay and block and look elegant from the outside, with solid thick walls.
• Then drive to Bamei, visiting Huiyuan Temple and beautiful villages along the way.
• Upon arrival in Tagong, visit Lhagang Monastery (Tagong Si) of the Sayka Sect, surrounded by three hills symbolizing three Bodhisattvas. The blessing of a revered Jowo Shakyamuni image left by Princess Wencheng in this monastery is said by pilgrims to resemble the Lhasa Jowo Shakyamuni image in Lhasa.
• Then visit the impressive Gyergo Nunnery and the grand mani wall of Hepingfahui. Drive to Balang Shengdu Village. If the weather is good, enjoy the panoramic view of Gongga Mountain and Yala Mountain from the 360-degree Balang Viewing Platform.

117 km, 2 hours 43 minutes

Overnight at Kangding Tagong Prairie Mandala Hotel (3730 m) 4*

Breakfast

• Visit Siding Tso Lake, Zheduo Shan Pass (4298 m), and Luding Bridge.
• In the morning, drive on the beautiful zigzag road S434 to Kangding, the capital of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and an important juncture in the history of the Tibetan and Han peoples. If the weather is fine, admire the panorama of Gongga Mountain (7556 m, Minya Konka, "the King of Mountains of Sichuan") from Siding Tso Lake and Zheduo Pass (4298 m).
• Keep driving to Luding, crossing through Mt. Erlang Shan's 4.1 km-long tunnel to Ya'an, the famous rainy city. In Luding, visit the Luding Iron Chain Bridge on the Dadu River, a treasure of ancient Chinese architecture. The bridge was built in the 44th year of Kangxi in the Qing Dynasty (1705) to strengthen the connection with Tibetan culture. On May 29, 1935, the Chinese Red Army reached Luding Bridge during the Long March. Facing a hail of bullets, the Chinese Red Army, with 22 warriors as the pioneers of the commando, destroyed the bridge's guards in one fell swoop, making it an important historical monument of the Communist Party of China.
• Finally, return to Chengdu, transfer to the airport or railway station, and depart from Chengdu.

352 km, 5 hours 16 minutes

Breakfast