China's Imperial Legacy & Himalayan Mystique
An In-Depth Exploration of China's Cultural and Natural Treasures
Introduction
This meticulously crafted 17-day itinerary takes adventurous travelers from Chile on an extraordinary journey through China's most captivating regions. From the bustling capital of Beijing to the remote Tibetan monasteries of Xiahe, the stunning natural beauty of Jiuzhaigou Valley, and the sacred Buddhist mountains of Sichuan, this expedition offers an unparalleled immersion into China's diverse cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes.
Detailed Itinerary
Days 1-2: International Travel from Chile to China
Day 1: Departure from Chile Begin your extraordinary China adventure with departure from Santiago, Chile. Multiple flight options are available, including connections through Dallas, New York, or Toronto. The American Airlines route via Dallas (AA940 to Dallas, then AA263 to Beijing) or LAN Airline through New York (LA532 to New York, then CA990 to Beijing) provide comfortable transit options. Travelers from Valparaiso or Vina Del Mar should first journey to Santiago for international departure.
Day 2: In Transit Spend this day crossing continents and time zones as you complete your journey to China. Use this time to rest and prepare for the incredible experiences ahead.
Days 3-5: Beijing to Lanzhou - Gateway to the Silk Road
Day 3: Arrival in Beijing and Journey to Lanzhou Arrive in Beijing in the afternoon after your long international flight. Transfer directly to Beijing West Railway Station via Airport Shuttle Bus Line 7 (CNY24) or taxi (approximately CNY130). Board an overnight soft sleeper train to Lanzhou, departing in the afternoon or evening. The 17+ hour journey offers a unique perspective on the Chinese countryside. Remember to pack snacks and a water bottle for the trip. Accommodation: Overnight soft sleeper train
Day 4: Exploring Lanzhou Arrive in Lanzhou in the morning and transfer to your hotel. The recommended 4-star Golden Wheel Hotel is approximately 1 mile from the railway station (taxi fare around CNY10). After check-in, visit the Waterwheel Garden on the banks of the Yellow River. Stroll along the riverside and visit the historic Zhongshan Bridge, known as the First Bridge over the Yellow River. Enjoy authentic Lanzhou Beef Noodles for dinner at local restaurants near the garden or your hotel. Accommodation: Golden Wheel Hotel
Day 5: Liujiaxia Dam and Bingling Thousand Buddha Caves After breakfast, take a taxi (CNY15) to Lanzhou West Long-distance Bus Station. Board a direct bus to Liujiaxia (2 hours, CNY19.5). From the dam, take a speed boat to the magnificent Bingling Thousand Buddha Caves (round trip CNY120, approximately 4 hours total). Explore the ancient Buddhist cave temples carved into cliffs along the Yellow River. Return to Lanzhou by bus (last departure at 18:30). Before returning to your hotel, visit Lanzhou South Bus Station to book tomorrow's bus ticket to Xiahe (recommended departures at 7:30 or 8:30).
Days 6-8: Tibetan Culture and Grassland Adventures
Day 6: Journey to Xiahe and Sangke Prairie Take a taxi to Lanzhou South Bus Station for your 4-hour bus journey to Xiahe. Upon arrival, check into the recommended 3-star Wangfu Hotel, located 350 yards west of the bus station. In the afternoon, visit the stunning Sangke Prairie, approximately 9 miles from town. Arrange a round-trip taxi (approximately CNY50) or rent a bike for the journey. Experience horseback riding, sample local butter tea and roasted mutton, and immerse yourself in the nomadic culture. Accommodation: Wangfu Hotel
Day 7: Labrang Monastery Immersion Rise early (around 6:00) to witness the morning recitation at Labrang Monastery, one of Tibetan Buddhism's most important monasteries. Walk approximately 1,100 yards west along Zhaxiqi Street to the monastery entrance. Join Tibetan believers in walking around the monastery, then observe the lamas' morning recitation in the main hall. Consider hiring a guide to deepen your understanding of Tibetan Buddhist culture. Enjoy lunch in the temple canteen, sampling authentic Tibetan dishes like stewed mutton, butter rice, and yogurt. Continue exploring the monastery in the afternoon and climb a nearby hill for panoramic views and sunset. Before returning to your hotel, book tomorrow's bus ticket to Langmusi at Xiahe Bus Station.
Day 8: Journey to Langmusi Depart Xiahe at 7:40 on the only direct bus to Langmusi Town (approximately 4 hours). Enjoy spectacular scenery during the journey through the Tibetan highlands. Arrive in Langmusi around 12:30 and check into the 3-star Langmusi Grand Hotel, conveniently located near the Langmu Monastery. After lunch at local restaurants along the main road, explore the unique Langmu Monastery, which actually consists of two temple areas separated by the Bailong River (the provincial boundary between Sichuan and Gansu). Visit the Sky Burial site at the hilltop (open to tourists). Enjoy dinner at the highly recommended Ali Restaurant, known for western fast food and noodles. Accommodation: Langmusi Grand Hotel
Days 9-11: Jiuzhaigou Valley and Huanglong National Park
Day 9: Travel to Jiuzhaigou Take a taxi approximately 2 miles to the bus boarding site outside Langmusi Town. Catch the bus from Lanzhou to Jiuzhaigou around 15:00 (6-hour journey, approximately CNY160). Arrive in Jiuzhaigou in the evening and check into the recommended New Jiuzhai Hotel, located 2 miles northwest of Jiuzhai Valley National Park entrance. Note: Jiuzhai Valley and Huanglong may be closed due to weather from late October through March. The ideal visiting season is April through October. Accommodation: New Jiuzhai Hotel
Day 10: Jiuzhai Valley National Park Exploration Spend a full day exploring the breathtaking Jiuzhai Valley National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin at 8:00 by taking the shuttle bus to the Primitive Forest. Explore Rize Valley on foot, visiting Swan Lake, Arrow Bamboo Lake, Panda Lake, Panda Waterfall, the stunning Five-Flower Lake, Pearl Shoal Waterfall, Mirror Lake, and Nuorilang Waterfall. Enjoy lunch at Nuorilang Buffet Restaurant. In the afternoon, use the shuttle bus to visit highlights of Zechawa Valley (Long Lake and Five-Colored Pond) and Shuzheng Valley (Rhinoceros Lake and Tiger Lake). In the evening, consider attending the "Mysteries of Tibet" cultural show at the nearby theater (taxi CNY20, performances at 18:00 or 20:00).
Day 11: Huanglong National Scenic Reserve Before departing for Huanglong, book your next morning's bus ticket to Chengdu at Jiutong Bus Station. Take the bus to Huanglong from the same station (departures at 6:30 and 7:00, 3-hour journey, CNY40). The bus returns to Jiuzhaigou around 15:00 - reserve your return ticket when disembarking. Explore Huanglong's spectacular travertine pools and limestone formations either on foot (4-5 hours) or via cable car. Bring your own food as options within the scenic area are limited and expensive.
Days 12-14: Chengdu - Pandas and Ancient History
Day 12: Journey to Chengdu Check out early and take the bus to Chengdu (8-10 hour journey). Bring snacks and water as services along the route are limited. Arrive at Xinnanmen Bus Station and take a taxi (CNY20) to the recommended 4-star Holiday Inn Express Wuhou, located near Wuhou Temple. Alternative: For comfort, consider renting a car to Jiuhuang Airport (CNY200) and flying to Chengdu (1 hour flight), then taking a taxi to the hotel (CNY50-60). Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Wuhou
Day 13: Giant Pandas and Ancient Temples Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in the morning (8:30-10:00 is optimal viewing time). Take a taxi (50 minutes, CNY50-60) to see pandas during their active morning feeding period. Purchase tickets for Wuhou Temple at the panda base and take the free tourist bus to the temple, dedicated to Zhuge Liang of the Three Kingdoms Period. Explore adjacent Jinli Street for local delicacies and souvenirs. Return to your hotel by taxi (CNY15).
Day 14: Dujiangyan Irrigation System and Jinsha Museum Take an early morning taxi to Chengdu Railway Station (30+ minutes). Catch one of the intercity high-speed trains to Dujiangyan (departures between 6:30-8:30, 30-minute journey, CNY15). From Dujiangyan Railway Station, take Bus No. 4 to Lidui Park (40 minutes), entrance to the Dujiangyan Scenic Area. Explore the ancient irrigation system (2 hours recommended). Return to Chengdu by high-speed train and enjoy authentic Sichuan cuisine near the railway station. After lunch, take Subway Line 1 to Tianfu Square, transfer to Line 2 to Yipin Tianxia, and walk to the Jinsha Site Museum (700 yards from Exit B). Learn about Chengdu's ancient history during your 1-hour visit. Return to your hotel by taxi (approximately CNY15).
Days 15-17: Sacred Mountains and Journey Home
Day 15: Leshan Giant Buddha and Journey to Mt. Emei Check out of your hotel but leave heavy luggage stored. Take a taxi to Xinnanmen Bus Station (CNY20). Catch a bus to Leshan (2-hour journey, departures every 30 minutes 7:00-19:00). Arrive at Leshan Xiaoba Tourist Bus Station and take Bus No. 13 to Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area. Enter through the north gate after walking back along Lingyun Road. Marvel at the monumental carved Buddha. Enjoy lunch near the north gate, then take Bus No. 13 back to Xiaoba Station. Continue by bus to Emeishan Tourist Traffic Center (30 minutes). Check into the recommended 4-star Emeishan Grand Hotel near Baoguo Temple Scenic Area. Accommodation: Emeishan Grand Hotel
Day 16: Mt. Emei Ascent and Return to Chengdu Check out early but leave bags at the hotel. Begin your Mt. Emei ascent around 7:00 from Baoguo Temple. Take the tourist bus to Leidongping (1 hour, CNY90 round-trip). Hike 1.2 miles (30 minutes) to the Golden Summit cable car station. Take the cable car to the summit (CNY65 one-way) to experience breathtaking cloud seas and the giant golden Buddha statue. Be mindful of the resident monkeys - they can be mischievous! Enjoy lunch on the summit before descending. Retrieve your bags from the hotel and take a bus from the traffic center to Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station (2 hours, CNY45, hourly departures 7:00-19:00). Check back into Holiday Inn Express Wuhou. In the evening, explore Wide and Narrow Alley by taxi (CNY20) for authentic Sichuan cuisine and nightlife. Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Wuhou
Day 17: Departure from Chengdu Check out of your hotel before 12:00 and take a taxi to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CNY60) for your flight back to Chile. Multiple routing options are available, typically requiring two transfers. Options include flying via Guangzhou to New York to Santiago, or through Shanghai or Beijing to Sydney or Paris before continuing to Chile. Alternatively, consider extending your journey with a Yangtze River cruise from Chongqing.