A journey worth looking closer at.
Arrive in Chengdu · Your Sichuan journey begins
Welcome to Chengdu, the starting point for a journey from city life to Sichuan's celebrated mountain scenery. On arrival, take your arranged transfer to the hotel and settle into your room. Today is deliberately kept free of scheduled sightseeing, giving you time to rest after the flight and ease into the days ahead.
Spend the remainder of the day as you wish. If you choose to head out independently, return at a comfortable hour ready for tomorrow's visit to the Panda Base and onward journey to Jiuzhai Valley. Airport transfer service is provided without a guide. Meal arrangements for today are not specified and should be confirmed before travel.
Pandas, mountain roads & the approach to Jiuzhai
After breakfast, begin with one of Sichuan's most endearing encounters: a visit to the Panda Base. Watch for the pandas' distinctive black-and-white shapes among the greenery and enjoy the simple pleasure of observing these much-loved animals in their surroundings. This is a visit to the facility; the animals' activity and visibility will vary naturally on the day.
Later, leave Chengdu behind and continue by road toward the Jiuzhai Valley area. The journey forms a transition between two very different sides of Sichuan, carrying you from the city toward the mountain setting that will frame the next part of the tour. Lunch and dinner are included, and your overnight stay near Jiuzhai provides a comfortable base for tomorrow's full day of scenery.
Jiuzhai Valley · A day written in water and light
Set aside a full day for Jiuzhai Valley, where lakes, waterfalls and forest come together in a constantly changing composition. Look across the water for shades of turquoise and blue, notice the reflections of the surrounding trees, and follow the contrast between quiet pools and flowing cascades. The appeal lies as much in these smaller details as in the wider mountain views.
Today's sightseeing focuses entirely on the valley, allowing its distinctive landscapes to become the visual heart of your Sichuan journey. The precise appearance of the lakes and woodland will reflect the season and weather of your visit; there is beauty in each changing mood. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included, and you return to your Jiuzhai-area hotel for a second night.
Tibetan village & mountain scenery · Return to Chengdu
Depart the Jiuzhai area and visit a Tibetan village, adding a glimpse of the region's village setting to the natural scenery of the preceding day. Continue to either Huanglong or Mounigou, with the destination determined by the confirmed arrangements for your departure. If Huanglong is selected, its terraced pools offer a striking continuation of the journey's water-and-mountain theme; Mounigou provides the alternative mountain excursion.
The day then leads back to Chengdu. A second-class high-speed train ticket is included for the scheduled rail segment, with the stations and timings confirmed in your final travel arrangements. After breakfast and lunch on tour, the evening meal is at your own expense. Settle into your Chengdu hotel and enjoy a quieter evening after a varied day of travel and sightseeing.
Chengdu at leisure · A day that belongs to you
After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure in Chengdu. Following the mountain section of the itinerary, this open day offers a welcome change of pace: begin slowly, spend more time with your travelling companions, or set out independently according to your interests. There is no fixed sightseeing programme today.
You may prefer a relaxed day close to the hotel, or use the time to explore a different side of the city on your own. Any independent visits, transport, shopping or dining are at your own expense. With another night in Chengdu, there is no need to pack and move on immediately; enjoy the freedom to make this part of the journey your own.
Depart Chengdu · Carry the memories onward
Enjoy breakfast before your arranged transfer to Chengdu airport. As the six-day journey comes to a close, take with you the contrasting impressions of Sichuan: the pandas, the mountain approach to Jiuzhai, and the valley's vivid waters and forest scenery.
The transfer is provided without guide accompaniment. Please give Gala Holidays your confirmed flight details so the airport transfer can be coordinated with your onward arrangements. Arrival and departure airfares are not included in the listed tour services.
Your Day 1 arrival dates.
2026
September
October
November
December
2027
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
These are the listed arrival dates. Availability, operation and the final fare are subject to confirmation. Choosing a date does not confirm a booking.
Your journey, clearly priced.
All amounts are in USD. Adult tour prices are per person based on double occupancy. Tips and service are separately listed; please confirm the complete payable total before booking.
| Fare item | Low · Nov 15–Mar 29 | Mid · Mar 30–Jun 30 & Sep 1–Nov 14 | High · Jul 1–Aug 30 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult tour fee, per person sharing a room | US$598 | US$648 | US$698 |
| Child age 12 or under, with bed | US$598 | US$648 | US$698 |
| Child age 12 or under, no bed and no breakfast | US$448 | US$498 | US$548 |
| Single-room supplement | US$300 | US$330 | US$350 |
| Tips & service fee, separately listed | US$100 | US$100 | US$100 |
| Pre/post tour hotel, per room per night | US$118 | US$118 | US$118 |
| Extra transfer, per person per trip, minimum two persons | US$30 | US$30 | US$30 |
Cancellation schedule
- More than 30 days before departure: no charge.
- 20–29 days before departure, inclusive: 20% of total tour cost.
- 8–19 days before departure, inclusive: 40% of total tour cost.
- 1–7 days before departure, inclusive: 60% of total tour cost.
- On the date of departure: 100% of total tour cost.
The cancellation table does not specify exactly 30 days before departure; request the applicable written term before payment.
What to expect along the way.
Included in the tour fare
- Five nights at the listed hotels or similar properties
- Entrance tickets to the attractions listed in the itinerary
- Vehicle services and meals as listed day by day
- Second-class tickets for listed high-speed rail segments; exact segment to be confirmed
- Chinese- or English-speaking guide service, except during private airport/station transfers and high-speed rail journeys
- Travel agency liability insurance
- One bottle of water per person per day
Excluded or separately payable
- Additional items or services not listed in the itinerary are at the traveller's own expense
- The optional Jiuzhaigou Romance Show is charged separately
- Guided accompaniment is not provided on private airport/station transfers or high-speed rail journeys
- Arrival and departure airfares are not included in the listed tour services; ask Gala Holidays to arrange a separate quotation.
Optional experiences
- Jiuzhaigou Romance Show (《九寨千古情》): ¥280 per person, not included in the USD tour fee.
Good to know before booking
- Huanglong and Mounigou are alternative arrangements; the confirmed itinerary will specify which one is visited.
- The Panda Base visit does not include holding, touching or feeding pandas.
- Minimum two travellers; requested dates and availability must be confirmed by Gala Holidays.
- Itinerary, hotels and meals may be adjusted according to actual tour arrangements.
- The seasonal price bands do not provide a rate for August 31; please request a quotation if relevant.
- The cancellation terms do not specify the charge exactly 30 days before departure; obtain written clarification before booking.