9 Days Enchanting Chengdu Nyingchi Lhasa Tour

Welcome to the hometown of the Giant Panda! Upon arrival at the airport or train station, you will be warmly greeted by your local tour guide and transferred to your centrally located hotel in Chengdu. After check-in, take some time to rest from your journey. Or on your own experience the relaxed yet lively rhythm of this beloved city, known for its tea culture, spicy cuisine, and laid-back lifestyle.

Arrival Ideas: Chengdu is only about 2~3 hours flying from the majority of big cities in China, such as Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Guangzhou, etc. Additionally, the city offers direct international flights from Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, London, Sydney, and major U.S. cities. You can also get to Chengdu by high speed trains from Xian (4hrs), Chongqing (1hr), Guilin (6hrs), Kunming (6hrs), etc.

Free-time Evening Ideas: 1) Visit the Jiuyanqiao area to enjoy beautiful night views along the river, highlighted by the iconic Anshun Bridge, especially charming after sunset when the lights reflect on the water. 2) Wander through Chunxi Road and Taikoo Li area, where historic streets blend seamlessly with modern fashion, cafés, and shopping malls, offering a glimpse into Chengdu's vibrant urban life. 3) Treat yourself to an authentic Sichuan cuisine dinner at a local restaurant and discover the bold flavors that make Chengdu a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

Chengdu is known for its three iconic features: giant pandas, rich history, and a relaxed lifestyle. Today, you will explore these highlights one by one.

Your day begins with a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, the top attraction in the city. You will leave your hotel early and enjoy a scenic drive of about 30 minutes to arrive in time to witness the most active moments of the pandas. Watch them feeding, playing, climbing trees, and interacting with one another. The base features well-designed enclosures for pandas of different ages, from adorable cubs to energetic juveniles and fully grown adults. Pleasant walking paths connect the enclosures, allowing you to enjoy a close and memorable encounter with these beloved animals.

Next, experience Chengdu's famous leisurely lifestyle at Renmin Park (People's Park), a favorite gathering place for locals. Here, you can observe residents enjoying a slow-paced life—strolling, chatting with friends, playing games, or relaxing in a traditional teahouse with a cup of tea.

After that, visit the historic Wuhou Temple, one of Chengdu's most important cultural landmarks, dedicated to Zhuge Liang of the Three Kingdoms period. Surrounded by ancient cypress trees, the temple features elegant traditional architecture, stone inscriptions, and peaceful courtyards, offering a deep insight into Sichuan's rich history and culture. Adjacent to the temple is Jinli Old Street, where you can continue your exploration at leisure. Wander along this lively traditional street, sample local snacks, browse souvenir shops, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of old Chengdu.

Optional Evening Activity: Enjoy a fascinating Sichuan Opera performance, featuring the famous Face-Changing (Bian Lian) art, at a local theater for a perfect cultural finale to your day.

After breakfast, you will be met at your hotel and begin a comfortable 2-hour drive from Chengdu to Leshan. Your destination is the awe-inspiring Leshan Giant Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site carved directly into a towering cliff overlooking the river below.

Dating back to AD 713, this colossal statue stands 71 meters tall, making it the largest stone Buddha in the world. Its immense proportions are truly remarkable—from its broad head and elongated ears to its massive feet and toes. Even the smallest details, such as a single fingernail, surpass the height of an average adult. The Buddha was originally created to bring peace and protection to local boatmen navigating the once-turbulent waters. Despite more than 1,300 years of exposure to the elements, the statue remains remarkably intact, thanks to an ingenious internal drainage system designed to reduce erosion.

Your will first hike a bit to the mountain top to enjoy a commanding view of the Buddha's head and upper body, then descend along the narrow stone stairway carved into the cliff, gradually approaching the statue's feet for an impressive close-up perspective. During peak travel periods, some waiting time may be required to access the stairway.

After exploring the site on foot, enjoy a 30-minute boat cruise on the river, providing a spectacular panoramic view of the Giant Buddha from the water—an ideal angle to fully appreciate its monumental scale.

Once your visit concludes, you will transfer back to Chengdu, arriving in the late afternoon.

Please note: boat services are subject to river conditions, weather, and other operational factors and may be suspended if conditions are unfavorable.

In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel and then be driven to the airport for your flight (about 2 hours) from Chengdu to Nyingchi. Upon arrival at Mainling Airport, your local tour guide will meet you at the arrival gate and escort you to your hotel in the city. The rest of the day is free for you to acclimatize to the altitude and explore the nearby area at your own pace.

Free Time Suggestions: You may enjoy a relaxing stroll through Nyingchi Gongbu Park, where a serene lake with swimming ducks, lush greenery, and colorful flowers create a picturesque scene. In the evening, the park’s fountains are beautifully illuminated, and you might even catch local residents dancing nearby.

Travel Tips for Today: 1) We highly recommend choosing a window seat on the left side of the plane, as you may catch breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayas, including Mount Gongga (alt: 7,508.9 meters) in Sichuan Province and the majestic Namjagbarwa Peak (alt: 7,782 meters) in Nyingchi if the weather permits. 3) Though altitude sickness is rare in Nyingchi (average elevation: 3,100 meters), it's best to take it easy, avoid strenuous activity, and skip baths on your first night.

Wake up to a peaceful morning in Nyingchi, surrounded by fresh mountain air and serene landscapes. After breakfast, your tour guide and driver will pick you up for the scenic drive to Bomi County, about 230 km away. Though the journey takes several hours, the drive itself is an unforgettable part of the adventure.

After driving about 50 km (1.5 hours), you’ll reach the Sejila Mountain Pass Observatory. On clear days, you may catch sight of the majestic Mount Namjagbarwa (7,782 m), soaring above the clouds with extraordinary grace. Known as one of China’s most beautiful peaks, it stands at the eastern end of the Himalayas, often shrouded in mist and mystery..

Continue driving westward, and soon the dense forest gives way to the vast greenery of Lulang Forest, one of Nyingchi’s most iconic natural wonders. Stop at the best viewing platform to take in a sweeping panorama of alpine meadows, snow-capped peaks, and rolling woodlands. The scenery here changes with the seasons, lush and vibrant in summer, golden and serene in autumn, each offering its own charm.

Then head to Lulang Town, a small but picturesque settlement nestled at the foot of the forest and surrounded by flower-filled meadows. Take a leisurely walk along the wooden boardwalk by Lulang Lake, where the tranquil water mirrors the mountains and clouds above. You can enjoy the calm atmosphere, the gentle sound of the wind, and the sight of a white pagoda standing gracefully in the distance, a perfect spot for quiet reflection and photography.

Then head to Lulang Passture, which is a magnificent high-altitude meadow (3,500m) spanning a 10km by 20km valley. Renowned for its ecological beauty—from fir forests and rhododendron seas to vast grazing lands—it offers vibrant flowers in spring, golden views in autumn, and winter skiing for a complete year-round experience.

After that, drive back to Nyingchi City. Have a good rest.

Tips for Today: 1) Mount Namjagbarwa is often hidden by clouds during July and August. 2) The altitude at Sejila Pass is relatively high, so walk slowly, avoid strenuous activity, and drink water frequently in small sips to stay comfortable. 3) A light jacket and sunglasses are recommended, as the weather can shift quickly from sunshine to mist in the mountain areas.

After breakfast, we begin our journey from Nyingchi to Lhasa, with a memorable stop at the breathtaking Basum-tso Lake. En route to the lake, you will pass by lush green rivers, dense forests, traditional Tibetan homes, and local farmlands where modern machinery can be seen at work.

After about a 30-minute drive, we'll reach Kadinggou, a scenic park renowned for its primeval forest and the Heavenly Buddha Waterfall, which plunges over 200 meters down a steep cliff. Within the mist, a naturally formed Buddha image appears and disappears, flanked by two guardian figures—adding a sense of mystery and sacredness to the scene. A short hike is required, but the refreshing air, birdsong, and the thunderous sound of falling water make it a truly delightful experience.

As we approach Basum-tso Lake, the scenery becomes increasingly captivating. Situated 3,500 meters above sea level, this pristine lake mirrors the snow-capped peaks and glaciers of the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains. A short hike leads to a viewing platform, where you can take in a stunning panoramic view of the turquoise waters. On clear days, the lake's surface shifts between brilliant emerald and deep sapphire hues as clouds drift overhead—creating a scene like scattered jewels.

After admiring the vista, you'll descend to the lakeshore and cross a bridge to the central island. Here, a small Nyingma-sect Tibetan monastery awaits. You may observe pilgrims and visitors circling the white pagoda and turning prayer wheels. The island is also known for its "Three Wonders": the Taobao Pine, the Treasure House of the Dragon King, and the Tiger Claw Marks—each adding a touch of mystery and legend to your visit.

After immersing yourself in the beauty of the lake, continue the scenic drive to Lhasa.You will arrive in the late afternoon, and you will have time to check in, unwind, and acclimatize to the city's serene atmosphere.

Today you will visit popular attractions in Lhasa city and suburb to explore Tibetan culture. You will firstly go to visit the beautiful Norbulingka which used to be the former summer palace of Dalai Lamas in the ancient time, and now is a public park. Dotted with various kinds of precious flowers and plants, it is the genuine "Plateau Oxygen Bar". In addition to its magnificent buildings and colorful flowers, Norbulingka also features some big Tibet event activities during big festivals, like Tibetan shows in annual Shoton Festival. Next, go to visit Tibet Museum, where well-curated exhibits trace Tibet’s history from the Paleolithic era to early civilization. You will see ancient stone tools, pottery, Buddhist statues, Thangka paintings, and precious historical artifacts such as gold seals and traditional manuscripts.

In the afternoon, you will be taken to another famous monastery in Lhasa - Sera Monastery. It is famous for the spectacular "Buddhism Debating". As a daily routine, the monks gather in a courtyard, and debate on the Buddhist doctrines with supplemented gestures, which is thought to be helpful to facilitates better comprehension of the Buddhist philosophy to attain higher levels of study. After enjoying the "Buddhism Debating", you will be transferred back to the city. The rest time is your own free time to rest.

The Etiquette of Visiting Monastery: 1) you shouldn't wear short and uncover shoulders; 2) taking off your sunglasses and hat before entering the chapels; 3) taking photos is usually not allowed inside the chapels.

Start today's Lhasa exploration with an exciting visit to the landmark - Potala Palace which is the home to the successive Dalai Lama as well as a great masterpiece of Tibetan architecture. The whole palace is divided into the White Palace - living quarters and office to deal with political and Buddhist affairs for Dalai Lamas, and the Red Palace where houses several stupas of previous Dalai Lamas, many historical relics and precious arts. After entering the gate of Potala Palace, you need to walk up about 30 minutes along the zigzag stone paths with white-and-red walls to the White Palace. Remember to ascend the steps slowly and take some stops for sightseeing and rest which will be helpful to reduce high altitude sickness. Then explore the palace in an orderly way from the White Palace to the Red Palace, and exit from the back side. After Potala Palace visit, go to enjoy a leisure stroll in Zongjiao Lukang Park, a lovely park with pleasant scenery built around the lake behind Potala Palace. It is a great place to experience local Tibetans' living styles as you can see local people gathering and chatting, taking exercise, walking the kora, feeding wild birds and ducks, etc. If your day is clear, you can take some great photos of the reflection of Potala Palace on the lake in the park.

Continuing your exploration, you will then get to Jokhang Temple which is considered as the spiritual center of Lhasa and the most revered religious structure of Tibet. In front of Jokhang Temple, you can see crowds of pilgrims polishing the flagstones with their prostration, which is truly a heart-touching scene you will ever see. This temple is also known as the "house of Buddha" because it keeps the precious Jowo Rinpoche, the life-sized (5 foot/1.5m) image of the Shakyamuni at the age of 12. Rise to the top floor of this temple, you can see savor the beautiful golden roof and the view of Potala Palace afar. The last site for today’s exploration is the famous Barkhor Street. It is a circular and wide street encircling the Jokhang Temple. The local people like to walk on the street for several circles usually in the late afternoon as a daily tradition of pilgrimage. The street also has many shops selling a wide variety of traditional Tibetan goods, religious items and handcrafts.

Optional Activity: If your physical strength permits, take a short climb to the viewing-deck of Chakpori Hill to take a panoramic photo of Potala Palace after your Potala Palace visit.

Tips of today: 1) taking photos is not allowed inside the palace; 2) today you will be mainly outside, please bring some water, a hat, sun cream, and sun glasses with you.

Today is free for you until your tour guide transfer you to the airport in time for your flight or drop you off at Lhasa train station.

Tips of today: 1) please pack your luggage carefully, especially for small things like camera charger, power adaptor, mobile phone, phone charger, wallet and towel; 2) if your flight is arranged in the afternoon, please make sure you check out the hotel before 12pm.