Discovering wilderness in China
By admin on 2014-12-26

- Search the primeval forests of the Wanglang Nature Reserve for such rare wildlife as pandas, snow leopards, and golden monkeys.

 - Explore the river valleys and view the vividly colored lakes of Jiuzhaigou.

 - Meet local villagers and discuss their lives over a meal or cup of tea.

 - Ascend the Tibetan plateau and visit the vibrant Labrang monastery.

Sichuan, situated next to the Tibetan plateau, is home not only to the Giant Panda, but also to one of China's most celebratedcuisines.  From snow-capped mountains to bamboo forests, the province possesses some of China's most spectacular scenery.  On this journey, we explore some of Sichuan's most scenic destinations:  the historic town of Pingwu, the primeval forests of the Wanglang Nature Reserve, the vividly colored lakes of Jiuzhaigou, and Langmusi, a Tibetan town on the border of Gansu province.  With the help of WildChina, you will explore Sichuan's wilderness, search for wild panda, and learn about the region by talking to locals over a cup of tea or a meal hosted in a village home.

Starting in Chengdu, Sichuan's laidback provincial capital, you will visit the neighboring Giant Panda preserve before journeying north to the ancient town of Pingwu, home to the stunning Bao En Temple.  From Pingwu, you will travel tothe Wanglang Nature Reserve, where you will search for signs of wild panda and indentify plants and wildflowers with the help of one of the reserve's naturalists.  An afternoon will be spent amongst Baima villagers, known for their colorful dress, before continuing on to therivers, lakes, and waterfalls of Jiuzhaigou. After emerging from the natural wonders of Jiuzhaigou, the journey continues to the Tibetan plateau between Sichuan and Gansu.  Here you will meet local families, visits mall villages, and view the first curve of the Yellow River.  The journey ends with visits to the Langmusi and Labrang monasteries before returning to Chengdu by air. 

Featured Trip Plan:

Day 1: Arrive in Chengdu; free time to explore the city

Day 2: Option 1: Visit the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding and Research Center;Option 2: Visit the Wen Shu Temple; visit a Sichuan Opera School; relax in Wangjialou Park

Day 3: Drive to Pingwu; enroute visit Jinsha Site Museum; arrive late afternoon and visit Bao En Temple

Day 4: Drive to Wanglang Nature Reserve; enjoy a forest hike; overnight in the Wanglang Eco-lodge

Day 5: Search for wild panda and other rare wildlife  in the Wanglang Nature Reserve; enjoy a picnic lunch in the forest

Day 6: Drive to Jiuzhaigou; enroute visit Baima village and meet local families; arrive in Jiuzhaigou and hike to Rhinoceros Lake

Day 7: Continue exploration of Jiuzhaigou; picnic in the meadow before hiking on to Mirror Lake

Day 8: Drive to Huanglong; Explore Huanglong valley; visit the garrison town of Songpan; drive to and overnight in Chuanzhusi

Day 9:  Drive to Hongyuan County;enroute meet local families; visit Moon Bay in late afternoon

Day 10:  Drive to Tangke Town;visit first curve of the Yellow River; drive to and overnight in Ruo’er Gai

Day 11: Drive to Huahu Natural Reserve; continue onto to Langmusi; optional hike along the White Dragon River; overnight in Langmusi

Day 12: Visit Langmusi Monastery; Drive to and overnight in Xiahe Town

Day 13: Visit Labrang Monastery; explore Sangke grassland

Day 14: Drive to Lanzhou; flyback to Chengdu; overnight in Chengdu

Day 15: Depart Chengdu