Sichuan
Sichuan
This is a land of sacred snow-capped mountains, deep gorges, and waterfalls that dance through the air.
Tranquil lakes surrounded by forests, and herds of cattle and sheep grazing on the mesmerising grasslands. Skies as clear as a polished mirror, while golden monasteries shine in breathtaking splendour. Everything here exudes a beauty that takes your breath away. The people are pure and hospitable, warmly welcoming guests from all realms and nations.
Here, you can live the essence of ancient China with its stunning natural landscapes, the wisdom of Tibetan Buddhism, the genuine hospitality of its people, the adorable pandas, and the modern vibrance of the city of Chengdu.
HIGHLIGHTS OF Sichuan
BEST EXPERIENCES
Practise Tibetan Buddhist meditation
Meditate with a monk from Tagong Monastery, learning authentic techniques in the thousand-year-old stupa forest.
Living with Tibetan Nomads
Spend a day with Tibetan nomads on the grasslands, joining local herders in their daily routines, learning to make tsampa, herding yaks, and sharing authentic Tibetan meals together.
Dance with Locals
Dance Traditional Tibetan dance Guozhuang with locals in Litang, the highest Tibet city in the world, explore its thousand-house Tibetan village and monasteries.
Face-to-Face with Pandas
Observe giant pandas up close, with unobstructed views and no glass barriers, in a carefully designed panda base that reflects how pandas live in the wild. Panda will be as close as 5m.
Lakeside Walk in Cuopu
Stroll beside the lakeshore in Cuopu Valley, beneath snow-capped mountains, where crystal-clear waters reflect the peaks and surrounding forests.
Leshan Buddha from the Water
Enjoy a VIP boat experience at the Leshan Giant Buddha, viewing the world’s largest stone-carved seated Buddha from a unique perspective on the river.
Sichuan Small Group Tours
Explore Sichuan with a small group of like-minded travellers (fewer than 8 pax). Take part in authentic local experiences accompanied by our professional English-speaking guide and our knowledgeable local guide.
SIGNATURE TRIP
Group Tour
The Whispering Winds of the Tibetan Plateau
This journey takes you into the heart of Western Sichuan. Meditate among white stupas with monks, walk through mountain Tibetan villages, hike to glacier-fed lakes, spend a day with nomadic herders, stand before the world’s largest seated Buddha, relax in hot springs, and observe giant pandas up close.
9 days from €1767 euros
SIGNATURE TRIP
Group Tour
Western Sichuan: The Essence of Kham Tibet
This 7-day journey brings you to the very essence of Sichuan, trek the valleys of Mount Siguniang, step into monastic life, and learn ancient Tibetan meditation in Tagong Monastery—before wandering the timeless lanes of Zhonglu Village, Leshan Buddha and Shangli Ancient Town.
7 days from €1319 euros
Explore Sichuan in your own way. Speak with our local experts to craft the journey that fits you best—whether it’s a private tour or one of our carefully designed self-guided routes.Sichuan Private & Self-guided Tours
Please speak with our travel planner to request a sample itinerary and begin designing your tailor-made journey.
Why travel to Sichuan?
What’s the weather like in Sichuan?
Sichuan Basin has four distinct seasons: winters are damp and chilly (around 5–10°C) with little snow, while summers are hot and humid (up to 28–35°C). Spring and autumn are mild (15–25°C), though cloudy and rainy days are frequent.
By contrast, Western Sichuan sits on the plateau, where the air is thin, the sunlight strong, and the weather changes quickly. The elevation ranges from 2000 to 4500m. The temperature difference between day and night is significant, making layered clothing essential. In summer, average temperatures are around 20°C, while in winter they can drop to about -5°C, with day–night differences of up to 10°C.
Top five dishes to try
1. Tsampa – A staple food made from highland barley, often mixed with tea or butter.
2. Mapo Tofu – Silky tofu with minced beef, chilli bean, and Sichuan peppercorns
3. Sichuan Hotpot – A spicy broth with chili and Sichuan peppercorns, where meats, vegetables, and tofu are cooked at the table.
4. Momo Dumplings – Steamed dumplings filled with juicy minced beef and onions.
5. Yak Meat – Flavorful and chewy, with a stronger taste than regular beef.
Top Places to visit in Sichuan
Chengdu
Chengdu is the spice capital of China and one of the country’s most welcoming, laid-back cities. Known as the homeland of giant pandas. Slow down and savor the fiery flavors of Sichuan cuisine, from bubbling hotpot to street snacks, and feel the warmth of a city celebrated for its openness and inclusiveness.
Tagong
Tagong is a small Tibetan town where faith runs deep. Snow-capped mountains, vast grasslands, and sacred monasteries share the same stage, creating a powerful spiritual atmosphere. Wander through Muya Monastery, sip butter tea in a nomadic home. This is the kind of place you could spend weeks in without ever growing tired.
Leshan
Leshan is home to the world’s tallest stone-carved seated Buddha. Beyond its cultural treasures, Leshan is also famous for its mouthwatering local dish—“Qiaojiao Beef.” A boat ride to view the Giant Buddha from the river is an experience you simply can’t miss.
Litang
Litang is the cultural heart of the Kham Tibetan region, where faith and daily life blend seamlessly. Stroll through the ancient halls of Changqingchunkeer Monastery. In the evening, wander Letong Old Town, where locals gather in the square to dance the traditional Guozhuang.
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