Sichuan 7 Days: Legendary Stone Forests and Snow Cascades of the Ancient Shu Kingdom

Sichuan Province, located in southwestern China, is known as the "Land of Abundance." It boasts not only the fertile Chengdu Plain but also magnificent highland sceneries and a profound cultural heritage. As the historical site of the ancient Shu Kingdom, Sichuan is renowned for its unique cuisine, rich ethnic minority cultures, and natural conservation efforts as the homeland of giant pandas.

This meticulously designed Western Sichuan loop will showcase the finest natural and cultural landscapes of Sichuan. In just seven days, you'll journey from a modern metropolis to mysterious Tibetan areas, experiencing diverse terrains including snow-capped mountains, glaciers, stone forests, grasslands, wetlands, and colorful pools. This perfect blend of natural wonders, cultural exploration, and ecological conservation offers unlimited possibilities for photography enthusiasts and nature adventurers alike.

Detailed Itinerary:

DAY 1: Arrival in Chengdu (Elevation: 500m)

• Arrive at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport
• Check into a city center hotel and rest to adjust to the time difference
• Evening: Explore Chunxi Road or Wide and Narrow Alleys, savor Chengdu's signature spicy hot pot or "串串香" (skewer hot pot)

DAY 2: Chengdu → Ganbao Tibetan Village → Gurgou (Total driving time: approx. 6 hours)

• After breakfast, depart for Ganbao Tibetan Village (4-hour drive)
• Ganbao Tibetan Village: Visit a well-preserved Jiarong Tibetan village, admire unique watchtower architecture, and learn about Tibetan traditional culture (2-hour tour)
• Afternoon: Head to Gurgou (2-hour drive)
• Evening: Check into Gurgou hotel, take a stroll around the hotel to stargaze
• Overnight in Gurgou (Elevation: 2,700m)

DAY 3: Gurgou → Aba County → Langyi Temple (Total driving time: approx. 5 hours)

• Morning: Tour Gurgou Glacier and Waterfall, experience the grandeur of glaciers (2-hour tour)
• Noon: Depart for Aba County (3-hour drive)
• Visit Geladan Monastery in Aba County, a Tibetan Buddhist temple with over 300 years of history (1.5-hour tour)
• Evening: Arrive at Langyi Temple (1-hour drive), visit this Tibetan Buddhist holy site founded in the 7th century (1-hour tour)
• Overnight near Langyi Temple
• Langyi Temple accommodation (Elevation: 3,300m)

DAY 4: Aba → Lianbaoyeze → Ruoergai (Total driving time: approx. 5 hours)

• After breakfast, head to Lianbaoyeze (2-hour drive)
• Tour Lianbaoyeze Scenic Area, marvel at the unique karst landscape known as the "Oriental Stone Forest" and highland lakes (3-hour tour)
• Afternoon: Travel to Ruoergai (3-hour drive)
• Upon arrival, visit Ruoergai Grassland, experience horseback riding or hiking, enjoy the vast prairie landscape (2-hour activity)
• Evening: Check into Ruoergai hotel, taste local specialties like yak meat and highland barley wine
• Overnight in Ruoergai (Elevation: 3,400m)

DAY 5: Ruoergai → Flower Lake → Jiuzhaigou (Total driving time: approx. 7 hours)

• Morning: Visit Flower Lake, one of China's largest highland wetlands and an important water source for the Yellow River (2-hour tour)
• Noon: Depart for Jiuzhaigou (4-hour drive)
• En route, enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Northwest Sichuan Plateau
• Evening: Arrive in Jiuzhaigou, check into a hotel near the scenic area
• Overnight in Jiuzhaigou (Elevation: 2,000m)

DAY 6: Jiuzhaigou

• Full day tour of Jiuzhaigou National Park (8-9 hours)
• Key attractions: Nuorilang Waterfall, Five-Flower Lake, Long Lake, and other famous sites
• Admire Jiuzhaigou's unique colorful pools, layered waterfalls, and pristine forests
• Evening: Optional Tibetan song and dance performance "Tibetan Mystery" (at own expense)
• Overnight in Jiuzhaigou (Elevation: 2,000m)

DAY 7: Jiuzhaigou → Chuanzhu Temple → Chengdu (Total driving time: approx. 8 hours)

• After breakfast, depart for Chengdu (8-hour drive)
• En route, stop at Chuanzhu Temple (1-hour visit), tour this Tibetan Buddhist monastery founded in the Tang Dynasty
• Evening: Arrive in Chengdu, end of the journey
• Chengdu accommodation (Elevation: 500m)

Important Notes:

1. Altitude Adaptation: This route involves significant elevation changes, from 500m in Chengdu to a maximum of 3,400m in Ruoergai. Travelers should pay attention to altitude adaptation, ensure adequate rest, and stay hydrated.
2. Cultural Respect: When visiting Tibetan areas, please respect local cultural customs. For example, avoid wearing shorts or skirts when entering temples, and refrain from touching Buddha statues.
3. Weather Preparation: Due to high altitudes, there can be significant temperature differences between day and night. Please pack sufficient warm clothing.
4. Dietary Adjustments: Sichuan cuisine is famous for its spicy flavors. If you're not accustomed to spicy food, please inform the staff when ordering.

This route covers the most essential natural and cultural landscapes of western Sichuan, allowing travelers to deeply experience the charm of Western Sichuan in just one week. From urban civilization to natural wonders, from plains to plateaus, it promises an unforgettable exploration of the ancient Shu region.