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China: From Imperial Capitals to Wild Sichuan
Group Tour
Overview
Vast in both breadth and scope, China encompasses an unimaginable feast of visual and cultural spectacle. Home to some 17% of the world’s population, its deserts, forests and mountains play host to an astonishing collection of UNESCO treasures, captivating natural beauty and ultra modern cities. From the bustling Hutongs of its colourful capital, to the Taoist sanctuaries of its mountain retreats, this is a land of quite staggering contrasts.
Beginning amongst the glass towers and ...
Vast in both breadth and scope, China encompasses an unimaginable feast of visual and cultural spectacle. Home to some 17% of the world’s population, its deserts, forests and mountains play host to an astonishing collection of UNESCO treasures, captivating natural beauty and ultra modern cities. From the bustling Hutongs of its colourful capital, to the Taoist sanctuaries of its mountain retreats, this is a land of quite staggering contrasts.
Beginning amongst the glass towers and historic alleyways of Beijing, our journey starts amid the splendours of imperial majesty. We’ll take in the sumptuous grandeur of the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, travel by Bullet Train and gaze upon the vast army of the Terracotta Warriors. Some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery opens up to us as we travel through the Jianmen Pass and the Jiuzhaigou Valley, before journey’s end sees us experiencing Giant Pandas, Sichuan Hot Pots and the impressive spectacle of the giant Leshan Buddha.
A journey filled with natural, cultural and culinary delights, this remarkable adventure reveals a quite unique landscape. One that has been shaped by millennia of human influence and endeavour, and where each day brings a new experience to savour.
HIGHLIGHTS
At a glance
MEALS
TRANSPORT
Minibuses, Bullet Train & River Ferry
GROUP SIZE
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
7 nights x Standard
ENTRANCE FEES
FITNESS RATING
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wherever possible we aim to use characterful accommodation that enhances the overall travel experience. This can obviously vary greatly across both countries and tours. On this particular trip we will be in hotels. Please note that the accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is intended as a guide only and is always subject to availability.
FITNESS RATING
LOW: You should be comfortable walking around towns and cultural sites. May include some optional walks (typically 1-2hrs).LOW/MODERATE: May be of a long duration and/or involve numerous border-crossings. May include easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-3hrs/day). You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle.
MODERATE: May include several easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-5hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle. Previous experience of similar trips helpful.
MODERATE/HIGH: May involve several days of moderate hiking (up to 3-6 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
HIGH: May involve several days of moderate/strenuous trekking (up to 4-7 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a very fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
Map & Itinerary
Individual departures may vary so please refer to the information in the tour specific links in the Dates and Prices section below
Day 1 Tour Starts in Beijing
Day 1 Tour Starts in Beijing
Rooms will be available from mid-afternoon and those arriving on the suggested group flights will be able to check in on arrival and relax after their long flight. We'll then have an introductory meeting and welcome dinner today. The Chinese capital of Beijing is the starting point for this remarkable journey. The country’s political and cultural heart, Beijing sits in northern China, blending centuries of imperial history with modern urban life. Founded over three millennia ago, it has been the seat of power for several dynasties, most notably the Ming and Qing. Today it is home to some 21 million residents and boasts a rich tapestry of traditions, architecture, and culture that reflect its imperial heritage and contemporary global influence.
Day 2 Beijing: Breakfast Hutong Tour, The Forbidden City & Peking Duck
Day 2 Beijing: Breakfast Hutong Tour, The Forbidden City & Peking Duck
The labyrinthine network of Hutongs that honeycomb Beijing are a rich source of the city’s cultural and culinary roots, and a breakfast tour through the streets and alleys provides the ideal way to make the most of the bustling markets and street food vendors. Then it is on to the Forbidden City, lying at the historic heart of the capital and the seat of imperial power for over 500 years. The final visit of the day then sees us heading to the top of Jingshan Hill (approx. 10 minute walk with stairs), to take in the stunning vista of monuments and imperial palaces that make up the Beijing Central Axis. Being in Beijing, it seems only fitting that we should mark the evening with a traditional Peking duck dinner at the iconic Liqun restaurant.
Day 3 Beijing: Great Wall of China Hike - Jinshanling East
Day 3 Beijing: Great Wall of China Hike - Jinshanling East
After breakfast this morning we drive towards the lesser-visited section of the Great Wall at Jinshangling East. Fewer crowds and more authentic than other parts of the Wall around Beijing, it provides us with a stunning backdrop for our walk this morning. The six kilometre trail is renowned for its scenic terrain and culminates with a lunch stop at a local farm restaurant, before we return to the city later this afternoon.
Approx. 3hrs walking (618m ascent. Total distance 6.9kms, highest point 1,802m)
Day 4 Beijing – Xi’an: Tai Chi, Bullet Train & Ancient City Wall
Day 4 Beijing – Xi’an: Tai Chi, Bullet Train & Ancient City Wall
This morning begins with a visit to the magnificent Temple of Heaven, the premier sacrificial altar of the Ming and Qing dynasties, where we can enjoy a private Tai Chi session with a master. Next, we take the Bullet Train on to the ancient capital of Xi’an, one of the oldest cities in China. Considered one of China’s four great ancient capitals, the city was once one of the major stopping points along the great Silk Road. On arrival we will check in and have a slightly earlier dinner before heading to South Gate to enjoy a night tour of the Ancient City Wall (approx.78 steps to reach the top). Built during the Ming Dynasty, the city’s walls represent one of the oldest, largest and best preserved examples of its kind anywhere in China.
Day 5 Xi’an: Terracotta Warriors, Tea, Calligraphy & Muslim Street Food Tour
Day 5 Xi’an: Terracotta Warriors, Tea, Calligraphy & Muslim Street Food Tour
Without doubt one of the world’s most impressive archaeological discoveries, the spectacular Terracotta Army dates back to the rule of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China (221-210 BC). Discovered by local farmers in 1974, there are in total some 8,000 warriors, 130 chariots and 150 cavalry horses amongst the collection. Our visit this morning will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of our journey, which will be followed by a Pu’er tea tasting. After enjoying a calligraphy lesson, we then return to Xi’an to first visit the famed Wild Goose Pagoda, before sampling the local flavours of the city’s Muslim Quarter, with a tour of its vibrant street food stalls.
Day 6 Xi’an – Guangyuan: Empress Wu & The Spirit Way
Day 6 Xi’an – Guangyuan: Empress Wu & The Spirit Way
Empress Wu Zetian was the only female sovereign in China’s imperial history. Ruler of the self-styled Wu Zhou Dynasty (690-705 AD), her tomb lies some 85 kilometres to the northwest of Xi’an. Part of a complex that houses the tombs of the imperial Li family, it occupies the slopes of Mount Liang. A walk along its magnificent Spirit Way takes in the flanking stone statues of winged horses, lions, and octagonal stone pillars meant to ward off evil spirits. After our visit to this fascinating but often overlooked site, we will return to Xi’an, enjoying a Shaanxi regional lunch before catching the Bullet Train on to Guangyuan.
Day 7 Guangyuan: Jianmen Pass Hike & Zhaohua Ancient Town
Day 7 Guangyuan: Jianmen Pass Hike & Zhaohua Ancient Town
The mountain pass at Jianmen, just to the southwest of Guangyuan, occupies a strategic location at the centre of the Dajian Mountain range. Part of the ancient Shu Road, a network of mountain roads that link Shaanxi with Sichuan, this region once lay at the heart of the Qin state. Dramatic and historic, we can enjoy panoramic views of the area from a glass viewing platform before enjoying a one-hour hike over part of its ramparts, before walking on the Ancient Shu Road to admire the ancient cypress trees and lush canopy. End the day with a visit to Zhaohua where we have an opportunity to explore one of the country’s best preserved historic towns, where Ming and Qing architecture offer up a vivid glimpse into China’s feudal past.
Day 8 Guangyuan – Jiuzhaigou: Thousand-Buddha Cliff & Huangze Temple
Day 8 Guangyuan – Jiuzhaigou: Thousand-Buddha Cliff & Huangze Temple
Our day begins with a visit to the Thousand Buddha Cliff, whose remarkable carvings date back to the Tang Dynasty of the 7th century. Occupying some 63 metres of cliff face, there are some 210 statues and 43 inscriptions on display, making this one of the largest collection of Buddhist cliff statues in China. Travelling on to the Huangze Temple, whose caves and cliffside carvings are dedicated to the female emperor, Wu Zetian, we then continue our journey by way of the Baima Tunnel and through some quite breathtaking mountain scenery to Jiuzhaigou, our final destination for the evening. Approx. 5-6 hours driving on well-maintained roads.
Day 9 Jiuzhaigou: Rize Valley. Nuoriland Falls & Zewchawa Valley (3,100m approx)
Day 9 Jiuzhaigou: Rize Valley. Nuoriland Falls & Zewchawa Valley (3,100m approx)
Inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1992 and declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1997, the Jiuzhaigou National Park lies along the edge of the Tibetan Plateau, amongst the ranges of the Min Mountains. Renowned for its multi-level waterfalls, colourful lakes and snowy peaks, it provides us with a spectacular setting for today’s activities. We will enjoy the majestic Rize Valley, with its cascades and lakes, as well as the grand mountain views of the Zechwa Valley. We’ll also stop at the magnificent Nuorilang Falls, one of the widest and most picturesque in China.
Please note: There will be approx. 8km of walking today, mostly along flat, wooden boardwalks with some stone steps and flat roads.
Day 10 Jiuzhaigou: Zhongcha Valley Hike
Day 10 Jiuzhaigou: Zhongcha Valley Hike
Today offers a deeper exploration of the serene Zhongcha Valley, often referred to as Jiuzhaigou’s “Little Switzerland”. Surrounded by alpine meadows, forested slopes and distant snow-capped peaks, we enjoy gentle hikes through both the eastern and western reaches of the valley, passing Tibetan villages, prayer flags and a striking White Pagoda along the way. The afternoon brings a chance to experience authentic Tibetan culture firsthand with a visit to a local family home, where we are welcomed with traditional butter tea and stories of life in this peaceful mountain region.
Please note: there will be approx 6.5km of walking today, mostly on flat, wooden boardwalks.
Day 11 Jiuzhaigou – Songpan: Huanglong National Park (3,500m approx) & Tibetan Heritage
Day 11 Jiuzhaigou – Songpan: Huanglong National Park (3,500m approx) & Tibetan Heritage
A short drive after breakfast this morning brings us to the calcified scenery of the Huanglong National Park, famous for its travertine lakes and pools. Home to a diversity of ecosystems, the park provides a haven for a number of endangered species including red pandas and the Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkey. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, we’ll take some time to enjoy this beautiful setting before continuing on to the historic town of Songpan, where a traditional mix of Tibetan and Qiang cultures provides a wonderfully atmospheric spot to spend the evening.
Please note: Animal sightings at Huanglong National Park cannot be guaranteed.
Day 12 Songpan – Dujiangyan: Sanxingdui Museum & Irrigation System
Day 12 Songpan – Dujiangyan: Sanxingdui Museum & Irrigation System
An early Bullet Train and a scenic journey brings us to the Bronze Age archaeological site of Sanxingdui this morning. Dating back as far as the 12th century BC, the area is believed to have been part of the ancient kingdom of Shu, a unique civilisation that predated the arrival of the Qin. To the west of here lies the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a 2,000 year-old hydraulic engineering project that was constructed by the Qin around 256 BC and is still functioning to this day, in spite of the massive 2008 Sichuan earthquake. Overnight in Dujiangyan.
Day 13 Dujiangyan – Chengdu: Panda Base & Mount Qingcheng
Day 13 Dujiangyan – Chengdu: Panda Base & Mount Qingcheng
The Dujiangyan Panda Base is a research and conservation facility that is dedicated to the protection and rehabilitation of China’s Giant Pandas. A visit this morning provides an ideal opportunity to watch these majestic animals in their natural environment. We will also take a cable car up Mount Qingcheng, to enjoy the scenic views and take a gentle hike through its sacred Taoist mountain landscapes. Considered to be one of the birthplaces of Taoism, Qingcheng’s importance can be traced back to the 2nd century BC and today plays host to 11 Taoist temples. Our final stop today will be Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan.
Please note: steps at Mount Qingcheng are well paved and easy to hike. Only a small percentage of the path is uneven.
Day 14 Chengdu: Leshan Giant Buddha River Cruise & Sichuan Face Changing Opera
Day 14 Chengdu: Leshan Giant Buddha River Cruise & Sichuan Face Changing Opera
Chengdu will serve as our base for the remainder of our time in China. Today’s itinerary features a journey to Leshan, approximately a 2.5 hour drive each way from Chengdu, where a scenic river cruise offers exceptional views of the remarkable Leshan Giant Buddha. Carved during the Tang Dynasty in the 8th century, this 71 metre-high statue was commissioned by a Buddhist monk named Haitong, who hoped the Buddha’s presence would calm the turbulent waters where the Min, Dadu, and Qingyi rivers meet. Ingeniously carved from the surrounding Cretaceous sandstone cliff, the statue faces the sacred slopes of Mount Emei. We will next climb up to the head of the Buddha where we will enjoy a relaxing tea break. In the evening, we’ll immerse ourselves in local Chengdu culture, savouring the bold, authentic flavours of a renowned Sichuan hot pot, followed by a captivating performance of Sichuan Opera, famous for its dazzling 'face-changing' mask transformations.
Day 15 Chengdu: Sichuan Cooking Class, Wenshu Temple and Farewell Dinner
Day 15 Chengdu: Sichuan Cooking Class, Wenshu Temple and Farewell Dinner
The morning begins with a visit to the city’s bustling vegetable market, where we will purchase the ingredients that we will need for today’s Chengdu cookery class. After mastering the intricacies of preparing an authentic Sichuan feast, we then head for the peaceful sanctuary of the Wenshu Monastery, Chengdu’s best preserved Buddhist temple. A visit to the People’s Park then provides a chance to soak up some local colour, before a stroll through the historic alleyways of Kuan Zhai provides the perfect setting in which to end this remarkable journey. This evening we will enjoy a typical Sichuan dinner to round off our adventure.
Day 16 Tour Ends Chengdu
Day 16 Tour Ends Chengdu
The tour ends today where those on the suggested group tour flights will have an airport transfer arranged for early this morning. Those taking alternative flights have use of the hotel rooms until check-out this morning.
ACCOMMODATION USED ON THIS TOUR
SSAW Garden Hotel Beijing, Beijing
SSAW Garden Hotel Beijing is a tranquil courtyard-style hotel in the historic and central Dongcheng District, combining traditional Chinese design with modern comforts. Set within a charming hutong (a traditional Beijing narrow alley), the hotel offers a peaceful atmosphere with leafy surroundings and elegant interiors. Guest rooms are tastefully decorated with warm tones and comfortable bedding, creating a relaxing space after a day of exploring. Each morning, a varied breakfast featuring both Chinese specialties and Western favourites is freshly prepared and served in the welcoming Garden Restaurant. With its authentic character and serene ambiance, SSAW Garden Hotel provides an inviting base for experiencing Beijing’s culture.
Eastern House, Xi'an
Eastern House is a stylish boutique hotel blending modern comfort with local character. Situated within walking distance of iconic landmarks including the Xi’an Ancient City Wall, Bell Tower and Muslim Quarter, it offers an ideal base for exploring Xi'an's vibrant streets and culture. Guest rooms are thoughtfully designed with soundproofing, comfortable beds and air conditioning and each morning, a generous buffet breakfast featuring a mix of Chinese and Western options helps you start the day right.
Join Hotel, Guangyuan
Join Hotel offers a boutique stay, located conveniently in central Guangyuan. Rooms are modern and comfortable offering free WiFi, air conditioning and scenic views. The included breakfast offers a wide range of both local and international options and there is a local cafe and bar on site.
Qianhe Rezen Hotel, Jiuzhaigou
The Qianhe Rezen Hotel is conveniently located as a base for exploring the Nine Villages Valley (Jiuzhaigou) scenic area and located within walking distance of shops, cafes and restaurants. Guest rooms are clean and comfortable with free Wi-Fi. The included buffet breakfast offers both Chinese and a simple western option to set you up for a day of exploring.
Songpan 56 Rooms Hotel, Songpan
Named after the 56 ethnic groups that make up China, Songpan 56 Rooms Hotel is located in central Songpan, an ancient town known for it's Ming-Dynasty era walls and blend of Tibetan, Qiang, Hui and Han cultures. The property's facade incorporates Tibetan and Qiang styles and guest rooms include decor inspired by the different ethnic groups of China. Guest rooms are clean, modern and come with modern conveniences.
Home2 Suites By Hilton Chengdu Dujiangyan, Dujiangyan
Home2 Suites by Hilton Chengdu Djiangyan is a contemporary, premium hotel offering, located in Dujiangyan City. All guest rooms are suites, smartly designed to provide a separation between the sleeping quarters and living room. Guest rooms offer free high-speed Wi-Fi and modern designs. Breakfast is buffet style and offers a plethora of options, including western stapes, local Chinese and Sichuan cuisine, seasonal fruits and a range of beverages,
Chengdu Yuanheyuan Buddha Zen Hotel, Chengdu
Chengdu Yuanheyuan Buddha Zen Hotel is a boutique hotel that blends traditional Chinese aesthetics with a tranquil Zen-inspired atmosphere. Located in the historic Wenshufang District near Wenshu Monastery, it offers a zen retreat within the bustling city centre. The property is designed around peaceful courtyards, featuring dark wood architecture, antique décor, and elegant rooms with modern amenities. With its strong Buddhist influence and serene setting, the hotel provides a unique cultural stay that combines spiritual calm with convenient access to Chengdu’s main attractions.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation displayed here should be taken as a guide only. *Please refer to the Detailed Itinerary of your individual departure for more information.
PRIVATE HOLIDAYS: DATES DON’T FIT?
All group tours can be taken on a private basis.
Additional Details
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Reducing Single Use Plastic
We recognise the environmental issues and challenges around single-use plastic in many countries we visit and are actively working with our partners on the ground to reduce plastic waste on our tours and within the hotels and restaurants we visit. You can help to reduce your personal plastic waste by taking a refillable, filtered water bottle with you on your trip. Filtered water bottles can be refilled from water sources including your hotel room and restaurant taps, drinking fountains and refill stations. Every time you refill your bottle without the use of single-use plastic, you will be helping to reduce waste and protect the environment. Filtered Water Bottles | Wild Frontiers (wildfrontierstravel.com)
Dujiangyan Panda Base
On this tour, you will visit the Dujiangyan Panda Base, a non-profit public organisation dedicated exclusively to panda conservation, scientific research, and reintroduction programmes. All revenue from ticket sales is reinvested directly into these efforts.
Getting There
If you would like us to send you a quote for the suggested tour flights or on any alternative flight that may suit you better, please let us know, noting that for our US clients, we will most likely refer you to one of our preferred partners. For this trip our suggested flights from the UK (subject to change) are shown below.
If you wish to arrange your own flights you are completely free to do so and in this case we can arrange any transfers or supplementary accommodation that you may require. However please note that if you are planning on making your own flight arrangements, we recommend that you first check with us to see if the trip is guaranteed. We then suggest that you purchase flights that are flexible and ideally refundable as due to the nature of adventure travel, itineraries and destination accessibility can change at any time. For more information, please refer to our booking conditions.
For flights operated by Air China, the name on your booking must match your passport exactly, including any middle names. Missing middle names may result in check-in complications and/or delays. If you are booking flights through us, please provide your full name exactly as it appears on your passport.
Please also note that the Air China website does not currently support online booking management if flights have not been booked directly by the passenger. If you book, or have booked, flights through Wild Frontiers, you will be able to check in to your flight at the airport desk on arrival.
| Flight Code | Departing | Arriving |
|---|---|---|
| CA 0938 | London Heathrow (LHR) 20:25 | Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) 14:25 |
| CA 4107 | Chengdu Airport (CTU) 10:00 | Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) 12:45 |
| CA 0937 | Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) 14:50 | London Heathrow (LHR) 17:50 |
Visas & Vaccinations
VISAS
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact a reputable visa agency. More details can be found here - https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/visa
For this tour UK passport holders currently do not require a visa for China for up to 30 days. This visa-free policy is currently in place until 31st December 2026 and there are hopes that it will be continued beyond that date. However if it isn’t, then UK passport holders will require a visa.
Passports should ideally be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the end of your tour and have two blank pages for visas and stamping.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
VACCINATIONS & ADDITIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for travellers to China.
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is a mandatory requirement for all travellers to China arriving/transiting from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
For all destinations, please make sure you are up-to-date with any standard vaccinations (e.g. MMR, Hepatitis A, Tetanus) as recommended by your local health care provider.
For the most up-to-date information on all vaccination requirements, we strongly suggest that you seek advice from your local travel centre or consult an official travel health website such as www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
Covid Testing: No mandatory testing is currently required for vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers.
If necessary further details will be sent out to you upon booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas & vaccinations are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Extensions
If you have more time available, why not arrive early to adjust to a new time zone or just to get a feel for the country before your tour starts? Alternatively, you might choose to allow a few extra days after the tour to relax or to undertake some further exploration.
The choice is completely yours and we can usually arrange anything from simply additional accommodation and transfers to full tailor-made itineraries*. Please contact the office for more details and to discuss your requirements.
*Please note bespoke, tailor-made itineraries need to be a minimum of 7 days and we can only offer them in countries where we have a tailor-made expert
Southern China
Check out our 'Southern China Explorer: From Megacities to Mountain Realms' itinerary which connects perfectly with this tour on a selection of dates, giving you an enviable insight into the diverse landscapes, people and cuisines of China.Governmental Travel Advice
Many governments issue advice which highlights potential hazards their citizens might experience when travelling abroad. We strongly suggest you refer to your country’s particular advisory site before booking and contact us if you have any queries or concerns. Click to follow links to the advice of the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or the US State Department.
Non-UK citizens should consult the travel advice of their respective governments.
Key Information
CLIMATE
Northern and central China around Beijing and Xi'an experience seasonal weather, with cold, dry winters, hot humid summers and mild, pleasant springs and autumns. Beijing tends to be colder, drier, and sunnier, while Xi’an is slightly warmer and more humid, especially during summer. In contrast, Sichuan has a greener climate, especially around Chengdu, where mild temperatures and humid air support lush landscapes year-round. In the Jiuzhaigou region of northern Sichuan, the weather is significantly cooler due to its higher elevation. Across all regions, spring and autumn tend to offer the most comfortable travel weather.
IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?
It may sound obvious, but not all Wild Frontiers tours are the same, and it is important that you choose a tour which is suitable for you. To help you decide and ensure you choose a suitable tour, please refer to our helpful guide here. As a minimum, you should make sure that you read the day-by-day itinerary and the Key Aspects to Consider sections carefully. Should you still have any concerns about your ability to partake in any aspect of the tour, then please contact us.
KEY ASPECTS TO CONSIDER
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour.
This trip operates at altitude when in Jiuzhaigou National Park. The highest point this trip reaches is 3,500m in the Zhongcha Valley in Jiuzhaigou National Park however we’ll sleep at a lower altitude. During your time in Jiuzhaigou, there will be oxygen canisters available and pulse oximeters to help monitor oxygen levels. In case of altitude sickness, our tour leader and local guide are on hand to provide the appropriate support.
Please note the included hike on the Jinshanling East Section of the Great Wall is a moderate to challenging walk and will include some steep steps, uneven steps and crumbling sections, though the views, experience and less-crowded nature will make it all the more rewarding. For those who do not wish to complete the walk in its entirety, there will be an option to take a cable car part way through to the end point where you will meet the rest of the group when the hike is completed.
We have made use of China's incredible Bullet Train network to get between destinations however for some more remote areas in Sichuan province, we need to rely on road transfers which take longer, but provide views of beautiful scenery along the way. We have designed this itinerary to try and take our clients away from the beaten track where possible, however please do note that China has a thriving domestic tourism market, and as such, world-famous sights in China can be very crowded at times, such as the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Warriors and sections of Jiuzhaigou National Park. We have worked the itinerary to do our best to avoid the most crowded periods where possible.
RECCE TOURS
As we all know, the world is a constantly changing place - destinations & routes that were once cutting-edge now regularly find themselves appearing in mainstream brochures. Coming up with truly original tour ideas is a constant challenge but at Wild Frontiers we are committed to offering you a real alternative to the mainstream and each year we run a handful of new and original adventures. These are our so-called Recce Tours and since the very beginning have proven incredibly popular with those of you who like to act as our “guinea pigs” and join us on these tours. Fantastic fun and highly rewarding, Recce Tours will assuredly not go 100% to plan and it is not uncommon for clients to take an active role in tweaking the itineraries along the way. More challenging than our normal tours, these will often require a greater degree of flexibility...they will not be for everyone.
THE NATURE OF ADVENTURE TRAVEL
We feel that it’s worth pointing out that while we will always strive to stick as close to the stated itinerary as possible, it may be necessary from time to time to make changes to our itineraries or services (due to weather, political and religious influences etc.) and this can happen with little or no notice. This unpredictability can be one of the most exciting aspects of adventure travel and for many of our clients often leads to unexpected highlights as the tour-leader necessarily adapts the tour to the changing conditions. However we are aware that this lack of assuredness may not suit everyone. As such, with the greatest respect, if you are someone who needs to know that everything will happen exactly as planned, we would kindly suggest that perhaps our tours are not for you. Adventure travel can be infectious and once you’ve caught the bug, it is likely to never leave you, but especially if this is your first such tour we would strongly urge you to give us a call if you have any concerns whatsoever about your suitability for this trip.
TRAVELLING SOLO AND SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip. On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
INSURANCE
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
General Information
TOUR PRICE
All our tours are priced on a land-only basis, giving you maximum flexibility when deciding how to get to and from your tour.
DEPOSIT
A 10% deposit is required to confirm your booking.
PROTECTION FOR YOUR MONEY
For further details please see our travelling with peace of mind page
WILD MILES
This tour will earn you 10140 Wild Miles
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
WILD FRONTIERS COMMUNITY
If you’re still not sure if this trip is right or just want to see get some different perspectives, then why not have a look at the wide variety of resources we have on our website? Browse our community section to read our blogs, watch videos and find out about our events.
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
We are frequently asked what makes Wild Frontiers different from other tour operators. Visit our Why Wild Frontiers page to find out.