Day 1: Chengdu – Jiayang Steam Train Experience – Luocheng Ancient Town – Mount Emei
(Lunch, Dinner)
Your Sichuan adventure begins early this morning in Chengdu. To catch the famous Jiayang Steam Train, your guide from China Exploration will pick you up from your hotel and drive approximately 2 hours to Jiaoying (Yaojin) Station in Qianwei County, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the wide Sichuan Plain along the way.
The Jiayang Steam Train is one of the few remaining operational steam trains in the world and offers a truly unique travel experience. Riding this historic train feels like stepping back in time to another era. Slowly moving through the green mountains, the old steam locomotive releases clouds of smoke and creates a traditional whistle echoing through the valleys.
During the journey, you may share the carriage with local villagers carrying bamboo baskets and daily goods, offering a rare glimpse into authentic rural life in Sichuan. This is not just a train ride — it is a cultural experience connecting travelers with the history and traditions of the countryside.
Along the railway route, you will also see old industrial buildings, traditional villages, beautiful mountain scenery, and historical slogans from the 1970s Cultural Revolution period, providing a fascinating window into China’s recent history.
For photographers, March is an especially beautiful time to visit, when the surrounding countryside is covered with golden rapeseed flowers. The steam train traveling through a sea of yellow flowers creates one of the most iconic rural landscapes in Sichuan.
Due to the limited facilities in the countryside, a packed lunch will be arranged during the train journey.
After the steam train experience, continue to Luocheng Ancient Town, a hidden gem located away from the main tourist routes. Unlike many commercialized ancient towns, Luocheng has preserved its original local atmosphere.
Take a relaxing walk along the old street and observe local residents enjoying their daily life, chatting in traditional teahouses, and playing Chinese card games. This peaceful town offers an authentic glimpse into Sichuan’s countryside culture.
In the late afternoon, drive approximately 1 hour to Mount Emei (Emeishan), one of China’s most famous Buddhist mountains.
Tonight, you will stay at the foot of this beautiful mountain. Mount Emei is also famous for its natural hot springs, and we highly recommend enjoying a relaxing hot spring bath after today’s unforgettable journey.
Day 2: Mount Emei – Leshan Giant Buddha – Chengdu
(Breakfast, Lunch)
After a restful night, begin your morning with a peaceful hike through the forest trails of Mount Emei.
Your destination is Fuhu Temple (Tiger Subduing Temple), a beautiful Buddhist temple located at the foot of the mountain. Surrounded by lush forests and quiet valleys, this ancient temple is known for its elegant architecture, peaceful atmosphere, and fewer visitors compared with other famous temples in the area.
After lunch, continue your journey to Leshan Giant Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest Buddhist sculptures in the world.
Standing at the meeting point of the Minjiang River, Dadu River, and Qingyi River, the Leshan Giant Buddha is famous for the saying:
“The mountain is a Buddha, and the Buddha is a mountain.”
Your guide will first take you to Lingyun Temple, then you will walk down the winding path beside the Buddha to appreciate this incredible ancient masterpiece from different viewpoints.
The statue is carved directly into the cliff and measures more than 70 meters high. Walking from the Buddha’s head down to the feet takes around 30 minutes, allowing you to admire the enormous scale and detailed craftsmanship of this 1,300-year-old Buddhist monument.
After reaching the bottom, continue hiking back up along the opposite route. From here, you can enjoy spectacular views of Leshan city and the three rivers surrounding the Buddha.
Your final visit is Wuyou Temple, where you can admire the impressive collection of 500 Arhat statues.
In the late afternoon, drive approximately 2 hours back to Chengdu. After this rewarding journey combining history, nature, and local culture, you will arrive at your hotel with unforgettable memories of Sichuan.
End of service.