Day 1 Chengdu – Anyue Buddhist Rock Carvings – Zigong
(Lunch, Dinner)
Your Sichuan cultural journey begins in Chengdu. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and drive approximately 223 kilometers to Anyue County, a hidden gem famous for its ancient Buddhist rock carvings.
With a history of more than 1,000 years, the Anyue Buddhist Rock Carvings represent one of the most important collections of stone Buddhist art in China. Local people have long preserved the tradition of creating Buddhist sculptures in villages after achieving success away from their hometowns.
Unlike many grand imperial Buddhist sites, Anyue’s carvings are closely connected with local communities and folk culture. The sculptures feature delicate craftsmanship, vivid expressions, and stories from Buddhist legends and traditional Chinese folklore.
Today, your guide will take you to one of the best-preserved carving sites, where you can appreciate these impressive works of ancient art in a peaceful countryside environment.
In the afternoon, continue your journey to Zigong, about 110 kilometers away. Along the way, enjoy the beautiful scenery of Sichuan’s countryside, farmland, and traditional villages.
Arrive in Zigong in the late afternoon and stay overnight.
If traveling during winter, you may have the opportunity to experience the famous Zigong Lantern Festival, regarded as one of the most spectacular lantern festivals in China and frequently displayed internationally in Europe and America.
Zigong is also famous for its unique cuisine known as Yanbang Cuisine (Salt Merchant Cuisine), developed during the prosperous salt industry period. You will have the chance to taste this distinctive Sichuan culinary style.
Overnight: Zigong
Day 2 Zigong – Salt Museum – Dinosaur Museum – Rongxian Giant Buddha – Leshan
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
After breakfast, begin your Zigong exploration.
Once one of China’s most important salt-producing centers, Zigong played a significant role in the development of Sichuan’s economy. At the Zigong Salt Museum, you will discover the traditional techniques used to produce well salt, including ancient drilling methods and salt-making technology.
Continue to the Zigong Dinosaur Museum, one of China’s most famous dinosaur fossil museums. Numerous dinosaur fossils have been discovered in this region, offering visitors a fascinating look into prehistoric life and paleontology.
In the afternoon, travel to Rongxian County, a small but historically important area in Sichuan.
Here you will visit the Rongxian Giant Buddha, a magnificent stone Buddha statue carved in 1092 during the Northern Song Dynasty. Although smaller than the famous Leshan Giant Buddha, it is an impressive example of ancient Chinese Buddhist sculpture and has great historical value.
After the visit, drive approximately one hour to Leshan.
Overnight: Leshan
Day 3 Leshan Giant Buddha – Xiba Tofu Banquet – Huanglongxi Ancient Town – Chengdu
(Breakfast, Lunch)
Today you will explore the world-famous Leshan Giant Buddha, the largest stone Buddha statue in the world.
Standing at the meeting point of the Minjiang River, Dadu River, and Qingyi River, the Giant Buddha represents the extraordinary achievements of ancient Chinese engineering, religion, and sculpture.
You will visit Lingyun Temple first and then hike along the winding mountain paths beside the Buddha. From the head and shoulders down to the feet, you will experience different perspectives of this magnificent statue. The hiking route also offers excellent views of Leshan city and the surrounding rivers.
Continue walking to Wuyou Temple, where you can admire the impressive collection of 500 Arhat statues.
For lunch, enjoy a special Xiba Tofu Banquet, one of Leshan’s most famous local culinary experiences. Xiba tofu is known for its delicate texture and creative cooking methods, with every dish featuring this traditional Sichuan ingredient.
In the afternoon, drive back to Chengdu. Before arriving in the city, stop at Huanglongxi Ancient Town, a charming historical town known for its well-preserved streets, traditional architecture, riverside scenery, and film locations.
Take a relaxing walk through the ancient streets and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
In the late afternoon, your guide will transfer you back to your hotel in Chengdu. Your Sichuan cultural discovery ends with unforgettable memories.
Our prices included:
1. Entrance tickets: The tickets of all the scenic spots listed above.
2. Guide. An English speaking guide will be provided, who will accompany you from the start of tour to end of tour.
3. Private Transfers during tour. Our guide and driver will pick-up you at your hotel on time and drop-off you after the tours. And an air-conditioned vehicle will be provided during the tour.
4. Meals. 5 typical Chinese meals will be arranged accordingly at local restaurant or hotel. During the meal, a glass of soft drink will be provided.
5. Hotels. Two nights' hotel will be provided, one night in Zigong, and one night in Leshan. Every two people share one room.
6. Service Charge & Government Taxes.
7. Insurance. We provide a free insurance of accident and casualty for each traveler. The highest refund is RMB 300000.00. Detailed terms please view our contract with Ping An of China.
Our prices not included :
1. Taking photo with panda in your arms.
2. Tips to the guide and driver
3. Your hotel in Chengdu.
If you require, we can book hotels in Chengdu, and make private airport and city tour necessary.
Are you interested in this itinerary? Send us a message and let us help you plan and book your China vacation based on this sample. Response within 24 hours. Contact our Travel Consultant.
