10-Day Southwest Odyssey: A Culinary and Cultural Journey
Southwest China Flavors: Chengdu Pandas + Kunming Eternal Spring + Lijiang Naxi Kingdom
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
Arrive in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province. Check in and take a walk through the lively Kuanzhai Alleys to get a first taste of the city's atmosphere and snacks.
Kuanzhai Alley Scenic Area
Kuanzhai Alley is one of the three major historical and cultural conservation areas in Chengdu, consisting of three parallel old-fashioned streets and courtyard settlements: Kuan Alley, Zhai Alley, and Jing Alley. It is a microcosm of old Chengdu life, integrating Bashu culture, leisure food, characteristic residences, and modern creativity. It is an excellent place to experience Chengdu's slow life and historical features.
2
Spend the morning at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. In the afternoon, visit Wenshu Monastery, a tranquil Buddhist temple in the heart of the city.
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (referred to as Chengdu Panda Base) is a non-profit research institution funded by the government for the breeding of giant pandas, red pandas, and other rare animals, located in Chengdu, Sichuan, China. The base was established in 1987, starting with 6 giant pandas rescued from the wild. By 2008, it had successfully bred 124 giant pandas, and the captive giant panda population had grown to 83. Its goal is to "become a world-class research institution, conservation education center, and international educational tourism destination." In February 2024, the institution made international headlines for banning a 53-year-old male tourist from throwing unidentified objects into the giant panda enclosure, and the tourist was banned from entering the park for life.
Wenshu Monastery
Wenshu Monastery, also known as Wenshu Temple, is a Buddhist temple located in Qingyang District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. It is said to have been founded in the Sui Dynasty, and after several name changes, it was finally named Wenshu Monastery in the 20th year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1681). Since 1983, it has been designated by the State Council of China as a national key Buddhist temple in the Han Chinese area. The temple has main buildings along the central axis, including the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Hall of Three Great Masters, the Grand Hall of Great Heroes, the Dharma Hall, and the Sutra Library.
3
Visit the Wuhou Shrine Temple to learn about the history of the Three Kingdoms period. Afterwards, relax like a local at a teahouse in People's Park.
Chengdu Wuhou Shrine Museum
Chengdu Wuhou Shrine Museum is located in Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province. It is the only temple in China dedicated to both a monarch and his ministers, and the most famous Three Kingdoms historical site museum. It is known for its profound historical and cultural heritage and exquisite garden art, and is an important place to understand the Three Kingdoms culture and admire the heroes of the Shu Han.
People's Park
People's Park (Chengdu) is located in the center of Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, China. It is an urban park. It was founded in 1911, then named Shaocheng Park, and was the city's first public park. The Monument to the Martyrs of the Xinhai Autumn Protection Railway Movement in the park is listed as a major historical and cultural site in China. The park covers an area of 112,639 square meters and is the largest green space in the center of Chengdu. It has an artificial lake, multiple gardens, the Monument to the Martyrs of the Xinhai Autumn Protection Railway Movement, and the Heming Tea House with a century of history.
4
Take a flight to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan. Visit the Dianchi Lake and the neighboring Yunnan Ethnic Village to get an overview of the province's diverse cultures.
Dianchi Lake
Dianchi Lake, also known as Kunming Lake, is a fault lake located on the Pudu River-Xishan fault zone in Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China. It enjoys the reputation of 'Pearl of the Plateau' and is China's sixth-largest freshwater lake and Yunnan Province's largest lake. The lake is 40 kilometers long from north to south, with an average width of 7 kilometers and a maximum width of 12.5 kilometers. The lake surface is at an altitude of 1886 meters, and its coastline is 150 kilometers long. Dianchi Lake faces serious pollution problems.
Yunnan Nationalities Village
Yunnan Nationalities Village is a national cultural theme park that integrates the folk customs, cultural arts, and architectural styles of Yunnan Province's 26 ethnic minorities. It is located on the shore of Dianchi Lake in the southwestern suburbs of Kunming, covering an area of 89 hectares, of which 31 hectares are water. The park aims to showcase Yunnan's rich ethnic cultural diversity and heritage. It has been rated as an AAAA-level tourist attraction.
5
Take a full day trip to the Stone Forest (Shilin), a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring towering karst formations that resemble a forest of stone.
Shilin Scenic Area
The Shilin Scenic Area (Shilin) is a series of famous limestone formations covering an area of approximately 500 square kilometers, located in Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Yunnan Province, China. It is about 90 kilometers (56 miles) from the provincial capital Kunming. Towering rocks rise from the ground like stalagmites, many resembling petrified trees, creating the illusion of a stone forest. Since 2007, two parts of the site – Naigu Stone Forest and Suogeyi Village – have been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the South China Karst. The area is classified as a National AAAAA-level Tourist Attraction. These landforms were formed by the weathering of limestone and are believed to be over 270 million years old, making it a popular tourist destination for both domestic and international visitors.
6
Take a high-speed train to Lijiang. Spend the afternoon getting lost in the cobblestone streets and canals of the Lijiang Old Town, a beautifully preserved Naxi minority town.
Lijiang Ancient Town
Lijiang Ancient Town is located in Gucheng District, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province. It is one of China's historical and cultural cities and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. The ancient town blends various historical architectural styles and boasts a complex and ancient water supply system. It is a multi-ethnic settlement, home to 22 ethnic minorities in addition to the Han Chinese. It was once an important post station on the Ancient Tea Horse Road and a political, commercial, and cultural center for the Naxi and other ethnic groups, carrying a rich history and unique ethnic customs.
7
Explore the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Take a cable car up to the Glacier Park and visit the stunningly blue waters of the Blue Moon Valley.
Yulong Snow Mountain
Yulong Snow Mountain is located in Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, China. It is a mountain range or a small mountain range. Its highest peak is called Shanzidou, with an elevation of 5,596 meters (18,360 feet). Yulong Snow Mountain is part of the larger Hengduan Mountains in the southwest region. The northwest side of the mountain forms one side of Tiger Leaping Gorge, where the Jinsha River (upper Yangtze River) dramatically descends between Yulong Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain. Settlements surrounding Yulong Snow Mountain include Baisha Town to the south, Longpan Township to the west, Daju Township to the northeast, and Yushui Village at the eastern foot of the mountain. The view of the mountain from Lijiang Black Dragon Pool Park is renowned as one of China's most beautiful landscapes. The mountain is part of the Yulong Snow Mountain National Scenic Area and National Geopark, which is an AAAAA-rated scenic area. The park operates a tourist cable car that reaches a viewing platform at an elevation of 4,506 meters (14,783 feet), and there is an even higher viewing platform at 4,680 meters (15,350 feet), which is one of the highest viewing platforms in the world, offering close-up views of the snow-capped peaks. Due to the extremely high altitude, many people experience hypoxia and carry compressed oxygen tanks for assistance. Some people criticize the cable car for accelerating snowmelt and reducing the mountain's water retention.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain National Scenic Area Glacier Park
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain National Scenic Area Glacier Park is located in Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, and is an important part of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The park features magnificent modern glacial landforms. Visitors can take a large cable car directly to a viewing platform at an altitude of 4506 meters to closely admire the glaciers and snow-capped mountain scenery. The park is located in a high-altitude area, so visitors should be aware of altitude sickness and are advised to bring oxygen bottles and warm clothing. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a famous tourist attraction in Lijiang, boasting unique natural scenery and rich ethnic minority culture.
Blue Moon Valley, Yulong Snow Mountain National Scenic Area
Blue Moon Valley, also known as Baishui River (White Water River), is located at the foot of Yulong Snow Mountain in Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province. It is named Blue Moon Valley because its lake water appears azure blue on sunny days and is crescent-shaped, looking like a blue moon embedded at the foot of Yulong Snow Mountain from a distance. The lake water is clear, formed by the melting snow of Yulong Snow Mountain, and creates multiple small lakes and waterfalls in the valley, layered and well-arranged. The valley boasts lush vegetation and pleasant scenery, and is an important part of the Yulong Snow Mountain National Scenic Area, attracting numerous tourists with its unique natural beauty.
8
Visit the quieter Shuhe Ancient Town, another Naxi town. In the afternoon, head to Baisha village to see the historic Baisha Murals.
Shuhe Ancient Town
Shuhe Ancient Town, located in Gucheng District, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, is an important part of the Lijiang Old Town, a World Cultural Heritage site, and a well-preserved important market town on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. The ancient town is built by mountains and rivers, with residential buildings scattered in an orderly fashion, preserving the traditional architectural style and living customs of the Naxi people. Its environment is ancient and tranquil, making it an excellent place to experience Lijiang's slow pace of life and feel the culture of the Ancient Tea Horse Road.
Baisha Ancient Town
Baisha Ancient Town is a historic ancient town in Lijiang City, once the birthplace of the Lijiang Mu family and one of the important cradles of Naxi culture. It preserves many original Naxi ethnic buildings and cultural relics, such as the Baisha Murals, which showcase exquisite mural art from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The ancient town's environment is tranquil and rustic, far from the hustle and bustle, making it an excellent place to experience authentic Naxi customs and feel the weight of history.
Baisha Murals
The Baisha Murals are an important cultural heritage of Lijiang's Baisha Ancient Town, located next to the Baisha Township Government. These murals date back to the early Ming Dynasty and are part of the Lijiang Murals, blending artistic styles of Han, Tibetan, Naxi, and other ethnic groups. They are valuable resources for studying Lijiang's diverse culture and religious art. The murals are rich in content, depicting religious stories, myths and legends, and scenes from daily life, possessing immense artistic value and historical significance.
9
Enjoy a free day in Lijiang. You could hike up to Lion Hill to visit Wangu Tower for a panoramic view of the old town, or visit the Black Dragon Pool Park.
Lijiang Old Town - Wangu Tower
Wangu Tower is located on Lion Mountain in Lijiang Old Town. It is a landmark building of Lijiang Old Town and an excellent viewing platform to overlook the panoramic view of Lijiang Old Town and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Wangu Tower is a magnificent all-wood structure with bracket arches, flying eaves, and upturned corners. Its name signifies 'eternal glory and brilliance through all ages.' Inside the tower, there are 2300 auspicious patterns, representing Lijiang's 23 ethnic groups, and patterns of 9999 dragons. With one more dragon in the caisson ceiling, there are a total of 10,000 dragons, symbolizing the eternal preservation of Lijiang culture.
Black Dragon Pool
The Black Dragon Pool is located at the foot of Elephant Hill in Lijiang, and is a famous garden in the northern part of Lijiang Old Town. The park was first built in 1737 during the Qing Dynasty, and is famous for its crystal-clear pool water that reflects the magnificent scenery of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Within the park, there are several ancient buildings and attractions such as Deyue Tower, Longshen Temple, Wufeng Tower, and the Stele Forest, as well as the Dongba Culture Research Institute and Dongba Culture Museum, making it an important place to learn about Naxi history and culture. The Black Dragon Pool was designated as one of Lijiang City's first batch of cultural protection units in 1999, upgraded to a national key cultural protection unit in 2006, and rated as a National 4A-level tourist attraction in 2009.
10
Enjoy a final Lijiang Baba for breakfast before departing from Lijiang, filled with memories of Southwest China.
Ready to customize this itinerary?
Chat with Magpie AI to adjust this route to your preferences, add or remove stops, and get personalized recommendations.
Plan with Magpie AI