Private transfer: On arrival in Chengdu, you will be met and transferred to your hotel to check in.

Afternoon guided tour of Chengdu: This afternoon, you will set out on a city tour of Chengdu. Visit a couple of the city's famous temples and sample the tranquil atmosphere in the People's Park where you can stop to enjoy a cup of green tea in one of the tea houses there. You will also visit Narrow Alley, which is an old street dating back to the Qing Dynasty.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Buddha Zen Hotel (Superior Room)

Morning tour of the Giant Buddha at Leshan: After breakfast, set out on a day trip to Leshan to see ‘Da Fo', the largest stone-carved Buddha in the world at 71m high. A cruise on the Min River will give you a spectacular view of this majestic statue and you will have a chance to get closer to the Buddha when the boat moors. Lunch will be taken in a local restaurant nearby.

Afternoon visit to Huanglongxi: This afternoon you will be driven to the 1,700 year old town of Huanglongxi in West Sichuan. Huanglongxi dates from the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280) when the town was of strategic importance to the capital of the Shu Kingdom, Chengdu. Here you will find some of Western China's best preserved ancient buildings, and the tranquil feel is accentuated by a river running through the town. Wander through the narrow lanes flanked by Ming and Qing era buildings, and visit a number of interesting temples located in the centre of town.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Buddha Zen Hotel (Superior Room)

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Full day volunteer work at the Dujiangyan Panda Base: After breakfast, you will be driven to the Dujiangyan Panda Base, a journey of about 1 hour. The reserve has taken in the pandas whose home at Wolong was badly damaged by the earthquake in 2008 and it does a wonderful job in preserving the panda from extinction. Today, you will be able to get close to the pandas and you will be able to help the keepers in their daily tasks. Volunteer work may include activities such as cleaning the panda enclosures and preparing food for the pandas, whilst having the chance to learn more about these rare creatures at the same time. Lunch will be provided at the reserve.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Buddha Zen Hotel (Superior Room)

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Tour of Mount Qingcheng: Later this morning, head out of town to Mount Qingcheng, one of the most famous Taoist mountains in China. The mountain is surrounded by numerous peaks and is cloaked in thick green forest which creates an enchanting atmosphere. Take a walking tour on the mountain and visit several Taoist temples where you can learn about Taoism. After lunch in a local restaurant return to Chengdu.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Buddha Zen Hotel (Superior Room)

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Private transfer: After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport in time to check in for your China Eastern flight to Jiuzhaigou.

Flight: 8L9621 Chengdu - Jiuzhaigou 11.20 - 12.25

Guided tour to Huanglong National Park: Upon arrival at Jiuzhaigou airport, you will be met by your guide and driven to the Huanglong National Park, a drive of around 1 hour. Explore this valley studded with terraced coloured pools, waterfalls and mountain peaks. Lunch will be taken in a local restaurant. This afternoon, explore and enjoy the wonderful landscapes some more as you seek out some wonderful vistas with your guide.

Road journey from Huanglong to Jiuzhaigou: After your tour of Huanglong National Park, set off by car for your hotel located near Jiuzhaigou Valley, a drive of around 3 hours.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Mingren Hotel (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Full day guided tour to Jiuzhaigou National Park: After breakfast, you will enjoy a day's sightseeing in this famous national park. Jiuzhaigou is a wonderfully scenic place to visit with its stunning lakes, waterfalls, thick forests and surrounding mountains. Visit the Shuzheng and Zezawa Valleys; Pearl Sands and Shuzheng Waterfall; the Tibetan village of Shuzheng, and numerous picturesque lakes including Panda Lake, Long Lake, Rainbow Lake, Tiger Lake and Rhinoceros Lake.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Mingren Hotel (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Road journey from Jiuzhaigou to Songpan: This morning, you will be transferred by road to Songpan, a journey of approximately 2 hours.

Afternoon at leisure: This afternoon is free to relax at your hotel, or explore the area independently.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Old House Hotel (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Guided tour of the Mouni Valley: This morning, travel to Mouni Valley for a gentle half day hike passing grasslands, springs and caves. The route will take you to the impressive Zhaga Waterfall and Erdaohai Lake where you will enjoy a picnic lunch.

On this day it is also possible to arrange full day treks to explore remote Tibetan villages, and a 2-day trek or horseback ride staying overnight in tents - please ask for further details.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Old House Hotel (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Private transfer: This morning, you will be transferred to the airport in time to check in for your Sichuan Airlines flight to Chengdu.

Flight: CA4488 Jiuzhaigou - Chengdu 11.35 - 12.35

Private transfer: On arrival in Chengdu, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, where the rest of the afternoon will be free at leisure.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Buddha Zen Hotel (Superior Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Time at leisure: There is more to Chengdu than just pandas. You have some time to explore the capital of Sichuan province in your own time. Sample some of the fiery local cuisine, while away the afternoon in one of the city’s many famous teahouses, or marvel at the face-changers at the Sichuan Opera.

Evening food tour by tuk tuk: At the advised time, you will be transferred to the meeting point for your tuk tuk tour where you will meet up with your guide and other members of the group (the tour is a shared one with up to 10 people). Set off in a tuk tuk through the streets of Chengdu, enjoying the sights as you go and helping yourselves to the free beer or soda that is included in the tuk tuk. The tour will take in a number of local venues offering different Sichuan specialties. Try some homemade dumplings at a hidden residential home, sample some varieties of famous Sichuan noodles, try the Sichuan stuffed pancake - found only in Chengdu, choose your own meats & vegetables for a hotpot, and finish up with a drink at a secret bar located on the 21st floor, allowing great views over the city. After a fun evening out, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Buddha Zen Hotel (Superior Room)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner