Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Chengdu (成都)
Meet and greet upon arrival at Chengdu TianFu Airport. Transfer to hotel.
Meal: Dinner
Stay: 4* hotel, Chengdu
Day 2 Chengdu – Leshan (乐山)
This morning, go to a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinic visited by the residents of Chengdu – Nanjing Tongren Hall (南京同仁堂), one of China’s oldest traditional Chinese medicine enterprises, with a history closely linked to Beijing Tongrentang that can be traced back to the eighth year of Kangxi Emperor’s reign in the Qing Dynasty (1669), when Le Xianyang founded “Tongrentang” in Beijing.
Begin your journey with an enlightening group session led by a resident TCM doctor. You’ll gain valuable, general knowledge about Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, focusing on holistic wellness and the art of maintaining body balance for a healthier lifestyle. Following this, you are invited to a private, one-on-one consultation with the doctor. In this personalised session, the doctor will discuss your individual constitution and concerns. If your condition calls for it, a customised TCM prescription* will be thoughtfully prepared for you. To address areas of tension, each visitor will receive a short, targeted massage or acupressure treatment focused on key ‘pain’ points, offering immediate relief and demonstrating TCM’s therapeutic touch.
Enroute to Leshan, make a stop at Pengzu Hill (彭祖山) which serves as the physical embodiment and spiritual sanctuary of Peng Zu (彭祖), who revered as the legendary ancestor of Chinese wellness culture, anchored his philosophy and practices deeply in the core wisdom of “harmonising yin and yang, uniting heaven and humanity.” His wellness doctrine is not merely an isolated secret to longevity but a comprehensive life management system advocates a lifestyle that aligns with the rhythms of nature and emphasizes internal balance. As Peng Zu’s hometown and final retreat for seclusion and spiritual refinement, this mountain is far more than an ordinary scenic spot – it is an immersive “natural wellness classroom.” His influence permeates later developments in traditional Chinese medicine, qigong, and even daily culinary culture according to the principle of “food as medicine”.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: 4* hotel, Leshan
*NOTE: there is no obligation to purchase. We believe in care first. You are under no obligation to purchase any herbs or products at the clinic. Your personalised prescription is yours to keep. You may use it to have the herbs dispensed at a pharmacy of your choice, including when you return home.
Day 3 Leshan – Emeishan (峨眉山)
Take a stroll to the start location to ascend the largest and tallest stone Buddha statue in the world. The Leshan Giant Buddha (乐山大佛) – a 71-metre tall stone statue which was built during the Tang dynasty, is carved out of a cliff face and lies at the confluence of the Min River and Dadu River. You may have a chance to walk down to the foot of the Buddha via steep flight of stairs. Then take a cruise along the river to see the giant Buddha from the river perspective.
This afternoon, check in to Great Buddha Monastery (大佛禅院), the core cultural hub and grand pilgrimage starting point of Emei Mountain – one of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains. Embark on a “walking meditation” touring this grand complex offering a profound introduction to Buddhism. Then, transition into serene contemplation at Qingxin Garden (清心园). Entering this space, one encounters ancient trees reaching for the sky, babbling streams and ravines, and pavilions and bridges nestled within lush greenery, perfectly embodying the Eastern ideal of a “mountain forest zen retreat.”
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Temple Stay, Emeishan
Hiking Distance: 4 – 5 KM approx. Elevation Gain: 71 M est.
Accumulated Elevation: +100 (– 170) M / -96 (– 167) M est.
Terrain: paved pathways, paved steps
Day 4 Emeishan
Begin the day immersed in tranquility with a session of Baduanjin (八段锦), one of China’s most ancient and revered wellness practices. Often called “Eight-Section Brocade,” this series of eight gentle, flowing movements is a cornerstone of Qigong, designed over a thousand years ago to cultivate vitality (Qi气) and harmonise the body and mind. The exercise focuses on mindful breathing, deliberate stretching, and meditative calm, making it perfectly accessible for all ages and fitness levels. This morning ritual provides a unique, embodied understanding of China’s timeless pursuit of balance and longevity, leaving you centered, refreshed, and ready to explore the day ahead with clarity and calm energy.
Spend the rest of the day engaging in activities (in the temple) designed to cultivate calmness and patience.
Chinese Tea Appreciation (茶会)– join a teacher for an immersive Zen tea experience. Emei’s tea culture is deeply connected to its Buddhist history. For over a thousand years, since the Tang Dynasty, monks here have cultivated, perfected, and shared the art of tea. The tea ceremony is more than a drink – it’s a Zen practice. Through the graceful ritual, the aroma of tea, and the serene atmosphere, you will find a moment of quiet contemplation and inner peace, experiencing the refined, wellness-focused lifestyle that defines Emei Mountain.
Traditional Incense Making (古法篆香) – an experiential workshop in this Ancient Art of Seal Incense Crafting is a deeply meditative and artistic component of Chinese Incense Culture (香道), which itself is one of the four classic arts of Chinese literati, alongside tea, calligraphy, and painting. It is more than just making a scented coil; it is a structured journey into history, mindfulness, and sensory refinement. It dates to the Tang and Song Dynasties, perfected by scholars, monks, and the imperial court. It was not merely for fragrance but a formalised ritual for mental cultivation, timekeeping, social ceremony and spiritual offering. The process embodies the Zen/Taoist ideals of “Tranquility in Activity” (动中静). Sometimes, intricate work of the hands becomes a vehicle to quiet the mind and harmonise the spirit.
Tea Whisking Experience (宋式点茶) – Dating back to Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD), the tea whisking practice represents one of the most sophisticated, artistic, and ritualised forms of tea preparation in Chinese history. It was far more than just a way to make tea – it was a core literati art, a social competition, a spiritual practice, and a benchmark of cultural refinement. Follow the teacher to learn the highest standard technique – The “Seven-Pour Whisking Method” (七汤点茶法). The experience concludes with the pinnacle of the art – using the tea froth as a “canvas” and clear tea/water as “ink” to create temporary paintings. Skilled masters could depict landscapes, flowers, or poems on the surface of the foam.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (all meals served today will be vegetarian)
Stay: Temple Stay, Emeishan
Day 5 Emeishan
Practise another session of Baduanjin (八段锦) in the morning.
As our time at the serene temple draws to a close, we invite you to participate in a unique, contemplative experience to pen a personal letter to your future self, “A Letter from Emei” (峨眉来信). This is more than just a note; it is a moment of integration to reflect on the insights, feelings, and aspirations sparked by your journey. The letter will be mailed to you 1 year later.
This afternoon, visit Mount Emei Museum (峨眉山博物馆). This modern, well-curated institution serves as the essential key to unlocking the deep layers of Mount Emei’s identity. It beautifully synthesises what the mountain represents: its extraordinary natural history as a UNESCO World Heritage site, its living Buddhist culture spanning over a millennium, and its rich local folklore. A visit here is an invaluable prelude, providing the narrative and knowledge that will enrich every step, stone, and temple you encounter on the mountain itself.
Nestled at the sacred foot of Mount Emei, Baoguo Temple (报国寺) serves as both the spiritual gateway and vibrant heart of the mountain. As its first and most significant monastery, the temple invites pilgrims and travellers alike into a space of serene preparation, making it the essential beginning to any journey upward.
Lastly, embark on a Tai Chi Experience (太极练习) – a 2-hour novice/beginner-friendly session introduces the fundamentals of Tai Chi as a moving meditation amidst the serene setting. Under the guidance of a certified master, you start with standing meditation and breathwork to centre yourself, followed by gentle Qigong warm-ups. The core of the session focuses on learning a short, beautiful sequence of essential movements from a classic form, broken down step-by-step with an emphasis on fluidity, balance, and relaxed awareness. The practice concludes by integrating the movements into a flowing form, connecting the physical principles to mindful daily living, and ends with a closing meditation to absorb the mountain’s tranquility. You’ll leave with a practical, calming skill and a deeper connection to the local wellness culture.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: inn, Emeishan
NOTE: for the overnight stay on Emeishan summit , travellers are required to carry their personal essentials required for the overnight stays in their handcarry bag, preferably a backpack or soft duffel bag. Ensure the capacity of your bag is enough to contain the essentials you need. We will leave our luggage at the inn.
Day 6 Emeishan (3,099 M a.s.l)
Bid temporary farewell to your luggage as it stays put at the inn.
This morning, continue Tai Chi practice with a longer session (4-hour) with the master.
Transfer to the cable car station by Emeishan’s designated shuttle bus. The journey is around 90 minutes approx. Upon arriving at the station carpark, all visitors must walk up a flight of continuous paved steps for 20 – 30 minutes. Along the way, you may get distracted by the views of the mountain range afar and an endless row of kiosks selling souvenirs and food.
Then take the cable car. A final 5-10 minute walk on gentle paved steps to the summit of Emeishan.
After checking in, take a stroll around the summit visiting the iconic Huazang Temple (华藏寺) and the majestic 48-metre-tall Golden Statue of Samantabhadra (普贤菩萨). A short walk brings you to Jinding (金顶) – highest point, offering a profound sense of arrival at the spiritual roof of Emeishan. If time permits, you may explore around the summit on more paved generally flat walkways.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: 3* hotel, Emeishan (summit)
NOTE: no access to your luggage tonight.
Day 7 Emeishan – Chengdu
Witnessing the sunrise from the summit is an almost divine experience, often described as the climax of a spiritual or hiking pilgrimage to the sacred mountain. This is a high-stake gamble. The summit is shrouded in cloud or fog over 300 days a year. A clear sunrise is a gift, never a guarantee.
As the first hints of light emerge, the world below is often a vast, rolling “Sea of Clouds” (云海), transforming the mountain peaks afar into distant islands. The horizon begins to bleed through bands of indigo, violet, and amber.
The moment the sun breaks the horizon is pure magic. A blazing golden orb rises, casting its first light onto the majestic Golden Statue of Samantabhadra, which seems to ignite from within. The sea of clouds below turns fiery orange and pink, while the sky above shifts through a spectrum of colours. On rare, supremely fortunate days, if the atmospheric conditions align perfectly behind you, you may witness the legendary “Buddha’s Halo” (佛光) – a circular rainbow with your own shadow projected at its center – an event considered immensely auspicious.
Following the sunrise, the golden light bathes the entire summit complex – the temple roofs, the walking paths, and the faces of the crowd – in a warm, ethereal glow. The intense cold is suddenly forgotten, replaced by a deep sense of accomplishment and wonder.
Conclude the hike with ease and comfort. Descent via cable car, gliding over the sea of clouds and deep valleys you have hiked. Upon reaching the lower station, transfer to the National Park’s shuttle bus for a smooth, scenic ride down the winding mountain road. Reunite with our Driver, the coach and your luggage! Settle in, relax, and reflect on your achievement as you journey in assured comfort back to Chengdu.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Highlight Dinner
Stay: 4* hotel, Chengdu
STRONG NOTE: sunrise viewing is subject to weather conditions that are not within the control of Travel Wander. Although you may get to see, we cannot guarantee sighting.
Day 8 Depart Chengdu
Simply rest and relax until it’s time for the transfer to Chengdu Tianfu Airport and the tour concludes. Official check out time is 12 PM.
Meal: Breakfast
OPTIONAL EXTENSION
Day 8 Chengdu
If you are visiting Chengdu for the first time, we recommend an extra night extension with a full day city tour covering,
Chengdu Panda Conservation Base (成都熊猫基地) – offers an intimate and heartwarming encounter with China’s most beloved ambassadors, observing giant pandas and red pandas in a sprawling, naturalistic habitat dedicated to research, conservation, and education.
Qingyang Palace (青羊宫) – one of China’s oldest and most revered Taoist temples, offers a serene escape into a world of ancient philosophy, distinctive architecture symbolized by its iconic bronze goat, and enduring local spiritual practice.
Kuanzhai Alley (宽窄巷子) – a vibrant living museum of Chengdu’s layered history, where the restored Qing-dynasty architecture of wide and narrow lanes seamlessly blends with contemporary boutiques, teahouses, and a palpable, bustling sense of local life.
Chunxi Road (春熙路) – Chunxi Road is the pulsing commercial heart of modern Chengdu, a dazzling pedestrian thoroughfare where global luxury brands, flagship boutiques, and neon-lit energy converge, offering a thrilling snapshot of the city’s contemporary vitality and cosmopolitan spirit.
& Shuyanfu (蜀宴赋) – an exquisite experience that elegantly dramatises China’s heritage, combining refined cuisine with live performances of classical dance and music of different dynasties.
Meal: Breakfast
Day 9 Depart Chengdu
Simply rest and relax until it’s time for the transfer to Chengdu Tianfu Airport and the tour concludes. Official check out time is 12 PM.
Meal: Breakfast