12-Day Step into the Mysterious Land of Shangri-La

Date: Oct 20, 2026

Price: From 2900 USD/PAX

Trip Focus: Culture + Shangri-la

Status: Open to Booking

Route: Chengdu-Xinduqiao-Litang-Daocheng-Yading Nature Reserve-Xiangcheng-Shangri-La-Lijiang

Trip Code: C009

Book This Trip!

Overview

Yading, known as the "Soul of Shangri-La" and the "Last Shangri-La," this hidden mystical land in Ganzi, Sichuan, China, awaits you to embark on a soul-stirring journey of exploration! Here, three towering and sacred snow-capped mountains—Xiannairi, Yangmaiyong, and Chanodoji—remain snow-covered throughout the year. In Tibetan Buddhism, they are revered as the Three Guardian Deities watching over all living beings, whose solemn and holy presence inspires awe. The alpine lakes are like gemstones lost on earth: Milk Lake is crystal-clear and azure, Five-Color Lake shimmers with fascinating hues under the sun, and Pearl Lake perfectly mirrors the snowy peaks. Yading's primeval forests, vast meadows, and magnificent glaciers complement each other, forming a breathtaking picture. Moreover, Yading is steeped in rich Khampa Tibetan culture. Hospitable Tibetans will present you with white hada (traditional silk scarves), invite you to taste butter tea and highland barley wine, and guide you to experience unique Tibetan customs and traditions.

Highlights:

• Daocheng Yading is called the last pure land on this blue planet with breath-taking views of snow-capped mountains, steep glaciers, crystal clear alpine lakes, vast pastures, and dense forests.

• Enjoy a variety of landforms including the glacier, alpine meadow, shrubbery, virgin forest, and subtropical forest during our journey.

• This route can give us the chance to take the photo of the "Three Holy Mountains" in one picture near the Boyongcuo Lake (4,700m). The three well-known mountain peaks called Yangmaiyong, Xiannairi, and Xianuoduoji are the irreplaceably sacred place in the hearts of the locals.

• Find the legendary "Last Shangri-La" along with part of Rock's prints. Joseph Charles Francis Rock, an Austrian-American explorer, said that "there is no such place attracting every photographer and explorer". The beautiful place in Rock's eye is Daocheng Yading.

• Encountering some unique wildlife that lives in Daocheng Yading such as Blue Sheep, Meconopsis integrifolia, Blood Pheasant, White Eared Pheasant, Giant Laughingthrush, and so on.

• Strong and professional support from our team will ensure you a safe trip, tasty dishes in the remote area, the best spots for photographing the highlights of the tour, different cultures and special stories share from your guide, etc.

Introduction to Trip Destinations and Activities:

Xinduqiao
Xinduqiao is known as the "Paradise for Photographers," featuring a "Photographers' Corridor" stretching over 10 kilometers. Vast grasslands, winding streams, golden poplars, rolling hills, and scattered Tibetan villages are dotted with cattle and sheep grazing peacefully. Magical light perfectly blends all these elements, creating a poetic and picturesque paradise. Xinduqiao is rich in Tibetan customs and features unique Tibetan-style architecture. During traditional festivals, local residents sing and dance, creating a lively and joyous atmosphere.

Litang

Litang is known as the "High City of the World". It boasts the vast and boundless Mao'nya Grassland, where in summer, wildflowers carpet the landscape, herders' tents are scattered like stars, and flocks of yaks and horses leisurely roam across the grassland; the towering Genie Sacred Mountain stands majestically, with glaciers, forests, and alpine lakes forming a fascinating interplay, creating the ultimate highland natural scenery. Litang is also one of the core regions of Khampa culture.

Yading Nature Reserve
Daocheng Yading is renowned as the "Last Pure Land on the Azure Planet" for its breathtaking natural scenery and unique cultural allure. The most iconic feature here is the "Three Guardian Deities Snow Mountains" — Xiannairi, Yangmaiyong, and Chanodoji. These three snow-capped peaks, perpetually cloaked in snow, symbolize compassion, wisdom, and strength in Tibetan Buddhism. At their base lie alpine lakes such as Milk Lake and Five-Color Lake, whose gem-like turquoise waters mirror the snowy summits and azure sky.

How Can We Make This Trip Special？

• Many times of running this itinerary for western panda funs, nature and culture lovers enables us to ensure your trip is enjoyable and comfortable in the hidden area.

• A team of passionate guides specializing in panda and wildlife with rich experiences of guiding and solid knowledge about local cultures and places.

• This trip can be customized to better meet your travel style by centering on a different focus.

• 20-plus years of working in the travel industry and serving travelers from all over the world enable us to know how to make great trips for travelers of different travel styles.

What makes AbsolutePanda excellent?

• We are one of the premier travel companies focusing on panda and other wildlife in China.
We use AbsolutePanda as company brand because of our deep love toward panda and our determination to create your absolutely enjoyable panda trips.

Since 2003, our professional tour leaders and wildlife experts have helped thousands of travelers gain an in-depth understanding of Giant Panda and their companion animals, enjoy stunning scenery all over China and explore the authentic local culture.

• Exclusive Quality & Value Guarantee.

We define our quality by well-designed itineraries, stunning destinations, creative interactions, small groups, professional guides, and reasonable prices.

• Explore China in comfort and your style.

We understand each traveler is different. In addition to selected accommodations, meals and vehicles, we would like to show you the real China by an authentic experience with incredible wildlife and lovely locals.

• We care and share.

We believe the best way to help wildlife is through love and appreciation. By bringing nature lovers to enjoy the beauty of nature in China, we hope that local people can know the value of wildlife and learn how to love and appreciate those beautiful creatures living near their villages.

Map

Step into the Mysterious Land of Shangri-La Map

Itinerary

Outline:

Day 1. Arrive in Chengdu. (D)
Airport pick-up. Welcome Dinner and Introduction to the Team and Itinerary.

Overnight: Chengdu

Day 2. Chengdu-Xinduqiao(341km 5.5h). (BLD)

Drive to Xinduqiao to enjoy the scenery along the way and learn about the regional cultural characteristics of Kangding.

Overnight: Xinduqiao

Day3. Xinduqiao-Litang(206km, 4.5h). (BLD)

Appreciate the scenery along the way and visit the Thousand-Household Tibetan Village.

Overnight: Litang

Day4. Litang-Daocheng-Yading(345km 6.5h). (BLD)

Set out for Yading and enjoy the scenery along the way. After arrival, prepare for the next day's trip to Yading.

Overnight: Yading

Day 5. Explore in Yading. (BLD)
Hike or ride a horse in Yading.

Overnight: Yading

Day 6. Yading-Xiangcheng(149km 3h) (BLD)
Hike lightly around the surroundings in the morning and come to Xiangcheng in the afternoon.

Overnight: Xiangcheng

Day 7. Xiangcheng-Shangri-La(220km 4.5h) (BLD)
Appreciate the scenery along the way and visit Ganden Sumsanlin monastery.

Overnight: Shangri-La

Day 8. Explore in Shangri-La (BLD)
Visit Dukezong Ancient City, Balagezong and other places.

Overnight: Shangri-La

Day 9. Shangri-La-Lijiang Ancient Town(172km 2.5h) (BLD)
Visit Lijiang Ancient Town, Lion Mountain Viewing Platform, etc., and taste local delicacies.

Overnight: Lijiang Ancient Town

Day 10. Lijiang Ancient Town-Yulong Snow Mountain-Xuesong Village(31km 1h) (BLD)
Visit Yulong Snow Mountain, Spruce Meadow and other places, and enjoy Impression Lijiang later in the day.

Overnight:Xuesong Village

Day 11. Xuesong Village-Baisha Ancient Town-Shuhe Ancient Town(14km 0.5h) (BLD)
In the morning, visit XueSong Village, and in the afternoon, go to visit Baisha Ancient Town and Shuhe Ancient Town.

Overnight:Shuhe Ancient Town

Day 12. Lijiang departure. (B)
Airport drop-off.

Details:

Day 1. Arrive in Chengdu. Meals: D
The airport pick-up. Based on the time you arrive, you can plan some city tour programs by yourself such as visiting People’s Park to experience the typical laid-back lifestyles of Chengdu or visiting Kuanzhai Valley to feel the bustling shopping street with all types of shops selling unique local souvenirs and an array of food stands offering different delicious local take-away food.

At night, we will hold Welcome Dinner and introduce this itinerary. In the dinner, you will get to know each member of the team and sample a variety of dishes with elements of Chengdu.

Overnight: Chengdu

Day 2. Chengdu-Xinduqiao(341km 5.5h) Meals: BLD
Today we will drive from Chengdu to Xinduqiao via Kangding. Kangding, a former outpost on the trade route to Tibet, is a fairly large city tucked within a river valley. The sidewalks of Kangding are crowded with Hui, Chinese Muslims, and Tibetans who have come down from the highlands to sell wild mushrooms, vegetables, yak skins and various paraphernalia.

In the late afternoon, we will arrive Xinduqiao. The"Photographer's Corridor" along Xinduqiao is intoxicating, featuring natural scenery such as Tibetan villages, golden poplars, boundless grasslands, and winding streams. Rolling mountains and cattle/sheep grazing peacefully compose a picturesque pastoral landscape. From here, one can also set out for the Gongga Mountain viewing platform to admire the majestic posture of the main peak of Gongga Mountain. In addition, the Tibetan-style buildings in Xinduqiao Town have unique characteristics. Decorations like colorful paintings and carvings on exterior walls, doors, windows, and other places showcase rich Tibetan cultural customs.

Overnight: Xinduqiao

Day 3. Xinduqiao-Litang(206km, 4.5h) Meals: BLD
We'll have an early start today so we can have more time to explore this picturesque remote Tibetan town. At an altitude of just over 4000m, this is one of the highest towns in the world (Lhasa is 3700m). Situated high on a grassy plateau, Litang has the feel of a rough and tumble 'Wild West' town. Khampas - dressed in yak skin coats, bedecked in colorful necklaces and hair ornaments, long daggers hanging from their belts - from the surrounding areas amble into town to stock up on food and supplies, play pool on the streets and hang out in the local teahouses. This small town is great for people watching and just strolling around. We will also visit the famous Chang-Qing-Chun-Ke'er-Si monastery and pay homage to the living Buddha with a personal interview. The monastery here is now home to 1400 Yellow Hat sect monks. Once a hotbed of Tibetan dissent, this monastery was destroyed in the 1950s but has since been completely rebuilt.

Overnight: Litang

Day 4. Litang-Daocheng-Yading(345km 6.5h) Meals: BLD
Today we will reach the highlight of this journey - Yading nature reserve, home of three sacred Tibetan mountains - Chenresig (Avalokitesvara, 6032m), Jambeyang (Manjusri, 5958m), and Chanadorje (Vajrapani, 5958m). Tibetan Buddhists believe that making a kora (pilgrimage) around these mountains brings great merit, and that the three mountains represent compassion, wisdom and energy - attributes one must cultivate on the path to enlightenment. The scenery here easily rivals that of national parks of the west such as Yellowstone and Yosemite in terms of spectacular, pristine mountain scenery. The drive from Litang to Daocheng will take approximately 4 hours (180km), and the trip from Daocheng to Yading (60km) will take approximately 3 hours as much of the road to the park is dirt track.

Overnight: Yading

Day 5. Explore in Yading. Meals: BLD
From the reserve entrance we will traverse a beautiful wooded pathway leading to a valley set at the foot of the spectacular Mt. Chanadorje. We'll pass piles of mani stones by the side of the pathway and at the base of the Reserve's most stunning vistas. We'll also visit Tshonggo Gonpa (Chonggu Si in Chinese) - a small Tibetan temple, which Joseph Rock nicknamed 'Bandit Monastery.' (Joseph Rock, a botanist and explorer, conducted extensive explorations of northwest China and Tibet for Harvard's Museum of Comparative Zoology and National Geographic in 1924.) We will continue our hike to the foot of Mt Chenresig, where we'll ascend a small but steep hill to view a beautiful mountaintop emerald green lake. Local lore has it that this magical lake can reveal your future if you spend a few moments in quiet contemplation by its side.

Overnight: Yading

Day 6. Yading-Xiangcheng(149km 3h) Meals: BLD
Xiangcheng, known as "Kacheng" in Tibetan, means "Buddhist beads in hand." It gets its name from the Shuoqu River running through the entire region, connecting the white villages along its banks like a string of beads. Here, the local customs are simple and honest, and the "Fengzhuang (Crazy Costume)", "White Tibetan Houses", and "Sangpiling Monastery" are hailed as the "Three Wonders of Kangba Xiangcheng".

The White Tibetan Houses of Xiangcheng, the most important cultural brand of the region, are known as the "First Beauty of Southern Kangba" and praised as "White Pearls". About a month before the Monlam Festival each year, local residents dilute unique white clay and pour it over the walls—a custom called the "White Ceremony". This not only protects against rain but also symbolizes the prayer for good luck and happiness.

Overnight: Xiangcheng

Day 7. Xiangcheng-Shangri-La(220km 4.5h) Meals: BLD
In the morning, we will walk in Xiangcheng to enjoy the rich ethnic atmosphere. Then we will drive to Shangri-La. We will visit Ganden Sumsanlin monastery, the largest monastery in Yunnan, built in the 17th century. This impressive monastery was established under the instruction of the 5th Dalai Lama, and is home to over 700 monks.

Overnight: Shangri-La

Day 8. Explore in Shangri-La Meals: BLD
Today, we will spend the whole day exploring in Shangri-La.The Dukezong Ancient City was once a vital town along the Yunnan-Tibet Tea-Horse Ancient Road and Yunnan-Tibet Highway. It is currently the best-preserved and largest complex of Tibetan dwellings in China. The Tibetan houses here integrate with the terrain and roads, completely preserving the architectural characteristics of Tibetan culture. As a settlement for multiple ethnic groups, it features the harmonious integration of cultures from the Tibetan, Naxi, and other ethnic groups, forming a unique landscape.

Balagezong is located at the junction of Yunnan, Sichuan and Tibet, and is one of the important scenic spots in the Hongshan area of the "Three Parallel Rivers" World Natural Heritage. The natural scenery here is magnificent, integrating landscapes such as snow-capped mountains, canyons, glaciers, rivers, plateau lakes and primeval forests. The naturally formed Shambhala Pagoda and the thousand-year-old Phoenix Bodhi Tree with a tree age of more than 3,000 years are very magical. The trunk even grew a shape similar to the left hand of Buddha.

Overnight: Shangri-La

Day 9. Shangri-La-Lijiang Ancient Town(172km 2.5h) Meals: BLD
Today we will leave Shangri-La and drive to Lijiang.The Lijiang Ancient Town, also known as "Dayan Town", is located in the folds of mountains within the hinterland of the Hengduan Mountains at the junction of Yunnan, Sichuan and Tibet provinces. The streets in the town are built along mountains and rivers, paved with red breccia, presenting a water-town landscape of "clear springs flowing through every household and green willows hanging over every yard". It boasts numerous attractions such as the Mu Family Mansion, Sifang Street, stone bridges and Lion Mountain. Meanwhile, rich cultural activities add unique charm to the ancient town.

Overnight: Lijiang Ancient Town

Day 10. Lijiang Ancient Town-Yulong Snow Mountain-Xuesong Village(31km 1h) Meals: BLD

Today we will visit famous Yulong Snow Mountain. Yulong Snow Mountain is covered with perennial snow, lying like a silver dragon among the clouds. It is the incarnation of "Sanduo God" in the hearts of the Naxi people, carrying profound national beliefs and cultural connotations. Here, danger, wonder, beauty, and elegance converge: thirteen snow-capped peaks stretch continuously, the Spruce Meadow on the mountainside is surrounded by primeval forests with lush meadows; the lake in Blue Moon Valley presents a dreamy blue due to rich minerals, forming a charming reflection with the snow mountain. The scenic area also includes attractions like Glacier Park and Ganhaizi, serving not only as a gathering place for natural wonders but also as an excellent destination for hiking, photography, and experiencing plateau ecology.In the late afternoon, we will watch the performance of Impression Lijiang. With Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as its natural backdrop, Impression Lijiang deeply integrates Naxi culture, plateau natural landscapes, and modern artistic expressions. Through chapters like "Ancient Tea-Horse Caravan," "Toasting the Snow Mountain," and "Paradise on Earth," the show presents the legend of the Tea-Horse Caravan on the ancient trade route, traditional Naxi wedding customs, and reverence for nature. Hundreds of actors in ethnic costumes perform amid mountains and waters, complemented by stunning lighting and music effects, allowing audiences at the foot of the snow mountain to experience Lijiang's historical vicissitudes and romantic charm.

Overnight:Xuesong Village

Day 11. Xuesong Village-Baisha Ancient Town-Shuhe Ancient Town(14km 0.5h) Meals: BLD
XueSong Village, a tranquil ancient village nestled at the foot of Yulong Snow Mountain in Lijiang, is one of the birthplaces of the Naxi Mu Clan chieftains. The lake here is as green as jade, with the snow-capped peaks of Yulong Snow Mountain and forests mirrored in its waters, creating a stunningly beautiful scene. Climbing to the highest point allows you to overlook the landscape, mountains, waters, and houses of Xuesong Village, offering a broad and open view.

In the afternoon, we will visit Baisha Ancient Town and Shuhe Ancient Town. Baisha Ancient Town, the oldest among the three major ancient towns in Lijiang, once served as the political and economic center of the ancient Naxi kingdom. It still preserves the original ecological atmosphere of Naxi life. Ming Dynasty Naxi murals can be seen everywhere on the walls here. The murals in the Dabaoji Palace, integrating Tibetan Buddhism, Han Buddhism, and Naxi Dongba culture, are hailed as the "Oriental Art Treasures". The Sifang Street at the center of the town is simple and peaceful, with traditional Naxi dwellings scattered in an orderly manner. Craftsmen along the streets focus on intangible cultural heritage crafts such as embroidery and bronze ware making, making time seem to slow down here.In Shuhe Ancient Town, the Qinglong River winds through it, with weeping willows along the riverbank. The bluestone roads still bear the hoof prints of the ancient Tea-Horse Road, telling the story of the bustling caravan traffic of the past. The Sifang Tingyin Square in the town is a venue for traditional Naxi song and dance performances. At night, local elders can often be seen leading tourists in Guozhuang dances. The Jiuding Longtan is crystal clear, surrounded by towering ancient cypresses, serving as the "soul water source" of Shuhe. Compared with the Old Town of Lijiang, Shuhe is more tranquil. Guesthouses and cafes are mostly hidden in the alleys, combining the simple Naxi customs with a literary and fresh atmosphere, making it an ideal place for relaxation and experiencing the slow-paced life.

Overnight:Shuhe Ancient Town

Day 12. Lijiang departure. Meals: B
On the final day of the itinerary, our team will escort you to the airport or train station to depart from Lijiang on time.

Notes:

1. If you need help in arranging a flight to Chengdu from other major cities of China such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, or a departure flight from Chengdu, please feel free to contact us, we are more than happy to provide any support we can to facilitate your trip planning.
2. The driving hours listed in the itinerary are just for your rough reference.
3. To our AbsolutePanda team, our clients' overall satisfaction with their trip is the top priority. We can create a different option to make it easier for you to choose a tour that fits your style and budget. If you prefer to travel in a different style than the option we've provided here, please feel free to contact us.
4. For travelers who hope to tailor-make the programs with their specific travel preferences in mind (transportations, hotels, exclusive privileges, and famous local experts), tailor-making a tour is the best way to ensure your desires are met. Please contact us with your specific needs and we will prepare an itinerary based on your expectations. Once you are satisfied, we will work out the cost and send it to you. Please feel free to ask any questions to learn more.

Dates & Prices

1. Dates

Oct 20-31,2026

AbsolutePanda can tailor-make this trip according to your time and interest.

2. Prices

The AbsolutePanda team works hard to provide the highest quality tour experiences at a fair price. However, after working in the travel industry for more than 20 years, our team knows that no two travelers are alike in terms of their travel style, personal interest, choice of guides and preferences in restaurants and hotels. For AbsolutePanda, our client’s satisfaction is a top priority. To meet the needs of different clients and ensure they enjoy a trip suited to their preferences, you are welcome to email with specific requests ranging from trip themes, guides, the quality of vehicles, accommodations, and restaurants. Our group trip price has the following includes and excludes below.

To ensure our guest the best trip, we set our minimum departure number at four and the maximum departure number at eight. That means the group size is 6 to 12 participants.

The cost for a group of 6 to 12 people:
2900 USD/PAX

Single supplement:
420 USD/PAX

The cost includes:
1. Well-chosen vehicles based on the size of the group for the trip with fuel, tolls, airport pick-up and drop-off included in the price;
2. An English-speaking guide for the whole trip;
3. Meals as indicated by BLD (B for breakfast, L for Lunch and D for dinner)in the itinerary. Picnic lunch when photograph in the field.

5. Complimentary water and snacks during the trip.

6. Entrance fee for the scheduled spots visited with guide in the itinerary .
7. China Domestic Travel Insurance;
8. Hotels arranged during this trip;

The cost excludes:
1. Alcoholic drinks during the meal;
2. Extra charges due to change of itinerary from client-side or factors beyond the control of AbsolutePanda such as natural disaster and governmental policy change;
3. Discretionary tips to the guide and driver;
4. All personal expenses, such as laundry service or for personal shopping;
5. Train ticket or airfare to or out of Chengdu;
6. Any items not listed in the itinerary as included;
7. Entrance fee, car rental, or meals during your free time trip;
8. Single supplement;
9. Extra nights in Chengdu.

Notes:
1. The prices above are not applicable during any Chinese festivals and holidays. We recommend you to avoid travelling during Chinese festivals and holidays for a better experience.
2. For travelers who hope to tailor-make the day programs with their specific travel preferences in mind (transportation, hotels, special privileges, and famous local experts), tailor-making a tour is the best way to ensure your desires are met. Please contact us with your specific needs and we will make an itinerary based on your expectations. Once you confirm, we work out the cost and send it to you. Please feel free to ask any questions to learn more.
3. Please note that guides with specialized knowledge are not always available, especially during our peak tour season (April to October). If you are in the process of planning a trip, please contact us as early as possible so that we will block the date of our expert guide for you.

When you put your trust in our team, we are certain to help you enjoy an unforgettable travel experience!

Accommodations

AbsolutePanda firmly believes travel is an art. To ensure every trip with us is a great travel art for our clients, the AbsolutePanda team does all we can to consider every possible detail. The choice of hotels is an essential part of making a great trip. After many years of running a travel business, we have built up our network of cooperative hotels at different levels. We understand people are different in the choice of hotels when they travel. If you want to use some specific hotels, please feel free to let us know, we are delighted to book it for you at a competitive price to make the hotel choice better meet your taste, budget and travel style. We can either reserve a hotel with competitive price for you or simply include the hotel into your trip cost if possible. You are welcome to contact us and tell us your requests, we will do our best to create the best travel itinerary for your private use.

If you need help with hotel booking in other big cities of China at different styles and luxury levels (International-brand Hotels, Local Brand Hotels, Economical Hotels), please feel free to email our team at info@absolutepanda.com.

FAQs

1. What kind of food will be provided?
One of the principles of AbsolutePanda toward food during travel is that we take every meal as an important part of travel experience. So we carefully choose restaurants. Whenever it is possible we always dine at a nice local popular restaurant. In this way, our travelers enjoy the authentic local gourmet and try as many different varieties as possible. For western travelers, we also prepare some simple western breakfast though you are always welcome to try local Chinese style.

2. Is there any altitude problem for this trip?
This trip will overnight on the high altitudes from 2,400m to 4,000m. Our journey starts from low elevation (500m) area and slowly goes up to high elevation Tibetan Plateau so you have plenty of time to acclimatize to elevation. Our guide has rich experience in taking care of our clients for the trip to the highland. Surely, we also will suggest you seek advice from your doctor on altitude sickness and bring necessary medications before you decide to join this trip. In some events, high elevation can cause severe health complications for those with cardiovascular diseases or other poor cardiopulmonary function diseases.

3. What kind of lodging will we stay at?
We will choose featured local guest houses, three or four-star hotels run by local people. It is a great chance to experience local hospitality and culture by staying with lovely people.

4. If I have dietary restrictions, will that be a problem for your team to accommodate?
Our team is experienced at making sure all of our client’s needs are met. If you or anyone in your group has specific requirements for food, we are happy to accommodate your needs.

Email us if you have any questions. Read our FAQ

Testimonials

What an amazing experience!
We just returned from a trip to China. Our time with Absolute Panda was the highlight of our trip! We were nervous about finding a company online, and paying for services out of the country. AbsolutePanda was completely honest with us. They were affordable.We had pretty specific interests. The staff at AbsolutePanda helped us through the planning process. They created something perfect for our family! They spent months offering free advice, suggestions, and help. They were flexible with the itinerary. Once in the country, we were treated well. They asked for and supported dietary requests. We got to try a great variety of healthy and delicious food. We had as much bottled water and snacks as we liked. All meals were included in the price. We received small gifts. The company owner checked in, to make sure we were doing ok. We felt like royalty! We stayed at beautiful, and clean accommodations, “off the beaten path.” We went to small mountain towns. They were gorgeous.Our guide, Bella, was exceptional! She was kind, friendly, interesting, reliable, and lots of fun. She spoke very good English. She had an extensive knowledge of local wildlife, as well as history, culture, and everything else we asked. Bella was able to identify any bird or creature she saw, by Chinese and English name. She has great eyes. She could spot wildlife in the distance, that were hard to see even with binoculars. She took us on hikes that matched our skill levels. We saw wild monkeys, gorals, muntjacs, and tons of beautiful birds. We were in highly competent hands. While we were in China, Sichuan had (unprecedented) heavy rains. Some roads were closed, due to mudslides and flooding. Despite this, we were able to travel the areas we wished. AbsolutePanda kept a close eye on conditions. They changed the travel plan/method multiple times, so we could be safe. They got us there still. The drivers were amazing, and I felt comfortable. We changed our own plans in China. This was due to unexpected medical issues we had there. AbsolutePanda worked with us, even with last minute adjustments. They were supportive, helpful, and flexible. They made sure each member of our family was well cared for. Our safety and well-being mattered to them. I can’t recommend AbsolutePanda highly enough! They gave us the trip of a lifetime!

--Suzucchini