This morning, we fly to Chengdu which is the capital of Sichuan province -- the homeland of giant pandas. Tour guide will meet you at Chengdu airport, then we drive to visit Dujiangyan Irrigation System.

Dujiangyan Irrigation System which can date back to 2,200 years ago lies on the Mingjiang River. Before it was built, Minjiang River running across the vast Chengdu Plain was quite dangerous and would harm people downriver. Li Bing who was the local governor of Shu in Qin State had a channel cut through Mount Yulei to the west of the city, thus a man-made river came into existence. A dyke was built in the middle of Minjiang river to divide the river into two parts: the inner river and the outer river.In order to control the flood and silt, two spillways were built at the end of the water-dividing dyke. Since then, the irrigation system has helped make Chengdu Plain a "Land of Abundance".

Proceed to visit Jinli ancient street in downtown. It is a pedestrian street where the buildings were originally built during Qing dynasty. We can find many Sichuan dishes and snacks there. After tour, we drive to hotel.

This morning, we drive to Chengdu airport and fly to Jiuzhaigou. Local tour guide will pick up you at airport, then we drive to visit Huanglong Scenic Area.

Huanglong Scenic Area (also called Huanglong Valley) is well known for its colorful lakes, snow clad mountains, valleys and virgin forest. It was included in the UNESCO world heritage list in 1992.

The major scenery is concentrated in the 3.6 kmlong Huanglong Valley that includes snow-clad peaks and the easternmost glaciers in China. Due to its layered calcium carbonated deposit patterns, the valley resembles a golden dragon winding its way through the virgin forest, stone mountains and glaciers. Along the valley are scattering numerous colorful ponds of different sizes and shapes.

The scenic area is famed for its outstanding travertine (calcium carbonate) formations. With the virgin forest as its backdrop, the travertine scenery holds colorful ponds, beaches, lakes, springs, waterfalls, caves, etc. The travertine formations scenery is No.1 in China.

The most beautiful attraction of whole scenic area is Shitazhenhai, as the calcium carbonate deposits give a myriad of different hues to the water, which is truly breath-taking. Zhuanhua Pond is crystal clear and the spring water never stops welling up. If you throw flowers or leaves into the pond, they will swirl rhythmically with flow of the water. After tour, we transfer to hotel.

After breakfast, we drive to visit Jiuzhaigou Valley whose name is due to the existence of nine stockaded villages of Tibetan origin, and it is always regarded as a holy mountain and watercourse by the Tibetan people. It is a great masterpiece of nature having dreamlike scenery, which combines blue lakes, waterfalls, verdant forests, snow-covered mountains, and the folk customs of the Tibetan and Qiang peoples.

In addition to the dreamlike sceneries, there are numerous flora and fauna in the scenic area. The diversity of flora has provided a good environment for wild animals. There are 170 species of vertebrates, 141 species of birds and 17 species of rare animals. Among them the first rank has giant pandas, takins and golden monkeys.

The 3 main valleys are Shuzheng Valley, Rize Valley and Zechawa Valley, the sceneries are far more than you expect.  After dinner, we drive to airport and fly to Chengdu, our local reperesentative will meet you at airport, and escort you to hotel.

This moring, we drive to Chengdu Panda Base which is hometown of the “National Treasure” - Giant Panda. The reason why we visit here in morning as pandas during this time will be active (breakfast time). Panda Base offers panda-lovers the opportunity to give one of its pandas a quick squeeze for a hefty “donation” (at extra cost). You have to wear gloves, shoe covers and bright blue protective clothing, but if you’re lucky, the panda might even sit on your lap.

Then, we go to visit visit China’ s Lane (also called Kuan-zhai Lane, which literally means wide and narrow lanes). Kuanzhai Xiangzi consists of Kuan Lane (Wide Lane), Zhai Lane (Narrow Lane) and Jing Lane. While, those three lanes have different style. We' ll have a lunch there.

At Kuan Lane, you will immerse in the leisure life in Chengdu. Killing the time in open-air teahouse and tasting Sichuan dishes and snacks is an unforgettable experience. If you are history or architecture buff, Zhai Lane is the ideal place for you to explore, as well-preserved traditional buildings could be seen here. Jing Lane combines Chinese culture with Western culture. This afternoon, we drive to airport and fly back to Shanghai.

     IN JIUZHAIGOU 

        DAY2-DAY3