Home > Flora Tour on Qinghai-Tibet PlateauFlora Tour in Tibetan Areas Kham and Amdo
14 Days Private Tour Chengdu – Luding - Yanzi Gou - Hailuo Gou - Baoxing - Jiajin Shan - Siguniang Shan - Balang Shan - Wolong - Maoxian - Huanglong - Danyunxia - Chuanzhusi - Jiuzhaigou - Huangtuliang - Wanglang - Pingwu - Chengdu
As an important place of production for orchids, Sichuan Province is one of the provinces with the most orchid species in China and is rich in wild orchid. More than 100 years ago, British botanist Henry Wilson was commissioned by the Royal Gardens of England and Harvard University in the United States to travel to Sichuan, China. He made in-depth inspections in Four Girls Mountains (Siguniang Shan), Huanglong, Gongga Mountain and other places to collect plant specimens, and to inspect wild plant resources. And then hundreds of wild flower species that were collected in this area were introduced to western countries, such as Meconopsis Integrifolia, Lilium Regale Wilson, Yellow Lady-Slipper (Cypripedium flavum).

Orchids in Sichuan are mainly distributed in four areas, namely, the Lingyuan area in west Sichuan, the Lingnan (south slope of Qinling) area, the Yibin-Fengjie area, and parallel ridge and valley area in east Sichuan. Among them, the Lingyuan area is a ridge zone where the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau transitions to the Sichuan Basin, namely from the edge of the basin with 600 meters above sea level to the Gongga Mountain with more than 7,800 meters above sea level. Therefore, the terrain is peculiar and varied, and the vertical change of vegetation is large, and multiple climate types are existing here. Cymbidium plants are horizontally and vertically zonal distribution and are found on snow lines with the altitude of 700 meters to more than 4,000 meters where orchid species are also most abundant. Some alpine primeval forest areas also maintain the original vegetation zone of Cymbidium plants. The diverse geographical environment and climate have formed the uniqueness of orchids’ evolution and variation.

On this trip, we will head to several famous alpine orchid production areas in Sichuan to find rare orchid species: Kangding-Hailuogou (Gongga Mountain), Four Girls Montains-Balang Mountain-Wolong, Huanglong-Jiuzhaigou and Wanglang.

Located in the southeast of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, and on the eastern slope of Gongga Mountain (Minya Konka), Hailuogou is a very high mountain area on the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. There are large vertical altitude difference and special climate type. Its vertical differentiation of vegetation types is a band combination of different spaces. Starting from the valley entrance, it gradually changes from a sparse thicket zone in the valley to evergreen broad-leaf forest zone and mixed forest zones of evergreen broad-leaf forest and deciduous broad-leaf forest, sub-alpine coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forest zone, coniferous forest zone, and alpine shrub meadow zone. We can look for Cypripedium Wardi, Cypripedium lichiangense, Calanthe tricarinata in Kangding-Hailuogou area.

Located between Wolong Nature Reserve and Siguniang Shan (Four Girls Mountain), and at the junction of the eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Sichuan Basin, Balang Mountain boasts complex terrain and landform, including river valley, alpine meadow, alpine screes below the snow line and bare rock on the mountaintop. The unique altitude, topography, and climatic characteristics have endowed the Balang Mountain with abundant plant resources. From May to August each year, when the flower season comes, various and gorgeous flowers contend in fragance and fascination, and compete for blossom on the alpine meadows, rock crevices, and screes. We will look here for Oreorchis Patens, Cypripedium Tibeticum, Galearis Wardii, Cypripedium Palangshanense and Cypripedium Flavum. Introduced to the Arnold Arboretum successfully by Wilson, the Cypripedium Flavum is called "the proud Margaret" in the western gardening world because of its noble and elegant temperament. In European legend, they were transformed from shoes lost by the goddess Venus in the forest.

The Huanglong National Park has the rare and large scale alpine orchid group with 31 genera and 69 species of orchids. In the Huanglong Gully with just 3.6 kilometers long, there are 34 species of orchids of 19 genera, including Cypripedium Flavum, Calanthe discolor Lindl and other famous orchid flowers in the world, which also makes Huanglong Gully a veritable orchid paradise and one of the 25 biodiversity hot spots in the world. Every year in June, the Alpine Orchid Festival is held here. We will look for various orchids by the color ponds, such as Cypripedium Flavum, Cypripedium Palangshanense, Epipactis Mairei, Herminium Monorchis, Listera Grandiflora, Galanthe Alpina, Oreorchis Patens, Cypripedium Shanxiense, Platanthera Japonica, Galanthe Brevicornu, Cypripedium Sichuanense, Cypripedium Micranthum,Oreorchis Fargesii, Cypripedium debile Rchb. F, Cypripedium macranthum Sw, Spotted Lady's Slipper, Cypripedium henryi Rolfe.

Wanglang National Nature Reserve, located in Pingwu County, Mianyang, Sichuan Province, has a large variety of orchids. From more than 2,000 meters to nearly 5,000 meters above sea level, Wang Lang has well-preserved ecosystems such as forests, thickets, meadows and alpine wetlands, and is rich in water resources. It is not only an important habitat for giant pandas, but also provides a super excellent condition for orchids. Many experts from all over the world come here to look for orchids, and also find many precious and highly ornamental alpine orchids, such as Cypripedium Palangshanense, Cypripedium Tibeticum, Cypripedium farreri W. W. Smith, Risleya atropurpurea King et Pantl, Listera grandiflora Rolfe, Neottia acuminata Schltr, Spotted Lady's Slipper.

In addition to orchids, we will also enjoy more rhododendrons in the mountains and the charming Meconopsis Integrifolia, Meconops Balangensis, Meconopsis Punicea, Meconopsis Quintuplinervia Regel, Omphalogramma Vincaeflora, Primula Poissonii, Primula Kialensis, Isis Bulleyana, Clematis Mantana, Ajuga Lupulin, Rhodiola Fastigiata, Sinopodophyllum Hexandrum, Aster Brevis, Leontopodium Alpinum and even many alpine plant flower. Besides, you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes on Gongga Mountain (Minya Konka), Four Girls Mountain (Siguniang Shan), and in many famous national forest park attractions like Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong, and on highlands in western Sichuan.
Highlights
Orchid Watching Tour in Western Sichuan
DAY
1

Arrive in Chengdu

Home town of panda. Kuanzhai Xiangzi, drink tea in People’s Park

Arrive in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province and the hometown of panda. Picked up by the local guide at airport and then transfer to the People’s Park in the city center, having a seat in an old teahouse, enjoying your covered-bowl tea in a comfortable environment with bamboo chair and bamboo table. The tea culture of Chengdu is well known throughout China. Afterwards walk to enjoy the leisure at the Broad Lane and Narrow Lane (Kuan Xiangzi and Zhai Xiangzi). It consists of 3 alleys: Kuan Alley, Zhai Alley, and Jing Alley. Experience the typical lifestyle - old Chengdu life, leisure life, slow life and new life at each alley.

Overnight at 4*Xinliang Hotel
Tea House in Renming Park in Chengdu
Tea House in Renming Park in Chengdu
Photo by Liu Bin
DAY
2

Chengdu - Luding

Luding Bridge, Long March of Chinese Red Army

Drive to Luding (1321 m). Visit Luding Chain Bridge. Luding Chain Bridge (Iron Chain Bridge) on the Dadu River is a treasure of Chinese ancient architecture. The bridge was built in the 44th years of Kangxi in Qing Dynasty (1705) in order to enhance the connection of Tibetan culture. On May 29th, 1935, the Chinese Red Army reached Luding Bridge during the Long March. Facing a hail of bullets, the Chinese Red Army, with 22 warriors as the pioneers of the commando, destroyed the bridge’s guards in one fell swoop, which is an important historical monument of the Communist Party of China. Today you'll watch orchid in Hualin village.

Here you may see:
Cypripedium Wardii

259 km
6 hours 7 minutes
Overnight at 3*Ludingqiao Hotel
Breakfast
Cypripedium wardii
Cypripedium wardii
DAY
3

Luding

Flower watching in Luding

Full day is for flower watching tour in Luding. Today drive approx. 25km one way to Haizi Shan (Mountain of Haizi) where we have chance to see many different species of orchids. Have a picnic lunch today. Later in the afternoon, drive back hotel in Luding town.

Overnight at 3*Ludingqiao Hotel
Breakfast
Cypripedium sichuanense
Cypripedium sichuanense
Photo by Zhang Yong
DAY
4

Luding - Yanzi Gou - Hailuo Gou

Yanzigou Scenic Resort, Hailuogou Glacier Forest Park, watch flowers

Drive to Yanzigou Scenice Resort and Hailuogou National Glacier Forest Park to find the flowers and take photos. Yanzigou Scenic Resort is part of the Gongga Mountain Range in China’s Sichuan Province. As one of several scenic areas in the region, it is one of the best locations for trekking and climbing in Sichuan Province, with many of the peaks being very challenging. Full of amazing landscapes and beautiful scenery, including the wonder of the multi-colored leaves in autumn, Yanzi Valley Scenic Area is a unique part of Tibet that you can see in Sichuan. The Hailuogou Glacier Forest Park is famous for snow-clad mountains, clouds, glaciers, forests, hot springs, sunlight and red rocks. Also it is known for the Tibetan and Yi corridor, ancient south Silk Road and Long March culture.

85 km
3 hours 10 minutes
Overnight at 4*Long March Hotel
Breakfast
Cypripedium calcicola
Cypripedium calcicola
Photo by Zhang Yong
DAY
5

Hailuo Gou - Luding - Baoxing

Watch orchid along the Moyu Road,Mountain Erlang

Drive to Baoxing, and watch orchid along the Moyu Road, then drive to Erlang Shan Mountain (3437 m) to find the flowers and take photos. Mountain Erlang is the watershed of the Qingyi River and Dadu River. It is the boundary of natural geography. Mountain Erlang and the surroundings are called "Hua Xi Yu Ping".

259 km
6 hours 7 minutes
Overnight at Xueshancun guesthouse
Breakfast
Orchis chusua
Orchis chusua
Photo by Zhang Yong
DAY
6

Baoxing - Siguniang Shan

Mt. Siguniang, watch orchid in Shuangqiao Gou

Drive to Mt. Siguniang, it is the highest peak of the Qionglai Mountain Range and also one of the highest peaks on the east part on Qinghai - Tibet Plateau. Its sea level is the secondary to the king of Sichuan Mountains - Gongga Mountain, 7556 km high, so it is honored as the Queen of Sichuan Mountains and East Sacred Mountain. Since opened to the foreign countries from the fall of 1980, it has attracted more mountaineering teams who are from more than ten countries and regions, such as America, Japan, Holland, Nepal, Swiss, Italy, and UK. We’ll watch orchid in Shuangqiao Gou.

Here you may see:
Oreorchis Patens

153 km
3 hours 5 minutes
Overnight at Yunshang Hotel
Breakfast
Oreorchis patens
Oreorchis patens
Photo by Zhang Yong
DAY
7

Siguniang Shan - Balang Shan - Wolong - Maoxian

Look for orchid in Mt. Balang, Wolong National Nature Reserve, giant pandas at Shenshuping Panda Base

Drive to look for orchid in Mt. Balang. Then drive to Wolong National Nature Reserve. 52 km long from east to west and 62 km wide from south to north, the whole area is 200,000 hm². It is one of the China earliest natural reverses that is rated the preservation zones network of “mankind and living beings” by the Organization of Education, Science and Culture of United Nations (UNESCO). The virgin forest, second bush forest and bamboo groves are very green. There are over 4,000 kinds of high-level plants, 24 kinds of which are valuable plants, such as Gongtong (Chinese dove tree), red China fir, Lianxiang and so on. There are more than 450 kinds of vertebras, 45 kinds of which are rated national focal preserved animals, such as giant panda, golden monkeys, antelopes, white-mouth deer etc. The natural beautiful scene is quiet and secluded. Visit the Shenshuping Panda Base in Wolong. With about 50 pandas living here, Shenshuping Panda Base is the largest breeding center for giant pandas, integrating scientific research, feeding, breeding, reproduction, wildness training, etc..

Here you may see:
Cypripedium Tibeticum
Galearis Wardii

220km
4 hours 25 minutes
Overnight at Fenghuangge Hotel
Breakfast
Cypripedium tibeticum
Cypripedium tibeticum
Photo by Zhang Yong
DAY
8

Maoxian - Huanglong - Danyun Gorge - Huanglong

Danyun Gorge, watch orchids

Set out in the morning for the orchids. You will drive to the bottom end of the Danyun Gorge. These high rised peaks and secluded condition in the Danyuan Gorge provide a wonderful niche for the wind orchids. Watch the orchids and take pictures extensively. Drive to the hotel after the tour.

Here you may see:
Cypripedium Palangshanense
Epipactis Mairei
Herminium Monorchis
Listera Grandiflora
Galanthe Alpina
Oreorchis Patens
Cypripedium Shanxiense
Platanthera Japonica
Galanthe Brevicornu
Cypripedium Sichuanense
Cypripedium Micranthum
Oreorchis Fargesii

270km
5 hours 23 minutes
Overnight at 5*Seercuo International Hotel
Breakfast
Epipactis mairei
Epipactis mairei
Photo by Zhang Yong
DAY
9

Huanglong - Chuanzhu Si - Jiuzhaigou

Huanglong National Park

Take a hike tour in the Huanglong National Park. Located at Songpan County and according to the legend, the Huanglong (Yellow Dragon) scenic spot is named to commemorate the Golden Dragon of the East Sea and helped Dayu, an ancient emperor in remote antiquity, to regulate rivers and watercourse. The Min Mountains and forests contribute to the completely primitive ecological environment, unique magic scenery and pastoral customs of the minority nationality. Enjoy these colorful lakes and waterfalls in the park. It’s no doubt that the highlight of the tour is the Multi-Colored Pond on the top of the park. Take cable car to transfer descend and exit the park. Transfer to your hotel at Jiuzhaigou.

Here you may see:
Cypripedium Bardolphianum
Cypripedium Calcicolum
Oreorchis Nana
Corallorhiza Trifida
Cypripedium Tibeticum
Cypripedium Flavum

109 km
2 hours 18 minutes
Overnight at 4*Jiuzhai Resort Hotel
Breakfast
Cypripedium bardolphianum
Cypripedium bardolphianum
Photo by Zhang Yong
DAY
10

Jiuzhaigou National Park

Jiuzhaigou National Park, watch flowers

Full day’s tour in Jiuzhaigou National Park is for finding the flowers and taking photos.
Jiuzhaigou is named according to the nine Tibetan villages in the scenic area. As the water, the “soul of Jiuzhaigou”, is purely and crystal-like clear and rich in colors, so there goes the saying that no water is worth your attention after your visit in Jiuzhaigou. The water, the reflection on the bank, the stone mill, the Tibetan villages, the Buddhist streamers and the songs and dances of the Tibetan and Qiang people constitute the unique tourist culture of Jiuzhaigou. 114 green lakes, 47 springs, 17 flying waterfall groups, 11 sections of turbulent streams, 5 Karst shoals, vast primitive forest and three Tibetan villages are distributed among the three valleys. With an area of 1320 square km, it includes 30,000 hectares of primitive forest where are living 2576 proto species including scores of state-protected animals and plants, such as the giant panda, golden monkey and mono-leaf grass.

Here you may see:
Cephalanthera Longifolia

Overnight at 4*Jiuzhai Resort Hotel
Breakfast
Cephalanthera longifolia
Cephalanthera longifolia
Photo by Zhang Yong
DAY
11

Jiuzhaigou - Wanglang

Wanglang Natural Reserve, Huangtuliang pass to watch little orchids

Leave in the morning for Wanglang Natural Reserve. On the way, you will stop our car at Huangtuliang pass (3000m) to watch little orchids and Tibetan moccasin flower on the open wild meadows. The tour at Huangtuliang will take approx. 2hrs depending on the quantity and quality of these wild flowers.

Notice: At present, there is a tunnel under construction in Huangtuliang. If the tunnel will be opened next year, the road to Huangluliang may not be maintained or may be closed, and you’ll pass through the tunnel directly instead of driving on the road to Huangtuliang, so you’ll not watch the orchids at Huangtuliang pass.

Here you may see:
Amitostigma Monanthum

182 km
4 hours 19 minutes
Overnight at Baima Wanglang Eco Hotel
Breakfast
Amitostigma monanthum
Amitostigma monanthum
Photo by Zhang Yong
DAY
12

Wanglang Natural Reserve

Watch flowers in Wanglang Natural Reserve

The whole day see flowers in Wanglang Natural Reserve.

Here you may see:
Cypripedium Wenqingiae
Galearis Huanglongense
Galearis Roborowskyi
Amitostigma Monanthum
Galearis Diantha
Ponerorchis Chusua
Cypripedium Farreri
Neottia Acuminata
Oreorchis Indica
Phaius Delavayi
Cypripedium Tibeticum
Cypripedium Flavum

Overnight at Baima Wanglang Eco Hotel
Breakfast
Orchis roborovskii
Orchis roborovskii
Photo by Zhang Yong
DAY
13

Wanglang - Pingwu - Chengdu

Watch flowers in Wanglang Natural Reserve

In the morning watch flowers in Wanglang Natural Reserve, and in the afternoon drive back to Chengdu.

375 km
6 hours 51 minutes
Overnight at 4*Xinliang Hotel
Breakfast
Cypripedium farreri
Cypripedium farreri
Photo by Zhang Yong
DAY
14

Leave Chengdu

Travel to next destination

Transfer to the railway station or the airport, travel to the next destination. Tour ends.
Breakfast
Tailor-make this tour

This trip can also be tailor-made, please let us know your travel idea: travel date, duration, number of travelers, child (2 - 12 years old), baby (0 - 2 years old), other travel destinations, meals, accommodation category, boutique hotel, special interest ...

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Private travel, great experiences! Please contact us for your tailor-made travel offer.

With individual China Tibet travel, you can decide when, where and how you go on tour by yourself. What's more, you can choose the length of travel and whom you go with.

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Hotel, program and itinerary are subjected to change with prior notice.
We must point out that you counter a basic tourism infrastructure in this region. You stay overnight mostly at simple hotel/guesthouse. Long journeys on bad roads and on high altitude and delays require good physical fitness, resilience and flexibility of the participants. Program and route changes due to unforeseen events are expressly reserved. If you desire the unknown and have an understanding of contingency, this is the right trip for you.
More Impressions
Amitostigma Monanthum | Photo by Zhang Yong
Calanthe Brevicornu | Photo by Zhang Yong
Calanthe alpina | Photo by Zhang Yong
Calanthe ricarinata | Photo by Zhang Yong
Cephalanthera longifolia | Photo by Zhang Yong
Corallorhiza Trifida | Photo by Zhang Yong
Cypripedium barrdolphianum | Photo by Zhang Yong
Cypripedium farreri
Cypripedium flavum | Photo by Zhang Yong
Cypripedium henryi | Photo by Zhang Yong
Cypripedium micranthum | Photo by Zhang Yong
Cypripedium palangshanense | Photo by Zhang Yong
Cypripedium plectrochilum | Photo by Zhang Yong
Cypripedium shanxiense | Photo by Zhang Yong
Cypripedium sichaunnense | Photo by Zhang Yong
Cypripedium guttatum | Photo by Zhang Yong
Cypripedium tibeticum | Photo by Zhang Yong
Epipactis mairei | Photo by Zhang Yong
Galearis Huanglongense | Photo by Zhang Yong
Galearis Wardii | Photo by Zhang Yong
Listera Grandiflora | Photo by Zhang Yong
Orchis chusua | Photo by Zhang Yong
Orchis diantha | Photo by Zhang Yong
Orchis roborovskii | Photo by Zhang Yong
Oreorchis erythrochrysea | Photo by Zhang Yong
Oreorchis fargesii | Photo by Zhang Yong
Oreorchis indica | Photo by Zhang Yong
Oreorchis nana | Photo by Zhang Yong
Phaius delavayi | Photo by Zhang Yong
Platanthera japonica | Photo by Zhang Yong