Your Adventure Awaits
Sichuan Reimagined
Embark on a reimagined quintessential journey of Sichuan weaving through the province's ancient spiritual pulse and time-honored ancient towns and villages. From the tea-scented heart of Chengdu to the misty, verdant heights of Emeishan and the stoic, sandstone gaze of the Leshan Giant Buddha. From the grain-rich, cellar-aged aroma of the world-famous Wuliangye baijiu of Yibin to the world-class and sophisticated whisky produced and harnessed from the region's pristine glacial waters, this is a sojourn that encompass the Sichuan spirit to its zenith, showcasing its remarkable heritage.
History & Culture
China
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When To Go?
Highlights
Accommodations
When modern comfort pays homage to the iconic and stoic heritage of Sichuan, you have a collection of abodes spread throughout the province that displays remarkable character, design and philosophy that truly tells Sichuan's legacy.
Experiences
This journey not only presents Sichuan's traditions, gastronomy but also finally string together the bind - it's world-acclaimed and celebrated baijiu and the now sophisticated "new-world whisky" that it is capable of producing.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Chengdu / Yibin
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Our journey begins with a comfortable and scenic bullet train 1.5hrs rail journey to Yibin, dubbed the "First City of the Yangtze River". As immediate as we disembark, the grain-rich sensory aroma of the city's signature Wuliangye Baijiu quickly descends as we begin to uncover one of China and the world's most revered baijiu. We visit the mega Wuliangye complex which comprise of a museum, its world-class distillery and facilities and learn about its story that started in 1950 from a super merger of 8 baijiu distilleries. As its Chinese name suggests, Wuliangye carefully selects five grains and blends the aroma of the five grains into perfect flavor — sorghum for the sweet and pure fragrance, rice for the aromatic mellowness, glutinous rice for the pure and sweet profoundness, wheat for the long-lasting balminess of the yeast and corn for the dispersive sweet base note.
Later, we continue to the spectacular 8-tiered White Pagoda. Built in 1569 at the beginning of the Ming Dynasty for local religious people and scholars to store their literary classics. We will marvel at its unique octagonal pyramidal pavilion-style brick and stone structure while appreciating the surrounding views that gazes directly at the confluence of the Yangtze, Minjiang and Jinsha Rivers.
Thereafter, continue to the historic Wuliangye old cellar sites of Changfasheng and Lichuanyong, important distilleries from the late Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China, witnessing the generational transmission of Wuliangye's brewing techniques. The Wuliangye Ming Dynasty ancient fermentation pits originated in 1368 AD, constructed from Yibin's unique weakly acidic yellow clay. After more than 650 years of continuous brewing, the rich microbial community nurtured in these ancient pits has undergone slow biochemical reactions and constant metabolism. Among these processes, aroma components, primarily ethyl acetate, have been fully developed, and it is these components that give Wuliangye its unique fragrance and taste.
Finally, we will retreat to the Hualuxe Yibin, an IHG Hotel where we will spend the next 2 nights.
DAY 2: Yibin (Excursion to Lizhuang Ancient Town)
A rejuvenated rest allows us today to embark on an excursion to the nostalgic Lizhuang Ancient Town where we will witness incredibly well-preserved streets, lanes and buildings dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. We will enjoy an in-depth visit of the town that first traces its origins as a fishing village in the Han Dynasty. Our historical walk allows us a visit to a collection of ancient temples, its remarkable town center and be amazed at the intricate sculptures and relics. Walking on the paths paved with flagstones linking the town together, watching time-honored stores selling local snacks and handicrafts, appreciating the historic courtyards, tasting old wines, you can feel the real traditional life of southern Sichuan.
DAY 3: Yibin / Leshan / Emeishan
We depart Yibin today heading north, on a 2 hours' drive towards Leshan at the confluence of 3 rivers, Ming, Qingyi and Dadu. Here, we will finally come face to face with the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Leshan Giant Buddha, carved into a rock cliff overlooking the river below. We will enjoy a boat ride for a close up and mesmerizing view of the 71m tall towering sculpture and thereafter, the OPTIONAL opportunity to walk on the stone steps to the top for the enviable perspective of the Buddha's head.
Not far away, we visit the Oriental Buddha Park, a large-scale Buddhist stone carving site created by modern artists where we walk through the mountain forest witnessing hundreds of Buddhist statues carved into the cliffs in various forms, including a 170-meter-long reclining Buddha and numerous giant grottoes.
From here, we will continue our drive to Emeishan where we will retreat at the Zoland Emei Resort, a boutique mountain sanctuary blending effortlessly into the forested landscape, conceived not merely as a hotel but as a secluded haven in nature.
DAY 4: Emeishan
Awake early this morning as embark on an early visit to ascend the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mount Emei, one of 4 great Buddhist mountains of China. We will transfer onto the mountain park's eco bus to Leidongping from where we will ascend by cable car to the spectacular Jinding Golden Summit, featuring a 48m tall golden Buddha statue of Samantabhadra (Puxian), the Bodhisattva of Universal Virtue and a central figure in Mahayana Buddhism. Depending on conditions, you may witness an infinite sea of clouds at 3,099m above sea level.
Thereafter, we will descend by cable car and later, visit the impressive Baoguo Temple, the largest in Mount Emei, constructed on the right side of Crouching Tiger Temple in the Ming Dynasty and was originally named the Hui Zong Hall, with an intension of gathering Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism.
As the afternoon nears, we will arrive at spectacular grounds of The Chuan Whisky Distillery by Pernod Ricard, the first malt whisky distillery in China combining Scottish distillation heritage with Chinese terroir at the foothills of Mount Emei. We will enjoy an in-depth visit of the grounds, including a walk-through of its mesmerizing architecture, designed by the renowned Neri&Hu. With the brand ambassador, you have the opportunity to learn about the whisky-making process and the chance to taste exquisite limited edition flight of whisky paired with Michelin-inspired Sichuan tapas.
DAY 5: Emeishan / Pingle Ancient Town / Qingcheng Mountain
We leave Emeishan today continuing our journey north to Pingle Ancient Town, accommodating some of the largest old dwellings dating from the Ming & Qing dynasties in Sichuan. On our discovery, we will witness Sichuan folk customs that pays homage to a bygone era. We will also have the chance to learn about the traditional art of bamboo weaving on porcelain.
Thereafter, a short drive away arrives us at Laizhou Distillery, one of China's newest and modern large-scale whisky distillery. We will immediately learn about its innovative employment of barrels seasoned with Chinese huangjiu, a rice wine with characteristics similar to sherry, adding unique aromas and enhancing the complexity of the whisky. On our visit, we will enjoy a privilege tour of the massive facilities, learning about its production process before culminating in an exquisite tasting of its diverse whisky range
Finally, we continue our drive into Qingcheng Mountain, renowned as the spiritual birthplace of Taoism. We will retreat into the serenity of Su Shien Valley - a Relais & Chateaux property, nestled in a forested setting reminiscent of the ancient engravings of a thousand-year-old civilization. Here, we will enjoy 2 serene evenings sampling to the mastery cuisine of Chef Zhao Xiaosong that changes with the seasons.
DAY 6: Qingcheng Mountain (Excursion to Dujiangyan)
Today, we will enjoy an excursion to the beautiful city of Dujiangyan, renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed 2,000 year-old Dujiangyan Irrigation System, the oldest and the only non-controlling irrigation system in the world, without the use of dams that is still in operations. Visit the three main parts of the weir works controlling the water from the upper valley of the Minjiang River including Yuzui Bypass Dike, Feishayan Floodgate, Baopingkou Diversion Passage, and be amazed by the wisdom of ancient Chinese. We will also take a walk on the iconic Nanqiao Bridge featuring ornate details and design, as well as a vantage point for astounding views of the Minjiang River. Thereafter, we will have time to wander through the Dujiangyan Old Town adorn with street stalls, restaurants and shops.
In the afternoon, we will continue to the Dujiangyan Panda Base, the only professional organization in the world for research on the prevention and disease control of giant pandas. We will have the chance to witness a current panda population of over 40 residing in the base and where you have the opportunity to be in close contact with the group of adorable pandas.
DAY 7: Qingcheng Mountain / Jiezi Ancient Village / Chengdu
We depart Su Shien Valley this morning to Jiezi Ancient Town, one of the most striking and beautiful towns in Sichuan Province, dominated by its well-preserved Ming & Qing Dynasty old streets and buildings, taking in ample time to experience the nostalgic atmosphere.
Thereafter, we finally return back into Chengdu, capital city of Sichuan Province and designated the UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Our order of the day will be an undoubted visit to Shui Jing Fang, a National Intangible Cultural Heritage site and is the oldest baijiu distillery that is still in operation for more than 600 years. On a tour of the facilities, we are privileged to step into the refurbished interior, witnessing the prestige baijiu-making process and techniques that has stood the test of time. Visit its museum, proudly displaying exhibits of heritage from the late Yuan Dynasty to the present day.
From here, we will arrive at the Upper House Chengdu, a luxury hotel like none other, restored from a former Qing Dynasty courtyard into a contemporary urban retreat celebrating Sichuan's surroundings and historic legacies.
This evening, you are invited to an elegant dinner at The Bridge. Set on the iconic Anshun Bridge, it is Taiwanese celebrity Chef Andre Chiang's first restaurant in China and single-handedly transforming and elevating the prestige of Sichuan Cuisine.
DAY 8: Chengdu
"成都带不走的就是你", so sang by famous Chinese singer, Zhao Lei and today we will find out just that, the juxtaposition of the Sichuan capital. We will begin our day at the Wuhou Shrine, paying our respects to Zhuge Liang, marquis of Shu-Han and military advisor to Liu Bei during the Three Kingdoms era. From here, we take a walk on the Jinli Ancient Street, permeating a traditional atmosphere with period buildings, teahouses and an undeniable focus on the Shu-Han period where you may witness nostalgic craft stores parading paper-cut and clay figurines of the generals and prominent figures of the era.
Later, we continue to the renowned Kuan Zhai Alley, literally translated to as "Wide & Narrow Alley" where we witness the undoubted nostalgic atmosphere of old Chengdu, maintaining the original architecture intact for centuries. Kuan Alley or “Wide Alley” was where luminaries of high social status lived and often went out by carriage and hence the alleys need to be wide for the carriages to go through. Thereafter, continue to the Zhai Alley
“Narrow Alley” in stark contrast to the Kuan Alley, with just 5m in width. This is the area where peasants lived and charming for its traditional “hutong” alleyway residential houses. Finally, the Jing Alley is the “Well Alley”, named after many wells were dug to supply water to the Qing troops.
An Exclusive andBecause Experience:
We will enjoy a Sichuan Face-Changing Opera performance in a private and secret setting, indulging fine Sichuan cuisine in an elegant atmosphere.
DAY 9: Departure Chengdu
Today, we transfer to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport for your flight departure or continue your journey of Sichuan Province to Jiuzhaigou and northern Sichuan. Alternatively, options abound for a continued journey to Chongqing, the incredible Yangtze River Cruise or a deeper discovery of southern Sichuan into Guizhou Province on the trails of baijiu.
Featured Hotels
Upper House Chengdu
Upper House Chengdu is all about first impressions – starting with its dramatic entrance through a restored Qing Dynasty courtyard. The hotel perfectly balances Chengdu’s rich history with sleek, modern design, providing spacious, high-tech rooms that still feel warm and inviting. Foodies will love the vegetarian Sichuan dishes at Michelin-starred Mi Xun Teahouse and wood-fired pizzas at Tivano. Need some downtime? Head to the underground pool lit by skylights or get zen in a yoga pavilion.
Privileges
Complimentary Breakfast
$100 hotel credit per stay
Priority Room Upgrade at check in*
Early check in/late check out subject to availability*
Zoland Emei Resort
At ZOLAND·Emei Resort, the design philosophy is guided by the idea of slow time — a conscious retreat from distraction. Through its landscape-led planning and calm, understated architectural language, the resort invites guests to slow down, notice their surroundings, and reconnect with their inner selves. The architecture draws inspiration from the site's terrain and cultural heritage. Buildings are arranged in a staggered, village-like composition, recalling stone dwellings nestled into the hillside. Traditional pitched roofs and deep eaves are reinterpreted with a contemporary sensibility, bridging past and present.