Garze Grasslands: Sichuan’s Tibetan Plateau

First Stop: Chengdu

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, sits in the heart of eastern Sichuan. Its geographic and political remoteness have long contributed to the independent spirit of its people, a trait still evident in the city’s vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere.

As the economic center of Southwest China and home to a thriving community of students and intellectuals, Chengdu blends modern energy with cultural depth. It is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, its role in giant panda conservation, and its status as one of China’s most dynamic and livable cities.

Drive to Mengding Mountain

The journey from Chengdu to Mengding Mountain takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Mengding Mountain Tea Experience

In the fertile hills of Mingshan County, Mengding Mountain is steeped in legend as the birthplace of cultivated tea in China. According to local lore, a Daoist sage first domesticated wild tea here more than two thousand years ago. As you explore the ancient plantations, enjoy fresh tastings and gain a deeper appreciation for the origins of this revered drink.

Your guide will return you to your hotel at the end of the day (around 5:00 p.m.).

Meals included: dinner

Drive to Danba

The ride from Mengding to Danba will take around 4.5 hours.

Next Stop: Danba

Located in the eastern part of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Danba lies about 315 kilometers from Chengdu. Often listed among the “Top 6 Most Beautiful Countryside in China,” the region is steeped in over 5,000 years of history. Danba is renowned for its clusters of ancient stone watchtowers and traditional Jiarong Tibetan villages nestled in the surrounding hills — an area affectionately known as the “Land of a Hundred Watchtowers.”

Zhonglu Village

Explore Jiarong Tibetan culture as your guide leads you through the scenic valleys to the peaceful farming village of Zhonglu. Set against the backdrop of Mo’er Duo Holy Mountain, this village is dotted with stupas, prayer flags, and centuries-old watchtowers that have withstood both earthquakes and invasions. The local way of life blends Tibetan Buddhism with Bon, Tibet’s indigenous spiritual tradition, and reverence for the surrounding sacred peaks.

Enjoy a hands-on cooking experience with a local family, learning to prepare home-style dishes using ingredients grown in the village’s fertile fields. Then sit down to share a warm, authentic meal together.

Your guide will return you to your hotel at the end of the day (around 5:00 p.m.).

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Drive to Yuke Grasslands

The journey from Danba to Yuke Grasslands takes approximately 3.5 hours.

Plateau Hike to Jiayilacuo Lake

En route, you’ll pass through the remote area of Dangling. To avoid the crowds, your guide will lead you on a 1.5-hour hike along a lesser-known trail to Jiayilacuo, a serene alpine lake. Nestled high on the plateau, the lake’s still waters mirror the vibrant foliage and expansive skies, offering a moment of quiet beauty in the wilderness.

Next Stop: Yuke Grasslands

Often referred to as the “Altay of Kham,” Yuke Grasslands unfold in sweeping panoramas of snow-dusted forests, glacial lakes, and ancient stone statues. The landscape is also home to striking natural features, including colorful five-hued lakes and steaming hot springs—elements that make this region one of the hidden treasures of the Tibetan Plateau.

Your guide will return you to your hotel at the end of the day (around 5:00 p.m.).

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Meditation on the Yuke Grassland

Begin the day with a traditional Tibetan Buddhist meditation led by a local lama, set amid the vast, peaceful expanse of the Yuke Grasslands. Through guided breathing and quiet reflection, you’ll experience the serenity of this landscape in the same way locals have for generations.

Tibetan Nomad Experience

After breakfast, immerse yourself in the rhythms of nomadic life. Visit a local family living on the grasslands, ride a Tibetan pony across open meadows framed by snow-capped peaks, and join in daily tasks such as milking cows and making yak butter — time-honored traditions passed down through generations.

An Afternoon to Yourself

Spend a quiet afternoon soaking in the beauty of the grasslands. Whether you choose to rest or wander, take this time to reflect and enjoy your final moments in this extraordinary setting.

Your guide will return you to your hotel at the end of the day (around 5:00 p.m.).

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Drive to Bamei

The ride from Yuke Grassland to Bamei will take around 3 hours.

Longdeng Grassland Horse Racing Festival

If visiting in July, you may have the chance to witness the Longdeng Grassland Horse Racing Festival — an event recognized as state-level intangible cultural heritage in 2008. With a history spanning over 300 years, the festival is deeply rooted in Tibetan nomadic tradition. Horse racing takes center stage, accompanied by cultural performances including traditional dance, Buddhist prayers, and folk singing.

Daofu Tibetan Architecture

En route to Bamei, stop in the village of Daofu, known throughout Kham Tibet for its brightly colored folk homes. These structures are not only visually striking but also engineered for resilience, having withstood centuries of harsh weather and seismic activity. Step inside one of the most traditional dwellings and listen as your host shares the architectural heritage and artistic detail distinct to this region.

Moshi Park

Visit Moshi Park, home to China’s only plateau stone forest. Formed by tectonic movement over two million years ago, the jagged mylonite formations offer a dramatic contrast to the surrounding grasslands. During the rainy season, the stone’s surface darkens, transforming the landscape into a striking scene of black rock and mist.

Your guide will return you to your hotel at the end of the day (around 5:00 p.m.).

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Drive to Kangding

The ride from Bamei to Kangding will take around 2.5 hours.

Muya Pagoda

Located on the vast prairies near Tagong, the Muya Pagoda is a striking multi-tiered temple complex built by the living Buddha Dojizhaxi. Each floor is dedicated to different Buddhas and houses treasured religious relics, making it a significant spiritual site for local pilgrims.

Tagong Monastery

Set amid rolling grasslands and hills adorned with prayer flags, Tagong Monastery offers a peaceful retreat rooted in centuries of Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Originally built during the Qing Dynasty, its architecture is both elegant and spiritually resonant. Wander through the temple grounds as monks chant, bells echo through the air, and offerings of tsampa are carefully placed. Within the red stone walls, locals and pilgrims alike perform koras around white stupas, spinning prayer wheels and softly reciting mantras.

Your guide will return you to your hotel at the end of the day (around 5:00 p.m.).

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Drive back to Chengdu

The ride from Kangding to Chengdu will take around 3.5 hours.

Bifengxia Panda Base

En route, stop at Bifengxia Panda Base, nestled in the lush bamboo forests of Sichuan’s Hengduan Mountains. This renowned conservation center offers a rare chance to see giant pandas in a naturalistic setting, from playful cubs to gentle sub-adults munching on bamboo.

Originally established as a rescue and research facility, Bifengxia played a vital role in panda conservation following the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. Today, it continues to contribute to breeding, rehabilitation, and educational efforts, while providing an enriching experience for visitors.

Transfer to Airport

Your local guide and private chauffeur will accompany you to the airport and assist with check-in for your departure flight.

Meals included: breakfast