AirCoachOutbound (1N)Nine Villages Valley (2N)Mianyang (1N)Jiangyou (1N)LeshanMt Emei (2N)Dazu(1N)Inbound (1N)Chengdu (4N)and over 100,000 characters depicting andinfluenced by Buddhist, Confucian and Taoistbeliefs. Often compared to other greatBuddhist cave sculptures at Dunhuang,Luoyang and Datong; the Dazu rocksculptures date from Tang Dynasty (9thcentury) to the Song Dynasty (13th century).After lunch, return to Chengdu and enjoy a delicious Sichuan meal in the evening.Day 5: Chengdu - Leshan - Mt EmeiTravel to Leshan to visit the Grand Buddha,the world's largest stone-carved Buddhiststatue. We take a short boat trip to view thestatue from the river. The carving of theBuddha into the side of Lingyun Mountainbegan in 713AD and was completed in803AD. After lunch, continue to Mt Emei -one of China's most picturesque mountainsand the highest of the four sacred BuddhistMountains in China. We stay in the area fortwo nights. Day 6: Mt Emei We spend the day exploring the magnificentmountain and mingle with the locals and themany pilgrims that pay homage to this holysite. Mt Emei once had more than 100monasteries, many of which were builtduring the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220AD).The mountain is known for its steep cliffs,lofty peaks, roaring waterfalls, gurglingsprings, towering trees and fragrant flowers. 44AirCoachOutbound (1N)Nine Villages Valley (2N)Mianyang (1N)Jiangyou (1N)LeshanMt Emei (2N)Dazu(1N)Inbound (1N)Chengdu (4N)14 days from £2,390ppFully Inclusive from the UKSichuan Province is the naturalhabitat of one of the world'sendangered species - thepanda. We observe thesemagnificent creatures at thefamous Panda Reserve inChengdu as well as admire the Grand Buddha in Leshan.We also visit Mt Emei, Buddhist Dazu and beautifulNine Villages Valley. This tour reaches a maximum altitude of 3,500m at Huanglong Temple.Days 1-2: UK - Chengdu Fly overnight via Hong Kong to Chengdu, thecapital of Sichuan Province. Day 3: Chengdu - DazuWe travel to the small town of Dazu to seethe most fascinating rock carvings in the worldat the UNESCO world heritage listed BeishanFrescoes, which are carved into limestonehills and some of which are 1000 years old. Day 4: Dazu - ChengduVisit the Baodin Stone Carvings, which consistof over 50,000 Chinese religious sculpturesSichuanExplorerSpend two-weeks in stunning Sichuan Province"We present to youthe best part of China: giant pandas inChengdu, the world'slargest stone-carvedBuddha in Leshan and Mt Emei."National Escort Eddie Wang's tour highlights

45Departure Dates & PricesFully Inclusive price includes:Tour departs Saturday and returns Saturday Prices are fully inclusive from the UK (see page 8)Based on London Heathrow departuresRegional departures available.Flight upgrades available on request.Land only from £1,790 (Chengdu - Chengdu).Single room option from £460 (see page 9).Tipping payable locally US$63 (see page 10).Medium Paced TourSpecialist TourSichuan ExplorerDepart UKArrive UKPrice29 Apr 201212 May 2012£2,39013 May26 May02 Sep15 Sep£2,59030 Sep13 Oct£2,49028 Apr 201311 May 2013£2,59012 May25 May??International flights and current taxes??Domestic transportation??Accommodation??All meals??Touring with guides and entrance fees??Visa fees for UK passport holders.Day 7: Mt Emei - Chengdu Return to Chengdu. Day 8: Chengdu - Mianyang Visit the famous Panda Reserve to see theseadorable animals being reared in woodedsurroundings reminiscent of their naturalhabitat. We also visit the Sanxingdui Museumbefore continuing to Mianyang, which housespieces of ceramics, jade, bronze and gold.Days 9-10: Nine Villages Valley Travel to the breathtaking Nine Villages Valley(Jiuzhaigou National Park), a botanical gallerythat is heavily forested and home to manyprotected species. Entering the valley is likebeing transported into a different world as itpresents a seemingly never-ending displayofstunning natural scenery where crystal clearlakes gather at the foot of every waterfallandrich dense forests are dotted with colourfulflowers. We stay in the area for two nights. Day 11: Huanglong - Jiangyou Travel to the UNESCO world heritage site ofHuanglong, which is renowned for itshundreds of sparkling mineral pools wherebeautiful striking colours intertwine and thewaters cascade down the mountainside. Wehave the option to take a cable car to visitHuanglong Temple at the head of the valley.Later, continue to Jiangyou. Day 12: Jiangyou - ChengduReturn to Chengdu. Days 13-14: Chengdu - UKFly overnight to the UK via Hong Kong,arriving home the following day.Varying road conditions in Sichuan Provincemay require an alternative route to be taken to Nine Villages Valley or flights may be used.Book now on 0844 499 3899visit www.wendywutours.co.ukor see your preferred travel agentGiant Pandas, ChengduThe Sichuan Explorer tour was a wonderfulexperience, visiting some of the most beautifulplaces in the world -right here in China!Ms Reid, April 2010""Nine Villages ValleyHong Kong ExtensionDay 13: Chengdu - Hong KongFly from Chengdu to Hong Kong andtransfer to your hotel.Day 14: Hong KongEnjoy a half day island tour visitingVictoria Peak, Stanley Market andAberdeen Fishing Village. Theafternoon is at leisure. (B)Day 15: Hong KongEnjoy the day at leisure to furtherexplore Hong Kong. (B)Days 16-17: Hong Kong - UKTransfer to Hong Kong Airport and flyovernight to the UK. (B)Tour Extensions??Hong Kong from £360pp(above)??Hong Kong & Macau from £480pp(page 79)??Hong Kong & Lantau from £460pp(page 79)Additional flight costs may apply, subject to airline and season