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Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: CNY
- Languages: Mandarin Chinese, Sichuanese dialect, Yi, Tibetan, Bai, Hani, and other ethnic minority languages; English is spoken in tourist areas
- Climate: Subtropical to temperate, with variations including monsoon and plateau climates
- Timezone: Asia/Shanghai
- Population: Approximately 180 million people live in Southwest China.
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit is spring through autumn to avoid harsh winters and rainy seasons.
- Visa Requirements Most international visitors require a visa to enter China, including Southwest China. Citizens from visa-exempt countries can enter visa-free for short stays. E-visa options are limited and usually not valid for Southwest China. US, EU, and UK citizens must apply for a visa in advance through Chinese consulates. Visa on arrival is generally not available except for certain transit situations.
About Southwest China
Southwest China is a captivating region known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich ethnic diversity, and vibrant culture. It encompasses provinces like Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, and the Tibet Autonomous Region, each offering unique experiences. The region is famous for its dramatic mountain ranges, including parts of the Himalayas, deep gorges, and lush forests. It is home to numerous ethnic minorities, each with distinct traditions, festivals, and languages, making it a cultural mosaic. Tourists are drawn to Southwest China for its natural beauty, such as the mystical Jiuzhaigou Valley and the towering peaks of the Tiger Leaping Gorge. The area also boasts ancient towns, colorful markets, and renowned culinary delights like Sichuan spicy cuisine. Adventure seekers can enjoy hiking, rafting, and exploring remote villages, while culture lovers can immerse themselves in traditional music, dance, and crafts. Southwest China offers a blend of natural wonders and cultural richness that makes it an unforgettable destination.
Top Attractions
1. Jiuzhaigou Valley – A UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its crystal-clear lakes, waterfalls, and vibrant autumn foliage. 2. Leshan Giant Buddha – The world’s largest stone Buddha statue carved into a cliff face, an impressive cultural landmark. 3. Tiger Leaping Gorge – One of the deepest and most spectacular river canyons in the world, ideal for trekking enthusiasts. 4. Lijiang Old Town – A well-preserved ancient town with traditional Naxi architecture and cobblestone streets. 5. Potala Palace, Lhasa – The iconic former residence of the Dalai Lama, a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism and culture.
Popular Activities
Visitors can engage in hiking and trekking through scenic gorges and mountains, river rafting on the Yangtze, and exploring ethnic minority villages to experience local customs. Cultural tours include visiting temples, attending traditional festivals, and sampling local arts and crafts. Photography, bird watching, and nature walks are popular due to the region’s biodiversity. Culinary tours focusing on Sichuan and Yunnan cuisines offer a taste of local flavors. Adventure travelers can also try mountain biking and camping in remote areas.
Southwest China Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of China
- Duration Range: Visitors can engage in hiking and trekking through scenic gorges and mountains, river rafting on the Yangtze, and exploring ethnic minority villages to experience local customs. Cultural tours include visiting temples, attending traditional festivals, and sampling local arts and crafts. Photography, bird watching, and nature walks are popular due to the region’s biodiversity. Culinary tours focusing on Sichuan and Yunnan cuisines offer a taste of local flavors. Adventure travelers can also try mountain biking and camping in remote areas.
- Group Size: Flexible group sizes
- Difficulty Level: Mixed Difficulty
- Recommended For: The best time to visit is spring through autumn to avoid harsh winters and rainy seasons. Pack layered clothing for varying climates and sturdy shoes for trekking. Respect local customs, especially in ethnic minority regions and religious sites. Carry cash as some rural areas may not accept cards. Stay hydrated and be cautious of altitude sickness in highland areas like Tibet. Learn basic Mandarin phrases or use translation apps for easier communication.
Average Tour Price: $95
Lowest Price Tour: $55
Highest Price Tour: $200
1215 Available Tour Excursions in Southwest China
Wolong national Nature Reserve is the earliest, largest, and best-know panda reserve in the world. It was hit by the catastrophic Wenchuan Earthquake in 2008. After years of road construction, travelers can visit Wolong Panda Base now. Accompanied by a professional panda expert who introduced you the topics of the panda discovery, the history of panda in China, the classification, and panda conservation. ***Starting from April 25, 2024, panda volunteers will not be allowed to enter the panda enclosure, and the arrangement of clean the panda enclosures & collect panda poop will be canceled. Notes for panda volunteers: 1.No perfume, no cologne, no nail polish, be healthy (don’t get cold). 2.wear shoes (no slippers or Crocs). 3.Sunscreen and sunglasses will be useful. 4.Any activities missed due to being late will not be rescheduled, and guests will bear the consequences.
Price: $220.00
Duration: 6-12 hours
Start the day by exploring Lijiang’s oldest market to shop for your cooking class, with hands-on instruction led by a local Naxi minority family. Each person will prepare and eat three dishes.
Price: $59.00
Duration: 3 hours
MAXIMIZE YOUR TIME Visit the two highlights of Chengdu-Panda&Buddha in 1 day ALL INCLUSIVE PRICE Informative and friendly private guide,private transportation ,tasty local lunch, entrance fees are all included. HUSTLE FREE Your versatile guide and private transfer will ensure you a smooth and unforgettable journey. MEMORABLE TIME Experienced and informative local guide will give insight about panda, local culture ,history, ordinary people's life and answer all your questions:) Happy Stomach Try the authentic local delicacies at the old neighborhood of Leshan
Price: $249.00
Duration: 9 hours
Famous Sichuan style Mapo Tofu(麻婆豆腐) is one of the most popular Chinese dishes. During this 4-5 hours special cooking workshop, you will be taken into an adventure to explore the authentic local market with fun challenges to complete and learn different kinds of special spices and ingredients which will be used in the following "Mapo Tofu" cooking class. The class will be carried out in a Professional Cooking School. You will be treated with traditional Sichuan. You’ll be treated with Sichuan local tea as it’s local’s custom to treat friends and visitors. After that, you then will be guide to start the cooking process by a professional chef in a cozy kitchen. Finally, you can enjoy the Mapo tofu made by yourself along with some beers or beverages. For it’s really informative, interesting and fun, this class will be an unforgettable experience in your lifetime.
Price: $69.24
Duration: 4 hours
This two-day private tour in Chengdu is highlighted by cute pandas. Chengdu has the most well equipped panda breeding and research center in the world, and at the facility you can come in close contact with the lovely creatures. In addition, you will also experience the local people's slow life.
Price: $479.00
Duration: 48 hours
While traveling this tour with us, you can visit some important villages on the ancient Tea Horse Road and you will immerse into the diversity of Yunnan. Indeed, we will vary between the famous highlights, some of the must-see places, and remote sites which will give you a unique experience and insight of Yunnan.
Price: $1,758.00
Duration: 216 hours
Head Shu Feng Ya Yun Sichuan Opera Theatre. Experience an entertaining Chinese traditional Opera Night. Unique culture experience with beautiful costumes, singing, Bian Lian Face changing, Hand Shadow and a lot of more. A Spectacular Show amaze both for adults and kids alike.
Price: $39.00
Duration: 1 hours
During this 3 hours mahjong course, you’ll be taken into an authentic local spice market to explore it and learn different species of Sichuan spices and ingredients that will be used in the Sichuan cuisine. After that, you’ll go to a cozy room with Chinese characteristics and learn how to play the famous traditional Chinese game, mahjong, with a English speaking guide. You’ll learn rules in an easy way and then test your mastery degree with a local tea. If you want to test your intelligence, you can not miss mahjong when you visit Chengdu.
Price: $60.00
Duration: 3-4 hours
You will Discover the highlight of the unique forest park to fully immerse in nature as well a visiting the "Avatar Mountain" that was made famous by the block buster movie-Avatar, you will also have chance to experience the Bailong elevator and Tianzi cable way .This tour also takes you to visit the sky garden , a hidden beauty in the park where can see the Bailong elevator from the opposite side .
Price: $272.37
Duration: 6-8 hours
The beautiful scenery of the Stone Forest Scenic Area was listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2007. This attraction enjoys great reputation, both within China and abroad. The Yunnan Stone Forest Park, some 90km east of Kunming, is a very popular tourist hot spot. Due to the gigantic size of the park it is nevertheless still possible to find less visited and remote areas, especially in the sunny winter months. Find your own way through the maze of enormous stone pillars!Afterwards visit Jiuxiang Scenic Region which is located in Jiuxiang Yi and Hui Autonomous Township of Yiliang County, a 45 minutes’ drive from the Stone Forest. It is famous for its karst caves (about 100 in total, of which over 60 are explored), mountains, rivers, deep valleys as well as minority customs and cultures.
Price: $290.00
Duration: 8 hours
This 8 days Yunnan tour is a perfert choice for travelers pursuing an in-depth exploration of Yunnan, covering amazing stone forest, thousand-year-old ancient towns, peaceful Erhai Lake, breathtaking Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, hospitable local minorites...Join this tour to create a fond memory of your China holiday and have once-in -a-lifetime traveling experice.
Price: $2,289.00
Duration: 192 hours
Explore the Three Gorges including Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge by a Chinese 5-star boat upstream along the Yangtze River for a 5-day-and-4-night cruise from Yichang to Chongqing with shore excursion, meals, and accommodation included. Kindly note three excursions are included, but the three sites might be changed as per different boat schedule and we will send you the final three excursions before your tour. If it is rainy or dry season, the arrival dock might be Wanzhou Harbour not Chaotianmen Dock, and cruise will arrange bus transfer from Wangzhou Harbour to Chongqing city center.
Price: $599.00
Duration: 120 hours
Traveling can be quite stressful, but you can avoid some stress by pre-booking this round-trip transportation service between the Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) or Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) and your Chengdu hotel. A friendly English-speaking guide will meet you with a hearty welcome to the city and a comfortable drive to your hotel. When it’s time to leave, you’ll be taken directly to the airport and sent off with a sincere farewell by experienced driver with basic English skill. It’s as easy as the click of a button!
Price: $67.00
Duration: 0 hours
Professional Interpretation helps you to know pandas, Sanxingdui and Jinsha relics better. We have 5 options for people with different demands. Option 1: Private tour to visit Chengdu panda base and Sanxingdui Museum. Visit Chengdu panda base in the morning and then visit Sanxingdui museum in the afternoon by private transfer Option 2: 6 hours joined small group to visit Sanxingdui museum by public shuttle bus in the afternoon. Option 3: Private tour for the people who desirably want to know more abt Sanxingdui. Visit Jinsha site and then visit Sanxingdui museum in the afternoon by private transfer. Option 4 and 5: Private transfer by Chinese speaking driver. Driver will show you the entrance when you reach the attraction and wait for you in the parking lot. Please click the "check availability" button to check the 3 options.
Price: $75.00
Duration: 6-10 hours
Taking a bullet train from Chengdu to Xian to visit the 8th world wonder – Terracotta Warriors and Horses. A highly time-and-money saving way to visit Terracotta Warriors from Chengdu. This tour also including the round way transfer between your Chengdu City area hotel and Chengdu Dong Station.Please note：round way bullet train tickets is booked by you.
Price: $209.94
Duration: 14 hours
Welcome to Chengdu city! There's no better way to begin your Chengdu vacation than with a private transfer from the Chengdu airport to your hotel! Enjoy door-to-door service and avoid the hassle of public transportation or long taxi lines by booking this convenient, air-conditioned private transfer. We're looking forward to see you at arrival hall of Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport(CTU) or Chengdu Tianfu International Airport(TFU).
Price: $33.68
Duration: 0 hours
This is a flexible Panda Tour! You can choose only visit Panda Base for half day tour, or morning in base and afernoon in Giant Buddha full day tour! If you choose "Only Ticket without pickup" option, you will go and explore the Panda Base on your own without guide, driver and hotel pickup. If you choose "with Guide Service" option, you will meet your private guide in your hotel lobby. Your guide will help you take a taxi or DIDI/UBER to Panda Breeding Center and help you back hotel at the end.(All your transportation cost is on you own) If you choose "with Guide and Driver"option, you will meet both in your hotel lobby, round way hotel transfer and guide service are all inclusive. If your booking is “with Driver Service”, you will meet your Chinese driver in your hotel lobby with a sign of your name. Translator APP will help you tell your driver your request.
Price: $20.00
Duration: 4 hours
Famous Szechuan style Dan dan noodles (担担面) is one of the most popular Chinese street foods. it is one of the top Chinese noodles. During this 4-5 hours unique Dan Dan Noodles cooking workshop, you’ll be taken into an authentic local spice market to explore it with fun challenges to complete and learn different species of Sichuan spices and ingredients that will be used in the following cooking class. After that, The class will be carried out in a professional cooking school of Sichuan cuisine. You’ll be treated with Sichuan local tea as it’s local’s custom to treat friends and visitors. After that, you then will be guide to start the cooking process by a professional chef in a cozy kitchen. Finally, you can enjoy the dishes made by yourself along with some beers or beverages. For it’s really informative, interesting and fun, this class will be an unforgettable experience in your lifetime.
Price: $100.00
Duration: 4 hours
1. Choose Your Tour
Browse our curated selection of tours and select your perfect adventure.
2. Check Details
Review tour inclusions, duration, and meeting points carefully.
3. Book Online
Complete your booking securely with instant confirmation.
4. Enjoy Your Experience
Join the tour and create unforgettable memories in Southwest China.
Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Southwest China is renowned for its bold and spicy flavors, especially Sichuan cuisine, famous for its use of Sichuan peppercorns and chili peppers. Signature dishes include mapo tofu, kung pao chicken, hot pot, and dandan noodles. Yunnan cuisine is known for its fresh herbs, mushrooms, and diverse ingredients, with dishes like crossing-the-bridge noodles and steam pot chicken. Dining customs often involve communal meals with shared dishes. Noteworthy restaurants include those in Chengdu for authentic Sichuan food and Lijiang for Yunnan specialties.
Getting Around
Southwest China is accessible by air through major airports in Chengdu, Kunming, and Lhasa. High-speed trains connect key cities, while buses serve smaller towns. Local transportation includes taxis, buses, and ride-hailing apps in urban areas. For rural exploration, private car hires or guided tours are common. Travel costs vary but are generally affordable compared to major global cities. Planning ahead for transport in mountainous or remote areas is recommended.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit is spring through autumn to avoid harsh winters and rainy seasons. Pack layered clothing for varying climates and sturdy shoes for trekking. Respect local customs, especially in ethnic minority regions and religious sites. Carry cash as some rural areas may not accept cards. Stay hydrated and be cautious of altitude sickness in highland areas like Tibet. Learn basic Mandarin phrases or use translation apps for easier communication.
Culture & Customs
Southwest China is culturally diverse with many ethnic groups such as the Yi, Tibetan, Bai, and Naxi. Social customs emphasize respect for elders and hospitality. Traditional festivals like the Torch Festival and Tibetan New Year are vibrant and worth experiencing. Visitors should dress modestly when visiting temples and religious sites. Gift-giving and polite greetings are appreciated. Photography of people should be done with permission.
