12 Days China Tour Package to Four Sacred Mountains of Buddhism

Tour Itinerary Expand All

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1Arrival Chengdu

Transfer service to hotel

Meals: No meal
Accommodation: In Chengdu

Arriving in Chengdu, you will be greeted by the local guide at the airport or railway station. You take the private vehicle to the reserved hotel which is hand-picked by Topchinatravel. With the assistance of the guide, you will be free at leisure for the rest of the day after hotel check-in.

Tips for today:

Have a good rest at hotel to overcome the jet leg if Chengdu is the 1st city you arrive in China.
Change some money at the airport, hotel or a local bank with the assistance from your local guide or you can also withdraw CNY cash from ATM machine directly.

Day 2Chengdu - Leshan - Mount Emei

Drive to Leshan, Leshan Giant Buddha, Drive to Emei

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Mount Emei area

In the morning after breakfast, have 1.5-hour driving to Mt. Leshan, where you will visit the tallest stone Buddha statue in the world. Just take a cruise (about 30 min) to have an overview of this mountain and the Leshan Giant Buddha. After that, continue to have a 1 hour driving to Mt. Emei. Then we will check in your hotel and enjoy your free time.

Details in the itinerary:

We arrange a cruise to see Leshan Giant Buddha. While you can also choose to climb Mt. Leshan (1- 2 hours hiking) which is not recommended from us because it is tired and could not get an overview of the Buddha.
Chengdu downtown - Mt. Leshan: 150 km, 1.5-hour driving
Mt. Leshan - Mt. Emei area: 41km, 1-hour driving

Leshan Giant Buddha

Day 3Mount Emei - Chengdu

Mt. Emei, Drive to Chengdu

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Chengdu

Today you will have sightseeing in Mt. Emei which is considered to be the ashram of Samantabhadra, one of the Four Bodhisattvas. You will visit Baoguo Temple which is the No.1 Buddhist temple among the countless temples in Mount Emei, and you will take a cable car up to the Golden Summit which is the highest point and holy place in Mount Emei. After some stroll on the mountain, get down the mountain then drive back to Chengdu (165 km). Have a rest in the hotel in Chengdu or feel free of the rest time.

You are recommended to have a night visit to Chunxi Raod and Jinli Old Street.

A suggested sightseeing route in Mt. Emei:

Entering - Baoguo Temple - 2 Hours Scenic Shuttle Bus to Leidongping - Walk a while to take the cable car - Go up to Golden Summit by cable car - Sightseeing at Golden Summit - Back to the entrance in the same way
Mt. Emei area - Chengdu downtown: 165km, 2-hour driving

Golden Submit of Mt. Emei

Day 4Chengdu - Taiyuan - Mount Wutai

Take a flight to Taiyuan, Drive to Mount Wutai, Free at leisure for the rest of the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Mount Wutai area

Today, you will get up early for the morning flight to Taiyuan. Upon arrival, you will be picked up from Taiyuan airport and transfer to Mount Wutai for about 3-3.5 hours driving. Mt. Wutai is the holy Buddhism mountain for worshipping Wenshu Bodhisattva (Manjusri) and the No.1 sacred place of Buddhism in China. Check in the hotel and free at leisure for the rest of the time after a long journey. You are recommended to pay a visit to Taihuai County at night.

In the afternoon, you will pay a visit to Summit Bodhisattva - the most spiritual temple, Xiantong Temple - the most prestigious temple and Shuxiang Temple - worship for wisdom.

Details in the itinerary:

Chengdu downtown - Chengdu airport: 14km, 30 minutes
Taiyuan airport - Mount Wutai: 240km, 3-3.5 hours driving

Mount Wutai

Day 5Mount Wutai

Visit Temple Complex of Taihuai: Hall of Manjusri, Shuxiang Temple, Wuye Temple, Summit Bodhisattva Monastery, Luohou Temple, Xiangtong Temple, Tayuan Temple

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Mount Wutai area

Mount Wutai is the ashram of Manjushri, so the first thing we will do when we come to Mount Wutai is to visit the Hall of Manjusri, worshiping Manjushri. After that, we'll go to Wuye Temple, where the incense is most prosperous in Wutai Mountain. After that, follow the path all the way up the mountain, where the royal monastery Summit Bodhisattva awaits you.

On the mountain, you can see the famous landmark of Mount Wutai --- the Great White Pagoda, and a clear panoramic view of Taihuai Town. Slowly descending along the stairs, the towering trees, buildings with red walls and golden tiles, you will find this sacred place of Buddha is mysterous and attractive. After walking down the mountain, if you still have enough time, you can visit Luohou Temple, Xiantong Temple, and Tayuan Temple.

Mount Wutai

Day 6Mount Wutai

Grand worship of Mount Wutai: Wanghai Peak, Guanyue Peak, Jinxiu Peak, Yedou Peak, Cuiyan Peak

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Mount Wutai area

After breakfast, continue your second-day visit to Mount Wutai. You will take the Scenic Shuttle Bus to visit the five peaks - Wanghai Peak in the east (Wanghai Temple) where visitors standing on the top of the peak can appreciate the height of 2,795 meters, Guanyue Peak (Falei Temple) in the west, Jinxiu Peak (Puji Temple) in the south, Yedou Peak (Lingying Temple) in the north which is the highest point of Mount Wutai, as well being the highest in Northern China, at 3,058 meters, Cuiyan Peak (Yanjiao Temple) in the middle.

The worship to the five peaks is called Dachaotai which means Grand Worship. The Buddhist take it as a holy way to show their sincerity and bring their respect to the Buddha.

After the visit, you will take the shuttle bus down to the hill and back to your hotel for rest.

Note: As it will takes a full day to travel among 5 peaks of Mount Wutai, it is an exausting day. If your physical condition is not suitable for the grand worship of Mount Wutai, please adivse us in advance to adjust the itinerary for you.

Mount Wutai

Day 7Mount Wutai - Taiyuan - Hefei - Mount Jiuhua

Drive to Taiyuan, Take hi-speed rail to Hefei, Drive to Mount Jiuhua

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Mount Jiuhua area

Say goodbye to Mount Wutai and continue your trip to the next holy mountain. You will be transferred to Taiyuan, where you will take high speed train to Hefei. Your driver will meet you at Hefei High Speed Train Station and help you transfer to the Mount Jiuhua area, including hotel check-in. Have a good rest for the following trip.

Details in the itinerary:

Mount Wutai - Taiyuan High Speed Train Station: 200km, 2.5 hours driving
Hefei High Speed Train Staion - Mount Jiuhua: 230km, 3 hours driving

Mount Jiuhua

Day 8Mount Jiuhua

Jiuhua Street Scenic Area, Huacheng Temple, Diyuan Temple, Five Hundred Arhats Hall, Incarnation Hall, Longevity Palace

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Mount Jiuhua area

After breakfast, you will take the shuttle bus up to Jiuhua Street Scenic Area where is the gathering place of historic figures and cultural heritage. You would find the most important temples here, such as Huacheng Temple, Diyuan Temple and Five Hundred Arhats Hall. In addition to temples, there are schools, hotels, shops, farmhouses, visitors can stay here and make it a starting point to explore the mountain attractions.

After lunch, you will play an easy walk along the stone plank up to Incarnation Hall which is a Buddhist shrine for worshipping the Bodhisattva Dizang (Ksitigarbha). Then, you will take the cable car up to Longevity Palace. You will be surprised by the unique combination of rock and construction, architecture and mountains. After the tour, take the cable car down to the hill and back to your hotel for rest.

Jiuhua Mountain

Day 9Mount Jiuhua

Minyuan Scenic Area, Tiantai Temple, Dayuan Culture Theme Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Mount Jiuhua area

Today, you will have an exploration of the Minyuan Scenic Area and take the cable car up to Tiantai Peak where you will visit the Tiantai Temple where is the most essential place in Mount Jiuhua. You will not only experience the strong atmosphere of Buddhism but would be astonished by the magnificent natural view. Take cable car down at noon.

After lunch, you will continue the visit to Dayuan Culture Theme Park where you will acquaint the most comprehensive culture of Ksitigarbha, and you will also see its symbolic spot - the 99 meters bronze statue of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. Back to your hotel after the trip.

Mount Jiuhua

Day 10Mount Jiuhua - Hangzhou - Mount Putuo

Take the hi-speed rail to Hangzhou, Private transfer to Zhujiajian Pier, Take ferry boat to Putuoshan Island

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Mount Putuo area

After breakfast, please check out and you will be transferred to the Chizhou railway station for the hi-speed rail to Hangzhou. Upon arrival, your driver will pick you up from the station and drive to Zhujiajian Pier for the ferry boat to Mount Putuoshan which is regarded to be the ashram of Avalokite?vara, one of the four bodhisattvas.

Your local guide will meet you at the pier when you arrive and help you check in the hotel. Enjoy your free leisure time to explore the small island.

The lunch would be served at a local restaurant en route.

Details in the itinerary:

Chizhou - Hangzhou by the hi-speed rail: 2 hours and 40 minutes journey
Hangzhou - Zhujiajian Pier by the private transfer: 240km, 3.5 hours

Mount Putuo

Day 11Mount Putuo

Huiji Temple, Fayu Temple, Puji Temple, Purple Bamboo Forest, Giant Avalokitesvara Buddha Statue

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Mount Putuo area

Today, you will have a full day to visit Mount Putuo. Here, you can see a few temples, nunneries as well as monasteries. The beautiful landscapes along with the charm concerned with Buddhism make Putuo a sacred mountain.

In the morning, you will first visit Huiji Temple - the third largest temple. Then, pay an easy walk down the steps along Xiangyun Road to Fayu Temple which is the second largest temple in Putuo Mountain. And you could appreciate the finest Buddhist hall in the country - Jade Buddhist Hall.

After lunch, you will continue the afternoon visit to Puji Temple which is one of the most popular temples with the most burning incense on Putuo Mountain, as well as the largest and oldest temple. Continue the visit to Purple Bamboo Forest - the residence place of Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy) & Giant Avalokitesvara Buddha Statue - a 33 meters golden statue standing.

After the tour, you will be transferred back to the hotel and have a free evening on your own arrangement.

Fayu Temple, Putuo Mountain

Day 12Mount Putuo - Shanghai, Departure

Transfer to Shanghai for departure

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, please check out and you will be transferred to the pier for the ferry boat to Zhujiajian Pier. Your driver will pick you up from the pier and then drive to Shanghai Pudong airport directly for your flight home.

Details in the itinerary:
Zhujiajian Pier - Shanghai Pudong International Airport: 320km, 4 hours

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Notice:

Due to the uncertainties of this tour, such as special local conditions , the changes of accommodation rate, etc, the tour has to be tailor-made and its price is on request. Please tell us in advance your group information inclusive of departure date, number of pax, and other individual needs, which will be helpful to work out a fit program and the right price.

Useful Information

Traveler Reviews Feedbacks & Photos >>Feedbacks

5.0

PunkNelson

5.0

Great Hotel stay Very Nice Tour guides Convenient planned daily trips Average selection of restaurant for food though

Kiwimac53

5.0

We were looking for a tour in SW China while in the area for work and found this one. While we wouldn't normally get a private tour but surprisingly it was actually cheaper than most of the group tours in the area and was great value. While I would usually rather keep one guide for the whole tour, as you get to know each other and they get to know what you are interested in, we changed guides 5 times during this trip (fortunately we had the same guide in Kunming at the start and end of the tour which was a real bonus as Murphy, our Kunming based guide, was excellent.) In this case changing guides had the advantage of local knowledge at each site so compensated for the change. Of the 4 guides we had 3 excellent and 1 very good with each of them working hard to look after us and make sure we enjoyed our trip. Vicky, our Dali based guide was also extremely good making our time there a highlight. The tour gives you 2 days at each base ie travel in the morning, have the afternoon and the next day touring the area then drive to the next base. We chose the driving tour as we feel it gives you a better experience of the area and you get to see the locals in action. All the drivers we had were great - they went out of their way to look after us and were very safe, which is saying something for driving in China. While all of the guides were very fluent in English none of the drivers could speak English which was a slight disadvantage as you didn't have the guides with you when traveling between bases but the friendliness and helpfulness of the drivers more than made up for this. The tour was very well organised and we knew what we were doing from the time we met our guide on arrival at the Kunming railway station to when we walked through security at the airport on our way out. The tour comes with 4,5 and 6 star accommodation choices and we went for the cheapest 4 star option. While the English at the hotels was limited the guides made sure we were checked in and out and took care of any issues (which were minimal). The 4 star option is largely "Chinese style" hotels ie designed for Chinese visitors with breakfast consisting of what many westeners would consider dinner style food but there was always eggs and toast for the less adventurous. The hotels were all clean and comfortable and generally very well located. The Hotel in Kunming (Jin Jang Inn) was a bonus as it seemed higher than 4 star and we stayed there both on our way in and out. As well as breakfast, lunch came with the tour which was enjoyable as the guides choose the restaurants so we got a variety. I got the feeling that most of the restaurants were owned by friends or family or there was some arrangement with the guide, but as you get to formally review each guide and the meals at the end of each stop they work hard to make sure you enjoy the meal and there was always an abundance of food. We tried a range of local cuisine and there was only one meal we didn't think was up to par. You get your own dinner which also suited us as there is invariably a range of restaurants or for the more adventurous there is the street vendors and you can choose what you want. The vehicles we were driven in were all very good- plenty of space and very comfortable. Being a private tour, while there was a set itinerary, which was diverse and very interesting with something for most people, the guides could tweak it to suit individual interests eg more time at one site and less at another. It is easy to get a bit templed out but overall the itinerary was a good mic of nature and culture. I would thoroughly recommend the tour and the company and we will be looking to the company if/when we go back - Guilin is next on the list as the guides were very happy to discus what they thought we would and wouldn't enjoy based on working with us on this tour,

N2265ZIinfo

5.0

Excellent guides, flexible and knowledgeable travel agent. They speak good English. Our trip was very well organized. We are 100% happy and I can recommend Top China Travel to everybody.

Wesley O

5.0

I contacted Top China travel for a 13 day China vacation (Beijing/Xian/Yangtze River cruise/Shanghai) and right from the start Bonnie provided me with great choices and package options. Throughout the entire planning and even during the trip Bonnie was there for us following up and making sure everything was perfect. Thank you Bonnie for making our China vacation unforgettable.

Johnf8958

5.0

From the minute I contacted Vicky at Top China Travel to book our holiday, to the time we were taken to Pudong airport for our flight home, the experience was perfect. My wife and I visited Beijing, Xian and Shanghai and all of our tour guides were fluent in English, very knowledgeable and very friendly. Thank you Vicky and all at TCT and I will definitely be in contact when I return to China.

lakazdi

5.0

I went on a Top China Travel group tour. Everything was so well organised that I never had to worry about anything. I really liked that the group was small and it felt like we were a big group of old-friends all travelling together, not just a passenger on the bus. Every hotel, guide, driver and restaurant was very well picked. I was very happy with how well-informed each guide was, how flexible they were to ensure we all had a great time, and their English was all very good. At every step of the way, guides had us fill in a Top China Travel feedback form which I am certain the company take very seriously since their service was so good. I will be passing on their details to all my friends and family who want to travel in China.

DEBORAH O

5.0

Thanks to Ms Raylene He we had a wonderful and well organised trip to 5 destinations which all went off without a hitch including being met by guides and drivers in each city and looked after very well. This all included several domestic flights a train trip and permits. I have no qualms in recommending this company to other travellers.

EBTraveler

5.0

With forty years of travel to the far corners of our world we have encountered many guides. Like most travelers some have not been very good, some decent and the rare few that are outstanding. During our three weeks in China last month we encountered just such a rare individual. Our guide in Guilin was a young women named Ping (I'll provide her email later). Ping demonstrated knowledge and command of the history, stories and culture all along the way. Beyond that, Ping exuded infectious enthusiasm not only for our touring, but for us personally as well. We had a serious medical issue occur suddenly, in fact one of us went into diabetic shock. It was four in the morning but no matter, after calling Ping she took command and arranged for the hotel to send us, with a car, driver, and assistant to a hospital. Upon our arrival there was Ping who obviously thru on some clothes, got on her motorbike and rushed to meet us. There she not only served as translator but as though a family member, she became invested in our proper care and recovery. Truly remarkable to have such a person supporting you. In small ways she flavored her guiding with a sense of our interests and preferences, like the day we mentioned our love of pomegranates and the next morning there she is smiling and with samples for us as a treat. When we left a jacket behind, once again was on it as Ping arranged for its shipment to out next stop and tracked it until it was in our hands. Beyond that, Ping was in frequent contact to make certain of our full medical recovery and to offer her help where or whenever it might be needed while in China. Amazing! Ping can be contacted at bellakanas@163.com Sheila Hertz, Howard Entin

ourview_11

5.0

From the first email to Top China Travel with Joyce to our wonderful Tour Guide Linda and our driver I can not say more happily what a wonderful trip we have had. Linda was very Kind and very informative with all your tours. The vehicle used was at very high standard and the Driver very safe. We had a private Tour for myself and my Husband we would totally recommend this company.

Geonannie

5.0

Top China Travel is the the tops! I booked an 21 day tour of China for my husband and I and from the very first contact with Lily Lui I was totally impressed. We communicated via e-mail and Lily was very quick and helpful with her responses. Because this was not our first trip to China, I wanted an itinerary that was different from the norm. Lily's recommendations were top notch. The hotels she used were top shelf as we requested. Our guides and drivers were fantastic. What impressed me the most was that when we were in China, Lily called to speak to me and make sure everything was going well. When I ran into some issues due to altitude sickness, I contacted her and she had the itinerary changes done and finalized within an hour. This was a private tour with guide and driver and I honestly can say there was not one thing I wished we had done differently. Thanks to Top China Travel and Lily our trip to China was perfect. I will definitely be contacting Lily when we return to China for yet another visit.

Allessandr0

5.0

I am a tour leader from Italy and this was my first cooperation with Janet and how lucky we met her!! We followed the trip with her to remote areas in China including some ethnic group area in Guizhou province and Sanjiang, Longsheng and Guilin, we enjoyed completely throughout the whole trip and some arrangement even out of our surprise, like we went to Janet’s home to learn how to pack Chinese Ravioli, she invited a Taichi teacher and we had a 1 hour Taichi class inside her home community. Everything was fine and our group members are all like her very much. We strongly recommend Janet Chan (janet@topchinatravel.com) as your China trip consultant! She is so considerate and carefully planned each detail of our trip. Guizhou is a very interesting and primitive place for visiting, you should include in your China trip as well! Thank you Janet! You are very professional!!

Salim A

5.0

When I planning our private trip to china I have read many trip adviser reviews and I have noticed Janet Chan’s name came up a number of times so i sent her an e-mail asked for the best two weeks private tour in China for 6 persons , whiten two days she replied me recommending 5 cities ( Zhangjiajie, hangzhuo , shanghai, Beijing , Guilin ) we went through the program which she sent to us it was excellent so we asked her to go ahead to arrange our journey . it was a great choice we made, The tour guides were knowledgeable and helpful. The hotels which reserved for us by TCT were excellent We can only say thanks for TCT and especially Janet Chan

Karan J

5.0

From the 1st point of contact till the end Joyce was great and helped plan a perfect trip which I was for a short time in Beijing. I was traveling alone and was recommended to join a small group of fellow travelers which was perfect. Great tour guide with a clean bus. Pick up on time and overall a great experience.

Ms Masha B

5.0

My husband and I booked a two week private tour of China with Top China Travel. It was an excellent experience. Vicky, a tour consultant, offered us a very good program visiting Beijing, Xian, Zhangjiajie, Shanghai and Nanjing. We really enjoyed every location. The tour guides were knowledgeable and helpful. In Beijing, Shanghai and Nanjing me made our own hotel reservation and in Xian an Zhangjiajie TCT made the reservations for us. Lunch was included in the tour and the selection of the restaurants was excellent in most locations (except Xian). Overall great tour!

Chris W

5.0

When planning our China trip we read many trip advisor reviews and noticed Janet Chan’s name came up a number of times so we asked for her to arrange our journey across this fascinating land. What a great choice we made, she listened and responded to our questions and arranged all our trip that went off without any problems. We didn’t want shopping nor group travel and she responded brilliantly. Two days hiking on the wall with fabulous guide Miko, in fact all our guides and drivers were just excellent. High speed train meant we saw lots of China’s varied countryside and went to some out of the way places. We can only say great things about TCT and especially Janet Chan if you are planning a trip. Thank you Janet for an exciting and memorable trip! Chris n Jools Winstanley

Raghavan A

5.0

We signed up with TCT after reading reviews of Tibet tour agencies. Our trip included 4 days in Lhasa, two in Shigatse and one at the base camp. TCT made all the arrangements including the Tibet permit, hotels, tour guide, car and the driver for the entire trip. The arrangements were superb. The guide and the driver were very accommodating to our needs and made the entire trip very convenient. At the base camp, the guide even arranged for extra oxygen in case we need it. She was also very helpful in advising us as how to get acclimated to the altitude. The entire trip was smooth and enjoyable and we would highly recommend TCT for travel to Tibet.

karenilena

5.0

wonderful visit and wonderful guide Li. Li showed us all the charms of this great city together with our Li river tour. We fell in love with this place and Yangshou. Great place to visit and it was a favourite city in all the cities we visited. great guide

Natasha J

5.0

I can't recommend this company enough!! I started talking to Yocky via the chat system on their website, as we wanted to do a 2.5 week trip around China. Our itinerary was: Shenzhen-Beijing-Xian-Kunming-Dongchuan-Chengdu-Guilin-Sanya Here's how things went: 1) She was instant in her replies and responded to subsequent emails within the hour (and trust me, I sent A LOT of emails). She was always so thorough and efficient. 2) She made us a tailor made trip that covered everything we wanted, including some slightly more off the beaten track attractions. 3) She helped us keep to our budget and suggested reasonable things we could cut out when things were too expensive (not something many companies would do as they are trying to make a quick buck). 4) She listened to all of our requests for things such as early morning flights, vegetarian food, and readjusting itineraries. 5) All our drivers and guides were EXCELLENT; they were prompt, kind, spoke excellent English and had a wealth of knowledge about all the sites we saw. All the cars on our private tours were nice and comfortable and had water. 6) Despite asking for 3* hotels, all 7 hotels we stayed in seemed like 4* to us and all included breakfast. 7) With such a large and complicated trip there were bound to be a few hiccups (e.g. there was a marathon in Xian one day which meant a lot of roads were closed, so we couldn't access sites). Yocky was in touch with us the entire time and helped us rearrange our plans quickly and ordered complimentary tickets to a show to make up for the inconvenience. We were so nervous about our first trip to China as we speak no mandarin and are strict vegetarian but honestly this was one of the best trips of our life; this company made it so easy for us and I really can't imagine having been able to do it myself any better!

JrnyJunkie

5.0

The views are stunning and the boat that we were on had VIP seating for just our group with a private balcony to view the river.

Candi S

5.0

Raylene did a wonderful job organizing our tour to meet our time constraints. She answered all questions very efficiently. Our tour guide Rocco met us at the airport and the Driver was waiting near by. I have specific dietary restrictions and the guide was extremely helpful communicating that with the restaurants. The trip was so easy and we always felt safe. My husband and I are looking forward to booking a more extended trip in the future. There is so much to see and the food is wonderful!