Chengdu, in the country's southwest basin ， is one of the most leisurely and carefree cities in China. It was founded in 3rd century BC, when the Qin conquered all of China within two centuries. Chengdu flourished in the Han Dynasty and picked up its name of ‘brocade city' as it grew rich because of the thriving silk brocade industry. Also known as the land of abundance, Chengdu boasts its pleasant climate and plentiful products.

It will take about 6 hours to drive 270km to Kangding, the capital of Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in the province of Sichuan . Kangding, as a former outpost on the trade route to Tibet , is a fairly large town tucked within a river valley.

This 300-km journey will take about 5 hours. Litang is a county in the southwest of the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan . Litang Town itself is located at an altitude of 4,014 meters. It is on open grassland and surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Being about 400 meters higher than Lhasa , Litang is one of the highest towns in the world.

On the way, Xinduqiao will be found as an ideal place to take pictures of stunning highland scenery.

Yadingis a national level reserve in the southwest of Sichuan . Unknown to the outside world until the late 1990s, it is a mountain sanctuary and major pilgrimage site. It is home to three sacred Tibetan mountains: Chenresig (Avalokitesvara, 6,032m ), Jambeyang (Manjusri, 5, 58m ), and Chanadorje (Vajrapani, 5,958m ). These three mountains represent compassion, wisdom and energy which are the attributes one should cultivate on the path to enlightenment. Tibetan believes that making a Kora (pilgrimage) around these mountains brings great merit.

Have hiking or horse-ride along the wooden pathway to see the spectacular Mt. Chanadorje . Piles of Mani stones and the stunning vista can be seen along the way. We'll also visit a small Tibetan temple named Tshonggo Gonpa (Chonggusi), which Joseph Rock nicknamed 'Bandit Monastery.' (Joseph Rock, botanist and explorer, conducted extensive explorations of northwest China for Harvard's Museum of Comparative Zoology and National Geographic in 1924.) Continue the hiking to the foot of Mt Chenresig, where we'll ascend a small but steep hill to view a beautiful mountaintop emerald green lake. Local lore has it that this magical lake can reveal the future if people spend a few moments in quiet contemplation by its side. Return to the meadow at the foot of Mt. Chanadorje and spend the night in tent.

The distance between is 290km , which will take about 5 hours. Have a good rest at Shangri-La for tomorrow's sightseeing.

Zhongdian has gained the current name of Shangri-La in 2001. With the endless miles waiting to be discovered, this region offers unique hiking and trekking advantages to whom make journey down to northern Yunnan . At an altitude of 3,200 meters, Shangri-La is the start point of the Tibetan world in northern Yunnan . The small town once was the frontier trading post on the doorstep of Tibet.

Located not far from Zhongdian, Gadan Songzanlin Lamasery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist lamasery in Yunnan and one of the 13 large lamaseries in the Kangzang region (the join area of Tibet , Yunnan and Sichuan ). Constructed in 1679, it took about three years to complete. Built against the mountain with a magnificent appearance, Gadan Songzanlin is a faithful imitation of the Potala Palace in Lhasa , Tibet . The most famous treasures in the lamasery are the eight gold-covered sculptures of Sakyamuni, bronze sculptures, the Ganzur scriptures hand-written in liquid gold, gold lamps, and many exquisite gilded silver incense burners.

As China's first national park, Potatso National Park consists of two lakes- Shudu hu and Bita hai, the distance between these two lakes takes about half an hour's driving by green van. Shudu hu is in the shape of boot, and Bita hai is the highest lake in Yunnan . Both two lakes are famous for limpid water and beautiful scenery around. There are virgin forests including century-old pines, cypresses and birches around the lakes. In Bita hai there is an islet covered by cedars and azaleas. In spring, when the withered azalea flowers fall into the lake and are eaten by fish, the fish seem to be unconscious and almost drunk. They then float on the surface with their abdomen facing the sky. The whole park is an intact natural reserve of various species of flora and fauna as well as the lifestyle of its residents, so you also can see villages there. The green toilets are scattered in the area and planks were built around the lakes for visitors who would like to have a walk.

Kunming is the capital city of Yunnan Province . With a history more than 2,400 years, it owes its importance to the fact that it was the gateway to the celebrated Silk Road that facilitated trade with Tibet , Sichuan , Myanmar and India . The city enjoys a pleasant climate and does its best to live up to its title of the City of Eternal Spring. Its alluring highland scenery, bewitching Karsts landform, varied and exotic habitats and customs, places of historical interest can be found at major scenic spots. Besides, Kunming is the focal point of Yunnan minority culture with 26 ethnic groups like Bai, Dai, Miao in the area. Each group has its own featured festivals.