Hidden China Trips — Private Tours in Western Sichuan

Our Itineraries

Choose your journey

Every trip is private and fully flexible — these are starting points. Tell us what excites you and we'll build your perfect route.

5 DAYS · 4 NIGHTS

Hidden Western Sichuan

A slower-paced introduction to the Tibetan Plateau

From Chengdu into the golden pastures of Xinduqiao, with scenic highland stops along the classic G318.

A comfortable first step onto the Tibetan Plateau — mountains, meadows, Tibetan culture, and stunning drives.

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Sacred mountains and alpine lakes in Western Sichuan

7 DAYS · 6 NIGHTS

Sacred Mountains of Western Sichuan

A deeper journey into the Tibetan Plateau

Crossing the Kham plateau to Daocheng Yading and its sacred three-peak reserve — high passes, ancient monasteries, and multiple nights at altitude.

For travelers seeking dramatic high-altitude scenery and a genuine plateau experience beyond the standard routes.

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Eye of Genyen — sacred turquoise lake beneath Mount Genyen

7 DAYS · 6 NIGHTS

Genyen & Yading: Two Wonders

Litang · Yading · Eye of Genyen · Mount Gongga

Two of western Sichuan's most powerful landscapes in one loop — the sacred three peaks of Daocheng Yading and the wild pilgrim country of Mount Genyen.

With two nights each in Shangri-La Town and Litang for proper acclimatization — far beyond the standard routes.

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Jiuzhaigou color-shifting lakes and waterfalls in northern Sichuan

5 DAYS · 4 NIGHTS

Jiuzhaigou Grand Loop

Siguniang Mountain · Jiuzhaigou · Huanglong

Giant pandas, Siguniang Mountain, the Qiang cultural corridor, Jiuzhaigou's color-shifting lakes, and Huanglong's mineral pools — a logical north Sichuan loop.

Four iconic experiences for first-time Sichuan visitors, returning to Chengdu by high-speed train.

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Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain in Northwest Yunnan

7 DAYS · 6 NIGHTS

The Yunnan Dream

Kunming · Dali · Lijiang · Northwest Yunnan

From Kunming's karst stone forests and underground caves to Dali's Bai lakeside life and Lijiang's Naxi mountain culture — three very different faces of Yunnan in one private journey.

Ideal for first-time Yunnan visitors who want culture, nature, and slower travel beyond the standard group-tour route.

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Potala Palace and the golden rooftops of Lhasa, Tibet

8 DAYS · 7 NIGHTS

Tibetan Buddhist Culture Journey

Lhasa · Shigatse · Everest North Side

From Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple's living pilgrimage circuit to the great monasteries of Lhasa, the sacred Yamdrok Lake, and the north face of Mount Everest.

For travelers who want to understand Tibetan Buddhist culture alongside Tibet's most iconic highland landscapes — in one private journey.

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Colored alpine forest and lakes on the Siguniang–Bipenggou–Dagu–Jiuzhaigou western Sichuan loop

5 DAYS · 4 NIGHTS

Where Mountains Turn to Water

Siguniang · Bipenggou · Dagu Glacier · Jiuzhaigou

Snow peaks, a glacier at 4,860m by cable car, Sichuan's new Lixiao Scenic Road, Jiuzhaigou's color-shifting lakes, and Huanglong's mineral pools in one loop.

Six distinctive landscapes across western Sichuan — never doubling back, returning to Chengdu by high-speed train.

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Mount Genyen pilgrim country — Western Sichuan

5 DAYS · 4 NIGHTS

Genyen Explorer

Litang · Eye of Genyen · Mount Gongga · Tagong

A focused overland journey to Litang and the wild pilgrim country of Mount Genyen — crossing Tiejiangshan Pass and watching the sun set on Mount Gongga.

For travelers who want the raw Tibetan plateau experience without Yading's crowds, in a tighter five-day window.

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From the Founder

@ Ann · Founder

I still remember my first trip abroad. I was 21, flying to Europe alone for the first time. I had no idea how the trains worked, which neighbourhoods were safe, how to handle cash, or what to do if something went wrong. The internet wasn't what it is today, and I couldn't find clear answers to most of my questions.

I left anyway — young enough to just go. But the weeks before departure were full of quiet anxiety. And even on the road, small things that should have been simple became stressful, simply because I didn't know who to ask.

Looking back, what I really needed wasn't a tour package. I needed one person — someone who actually knew the place — who could sit down with me and say: here's how it works, here's what to watch out for, here's what you don't need to worry about.

That's exactly what I want to be for anyone thinking about travelling to China.

Your personal China travel advisor — before, during, and after your trip.

If you're thinking about visiting China and have questions along the way — about payments, transport, internet, language, visa, or anything else — we're here to help.

You don't need to have a trip booked with us to reach out. We'll give you honest, practical answers based on real experience.

Have a Question? Ask Us on WhatsApp

Prefer email? Write to us at hiddenchinatrips@gmail.com

How It Works

Simple from start to finish

No complicated booking forms. We talk directly, plan together, and make sure every detail is sorted before you arrive.

Reach Out

Message us on WhatsApp or Instagram. Tell us your dates, group size, and what kind of trip you're dreaming of.

We Build Your Plan

We send you a tailored itinerary with route, accommodation options, and a transparent price breakdown. No surprises.

Confirm & Deposit

Happy with the plan? A small deposit locks in your dates. We handle everything on the ground from there.

Arrive & Explore

We pick you up from Chengdu and take care of every detail. You just show up and enjoy the adventure.

FAQ

Western Sichuan Trip FAQ

Everything you need to know before your Western Sichuan journey.

Is Western Sichuan the same as Tibet?

Not exactly Tibet, but definitely the Tibetan Plateau — with real Tibetan culture, stunning mountains, monasteries, and far fewer crowds. For many travelers, it's actually a better first experience.

It's not Tibet as a region — but it is Tibet as an experience.

Do I need a Tibet Travel Permit?

No, you don't need a Tibet Travel Permit. This trip is in Western Sichuan, not the Tibet Autonomous Region — and we handle all local arrangements for you.

Will I get altitude sickness?

It's a common concern. Altitude affects everyone differently, but we design the trip to be slow-paced to help your body adjust. Most travelers are fine, and if there are any symptoms, they're usually mild and temporary.

Altitude is real, but it's manageable with the right pace — and that's exactly how we design our trips.

What if I get altitude sickness on the trip?

If you feel altitude symptoms, our guides are experienced and we carry portable oxygen for support. There are also hospitals along the route if needed, and we can always descend to a lower altitude if you feel uncomfortable.

We can't eliminate altitude, but we can manage it — and we're fully prepared to do so.

How difficult is the trip?

It's not physically hard — no intense hiking required. The main factor is altitude, but we keep the pace slow to help your body adjust. Most travelers find it very manageable, even as a first high-altitude trip.

What's the difference between the 5-day and 7-day trip?

Choose 5 days for a comfortable first Western Sichuan experience.

Choose 7 days if you want to go deeper and include Yading's high-altitude mountain scenery.

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Meet the Team

The people behind your trip

Hidden China Trips is created by people who combine international travel experience, professional route design, and deep curiosity for China’s lesser-known places.

We design private journeys that feel inspiring, well-paced, and reliable — from the first idea to every detail on the road.

Ann XU

Founder

Hi, I'm Ann, founder of Hidden China Trips.

After 10 years working at companies like Alibaba, Baidu, and JD.com, I decided to follow what I truly love: travel, local culture, and meaningful journeys.

I've traveled across Europe, Africa, the US, and Australia, and I'm especially drawn to places that feel less obvious, less crowded, and more real.

That's also how I think about travel in China. I want to help international travelers experience a different side of China — not just famous landmarks, but mountains, villages, roads, people, and everyday moments that are often missed.

I understand what international travelers care about most: safety, clarity, comfort, and authenticity. So every trip we create is designed with those needs in mind.

Today, I help travelers explore China more safely, deeply, and beyond the usual tourist routes.

Seven Zhang

Co-Founder

Hi, I'm Seven, co-founder of Hidden China Trips.

Before joining Hidden China Trips, I worked as a travel product manager at an international travel agency in Shanghai, with 7 years of experience in travel operations, route planning, and risk management.

I've also spent 3 years backpacking across the US, Australia, and Asia, which gave me a deeper understanding of what travelers need when exploring unfamiliar places.

For me, a good trip is not only about beautiful scenery. It also needs to feel smooth, well-paced, and reliable — especially when traveling in remote regions.

I focus on making each journey safe, easy, and authentic, from practical logistics to on-the-road support.

Today, I help international travelers experience the real China with more confidence, clarity, and ease.

Jade Zhao

Co-Founder

Hi, I'm Jade, co-founder of Hidden China Trips.

Before joining Hidden China Trips, I worked at an international travel agency under Trip.com Group, with years of experience in guest services and route design. I excel at understanding travelers' preferences and core needs.

I also spent a full year volunteering in environmental and wildlife conservation in western Sichuan and Tibet. There I saw the untouched natural beauty of western China and learned about Tibetan culture's belief in harmony between people and nature.

I have long been fascinated by China's diverse landmarks and profound cultures. I aim to bring these precious natural and cultural treasures to every traveler eager to explore the authentic China.

Today, I help every traveler explore China's hidden destinations in depth.

Our Approach

Why travellers choose us

We do things differently from big tour groups.

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Private Groups Only

Your trip is arranged as a private journey, with the vehicle and route planned around your group size and travel style.

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Hidden Local Moments

From quiet valleys to local villages and lesser-known viewpoints, we help you experience places that are often missed by standard tours.

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Honest Communication

We answer your questions clearly and share our real advice on altitude, weather, road conditions, and itinerary choices.

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Responsible Travel

We keep groups small, work with local partners, and respect the daily life, culture, and traditions of Tibetan communities.

Beyond
What You Imagined

Everything you want to know before you go

Western Sichuan vs Tibet

6 Landscapes You’ll Actually See

What You Can Actually Do Here

Which Trip Is Right for You?

Choose your journey

Your personal China travel advisor — before, during, and after your trip.

A glimpse of what awaits