Accommodation: Hongyuan

Depart from Chengdu via Chengdu-Dujiangyan Expressway to admire the Western Sichuan Plain scenery, passing Dujiangyan, Yingxiu and Wenchuan. Drive upstream along Minjiang River and enjoy the charming river valley views. Go through Zhegu Mountain Tunnel and Shuajingsi, cross Chazhen Ridge, the watershed of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, and experience the unique artistic mood. Reach Moon Bay dressed in gorgeous plateau sunset glow, then arrive at Hongyuan, the grassland the Red Army marched across. Check into local hotel upon arrival.

Accommodation: Tangke

After breakfast, head to Zoige Grassland, the largest grassland in Sichuan. Pass the beautiful and mysterious Waqie Pagoda Forest and view the Yellow River winding across the grassland. Its magnificent scenery is breathtaking and awe-inspiring. Visit Riganqiao Wetland, the vast marsh the Red Army traversed during the Long March. You may pick wild mushrooms, fish wild Yellow River fish and appreciate the river scenery.

Proceed to Flower Lake on Rerdam Grassland, named for blooming aquatic flowers. It is China’s largest and flattest wetland grassland. The surrounding vast marshland forms a plateau wetland biodiversity nature reserve mainly inhabited by black-necked cranes. Walk along floating bridges, indulge in the gorgeous view of lake water and blossoms, play with water birds and trace black-necked cranes.

Arrive at the First Bend of the Yellow River before dinner and fully capture stunning dusk views.

After breakfast, drive via Hongyuan to Barkam, capital of Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture.

It is 395 kilometers away from Chengdu. The city got its name from the local Barkam Temple, meaning flourishing flames and a prosperous land.

In ancient times, it belonged to Ranlong. It was under Jiandi Prefecture in Qin Dynasty, Wenshan Commandery in Han Dynasty, one of the thirty-two minority-administered prefectures in Tang and Song Dynasties, and Xizang Pacification Commission in Yuan Dynasty. It was under Zagu Pacification Department in Yongle reign of Ming Dynasty, Lifan Direct Administration in Qianlong reign and Zagu Direct Administration in Jiaqing reign of Qing Dynasty, and Lifan County in the Republic of China.

In December 1950, administrative teams entered the Four Chieftains Area and set up provisional working committee. The region achieved peaceful liberation in August 1951, and the temporary military and political committee was founded in September. Approved by the government, Barkam office of Sichuan Tibetan Autonomous Region was established in April 1953, and Barkam County was officially founded with State Council approval in April 1956.

It is a major Tibetan inhabited area dominated by Jiarong Tibetans. Jiarong refers to residents dwelling in mild river valleys around Mount Jiamomordo. 

After breakfast, travel amid fragrant blossoms and fresh grass. Pass Jinchuan, hometown of fine snow pears, and arrive at Danba, famed as the Land of Ancient Watchtowers. Upon arrival, enjoy sightseeing and photography of local stunning views, including ancient stone watchtowers and graceful local ladies.

Amid curling cooking smoke, pass Tagong Grassland and Xinduqiao, the paradise for photographers, and reach Kangding, hometown of classic love ballads. Capture magnificent views of Tagong Grassland, Xinduqiao and Zheduo Mountain along the way. Soak in relaxing hot springs in the evening.

Visit Anjue Temple before breakfast to listen to lamas chant scriptures and receive blessings. After breakfast, drive back to Chengdu via Luding and Shangli Ancient Town. Taste authentic farmhouse meals, watch lively folk martial arts shows and admire the sacred White Horse Spring in the ancient town.