Overview
Cool, easy private day from Chengdu: stroll a shaded canyon boardwalk past streams and waterfalls at Dingmugou, then wander the artsy Xieyuan ancient town. Guide, private car and lunch included.
Itinerary
Chengdu: Dingmugou Canyon & Xieyuan Old Town Day
Beat Chengdu's summer heat on this relaxed private day to the leafy Dingmugou canyon and the charming Xieyuan ancient town. After a comfortable hotel pickup, your private vehicle and English-speaking guide drive you about two hours into the cool green hills.
The day starts with an easy, scenic walk at Dingmugou, an out-and-back stroll of roughly four kilometres along a gentle valley boardwalk. Steep cliffs rise on either side while a clear stream runs below, and you'll pass pretty cascades and pools, the 'Dragon's Roar Falls' and 'Layered Green Pool' among them. It stays pleasantly cool here even in midsummer, perfect for a slow, refreshing wander. A relaxed lunch, country-style sizzling chicken or a packed picnic, can be enjoyed in the scenic area.
In the afternoon a short drive brings you to Xieyuan, a photogenic 'internet-famous' ancient town ringed by mountains. Browse its many arty little shops, soak up the nostalgic 1970s-80s atmosphere, and, if conditions allow, cool off by paddling in the shallow stream that runs through town.
Throughout the day you travel privately with just your own party, so everything moves at your pace, with plenty of time to relax, take photos and breathe the fresh mountain air. In the evening you'll be driven comfortably back to your Chengdu hotel after an easygoing, authentic taste of the Sichuan countryside.
Cool, easy private day from Chengdu: stroll a shaded canyon boardwalk past streams and waterfalls at Dingmugou, then wander the artsy Xieyuan ancient town. Guide, private car and lunch included.
What's Included
✓ Included
✕ Not included
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation is available on most tours up to 24 hours before the start time. The exact cancellation terms for this tour are shown during booking.
Traveler Reviews
For us, what stayed with me wasn't the booking or the car. It was the time at Dingmugou Canyon & Xieyuan Old Town Day, when we could slow down and actually look around.
Practically speaking, the route through Chengdu could be awkward to arrange independently. Having one person keep the timing straight made the whole thing calmer. I would still leave extra time for Dingmugou Canyon & Xieyuan Old Town Day.
The pace suited us, but this is not a lazy half day. Leave some space before whatever you plan next. My only advice is not to shorten the time at Dingmugou Canyon & Xieyuan Old Town Day.
Honestly, I tend to switch off when tours become a stream of dates. Here, the stories around Chengdu gave me enough to hold on to without overloading the day. I would keep the Chengdu outline as it was.
Honestly, good pacing, clear pickup and enough time at Dingmugou Canyon & Xieyuan Old Town Day. That is the whole review.