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

Designed for first-time travelers looking for mountains, Tibetan culture, scenic drives, and a more comfortable high-altitude experience.

Ideal for travelers who want beautiful landscapes without rushing too deep into the plateau.

🏔 Snow mountains 🌿 Tibetan grasslands 📸 Photography 🚙 Scenic road trip

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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

A more immersive route featuring Yading Nature Reserve, sacred mountains, alpine lakes, and longer time at high altitude.

Best for travelers seeking dramatic scenery and a deeper plateau experience.

🏔 Yading Reserve 🌊 Alpine lakes 🥾 Moderate hiking 🛕 Tibetan culture

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Eye of Genyen — sacred turquoise lake beneath Mount Genyen

7 DAYS · 6 NIGHTS

Genyen Sacred Mountain Expedition

The last Shangri-La — beyond the G318

An overland loop deep into Western Sichuan's most remote plateau — past Litang, through nomadic valleys, to the turquoise Eye of Genyen beneath the 6,204m sacred peak.

For travelers who want to go far beyond the standard routes.

👁 Eye of Genyen ⛰ 5,022m Pass 🏔 Sacred Peak 6,204m 🌿 Wild Plateau

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Jiuzhaigou color-shifting lakes and waterfalls in northern Sichuan

4 DAYS · 3 NIGHTS

The Enchanting Jiuzhaigou

Three natural wonders, one unforgettable journey

From Chengdu through the Tibetan-Qiang cultural corridor to three world-class natural wonders — color-shifting lakes, high-altitude mineral pools, and China's Alps.

Ideal for first-time Sichuan visitors who want to see the north's best landscapes in a single journey.

🏞 Jiuzhaigou 💎 Huanglong 🏔 Siguniang Mountain 📸 DSLR + Drone

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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.

🌊 Erhai Lake Cycling 🏔 Jade Dragon Snow Mountain 🏞 Tiger Leaping Gorge 🪨 Stone Forest

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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.

🏛 Potala Palace 🏔 Everest North Side 🌊 Yamdrok Lake 🙏 Monastery Culture

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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