Southwest China · Sichuan, Chongqing, Yunnan, Guizhou and Tibet
Private journeys through Southwest China.
Pandas, Sichuan food, Yunnan's old towns and the Tibetan plateau. Chengdu is the usual gateway and pairs well with Chongqing and Zhangjiajie. Yunnan is a separate journey of its own, and Tibet needs permits we arrange in advance.
- 7Destinations we plan here
- PrivateYour own guide and driver
- Tailor-madeOr a Signature Journey where one exists
- In writingQuote confirmed before you pay
The region in brief
Private travel in Southwest China.
Southwest China is the country's most varied region for landscape and culture. It includes Chengdu's giant pandas and Sichuan food, the hill city of Chongqing, the turquoise lakes of Jiuzhaigou, Yunnan's old towns and mountains, and the Tibetan plateau. It suits families, food lovers, nature travelers and anyone who wants a slower, more local side of China.
AVIORA plans and operates private tours throughout China. Our offices are in Beijing, Shanghai and Xi'an, and our routes reach every region, including Southwest China.
Where we go
Places in Southwest China.
A starting list. We build the route around the places and the pace you choose.
Chengdu
Giant pandas, teahouses and the Sichuan table, with a gentler rhythm that suits families.
Chengdu guideChongqing
A layered hill city on the Yangtze, known for its skyline at night and hotpot.
Chongqing guideLeshan
The Giant Buddha carved into a cliff above the river, an easy extension from Chengdu.
Leshan guideJiuzhaigou
A valley of turquoise lakes and waterfalls in northern Sichuan, best seen in autumn.
Jiuzhaigou guideDali, Lijiang and Shangri-La
Old towns, mountain light and tea-trading history across northwest Yunnan.
See the Yunnan journeyKunming
The Yunnan capital, known for its mild climate and as a gateway to the province.
Lhasa and Tibet
The Potala Palace and monasteries on the high plateau. Visiting Tibet requires a travel permit arranged through a licensed operator, and altitude needs careful planning.
Published journeys
Signature Journeys that include Southwest China.
Each of these is private to your party. Open one to see the day-by-day plan, or use it as a starting point for a tailor-made trip.
5 daysSignature Journey · Chengdu · Leshan
Pandas, Tea Houses & the Sichuan Table
Begin with pandas, linger over tea and understand Chengdu one generous meal at a time.
- Pandas at the right hour
- A guided Sichuan table
- Tea-house culture with local context
7 daysSignature Journey · Chengdu · Jiuzhaigou
Pandas & the Turquoise Lakes of Jiuzhaigou
Pair Chengdu's gentle local rhythm with the clear lakes and forest paths of Jiuzhaigou.
- Pandas at their most active time
- A full day among Jiuzhaigou's lakes and waterfalls
- Plateau landscapes with altitude-aware planning
10 daysSignature Journey · Dali · Shaxi · Lijiang · Shangri-La
Yunnan's Tea Horse Road: Snow Mountains & Old Towns
Follow old trading paths through Dali, Shaxi, Lijiang and Shangri-La with every day designed only for you.
- Begin beside Erhai with private time in Dali
- Stay within Shaxi's living Tea Horse Road history
- Cross the highland landscape toward Lijiang and Shangri-La
12 daysSignature Journey · Beijing · Xi'an · Chengdu · Shanghai
Pandas, Warriors & the Great Wall, Made for Families
The Wall, warriors and pandas with child-aware days and room to rest.
- Junior Curator Mission in the Forbidden City
- Great Wall family challenge and photographer
- Terracotta Army and private clay studio
7–9 hoursDay Experience · Chengdu
Private Giant Panda Day Tour in Chengdu
See pandas early, then slow down over tea in People's Park with private transfers handled.
- Leave your Chengdu hotel at a more useful early hour
- Enter with standard Panda Base admission arranged
- Adapt the public route to live openings, crowds and animal activity
Every journey is priced individually. Your written proposal reflects your actual dates, party size, hotels and inclusions.
Who is behind it
AVIORA is operated by Youyouhui (Guangzhou) International Travel Service Co., Ltd., a registered company in Guangzhou that is licensed to conduct inbound tourism business in China. We have offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an. See our company and registration details.
Good questions to ask us.
Do I need a permit to visit Tibet?
Yes. Foreign visitors need a Tibet Travel Permit, which must be arranged through a licensed operator before you travel. We confirm what applies for your dates and nationality in your written quote.
Is altitude a concern in Yunnan and Sichuan?
Parts of both reach considerable altitude, for example Shangri-La and Jiuzhaigou. We plan acclimatization and the order of stops accordingly. Our guide to Yunnan altitude explains what to expect.
Do you operate in Southwest China, or only in your office cities?
We operate throughout China. Our offices are in Beijing, Shanghai and Xi'an, and we plan private routes in Southwest China as well as every other region. Share your dates and interests and we confirm the route, hotels, guide and driver in a written proposal.
How do I start planning?
Tell us your dates, who is traveling and what you would like to see, using the form on this page or WhatsApp. A China-based specialist replies, normally within a day, with a first idea of the route. No payment, no obligation.
Start planning
Tell us when you would like to see Southwest China.
Share a few details about your trip. A China-based specialist replies, normally within a day, with a first idea of the route. No payment, no obligation.
Prefer to write? Message us on WhatsAppPrefer a direct reply? Message us on WhatsApp or email our China team.