An American Family's Enchanting Summer Adventure in Sichuan

This summer, the Smiths, an American family, embarked on an unforgettable 10-day journey to Sichuan, China. With a budget of around $700 per person, they were set to explore the region's natural wonders and rich culture.The planning for this trip began months in advance. Considering their son's school schedule, they decided to travel in late July. After careful consideration, they chose to start their journey from Chengdu, renting a Buick GL8 luxury car through Ctrip. This allowed them to have the flexibility to explore at their own pace.
On July 19th, they arrived in Chengdu. Mr. Smith's father flew in from New York to join them. They settled into the M.PLUS Designer Hotel in Longquanyi District. That evening, they savored a delicious hot pot dinner at Yue Man Da Jiang in the nearby Shimao Plaza, experiencing the fiery flavors of Sichuan cuisine.
The next day, they visited the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Although it was crowded with tourists, they managed to catch a glimpse of the adorable pandas. After that, they headed to the Sanxingdui Museum. The unique bronze artifacts on display left them in awe, as they were so different from what they were used to seeing in American museums. They then drove to Mianzhu and checked into the Yijia Tianpin Hotel.
Over the following days, they explored various scenic spots. They marveled at the beauty of the Muni Valley, with its magnificent Zhaga Waterfall. At the Huanglong Scenic Area, they were enchanted by the colorful Caohua Ponds. In Jiuzhaigou, they were stunned by the breathtaking scenery of the Rize Valley, despite the rain affecting their visit to the Zechawa Valley.
On July 24th, they made their way to the Ruoergai Flower Lake. The vast expanse of the wetland, filled with blooming flowers and various birds, was a sight to behold. They also visited the First Bend of the Yellow River in Tangke Town. Taking the elevator to the viewing platform, they were treated to a panoramic view of the river meandering through the grassland.
The journey continued with a visit to the Hongyuan Moon Bay. The gentle curves of the Baihe River against the backdrop of the grassland created a peaceful and beautiful scene. Due to the weather and time constraints, they decided to skip Dagu Glacier and instead went to Bipenggou. Here, they were impressed by the clear lakes, magnificent waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains.
Finally, they arrived in Dujiangyan. They visited the Dujiangyan Irrigation Project, an ancient engineering marvel that has been in use for over 2,000 years. They also explored the nearby ancient town and enjoyed local snacks.
Before leaving Chengdu, they spent some time exploring the city. Mr. Smith's parents visited popular attractions like Kuanzhai Alley and Du Fu Thatched Cottage. Mr. Smith and his son explored the city's subway system, while his wife and father visited the Jinsha Site Museum.
The Smiths' trip to Sichuan was filled with amazing experiences. Despite some minor setbacks due to the weather and crowds, they were deeply impressed by the region's natural beauty, rich history, and delicious cuisine. They look forward to their next adventure in China, already planning to visit Jiuzhaigou again in the autumn to see the colorful foliage.