Spiritual Tourism/Exploring

So do you want others here to formulate an itinerary for you? Or do you just want random suggestions? Have you looked further at the Lonely Planet web site for Destinations and Interests sections? And have you posted all this on Trip Advisor?

Do you speak fluent Mandarin? If not, forget the whole idea.

Not sure why you think Chinese cities are the same as North America cities, any more than EU Cities. Of course the size of the top 20 Chinese cities are are much bigger than anything in North America or EU.

What guidebooks have you consulted?

Do you speak mandarin?

Was hoping for some suggestions based on others personal experience or those who know of worthwhile activities that related specifically to the list I created. I've consulted the Lonely Planet China 2017 guide and have located many of the worthwhile pilgrim sites, but the book is very shy on specific activities. I've also been searching the web regularly. No, I haven't posted on Trip Advisor. Would this type of question get more headway on that site? Thanks.

My wife speaks Mandarin at an intermediate level. I don't speak it.

Didn't mean to make it sound like the cities/places are the same. Was just trying to emphasize our desire to shape our trip more towards spiritual development and exploration and less about material/consumer consumption.

Have consulted the Lonely Planet China 2017 and the internet so far. Please recommend other books or websites.

I do not speak Mandarin. My wife speaks Madarin at an intermediate level (lived in China for 5 years). Thanks!

Maybe look at the videos by this guy: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAGTpcuP8o9_sWzvDGfZYKA/videos

He appears to have gone to China with minimal planning and ended up in a monastery learning a version of kung fu. Not exactly what you want (and not in Sichuan r Yunnan), but perhaps can give you some ideas.

Thank you for that suggestion! I've seen his videos already and almost decided to go exactly where he went in Wudangshan mountains, but then decided against it - His master charges more money than we want to spend, especially considering it would be for two of us, my wife and I. Great suggestion, though! Those are, in fact, the types of things we are looking for, at least for a few weeks of the trip. Cheers!

I wouldn't dismiss Wudangshan too quickly as I overnighted on the mountain in a Buddhist monastery. It was a rewarding and relaxing experience, and I recommend it. As you are seeking a spiritual experience in China, I doubt you will be disappointed. My encouragement is to look the the mountains, because most of them have a religious significance and presence. Further West from Wudangshan is Emeishan, which is Taoist, slightly more popular, but still spiritual. Indeed, I learned a lot from the contrast between these two mountains and their spiritualities. Bon voyage!