Overview
Step into a fairy-tale realm where cobalt lakes, tiered waterfalls and golden autumn forests meet. Wander the jade pools of Huanglong, then lose yourself in Jiuzhaigou's kaleidoscope of colour — a fully guided, shop-free escape into Sichuan's living postcard.
This five-day itinerary covers both of the region's UNESCO World Heritage sites without compressing either. You fly to the plateau rather than driving eight hours, which buys you an extra full day on the ground, and the pacing gives you a complete day inside Jiuzhaigou as well as a visit to Huanglong and a Tibetan village.
Jiuzhaigou is a 72-kilometre Y-shaped valley of multi-tiered turquoise lakes, travertine dams and waterfalls, and it is the most famous natural landscape in Sichuan. Huanglong, an hour away and 600 metres higher, is a valley lined with golden travertine terraces holding shallow pools of water in shades of jade and gold — a completely different geological phenomenon and a perfect complement.
There are no shopping stops on this trip, ever. Group size is capped at sixteen, the hotels are handpicked, and your guide is a Sichuan native who has worked these valleys for years.
- Jiuzhaigou’s multi-tier turquoise lakes & waterfalls
- Huanglong’s travertine terraces (UNESCO World Heritage)
- Tibetan village visit & local cuisine tasting
- Small group, max 16 travellers, expert local guide
Itinerary
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1 Arrival in Chengdu
Meet your guide at the airport or train station and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore Chengdu’s relaxed tea-house culture at your own pace.
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2 Chengdu to Huanglong
Fly or drive to Huanglong (around 1 hour flight plus transfer). Walk the golden travertine terraces and jade-coloured pools, then continue to Jiuzhaigou for the night.
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3 Jiuzhaigou Valley (Full Day)
A full day inside the fairy-tale valley: Shuzheng, Rize and Zechawa gullies, with sapphire lakes, waterfalls and autumn forests. Park eco-bus and easy boardwalk walks.
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4 Jiuzhaigou to Tibetan village to Chengdu
Visit a local Tibetan village to experience plateau culture, then transfer back to Chengdu. Optional photo stop at a high mountain pass.
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5 Chengdu highlights and departure
Morning at the Giant Panda Base and a stroll through old Chengdu, then transfer to the airport or train station for your departure.
Gallery
What's included
- 4 nights handpicked 4★ hotels
- Daily breakfast & 2 Tibetan dinners
- English-speaking Sichuan guide
- Private transport & all park entrance fees
- Airport / station transfers in Chengdu
Not included
- Flights to / from Chengdu
- Lunches & some dinners
- Travel insurance & personal expenses
- Tips for guide and driver
