Option 1: 3-Day Jiuzhaigou Valley Tour by High-Speed Train (Recommended)
The newly launched high-speed train service has greatly improved access to Jiuzhaigou, saving several hours compared with traditional road transportation. This option is ideal for travelers looking for a comfortable, time-efficient, and affordable way to explore Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong from Chengdu.
Day 1: Chengdu – Songpan – Huanglong National Park – Jiuzhaigou
(Lunch, Dinner)
Train: Chengdu East – Songpan | Recommended departure: 09:39 – 11:12
In the morning, take a comfortable high-speed train from Chengdu East Railway Station to Songpan Station. Simply check in with your e-ticket and passport before boarding.
Upon arrival at Songpan, meet your local guide and driver, then continue to Huanglong National Park, one of Sichuan’s most impressive alpine landscapes.
Huanglong is famous for its spectacular colorful travertine pools, snow mountains, forests, and alpine scenery. You will take the cable car uphill and enjoy a scenic walking route through this natural wonderland.
After the visit, continue driving to Jiuzhaigou Valley in the late afternoon. Along the way, enjoy views of the Tibetan Plateau, traditional villages, and snow-covered mountains.
Driving time: approximately 2 hours
Overnight in Jiuzhaigou.
Day 2: Jiuzhaigou National Park Full-Day Tour
(Breakfast, Dinner)
The valley is famous for its:
* Crystal-clear turquoise lakes
* Spectacular waterfalls
* Primitive forests
* Snow-capped peaks
* Tibetan cultural heritage
With the convenient park shuttle bus system, you can easily visit the most beautiful scenic areas, including Five Flower Lake, Panda Lake, Pearl Shoal Waterfall, and Long Lake.
Your guide will introduce the legends, natural features, and local Tibetan culture behind this magical valley.
In the late afternoon, transfer to Chuanzhusi or Songpan for accommodation, making it convenient for the next day’s train departure.
Day 3: Songpan – Chengdu
(Breakfast)
After breakfast, take the high-speed train back to Chengdu.
Train: Songpan – Chengdu East | Recommended departure: 09:04 – 10:45
Upon arrival at Chengdu East Railway Station, your tour ends.
Option 2: 3-Day Jiuzhaigou Valley Tour by Flight
For travelers with limited time, flying between Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou is another convenient choice. This option is especially suitable for connecting flights or short China itineraries.
Day 1: Chengdu – Huanglong Airport – Huanglong National Park – Jiuzhaigou
(Lunch, Dinner)
In the morning, take your flight from Chengdu to Huanglong Airport.
The journey offers a dramatic change in landscape, from Chengdu’s low-altitude plains at around 500 meters to Huanglong Airport at an elevation of approximately 3,448 meters on the Tibetan Plateau.
Upon arrival, your local guide and driver will meet you and transfer you to Huanglong National Park.
Take the cable car uphill and begin a scenic hiking experience through the park.
The recommended route includes:
* Cable car station (around 3,070 meters)
* Huanglong Temple (around 3,558 meters)
* Colorful travertine pools and alpine forests along the way
The hiking duration is approximately 3 hours.
In the late afternoon, continue to Jiuzhaigou Valley.
Driving time: approximately 2 hours
Day 2: Jiuzhaigou National Park Full-Day Tour
(Breakfast, Dinner)
Spend the entire day exploring Jiuzhaigou National Park.
Walk along beautiful trails, enjoy the colorful lakes and waterfalls, and experience the peaceful atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The park shuttle service is included, allowing convenient access to the major scenic areas.
Day 3: Jiuzhaigou – Huanglong Airport – Chengdu
(Breakfast)
Wake up early and transfer to Huanglong Airport for your return flight to Chengdu.
Your Jiuzhaigou tour ends upon arrival in Chengdu.
Option 3: 4-Day Jiuzhaigou Overland Tour with Scenic Road Trip
The classic overland route from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou has been popular for many years. This journey allows travelers to enjoy magnificent mountain scenery, Tibetan and Qiang ethnic villages, and the changing landscapes of western Sichuan.
With four days available, this route can also include the famous Dujiangyan Irrigation System, creating a richer cultural and natural experience.
Day 1: Chengdu – Jiuzhaigou Valley
(Lunch, Dinner)
Distance: approximately 420 km | Driving: about 6.5 hours
After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and begin the journey to Jiuzhaigou.
Enjoy beautiful mountain scenery, Tibetan villages, and spectacular views of western Sichuan along the way.
Upon arrival at Jiuzhaigou, check in to your hotel and relax.
Overnight in Jiuzhaigou.
Day 2: Jiuzhaigou Valley Exploration
(Breakfast, Dinner)
Today, enter the breathtaking world of Jiuzhaigou Valley.
The valley is home to countless lakes, waterfalls, rivers, and ancient forests. Local Tibetan communities have given many scenic spots poetic names, such as:
* Panda Lake
* Pearl Lake
* Long Lake
The colorful waters reflect the surrounding forests and mountains, creating one of the most unforgettable landscapes in China.
Your guide will help you discover the highlights and hidden stories of this natural paradise.
Day 3: Jiuzhaigou – Huanglong – Maoxian
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Distance: approximately 300 km | Driving: about 5.5 hours
After breakfast, drive to Huanglong National Park.
Take the cable car uphill and enjoy a 3-hour hiking route through the alpine landscape.
Walk from the cable car station at around 3,070 meters to Huanglong Temple at around 3,558 meters, enjoying colorful calcified pools, forests, and mountain scenery.
Continue to Maoxian in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Maoxian.
Day 4: Maoxian – Dujiangyan – Chengdu
(Breakfast, Lunch)
Distance: approximately 190 km | Driving: about 3 hours
After breakfast, visit a traditional Qiang ethnic village in Maoxian to learn about the local culture and lifestyle.
Then continue to Dujiangyan Irrigation System, one of China’s greatest ancient engineering achievements with more than 2,000 years of history.
Discover how ancient Chinese engineers used natural geography to create a sustainable irrigation system that still benefits Sichuan today.
Drive back to Chengdu in the late afternoon.
End of tour.