Day1 Travel from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou: Huanglong Scenic Area

Dining: Meals are self-provided

Accommodation: Jiuzhaigou

This morning, we will escort you to Chengdu East Station for a high-speed train ride to Huanglong Jiuzhai Station (approximately 1.5–3 hours). Our local driver will meet you at the station exit and take you to the Huanglong Scenic Area. (Note: Huanglong Jiuzhai Station is about 26 km from the scenic area, with a travel time of around 30 minutes; it's also approximately 90 km from Jiuzhaigou, taking roughly 1.5 hours.) The Huanglong Scenic Area is renowned for its unique karst landscapes, majestic snow-capped mountains and valleys, pristine forests and grasslands, as well as rich biodiversity. It has been hailed as the "Paradise on Earth," "Fairyland of Huanglong," and a "World Wonder," and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992. Its karst formations feature breathtakingly vibrant pools of blue, green, orange, yellow, and white, arranged in layered patterns resembling nature's meticulously crafted terraces. From a distance, they resemble a golden dragon spanning the valley and perched atop the snow peaks, evoking endless imagination.
Today's recommended itinerary: Take the cable car to the summit observation deck for a panoramic view of Huanglong Scenic Area → Walk down the mountain (approximately 3–4 hours; along the way, you'll see Huanglong Ancient Temple, the Colorful Pool, the Mirror Reflection Pool, the Welcome Pool, waterfalls, and various travertine pools and cave formations, experiencing both the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Huanglong.)

1. The Colorful Pools: Located at an altitude of approximately 3,576 meters, this area represents the crown jewel of the Huanglong Scenic Area, comprising 693 travertine pools of varying sizes, shapes, and colors. Their crystal-clear waters display vibrant hues under sunlight, resembling a natural palette; surrounded by lush green mountains, the scenery is truly magnificent. The most stunning light effects can be observed at dawn or dusk.

2. Huanglong Ancient Temple: Originally constructed during the Ming Dynasty, it is traditionally believed to have been built in honor of Huanglong Zhenren, who assisted Emperor Yu the Great in flood control. This historic Taoist temple enjoys a thriving incense tradition, where visitors can burn incense for blessings while learning about the legends of Huanglong Zhenren and Taoist culture.

3. The Mirroring Pool: Its unique reflective surface and vibrant water features make it one of the must-see attractions in Huanglong Scenic Area, offering perfect opportunities to capture stunning reflections that showcase celestial light, cloud patterns, snow-capped peaks, and dense forests.
After the tour, you will leave Huanglong Scenic Area and take a bus for approximately 2 hours to Jiuzhaigou, where you will stay at a hotel to rest.
Tips for Huanglong Scenic Area:

4. The Huanglong Scenic Area is situated at a higher altitude than Jiuzhaigou, with its core area ranging from 3,200 to 3,600 meters above sea level. Some visitors may experience altitude sickness; therefore, it is advisable to avoid strenuous physical activities, opt for leisurely walking, and prepare an oxygen tank or utilize the on-site oxygen supply stations.

5. The Huanglong Cable Car may be closed during winter (typically from November to March) due to weather conditions; the exact closure dates are subject to official announcements from the scenic area.

Day2: One-day tour of Jiuzhaigou: Zechawa Valley + Rize Valley + Shuzheng Valley

Meals: includes breakfast

Accommodation: Jiuzhaigou

After breakfast, head to Jiuzhaigou, hailed as a "paradise on earth," one of the most beautiful natural scenic areas in China and even the world, as well as a renowned World Natural Heritage site. It is famous for its unique "Six Wonders of Jiuzhaigou" —a cluster of high-altitude lakes, waterfalls, colorful forests, snow-capped peaks, blue ice, and Tibetan cultural heritage—and is widely acclaimed as the "Fairy Tale World" and the "King of Water Landscapes."
The Jiuzhaigou scenic area consists of three main valleys: Zechawa Valley, Rize Valley, and Shuzheng Valley, arranged in a distinctive "Y" shape. The most convenient and energy-efficient way to explore is by taking a sightseeing bus. At the entrance, buses serve all attractions; upon arrival, visitors can walk along wooden boardwalks to admire the scenery before transferring to another bus at designated points for the next destination. Our tour guide can tailor a customized itinerary based on your time, energy levels, and group size, allowing you to discover Jiuzhaigou's highlights at your own comfortable pace while enjoying breathtaking natural landscapes along the way.
Recommended classic tour route for Jiuzhaigou: Take a sightseeing bus from the entrance of the scenic area → Nuorilang Waterfall (the widest travertine waterfall in China) → Take a vehicle to Zechawa Valley → Walk to Wucaili Lake (the smallest lake in Jiuzhaigou) and Changhai Lake (the largest lake in Jiuzhaigou) → Take a vehicle to Rize Valley → Walk to Panda Lake (named after panda sightings), Wuhua Lake (one of Jiuzhaigou's famous lakes and a unique attraction), Pearl Beach (a distinctive calcified flow landscape), and Jinghai Lake (the third-largest lake in Jiuzhaigou with breathtaking scenery) → Return to the Nuorilang Visitor Center for rest → Take a vehicle to Shuzheng Valley (enjoying attractions such as Shuzheng Group Lakes, Shuzheng Waterfall, Huohua Lake, and traditional Tibetan villages along the way) → Return to the entrance. Practical tips for Jiuzhaigou:

1. Arrive early at the scenic area: Jiuzhaigou implements daily visitor limits; it is recommended to arrive early to avoid peak tourist periods and enjoy a more peaceful experience. 2. Wear comfortable clothing: Given the long walking distances in Jiuzhaigou, choose comfortable hiking shoes with good traction to prevent discomfort during the tour. 3. Dining options within the park: Nuorilang Restaurant is the only restaurant available, offering a buffet lunch but at a higher price and with high foot traffic. It is advisable to bring your own food and have a picnic in scenic areas – this saves money while avoiding crowds.

Departure from D3 Jiuzhaigou: Hotel check-out + airport/station pickup service

Meals: breakfast included

Accommodation: Self-arranged

After breakfast, our driver will take you to the airport or train station, marking the conclusion of this unforgettable three-day high-speed rail journey from Chengdu to Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou.
If you wish to extend your trip and explore more China destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Huangshan, Harbin, Yunnan, Xi'an, Zhangjiajie, Xizang, Guilin, Xinjiang, etc., please contact us for arrangements.