6 Days Classic Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou Tour: UNESCO Lakes & Pandas

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Chengdu Arrival

   Upon your arrival in Chengdu, your local driver will pick you up at the arrival hall holding a greeting sign reading “China Xian Tour” and transfer you to the downtown hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

   Free Time Activity in the Evening: Capture the night view of the Vitality Tower, where six bamboo-shaped giant columns light up after dark and present flowing water curtains.

   

   Vehicle

   4-star hotel in Chengdu
2. Day 2: Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou by High-speed Train
   The Colorful High-altitude Travertine Pools

   Take a morning train from Chengdu to Huanglongjiuzhai Station, a 2-hour journey, and meet your local guide at the exit. From there, drive to today’s destination - Huanglong National Park.

   Huanglong is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique high-altitude calcified landscapes, featuring colorful pools, cascading terraces and limestone formations.

   To make the climb easier, take the cable car uphill first and then transfer to a sightseeing bus. A short hike leads you to Five-Color Pool, the park’s highest and most spectacular cluster of pools.

   Here, 693 terraced travertine ponds catch the sunlight, glistening in shades of turquoise, emerald, and gold like an artist's palette. Wander along the viewing paths to see the pools from different angles and take pictures of the breathtaking landscape.

   Walk downhill and stop at several other iconic sites, such as Huanglong Ancient Temple, Zhengyan Pool, and Golden Sand Beach Flow (Jinsha Pudi). The descending trail rewards you with ever-changing views of the terraces.

   Warm Tips:

   The scenic area sits at an altitude of 3,100 - 3,576 m, with the highest point, Five-Color Pool, reaching 3,576 meters. To minimize symptoms of altitude sickness, keep a slow pace and avoid running or strenuous activities.

   Bring a windbreaker or wear warm layers even in summer, as weather at the summit can change quickly with sharp temperature drops.

   

   High Speed Train, Vehicle

   B

   4-star hotel in Jiuzhaigou
3. Day 3: Full Day in Jiuzhaigou
   A Harmonious Blend of Vibrant Lakes, Waterfalls & Forests

   Set off early in the morning and drive to Jiuzhai Valley. Reputed as “a Fairyland on Earth”, it attracts countless visitors every year with its "six wonders" - lakes, waterfalls, colorful forests, snow-capped peaks, blue ice, and Tibetan culture.

   Jiuzhaigou is composed of three sections of valleys in a "Y" shape: Shuzheng Valley, Rize Valley and Zechawa Valley. The sightseeing bus will first take you to either Rize Valley or Zechawa Valley, depending on the day's traffic flow. From there, wander down the wooden boardwalks to explore the attractions along the way.

   If you start in Rize Valley, Five Flower Lake will amaze you with its vibrant and multicolored waters. Walk along the viewing path to appreciate the lake from different perspectives. Continue to Pearl Shoal Waterfall, a filming location for the classic Chinese TV series Journey to the West. Mirror Lake is your last stop, where you can capture of the reflections of the surrounding forests and snow peaks.

   

   If you are in Zechawa Valley, you will first be treated with the Long Lake, the highest and largest lake in Jiuzhaigou. Nestled among the mountains, it offers a sweeping, expansive view. Then, walk along the trail to Five-Colored Pool, the most dreamlike of the park's small lakes.

   At Norilang Center, transfer to the sightseeing bus to the valleys you have not yet visited. After exploring both upper branches, take a leisurely stroll through the Shuzheng Valley, passing Rhinoceros Lake, Shuzheng Waterfall and Reed Lake. Traditional Tibetan villages also await you along the way.

   Travel Tips:

   Jiuzhaigou's altitude ranges from 2,000 to 3,100 meters. While most visitors don't suffer from severe altitude sickness, it's still important to keep a slow pace.

   The food inside the scenic area is limited and relatively overpriced, so it’s better to bring some snacks with you.

   Vehicle

   B

   4-star hotel in Jiuzhaigou
4. Day 4: Jiuzhaigou Back to Chengdu by High-speed Train
   Authentic Sichuan Flavors & Historic Alleys

   Return to Chengdu by high-speed train in the morning. After arrival, your local guide will greet you at the train station.

   Head to Sichuan Cuisine Museum first, where you will see a rich collection of cooking utensils and famous recipes from the past dynasties and sample a wide variety of local delicacies, such as Dandan noodles, Zhong dumplings and ice jelly.

   The highlight of this engaging museum tour is learning to cook a couple of classic Sichuan dishes such as Mapo Tofu and Kung Pao Chicken under the guidance of local chefs. After finishing, you can enjoy the dishes you made yourself.

   Go back to Kuanzhai Alley in downtown Chengdu to experience the local food and culture. The area is actually made up of three parallel alleys: Kuan Alley, Zhai Alley, and Jing Alley.

   Stroll along Kuan Alley to see the well-preserved ancient courtyards, discover creative boutiques, atmospheric cafes and traditional teahouses in Zhai Alley, and capture some memorable photos with century-old brick walls as backdrop in Jing Alley.

   

   High Speed Train, Vehicle

   B,L

   4-star hotel in Chengdu
5. Day 5: Chengdu Panda and City Tour
   Adorable Pandas, Laid-Back Lifestyle, Peaceful Temple and Ancient Street

   Spend this morning at the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, where these beloved animals are sure to delight you. Watch them munching bamboo, playing with one another, and of course napping.

   Besides, you may also encounter many other animals like red pandas, Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkeys and golden pheasants. Your guide will navigate you through the huge area, share insights about the animals, and help you take amazing photos.

   Continue your visit to Wenshu Temple, a 1400-year-old Buddhist monastery. Explore its halls to find a moment of calm, and walk clockwise around the Qianfo Pagoda three times to offer prayers for yourself and your family.

   Next, follow your guide to Renmin Park, where locals prefer to spend their leisure time. Watch the local people while away the time with various activities such as playing cards, practicing tai chi, playing mahjong, dancing, and taking a nap. We also recommended enjoying a cup of tea in a nice teahouse to experience the city's famously laid-back style.

   

   Explore the bustling Jinli Pedestrian Street in the late afternoon. Meander through the ancient lanes to admire the historic architecture and taste some local snacks. When night falls, capture photos of illuminated red lanterns at Fushou Alley or Huanglong Pool.

   Optional Activity: Enjoy a Sichuan Opera face-changing performance in a traditional teahouses in Jinli Old Street. Sip a cup of tea while seeing the artists instantly switching masks in the blink of an eye.

   

   Vehicle

   B,L

   4-star hotel in Chengdu
6. Day 6: Chengdu Departure

   As your 9-day adventure draws to a close, we thank you for traveling with us. Your private driver will meet you at the hotel lobby and transfer you to the airport (or railway station) for your departure.

   Add-on Options: If you are interested in the 8D city Chongqing that has gone viral on Instagram, we can arrange a trip to Chongqing from Chengdu. The high-speed rail between the two cities only takes 2 hours.

   Vehicle

   B