9-Day Pandas & Natural Wonders Tour: Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou, Dujiangyan, Zhangjiajie
Tour Overview
Embark on a 9-day journey through some of China’s most breathtaking natural landscapes — from the turquoise lakes and waterfalls of Jiuzhaigou to the towering sandstone peak forests of Zhangjiajie.
Explore the colorful travertine pools of Huanglong and see giant pandas at Dujiangyan Panda Valley. In Chengdu, slow down with visits to peaceful temples, traditional tea houses and a local park.
Fly to Zhangjiajie, where dramatic quartz sandstone pillars rise above deep valleys. Ride the Bailong Elevator, hike along Golden Whip Stream, cross the thrilling Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge and take the cable car up Tianmen Mountain for cliffside trails and a hugh natural cave.
Travel Destinations: Chengdu, Dujiangyan, Huanglong, Jiuzhaigou, Zhangjiajie
Suitable for: Nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, photographers
Tour type: Private
Tour at A Glance
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Day
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Destinations
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What to See & Do
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1
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Chengdu
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Chengdu arrival and free time, optional Chengdu hot pot
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2 – 3
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Huanglong Park and Jiuzhaigou Valley
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Colorful travertine pools, turquoise lakes, waterfalls, forests, and alpine scenery
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4
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Chengdu
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Kuanzhai Alley, Wenshu Temple, optional gaiwan tea
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5
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Dujiangyan
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Panda Valley, giant pandas, red pandas, Mount Qingcheng, Taoist temples, forest trails
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6
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Chengdu – Zhangjiajie
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High-speed train, 72 Strange Buildings, night views, cultural performances, local snacks
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7-9
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Zhangjiajie
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Yuanjiajie Avatar-like sandstone peaks, Tianzi Mountain, Golden Whip Stream hike, Glass Bridge, Tianmen Mountain & Tianmen Cave
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Highlights of this tour
Walk beside Jiuzhaigou’s turquoise lakes and waterfalls — Follow the wooden boardwalks through colorful alpine valleys, stopping at Long Lake, Five-Color Pool and Nuorilang Waterfall for some of the trip’s most photogenic natural scenery.
Meet giant pandas in a quieter, more natural setting — Visit Dujiangyan Panda Valley in the morning, watch pandas eating and playing up close and keep an eye out for red pandas moving freely along the paths.
Rise above Zhangjiajie’s Avatar-like peaks by elevator and cable car — Take the Bailong Elevator up the cliffs, walk among Yuanjiajie’s towering sandstone pillars, then descend from Tianzi Mountain by cableway with sweeping aerial views.
Challenge Zhangjiajie from the valley floor to the sky — Hike beside Golden Whip Stream, step onto the glass bridge above Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, then ride the Tianmen Mountain Cableway and walk the cliffside trails around Tianmen Cave.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Chengdu Arrival
Upon arrival, your local guide and driver will greet you at the airport or railway station holding a welcome sign “China Xian Tour” and take you to the hotel in the downtown area. After check-in, spend the rest of the day at your own pace.
If you arrive early, take some time to experience the laid-back lifestyle of Chengdu in People’s Park. In the evening, you may try an authentic Chengdu hot pot at a local restaurant.
- Day 2: Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou by High-speed TrainAdmire Colorful Travertine Pools and Alpine Landscapes
Your driver will transfer you to the train station for the high-speed train to Huanglongjiuzhai Station, which takes about 2 hours. Upon arrival, meet the local guide at the exit and proceed to Huanglong National Park.
To make the most of your time, take the cable car up the mountain and then follow the boardwalks to see the park's most distinctive travertine pools.
At the Five-Color Pool, on a clear day with good light, the pools shimmer in shades of blue and green, beautifully setting against the surrounding mountains and forests.
Along the way, enjoy the forests, canyons and mountain scenery of Huanglong. After the tour, drive to your hotel near Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area to check in.
Warm tips: Parts of Huanglong sit at an altitude of over 3,000 meters. During the visit, take your time and avoid strenuous activities. If you feel unwell, please let your tour guide know in time and have a good rest.
Colorful Travertine Lakes at Huanglong - Day 3: Jiuzhai Valley National ParkEnjoy Tranquil Lakes, Waterfalls, and Forest Scenery of Colorful Alpine Valleys
Spend the full day exploring Jiuzhaigou Valley today. The scenic area is mainly composed of three main valleys — Zechawa Valley, Rize Valley and Shuzheng Valley, forming a route shaped like the letter “Y”.
Take the sightseeing bus to travel among different valleys, combined with leisurely walks along the trails. Follow your guide to some of the iconic highlights, such as Long Lake, Five-Color Pool and Nuorilang Waterfall.
As you wander along the wooden boardwalks, take in Jiuzhaigou's breathtaking scenery — from crystal-clear lakes and cascading waterfalls to lush forests.
Jiuzhaigou covers a large area, so to ensure a relaxed experience, we'll stop at the main scenic spots along the way, allowing time for photos and enjoyment rather than rushing between viewpoints.
The exact sightseeing order on that day will be flexibly adjusted according to the scenic area’s opening conditions, weather and visitor flow.
Note: There are limited dining options inside Jiuzhai Valley. You can only find restaurants in Nuorilang Catering Center, so it’s better to bring some snacks with you.
Long Lake in Jiuzhaigou Valley - Day 4: Jiuzhaigou back to Chengdu by High-Speed TrainExplore Bustling Historic Alleys and a Peaceful Buddhist Temple
After breakfast, take a private vehicle to Huanglongjiuzhai Station for the high-speed rail back to Chengdu. The journey takes about 2 hours. Upon arrival, your local guide will pick you up.
Begin your afternoon exploration of Chengdu at Kuanzhai Alley. Walk slowly along the bluestone streets and explore the traditional courtyards, tea houses, snack bars and specialty shops lining on both sides. Sample some Chengdu snacks, browse handicraft stores and local souvenir shops.
Chengdu Kuanzhai Alley night view Move to Wenshu Temple. Step inside this red-walled Buddhist temple and stroll among the ancient trees and traditional halls to learn about Buddhist culture. In contrast to the lively atmosphere of Kuanzhai Alley, the temple offers a much quieter setting to appreciate Chengdu’s cultural heritage.
If time permits, find a nearby tea house to sip a cup of Chengdu gaiwan tea (covered bowl tea) to experience the laid-back pace of life in this city.
- Day 5: Chengdu Side Trip to Panda Valley and Mount QingchengMeet Lovely Giant Pandas and Enjoy a Leisurely Hike on a Taoist Mountain
Since pandas are most active in the morning, you'll leave Chengdu early and drive about an hour to Dujiangyan Panda Valley. Compared with the panda base in downtown Chengdu, it features fewer visitors and a more natural environment.
As you walk along the trails, watch the giant pandas eating, resting and playing in their enclosures. You may also encounter lively red pandas walking on the handrails just beside you.
Tip: Although the red pandas here roam freely, feeding or touching them is strictly prohibited. Please also refrain from using flash photography.
Next, head to Mount Qingcheng, one of the most famous Taoist mountains in China known for its lush forests and peaceful atmosphere. After taking the cable car up, stroll along the forest paths and discover the ancient Taoist temples and traditional buildings hidden among the greenery.
On the way, you'll pass by Yuecheng Lake. If the boat service is available on that day, you can take a boat across the lake and continue the sightseeing.
After the tour, take the cable car downhill and return to your hotel in Chengdu.
Qingcheng Mountain in Summer - Day 6: Chengdu to Zhangjiajie by High-Speed TrainSee Unique Stilt-Style Architecture and Experience the Local Nightlife
Board a morning high-speed train from Chengdu to Zhangjiajie, with a journey of approximately 4.5–5.5 hours. The exact train schedule will be confirmed according to ticket availability.
Upon arrival, meet your local guide and driver at the station exit and transfer to the hotel in downtown Zhangjiajie for check-in and a short rest.
In the evening, visit 72 Strange Buildings. After dark, the massive stilt-style complex lights up, making it the best time to see this architectural marvel. Wander around to enjoy the night views and watch the ethnic cultural performances.
There are also many snack stalls and specialty shops in the area, where you can try local flavors. If available, join interactive activities such as a bonfire party and experience the lively nightlife of Zhangjiajie.
Tiangong Qilou (Main Building) in 72 Strange Buildings - Day 7: Zhangjiajie National Forest ParkRide the Bailong Elevator to Explore Avatar-like Peaks
Set aside the entire day for an in-depth adventure through Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
Hop on a sightseeing bus to Bailong Elevator and take this cliffside elevator up to the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area. Follow the mountain-top trails and take in the soaring quartz sandstone peaks and deep valleys from different viewing platforms.
Bailong Elevator - the highest outdoor elevator in the world Continue to the key scenic spots such as the Qiankun Pillar and the First Bridge Under Heaven. The dense and dramatic peak forest here is widely recognized as the inspiration for the floating mountain in the movie Avatar.
Transfer to Tianzi Mountain by sightseeing bus, and walk along the summit trail for sweeping views of vast sandstone peaks and valleys stretching out below.
Take the Tianzi Mountain Cableway down the mountain and enjoy another aerial view of the unique landscape. After the tour, check into a hotel in Wulingyuan District.
Note: The itinerary order may be adjusted on the day depending on weather and visitor flow within the park.
- Day 8: Golden Whip Stream and Zhangjiajie Grand CanyonHike Through Peaceful Valleys and Experience Thrilling Views from Glass Bridge
Start this morning with a relatively relaxing hike along Golden Whip Stream in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
Walk slowly beside the clear stream and admire the towering sandstone peaks and dense forests along the way. The valley stays cooler than the higher elevations, making it a pleasant escape on warm days. You may also encounter wild macaques during the hike. Please keep a safe distance and do not feed them.
Take a light hike along the Golden Whip Stream Set out for Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon after lunch to challenge the famous Glass Bridge. Step onto the transparent bridge, suspended 300 meters above the canyon floor. Look down through the glass to see the forest and valleys below, or take a slow stroll and enjoy the surrounding mountain views.
Looking for more thrills? Optional activities such as high-altitude zip lines may be available depending on the day's operations. Your guide can assist you in purchasing tickets on site.
If you prefer natural scenery, continue hiking along the canyon floor and soak in the peaceful surroundings of forests, streams and waterfalls.
- Day 9: Tianmen Mountain & Zhangjiajie DepartureRide the Scenic Cable Car and Discover Tianmen Cave
Wrap up this trip with another iconic natural wonder in Zhangjiajie - Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park.
Ride the Tianmen Mountain Cableway and shuttle bus to its summit. Along the way, enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Zhangjiajie City, the valleys and the winding mountain roads below.
Once at the top, follow the cliffside walking trails and take in the surrounding mountains and valleys. If it is open on that day, you can also experience the thrilling cliffside glass walkway.
Skyway of Tianmen Mountain Head to Tianmen Cave to get a close look at this huge natural opening that carved through the mountain. From Tianmen Cave Square, look up at the cave and the 999-step Heavenly Staircase. To reach it, you can climb up the steps if you're physically able. Or take the mountain escalator through the cliff for a less strenuous option.
Note: The visiting routes may be adjusted due to weather, maintenance, or operational needs. The final arrangements will be confirmed on the day.
Your guide and driver will take you to Zhangjiajie Airport or train station. Your 9-day Jiuzhaigou, Chengdu, and Zhangjiajie tour draws to an end.
Tour Price Per Person
The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel. Please contact us for a specific price.
Accommodation For This 9-Day Jiuzhaigou, Chengdu & Zhangjiajie Tour
For your China private tour, the choice is in your hands: you can select luxury 5-star hotels for unparalleled comfort, cozy 4-star accommodations, or value-for-money 3-star options.
All our partner hotels are handpicked for their prime locations, conveniently situated near bustling commercial areas. Every room is equipped with standard amenities like air conditioning, hot water, 24-hour showers, reliable Wi-Fi, and windows for natural light.
In some hotels, there are English-speaking staff who are committed to providing attentive service. Should you have any special requests, feel free to ask - they are always ready to assist.
