Written by Jasmine Miao |
Are you planning a Sichuan tourĀ for 2026? Weād like to recommend a perfect combination for you: Chengdu + Jiuzhaigou. Chengdu is a city famous for the lovely pandas, the delicious Sichuan CuisineĀ and the slow-paced life. Jiuzhaigou attracts both domestic and foreign travelers with its world-class breathtaking natural wonders, like colorful lakes, magnificent snow mountains, waterfalls, etc. No matter you are families, couples, photographers or nature lovers, this combination tour will amaze you.
In this article, we will introduce a complete guide to plan you trip to these two cities, including top things to do, itinerary planning, transportation, high-latitude tips, etc. After reading, we believe you will have a rough understanding of how to plan your own Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou tour.
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- Top Things to do in Chengdu
- Must-See Attractions in Jiuzhaigou & Essential Tips
- How Many Days Do You Need for Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou?
- Best Ways to Travel from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou
- Best Time & Weather for Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou Travel
- Where to Stay: Best Hotels in Chengdu & Jiuzhaigou
- Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou Tour Options & Costs
- Plan Your Chengdu Jiuzhaigou Tour with China Xian Tour?
Top Things to do in Chengdu
Meet the Pandas
When it comes to Chengdu, the cute pandas will be the first impression for most travelers. No wonder many tourists will include Chengdu in their China panda tour. With a close distance and convenient transportation, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda BreedingĀ is undoubtedly the first stop. It is home to the largest captive population of giant pandas in the world.
In panda villa, you can see the adult pandas playing, eating or sleeping, there is also a chance to encounter the panda cubs in the delivery room. If you are interested in the knowledge about pandas, the Panda Science Exploration Museum will satisfy your curiosity. Climbing up to the Panda Tower, the entire panda base will unfold before your eyes.
We also want to introduce Dujiangyan Panda BaseĀ to you. It is renowned as the panda paradise, because the pandas here are living in an environment closer to the wild and tourists can have a close contact with lesser pandas.
What makes it more popular is the panda volunteer project. Participants can take part in the daily care of pandas, such as cleaning their houses, transporting fresh bamboo, and making special “steamed buns” for them. After finishing, you will also obtain a meaningful official honor certificate.
Experience Local life
Do you want to slow down your life pace and relax yourself completely? Visit Jinli Street, Kuanzhai Alley and Peopleās Park to experience the authenticĀ local life in Chengdu.Ā Almost every afternoon in Jinli Street, there is a face-changing of Sichuan opera performance on traditional theatrical stage. You can also try to make a shadow puppet by yourself in the Shadow Puppet Museum.
Kuanzhai AlleyĀ gathers plenty of well-preserved traditional buildings. While, inside the buildings are exquisitely designed stores. Here, you can taste Sichuan cuisine, savor a cup of tea and appreciate Sichuan opera.
The Peopleās Park is preferred by the locals to spend their spare time. After entering the park, you will see them chatting, exercising, savoring the tea under big trees. Whatās more, playing mahjong and cleaning ears are very popular daily activities for the locals. If you are interested in the above experiences, we can arrange for you.
Visit Historical Sites
As a thousand-year old capital, Chengdu also boasts many historical sites. Wuhou ShrineĀ is themed by the culture of Three Kingdoms, where you can feel the legends of heroes of the Shu Han Kingdom such as Zhuge Liang. If you want to explore the past of the city, head to Jinsha Site Museum. Through the precious unearthed cultural relics like the Sun God Bird gold jewelry,Ā the splendor of the Ancient Shu KingdomĀ is unveiled. Dufu Thatched Cottage used to be the residence of the famous Tang poet – Dufu. The thatched cottage there is rebuilt according to his poem.
Wenshu Monastery, a Buddhist temple located in the busy streets, is suitable for tourists to empty the mind. It also offers vegetarian dishes. Dujiangyan Water Conservation Project shows the wisdom of ancient Chinese. It was constructed in the Warring States Period, but also plays a vital role till now.
Sichuan Cuisine Museum: Watch, eat and cook
Sichuan Cuisine Museum is the worldās only museum that is themed by the culture of a single cuisine. The museum itself is an exquisite classical garden in western Sichuan. Here, the development history of Sichuan cuisine is presented through over 6,000 collections.
The most important is that the entrance ticket includes the unlimited tasting of over 10 kinds of famous Sichuan snacks, including hot pot noodles, wonton, etc. You may enter with an empty stomach, but you will definitely come out with a full stomach. Most tourists comment that the taste is even better than that sold in some scenic areas.
Another recommended experience is to learn to make Pixian bean paste or cook classic Sichuan cuisine under the guidance of a professional chef. After finishing, you can also taste your own masterpiece. This will be an unforgettable experience during your Chengdu tour.
Get inspired by more of our Chengdu itinerary ideas
Must-See Attractions in Jiuzhaigou & Essential Tips
If you search China nature toursĀ on internet, Jiuzhaigou will definitely come into your sight. This world-class scenic area is famous for its outstanding water landscapes. The colorful lakes, cascading waterfalls and primeval forests together form a fairyland scroll. Besides sightseeing cars, there are also well-equipped plank roads, allowing tourists to explore the scenery deeply by hiking. Now, follow us to enter the second stop of our Chengdu Jiuzhaigou tour.
Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic Area: A UNESCO Gem
JiuzhaigouĀ mainly consists of Shuzheng Valley, Rize Valley and Zechawa Valley, and they are distributed in the shape of āYā. The table below summarizes the features of each valley.
Valley |
Length |
Main Attractions |
Highlights |
Shuzheng Valley |
About 14km |
Nuorilang Waterfall, Shuzheng Lakes, Sparkling Lake, Reed Lake |
The miniature of Jiuzhaigou, where gathers terraced lakes, cascading waterfalls and Tibetan villages, suitable for leisure hiking and Tibetan customs experience |
Rize Valley |
About 18km |
Five Flower Lake, Pearl Shoal Waterfall, Mirror Lake, Arrow Bamboo Lake |
The essence of Jiuzhaigou, boasts the most colorful lakes and the most magnificent waterfalls, suitable for immersive appreciation and photography |
Zechawa Valley |
About 18km |
Long Lake, Five Colored Pond |
Has the largest and the most beautiful lakes in Jiuzhaigou, offers a wide view, suitable for climbing high to enjoy the distant view of alpine lakes |
Huanglong National Park: The “Yellow Dragon” Pools
Reputed as the āYaochi Lake on Earthā, Huanglong National Park is famous for the large-scale colorful calcified lakes. Huanglong Valley is the soul of the park. In this 3.6-km-long valley, the number of lakes is as many as over 3,400. It looks like a giant golden lake with many colorful scales.
The most famous is the Five Color Lakes located at the top. Hundreds of colorful lakes are surrounded by the snow mountains and forests, present various colors under sunlight, like blue green, sea green. All kinds of calcified landscapes can be found here, including calcified shoals, calcified waterfalls, calcified caves, etc.
Important Travel Tips: Dealing with Jiuzhaigou’s Altitude
Despite its stunning scenery, Jiuzhaigouās high altitudeĀ requires visitors to make preparations in advance. Hope the following tips can help you enjoy a smoother travel in Jiuzhaigou.
The entrance of scenic area is only about 2,000 meters, but the highest point, Long Lake, is at about 3,100 meters, so there is a possibility of suffering from altitude sickness. In case you do not know, the common symptoms are short of breath, headache, fatigue, etc.
To prevent it, the core principle is to slow down your pace. Take the sightseeing as taking a walk, rather than walking competitions, leave enough time for your body to adapt to the increase of altitude. Then keep warm. Catching a cold will increase the risk of altitude sickness. Besides, drink more warm water and keep a light diet to relieve the burden on your body.
How Many Days Do You Need for Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou?
Generally, 3 – 7 days are needed for a Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou tour.Ā As for theĀ specific duration,Ā it depends on the length of your vacation and the experiences you prefer. For tourists with limited time, 3 – 4 days allow you to cover the major attractions, but the schedule is tight. So 5 – 7 days is the ideal choice of most travelers. Tourists can enjoy a comfortable travel pace to include an in-depth Jiuzhaigou and Chengdu travel. It is more recommended for photographers and families.
Sample Itineraries
Below are the 5-day and 7-day Chengdu Jiuzhaigou itineraries for your reference.
5-Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Chengdu Arrival – free time
Day 2: Chengdu Panda Base – Jinsha Site Museum – People’s Park – Kuanzhai Alley
Day 3: High-speed train to Huanglong Jiuzhai Station – Huanglong National Park
Day 4: Jiuzhaigou
Day 5: Departure
Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Chengdu Arrival – free time
Day 2: High-speed train to Huanglong Jiuzhai Station – Jiuzhaigou Check-in
Day 3: Jiuzhaigou Valley
Day 4: Huanglong National Park – back to Chengdu
Day 5: Panda Base – People’s Park – Jinli Street
Day 6: Leshan Giant BuddhaĀ – Kuanzhai Alley
Day 7: Departure
Is a Day Trip to Jiuzhaigou from Chengdu Possibleļ¼
Unfortunately, we have to acknowledge that it is not recommended to challenge the one-day Jiuzhaigou tour from Chengdu, because the transfer needs a relatively long time, even only the time on the bullet train takes about 2 hours. If you really lack time, it is advised to arrive at Jiuzhaigou one day before and starting the tour on the second day.
The itinerary is as follows: Travel from Chengdu to Huanglong Jiuzhai Station by high-speed train and take the tourist bus to Zhangzha Town. This town has more hotels and restaurants and is very close to the entrance of the scenic area.
On the second day, spend the morning in Rize Valley and the afternoon in Zechawa Valley and Shuzheng Valley. Finally, return to Chengdu.
Best Ways to Travel from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou
When planning the Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou tour, a frequently asked question is how to go to Jiuzhaigou from Chengdu. The distance between them is about 400 km. So choosing a suitable transportation is very important. Flight, bullet train, car or joining a tour group are all available. Among them, we recommend bullet train most.
By Bullet Train: the Most Convenient Public Transport
Every day, about 10 bullet trains travel from Chengdu to Huanglong Jiuzhai Station. And considering convenience and comfort level, it has been the most recommended way. After getting off, you can take the tourist direct bus to the scenic area.
Train No. |
Dep. ā Arr. Time |
Duration |
Ticket Price |
C5782 |
06:45 ā 08:24 |
1h39m |
Second-class Seat: CNY 136 First-class Seat: CNY 218 |
C16 |
08:20 ā 11:11 |
2h51m |
Second-class Seat: CNY 140 First-class Seat: CNY 226 |
C5792 |
10:06 ā 12:34 |
2h28m |
Second-class Seat: CNY 140 First-class Seat: CNY 226 |
C9474 |
13:33 ā 15:52 |
2h19m |
Second-class Seat: CNY 148 First-class Seat: CNY 239 |
D280 |
16:02 ā 18:27 |
2h25m |
Second-class Seat: CNY 129 First-class Seat: CNY 208 |
By Air – Flying from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou
Compared with high-speed trains, the number of flight is fewer. Every week, only on Wednesday and Sunday, there are three flights from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou and they all depart from 19:30 and arrive at 20:30. After arrival, the airport shuttle bus can transport you to the scenic area. After including the time for all transfers, its total duration is basically similar to bullet train, about 4 hours. Thus, compared to the frequent and convenient high-speed trains, flights are less recommended.
By Car or Private Transfer: The Most Flexible Option
The most irreplaceable advantage of travelling by private car is its flexibility. For tourists who are not familiar with the local transportation and want a more worry-free tour, the private transfer is the best option.Ā If travel with China Xian Tour, this service is also included.Ā We can arrange a professional local car to escort you from any spot in Chengdu to the scenic area directly, so that you do not need to transfer and can have a rest in the car.
What’s the Best Way to Travel from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou?
Ā |
Bullet Train + Tourist Direct Bus |
Flight |
Car or Private Transfer |
Duration |
4 ā 4.5 hours |
About 4 hours |
4 ā 5 hours |
Price |
CNY 190 ā 300 |
About CNY 600+ |
About CNY 400 |
Features |
Fast, comfortable experience, controllable time |
Fast, but rare flights, more transfer |
Carefree, no transfer |
Best For |
Most independent travelers, young tourists, couples |
Tourists with a limited time and ample budget |
First-comers, families |
Best Time & Weather for Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou Travel
The travel time is also a major factor that influences the travel experience greatly. We recommend you to plan the Chengdu Jiuzhaigou tour during late September – late October. The weather is stable and comfortable at this time. It is suitable to visit the outdoor attractions. Jiuzhaigou is at the most beautiful time. The mountain forests are dyed and complement with azure lakes, forming a splendid oil painting. It is the best time for hiking and photography.
Seasons |
Chengdu |
Jiuzhaigou |
Recommendation Rate |
Spring |
Scenery: Spring warmth brings blossomsĀ inĀ botanical gardens and parks.
Activities: Spring outing, flower appreciation,Ā teaĀ drinking inĀ teahouse |
Scenery: Snow melts, mountain flowers bloom, lake levels rise, vibrant scenery.
Activities: light hiking, enjoy tranquil environment |
āāāā |
Summer |
Scenery: full of greenery, but weather isĀ muggy and hot.
Activities: Indoor activities (museums, Sichuan cuisine), exploreĀ night markets |
Scenery: the most spectacular waterfalls; lush green mountains and forests.
Activities: escape summer heat, hiking, waterfall viewing, family tour |
āāāā |
Autumn |
Scenery: golden ginkgo trees, cool and comfortable weather.
Activities: all outdoor activities, like historic sites tour,Ā ginkgo foliageĀ admiration |
Scenery (Peak): Colourful forests reflected in colorful lakes,Ā the most spectacular season.
Activities: photographyĀ and hiking |
āāāāā |
Winter |
Scenery: The city isĀ slightly bleak, yetĀ the best timeĀ for hotpot.
Activities:Ā Teahouse visits, eating hotpot, exploring indoor attractions |
Scenery: A world of snow, ice waterfalls, fantastic blue ice.
Activities: Admire blue ice and snowy landscapes, Ā immerse in tranquility |
āāā |
Where to Stay: Best Hotels in Chengdu & Jiuzhaigou
Chengdu
When planning the Chengdu travel, tourists who seek for convenience and urban experience are suggested to choose the hotels near Chunxi Road and Taikoo Li, i.e. city center. The hotel types are abundant and it is very convenient for shopping, dining and nightlife experience.
If you are fond of cultural atmosphere and a leisurely pace, the area near historical and cultural blocksĀ suits you more, such as Kuanzhai Alley and Jinli Street. Living here, you will enjoy an immersive experience.
Recommended Hotels around Chunxi Road:
- TheĀ St.Ā RegisĀ Chengdu: No. 88, Taisheng South Road, Qingyang District
- JW Marriott Hotel Chengdu: No. 19, Dongyu Street, Jinjiang District
- Pagoda Hotel Chengdu Taikoo Li: No. 16, Huaxing East Street, Jinjiang District
Recommended Hotels around Kuanzhai Alley & Jinli Street:
- Guanyin Yiyuntai Hotel: 38-39, Wide Alley, Qingyang District
- HOME2 SuitesHilton: No.51, Guojielou Street, Qingyang District
- Rezen DongHotel: No. 2, Heng Street, Wuhou Shrine, Wuhou District
Jiuzhaigou
In Jiuzhaigou, tourists can live near the entrance or at Zhangzha Town. There are several hotels and homestays in walking distance of the entrance. But due to its location, the cost is usually higher.
Zhangzha Town is the hottest accommodation choice. It is only about 10 minutes drive away from the entrance. And there are more high-end hotels for tourists to choose. Tourists can easily find the restaurants and supplement the materials they need.
Recommended hotels near Jiuzhaigou entrance:Ā
- Grand Rezen: No. 122, Group 1, Pengfeng Village, Jiuzhaigou County
- Rezen Retreat Four Season Manju Hotel: No. 100, Pengfeng Village, Jiuzhaigou County
Recommended hotels in Zhangzha Town:
- Wyndham Grand Plaza Royale Jiuzhaigou: 158, Zhangzha Village, Zhangzha Town
- HowardĀ JohnsonĀ TianyuanĀ Resort: 8, Team 2, Zhangzha Village, Zhangzha Town
- Rissai Valley , a Ritz-Carlton Reserve: No. 26, Group 2, Zhongchagou, Zhangzha Town
Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou Tour Options & Costs
For a Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou tour,Ā the private customized tour and the group tourĀ are the two main tour groups. They differ a lot in price, experience and flexibility. For families and couples, private tour offers a more comfortable experience. They can control the travel pace by themselves and the guide can pay more attention to their needs.
For solo travelers, people with limited time or those who want to travel with other like-minded people, the group tour is recommended. The group itineraries are crafted by experts with classic attractions included. The cost for a group tour is also usually more affordable than a private tour.
Ā |
Private Tour |
Group Tour |
Core Features |
Exclusive vehicles and drivers, completely customized Ā itineraries, can arrange special activities |
Fixed and standard itinerary with core attractions, arranged uniformly by the tour guide |
Cost |
Higher, CNY 2,500 + |
Relatively low, CNY 800+ |
Flexibility |
High, can decide the route by yourself and the visiting time at the attractions |
Low, need to follow the team schedule |
Comfort Level |
High, easier for elders and children |
Average |
Best For |
Families, couples, friends |
Solo travelers, budget travelers |
Plan Your Chengdu Jiuzhaigou Tour with China Xian Tour?
For most travelers, it will be more relaxing if joining a tour group during the Chengdu Jiuzhaigou tour. Because the travel agency will plan the itinerary and arrange the transportation for you. If choosing us, we will also assign a professional guide for you, taking the risk of altitude sickness in Jiuzhaigou into account. He will offer immediate help no matter what problems you meet during the trip. Whatās more, we can also tailor a trip based on your preferences completely. So travelling with us, you will enjoy a more carefree tour. Just contact China Xian TourĀ right now.
