Magical and surreal Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong
Julie L

Julie L

Canada

Reviewed on October 10, 2024

My husband and I have just returned to Canada after a memorable and fulfilling trip to the magical and surreal terrain of Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong (altitude 5K meters) in Sichuan province, southwestern China. We were part of a fairly large group of Canadians on an 18-day tour of China, which began and ended in Beijing, with an emphasis on the eastern provinces of Shaanxi and Shanxi. While contemplating whether to visit major urban areas such as Shanghai or Tianjin, or the resort-like Hainan Island, after the initial 18-day tour, a photo of Jiuzhaigou flashed across my PC monitor. I was mesmerized, as Jiuzhaigou has been on my radar. Realizing that our timing would be in late September, I began actively researching how to make it happen. A bit of a snag here, as our trans-Pacific flights had been booked months prior, I had to ensure that our dates in Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong were firm, that the travel operator we chose was trustworthy.

I stumbled upon China Discovery, read numerous travellers’ review, which had reinforced my trust. I made an initial inquiry in early June 2024, and Rita Jiang responded within 24 hours. Rita exhibited professionalism and expertise by asking all the right questions. Through multiple email exchanges and online discussions, we firmed up our 6-day itinerary September 23-28, 2024, visiting Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong, Emeishan and LeShan Buddha. Our return flight dates (to Canada) removed any flexibility for joining a group, therefore, ours became a 2-person private tour.

We had considered flying from Beijing to Chengdu, the jump-off point to Jiuzhaigou. I was surprised at the pricey domestic airfare within China. We then chose the high-speed train as our mode of transport for the 9/23-9/28/2024 itinerary. The major deterrent was that, seats on China trains are released only 15 days prior. We chose to travel 1st class, as the rates were not much higher than 2nd class, yet much more modest than Business Class seats. Logistically, we would have been unable to get online to book our train seats to Jiuzhaigou, while we were still on the tour with fellow Canadians.

I delegated our itinerary between 9/23 and 9/28 to Rita Jiang at China Discovery, all transfers, including an 8-hour high-speed train on 9/28, upon conclusion of our 6-day trip, which brought us from Chengdu, Sichuan province, to Hong Kong, where we would fly back to Canada.

Rita delivered, professionally and seamlessly. Upon full payment of our excursion in late August 2024, Rita sent us a formal contract, outlining the entire itinerary, with English-language guide and driver on 4 sightseeing days, and driver only for transfers on day #1 and day #6. We communicated via WeChat while inside China. She sent us our train schedules via WeChat.

Our guides were absolutely fantastic. A HUGE “shout out” to Evan from Chengdu. Evan spoke impeccable English, has a strong command of English and an extensive English vocabulary. We appreciated his knowledge, expertise and extra care he took to accompany us to Emeishan and LeShan Buddha. Danny in Jiuzhaigou provided good service. The 3 drivers Rita had engaged were prompt and professional. The SUV’s deployed to ferry us back-and-forth were new, well-maintained, clean and tidy. Our itinerary covered 2-2.5 hours’ driving distance between the recently inaugurated Jiuzhaigou Huanglong Rail Station to Jiuzhaigou and back, also 2.5 hours’ drive between Chengdu and Emeishan.

I would readily engage Rita Jiang and China Discovery for any of my future travel planning and execution plans in China. Thumbs up to Rita Jiang and her team of professionals.

Destination(s): Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou, Emeishan, Leshan, Sichuan
Date of Experience: September 23, 2024
Trip Type: Traveled as Families
Tour Customized by: Rita

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