4 Days Jiuzhaigou In-depth Tour with Walking Experience
Spend Two Days in Jiuzhaigou Valley
Spend Two Days in Jiuzhaigou Valley
Most visitors spend a day in Jiuzhaigou Valley mainly because the entrance ticket is only valid for a day, and with the help of sightseeing bus, one can explore most of the highlights in the three valleys. But there is no doubt you can only explore on the surface if you only spend a day in the valley. As a national park covering 72,000 ha and distancing over 31 mi, there are up to 114 turquoise pools and lakes, 47 tranquil springs, 17 groups of waterfalls, 11 rapids and 5 beautiful tufa shoals. Thus, we encourage you to spend two days in the valley so that you explore Jiuzhaigou further, closer and deeper, and enjoy some leisure and scenic walking.
The scenic area of Jiuzhaigou consists of four major areas which are Shuzheng Valley, Zechawa Valley, Rize Valley and Nuorilang Waterfall. They are connected by well-paved roads and wooden walking trails with total length over 37 mi. To enjoy a comfortable and scenic walking, you can spend one day walking the Zechawa Valley and Shuzheng Valley, and the other day walking Rize Valley. Sightseeing bus will be used to transfer between those sections without walking trails
High Altitude Notice: this trip includes traveling over 3500 meters above the sea level, which may cause high altitude sickness for some travelers. You can take high altitude sickness prevention medicine about 2~3 days before your tour. Or start your journey by exploring Jiuzhaigou National Park first, and save your visit to Huanglong for later days. This approach ensures you have two nights to acclimatize to the high altitudes.
Day 1 Train/Flight Pick Up - Huanglong - Jiuzhaigou
Today's highlight: Huanglong National Park
This morning upon arrival at Huanglongjiuzhai Railway Station or Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport, you will be greeted by our local tour guide and driver who will then transfer you to Huanglong National Park directly (about 28 km/less than 1 hr). (Go to Jiuzhaigou by train or flight? It is strongly recommended to go to Jiuzhaigou from Chengdu by high speed train, which is money-saving and hustle-free. You can also fly to Jiuzhaigou from Chengdu, Chongqing, Xian, etc., but the flight schedules are not available all the time, and flight fares are usually much higher than train tickets.)
Situated in the Minshan Mountains in northwestern Sichuan Province, Huanglong Valley (Huanglong National Park) has one of three most outstanding travertine lake terraces in the world, which is 3.6 kilometers long, and lies under the grandiose peak of Xuebao Peak (Snow Treasure Mountain: 5,588 meters) like a yellow dragon. This is how the valley gained the name of Huanglong (Yellow Dragon). The travertine scenery was created by geological evolution for thousands of years, including glacial revolution, terrane movement, chemical reaction, climate changing, etc. At the top (3556 m) of the valley lies the best highlight - Five-Color Ponds consisting of 693 ponds of different sizes, shapes, colors, dazzling like beautiful emeralds. Huanglong Valley is also renowned for superlative sceneries of snow mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, wild forests, etc. as well as an important habitant of Giant Pandas and Snub-nosed monkeys. All these magnificences of nature helped Huanglong gain the title of World Natural Heritage Site in 1992.
It usually takes about 6 hours to hike from the entrance to Five-Color Ponds, then return to the entrance. To save energy and time, you will take a quick cable car directly to the top, and then walk down the valley to enjoy the scenery. After about 3-hour sightseeing in the valley, you will leave the park and drive about 2 hours to Jiuzhaigou to check in your hotel.
Useful tips: 1) some attractions in Huanglong valleys are located over 3500 meters above the sea level, which may cause high altitude sickness for some travelers. You’d better walk at a slower pace. If you feel hard to breathe or headache, you can go to the Oxygen Bars to rest and take oxygen; 2) Huanglong cableway is not operational in winter; 3) there is no restaurant in the valley, you can bring some food or snacks, or have lunch after exiting the park.
Huanglong Five-Color Ponds
Day 2 Jiuzhaigou Walking: Zechawa Valley / Shuzheng Valley ( B )
Today's highlights: Long Lake, Five-color Lake, Nuorilang Waterfall, Shuzheng Lake, Tiger Lakes, etc.
After breakfast, you will take a sightseeing bus from Jiuzhaigou Gate to the top of Zechawa Valley to start sightseeing and hiking, which is helpful to escape from the tourist groups who usually travel from the lower area to the top. Get off the sightseeing bus, then walk on plank road to visit Long Lake which is the longest and widest among all lakes in Jiuzhaigou. With its amazing blue water and green color on the lake, it’s one of the ideal site to take photos. Then you will walk down about 1 kilometer along plank road to visit Five-color Lake. Due to the different mineral concentration, the water in different depths create different color spectrum from pale blue through aquamarine to emerald green. Leave Five-color Lake and go to hop on a sightseeing bus to Nuorilang Water Fall area where you can take some rest and have lunch.
After lunch, you will go to visit the iconic attraction of Jiuzhaigou - Nuorilang Waterfall. As the widest calcified waterfall in China, Nuorilang Waterfall is about 300 meters wide and 20 meters high. Overlooked in the opposite viewing pavilion, it looks like a white screen pouring down with a roaring sound. Leave Nuorilang, take a sightseeing bus to Rhinoceros Lake to start your hiking down along Shuzheng Valley to Reed Lake on route there are over 19 lakes of different sizes and many waterfalls, including Shuzheng Lakes, Tiger Lakes, Flaming Sea, Shuzheng Waterfall, Shuanglonghai Waterfall, etc. As you walking along the way, you can enjoy the great nature with traditional Tibetan villages. Lastly, hop on a sightseeing bus back to the entrance, and transfer back to your hotel.
Day 3 Jiuzhaigou Valley Hiking: Rize Valley ( B )
Today's highlights: Five-flower Lake, Mirror Lake, Wild Forest
Today's highlight is the most beautiful valley of Jiuzhaigou - Rize Valley. After breakfast, you will take a sightseeing bus to the end of Rize Valley where your walking tour starts. With a total length of 18 km, the route links Nuorilang Waterfall and Virgin Forests. Here are all colors of the lakes like a kaleidoscope, fairyland tranquil and abstruse, or mystic mirror. Waterfalls here have the tallest drop. Beaches look like treasure house. Virgin forest reach to the sky...luckily, you are going to enjoy them all during today's walking. You will hike more than a half day from the top to the Nuorilang. Then take a sightseeing bus to the park entrance and return to your hotel. Your Jiuzhaigou walking tour ends.
Day 4 Jiuzhaigou Departure ( B )
Train station/airport drop off
Today is free for you until your tour guide and driver escort you to train station/airport in time for the scheduled train/flight to Chengdu or other destination.
Next destination ideas: 1) By Air: there are daily flights to Chengdu, and weekly flights (which may be subject to cancellation in low seasons) to Beijing, Hangzhou, Xi'an, Chongqing, and Shanghai. 2) By train: you can take a train to Chengdu and some other stations along Sichuan-Qinghai Railway; 3) By Land: if you want to extend your trip from Jiuzhaigou, you can travel northward to Hongyuan, Ruoergai, Langmusi, even Gansu and Qinghai Provinces.
1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one standard double-bed room in a 4-star hotel and traveling with our private tour in low seasons. It will drop greatly if your group has 4 or more members.
2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, month and date. There may be huge price increasing during public Chinese holidays, school summer vacations, tourism peak seasons or some special dates. (China Public Holiday 2025 Schedule Released)
3. Other factors that may change the final tour price include group size, hotel class, tour activities, fluctuation of currency exchange rate, etc.
4. This price is based on exchange rate USD 1=RMB 7.00. The final price will be based on the exchange rate in effect at the time of agreement with our quotation.
5. This price is only valid to March 31, 2025.
6. This price is not the final price until the Confirmation Letter is sent.
7. The items included and excluded in this price are for reference only. The final services included, please refer to the confirmation letter sent to you by the travel consultant.
Hi Wonder,
Thanks for your email. We are back home now after our three weeks tour to S. Korea and China, in which the Yangtze River cruise was a key part of the trip.
I have to tell you we enjoyed the cruise very much. Everything was as what we expected. And thanks for your help for not only booking the cruise for us but also answered all the questions we had...which helped us a lot in preparations.
The Century Oasis was a very nice river cruise ship and the people are professional. The room was very nice and food was very good. We were arranged with other English speaking people as a small group for local excursions which is a great experience. Overall, I would highly recommend this cruise.
We are planning more sightseeing trips to China such as Chengdu, Chongqing, Xinjiang, etc. We hope your company can help us for the arrangements in the future.
As 2024 is quickly drawing to close, we wish you all the best for the new year.
Yours sincerely,
Andy
Dear Mr Leo Li,
Good evening to you.
Thank you for planning my trip to Yunnan on 16-26/5/2024.
Although the trip started with an unwanted incident on the day of our arrival but overall it was a good trip especially in Dali and Lijiang. Both the tour guides, Sally and Rodney were attentive with good service and are knowledgeable.
I would say that the Kunming tour guide, Jenny was not at fault for not meeting us at the airport because she was given the wrong information that our flight was rescheduled to arrive at night instead of afternoon. She showed us the WeChat message. She is a friendly tour guide.
For your information, our visit to Shangri-la was average only. We missed out going up to turn the big wheel. Only realised it when we went back to the hotel. Anyway, it’s in the past.
Overall, the trip is wonderful with our bucket list ticked!
I am thinking of another trip to China also in May next year and would like to have your suggestion. Are you still with China Discovery?
Regards,
Ms Chai
Hi Shirley,
Thanks for all the good arrangement. Special thanks to Jessica for taking good care of us. She made a very memorable Huang Shan trip for us. The accommodation and transport arrangements were flawless. Looking forward to have my next visit with you all.
Thong
Dear Rita,
Tqvm again for all your support & your professionalism and great friendship. Below are our team appreciative & constructive feedback for your attention.
Keep in touch and god bless you always.
Thanks and regards,
Chew
Hi Phoebe!
Our tour was fantastic! Jane was a wonderful guide and the views were amazing.
Thank you so much helping organize the tour, and for the little gifts too!
It was great weather! We got to see so much!
Esther
excellent assistance, helpfulness and courtesy. My contact 'was Shirley, prepared friendly and punctual. Highly recommended...
"Highest Standards of Quality and Honesty" is the core value of each specialized team at China Discovery.
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Our local guide in every destination is not only very friendly, enthusiastic but also very informative and knowledgeable.
Once you arrive in the destination, the patient and punctual guides will pick you up and take you to get under skin of the city at your own pace. By in-depth discovery and explanation, they’ll show you more about the history, culture, customs and authentic local life. Throughout the journey, they're not only expert guides who take care of all the details but also fellow travelers who are dedicated to help you explore in comfort and style.
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Our private transfer service guarantees you the highest comfort!
In each destination, you’ll enjoy a comfortable stay in a great location!
The hotels we choose are based on star rating, great locations, well-equipped facilities, cozy bed, high quality service and guests’ feedbacks. Choices are a lot ranging from luxury 5 star, comfortable 4 star to budget 3 star. You could decide where to stay to best suit for your budget and likes. Generally, the hotels have both Western and Chinese breakfast with a wide choices.
If you have already got an ideal hotel, please feel free to tell our travel consultants and they'll book the hotel for you.
Have good sleep in our well-selected hotels in all the destinations of China.
We can satisfy all the dietary requirements no matter you want Chinese local food, western food, vegetarian food or muslin food.
The restaurants we will take you for lunch or dinner are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. They have very good sanitary conditions and the food is prepared fresh and clean.
There will be some meals excluded in your itinerary as you like, and your private guide will be delighted to give you some suggestions and take you to the local restaurants to taste like Beijing Roast Duck, Xian Dumpling Dinner, Sichuan Hotpot, etc., if you are interested in local food tasting.
All the dining options will satisfy your stomach!
Huanglong Five-Color Ponds
Nuorilang Waterfall
Beautiful Long Lake in Autumn (November)
Five-color Lake in Zechawa Valley
Five-flower Lake in Rize Valley
Pearl Waterfall in Rize Valley
Based in Chengdu (the most popular gateway to Jiuzhaigou) with more than 2,050+ good reviews on Tripadvisor, we always master the first-hand travel information of Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong Valley and other beautiful places in the region. We know what is the best way to visit Jiuzhaigou no matter you travel solo or with your family and friends; Our private tour packages assure you the highest standards with great flexibility, comfort and personalized arrangement. You will your personal travel consultant, professional tour guide and a private vehicle which only serve for your party - nobody else. All-inclusive tour package to let you enjoy the best of Jiuzhaigou WORRY FREE.
Jiuzhaigou is located in northern Sichuan Province in southwestern China. It is about 450 km north from Chengdu city, approximately 1.5 hours' high speed train, 1 hour’ flight or 7~8 hour’s driving. Generally speaking, if you travel solo, or travel with kids, or want a more comfortable trip, you are suggested to take train to get to Jiuzhaigou. If your time is not on budget, or want to experience more places along the road, driving is the best option for you.
A Jiuzhaigou tour usually starts from Chengdu. You can take the early high speed trains so that you have at least a half day to explore Huanglong Valley before heading to Jiuzhaigou. Stay in a hotel close to the entrance of Jiuzhaigou Valley. Day 2 can be a full day exploration in Jiuzhaigou Valley. With the help of sightseeing bus, you can visit most of the beautiful attractions in the three valleys of Jiuzhaigou in a full day. Day 3 is for you to leave Jiuzhaigou. If you prefer a land-driving tour, you need 4 days. Day 1 is to drive about 7~8 hours from Chengdu to Songpan or Chuanzhusi, two towns near Huanglong Valley; Day 2 is to visit Huanglong Valley and drive about 2 hours to Jiuzhaigou for accommodation. Day 3 is a full day spent in Jiuzhaigou Valley. Day 4 is to drive back to Chengdu from Jiuzhaigou. There are some stops along the driving to take rest, sightsee and have lunch between Chengdu Jiuzhaigou driving. If you arrive at Jiuzhaigou from other cities, we can pick up you at the airport either.
Staying overnight in Jiuzhaigou Valley is not allowed due to environment protection. Travelers usually stay in the Goukou (Jiuzhaigou Valley Entrance) area where hotels options are flexible from 5 stars to 3 stars. China Discovery only uses those hotels with convenient amenities, fine services and great reputations. Most of them are 5-star and 4-star hotels located near the Goukou area where you can also get easy accesses to food street, shopping malls, banks, etc. We will also take care of the private transfers between hotel and the scenic area for you.
Some attractions in Huanglong valleys are located over 3500 meters above the sea level, which may cause high altitude sickness for some travelers. You can take high altitude sickness prevention medicine about 2~3 days before your tour. During your tour, you’d better walk at a slower pace. If you feel hard to breathe or headache, you can go to the Oxygen Bars in Huanglong Valley to rest and take oxygen; The altitudes of Jiuzhaigou valley is lower than Huanglong. The altitudes of most of the attractions in Jiuzhaigou are below 3000 m. With the help of sightseeing bus and rich oxygen density, the chance is small to get high altitude sickness.
Or start your journey by exploring Jiuzhaigou National Park first, and save your visit to Huanglong for later days. This approach ensures you have two nights to acclimatize to the high altitudes.
Jiuzhaigou is open all year around, but the best time for travel is from June to November. The most beautiful scenery comes in late September and fade in middle November when the forests turn to colorful, waters are clean and weather is most enjoyable. Winter is a good time for photography of snow world. It is also less-crowded and money-saving. March to May is not a very good time. The weather is great but some pools, lakes and waterfalls may be dried-up.
Jiuzhaigou has a plateau climate with lots of sunny days and huge temperature difference between day and night. The temperature in spring is still a little cold and you need to prepare sweater and coat to keep warm. The summer of Jiuzhaigou is cool, and wearing a T-shirt or pants is enough. But rain gear, sun-screen and moisturizer are a must-taken items with you in summer. In Autumn, You can take a long-sleeved blouse with a light coat at day time and thick clothes at night. If you plan a winter travel, you need to wear thicker clothes, like down jacket or cotton wadded jacket together with thick sweater in it. You can ask your travel consultant for more detailed weather information and tips.
Chengdu / Huanglong / Jiuzhaigou
Chengdu / Huanglong / Jiuzhaigou
Chengdu / Huanglong / Jiuzhaigou / Chengdu
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