China's Blue Lakes and Golden Pools

4 daysChengdu

Why you will love this trip

Travel from Chengdu into the mountain landscapes of northern Sichuan. In Jiuzhaigou, walk through forested valleys filled with turquoise lakes and cascading waterfalls. At Huanglong, follow a series of golden travertine pools beneath the highland peaks. Discover the Tibetan and Qiang cultural traditions of the region through local food, performances and optional art experiences.

Highlights

  1. 1See Jiuzhaigou’s turquoise lakes and forested valleys
  2. 2Explore Huanglong’s golden travertine pools
  3. 3Travel by high-speed rail from Chengdu into northern Sichuan
  4. 4Add local food, performances or a Thangka experience

Itinerary

Written by the planner who runs this trip. Days marked with meals and where you sleep, so you can see what is actually arranged.

Meeting point · Chengdu railway station. Exact meeting details will be confirmed before travel.

  1. Day 1

    Take a high-speed train from Chengdu to Huanglong-Jiuzhai railway station, then transfer to Zhangzha Town near Jiuzhaigou. In the evening, you may add a Jiuzhai Eternal Love performance, subject to timing and availability.

    Included
    • High-speed rail journey from Chengdu to Huanglong-Jiuzhai railway station
    • Transfer to Zhangzha Town
    Optional
    • Jiuzhai Eternal Love performance
    Train and transfer schedules depend on the selected service. The evening performance is subject to your arrival time and show availability.
  2. Day 2

    Spend the day exploring Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, with its forested valleys, turquoise lakes and cascading waterfalls. In the evening, you may choose an optional Tibetan dinner.

    Included
    • Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area day visit
    • Private English-speaking guide service
    • Entrance tickets for the included attractions
    Optional
    • Tibetan dinner
    Tibetan dinner
  3. Day 3

    Choose a second visit to Jiuzhaigou or travel to Huanglong to see its golden travertine pools beneath the highland peaks. Your choice should be confirmed in advance so the day’s route and arrangements can be planned accordingly.

    Included
    • Second Jiuzhaigou visit or Huanglong visit
    • Private English-speaking guide service
    • Entrance tickets for the included attractions
    Optional
    • No additional optional activity specified
    The route involves highland travel and walking. Huanglong access and the walking route may be affected by weather and local operating conditions.
  4. Day 4

    Transfer from your hotel to Huanglong-Jiuzhai railway station and take a high-speed train back to Chengdu. If timing allows, add a 1.5-hour stop in Songpan Ancient Town or a Thangka experience before departure.

    Included
    • Hotel transfer to Huanglong-Jiuzhai railway station
    • High-speed rail journey to Chengdu
    Optional
    • 1.5-hour visit to Songpan Ancient Town
    • Thangka experience
    Optional activities depend on the train schedule and available time. Confirm your preferred option and departure arrangements before booking.

What is included

In the price

  • 3 nights in 4-star hotels in Zhangzha Town
  • High-speed rail between Chengdu and Huanglong-Jiuzhai railway station
  • Scheduled transfers between the railway station and hotel
  • Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area visit
  • Choice of a second Jiuzhaigou visit or Huanglong visit
  • Private English-speaking guide service on scheduled sightseeing days
  • Entrance tickets for the included attractions

Not included

  • International flights
  • China visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals unless specifically stated
  • Jiuzhai Eternal Love performance
  • Tibetan dinner
  • Songpan Ancient Town stop
  • Thangka experience

Before you book

The practical things worth knowing before you commit.

  • The journey starts and ends in Chengdu, with rail travel to and from Huanglong-Jiuzhai railway station
  • Day 4 optional activities depend on the return train schedule and available time
  • Choose either a second Jiuzhaigou visit or a Huanglong visit for Day 3 and confirm your choice in advance
  • The Jiuzhai Eternal Love performance, Tibetan dinner, Songpan Ancient Town stop and Thangka experience are optional unless listed in your final quotation
  • Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong involve outdoor walking and highland sightseeing; routes may include uneven paths and steps
  • Weather and local operating conditions may affect access, sightseeing routes and transfer times

Frequently asked questions

Jiuzhaigou is known for its forested valleys, turquoise lakes and waterfalls. Huanglong is known for its golden travertine pools beneath the surrounding highland peaks.

The itinerary includes 3 nights in 4-star hotels in Zhangzha Town, near Jiuzhaigou.

Day 3 is planned as a choice between a second visit to Jiuzhaigou and a visit to Huanglong. Select one option so the route can be arranged in advance.

A 1.5-hour visit to Songpan Ancient Town may be possible on Day 4, depending on the train schedule and available time.

It is an optional art experience that can be added on Day 4. The format and availability should be confirmed before booking.

The performance can be added on Day 1 if your arrival time allows. It is subject to the show schedule and ticket availability.

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Cancellation policy

  • MORE THAN 30 DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE — Full refund
  • 15–29 DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE — 30% cancellation fee
  • 8–14 DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE — 50% cancellation fee
  • WITHIN 7 DAYS OF DEPARTURE OR NO-SHOW — Non-refundable

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