6-Day Sichuan Cultural Hiking Tour(Chengdu-Huanglong-Jiuzhaigou-Chengdu)

This is a "fairy tale world", a "paradise on earth", and a precious world heritage site. Its scenery cannot be described by the word "beautiful".

Route: Chengdu-Jiuzhai Valley
  • Tour Code: ST-CHJ-06
  • Duration of the trip: 6 Days
  • Hotel: 5 Nights (4+Star Hotels)
From: USD $   pp
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Notes:Prices may vary depending on the season and promotional activities. Please consult your advisor for details.
This is a "fairy tale world", a "paradise on earth", and a precious world heritage site. Its scenery cannot be described by the word "beautiful".

Why Choose lnto Explore China Group Tour

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Worry-Free Travel
With years of experience in group travel across China, we provide professional tour guides, comfortable coaches, and well-paced itineraries for a smooth and enjoyable journey.
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Itineraries with Great Value
Our tours cover China's most iconic sights and cultural highlights. All packages are clearly priced with no hidden costs, offering a high-quality experience at a competitive rate.
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We guarantee a truly immersive journey with no shopping stop. Spend more time exploring scenic spots, enjoying authentic food, and discovering local culture
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Travel with Flexibility
Whether you're traveling solo, with friends, or as a family, you can easily join us. Enjoy better value than private tours with small groups of 6-12 people and year-round departures.

Itinerary

Explore each day’s highlights, pace, routes, hotels, meals, and photos—so you know exactly what to expect along the way.

Route Map Full route

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  • Arrive in Chengdu and transfer to the hotel

  • 4+ stars Hotel

  • None


Welcome to Chengdu, which is known as the "Land of Abundance". After Arriving in Chengdu, you will experience the unique charm of the city. 

Our professional tour guide will meet you at the airport arrival and transfer you to your hotel for rest.

The rest of the day is free time. If you want to wander around, you can find a tour guide and your guide will give you some good suggestions.

Recommend for Free Time

1. Take a stroll down Chunxi Road and have some snacks.
2. Face - changing of Sichuan Opera is one of the most famous local shows and you can ask guide to buy tickets for you.
3. Take a walk around Chengdu on your own to experience Chengdu's residential life.

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  • Chengdu--Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area--Jiuzhai Vally

  • 4+stars Hotel

  • Breakfast


After breakfast, you will embark on a journey to Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area, which is is well known for the"four wonders"of colorful ponds, snow mountains, alpine gorges and forests. It has well preserved tectonic zones, glacial remains, and river source topography. 

First we will arrive at Huanglong Valley, which is famous for its world-class travertine lake terraces. It is named Huanglong because it resembles a yellow dragon perched under Xuebao Peak (5,588 meters)

The most amazing attraction is the Colorful Pools at an altitude of 3,556 meters, with 693 colorful pools that look like emerald jewels.  In addition, Huanglong Valley is also a paradise for giant pandas and golden monkeys.


Next you will take a cable car to the top of the mountain and then walk through the valley, which is expected to take about 3 hours.  After finishing your trip in Huanglong, you will be transferred to Jiuzhaigou Valley, where we will stay for the night.


Tips:
1. Due to the high altitude of Huanglong, please pay attention to the prevention of plateau reaction and bring enough warm clothes.
2. Please note that the Huanglong Ropeway is suspended in winter.
3. Food are limited in the valley, so please bring some food or snacks with you, or choose to have lunch after leaving the area.

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  • Jiuzhaigou Valley

  • 4+stars Hotel

  • Breakfast


After breakfast, you will head to this piece of Jiuzhaigou Valley, which is known as the fairyland on earth.
Jiuzhaigou, named after the nine Tibetan villages spread out in the scenic area, has attracted the world's attention with its unrivaled natural beauty since its discovery in the mid-20th century.

The area boasts a stunning array of natural wonders, including snowy peaks, crystal-clear lakes, majestic waterfalls, lush forests, and colorful flora. The scenery changes with the seasons, with autumn being particularly vibrant as the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and yellow.

The classic tour route includes starting from the entrance of Nuorilang Waterfall, passing by the Wucai Pool, then proceeding to the Sea of Five Flowers, Pearl Beach Waterfall and so on. Eventually, you will enjoy Rhinoceros Sea, Shuzheng Waterfall and so on until you return to the park entrance to end the day's journey to the wonderland.

Afterwards, your guide and driver will transfer you back to the hotel for a rest.


Tips:

  1. Respect the Environment: As a World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, it's crucial to respect the environment and abide by the park's regulations, such as not littering or feeding wildlife.

  2. Dress and equipment: Jiuzhaigou Valley is located on a plateau with a changing climate, and some visitors may experience plateau reaction. Please bring enough warm clothing and medication, and wear comfortable hiking shoes.

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  • Jiuzhaigou Valley-Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding-Jinli Street

  • 4+stars Hotel

  • Breakfast


In the morning, return to Chengdu from Jiuzhaigou.

Then you will go to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. This is not only a scientific research base for pandas around the world, but also a cozy home for more than a hundred of pandas. You will be able to observe pandas of all ages eating, playing, rolling on the ground and climbing trees.

Also, we can learn how to feed them, even we can watch female pandas nursing their cubs . And more importantly, we can further our understanding of how to protect these beautiful but endangered creatures.

As night falls, you will step into the old street of Jinli, which has ancient buildings, lots of Chengdu snacks and cuisines, and exquisite handicrafts that are lively and interesting folk performances. You will spend an unforgettable night here.

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  • Sanxingdui Ruins-Chengdu People's Park-Chunxi Road

  • 4+stars Hotel

  • Breakfast


In the morning, you will visit the Sanxingdui Ruins, which is is considered to be one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the 20th century. A vast array of ancient bronzes, gold masks, ivory and jade have been found here. The unearthed objects are unique in shape and superior in techniques,which confirmed the extraordinary creativity of the ancient Shu people and their desires to connect with the heaven and understand the universe.

In the afternoon, you will step into Chengdu People's Park to experience the unique leisure and ease of this city. Here you can order a pot of tea and take a nap or join the local people in a game of mahjong and experience the ear cleaning service.

In the evening you can come to Chunxi Road, the busiest place in Chengdu, to experience the lively atmosphere and taste Chengdu's food and snacks.


Recommend Activities:

  1. In the evening, you can go on a night tour of the Jinjiang River. It is recommended to choose the time period after sunset to about 9:00 p.m. for the tour, when all the lights have been turned on, and you can fully enjoy the beautiful scenery on both sides of the Jinjiang River.

  2. You can also choose to continue exploring Chengdu's nightlife. Whether it's a few drinks at a bar in Jiuyan Bridge or a stroll through the night market, you'll be able to get a feel for the city's unique charm.

  • Chengdu Departure

  • Breakfast


Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight or train to your next destination or home. We hope you have a wonderful memory of this tour and look forward to seeing you again. 

We have prepared a transfer service and a one/two day tour to Chengdu (optional) for you

1. Drop-off service: In order to ensure that your departure is hassle-free, we offer a considerate drop-off service. According to your flight time and departure location, we will arrange a car to arrive at your hotel or designated location on time.
2. Chengdu one-day/two-day tour: For those who want to experience Chengdu in depth in a short time, we recommend the Chengdu one-day tour; if you have more time, the Chengdu two-day tour will be the best way to explore the city.

Included & Excluded

  • The price is based on two people sharing a double room. If you prefer a single room, please contact us for a quote.
  • Price may vary depending on exchange rates, travel dates, and hotel class.
  • Prices may vary depending on the season and promotional activities. Please consult your advisor for details.
Price Includes:
  • Comfortable hotel with daily breakfast (twin room)
  • Professional English-speaking local tour guide
  • Air-conditioned private coach throughout the tour
  • Entrance tickets to all listed attractions and activities
  • Lunches as specified in the itinerary
  • Domestic flights and high-speed train tickets
  • One travel accident insurance per person
Price Excludes:
  • International flights to and from China
  • Airport transfer to hotel on arrival day (Day 1)
  • Optional or recommended activities
  • Chinese visa application fees
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses (e.g. shopping, laundry, hotel minibar)

Cancellation Policy

We understand that travel plans may change. Please review our cancellation policy below:
  • Free cancellation if canceled 60 days or more before the tour starts
  • 5% of total tour cost if canceled 45-59 days before departure
  • 10% of total tour cost if canceled 30-44 days before departure
  • 25% of total tour cost if canceled 15-29 days before departure
  • 45% of total tour cost if canceled 7-14 days before departure
  • 100% of total tour cost if canceled less than 7 days before departure

Q & A

Why this order — Huanglong first, Jiuzhaigou second, then Chengdu culture?
The order is deliberate. Huanglong runs higher (roughly 3,200–3,560 meters), so we do it while legs are fresh, then Jiuzhaigou — mostly below 3,100 — gives a gentler second day, and Chengdu's teahouses and museums close the tour as recovery. The scenic crescendo also works: first the terraced pools, then the valley, then the city. We pace the altitude with slow walking, water and oxygen on hand.
Winter — the note says Huanglong's ropeway is suspended: what changes?
Expect a different mountain. From roughly December to March the Huanglong ropeway stops for snow and ice, and the entrance drops to about 60 yuan; you walk the full valley instead, about 4–6 hours at altitude, so it suits fit winter travelers, not first-timers. Jiuzhaigou stays open with frozen lakes, and we confirm current ropeway status before you book.
One full day in Jiuzhaigou — can it do justice to the valley?
Yes, with the right plan — but it is one day, not two. Use the park shuttle to ride high (Long Lake and the Rize arm), then walk down past Five Flowers Sea and Pearl Beach, and finish on Nuorilang and Shuzheng waterfalls. Entry plus shuttle is about 280 yuan in peak season with real-name booking and a daily cap, so we reserve the moment tickets open and enter at the gate's opening.
If altitude hits at Huanglong — what's the plan?
Slow down first, then decide. Mild symptoms — headache, breathlessness — usually ease with rest, water and oxygen; we carry cans and take breaks. If it worsens, the rule is descend: we return to lower ground, which resolves most cases within hours, and we can adjust the day (for example, skipping Huanglong's highest section). Severe symptoms mean hospital, and we know the nearest one.
Day 1 and Day 6 — how much Chengdu do we get, and what departure time works?
You get three Chengdu evenings and one morning. Arrival night: Chunxi Road snacks or the face-changing show; Day 4 night: Jinli; Day 5: Sanxingdui, People's Park, and Chunxi again with an optional Jinjiang cruise (about 108–138 yuan). Day 6 is a morning drop-off — flights after roughly 13:00–14:00 work from Shuangliu, later for Tianfu. An optional extra day adds more.

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(>=12 years old)
(2~11 years old)

Q & A

Asked by Gibson from Argentina | July 31,2025 13:59
Will we interact with local Tibetan or Qiang communities during the hikes? What’s the etiquette?
Answered by intotravelchina | July 31,2025 14:06
Absolutely! You’ll visit Tibetan villages and Qiang fortresses. Always ask permission before taking photos, remove hats indoors, and accept offerings (e.g., tea) gracefully.
Asked by Cyril Sharp from Philippines | July 31,2025 13:35
What’s the difference between the Chengdu Research Base and the Dujiangyan Panda Valley?
Answered by intotravelchina | July 31,2025 14:06
The Chengdu Research Base is the most famous panda center, with over 100 pandas of all ages—including cubs in the nursery. It’s larger, more accessible, and focuses on breeding. Dujiangyan Panda Valley is smaller, with fewer pandas, focusing on rewilding. We choose the Chengdu Base for its variety and higher chance of seeing active pandas—perfect for first-time visitors!
Asked by Tess Boyle from Canada | July 31,2025 13:09
The itinerary says Day 5 evening is free to explore Chunxi Road or do a Jinjiang River night tour.
Which do you recommend?
Answered by intotravelchina | July 31,2025 14:07
Both are great! Chunxi Road is perfect for shopping (local brands, snacks) and people-watching. For the Jinjiang tour, we recommend a 1-hour boat ride (80-120 RMB) after sunset—lights along the banks turn on, making the city glow. The boat has commentary in English, and you’ll pass landmarks like Anshun Bridge. If you prefer walking, the riverside path is scenic, with street performers and cafes.
Asked by Robeson from Germany | July 31,2025 11:44
I’m curious about ear cleaning service but a bit nervous!
Answered by intotravelchina | July 31,2025 14:07
Ear cleaning (erqing) is a classic Chengdu pastime—local "ear pickers" use tiny tools to gently clean your ears, often with a massage. It’s safe (they’re professionals!) and surprisingly relaxing. Prices are 30-50 RMB, and it takes 10-15 minutes. Many travelers love it as a quirky cultural experience—our guide can recommend trusted vendors in the park.
Asked by Jeremiah from Ireland | July 31,2025 11:26
Day 2 involves visiting Huanglong, which is at high altitude.
I’ve never been to such a high place—what specific advice do you have for preventing altitude sickness? Should I bring medication, and is there oxygen available if I need it?
Answered by intotravelchina | July 31,2025 14:07
Altitude sickness is manageable with preparation! We recommend: Drinking plenty of water (avoid alcohol/coffee). Taking it slow—don’t rush hikes. Bringing over-the-counter meds like acetazolamide (check with your doctor first). Packing warm layers, as cold worsens symptoms. Huanglong has oxygen stations near key spots (5-10 RMB per mask), and our guide carries a first-aid kit with basic supplies. Most travelers adapt quickly, but let your guide know if you feel dizzy or short of breath.
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