Panda, Ancient Town & Jiuzhaigou-Huanglong Tour

• Chengdu - Songpan Ancient Town - Chuanzhu Temple

• 4+ stars Hotel

• None

In the early morning, you will depart from Chengdu by bus towards Songpan Ancient Town, which takes approximately 3 hours. Songpan Ancient Town (also known as Songzhou Ancient Town) is an important military fortress in the northwest of Sichuan, with a long history and rich cultural heritage. The ancient town is divided into inner and outer towns, with city gates connecting the two. The city walls are entirely built with blue bricks, making them strong and imposing, and they serve a significant defensive function from ancient times.

Songpan Ancient Town is home to various ethnic groups, including Tibetan, Qiang, Hui, and Han people, who have influenced and integrated with each other, forming unique and vibrant cultural customs. In the town squares, you can hear joyful Tibetan songs and witness energetic Guozhuang dances, experiencing a strong ethnic atmosphere.

You can also stroll along the streets, tasting local specialties such as spicy noodles, sauerkraut noodles, and barley cakes, and enjoy the charm of this multi-ethnic town.

After visiting Songpan Ancient Town, you will continue your journey to Chuanzhu Temple, a small town that takes about 1 hour to reach. Located at an altitude of over 3,000 meters, Chuan Zhu Si is known for its clean and peaceful environment, with distinctive Tibetan village architecture and omnipresent prayer flags. The town retains traditional Tibetan customs and marriage and funeral ceremonies. From the temple gate, you can enjoy views of distant snow-capped mountains. You can visit the local temples and Tibetan villages, and experience the daily life of Tibetan people. After dinner, check in at a local hotel for rest.

• Chuanzhu Temple - Huanglong - Jiuzhaigou

• 4+ stars Hotel

• Breakfast

After breakfast, you will depart from Chuanzhu Temple and head towards Huanglong Scenic Area, a 2-hour drive. Huanglong National Park is famous for its unique calcified pools, colorful pools, and hot springs. It is a nature reserve that combines snow-capped mountains, valleys, lakes, and other natural landscapes. You will visit Huanglong's iconic attraction, the Five-Color Pool, where the water reflects different colors, resembling a beautiful rainbow. The spectacular multi-colored scenery gives it a fairyland-like appearance. You will also have the opportunity to visit Huanglong Temple and learn about the history and culture of Tibetan Buddhism.

After about 4 hours of sightseeing in Huanglong, you will continue your journey to Jiuzhaigou, which is about 2.5 hours away. Upon arrival in Jiuzhaigou, you can briefly visit a local Tibetan village or rest and prepare for your adventure in Jiuzhaigou the following day.

• Jiuzhaigou 

• 4+ stars Hotel

• Breakfast

Today will be your full-day tour in Jiuzhaigou. Known for its rich ecological environment and colorful lakes, Jiuzhaigou is a world-famous scenic area. The main attractions in the park are divided into three valleys: Shuzheng Valley, Rize Valley, and Zechawa Valley.

In the morning, you will start with Shuzheng Valley, which is the first valley of Jiuzhaigou. It is famous for attractions like Shuzheng Waterfall, Shuzheng Lakes, and Wuhua Lake. Especially Wuhua Lake, where the surface of the water, due to minerals and plant diversity, displays dazzling colors. It is a photographer’s paradise.

Next, you will head to Rize Valley, the largest of the three valleys. The most representative attractions here are Pearl Shoal Waterfall, Chang Hai Lake, and Mirror Lake. Mirror Lake is calm and reflects the surrounding snow-capped mountains, forests, and lakes, creating a beautiful scene like a painting. The landscape of Rize Valley is constantly changing, with every spot offering amazing views.

In the afternoon, you will visit Zechawa Valley, the most primitive and unique of the three valleys. This area is full of Tibetan culture and natural beauty. The most famous attraction here is Nuorilang Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Jiuzhaigou, with powerful water flow and mist, creating a magnificent scene.

Within Jiuzhaigou, you will use an eco-friendly bus to travel between the major attractions, saving energy and time. The entire tour will last about 6 hours, and you will have the chance to fully experience Jiuzhaigou's unique natural beauty and rich ecological diversity.

In the evening, you can enjoy a meal at a Tibetan-style restaurant in Jiuzhaigou, tasting Tibetan hotpot, yak meat, and other local delicacies for an authentic Tibetan dining experience.

• Jiuzhaigou - Chengdu

• Breakfast

After breakfast, you will depart from Jiuzhaigou and head back to Chengdu. The drive will take approximately 7 hours. On the way, you can stop for breaks, enjoy the mountain views, and sample some local food.

In the afternoon, you will arrive in Chengdu, marking the end of your unforgettable Jiuzhaigou journey.

Additional Recommendations:

Accommodation: 

There are various accommodation options near Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou, with hotels available near the scenic areas for easy access to the attractions.

Best Travel Seasons: The best time to visit Jiuzhaigou is during the spring and autumn months, especially in autumn when the colorful scenery in Jiuzhaigou is particularly breathtaking.