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4 Days Jiuzhaigou In-depth Tour with Walking Experience

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

  • Type : Private Tour
  • Tour Code : CD-JZG-04F
  • Price : from $436
    1. 1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one double-bed room in a 4-star hotel and traveling in low seasons;
    2. 2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate.
  • Theme : Nature / Photography / Walking
  • Physical Demands :

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TOUR

  • 1 full day exploring Zechawa Valley (the longest valley) and Shuzheng Valley (famous for waterfall groups);
  • 1 full day discovering the most mysterious Rize Valley which is known for wild forest and tranquil pools;
  • Take a sidetrip to Jiuzhaigou’s World Natural Heritage Site neighbor – Huanglong Valley which represents you the most amazing travertine pools scenery;
  • All-inclusive tour package with competitive price, covering private tour guide, driver, hotels, meals, pickup and drop off.
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Itinerary Day by Day (Can Be Customized)
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Day 1 Train/Flight Pick Up - Huanglong - Jiuzhaigou

Today's highlight: Huanglong National Park

This morning upon arrival at Zhenjiangguan 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 82 km/1.5 hrs). (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 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.

  • Nuorilang Waterfall Nuorilang Waterfall
  • Beautiful Long Lake in Autumn (November) Beautiful Long Lake in Autumn (November)
  • Five-color Lake in Zechawa Valley Five-color Lake in Zechawa Valley

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.

  • Five-flower Lake in Rize Valley Five-flower Lake in Rize Valley
  • Pearl Waterfall in Rize Valley Pearl Waterfall in Rize Valley

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: you can take flight to Chengdu, Xian, Chongqing, Beijing, Shanghai, etc, from Huanglong Airport; 1) 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.

The quotation for this trip is from $436 Per Person

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 2024 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 prices 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.

What's included?

  • Professional licensed English-speaking guide;
  • Admission tickets for all attractions listed in the itinerary;
  • Accommodation as listed in the itinerary (4-star standard);
  • Necessary vehicle transfers as listed in the itinerary;
  • Airport (and train station) pick up and drop off;
  • Luggage Transfers: between airports (railway station) and hotels;
  • All meals as listed( “B” for Chinese and Western breakfast buffet in your hotel; “L” for Chinese Lunch in local restaurant; “D” for Chinese dinner in local restaurant.);
  • Our service charge, including tour planning, handling, operational and communication charges.

What's excluded?

  • China visa;
  • Personal expenses;
  • Accommodation not listed in the itinerary;
  • Tourist sites which are not listed in the itinerary;
  • Recommended optional activities;
  • Flights or trains not listed in the itinerary;
  • Excess Baggage Charges;
  • Optional tips to guides, drivers, etc.

Check What our delighted customers are saying about our services

Hi Tracy,

The tour you put together for us was great, we got to see the major sites. We really enjoyed gubei water town and wished we had more time there.

The ski day was luckily sunny and the kids had a lot of fun. It's their first time skiing so we didn't really know what to expect. It turned out well.

Driver Mr Hu and Guide Jamie were super patient with us. My kids sleep very late so we start everyday around 9am. They were very flexible and catered well to our needs.

Celestine

Celestine‚ Malaysia, March 14, 2024

Dear Leo,

Feedback as follows:

1. You are fast and patient to answer.

2. The tour arrangements are very good.

3. Willing to recommend your service.

4. Very impressive

Linda

Linda‚ Singapore, March 14, 2024

Hi April,

I loved everything about the tour and everyone that helped me along the way.

Here's some comments and photos:

China Discovery provided exceptional service in customizing our trip to Guilin, Yangshuo, and Longsheng in late February 2024. April, my travel consultant, was responsive, helpful, and friendly, addressing all my questions and needs promptly. Our tour guide, Steven, was not only friendly but also adaptable to our needs and the unexpected weather conditions (there was a cold front during our trip) without the need for me to ask. His food recommendations for our meals at every restaurant were superb and we got to taste not only the local specialty but also what the restaurant is known for. Last but not least, Mr. Young, our driver, ensured our safety with his steady driving.

Cheers!

Wendy

Wendy‚ Singapore, March 13, 2024

Dear Ms. Jiang,

We are so pleased with your China tour and are so thankful for all your help.

All the tour guides and drivers have been excellent and we felt very well taken care off.

We felt very safe and therefore could enjoy the tour without any worries.

Not only did we see a lot we also learned a lot about China, the country, the people, etc.

I think it is of great benefit to participate in this kind of a tour, first of all we did not have to share the tour guide with other persons, so we could ask all the questions that came to mind. Also that there was no shopping as a part of the tour was a plus.

Thanks again for a wonderful experience

Rosemarie

Rosemarie‚ USA, March 12, 2024

Afternoon Rita,

Apologies for the delay. As requested:

1. How do you comment your tour arrangements? DL: Overall an excellent service, well organised and a brilliant tour guide with expert knowledge/guidance.

Are you willing to recommend our service to your people who also have an interest to visit China? DL: Absolutely.

Not only did we see a lot we also learned a lot about China, the country, the people, etc.

I think it is of great benefit to participate in this kind of a tour, first of all we did not have to share the tour guide with other persons, so we could ask all the questions that came to mind. Also that there was no shopping as a part of the tour was a plus.

Thanks again for a wonderful experience

David L

David L‚ USA, March 12, 2024
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Esther G
"It was our 1st trip with China Discovery and pleased that we had such a wonderful time. Thanks to our tour consultant Rita Jiang who customised our private tour of 4. Hotels were excellent..." read more »
Reviewed on March 21, 2024
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Esther G
"It was our 1st trip with China Discovery and pleased that we had such a wonderful time. Thanks to our tour consultant Rita Jiang who customised our private tour of 4. Hotels were excellent..." read more »
Reviewed on March 21, 2024
Read all reviews(1,820+)

How Our Teams Serve you at China Discovery

"Highest Standards of Quality and Honesty" is the core value of each specialized team at China Discovery.

Eveyone in our company is working hard for only one goal, which is to ensure the highest level of service, luxury, and attention to detail from the minute you begin planning your trip, to the day you return home.

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After sending us an inquiry, one of our travel consultants will get back to you within 0.5~23.5 hrs. In the next few days, he/she will be working closely with you to formulate a customized tour plan, as well as providing professional suggestions based on your travel interests, time, and budget.

Beside, he/she will keep in contact with you during your entire tour in China, continually checking if everything is going well as planned.

We're working at Chengdu Bamboo International Tours, local based in Chengdu.

Local Tour Guides

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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.

Our guides are passionate about what they do, and it shows all the way!

Local Drivers & Vehicle

Using our private transfer service makes you comfortable, relaxed and worry free all the way!

Our private service includes licensed drivers with many years’ driving experience and air-conditioned, non-smoking, clean and well-maintained cars/vans. Drivers are local, polite, friendly and helpful, taking you to your tourist sites, hotels, airport/train stations in safety. All kinds of vehicle are offered, and yours depends on the size of your group. Usually, we offer sedan cars, SUVs, business vans (MPV) and different types of buses, all with extra space for your luggage.

Our private transfer service guarantees you the highest comfort!

Comfortable & Homelike Hotels

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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.

Meals & Dining

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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!

Photo gallery of this trip

  • Huanglong Five-Color Ponds Huanglong Five-Color Ponds
  • Nuorilang Waterfall Nuorilang Waterfall
  • Beautiful Long Lake in Autumn (November) Beautiful Long Lake in Autumn (November)
  • Five-color Lake in Zechawa Valley Five-color Lake in Zechawa Valley
  • Five-flower Lake in Rize Valley Five-flower Lake in Rize Valley
  • Pearl Waterfall in Rize Valley Pearl Waterfall in Rize Valley

Most Important Jiuzhaigou Travel Notes

1. Why Travel with China Discovery’s Private Jiuzhaigou Tours?

Based in Chengdu (the most popular gateway to Jiuzhaigou) with more than 1,820+ 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.

2. Where is Jiuzhaigou exactly located and what is the best transportation plan?

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.

3. How to plan Jiuzhaigou itinerary?

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.

4. Where to stay during Jiuzhaigou trip?

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.

5. How to deal with possible high altitude sickness?

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.

6. Jiuzhaigou the best time for travel, weather and wearing tips

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.

Recommended or Similar Tour Packages You May Also Like

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