Main Attractions: Chengdu, Kuanzhai Alley, Jinli Old Street, Huanglong terraces, Five-Colour Pond, Jiuzhaigou lakes and waterfalls, China Ancient Qiang City, Maoxian
Route Highlights
The shortest of our Sichuan journeys still gives you two of China’s great natural wonders: the calcified terraces of Huanglong and the turquoise lakes of Jiuzhaigou. Days are paced for families, with a private vehicle, a gentle arrival afternoon and a full, self-paced day inside the national park. High-speed rail and a private driver keep transfers short, and the return leg adds the Qiang culture of the Min River valley.
Two UNESCO World Heritage landscapes in one unhurried week
A full day inside Jiuzhaigou, with the park shuttle letting you set the pace
Private 7- or 9-seat vehicle and a name-sign meet at every transfer
A gentle first afternoon in Chengdu for long-haul arrivals
Itinerary Overview (5 Days)
Day
Attractions
Overnight
Day 1
Private airport or rail transfer, Kuanzhai Alley, Jinli Old Street, Chunxi Road
Chengdu
Day 2
Huanglong National Scenic Reserve, Five-Colour Pond
Chuanzhusi
Day 3
Nuorilang Falls, Shuzheng Lakes, Long Lake, Five-Colour Pond, Pearl Shoal, Five-Flower Lake
Jiuzhaigou valley entrance
Day 4
China Ancient Qiang City, Maoxian, Min River valley
Chengdu
Day 5
Free time in Chengdu, private transfer to airport or station
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Detailed Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Chengdu
Your driver meets you at Chengdu airport or the high-speed rail station for a private transfer to your city-centre hotel. The afternoon is yours: wander Kuanzhai Alley for old Chengdu courtyards, snack your way along Jinli Old Street, or browse the shops around Chunxi Road. No fixed schedule on day one, so long-haul arrivals can settle in gently.
Meals: on your own. Overnight: Chengdu.
Day 2: Chengdu to Huanglong and Chuanzhusi
After breakfast, travel into the Min River valley to Huanglong, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Walk the boardwalks past thousands of travertine terraces and the 2,500-metre calcified cascade, the longest of its kind, ending at the brilliant Five-Colour Pond. Allow around three hours at altitude, then continue to Chuanzhusi for the night.
A whole day in Jiuzhaigou National Park, where turquoise lakes, tiered waterfalls, snow peaks and Tibetan villages fill three Y-shaped valleys. The park shuttle works like a city bus, so you set the pace between Nuorilang Falls, Long Lake, Five-Flower Lake and Pearl Shoal. Most travellers spend six to eight hours inside; lunch is at the park restaurant or from your own daypack.
Meals: breakfast, dinner (lunch on your own). Overnight: Jiuzhaigou valley entrance.
Day 4: Jiuzhaigou to Chengdu via the Ancient Qiang City
Drive back towards Chengdu along the Min River and stop at the Ancient Qiang City in Maoxian, the largest surviving complex of Qiang architecture and intangible heritage. It is a gentle cultural counterpoint to two days of high-altitude scenery before you return to your Chengdu hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch. Overnight: Chengdu.
Day 5: Departure from Chengdu
Breakfast at the hotel and a flexible final morning. Browse a teahouse, pick up last-minute gifts or simply rest until your private transfer to the airport or rail station. Tell us your flight time and we will shape the day around it.
Meals: breakfast. Overnight: -.
What’s Included
Private airport and rail transfers with a dedicated driver and a name sign
A comfortable 7- or 9-seat business vehicle for the full itinerary
Quality hotels in city centres and at each scenic stop, with daily breakfast
First-entry admission tickets to all sights listed in the itinerary
Meals as specified day by day, and a local driver-guide throughout
Round-trip high-speed rail tickets where the itinerary uses the Chengdu-Jiuzhaigou line
Good to Know
Bring a valid passport or ID for every traveller; discounted and free tickets must be declared at booking.
Huanglong and Chuanzhusi sit above 3,000 metres. Walk slowly, layer up, and tell us about any health concerns before booking.
Smoking is prohibited inside Jiuzhaigou, and local customs in Tibetan and Qiang areas should be respected.
Prices are quoted on request because hotels, season and group size change the final figure.
WHY GREATSEA
OUR PROMISE
Four specialists. One journey, entirely yours.
YOUR
PERSONAL TRAVEL DESIGNER
Made for you
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One dedicated designer shapes your route around your interests, pace and budget, never a fixed package.
YOUR
LOCAL STORYTELLER
Beyond the guidebook
“The stories you will not find in a guidebook.”
Walk the lanes, markets and festivals with a guide who calls the city home.
YOUR
PRIVATE GUIDE & CAR
At your own pace
“More space, and a schedule that is yours alone.”
An English-speaking guide and a private car, with every day flexible to you.
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24/7 TRAVEL SUPPORT
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A real person on the other end, from your first enquiry until you are back home.