National Parks of Sichuan, Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong

Arrival in Jiuzhaigou

Huanglong airport – hotel in Jiuzhaigou (approx. 90km): 90 min Note: Transfer time is contingent on hotel choice. The InterContinental, for example, is located 66km from the airport, while the Holiday Inn is 80km away; the Zhuoma guesthouse, Qianhe, and Sheraton are all located between 86 and 89km away

Noted: Happy to announce that Jiuzhaigou National Park is now open again after being seriously damaged in the earthquake of 2017. At present, 85% of the Jiuzhaigou National Park has been reopened for trail service, including Zharu Temple, Shuzhenggou (except Spark Sea), Rizegou (Nuolanglang to Wuhuahai section), and Chagougou.

Upon arrival to Huanglong Airport, settle in for a relaxing first day. The guide will be waiting at the arrival gate with a transfer prepared to the hotel. The following two days will be ripe with visits to the National Parks of Sichuan.

Overnight in Jiuzhaigou

Jiuzhaigou (altitude: 2000m)

Hotel in Jiuzhaigou – Jiuzhaigou park entrance (approx. 3km): 5 min Note: Transfer time, again, depends on the hotel location. The InterContinental for example, is located 22km from the entrance, while the Holiday Inn is located 7.5km away; Zhuoma guesthouse, Qianhe, and Sheraton are all located between 2 and 4km away

Day 2 is entirely set aside for a visit to Jiuzhaigou National Park (meaning “Valley of Nine Villages.”)

One of the most beautiful national parks of Sichuan, Jiuzhaigou is known for its multi-colored, tree-filled lakes. While temperatures are milder between April and October, the autumn spectacle of golden and red leaves combined with the lake’s emerald greens and navy blues is simply breathtaking. In the winter season, the entire area looks like a fairy tale with crystallised pine cones and snow-laden branches contrasting the intense blues of the lake.

In addition to the site’s natural beauty, it also is one of the region’s foremost eco-parks. Utilising a network of “eco-buses,” green transport freely whisks guests around the park providing a good alternative to walking.

Guests will first be transferred to the park entrance by private vehicle (with guide and driver), before continuing inside the park alongside a guide, either on foot or by bus.

Main attractions in the park are delineated in the shape of a ‘Y’. Each leg of the Y represents a valley, with the departure spot located at the southernmost point. Guests travel to the centre of the Y, where the Shuzheng, Tiger, and Rhinoceros Lakes are located, as well as several small waterfalls.

The tour continues from the center of the ‘Y’ towards the Five Color Pond, featuring the most vibrant colors of the site, and the Long Lake, boasting a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. The final leg heads along the northeast section to the Nuorilang waterfalls, Pearl Shoal and Five Flower Lake, which many consider to be the most beautiful part of the park.

Transfer back to the park entrance by bus and then by private vehicle back to the hotel.

Optional: Guests can relax and get rejuvenated with a foot massage, utilising the techniques of reflexology.

Dinner will be provided in the Alabuzi Restaurant, situated in a beautiful Tibetan setting offering typical foods of the area.

Overnight in Jiuzhaigou

Jiuzhaigou / Huanglong (altitude 3200 - 3700m)

Distance and journey time:Hotel in Jiuzhaigou – Huanglong park entrance (approx. 130km): 3hNote: Transfers depend on hotel choice. The InterContinental for example, is located 110km from the Huanglong park entrance, while the Holiday Inn is located 122km away; Zhuoma guesthouse, Qianhe, and Sheraton are all located around 130km awayHuanglong park entrance – Huanglong airport (60km): approx 1h30

Day three covers another of the most beautiful national parks of Sichuan, Huanglong National Park, literally translating to “Yellow Dragon.” En route, pass through various traditional Tibetan villages and, providing the weather is good, prepare for magnificent views of the surrounding mountains bathed in a sea of clouds.

The main area of the park is an ascent through tranquil pine forests, passing incredibly beautiful turquoise, yellow, and emerald green limestone ponds (nearly 700 in the park). There are several wooden viewing platforms located along the route of the walk. It should take around two hours to reach the summit and the same again to come back down.

The moderately difficult ascent will be rewarded upon arrival: a surreal, fantastical setting of the Yellow Dragon Temple (built during the Ming Dynasty, combining both Buddhist and Taoist idols) with beautiful views of the Five Color Lake and nearby Xuebao peak (5800m).

From the park, return to Huanglong Airport for the departing flight.

Optional: An optional cable car is available in the park, followed by a 30-minute walk over flat terrain, ultimately reaching the summit (fairly easy walk.) We recommend walking back down the mountain to appreciate the natural beauty up-close.