Overview
This 7-day Chengdu Chongqing Jiuzhaigou itinerary connects China’s most relaxed city, its most breathtaking national park, and its most futuristic skyline.
Start in Chengdu with pandas, tea culture, and local life, then head deep into the mountains to explore Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong’s surreal landscapes. End in Chongqing, where neon lights, hotpot, and layered cityscapes create a dramatic contrast.
The route is designed to be smooth, efficient, and experience-rich, with minimal backtracking and maximum highlights.
Highlights
- See giant pandas at the famous Chengdu research base
- Experience authentic Sichuan teahouse culture
- Explore the turquoise lakes of Jiuzhaigou
- Visit the high-altitude travertine pools of Huanglong
- Discover Chongqing’s cyberpunk-style night skyline
- See the iconic train passing through a building at Liziba
- Taste real Sichuan & Chongqing hotpot
Itinerary
Day 1: Chengdu Airport → Hotel
The Experience:
Arrive in Chengdu, a city known for its slow pace and rich food culture.
Depending on your arrival time, take a relaxed walk through Kuanzhai Alleys or Jinli Ancient Street. Lantern-lit streets, local snacks, and traditional architecture offer the perfect soft landing in Sichuan.
Tips:
- Jinli is more lively at night; Kuanzhai is better for daytime strolling
- Keep this day light to recover from travel
Day 2: Chengdu Panda Base → Wenshu Monastery → Teahouse
The Experience:
Start your day early with your guide and driver, heading to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. It’s best to arrive before 7:30 AM, when the pandas are at their most active during feeding time.
Afterward, transfer back to the city center and visit Wenshu Monastery, a peaceful Buddhist temple where monks and local visitors create a calm, everyday spiritual atmosphere.
Later, enjoy a few relaxing hours in a traditional teahouse nearby. Surrounded by locals chatting and playing mahjong, you’ll experience Chengdu’s laid-back lifestyle firsthand.
If you’re interested, your guide can also take you to try the monastery’s vegetarian cuisine, a simple yet well-loved option among residents.
Highlights:
- Panda encounters
- Cultural & spiritual experience
- Authentic local lifestyle
Tips:
- Arrive at Panda Base before 9 AM
- Try ear-cleaning or mahjong in teahouses for a local touch
Day 3: Chengdu → Huanglong → Jiuzhaigou (HSR)
The Experience:
Today, you’ll travel from Chengdu to the Jiuzhaigou region by high-speed train, a fast and comfortable way to reach northern Sichuan.
Early in the morning, your guide and driver will escort you to Chengdu East Railway Station. After about 1.5–2 hours, you’ll arrive at Huanglongjiuzhai Station, where your local driver will be waiting. From there, continue by private transfer to Huanglong National Park (around 1–1.5 hours’ drive).
Huanglong is famous for its surreal terraces of colorful limestone pools. To make the visit easier, you can take the cable car up and then walk downhill at a relaxed pace, enjoying the scenery along the way.
After the visit, your driver will take you to your hotel near the entrance of Jiuzhaigou Valley. Check in and rest, preparing for a full day of exploration tomorrow.
Highlights:
- Huanglong’s unique landscapes
- Scenic mountain journey
Tips:
- Altitude is over 3,000m. Walk slowly.
Day 4: Jiuzhaigou National Park
The Experience:
Today, you’ll spend a full day exploring Jiuzhaigou National Park, one of China’s most breathtaking natural landscapes.
The park is shaped like a “Y”, with three main valleys: Rize Valley, Zechawa Valley, and Shuzheng Valley.
After entering, you’ll take the eco-friendly shuttle bus to the top sections first (either the left or right branch). Then, you’ll gradually explore your way down.Â
You’ll visit:
Five Flower Lake: Famous for its vibrant turquoise colors and underwater tree trunks.
Pearl Shoal Waterfall: A wide, cascading waterfall flowing over limestone terraces.
Long Lake: A deep alpine lake surrounded by mountains,
Five-Color Pool: A smaller but incredibly vivid lake known for its intense blue and green hues.
As you move down into Shuzheng Valley, the scenery becomes more layered and dynamic, with a series of lakes and waterfalls, including the impressive Nuorilang Waterfall, one of the widest highland waterfalls in China.
Throughout the day, you’ll combine shuttle bus rides (to cover long distances) with easy walks along wooden boardwalks, allowing you to get close to the lakes and enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace.
Highlights:
- Five Flower Lake
- Nuorilang Waterfall
- Mirror-like alpine lakes
Tips:
- Enter early to avoid crowds
- Use shuttle buses + short walks to optimize time
Day 5: Jiuzhaigou → Chengdu → Chongqing → Hongyadong
The Experience:
Today is a transfer day.
After breakfast, your local driver will transfer you to the high-speed train station. Then, you’ll travel back to Chengdu.
After a simple lunch near Chengdu East Railway Station, you’ll continue onward to Chongqing by high-speed train. Upon arrival, your guide and driver will transfer you to the city center and check in your hotel.
In the evening, step into the vibrant atmosphere of Chongqing with a visit to Hongyadong. Built along the riverside cliffs, its multi-level stilted buildings light up after dark, creating a stunning, almost cinematic scene. As you walk through the glowing streets, you’ll experience the unique energy of this mountain city.
Highlights:
- Chongqing night skyline
Tips:
- Hongyadong is best after sunset
Day 6: Chaotianmen → Liziba → Ciqikou
The Experience:
Today, you’ll explore Chongqing’s dramatic terrain and vibrant local culture with your guide.
Begin at Chaotianmen, where the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers meet, offering sweeping views of the city’s layered skyline and bustling river traffic.
Next, head to the famous Liziba monorail station to witness the unique sight of a train passing directly through a residential building. It’s one of Chongqing’s most iconic urban moments.
In the afternoon, continue to Ciqikou Ancient Town, where narrow streets, traditional shops, and local snacks reflect the city’s historical charm. As evening falls, wrap up the day with a classic Chongqing hotpot experience.
Highlights:
- Iconic urban landmarks
- Local food experience
Tips:
- Wear comfortable shoes, as Chongqing is built with lots of stairs
- Prepare for spicy food (or ask for mild)
Day 7: Hotel → Airport / Train Station → Departure
The Experience:
Enjoy a relaxed morning before departure. Your journey ends with a deep impression of China’s diversity, from pandas and peaceful tea culture to alpine landscapes and futuristic skylines.
Accommodation
- Chengdu: 2 Nights
- Jiuzhaigou: 2 Nights
- Chongqing: 2 Nights
We carefully select well-located 3–4-star boutique hotels in central areas, making it easy to access major sights while enjoying a comfortable and authentic stay. Our choices focus on clean, quiet environments with reliable service, and whenever possible, we prioritize properties that reflect local character.
At the same time, all accommodation can be fully customized. We offer 100% tailor-made options ranging from luxury resorts to budget-friendly stays, adjusted to your travel style, preferences, and budget.
Cost
Included
- High-speed train tickets (Chengdu – Huanglongjiuzhai – Chengdu – Chongqing).
- Private air-conditioned vehicle for all local transfers.
- Expert English-speaking local guide.
- All entrance fees (Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong, Panda Base).
- Park sightseeing buses and round-trip cable cars (Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong).
- 6 nights of hand-picked accommodation with breakfast.
- Local experiences (teahouse, city tours)
Excluded
- International flights to Chengdu.
- Lunches and dinners (freedom to explore local tastes).
- Personal expenses.
- Travel insurance.
- Gratuities for guide and driver.
- China visa fees.
- Optional activities.
- Travel insurance.
Transportation
- Chengdu → Huanglongjiuzhai Station: High-speed train
- Huanglongjiuzhai Station → Huanglong Scenic Area: Private transfer
- Huanglong Scenic Area → Jiuzhaigou: Private transfer
- Inside Jiuzhaigou National Park: Eco-shuttle bus system
- Inside Huanglong Scenic Area: Take the cable car up the mountain, then walk along the boardwalk down. (An optional downhill cable car is available)
- Huanglongjiuzhai Station → Chengdu: High-speed train
- Chengdu→ Chongqing: High-speed train
- Chongqing city tour: Private transfer
Essential Tips
- Prepare for Altitude: Huanglong reaches over 3,500m, so move slowly and stay hydrated.
- Pack Layers: Mountain weather changes quickly, even during summer.
- Chongqing is best experienced at night
Gallery
FAQ
Is 7 days enough for Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou, and Chongqing?
Yes, 7 days is the minimum efficient duration. It covers all highlights, though 8–9 days would be more relaxed.
What is the best route order?
Chengdu → Jiuzhaigou → Chongqing is the most efficient, avoiding backtracking. You can also consider your arrival and departure city to arrange the route. For example, Chongqing → Chengdu → Jiuzhaigou → Chengdu, or Chengdu → Jiuzhaigou → Chengdu → Chongqing → Chengdu.
How do I travel from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou?
You can take a flight (fastest) or a high-speed train + bus combination. Private transfers are also available.
Is Jiuzhaigou worth visiting?
Absolutely. It is one of China’s most beautiful national parks, famous for its colorful lakes and waterfalls.
Can I customize this itinerary?
Yes. We offer fully tailor-made options based on your schedule, budget, and travel style. You can customize the transportation, accomodation, itinerary, and more.
