Jiuzhaigou National Park in Sichuan and Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan are two of China’s most spectacular natural destinations. While Jiuzhaigou is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, and colorful forests, Zhangjiajie is famous for its towering sandstone pillars, dramatic mountain views, and the landscapes that inspired the floating mountains in Avatar. Together, they offer two completely different yet equally unforgettable experiences.
If you’re planning a nature-focused trip to China, combining Jiuzhaigou and Zhangjiajie is an excellent choice. Thanks to China’s expanding high-speed rail network and convenient domestic flights, visiting both destinations in one journey is much easier than many travelers expect. The key is choosing the right itinerary and transportation to make the most of your time.
In this guide, you’ll find the best Jiuzhaigou and Zhangjiajie tour itineraries, packages, practical transportation advice, seasonal travel tips, estimated costs, and expert recommendations to help you plan a smooth and memorable adventure.
Can You Visit Jiuzhaigou and Zhangjiajie in One Trip?
Yes. With a well-planned itinerary, it is completely possible to visit both Jiuzhaigou and Zhangjiajie in one China trip.
Although they are both famous for breathtaking natural scenery, they offer very different travel experiences. If you’re not sure which destination is a better fit for your trip, our guide comparing Jiuzhaigou and Zhangjiajie explains the differences in scenery, travel styles, and the best time to visit each place.
If you want to combine Jiuzhaigou and Zhangjiajie together, we recommend 7–10 days or more. This provides enough time to explore the main highlights while avoiding spending too much of the trip on transportation.
This is especially suitable for couples, families, and photography enthusiasts who want to experience China’s most spectacular natural wonders in one memorable journey.
Best Jiuzhaigou Zhangjiajie Tour Itineraries and Packages
We understand that every traveler has different priorities. Some have only a few days available, while others prefer a slower journey with more time for photography and cultural experiences.
Below are the itineraries we most often recommend. All can be customized according to your arrival city, travel dates, interests, and preferred hotel standard.
7-Day Jiuzhaigou Zhangjiajie Tour
Best for
- First-time visitors to China with limited vacation time
- Travelers who want to combine Jiuzhaigou and Zhangjiajie in one trip
- Couples, families, and nature lovers looking for China’s most iconic landscapes
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Chengdu
Day 2: Chengdu → Jiuzhaigou by high-speed train. If you choose an early morning train, you may have enough time to visit Huanglong Scenic Area, famous for its colorful travertine pools.
Day 3: Explore Jiuzhaigou National Park
Day 4: Jiuzhaigou → Chengdu → Zhangjiajie
Return to Chengdu by high-speed train, then continue your journey to Zhangjiajie by train or flight. As this is mainly a transportation day, we recommend checking the connection times carefully when planning your route.
Day 5: Explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Visit the highlights of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, including Yuanjiajie, Yangjiajie, and Tianzi Mountain. Along the way, enjoy the famous Avatar Mountains and experience the Bailong Elevator, the world’s highest outdoor elevator, rising 335 meters along a cliff face.
Day 6: Tianmen Mountain or Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
Choose between two iconic attractions based on your interests. Tianmen Mountain is famous for its spectacular cable car ride, glass skywalk, and breathtaking mountain views. If you want to experience the famous Glass Bridge, choose Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon instead.
Day 7: Zhangjiajie Departure
Why Choose This Itinerary?
With only 7 days, this route is relatively full, especially because Jiuzhaigou and Zhangjiajie are located in different provinces. However, with efficient transportation arrangements, it allows you to experience the highlights of both destinations without adding extra days to your China trip.
If you have more time, extending the journey to 8–10 days will create a more relaxed experience, with extra time for photography, flexible sightseeing, and enjoying each destination at a slower pace.
8-Day Jiuzhaigou Zhangjiajie Tour
Best for
- Travelers who want a more complete Zhangjiajie experience
- Photography lovers who prefer a slightly slower pace
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1-5: Similar to the 7-day itinerary.
Day 6: Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
Day 7: Tianmen Mountain
Day 8: Zhangjiajie Departure
Why Choose This Itinerary?
Compared with the 7-day route, this 8-day itinerary adds one extra day in Zhangjiajie, allowing you to experience both of the area’s most famous attractions: Tianmen Mountain and Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon.
The extra time creates a more balanced pace, giving you more flexibility to enjoy Zhangjiajie’s dramatic landscapes without rushing between scenic areas.
9-10-Day Jiuzhaigou, Zhangjiajie & Chengdu Culture Tour
Best for
- First-time visitors to China who want a complete nature and culture experience
- Travelers with enough time to explore beyond the main attractions
- Families, couples, and photography lovers who prefer a more relaxed pace
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Chengdu
Day 2: Chengdu Panda Base → Teahouse Experience → Jinli Old Street
Day 3: Chengdu → Huanglong Scenic Area → Jiuzhaigou by high-speed train and private transfers
Day 4: Explore Jiuzhaigou National Park
Day 5: Jiuzhaigou → Chengdu → Zhangjiajie by high-speed train or flight
Day 6: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, such as Yuanjiajie, Yangjiajie, and Tianzi Mountain
Day 7: Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and Baofeng Lake
Day 8: Tianmen Mountain → Furong Ancient Town
In the afternoon, continue to Furong Ancient Town, a historic town built along a waterfall. And experience a peaceful night beside the river.
Day 9: Furong Ancient Town → Zhangjiajie
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the old streets and transfer to Zhangjiajie city later.
Day 10: Zhangjiajie → Departure
Why Choose This Itinerary?
If you have 9–10 days in China, this itinerary offers a more balanced way to experience Jiuzhaigou and Zhangjiajie while adding Chengdu’s local lifestyle and cultural experiences.
Compared with shorter routes, this itinerary allows more time to enjoy each destination instead of simply moving between scenic areas. In addition, you will have the chance to see giant pandas, experience a traditional teahouse, taste Sichuan cuisine, and explore an ancient town near Zhangjiajie.
It is ideal for travelers who want more than just sightseeing but a journey that combines spectacular landscapes, local culture, and authentic experiences.
10+ Day Extended Jiuzhaigou Zhangjiajie Tour
Best for
- Travelers with more time who want a deeper China experience
- Visitors who prefer a slower pace with more cultural experiences
- Travelers who want to combine natural scenery with history, food, and local life
Why Extend Your Trip?
If you have more than 10 days in China, you don’t need to stop at Jiuzhaigou and Zhangjiajie. These destinations can be combined with some of China’s most iconic cultural and natural attractions to create a more complete journey.
Since Chengdu is the main gateway for Jiuzhaigou, many travelers choose to spend extra time exploring Sichuan. You can add a day trip to the Leshan Giant Buddha, visit the sacred Buddhist mountain of Mount Emei, or explore the ancient irrigation system of Dujiangyan, one of China’s most impressive engineering achievements.
For travelers interested in city experiences, Chongqing is another popular addition. Its dramatic mountain-city landscape, spicy hotpot, night views, and unique local culture make it a great contrast to the peaceful scenery of Jiuzhaigou and Zhangjiajie.
If you have even more time, the journey can continue eastward. A Yangtze River cruise offers a relaxing way to travel between Chongqing and Shanghai, with opportunities to see the Three Gorges and experience another side of China’s landscapes.
With a longer itinerary, we can customize the route based on your interests, whether you prefer more nature, culture, food experiences, or a relaxed pace.
How to Travel Between Jiuzhaigou and Zhangjiajie
At present, you aren’t able to travel from Jiuzhaigou to Zhangjiajie directly, as there is no direct high-speed train or flight connecting them. The most practical way is to connect through major transportation hubs, with Chengdu being the best option for most international travelers.
Chengdu → Jiuzhaigou
Getting from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou is the most convenient method for most international travelers.
The main options include:
- High-speed train: Most recommended. Trains from Chengdu to Huanglongjiuzhai Station take around 1.5–2 hours, followed by a transfer to Jiuzhaigou Valley (around 2 hours).
- Flight: The flight from Chengdu to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport takes about 40-60 minutes plus a transfer (1.5-2 hours) to the scenic area.
- Private transfer: A private car offers flexibility and allows stops along the scenic routes. It takes about 6-8 hours. This option is not recommended if you have limited time.
Chengdu → Zhangjiajie
After visiting Jiuzhaigou, most travelers return to Chengdu and continue to Zhangjiajie.
The main options include:
High-speed train: Chengdu to Zhangjiajie high-speed train takes about 4-5.5 hours.
Flight: Flight schedules vary by season, but this option can significantly reduce travel time and is usually the fastest way to travel from Chengdu to Zhangjiajie
Other Possible Connections
Depending on your travel dates and overall China itinerary, you can also connect Jiuzhaigou and Zhangjiajie through other major cities:
Chongqing: A good alternative if you plan to visit Chongqing’s famous city scenery, hotpot, and night views.
Xi’an: Suitable for travelers who want to combine the trip with the Terracotta Warriors and ancient Chinese history.
Changsha: A practical option when entering or leaving Hunan Province, especially if you plan to visit other areas in central China.
However, for most international visitors, Chengdu remains the best connection point.
At QuietRoutes, we help arrange the connections between Jiuzhaigou, Chengdu, and Zhangjiajie, choosing the most suitable transportation based on your travel dates, budget, and preferred pace.
Which Destination Should You Visit First?
There is no single “correct” order for visiting Jiuzhaigou and Zhangjiajie. The best route depends on where you enter China, your overall itinerary, and which other destinations you want to include.
For most travelers, the following routes are the most practical:
Option 1: Starting from Chengdu (Most Popular)
Route: Chengdu → Jiuzhaigou → Chengdu → Zhangjiajie
This is the most common route because Chengdu is the main gateway to Jiuzhaigou, with convenient high-speed train and flight connections. It is especially suitable if Chengdu is your arrival city or if you want to include experiences such as giant pandas, Sichuan cuisine, and local culture.
You can also extend the route through Chongqing:
Chengdu → Jiuzhaigou → Chengdu → Chongqing → Zhangjiajie
or
Chongqing → Chengdu → Jiuzhaigou → Chengdu → Zhangjiajie
This works well for travelers who want to experience both Sichuan and Chongqing before continuing to Hunan.
Option 2: Starting from Beijing
Route: Beijing → Xi’an → Chengdu → Jiuzhaigou → Chengdu → Zhangjiajie
For travelers arriving in Beijing, combining Xi’an and Chengdu creates a classic China route that blends history, culture, and nature.
If your main focus is natural scenery, another option is:
Beijing → Zhangjiajie → Chengdu → Jiuzhaigou → Chengdu
This allows you to explore Zhangjiajie first before continuing west to Sichuan.
Option 3: Starting from Shanghai
Shanghai has convenient flight connections to both destinations. You can choose the order based on your interests:
Shanghai → Zhangjiajie → Chengdu → Jiuzhaigou → Chengdu
or
Shanghai → Chengdu → Jiuzhaigou → Chengdu → Zhangjiajie
Option 4: Starting from Zhangjiajie or Hunan
Route: Zhangjiajie → Chengdu → Jiuzhaigou → Chengdu
This route is practical for travelers arriving in Hunan, starting their China trip in central China, or flying directly to Zhangjiajie from abroad.
QuietRoutes Tip: Ultimately, there is no “best” route for everyone. The ideal itinerary depends on your arrival city, flight schedule, travel pace, and the other destinations you want to visit in China.
Best Time to Visit Jiuzhaigou and Zhangjiajie
Both Jiuzhaigou and Zhangjiajie are beautiful year-round, but each season offers a different experience.
Jiuzhaigou is especially famous for its autumn colors, when forests turn golden and red while reflecting in the turquoise lakes.
Zhangjiajie, however, has its own charm throughout the year, with summer mist creating a magical atmosphere and winter offering quieter trails.
For the best balance of weather, scenery, and travel comfort, September to November is generally the most popular period for combining both destinations.
How Much Does a Jiuzhaigou Zhangjiajie Tour Cost?
The cost of a Jiuzhaigou and Zhangjiajie tour depends mainly on your travel style, hotel standards, transportation choices, and season.
Typical price ranges for a private tour:
- Budget: Around USD 1,200–1,800 per person with comfortable hotels, standard transportation, fewer extras
- Mid-range: Around USD 1,800–3,000 per person with better hotels, private vehicle, English-speaking guide, more flexibility
- Luxury: USD 3,000+ per person with premium hotels, upgraded experiences, private services
The main factors affecting the price include the number of travelers in your group, hotel chpices, domestic flights or train choices, private guide and vehicle services, and also whether you travel in peak seasons, especially autumn and public holidays.
A typical QuietRoutes private tour can include transportation between destinations, private transfers, accommodation arrangements, entrance tickets, and local travel support. We customize each itinerary based on your preferred pace, budget, and travel interests rather than offering one fixed package for everyone.
Why Choose a Private Jiuzhaigou Zhangjiajie Tour?
A private tour gives you the flexibility to explore Jiuzhaigou and Zhangjiajie at your own pace. Instead of following a fixed schedule, your itinerary can be adjusted based on your interests, travel style, and physical condition.
At QuietRoutes, our Chengdu-based local team provides personalized planning, English support, carefully selected hotels and transportation, and one dedicated travel consultant throughout your journey.
Whether you are traveling as a family, couple, senior traveler, or photography enthusiast, we focus on creating a smoother and more enjoyable experience, from the first planning step to your final departure.
Plan Your Jiuzhaigou Zhangjiajie Tour with QuietRoutes Now >>
FAQ
Can you visit Jiuzhaigou and Zhangjiajie in one trip?
Yes. With a well-planned itinerary, it’s easy to combine Jiuzhaigou and Zhangjiajie in one trip. We recommend allowing 7–10 days to enjoy both destinations comfortably, with Chengdu serving as the main transportation hub.
How many days do I need?
For most travelers, 7 days is the minimum to visit the highlights of both destinations. If you prefer a more relaxed pace or want to include Chengdu, Huanglong, or Furong Ancient Town, 8–10 days is ideal.
Is Jiuzhaigou or Zhangjiajie better?
Neither is better. They offer completely different experiences. Jiuzhaigou is known for its colorful alpine lakes and waterfalls, while Zhangjiajie is famous for its sandstone pillars and mountain scenery. Read our detailed comparison of Jiuzhaigou vs. Zhangjiajie to find out which destination best matches your travel style.
Is there a direct train from Jiuzhaigou to Zhangjiajie?
No. There is currently no direct high-speed train between Jiuzhaigou and Zhangjiajie. Most travelers connect through Chengdu, while Chongqing, Xi’an, or Changsha can also be suitable alternatives depending on the schedule.
What's the best way to travel between them?
For most international visitors, the easiest option is to return to Chengdu from Jiuzhaigou and then continue to Zhangjiajie by flight or high-speed train. This route offers the best transportation connections and the most flexibility.
Can I add Chengdu and see the giant pandas?
Absolutely. Chengdu is the gateway to Jiuzhaigou, making it easy to include the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, local teahouses, Sichuan cuisine, and historic neighborhoods like Kuanzhai Alley or Jinli Old Street.
Are Jiuzhaigou and Zhangjiajie suitable for families and seniors?
Yes. Both destinations have well-developed tourist facilities, including shuttle buses, cable cars, boardwalks, and sightseeing elevators that reduce walking. With a private tour, the itinerary can be adjusted to suit families with children or senior travelers who prefer a slower pace.
