6‑Day Sichuan Splendors: Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong Discovery

Day 1 Arrive Chengdu

Meals Included: No
Accommodation: 4-star Holiday Inn Express Chengdu Tianfu Airport Zone or similar

Welcome to Chengdu, the vibrant “Land of Abundance” where ancient heritage seamlessly meets a laid-back, modern lifestyle. As the gateway to Southwest China and the beloved hometown of the Giant Panda, this historic city invites you to slow down and savor life just like the locals—whether that’s sipping lidded tea in a hidden bamboo garden, marveling at the magical “face-changing” art of Sichuan Opera, or diving into the bold, numbing heat of a world-famous hot pot. Upon arrival at the airport or train station, your friendly expert local guide will greet you and whisk you away in a private vehicle to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Day 2 Chengdu – Jiuzhaigou | Chengdu Panda Base

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodations: Local 4-star New Jiuzhai Hotel or similar

Start your day with an unforgettable encounter at Chengdu Panda Base, a world-renowned sanctuary dedicated to the preservation of these beloved creatures. Established in 1987, this non-profit facility provides pandas with a natural environment, complete with bamboo groves, streams, and ponds. Witness the enchanting spectacle of pandas of all ages as they frolic, feed, and nurture their young. After lunch, Embark on a scenic bullet train journey to Jiuzhaigou (approximately 1.5 hours), a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its breathtaking beauty. Often described as a “Fairyland on Earth,” Jiuzhaigou National Park is named for the nine Tibetan villages scattered throughout its valleys, the park is world-renowned for its surreal, multi-colored alpine lakes, which range from deep emerald to vibrant turquoise due to high calcium carbonate concentrations.

Day 3 Explore Jiuzhaigou National Park

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodations: Local 4-star New Jiuzhai Hotel or similar

Spend a full day immersed in the breathtaking beauty of Jiuzhaigou National Park named after the nine Tibetan villages scattered along its 35‑km valley on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau. The park’s scenery unfolds across three valleys – Rize, Zechawa, and Shuzheng – forming a striking “Y” shape. Your journey highlights its most dazzling water features, from the vibrant, multicolored waters of Five Flower Lake to the dramatic cascade of Pearl Shoal and Pearl Shoal Waterfall. As you continue, marvel at the mirror‑like surface of Rhino Lake, the tranquil charm of Tiger Lake, the tiered splendor of Shuzheng Lakes and Shuzheng Waterfall, and the shimmering reflections of Sparkling Lake.

Please note: The Jiuzhaigou National Park Shuttle Bus is the compulsory and most practical form of transport for navigating the vast park, as private vehicles are prohibited. These eco-friendly buses run continuously along the park’s main “Y”-shaped route, stopping at all major scenic spots within the Rize Valley, Zechawa Valley, and Shuzheng Valley. Upon boarding at the park entrance, your bus will head toward one of the two upper forks (Rize or Zechawa), and you will be directed to change buses at the central Nuorilang Tourist Center to complete your itinerary. While the sightseeing sequence is determined by the specific bus route you board, rest assured that all highlighted attractions specified in the itinerary will be fully covered throughout the day.

Day 4 Jiuzhaigou – Maoxian | Tibetan Village, Huanglong Scenic Area

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodations: Local 4-star Maoxian International Hotel

Set off on a scenic journey from Jiuzhaigou to Chuazhusi through sweeping alpine scenery as you cross the dramatic Gonggangling Mountain Pass, offering panoramic views of Sichuan’s highlands. Along the way, stop in a traditional Tibetan village to experience local culture and craftsmanship, including a visit to a silver shop known for its intricate handmade pieces. After lunch, the afternoon is dedicated to the ethereal beauty of the Huanglong Scenic Area, where you’ll marvel at the “Yellow Dragon’s” cascading travertine pools and vibrant limestone terraces. The day concludes with a descending drive through rugged alpine terrain to Maoxian, the largest settlement of the Qiang people, for a restful overnight stay.

Day 5 Maoxian – Chengdu | Tianfu Square, Wide and Narrow Alley

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat: Huangcheng Masjid
Accommodations: Local 4-star Shangjin Jade Hotel

Enjoy a scenic drive from the mountain valleys of Maoxian back to Chengdu. Upon arrival, dive straight into the city’s world-famous food scene with a steaming Sichuan-style hotpot lunch, the ultimate welcome to China’s culinary capital. After lunch, take time for salat at the historic Huangcheng Mosque, a peaceful sanctuary tucked amid Chengdu’s urban energy. The afternoon unfolds with a visit to Tianfu Square, the city’s central landmark surrounded by modern architecture and lively public spaces, followed by a leisurely stroll through the charming Wide and Narrow Alley, where traditional courtyard houses, teahouses, and boutique shops offer a perfect blend of old‑world atmosphere and contemporary Chengdu culture.

Day 6 Depart Chengdu

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants

The final day in Chengdu blends shopping, culture, and modern city flair, beginning with a visit to a local jade store to appreciate China’s “stone of heaven.” The journey then moves into the city’s premier shopping districts, where the historic energy of Chunxi Road meets the trendy, open-air luxury of Tai Koo Li and the iconic panda-topped IFS mall. After exploring the bustling wholesale fashion at Kowloon Plaza, you will enjoy a farewell dinner before witnessing the city’s modern architectural prowess at the Twin Towers of Chengdu Financial City, which dazzle with a state-of-the-art light show. As the evening winds down, transfer to the airport for your late‑night departure, concluding your 6-Day Sichuan Splendors tour with a final glimpse of its dynamic charm.