9 Days Best Jiuzhaigou Chengdu Yunnan Tour

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Jiuzhaigou Arrival
   Explore UNESCO Wonders with Cascading Falls and Vibrant Lakes

   Welcome to our 10-day private guided Jiuzhaigou and Yunan tour! Upon your arrival, a local driver and the English-speaking tour guide will pick you up and send you directly to Jiuzhaigou Valley, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. It shows different landscapes across the seasons. The vibrant autumn foliage will be the most photogenic spectacle for nature enthusiasts.

   The valley's crown jewel, Rize Valley, features attractions like Pearl Shoal Waterfall with its cascading torrents, Five-Flower Lake's crystal-clear waters reflecting multicolored mineral deposits, and the magnificent Nuorilang Waterfall spanning 270 meters - one of China's largest calcium-rich plateau waterfalls. Visitors typically begin exploration via shuttle bus to efficiently tour these concentrated natural wonders.

   

   Zechawa Valley forms the upper branch of Jiuzhaigou's Y-shaped topography, where you can find two signature alpine marvels. Changhai (Long Lake) is the park's largest waterbody with its "S"-shaped expanse stretching across high-altitude karst formations. Wucaichi (Five-color Pond) will impress you with its chromatic wonder - mineral-rich waters dynamically shift between turquoise, emerald, and sapphire hues depending on sunlight angles and viewing perspectives.

   In the late afternoon, explore Shuzheng Valley - the northern branch of Jiuzhaigou's Y-shaped karst landscape. Here you can see Shuzheng Waterfall, the smallest among Jiuzhaigou's four signature waterfalls. Also, enjoy the unique landform and vegetation landscape. After the sightseeing, drive you to the hotel for check-in.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: in Jiuzhaigou

2. Day 2: Huanglong Scenic Area, Train to Chengdu
   Marvel at Golden Travertines and Rainbow-colored Pools

   After breakfast, drive to another highlight - Huanglong Scenic Area, which enjoys the reputation of "Wonderful Pool on Earth", and is famous for its " Four Wonders" - colorful pools, snow-capped mountains, narrow canyons, and the mysterious & secluded primeval forest. Huanglong is like a golden dragon winding between the forest and the snow-capped mountains.

   Have a guided cable car ride to the top of the mountain and then a walk down the valley will maximize your energy. We tour the valley for approximately 3-4 hours, during which immerse in the spectacular calcified landscape.

   The Five-Colored Pond, the essence of the Huanglong Scenic Area, is renowned for its dazzling colors. When sunlight dances on its surface, the water transforms into exquisite mosaic, radiating kaleidoscopic hues. You'll have 40-60 minutes to fully immerse in this splendor, ensuring ample opportunities to shoot breathtaking photos.

   

   After the tour, take the high-speed train to Chengdu for the night.

   Note: Some attractions within the scenic area have an altitude of over 3,500 meters. Therefore, you may experience altitude sickness. We suggest you don't walk too fast.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Chengdu

3. Day 3: City Highlights in Chengdu
   Witness Pandas, Savor Chengdu's Leisurely Charm

   This morning, your Chengdu guide will lead you to visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, home to over two hundred pandas. Observe these cute animals in their natural habitat and at the same time learn about the conservation activities to save the species. You will get some interesting information on the lifestyle habits of the pandas from your expert guide, and an exceptional chance to see the baby pandas at up close. Following the panda visit, transfer to a tranquil ancient Buddhist temple - Wenshu Temple.

   

   Next, we will visit the Chengdu Museum, which houses nearly 200,000 collections from the Neolithic Age to the Republic of China period. You can see bronze ware, portrait bricks, stone carvings, ceramics, calligraphy and painting, shadow puppetry, puppetry, masks, and more. There is a cafe at the 5th floor where you have a panoramic view of Tianfu Square. There is also a nearby puppet exhibition hall which recounts to us the history of Chinese puppetry.

   In the late afternoon, stroll around Renmin Park. It's a public park where locals like to hang out doing various enjoyable activities. You can take a walk, grab some tea from one of the tea houses (note: you'll need to pay for your drinks), and enjoy the easy-going Chengdu way of life. After that, escort you back to your hotel.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Chengdu

4. Day 4: Fly to Lijiang from Chengdu
   Wander Ancient Naxi Streets, Discover History

   After breakfast, be taken to the airport for a flight to Lijiang, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, the local guide will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel in the Lijiang Ancient City to check in.

   After a short rest, you will be guided to visit the Lijiang Old Town, a world cultural heritage. Founded in the late Song Dynasty and early Yuan Dynasty (late 13th century), the town is surrounded by mountains and rivers and paved with red breccia. Mufu Palace, one of the iconic buildings of the ancient city, was once the residence of the leader of the Naxi Mu chieftains. Appreciate the eleven plaques bestowed by emperors throughout history, and witness the rise and fall of the Mu family. In addition, Mufu is also an important place to learn about Naxi culture. Afterward, stroll along the alleys and admire the ancient architecture.

   

   Sifang Street features foods, with dozens of restaurants on both sides of the street. Each restaurant has a variety of Yunnan specific rice noodles, so this street is also called "Lijiang Rice Noodle Street". Sifang Street is the center of the Old Town of Lijiang and the most important hub on the Ancient Tea Horse Road.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Lijiang

5. Day 5: Lijiang Culture Exploration
   Discover Naxi Heritage, Admire Ancient Murals

   In the morning, start your visit to Yuhu Village. Located at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Yuhu Naxi Minority Village is the birthplace of the Naxi ethnic group and has a rich history and culture. Entering the villages, visitors encounter distinctive stone dwellings, local women adorned in vibrant ethnic costumes, children in playful activities...

   The itinerary continues to Baisha Village, also an exquisite Naxi settlement famous for its 15th-century frescoes - these murals blending Buddhist, Taoist and Tibetan influences were granted World Heritage status in 1997. Then proceed to Shuhe Ancient Town, among the first Naxi ancestral communities. On the meandering cobblestone lanes are ethnic architecture and workshops maintaining 800-year-old traditions.

   

   Dongba Culture Museum houses more than 12,000 artifacts that fully demonstrate the mysterious Dongba culture of the Naxi people. Black Dragon Pool Park, or Jade Spring Park, is located at the foot of Elephant Mountain. Framed against the backdrop of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, it welcomes many a photographer because of its five-hole bridge, the Moon Tower and the reflective image of the snow mountain in the pool. Grab your camera and take a snap of this lovely view.

   After the tour, go back to your hotel.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Lijiang

6. Day 6: Lijiang to Shangri-La
   Marvel at Yangtze's Bend, Conquer Tiger Leaping Gorge

   After breakfast, we drive to Shangri-La. Stop at the First Bend of Yangtze River along the way. The Yangtze River rushes down from the Qinghai Tibet Plateau, the roof of the world, and suddenly makes a sharp turn of over 100 degrees in Shasongbi Village, Shangri-La City, forming a rare "V" - shaped bend. People call this wonder the 'First Bend of the Yangtze River'.

   Then visit one of the deepest canyons in the world - Tiger Leaping Gorge, with a vertical height difference of over 3,900 meters. The Tiger Leaping Gorge is divided into three sections, and we will hike up the narrowest section. Legend has it that a tiger once jumped the giant stone here to the opposite bank, hence the name "Tiger Leaping Gorge".

   

   Continue driving north for 1.5 hours to reach Shangri La City. Your visit to Shangri-La begins with a walk up to the top of Guishan Hill. There you can see the world's largest prayer wheel, equivalent to 5 floors high. Join the masses and turn it around. It is said that rotating three times can help people dispel disasters and pray for blessings. At the mountaintop, enjoy a panoramic view of Dukezong Ancient Town.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Shangri-La

7. Day 7: Shangri-La’s Monastery and Park
   Explore Sacred Monastery, Hike Pristine Lakes

   Your visit to Shangri-La begins at Songzanlin Monastery. Known as the 'Little Potala Palace', this temple, built on the mountain, is the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Yunnan. It looks like an ancient castle, with a total of five storeys. The top floor has a Buddhist hall dedicated to the statues of the 5th and 7th Dalai Lamas, as well as thangkas, artifacts, and so on.

   

   Then, transfer you to Pudacuo National Forest Park. This beautiful environment has been kept in great shape from lakes and wetlands to forests, creeks, and rare wildlife. Bita Lake is among the best of the park, and you can stroll around the lake on a four-kilometer walking trail. There is also a small island in the middle of the lake where ducks, black swans, and other aquatic birds live.

   After the park exploration, visit a Tibetan family to experience the highly-recommended Tibetan hospitality of locals and enjoy some special Tibetan snacks and butter tea. If you are interested in making butter tea, you can follow locals to join in the process (at your own expense).

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Shangri-La

8. Day 8: Shangri-La to Kunming by Flight
   Walk Up the Western Hills, Relax by Green Lake Park

   After breakfast, leave Shangri-La and take a plane to Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan province. After arriving, we first check in at the hotel. After a short rest, the guide will take you on a tour of Western Hills. The mountain stretches for over 40 kilometers and has an altitude ranging from 1,900 meters to 2,350 meters. Legend has it that in ancient times, there was a phoenix resting here, but those who saw it did not recognize it and called it chicken, hence it is also known as Chicken Mountains.

   The Western Hills is thickly forested, with flourishing flowers and grass, and is serene and beautiful. Dragon Gate is located at the top of the hill and is a must see attraction. Here you can enjoy the panoramic view of Dianchi Lake and Kunming city. There are also some temples on the mountain, among which Huating Temple has a history of over 900 years.

   

   Spend a leisure afternoon in Cuihu Park, aka Green Lake Park. The park has a long history and is known for its year-round green bamboo, earning it the nickname of 'Kunming's Emerald'. There are many attractions worth visiting here, such as the Fish Watching Tower architectural complex; Southwest Island, which features subtropical scenery; Shuiyue Pavilion (the main place for tourists to relax and exercise); and the Red billed Gulls.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Kunming

9. Day 9: Departure from Kunming
   Witness Karst Wonders, Wander Stone Labyrinths

   Pack your luggage after breakfast and then be driven for 1.5 hours to the famous Stone Forest. Known as the "First Wonder of the World", it is a globally recognized karst landscape scenic area spanning the Big Stone Forest and Small Stone Forest, along with the three other colorful areas around there. On this expansive land, you will see all sorts of stone formations such as stone peaks, columns, stalagmites, stalactites, and so on. Each rock has its own unique posture and story to go with it. Walking through, it feels like you entered a forest of stone.

   

   At the end of the 9-day Jiuzhaigou and Yunnan tour, you will be transferred to the airport / railway station (please book your ticket departure after 5pm). Safe travels!

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: N/A