Day 1 – To the limestone terraces of Huanglong and onward to Jiuzhaigou
What was once a long journey has been greatly shortened by the opening of a new train station between Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou National Park, cutting travel time by more than half. From Chengdu or Songpan, you can now reach these stunning natural parks quickly and easily. Although flying in from other Chinese cities is still an option, these new connections make it largely unnecessary.
Your adventure begins with a drive to the striking limestone terraces of Huanglong (entrance fee: ¥200 per person, approximately £22). We recommend taking the cable car up (¥100 per person, approximately £11), from where your hike through the mountains begins. You will descend past white limestone terraces dotted with brilliant blue pools that cascade into one another. At an altitude of 3,100 metres, it is important to carry plenty of water. The return journey takes around two hours, after which you will be transferred back to your hotel in Jiuzhaigou.
Tomorrow, you will explore the colourful lakes around Jiuzhaigou. The town is particularly popular with Chinese tourists, so you are unlikely to find it deserted. You will spend the night in a modest hotel in Jiuzhaigou.
Day 2 – Walking along the blue lakes in Jiuzhaigou
Today you will explore Jiuzhaigou National Park independently. We recommend setting off early and perhaps taking a packed breakfast with you. Begin by taking a taxi to the park entrance, from where you will continue your journey on the park shuttle. As visitor numbers are spread across the park, the decision of whether to start at Long Lake or the Primeval Forest is usually made during the approximately 30-minute shuttle ride. Whichever route you choose, you will be treated to stunning scenery.
You will follow wooden boardwalks past clear blue lakes and hidden ponds, eventually arriving at cascading waterfalls. Signage in the park is in both Chinese and English, and the shuttle buses allow you to cover sections of the route at your own pace. For a quieter experience, we suggest taking a less frequented path. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase in the park, along with a simple restaurant. We had already prepared a picnic the day before and found a beautiful spot overlooking a turquoise lake to enjoy it.
Day 3 – Jiuzhaigou, and departure
Today, start your morning with some gentle stretching. After two days of walking around Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou, your legs will certainly appreciate it. Once you have checked out, your driver will collect you for the two-hour drive to Huanglongjiuzhai train station.
If time allows, we recommend spending a little longer in Jiuzhaigou. The national park is vast, and extra time will allow you to appreciate the vibrant colours along the less-travelled paths fully. You might also consider a visit to Songpan, where you can explore the beautiful grasslands, with the highlight being the monastery in Xiahe.
Accommodation
