Best Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou (nine valley) In-Depth Travel Itineraries from 3 to 6 Days

For a comprehensive Jiuzhaigou itinerary, explore the stunning alpine scenery of Jiuzhaigou National Park, the colorful travertine terraces of Huanglong, and the peaceful Tibetan villages scattered across the highlands. Discover the charm of Songpan Ancient Town, the dramatic peaks of Siguniang Mountain, the glacier views of Dagu Glacier, and the seasonal beauty of Bipenggou. Tailor your journey with family-friendly nature walks, slow-paced options ideal for seniors, adventure routes through valleys and glaciers, and immersive Tibetan cultural experiences.

While all itineraries are flexible, we've provided a recommended itinerary to help you. If you need a customized Chengdu itinerary, please contact us.

3-Day Highland Adventure: Jiuzhaigou, Siguniang Mountain & Bipenggou

Day 1: Arrival and explore the valley

Depart from Chengdu early in the morning. Explore Shuangqiao Valley in Siguniang Mountain Scenic Area (approx. 3hours drive), known for its stunning alpine scenery, snow-capped peaks, and photogenic lakes. Continue the journey along the picturesque Lixiaolu Scenic Road, a beautiful drive perfect for photos.

Arrive at Gulgou (approx.2hours drive), a small town known for its hot spring that ideal for a relaxing soak in the evening.

Day 2: Discover Nature’s Beauty

Head to Bipeng Valley, a hidden gem offering dramatic glacial landscapes, colorful forests (especially in autumn), and waterfalls. Continue through the scenic Miyaluo area (approx. 1hours drive), known for its vibrant red leaves and Menggu Tibetan villages.

Stay overnight in either Heishui County. (approx. 3hours drive)

Day 3: Explore the Dagu Glacier Scenic Area

Visit the breathtaking Dagu Glacier Scenic Area, where you can take a cable car to admire one of the world’s highest-altitude glaciers. After the visit, begin your return journey, passing through Mao County and Wenchuan.

Back to Chengdu in the evening.

4-day Jiuzhaigou-Maoxian-Dagu Glacier scenic adventure.

Day 1: Chengdu – Huanglong – Jiuzhaigou

Depart from Chengdu and travel to Huanglong Scenic Area, where you can admire its famous travertine terraces, colorful ponds, and snow-capped mountain backdrop. After the visit, continue to Jiuzhaigou and check in at your hotel for the night.

Day 2: Jiuzhaigou – Maoxian(280km)

Spend the morning exploring the breathtaking beauty of Jiuzhaigou Valley that famous for its crystal-clear lakes, waterfalls, and colorful forests. In the afternoon, travel to Maoxian, a peaceful town surrounded by mountains, and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Day 3: Maoxian – Dagu Glacier – Gurgou(320km)

Head to the stunning Dagu Glacier Scenic Area, where you can ride a cable car up to panoramic viewpoints and experience snow-covered landscapes at high altitude. Afterward, continue to Gurgou (Gu’ergou), known for its hot springs and natural beauty.

Day 4: Gurgou – Bipenggou – Chengdu (250km)

In the morning, explore Bipenggou Valley, a hidden gem offering alpine lakes, forests, and majestic peaks, especially beautiful in autumn. After sightseeing, return to Chengdu, ending your 4-day scenic adventure.

5-Day Western Sichuan Scenic Itinerary: Jiuzhaigou, Ruoergai, and Siguniang Mountain

Day 1: Chengdu – Wenchuan – Moon Bay(411km)

Depart from Chengdu and travel through Songpan ancient town (approx.2hours high-speed train), enjoying scenic views along the way. Stop to explore Moon Bay (approx.50mins drive), a peaceful bend in the river surrounded by picturesque landscapes. Stay overnight at Tongke town .

Day 2: Moon Bay – First Bend of the Yellow River – Flower Lake – Songpan(328km)

Begin the day by visiting the First Bend of the Yellow River (approx.20mins drive), where the river makes a dramatic curve through the grasslands. Continue to Flower Lake (Huahu) in Ruoergai (approx.1.6hours drive), known for its seasonal wetlands and highland flora. In the evening, arrive at Songpan Ancient Town (approx.3hours drive) and check in for the night.

Day 3: Full Day in Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area

Spend a full day immersed in the beauty of Jiuzhaigou National Park. Explore its crystal-clear lakes, multi-tiered waterfalls, and vibrant forests, is one of China’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. Return to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Day 4: Jiuzhaigou – Huanglong – Wenchuan(330km)

Depart Jiuzhaigou and travel to Huanglong Scenic Area, where you’ll admire colorful travertine terraces, alpine valleys, and snow-capped peaks. After the visit, head back to Wenchuan for an overnight stay (approx. 190 km, 4hours drive).

Day 5: Wenchuan – Siguniang Mountain – Chengdu(160km)

Journey along the Lixiaolu, a road often compared to Xinjiang’s Duku Highway for its dramatic twists and turns. It winds through mountains like a silver ribbon. Visit Shuangqiao Valley in Siguniang Mountain Scenic (approx. 3hours drive), known for its glaciers, forests, and alpine meadows. Then stop at the Maobiliang Viewing Platform for panoramic views before returning to Chengdu.

5-Day Scenic Sichuan Itinerary: Bipenggou – Dagu Glacier – Jiuzhaigou – Huanglong – Siguniang Mountain

Day 1: Chengdu – Bipenggou – Yakou Viewing Platform – Naizigou – Heishui

Depart from Chengdu to Bipenggou Scenic Area (approx. 200 km, 3 hours by car), walk easy trails to admire alpine lakes and forests. Visit the Yakou Viewing Platform (approx. 1.5 hours from Bipenggou). Continue to explore Naizigou Valley, known for colorful foliage and picnic spots.

Drive to Heishui for overnight stay (approx. 2 hours)

Day 2: Heishui – Dagu Glacier – Songpan Ancient Town – Jiuzhaigou

Depart for Dagu Glacier Scenic Area (approx. 15mins drive), ride the cable car to over 4,000 meters for the high-altitude glacier views. Continue to Songpan Ancient Town for a Tea horse ancient road cultural stop (approx. 2hours drive).

Arrive at Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area entrance in the evening (approx. 1.5–2 hours).

Day 3: Jiuzhaigou (Full Day Tour)

Full day to explore the wonders of Jiuzhaigou Valley, visit highlights including Five Flower Lake, Nuorilang Waterfall, and Mirror Lake.

Return to hotel near the Jiuzhaigou entrance for overnight.

Day 4: Jiuzhaigou – Huanglong – Gurgou (Gu’ergou)

Depart for Huanglong Scenic Area in the morning (approx. 3 hours), take the cable car for easier access to colorful travertine pools. visit the colorful travertine pools and enjoy the high-altitude mountain scenery. Continue to Gurgou Hot Spring Town for overnight (approx. 2.5 hours).

Day 5: Gurgou – Lixiaolu Road – Shuangqiaogou, Siguniang Mountain – Chengdu

Depart for Siguniang Mountain’s Shuangqiaogou Valley via Lixiaolu scenic road (approx. 3.5 hours total driving). Explore the stunning alpine views of Shuangqiaogou.

Return to Chengdu in the late afternoon.

6-Day Scenic Itinerary: Bipenggou, Dagu Glacier, and Jiuzhaigou

Day 1: Chengdu – Bipenggou – Gurgou

Depart from Chengdu and travel to Bipenggou Valley (approx. 200 km, 3 hours by car), a picturesque destination known for its alpine lakes, waterfalls, and colorful forests—especially stunning in autumn. After sightseeing, continue to Gurgou (Gu’ergou), famous for its natural hot springs. Overnight stay in Gurgou.

Day 2: Gurgou – Naizigou Colorful Forest – Yangrong Hade Village

Travel through the vibrant autumn forests of Naizigou, filled with fiery red and golden hues. Then head to Yangrong Hade, a Tibetan village known for its pristine scenery, traditional architecture, and deep cultural charm. Enjoy a peaceful overnight stay.

Day 3: Yangrong Hade – Dagu Glacier (Altitude 4,860m) – Songpan Ancient Town

Visit the spectacular Dagu Glacier Scenic Area, where you can take a cable car up to breathtaking high-altitude views. Afterward, head to Songpan Ancient Town, a historic Tibetan town with preserved city walls and rich cultural heritage. Overnight in Songpan.

Day 4: Songpan – Huanglong – Jiuzhaigou

Travel to Huanglong Scenic Area(approx.1.5hours drive), known for its colorful travertine terraces, snow-capped peaks, and crystal-clear pools. After visiting Huanglong, continue to Jiuzhaigou(approx.2.5hours drive) and check in for the night.

Day 5: Full Day in Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area

Spend the entire day exploring Jiuzhaigou Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover emerald lakes, multi-level waterfalls, and picturesque Tibetan villages nestled in a pristine alpine setting. Return to your hotel and relax.

Day 6: Jiuzhaigou – Diexi Sea – Maoxian – Chengdu

Depart from Jiuzhaigou and make a scenic stop at Diexi Sea (approx.3.5hours drive), a tranquil alpine lake formed by an ancient landslide, known for its submerged ruins and picturesque reflections. Continue your journey through Maoxian (approx.1.5hours drive), and back to Chengdu, concluding your 6-day scenic adventure.

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