7-Day Private Tour: Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou Fairyland

Q: Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Sichuan?

Yes. This itinerary is an excellent choice for first-time visitors, as it covers Sichuan’s most representative highlights, including pandas, Chengdu culture, Buddhist mountains, and the natural beauty of Jiuzhaigou.

Q: Is Jiuzhaigou physically demanding?

Jiuzhaigou generally involves moderate walking, but much of the sightseeing is supported by the park’s public shuttle bus system. Travelers should still be prepared for a full day of exploration at high scenic altitude.

Q: Are there altitude considerations on this trip?

Yes. Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou are at relatively high elevations, and some travelers may feel mild altitude discomfort. It is recommended to rest well, stay hydrated, and avoid overexertion.

Q: What are the hotels near Mount Emei like?

Hotels near Mount Emei may be more basic than those in major cities. The itinerary notes that accommodation options are limited in the area, but the best available choices are selected based on past traveler feedback, location, and service.

Q: When is the best time to take this tour?

This tour can be enjoyed in different seasons, but spring, summer, and autumn are especially popular. Autumn is particularly admired for the colorful forests of Jiuzhaigou.

Transportation
Private Vehicle, Bullet Train, Public Sightseeing Bus, Cable Car, Chairlift, Boat
Fitness level
Easy to Moderate, with Some Moderate Walking and High-Altitude Scenic Areas
Tour type
Private Tour, Nature Tour, Cultural Tour, Panda Tour, UNESCO Heritage Tour

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou Fairyland Tour

This 7-day private tour combines the relaxed charm of Chengdu, the spiritual and cultural significance of Mount Emei and Leshan Giant Buddha, and the breathtaking natural beauty of Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou. It is an ideal journey for travelers who wish to experience Sichuan’s most iconic highlights in one thoughtfully designed itinerary, balancing city life, Buddhist heritage, panda culture, and world-class alpine scenery.

Begin in Chengdu, where you will meet the beloved giant pandas, enjoy the leisurely atmosphere of People’s Park, and experience the colorful artistry of Sichuan opera. Continue to Leshan to see the monumental Leshan Giant Buddha, then explore the sacred landscapes of Mount Emei, one of China’s four great Buddhist mountains. In the second half of the trip, travel by bullet train to the northern highlands of Sichuan to discover the extraordinary beauty of Huanglong Scenic Area and Jiuzhaigou Valley, famed for their turquoise lakes, waterfalls, forests, snow peaks, and Tibetan cultural atmosphere. With private guide service, carefully arranged transfers, and selected sightseeing support throughout, this tour is perfect for nature lovers, first-time visitors to Sichuan, and travelers seeking both cultural depth and unforgettable scenery.

Tour Highlights

Meet Chengdu’s Famous Giant Pandas

Visit the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding and Research Base and observe giant pandas eating, playing, or resting in a natural-style environment while learning more about panda conservation.

Private guide at Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding and Research Base

Experience Chengdu’s Relaxed Local Lifestyle

Enjoy the atmosphere of People’s Park, where teahouses, gardens, and local leisure culture reveal the famously laid-back rhythm of Chengdu life.

Enjoy a Traditional Sichuan Opera Performance

Watch a lively Sichuan opera show featuring face-changing, puppetry, shadow play, and other traditional performing arts that reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Private guide at Sichuan Opera Performance

Visit the Magnificent Leshan Giant Buddha

Explore the UNESCO-listed Leshan Giant Buddha, the world’s largest cliff-carved stone Buddha, from both the mountain path and a scenic boat cruise for different perspectives.

Discover the Sacred Beauty of Mount Emei

Spend a full day exploring Mount Emei, one of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains, with the help of sightseeing buses and a cable car to enjoy its natural grandeur and spiritual atmosphere.

Travel Comfortably by Bullet Train to Jiuzhaigou

Journey from Chengdu toward Jiuzhaigou by high-speed train, making travel more efficient and comfortable while enjoying the changing landscapes of Sichuan.

Explore the Colorful Pools of Huanglong

Visit Huanglong Scenic Area, known for its vivid mineral pools, mountain scenery, forests, and valleys. A chairlift ride up helps save time and energy, while the descent allows for a more leisurely appreciation of the landscape.

Private guide at Huanglong Scenic Area Chairlift Ride Up

Experience the Fairyland Scenery of Jiuzhaigou

Spend a full day in Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, where crystal-clear lakes, cascading waterfalls, colorful forests, Tibetan villages, and snow-capped peaks create one of China’s most enchanting natural wonders.

Day 01 :

Arrival in Chengdu

Upon arriving at the airport, you will be warmly welcomed in the arrivals hall by your tour guide holding a name sign. A private car and driver will transport you to your hotel, where your guide will assist with check-in and ensure everything is to your satisfaction.

Day 02 :

Chengdu | Discover the City

Begin your day with a visit to the Giant Panda Breeding and Research Base, located approximately 10 kilometers (six miles) north of the city. Here, you can watch giant pandas snoozing or frolicking among bamboo. The panda museum provides further insights into these lovable animals’ lives.

In the afternoon, discover the urban attractions of Chengdu. People’s Park offers a serene retreat in the city center, and enjoying tea at a local teahouse is a time-honored custom.

Conclude your day with a mesmerizing Sichuan opera performance at the Shufeng Yayun Opera House. Let the captivating face-changing acts, puppetry, and shadow plays enthrall you. The show’s universal charm surpasses language barriers.

Day 03 :

From Chengdu to Emei via Leshan | The Leshan Giant Buddha

In the morning, drive to Leshan City, a journey of about two hours. After a short break and lunch, visit the Giant Buddha.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1992, the Leshan Giant Buddha towers 71 meters tall, making it the biggest cliffside sculpture in the world. You will climb for a distinct view of the Buddha and also partake in a cruise to admire the vast sculpture.

Enjoy a leisurely walk through the streets to sample local cuisine, such as Sichuan-style pot chicken, Shaomai, crispy Leshan beef burgers, roasted duck with crisp skin, and tofu pudding.

Subsequently, transfer to a hotel near Mount Emei, approximately 31 kilometers (19 miles) from Leshan City.

Accommodation Note: Due to limited options and humid climate, local hotels near Mount Emei provide basic amenities. Based on environment, location, service, and past client feedback, the best available options have been chosen. If you’re dissatisfied with your room and other options exist, your guide will gladly help with room changes.

Day 04 :

Emei to Chengdu | Discovering Mount Emei

Dedicate the entire day to exploring Mount Emei, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains. Use public sightseeing buses and a cable car to ascend the mountain, taking in the magnificent views and the grand golden Buddha statue.

Day 05 :

From Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou | Explore Huanglong

This morning, your guide and driver will escort you to the train station for a bullet train to Jiuzhaigou. Upon arrival, you’ll be taken to a nearby restaurant for lunch. Afterward, begin your tour of the Huanglong Scenic Area.

Huanglong, adjacent to Jiuzhaigou, is famed as China’s most well-preserved plateau wetland. Highlights include its vivid pools, snow-covered peaks, verdant forests, and serene valleys. A chairlift ride up the area saves time and energy; the descent can be leisurely walked, allowing you to appreciate the spectacular views at your own pace.

Following the exploration, your guide and driver will accompany you to your hotel near Jiuzhaigou.

Day 06 :

Jiuzhaigou | Discovering the Scenic Valleys

After breakfast at your hotel, dedicate much of the day to the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area. This paradise, named after its nine Tibetan villages — ‘jiu zhai’ translates to ‘nine villages’ in Chinese, spans over 80 kilometers and covers an area of 720 square kilometers. According to your itinerary, you will explore its major ravines: Shuzheng Valley, Rize Valley, and Zechawa Valley. As private vehicles are not allowed, your guide will join you on a public bus tour of the area.

Marvel at the stunning natural vistas of clear alpine lakes, cascading waterfalls, colorful forests, snow-draped peaks, Tibetan cultural exhibits, and azure ice formations. Have your camera ready. Numerous dining options are available within the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, and your guide can recommend suitable places. Alternatively, a picnic lunch can be planned upon request.

Visitation Tip: To make the most of your time and avoid crowds, aim to arrive at the park early.

Day 07 :

Jiuzhaigou to Chengdu | Depart from Chengdu

Return to Chengdu by bullet train in the morning. You will then be driven to the airport for your flight home or to your next destination.

Expand all

What’s included in this tour?

This private tour typically includes private guide service in the relevant destinations, private car transfers where indicated, airport and railway station transfers, sightseeing arrangements, and entrance tickets to the listed attractions. Public sightseeing buses, cable cars, chairlifts, and train tickets may also be included depending on your final quotation.

Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Sichuan?

Yes. This itinerary is an excellent choice for first-time visitors, as it covers Sichuan’s most representative highlights, including pandas, Chengdu culture, Buddhist mountains, and the natural beauty of Jiuzhaigou.

Is Jiuzhaigou physically demanding?

Jiuzhaigou generally involves moderate walking, but much of the sightseeing is supported by the park’s public shuttle bus system. Travelers should still be prepared for a full day of exploration at high scenic altitude.

Does Huanglong require a lot of walking?

Huanglong can involve more walking than Jiuzhaigou, especially due to altitude and the layout of the scenic area. The chairlift ascent helps reduce physical effort, and the walk down is usually more manageable.

Are there altitude considerations on this trip?

Yes. Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou are at relatively high elevations, and some travelers may feel mild altitude discomfort. It is recommended to rest well, stay hydrated, and avoid overexertion.

What are the hotels near Mount Emei like?

Hotels near Mount Emei may be more basic than those in major cities. The itinerary notes that accommodation options are limited in the area, but the best available choices are selected based on past traveler feedback, location, and service.

Can meals be adjusted for dietary needs?

Yes. Your guide can usually help with meal recommendations and restaurant arrangements based on dietary preferences or restrictions, where possible.

When is the best time to take this tour?

This tour can be enjoyed in different seasons, but spring, summer, and autumn are especially popular. Autumn is particularly admired for the colorful forests of Jiuzhaigou.

7-Day Private Tour: Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou Fairyland

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou Fairyland Tour