3-Day In-Depth Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong Photography Tour

Please make your own way to Chengdu East Railway Station to board the high-speed train to Huanglongjiuzhai Railway Station.

Your guide and driver will meet you upon arrival at Huanglongjiuzhai Railway Station (please ensure arrival before 1:00 PM). You will then be transferred directly to Huanglong National Park.

Nestled beneath the majestic Snow Treasure Peak (5,588m) in the Minshan Mountains, the 3.6-kilometer-long Huanglong Valley is famed for its world-class travertine terraces. These dazzling, colorful pools were formed over millennia by unique geological processes. The valley's crowning jewel is the Five-Color Ponds at the summit (3,556m), a breathtaking collection of 693 vibrant pools. The area is also a habitat for endangered species like the giant panda and a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.

To maximize your time and conserve energy, you will take the cable car up and then enjoy a leisurely walk down through the main scenic areas. After approximately 3 hours of exploring, you will depart for Jiuzhaigou (a 2-hour drive) to check in to your hotel.

Today, we will embark on a memorable journey through the stunning Zechawa and Shuzheng Valleys in Jiuzhaigou National Park. Our exploration begins at Long Lake, the largest and most expansive alpine lake in Jiuzhaigou, where tranquil blue waters are cradled by forested peaks. After taking in the majestic view, we’ll enjoy a gentle 15-minute walk to the mesmerizing Colorful Pool, a small yet dazzling lake whose clear waters shift in hue with the light and mineral patterns below.

We will then return to the Nuorilang Tourist Center before heading on foot to the magnificent Nuorilang Waterfall, celebrated as the widest travertine waterfall in China. Its curtain-like cascade can be admired from multiple vantage points, offering powerful views both up close and from a distance.

The afternoon continues along the picturesque Shuzheng Valley, where we’ll visit the serene Rhinoceros Lake, the vibrantly reflective Tiger Lake, the lively Shuzheng Waterfall, and the charming stepped terraces of Shuzheng Lakes. To conclude today’s tour, you may choose between the shimmering Spark Lake—where sunlight dances on the water—or the peaceful Reed Lake, where a clear turquoise stream winds through golden reeds. Please kindly inform your guide of your preferred final stop before we proceed.

At 8:00 am, we will embark on a scenic drive to the park, beginning our exploration of the breathtaking Rize Valley—a route celebrated as the "Golden Photo Line" for its unforgettable vistas. Our first stop invites you to immerse yourself in the serene and majestic Primeval Forest, where an easy morning walk allows you to breathe in the crisp, pine-scented air and listen to the whispers of ancient trees.

From there, we’ll follow picturesque plank roads and wooden walkways that wind gracefully alongside some of Jiuzhaigou’s most iconic lakes. You’ll be captivated by the tranquil beauty of Fragrant Grass Lake and the elegant stillness of Swan Lake. Further along, Arrow Bamboo Lake and Panda Lake await, reflecting the surrounding forests in crystal-clear waters. A true highlight is the dazzling Five-Flower Lake, where mineral-rich pools create a stunning mosaic of blues and greens.

The journey continues to the glittering Pearl Shoal, where shallow streams ripple over golden tufa beds like scattered pearls. Just downstream, the Pearl Shoal Waterfall thunders beautifully—a filming location famously featured in the classic TV adaptation of Journey to the West, adding a touch of cultural legend to the natural spectacle.

Throughout the day, you’ll have ample opportunities to photograph these magical landscapes, with each turn revealing another masterpiece of nature. This route is truly a photographer’s dream and a soul-inspiring experience.
After exploring the wonders of the park, you will be comfortably transferred to Huanglong Jiuzhai Railway Station or Songpan Railway Station to board the high-speed train for your return journey to Chengdu.

(If you require a transfer from the Chengdu railway station to your hotel upon arrival, please kindly inform your travel advisor via email in advance, and we will gladly arrange this service for you.)*