2-Day High-Speed Rail Tour of Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong from Chengdu, Sichuan

Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong are beautiful, but the trip planning needs improvement. We weren’t warned that Jiuzhaigou Station is already 2,800m above sea level, enough to trigger altitude sickness. Worse, we were immediately taken to Huanglong at 3,500m without time to acclimatise. It would’ve made more sense to visit Jiuzhaigou (2,000m) first. The tour agency also messed up our hotel booking and we waited over 30 mins at the lobby after a long day. We arrived only at 9pm due to delays from late group members. Thankfully, Judy (liaison) responded promptly even at night, helped us liaise with the agency, and arranged a RMB90 rebate. She also reminded us to get cable car and shuttle tickets in advance, which saved us the effort of hiking at high altitude. Our driver, Luo Shi Fu, was very patient, stayed with us until the hotel issue was settled, and even shared local snacks and shopping tips the next day. Overall, great destination, but tour logistics and altitude advice need work.

Trip was well planned and overall was a pleasant journey. However high altitude and winding roads especially in the Huanglong area made the trip quite tough. Tour guide was helpful and took good care of the guests

The first time I walked into Jiuzhaigou, I was shocked by the blue of Wuhua Lake! The color, between peacock blue and emerald, presents a gradient luster under the sun, and the dead trees at the bottom of the water are clearly visible, as if you are in another world. Walk along the wooden boardwalk to Pearl Beach, where waterfalls wash over the calcified steps, and the stirred up water droplets form mini rainbows in the sun. The most amazing thing is Changhai Lake. The snow-capped mountains are reflected in the mirror-like surface of the lake. The blue is so intoxicating that I can’t stop pressing the shutter!

I had a great time and it was a private trip so I could explore Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong Scenic Area at my own pace. I was a little nervous about communicating in China, but Ms. Lucy helped me a lot during my trip and Mr. Dorje was very friendly, making my trip smooth. Thank you!!! Highly recommend this experience <3

overall is good but a few thing that needs massive improvement: 1. hotel is not the best, the quality is mid even though got facilities around but the room itself is not good. 2. initerary is very rush so if you want to slowly walk and explore you might not have the time for it. but never the less the driver of the trip is great!

Small groups of 2-8 people are super flexible, and it’s more comfortable without a tour guide! High-speed rail round trip + special car pick-up is super worry-free. You can control your own itinerary. You can take pictures slowly in Jiuzhaigou and take a leisurely walk in Huanglong. It is suitable for people who don't like to rush the itinerary~

The culinary freedom without group dining restrictions is awesome! On the first night, we went to a Tibetan restaurant that we couldn’t find even with navigation, and tasted authentic yak beef hotpot and butter tea.

Norilang Waterfall is spectacular. The water cascades down from a great height, creating a loud roar. Standing nearby, you can feel the cool mist on your face. The photos you take will be beautiful, no need to search for special angles. Before departure, the staff sent detailed travel information and contact details via the KLOOK voucher, including the train schedule and meeting point, so I didn't need to double-check repeatedly, which was very convenient.

The colorful forests of Jiuzhaigou are very special, with leaves in different colors – red, yellow, and green mixed together. Walking through them feels like entering a colorful tunnel, with different scenery at every step. Jiuzhaigou's altitude is between 2500-3100 meters. Following the recommendation to walk downhill from the higher altitude attractions, and avoiding strenuous exercise, the entire journey was very easy, and I didn't experience any altitude sickness.

I was worried that it would be inconvenient without a tour guide, but it turned out to be more suitable! You can walk slowly at your own pace, and sit on a wooden chair to rest when you get tired in Jiuzhaigou, without having to force yourself to keep up with the group. We controlled our own time, had lunch at the Norilang Center at noon, and only selected a few highlights in the afternoon. Huanglong took the cable car up and down the entire journey, and my parents didn’t feel tired at all. Staying in a hotel close to the scenic spot at night, they can rest early. This flexible arrangement allows the whole family to have a relaxing and enjoyable time!