Overview
This journey invites you into the dramatic landscapes of northern Sichuan and the crown jewel, Jiuzhaigou. Here, turquoise lakes, snow-fed waterfalls and deep pine valleys create a dreamlike world that feels almost unreal. You’ll also explore the colourful limestone terraces of Huanglong and the surrounding Tibetan villages, where centuries-old customs continue to shape daily life. Beyond the scenery, the five-day trip also includes authentic cultural encounters—from traditional crafts and ancestral villages to rare opportunities to learn about panda conservation. These experiences provide a deeper understanding of the region’s ecological significance and its diverse culture and customs.
This itinerary is customisable. Let us know at checkout if and how you'd like to personalise the itinerary.
What you will be doing
We’ll depart from Chengdu and head to Aba via bullet train. Then, after about 2 hours' drive, we’ll arrive at Songpan. After a short rest and lunch, we will go to a place which is known as the only intangible heritage craftsman in Songpan Ancient City, and the craftsman will explain to us the development of leather art in Tibetan areas and the exclusive characteristics of Songpan leather art.
We will arrive at Huanglong after breakfast. Visit the Huanglong area in the morning and appreciate the colourful ponds fed by snowmelt from the surrounding mountains. Afterwards, we’ll drive directly to Jiuzhaigou and check in at the local hotel upon arrival.
Today, we’ll immerse ourselves in the fairyland of Jiuzhaigou. Jiuzhaigou is a valley with a depth of more than 40 km. We’ll enjoy the area via a day tour that will take around 6-8 hours. Appreciate the colourful ponds, a natural wonder
We’ll have a bit of a lie-in and depart at 10 am. Our first stop will be the Jia Wu Hai Panda Conservation Centre, where we will participate in panda volunteer activities. Then in the afternoon, we’ll head to a buffer zone between wild giant pandas and humans. This is also the home to the Aboriginal people. After arriving, we will be greeted by a unique welcoming ceremony called Jumping CAOGAI. Under the leadership of Baima village, we’ll learn and experience their cultural customs, such as the Zou and Panda dance. We’ll make potato cakes, enjoy a special rural banquet, and visit the old artists in the village. Here, learn about the wooden carvings of ZOU dancing masks. We’ll stay overnight at Jiuzhaigou.
In the morning, we will visit the Tibetan village Zhongcha and learn more about the local cultures and traditions. We will then visit the Garmi Temple. We have arranged a lighting ceremony to send you our sincere wishes for this trip. You will also learn about the mysterious practice of lamas blessing the lighting of lamps. All things come to an end. We will then proceed to Songpan station to return to Chengdu to conclude the incredible Sichuan trip.
Where we'll meet
🧭 Meeting/pick-up point: Your hotel
🗺️ Instructions: We will pick you up from your hotel in Chengdu
Things to know
Accessibility:
Children friendly
Fitness requirement
Any fitness level
Tour Language
English
License requirement
None
Additional information:
Wear comfortable shoes and season-appropriate clothing
Please let us know in advance if you have any allergies or dietary requirements
The car will be a seven-seater van
We have insurance for all travellers. We do urge you to take your own insurance as well, especially in case there are delays leading up to your trip to China/Chengdu.
Some meals are included as part of the package.
Inclusion ✅
Tour guide
Pick up and drop off transport
Entrance ticket
Accommodations
Transport fee
Meals
Exclusion ❌
Gratuities
About your host
U2PandaFor every trip booked, Kodama Travel donates £1 to Just One Tree to restore our forests and the ocean.