Tucked deep in the northern reaches of Sichuan, Jiuzhaigou is often celebrated for its shimmering lakes and vibrant forests — and rightly so. But beyond the park’s UNESCO-listed wonders lies an even more rewarding journey: one that winds through lush quiet valleys, Tibetan villages, and lesser-known alpine trails. This 7-day adventure offers the best of both — a deep dive into Jiuzhaigou’s cinematic beauty, followed by a venture further into the pristine highlands where few travellers roam.
Touch down in Chengdu, the relaxed heart of Sichuan. After settling in, head out for a gentle evening walk through Kuanzhai Alley, where Qing-era courtyards meet boutique shops, and the scent of jasmine tea mingles with street food from bamboo stalls. The pace is easy and inviting — a soft landing into the rhythm of the west. End the day with a classic Sichuan hotpot dinner, where locals gather around bubbling pots of chilli oil and fresh greens, dipping, chatting, and laughing into the night.
In the morning, board a high-speed train bound for Huanglong Station, where your ascent into the highlands begins. A short drive leads to the historic town of Songpan, with its ancient city walls, watchtowers, and timber-framed homes that once welcomed traders and pilgrims along the Tea Horse Road. Stroll its cobbled lanes before continuing along winding mountain roads deeper into the valley. As altitude increases, so does the serenity — pine forests thicken, rivers narrow, and a sense of timelessness settles in.
Today is dedicated to exploring Jiuzhaigou National Park, a protected reserve known for its brilliant alpine lakes, multi-tiered waterfalls, and colourful woodlands. You’ll visit iconic spots such as Five Flower Lake, famed for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and sunken tree trunks, and Mirror Lake, where still waters reflect the surrounding peaks and forests.
Begin the morning immersed in Tibetan craft traditions with your choice of incense making or carpet weaving, guided by local artisans who pass on their heritage through touch, scent, and symbol. Afterwards, mount up for a horseback ride into Zhongchagou Valley, where winding trails lead past grazing yaks and pine-cloaked hillsides arriving at a traditional Tibetan home for dinner and some yak butter tea.
After breakfast, drive to Shenxianchi, a secluded highland reserve, known for combining the best of Jiuzhaigou's lakes and Huanglong's calcified pools on a miniature scale. Take a 2–3 hour loop hike through cedar-lined trails where the air is cool and still, broken only by birdsong and breeze. Continue on to Dalu Tibetan Village, a once-thriving settlement dating back to the Tang dynasty, now an atmospheric, abandoned village nestled in the highlands. End your day at Yongguichuan, a peaceful and pared back lodge, offering an evening of rest beneath wide skies.
This morning, take a gentle hike behind the hotel to the summer pastures, guided by locals who once lived in the now-restored village. Enjoy sweeping views and fresh mountain air. In the afternoon, descend to visit a traditional Tibetan home, where you’ll be welcomed with stories, warmth, and a cup of yak butter tea—a rich, energising staple of the Tibetan plateau.
After breakfast, begin your return to Chengdu by bullet train and to catch your next connection. As the valleys flatten and the buzz of the city returns, reflect on a journey marked not only by landscapes but by the people, crafts, and quiet rituals that make this part of China so special.
