11-Day Private Tour from Zhangjiajie to Sichuan and Including the Jiuzhaigou

Traveling through China’s diverse landscapes can be an overwhelming but rewarding experience. This 11-day private tour offers an immersive journey from the jaw-dropping sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie to the fairy-tale lakes of Jiuzhaigou, ending in the bustling city of Chengdu. For those who love a mix of natural beauty, cultural insight, and comfortable transportation, this tour could be a fantastic choice.

What truly sets this experience apart is the careful balance between guided sightseeing and free time, giving you both structure and space to explore. The knowledgeable guides are often highlighted as a strong point, making navigating busy sites much easier. However, the itinerary involves long travel days — especially the drive from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou — so it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy scenic road trips and don’t mind spending some hours on the road.

One thing to consider is the cost, which at over $2,600 per person, may seem steep if you’re used to budget travel. Still, for many, the convenience of private transportation, entry tickets, and expert guidance makes it good value, particularly if you want a comprehensive, hassle-free experience.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a thorough introduction to some of China’s most iconic sights with minimal planning. It’s best suited for those who like being guided but also appreciate moments of independence. If you prefer structured travel with the comfort of private transport and a knowledgeable guide, this tour hits the right notes.

Key Points

• Custom Private Experience: The tour is tailored for your group, with private guides and vehicles, enhancing comfort and flexibility.
• Comprehensive Sightseeing: It covers major highlights like Zhangjiajie’s sandstone pillars, Fenghuang ancient town, Leshan Buddha, Mount Emei, Jiuzhaigou, and Huanglong.
• Scenic Variety: Expect stunning landscapes, from towering mountains and lush forests to colorful lakes and waterfalls.
• Long Travel Days: Be prepared for significant driving, especially from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou and Emei, but scenic stops break up the trips.
• Expert Guides: Many reviews emphasize the guides’ knowledge, making complex logistics smoother and enriching the experience.
• Good Value for Money: The cost includes all entrance tickets, some flights, and private transport, which can save you money and stress.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Days 1-2: Zhangjiajie’s Magnificent Landscapes

The tour kicks off in Zhangjiajie, where your guide meets you in the morning to explore the stunning Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Fans of the movie Avatar will instantly recognize the famous sandstone pillars — these towering formations have inspired countless artists and photographers. The highlight here is Tianzi Mountain, accessible via the world’s longest cable car ride. Expect jaw-dropping views from the mountain peaks, with the added bonus of spotting rare wildlife like monkeys, as well as gingko trees and vibrant birds.

The Wulingyuan Scenic Area is a sprawling landscape of mountains, valleys, waterfalls, and caves — over 560 attractions in total. Visiting Tianzi Mountain and Yuanjiajie (the “Avatar” mountain) gives a taste of the area’s geological marvels. The Bailong Elevator is a real highlight, towering 335 meters and offering panoramic views while making the ascent an experience itself.

A gentle hike along the Golden Whip Brook offers a peaceful counterbalance to the dramatic cliffs, and the walk is known for its pristine waters and animal sightings. Post-lunch, the trip takes you to the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, which hovers over a canyon and promises a thrill for those not afraid of heights. Standing on the glass walkway is a surreal experience, with waterfalls and lush forests unfolding beneath your feet.

The day wraps up with a transfer back to your hotel, giving you time to rest before the next day’s adventure.

Day 2: Tianmen Mountain and Fenghuang

Your second day begins with a visit to Tianmen Mountain, famous for its breathtaking cliff paths and the Guinness-record-breaking cable car. The views from the top are spectacular, with peaks rising dramatically and the glass walkway offering an exhilarating walk along the precipice.

In the afternoon, the journey takes you further south to Fenghuang County, a beautifully preserved ancient town that dates back to 1704. With its blue flagstone streets, wooden stilted houses, and Miao minority customs, Fenghuang offers a glimpse into traditional Chinese life. You might find the quiet, atmospheric streets perfect for wandering and soaking in local culture.

Days 3-4: Fenghuang to Chengdu via Flight

After a leisurely morning exploring Fenghuang, you’ll fly from Zhangjiajie to Chengdu — a quick 90-minute flight that saves hours of driving. Once in Chengdu, the journey continues with visits to the Chengdu Panda Base, where you’ll see over 80 pandas in naturalistic habitats, and learn about conservation efforts.

The charming Jinli Pedestrian Street is perfect for a relaxed afternoon of snacking on local treats, shopping, and people-watching. The following day involves a drive to Leshan to see the Giant Buddha, carved into a cliff face over 1,200 years ago — the largest stone Buddha in the world.

Next, a visit to Baoguo Temple introduces you to Buddhist culture, with its history dating back to the Ming Dynasty. The day ends with a transfer to Emei City or mountain hotel.

Days 5-7: Mount Emei and Beyond

Mount Emei, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a highlight for its combination of natural beauty and spiritual significance. The tour includes a scenic bus ride, cable car trips, and time to explore the Golden Summit with its enormous Buddha statue and vast views of cloud seas. The mountain’s flora and fauna make it a haven for nature lovers, with over 5,000 plant species and 2,300 animals.

From Emei, the journey continues with a drive to Jiuzhaigou. Although long — about 8 hours — the route is filled with stunning vistas of Tibetan villages, grasslands, and yaks, making the drive part of the adventure. Feel free to stretch your legs at scenic stops and enjoy the changing landscapes.

Days 8-10: Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong National Park

Jiuzhaigou, renowned for its turquoise lakes and multi-colored ponds, is arguably the tour’s star attraction. The Jiuzhai Valley covers three valleys, each with its own character: Rize, Shuzheng, and Zechawa. Expect a full day of walking and sightseeing, including stops at Arrow Bamboo Lake and the Pearl Shoals Waterfalls. The lakes’ colors shift with the light, creating perfect photo opportunities.

Next, a transfer to Huanglong Scenic Area introduces you to more colorful mineral ponds, snow-capped peaks, and lush forests. The boardwalk routes allow easy access to the multicolored pools that have earned UNESCO World Heritage recognition.

Days 10-11: Huanglong and Farewell to Chengdu

Your final days involve a visit to Chuanzhusi Town, with a scenic stop at Munigou Valley — a landscape of high-altitude lakes, waterfalls, and vibrant scenery. The journey wraps up with a return to Chengdu, where you can relax, reflect, and enjoy some last-minute sightseeing.

Practical Considerations and Value

This tour offers a well-rounded experience that combines outdoor adventures with cultural insights, all within a manageable itinerary. The private guides and transportation make logistics smoother, especially when navigating busy sites or long distances. The inclusion of all entrance tickets and a flight from Zhangjiajie to Chengdu adds convenience and can be cost-effective compared to arranging everything independently.

However, be prepared for some lengthy travel days — especially the drive from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou, which takes around 8 hours. The scenic stops along the way are definitely worth it, but it’s wise to pace yourself and bring snacks for the road.

The price point of approximately $2,632 per person might seem high at first glance, but considering the included flights, private transport, guide services, and entry tickets, many travelers find it offers good value for a hassle-free experience. The reviews highlight the “knowledgeable guides” and “stunning views” as major pluses, making the cost worthwhile for those wanting an immersive, guided journey.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect for travelers seeking a comprehensive tour of iconic Chinese landscapes without the stress of planning each detail. It suits those who prefer guided sightseeing, especially if traveling with family or friends, and want to ensure they see the most important sights with expert commentary.

Those who enjoy nature and scenic vistas will appreciate the variety on offer — from towering mountains and waterfalls to colorful lakes and traditional villages. If you’re comfortable with long driving days and eager to explore several regions in one trip, this tour offers a balanced itinerary that maximizes sightseeing while allowing some leisure time.

FAQ

Is this a private tour?
Yes, it’s designed for your group only, with private guides and vehicles, allowing for a more personalized and flexible experience.

Are entrance tickets included?
All listed entrance tickets are included in the price, covering major sites like Zhangjiajie, Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong, and Mount Emei.

Does the tour cover flights?
Yes, it includes an economy flight from Zhangjiajie to Chengdu, which helps save time and reduces the hassle of multiple bookings.

How long are the travel days?
Expect long days, especially from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou, which involves about 8 hours of driving, with scenic stops along the way.

Is the guide knowledgeable?
Based on available reviews, guides are considered well-informed, enhancing the experience with insightful commentary and assisting with logistics.

What’s the best time to go?
While the exact timing isn’t specified, the scenery such as Jiuzhaigou’s lakes is beautiful in all seasons, but winter offers snow-covered peaks and fewer crowds.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, so plan to explore local dining options along the way or bring snacks.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, this is a private tour, and extensions or modifications can often be arranged, subject to availability.

How physically demanding is the tour?
There will be walking, hiking, and some high-altitude visits, so a reasonable level of fitness will help you enjoy everything comfortably.

To sum it up, this 11-day private tour offers a well-structured, scenic, and culturally enriching journey through some of China’s most celebrated landscapes. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a guided, all-in-one experience with the convenience of private transportation and expert commentary. Whether you’re seeking the drama of Zhangjiajie’s towering pillars, the serenity of Jiuzhaigou’s lakes, or the spiritual ambiance of Mount Emei, this tour packs it all into an immersive package that’s hard to beat on value and variety.