Private 2-Day Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong Tour by Train from Chengdu

This 2-day private tour from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong offers a comfortably paced way to explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites without the hassle of long drives. With a combination of bullet train travel, private transfers, and self-guided sightseeing, it strikes a good balance between organization and flexibility. We especially appreciate how this tour eliminates the stress of coordinating transportation, allowing you to focus on soaking in the incredible natural beauty.

One aspect that often appeals to travelers is the private transfer from hotel to train station and between sites, making everything smooth and personalized. That said, a potential consideration is the lack of an English-speaking guide during sightseeing, which could make navigation a bit trickier if you’re not familiar with Chinese. This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy independent exploration but want the convenience of a structured itinerary and reliable transport.

The tour seems ideal for those who value comfort, scenic highlights, and the opportunity to customize their route, especially if you’re comfortable with some self-navigation and a bit of flexibility.

Key Points

• Comfortable Private Transport: Includes pickup from your hotel, private transfers, and a comfortable train journey.
• Flexible Itinerary: Self-guided sightseeing allows you to explore at your own pace.
• Stunning Sites: Visits to Huanglong’s multicolored pools and Jiuzhaigou’s lakes and waterfalls promise breathtaking scenery.
• Quality Accommodation: One night at a 4-star hotel in Jiuzhaigou enhances the experience.
• Efficient Travel: Bullet train + local car transfers save hours compared to standard overland routes.
• Cost-Effective: Priced at $448.99, you get park entries, cable cars, and comfortable transportation, making it a good value for two days of exploration.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Huanglong — A Palette of Colors and Mountain Majesty

The day kicks off early at 8 am with hotel pickup in Chengdu, ensuring a seamless start. The journey begins with a transfer to Chengdu Train Station for your bullet train to Songpan, a scenic ride in itself that cuts through Sichuan’s lush landscapes. The train travel is a highlight—quick, efficient, and comfortable, especially if you upgrade to 1st class, though the default 2nd class offers a good balance of cost and comfort.

Upon arriving in Songpan, your guide or driver will escort you directly to Huanglong National Park, bypassing the usual bus chaos. The park is famous for its seven-colored pools and towering limestone formations. You’ll take a cable car up to the highest point, which dramatically reduces hiking effort and offers stunning aerial views of the terraced pools below.

Expect about 4 to 5 hours exploring the park, including highlights like Five Colors Pond and the Huanglong Temple. The wooden boardwalks along the pools allow for easy walking while keeping your feet dry and the views unobstructed.

Once you’ve soaked in Huanglong’s otherworldly scenery, you’ll be transferred to Jiuzhaigou, where you’ll stay overnight at a comfortable Holiday Inn Express or a similar standard hotel. This helps conserve energy for the next day’s full exploration.

What we loved: The ease of the cable car ride and the chance to see Huanglong’s vibrant mineral pools, which look like they belong on a fantasy map.

Possible drawback: The 4-5 hour walking and sightseeing window might feel tight for those wanting to linger longer at each spot.

Day 2: Jiuzhaigou — A Kaleidoscope of Lakes and Waterfalls

The second day begins early before 8 am with a transfer to Jiuzhaigou’s park entrance. You’ll purchase your tickets and bus passes with the help of your driver, a helpful touch that simplifies the process.

Your journey inside Jiuzhaigou involves taking the park shuttle bus to key sites, beginning at Mirror Lake, famed for its perfectly still water reflecting the sky and surrounding mountains. From there, the route takes you to Five Flowers Lake, recognized for its vivid colors and lively aquatic flora. Following that, a walk along wooden planks leads to Arrow Bamboo Lake—a quieter, scenic spot that showcases the park’s diverse aquatic landscape.

Afterward, a short bus ride takes you to the Ruo Rilang Waterfall, where the cascading water offers a dramatic contrast to the tranquil lakes. The whole exploration is estimated at around 6 hours, giving you a solid taste of Jiuzhaigou’s famous landscape.

In the late afternoon, you’ll head back to Chengdu East Train Station for your return journey, traveling in comfortable second class seats. You also have the option to upgrade your train tickets, which might suit travelers who prefer more space or a smoother experience.

What we loved: The opportunity to see Jiuzhaigou’s most iconic lakes and waterfalls up close, with the flexibility to choose your stops and routes.

From reviews: One traveler commented, “Most people think 8 hours isn’t enough for Jiuzhaigou, but I managed it comfortably, and the scenery was worth every step.” It highlights how well-paced this tour can be for those who want a deeper experience without overexerting.

Included and Excluded: What You Get

This tour offers notable value with included park tickets, a cable car ride in Huanglong, and transportation. The accommodation in Jiuzhaigou at a 4-star hotel ensures you’re resting well after a day of sightseeing.

However, it’s important to note that guides are not provided during sightseeing, which means you’ll be mostly self-guided. This is great for independent travelers but might be a downside for those who prefer guided commentary.

Food and drinks are not included, so budget for meals and snacks during your visits. Travelers have mentioned enjoying local cuisine, and since the tour is flexible, you can explore at your own pace and find delicious options.

Practical Tips for the Tour

• Comfortable shoes are recommended because you’ll be walking on wooden planks and uneven paths.
• Bring water, sunscreen, and sunglasses to stay comfortable during long outdoor hours.
• If you have specific dietary needs, inform the tour provider when booking.
• The train journey can be upgraded to 1st class if you prefer more space and comfort, though 2nd class is perfectly adequate.
• Be prepared for some self-navigation, as guides are not present during sightseeing portions.
• The timing is tight but manageable—most travelers reported a good balance between seeing the highlights and having time to enjoy each site.

Real Traveler Insights

From reviews, it’s clear many visitors find the views breathtaking, especially at Huanglong’s pools and Jiuzhaigou’s lakes. One reviewer praised the quick responses from the tour conductor and the smooth transportation arrangements, emphasizing the value of the private setup.

Another traveler appreciated the guidance and advice provided before the trip, which helped them prepare adequately for the hikes and site visits. The flexibility to customize the route and the overall organization stands out as a highlight.

The Sum Up

This private 2-day tour from Chengdu offers a compelling way to experience two of Sichuan’s most stunning UNESCO sites without the hassle of organizing every detail yourself. The combination of bullet train travel, private transfers, and self-guided exploration provides a good mix of comfort and independence. It’s especially suited for those who want to see the highlights at their own pace but still benefit from professional logistics support.

The stunning scenery of Huanglong’s multicolored pools and Jiuzhaigou’s lakes and waterfalls is truly unforgettable, making this tour a worthwhile investment. The choice of a comfortable hotel stay in Jiuzhaigou enhances the experience and allows you to relax after a day of exploring.

While lacking a guide during sightseeing, this tour’s efficiency and flexibility compensate for that, especially if you’re confident navigating on your own or with translation apps. The overall value, combined with the breathtaking scenery, makes this a solid pick for adventurous travelers who value comfort, authenticity, and carefully curated experiences.

FAQ

Is transportation included from my hotel?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup in Chengdu and private transfers between sites, making your journey smooth and hassle-free.

Can I upgrade the train tickets?
Absolutely, you can choose to upgrade to 1st class seats for more space and comfort on the bullet train.

How long do I spend at each site?
Expect around 4-5 hours at Huanglong and about 6 hours at Jiuzhaigou, enough to see the main highlights without rushing.

Is a guide provided during sightseeing?
No, the sightseeing portion is self-guided, but you’ll have assistance with tickets and transportation.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or dine locally at your convenience.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, water, sunscreen, and sunglasses are recommended. Also, consider bringing any essentials for photos or small purchases.

Can I customize the route or timing?
The itinerary is designed for flexibility, so you can explore at your own pace within the scheduled time frames.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but comfortable walking shoes and a moderate fitness level are recommended due to the walking involved.

In summary, this tour offers a well-organized, scenic adventure that balances convenience with independence. It’s perfect for those eager to explore Sichuan’s natural marvels without the stress of full guided tours or long overland drives. Whether you’re a nature lover or simply seeking stunning photos, this experience is worth considering.