In the morning, have a special date with adorable giant pandas in Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. With the help of your guide, observe and learn about the life and habits of these treasures of China and the world. Let’s then take a leisurely stroll along the historical Wide and Narrow Alley, lined by quaint Chinese-style buildings serving as local snack or craft shops and restaurants.

In the afternoon, head for Jinsha Site Museum to see relics that tell stories of a Sichuan-based ancient Kingdom more than 3,000 years ago. Afterwards, we will head to the People's Park (Renmin Park), the best place to experience the famous slow-paced life of locals. You will find them playing Mahjong, practicing Taichi martial art, singing, dancing, or writing calligraphy with super-large brushes on the floor. These friendly people will welcome you if you want to join them. This is also where to experience China's unique marriage culture: in the matchmaking corner, parents are searching for candidates to marry off their daughters or sons by displaying their detailed profiles. Also, you could enjoy sipping tea like a local in a lakeside teahouse.

Meal: Western buffet breakfast

You will take a morning high-speed train from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou – Jiuzhaigou Station. Our local guide will meet you at the railway station and transfer you to Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area, a gem in every nature lover’s tour itinerary. Situated in the northwest of Sichuan, Huanglong is loved for its colorful lakes, snow-capped peaks, glaciers, mountain landscapes, diverse forest ecosystems, waterfalls, and hot springs. On the highest point of the spot lies the iconic Multi-Colored Ponds on a tract of terraced ivory travertine, seen in varied shapes and dreamlike colors of yellow, blue, green, and brown. There also sits an ancient temple, Huanglong Monastery, probably built in the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), where you can have a short rest. Afterwards, proceed to Jiuzhaigou for a two-night stay.

Meal: Western buffet breakfast

Today you will spend a full day sightseeing Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area, the biggest highlight during the Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou tour itinerary. The world-famous Valley is 35-kilometer (22-mile) long, consisting of three parts with diverse natural beauty, at 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) above sea level. The fairyland, 60,000 hectares in total, includes virgin forests, over a hundred of limpid lakes, verdant mountains, and awe-inspiring waterfalls. But speaking of the most beautiful, we can’t miss its Five-Color Pond, the Nuorilong Falls, the Long Lake, and the Pearl Shoal.

Transparent, with a blend of azure, light green, and orange colors, the Five-Color Pond is the smallest but most fascinating of its kind in Jiuzhaigou Valley. The Nuorilang Falls (Nuorilang means “majestic and grand” in Tibetan), is one of the most beautiful waterfalls here. Viewing from above, you can find rows of dense forests lying across its top area, through which currents rush to the edge and cascade down. When it’s cooler in the morning, there are also rainbows hanging around adding to the magic of the landscape. While at the Long Lake, you will see a meandering S-shape water body reflecting snow-capped peaks, lush forests, blue sky, and white clouds. The Pearl Shoal comprises falls tumbling down on a wide expanse of scraggy outcrop. It’s named for beads of water that scatter where the torrents splash onto rocks, resembling pearls when gleamed by the sunshine. ► Friendly Tips:
In Jiuzhaigou scenic area, there is only one buffet restaurant and people are queuing up all the time, and we just cannot speak highly of its food and service from our experience. Therefore, we suggest you have a hearty breakfast in the hotel and take some snacks with you to renew physical vigor around noontime.

Meal: Chinese breakfast