Jiuzhaigou Ultimate Travel Guide

7-Day Cloud Tour Itinerary & Cost Breakdown

**Itinerary Plan**
**Day 1: Chengdu Assembly, First Taste of Western Sichuan**
• **Transport**: Pickup from Chengdu Shuangliu Airport/High-Speed Rail Station, take a tourist bus to Jiuzhaigou (~8hrs, ¥175-238).
• **Accommodation**: Homestay near the valley entrance (recommend "Yunfuli Cloud Lodge", ¥200-400/night in summer, 10min walk to the scenic area).
• **Highlights**: Enjoy Minjiang River Canyon views en route, experience Tibetan homestay culture, complimentary handmade yak meat sauce.

**Day 2: Full-Day Jiuzhaigou Exploration**
• **Tickets**: Peak season (Apr-Nov) ¥190 + sightseeing bus ¥90 = ¥280/pax; Off-season (Dec-Mar) ¥160/pax.
• **Route**:
• Morning: Shuzheng Valley (Tiger Lake, Shuzheng Lakes) → Rize Valley (Five-Flower Lake, Pearl Shoal Waterfall).
• Afternoon: Zechawa Valley (Long Lake, Five-Color Pond) → Zharu Temple for Tibetan blessings.
• **Tips**: Enter by 7:30am, last entry at 2pm; arrive early to photograph Mirror Lake’s "sky mirror" effect.

**Day 3: Jiuzhaigou → Huanglong, Travertine Wonders**
• **Transport**: Bus from Jiuzhaigou Station to Huanglong (7:40am, ¥47/pax, 2.5hrs).
• **Tickets**: Huanglong peak season ¥170/pax, off-season ¥60; cable car ¥80 (up), ¥40 (down).
• **Route**: Cable car ascent → Five-Color Pond → Huanglong Temple → hike down (viewing Guest Greeting Pond, Golden Sand Ridge).
• **Highlights**: World’s highest-altitude passenger cable car, visit the "Loneliest Café".

**Day 4: Huanglong → Ruoergai Grassland, Flowers & Stars**
• **Transport**: Self-drive/chartered car (~3hrs, recommended route: Dujiangyan-Lixian-Miyaluo).
• **Tickets**: Flower Lake ¥70/pax; Yellow River First Bend ticket + escalator ¥105/pax.
• **Experiences**:
• Morning: Flower Lake wetland hike, photograph waterbirds and Himalayan poppies.
• Afternoon: Sunset at Yellow River First Bend, stay in a stargazing homestay (floor-to-ceiling windows for Milky Way views).
• **Food**: Clear-broth yak hotpot, Tibetan steamed buns at Yakor Snacks.

**Day 5: Ruoergai Immersion, Tibetan Culture**
• **Route**:
• Morning: Horseback riding (¥80-120/hr), Thangka painting workshop.
• Afternoon: Learn butter tea-making at Enzharo Homestay, join Guozhuang dance.
• **Tips**: Pack waterproof jackets for unpredictable weather; high-SPF sunscreen for strong UV.

**Day 6: Ruoergai → Chengdu, Return Journey**
• **Transport**: Self-drive (~8hrs) or long-distance bus to Chengdu (from ¥175).
• **Free Time**: Visit Jinli Ancient Street/Wuhou Shrine, try hotpot and dan dan noodles.

**Day 7: Chengdu Free & Easy, Cultural Finale**
• **Recommendations**: Jinsha Site Museum, Du Fu Thatched Cottage; buy Sichuan opera masks & Shu embroidery souvenirs.
• **Budget**: Meals ¥50-100/day, souvenirs ¥200-500.

**Total Budget (per person)**
**[Table]**
| Category | Cost Range (¥) |
|------------------------|----------------|
| Transport (buses/charter) | 800-1200 |
| Accommodation (5 nights) | 1000-2000 |
| Tickets (all attractions) | 625 |
| Food (yak hotpot, etc.) | 350-700 |
| Activities/souvenirs | 500-800 |
| **Total** | **3275-5325** |

**Highlights & Tips**
1. **Off-Peak Travel**: Avoid July-Aug crowds; June/September offer lower prices and better views.
2. **Altitude Prep**: Take Rhodiola supplements 3 days prior; carry glucose for AMS relief.
3. **Photography**:
• Jiuzhaigou: 7:30-9:30am soft light at Mirror/Five-Flower Lakes.
• Huanglong: Best light at Five-Color Pond post-4pm.
• Ruoergai: Golden "S-curve" sunset at Yellow River First Bend (7:30-8:30pm).
4. **Cultural Etiquette**: Remove hats in temples, spin prayer wheels clockwise, ask permission before photographing locals.

This itinerary blends natural wonders with Tibetan-Qiang culture, balancing iconic sights and immersive experiences. Budget starts at ¥3,275 (economy) up to ¥5,325 (premium), adjustable via transport/lodging choices.