Three-Day Jiuzhaigou Highlights Tour: Encounter the Most Beautiful Fairy Tale World

📅 Itinerary Overview
Recommended Season: Autumn (mid to late October) is best for colorful scenery; Summer (July-August) has abundant water; Winter

Panda Lake → Five Flower Lake (highlight): The essence of Jiuzhaigou, recommended to stay for 1 hour, Tibetan costume rental available for photos.
Noon
Lunch at Nuorilang Service Center (buffet about 60 RMB/person, bringing your own snacks is more flexible).
Afternoon
Drive to Long Lake (the highest point of Zechawa Valley), walk to Colorful Pool (small but vividly colored).
Return to Nuorilang, visit Nuorilang Waterfall (China’s widest travertine waterfall).
Leave the scenic area around 17:00, dinner recommended to try Tibetan cuisine (such as yak meat hotpot at “Zangyage”).
🚩 Day 2: Second Entry to Jiuzhaigou (Shuzheng Valley + Off-the-Beaten-Path Route) Morning
Avoid crowds by visiting Shuzheng Lakes and Shuzheng Waterfall, walk along the plank road to Rhino Lake, peaceful and quiet with fewer people.
For those with good stamina, hike from Tiger Lake to Spark Lake, with Bonsai Beach and Reed Lake along the way, great for photos.
Afternoon
Option 1 (Regular): Zharu Valley (additional ticket required), visit the original Tibetan village (Zharu Monastery).
Option 2 (In-depth): Primitive forest hike (top of Rize Valley), breathe in high negative oxygen ion air.
In the evening, you can watch the “Jiuzhai Eternal Love” show (tickets around 280 RMB, optional).
🚩 Day 3: Surrounding Experiences or Huanglong One-Day Tour Option A: Around Jiuzhaigou
Ganhaizi: Free grassland wetland, suitable for horseback riding and picnics (30-minute drive).
Shenxian Pool (Nenen Sangcuo): Mini version of Jiuzhaigou + Huanglong, fewer people, requires chartered car (2-hour drive).
Option B: Huanglong Scenic Area (recommended to charter a car or join a tour)
Depart at 5:30, take the cable car up the mountain, walk down to visit Colorful Pool, Golden Sand Beach, etc. (high altitude, beware of altitude sickness).
Return to Jiuzhaigou in the afternoon, with a stop at Minjiang Source Viewing Platform.
⚠️ Practical Tips
Tickets: Peak season (April-November) 169 RMB + sightseeing bus 90 RMB, must book in advance on the official website or WeChat public account.
Transportation: Direct buses from Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station (8 hours), or fly to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (more flights in peak season).
Altitude Sickness: Jiuzhaigou altitude is 2000-3000 meters, generally no problem; Huanglong Scenic Area highest point is 3570 meters, oxygen bottles recommended.
Clothing: Large temperature difference between day and night, recommend onion-style dressing (windbreaker + sun hat + comfortable hiking shoes).
🍜 Food Recommendations
Tibetan yogurt, barley cakes
Yak jerky (cheaper to buy at supermarkets outside the scenic area)
Sichuan restaurant recommendation: “Jiuzhaigoukou Old Brand”
Hope this guide helps you efficiently explore Jiuzhaigou!