Overnight Planning! A 3-Day Relaxed Travel Guide for Jiuzhai and Grasslands.

Explore the hidden gems of Western Sichuan in 3 days, including the grasslands of Ruoergai, the fairy pools of Huanglong, and the vibrant Tibetan villages. Lazy travelers can copy this itinerary directly—I've stayed up all night to prepare this guide for you👇

🚗 Itinerary:
✅ DAY 1: Chengdu East → Ruoergai Flower Lake → First Bend of the Yellow River → Tangke
Take the early morning high-speed train directly to Ruoergai. In the afternoon, visit the enchanting Flower Lake wetland, chase the sunset at the First Bend of the Yellow River in the evening, and stay overnight at a Tibetan-style homestay in Tangke, enjoying a hotpot under the starry sky!

✅ DAY 2: Tangke → Liandaoba Grassland → Huanglong → Jiuzhaigou Entrance
Spend the morning horseback riding and practicing archery on the grasslands, explore the colorful pools of Huanglong in the afternoon, and stay overnight at a Tibetan village near Jiuzhaigou entrance, joining a bonfire party and dancing traditional Tibetan dances.

✅ DAY 3: Jiuzhaigou Entrance → Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area → Xuebaoding → Chengdu East
Enjoy a full day exploring Jiuzhaigou! Visit iconic spots like Nuorilang Waterfall, Five Flower Lake, and the Colorful Pool—every photo is wallpaper-worthy. Take the evening high-speed train back to Chengdu for a relaxed return.

📸 Must-Visit Attractions:
1️⃣ Ruoergai Flower Lake: Known as the "Sky Mirror" of the Western Sichuan Plateau, the lake reflects the blue sky and white clouds, perfect for photography.
2️⃣ First Bend of the Yellow River: A stunning S-shaped river bend. Be sure to climb the observation deck at sunset to witness the magnificent "long river and setting sun" scene.
3️⃣ Liandaoba Grassland: Enjoy horseback riding, dress in traditional Tibetan attire for photos, and experience the pure freedom of "wind blows, grass bends, and cattle and sheep appear."
4️⃣ Huanglong Scenic Area: Truly a "fairy pool"! The terraced, colorful calcified pools are breathtakingly vibrant.
5️⃣ Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area: The "water scenery masterpiece" of Sichuan! Must-visit spots include emerald lakes, cascading waterfalls, Five Flower Lake, and Pearl Shoal Waterfall.
6️⃣ Xuebaoding: One of the sacred mountains in Tibetan areas, with an altitude of 5,588 meters. On the way back, you can overlook Huanglong Scenic Area from Songpan.

⚠️ Tips for Traveling in Western Sichuan:
🔸 Altitude Sickness Alert: Huanglong and Ruoergai are over 3,500 meters above sea level. Prepare oxygen bottles and avoid strenuous activities.
🔸 Extreme Temperature Differences: Wear layers—short sleeves and sunscreen during the day, and down jackets at night.
🔸 Sun Protection Essentials: Sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen are a must to avoid high-altitude UV damage.
🔸 Cash is Essential: Horseback riding and small shops on the grasslands may lack signal, so carry some cash.

🎯 Travel Tips:
▪️ Train Tickets: Book "Chengdu → Songpan" high-speed train tickets 15 days in advance, and choose early morning departures (before 9:00 AM).
▪️ Luggage: Bring a 20-inch suitcase and a backpack, as you'll need to switch between scenic area shuttle buses frequently.
▪️ Off-Peak Strategy: Jiuzhaigou opens at 8 AM—head straight to Five Flower Lake to avoid tourist crowds.
▪️ Food Recommendations: Tibetan-style yogurt, yak jerky, and barley cakes—affordable and authentic at small shops near the scenic area entrance.