Aba Prefecture, a place where nature and culture intertwine

「🗺️3-Day Tour of Aba Prefecture | Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong · Suitable for All Groups」

Aba Prefecture, a place where nature and culture intertwine, features the dreamlike waterscapes of Jiuzhaigou, the colorful calcified pools of Huanglong, and the vast expanses of the Ruoergai Grassland. Whether traveling with family or friends, you can create wonderful memories here.

🗓️ Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Chengdu → Huanglong Scenic Area → Chuanzhusi Town
Day 2: Chuanzhusi Town → Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area → Jiuzhaigou Entrance
Day 3: Jiuzhaigou Entrance → Ruoergai Grassland → Chengdu

🗿🏔 Day 1: Explore Huanglong · Taste Tibetan Flavors
📍 Huanglong Scenic Area (5A, ticket 170 RMB, one-way cable car 80 RMB, discounts for seniors over 60)
Highlights: Known as the "Fairyland on Earth," the welcoming pool’s water is clear and lively, the Contending Pool is colorful, and the Five-Color Pool is small and magical, like blue-green gemstones set in the mountains.
🕙 Opening Hours: 8:00-17:00, recommended to enter at 9 AM; the pools look best in the afternoon when the sunlight slants.
📸 Photo Spots: Beside the Five-Color Pool (with the pool and mountains as background), at the cascading waterfall (to capture the waterfall and calcified pools).
🏡 Accommodation Recommendation: Hotels in Chuanzhusi Town, many with oxygen machines available, such as Songpan Tibetan King Legend Resort, priced 180-250 RMB/night.
🍖 Dining Recommendation: Minyuan Restaurant, must-try butter tea and highland barley cakes.
💡 Tips: The scenic area is at high altitude; take care of elderly and children to prevent altitude sickness. Prepare oxygen bottles and Rhodiola in advance.

🦋🌊 Day 2: Follow the Waters of Jiuzhaigou · Savor Tibetan Cuisine
📍 Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area (5A, ticket 169 RMB including shuttle bus)
Highlights: The king of waterscapes, Five-Flower Lake is as colorful as peacock feathers, Pearl Shoal Waterfall was a filming location for "Journey to the West," Mirror Lake is calm as a mirror, and Shuzheng Lakes are lively and charming.
🕙 Opening Hours: 7:30-17:00, recommended to enter right at 8 AM.
📸 Photo Spots: Mirror Lake (best for reflections on windless mornings), Five-Flower Lake viewing platform (for panoramic views).
🏡 Accommodation Recommendation: Guesthouses near Jiuzhaigou Entrance, clean and tidy, around 200 RMB/night.
🍖 Dining Recommendation: Zhaxidele Tibetan Restaurant, specialties include Tibetan fragrant pork fried rice and curd buns.
💡 Tips: There is a lot of walking inside the park; prepare lightweight trekking poles for elderly and children; do not feed wild animals.

🐂🌄 Day 3: Gallop on the Grassland · Picturesque Scenery
📍 Ruoergai Grassland
Highlights: Vast and boundless, with views of snow-capped mountains, herds of cattle and sheep, and the stunning sunset at the First Bend of the Yellow River.
🕙 Opening Hours: Open all day; the First Bend of the Yellow River viewing platform is open 8:00-19:00.
📸 Photo Spots: First Bend of the Yellow River viewing platform (capture the sunset over the river bend), flower sea on the grassland (with flowers and distant mountains as background).
💰 Fees: First Bend of the Yellow River ticket 65 RMB, horseback riding 80 RMB/30 minutes.
🍖 Dining Recommendation: Pastoral family inns on the grassland, where you can taste hand-pulled lamb and yogurt.
💡 Tips: Negotiate horseback riding prices in advance; strong UV on the grassland, remember sun protection and keep warm.

✨ Aba Prefecture Survival Guide
1️⃣ Transportation: From Chengdu, take the high-speed train to Zhenjiangguan Station, or carpool/charter a car; shuttle buses are available in scenic areas like Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou.
2️⃣ Clothing: In summer, short sleeves during the day, add a jacket in the morning and evening; in spring and autumn, wear fleece jackets and thermal underwear; in winter, wear down jackets, thermal pants, and non-slip shoes.
3️⃣ Taboos: Keep quiet in temples, do not touch Buddha statues; respect local Tibetan and Qiang customs, avoid discussing sensitive topics.
4️⃣ Accommodation: Choose hotels or guesthouses with oxygen supply equipment, especially when traveling with elderly and children to reduce altitude sickness discomfort.

🛍️ Must-Buy Souvenirs
① Beef jerky 40 RMB per jin, the more you chew, the more fragrant.
② Tibetan incense, available in various scents, great as souvenirs.
③ Thangka postcards, featuring ethnic characteristics.
④ Homemade butter tea powder packs 25 RMB per can.

The beauty of Aba Prefecture is a gift from nature and a cleansing of the soul. No matter who you come with, you will be moved by the stunning scenery and delicious food here. If you visit Aba Prefecture, would you rather stroll by the waters of Jiuzhaigou or ride a horse on the Ruoergai Grassland?