Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong and Mount Emei: A Sichuan Tour
Golden Tropics Travel · Updated
This Sichuan journey goes from Chengdu's pandas to the mountain lakes of Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong, then south to the Leshan Giant Buddha and the Golden Summit of Mount Emei, with two nights in a hot spring hotel before a last evening in Chengdu. Here is how the trip flows, with photos from our own October group.
Chengdu: pandas and old lanes
After the overnight flight, the first full day starts at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where the pandas are most active in the morning; our group watched a young panda climb high into a tree. The afternoon is for Kuanzhai Alley, Chengdu's restored lanes of courtyard houses, cafés and snack stalls.
Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong
A bullet train heads north towards the mountains, usually with a stop at Songpan Ancient Town, a walled town on the old route into the highlands. The next day is a full day in Jiuzhaigou Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where eco-buses run between lakes so clear you can see fallen trees and pale stones on the bottom.
On the way back south, Huanglong's terraced pools of yellow and turquoise water are reached by cable car, with a walk down past the pools.
- In autumn, usually from October, the forests around the lakes turn red, orange and gold
- If snow closes Huanglong, the tour visits Mounigou instead
- An optional evening show of Tibetan and Qiang song and dance is offered in Jiuzhaigou
Dujiangyan and the Leshan Giant Buddha
Dujiangyan is a 2,000-year-old irrigation system that still waters the Chengdu plain, and part of a UNESCO site. At Leshan, a river boat shows the whole Giant Buddha, about 71 metres tall and carved into the cliff over 1,200 years ago, at once, something you cannot see from the cliff path.
Mount Emei's Golden Summit and the hot springs
Mount Emei is one of China's four sacred Buddhist mountains. A shuttle bus and cable car take you up to the Golden Summit, at over 3,000 metres, with its gilded temple and the giant Samantabhadra statue facing in ten directions. On clear days you look out over a sea of clouds. The two nights at the foot of the mountain are in a hot spring resort, a welcome rest after the mountain days.
Last day in Chengdu: Huanglongxi and hotpot
The final day returns to Chengdu by way of Huanglongxi Ancient Town, a riverside old town of wooden shophouses where our group put on flower crowns for photos. Then come Jinli Street, Chunxi Road and Taikoo Li for last shopping, and a farewell Sichuan hotpot dinner before the late flight home. Ours came with a face-changing opera show.
Practical tips
- Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong lie high, roughly 2,000 to well over 3,000 metres, and Emei's summit is above 3,000 metres. Walk slowly and drink plenty of water.
- Mountain mornings are cold in autumn while Chengdu is mild: bring warm layers, a jacket and comfortable walking shoes.
- Weather can change plans in the mountains, so a few stops have set alternatives.
- Chengdu has halal restaurants run by the Hui community, but options in the mountains are limited; tell us your dietary needs when you book.
- Malaysians can currently visit mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days. Check the latest rules before you travel.