Chengdu: private 2-Day Huanglong Jiuzhaigou tour by train

If you’re after an unforgettable journey into some of China’s most breathtaking natural scenery, this 2-day private tour from Chengdu to Huanglong National Park and Jiuzhaigou Valley offers a compelling mix of convenience and awe-inspiring landscapes. For $525 per person, you get a carefully curated experience that takes care of transportation, tickets, and logistics, so you can focus on soaking in the views.

What we love about this tour is the seamless travel setup, thanks to the high-speed train and private transfers, which cut down on hassle and maximize time in the parks. Plus, the flexibility of exploring at your own pace with hop-on hop-off buses means you’ll be able to linger at the most photogenic spots without feeling rushed.

A potential consideration is the weather—these parks are high-altitude areas, so packing accordingly is essential. Also, since it’s a physically active trip with considerable walking and trekking, those with mobility issues or altitude sickness should consider alternatives.

This tour suits travelers who crave the freedom to explore major attractions on their own terms, love stunning mountain scenery and colorful lakes, and appreciate the value of an all-inclusive, well-organized trip that covers entry fees and transportation.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation: Private transfers and high-speed train make travel smooth and fast.
• Freedom to explore: Hop-on hop-off bus system allows for personal pacing at key attractions.
• All-inclusive tickets: Entry fees, cable cars, and bus passes are covered, avoiding unexpected costs.
• Stunning scenery: Expect vibrant lakes, waterfalls, and mountain vistas—perfect for nature lovers.
• Two-day flexibility: Well-organized schedule balances sightseeing with leisure time.
• Suitable for most travelers: Not ideal for wheelchair users or those with altitude sickness, but excellent for active, independent explorers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Inside Look at the 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1: From Chengdu to Huanglong

Your adventure begins with a hotel pickup in downtown Chengdu, where a driver will whisk you to Chengdu East Train Station. Here, you’ll board a 2-hour high-speed train—a modern and comfortable way to cover the 200+ kilometers to Huanglong Jiuzhaigou Station. The train experience is quick, clean, and efficient, allowing you to start your sightseeing feeling relaxed rather than stuffed into a bus for hours.

Once you arrive, a private transfer will take you to Huanglong National Park. Here, the tour’s thoughtful design shines: you’ll be handed your entry tickets and cable car tickets ahead of time, eliminating long lines and waiting.

The highlight at Huanglong is the cable car ride up to the upper station, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and lush valleys. From here, you can walk or take a shuttle to the Five-Color Ponds—a collection of vividly hued pools, each with a different shade of turquoise, green, or yellow. The wooden boardwalk makes it easy to navigate, providing stable footing to admire these shimmering natural sculptures.

We appreciated the detailed attention to logistics here—meeting the driver repeatedly to ensure smooth transfers—and the chance to explore at our own pace along the wooden pathways. Afterward, you’ll walk down past Golden Sand Beach, a scenic area with calcified shoals and streams that add to the park’s otherworldly atmosphere.

Finally, the driver will transfer you to your hotel near Jiuzhaigou for an overnight stay, giving you a chance to rest before the next day’s exploration.

Day 2: Jiuzhaigou Valley’s Y-Shaped Wonders

The next morning, you’ll be picked up early and driven to the Jiuzhaigou Park gate. Once inside, a bus pass and tickets are ready to go—so no on-site queues. The park is divided into three main valleys, shaped like a Y, each offering different perspectives of the same stunning scenery. The excursion buses run between these valleys at your convenience, with unlimited stops that let you hop on and off as you wish.

This setup is a significant advantage. It allows you to linger at must-see spots, like the emerald lakes or cascading waterfalls, without feeling hurried. Expect to walk along wooden pathways that snake through the forested valleys, providing close-up views of shimmering lakes and tranquil streams.

Many reviews highlight how manageable and enjoyable this self-paced approach is. One traveler noted, “We loved the way you can choose your own pace and not be stuck in a large group.” The scenery in Jiuzhaigou is truly striking—vivid waters, lush trees, and dramatic waterfalls—each shot of your camera will be filled with color and contrast.

By late afternoon, you’ll meet your driver again and head back to the train station for your bullet train ride back to Chengdu. The entire day allows you to soak in one of China’s most scenic national parks with minimal hassle and maximum flexibility.

What’s Included and What to Keep in Mind

The tour includes private transportation, hotel pickup, two-way high-speed train tickets (with upgrade options), park entry tickets, cable cars at Huanglong, and bus passes in Jiuzhaigou. This makes it an excellent value, as these elements often add up when booked separately.

However, meals and tips are not included, so bring snacks—there are plenty of scenic spots perfect for a picnic—and plan your own meals or try local eateries. Also, note that the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or individuals with altitude sickness, so prepare accordingly.

Packing tips include comfortable shoes, camera, snacks, sunscreen, water, jacket, and rain gear—the weather can change rapidly at high altitudes.

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Why This Tour Is a Great Choice

This tour combines efficiency with flexibility, making it ideal for travelers who want to see some of China’s most spectacular scenery without the hassle of organizing every detail. The use of high-speed trains and private transfers minimizes long bus rides, while the hop-on hop-off buses in Jiuzhaigou give you control over your sightseeing pace.

It’s especially suited for those who prefer to avoid rigid group tours, since you can choose when to linger or move on, and for travelers eager to capture stunning photos of colorful lakes and waterfalls. The all-inclusive ticketing and transportation make it easier to enjoy the parks without unforeseen expenses or logistical worries.

What’s more, the tour’s emphasis on authentic scenic experiences—like walking along wooden pathways through the parks—means you’ll get a close-up view of nature’s artistry.

Final Thoughts

For curious travelers seeking a well-organized, scenic escape into some of China’s most beautiful landscapes, this 2-day private Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou tour hits the right notes. The combination of modern transportation, self-paced exploration, and spectacular scenery provides a balanced, hassle-free adventure.

While it’s not suitable for everyone—those with mobility issues or altitude sensitivity should consider alternatives—the experience promises some of the most mesmerizing natural vistas China has to offer. Whether you’re a dedicated photographer, nature lover, or simply eager to see nature’s polychromatic palette, this tour offers excellent value and memorable sights.

If you’re looking for a way to explore these parks comfortably and independently, this trip is a solid choice—just remember to pack your sense of adventure along with your camera.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
The tour is best suited for active travelers comfortable with walking and some trekking. It’s not recommended for wheelchair users or those prone to altitude sickness.

What should I bring for the trip?
Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, snacks, sunscreen, water, a jacket, and rain gear. These help you stay comfortable and prepared for changing weather conditions.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, so you should plan to bring snacks or explore local eateries during your free time.

Can I upgrade the train tickets?
Yes, the standard included tickets are second class, but upgrades are possible if you prefer more comfort.

How flexible is the sightseeing schedule?
Thanks to the hop-on hop-off bus system in Jiuzhaigou, you can explore at your own pace and decide how long to stay at each attraction.

Is the transportation comfortable?
Yes, private transfers and high-speed trains ensure a comfortable and efficient journey, reducing travel fatigue.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility in case your plans change.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup in downtown Chengdu, making it easy to start your adventure stress-free.

How long is the train ride?
The high-speed train ride from Chengdu to Huanglong Jiuzhaigou Station lasts approximately 2 hours, offering a quick and scenic transfer.

This meticulous, flexible, scenic route from Chengdu offers an excellent way to experience China’s extraordinary mountain lakes and waterfalls without the stress of planning every detail yourself. It’s an adventure best suited for those who love natural beauty and want to do so comfortably and at their own pace.

You can check availability for your dates here: