Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong Photography Expedition

Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong Photography Expedition

  • Tour Code: CT-CJC-04
  • Time: 4 Days
  • Accommodation: 3 Nights (4+Star Hotels)
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In this four-day itinerary, you can explore the natural wonders of Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong with pristine forests, colorful lakes, and waterfalls.

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Chengdu
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  • Chengdu - Huanglong - Jiuzhaigou

  • 4+stars Hotel

  • None


In the morning, depart from Chengdu and take the high-speed train (suggested departure from Chengdu East or Chengdu South Station) to Jiuzhaigou, with an estimated travel time of 5-6 hours. During the journey, you will enjoy the beautiful natural scenery of Sichuan, with views of mountains, rivers, and pastoral landscapes along the way.

Around midday, you will arrive at Huanglong. Huanglong Valley is located in the northwest of Sichuan Province in the Minshan Mountains. It is one of the three major travertine lakes in the world and stretches for 3.6 kilometers. The area is named after its dragon-like shape, resembling a yellow dragon. The travertine landscapes in Huanglong Valley were formed over thousands of years through geological processes involving glacial activity, crustal movements, chemical reactions, and climate changes. The core attraction of Huanglong Valley is the Five-Color Pool, which consists of 693 ponds of various shapes and sizes, shining with vibrant colors like emeralds. In addition, Huanglong Valley is known for its stunning snow-capped mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, and pristine forests, which are home to rare species such as giant pandas and golden monkeys. Due to its unique natural value and ecological significance, Huanglong Valley was designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 1992.

You can choose to take a cable car to reach the main viewing areas of the park to save energy, with a sightseeing time of about 3-4 hours. After visiting Huanglong, you will continue the journey by car to Jiuzhaigou, which takes around 2 hours. You will arrive in Jiuzhaigou by evening. After checking into your hotel, enjoy a delicious local dinner and rest, preparing for the next day's deep photography tour in Jiuzhaigou.


Day 1: Chengdu Day 1: Chengdu Day 1: Chengdu
Day 2: Jiuzhaigou Deep Tour
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  • Jiuzhaigou  

  • 4+ stars Hotel

  • Breakfast


The second day of the tour takes you deep into Jiuzhaigou to explore this fairyland in its entirety. After breakfast, you will depart from the hotel and take a sightseeing bus to enter Jiuzhaigou National Park for your full-day tour.

Jiuzhaigou is divided into three main valleys: Shuzheng Valley, Rize Valley, and Zechawa Valley. Today’s itinerary will guide you through each of these valleys, showcasing their unique beauty. First, you will visit Shuzheng Valley, known for its ever-changing water scenes and beautiful surrounding forests. Key photographic spots here include Shuzheng Lake, Tiger Lake, and Shuzheng Waterfall. The lake's mirror-like surface reflects the surrounding mountains and trees, making it perfect for capturing tranquil natural landscapes.

Next, you will head to Rize Valley, one of the most iconic areas in Jiuzhaigou, famous for its colorful lakes. Here, you will visit attractions like the Five-Color Pool. The reflections in the water, coupled with the surrounding scenery, create picturesque landscapes that offer endless inspiration for photographers. The mineral-rich waters create vibrant and layered colors, making this an ideal location for capturing the natural beauty of the area.

In the afternoon, you will visit Zechawa Valley, the most primitive region in Jiuzhaigou. The scenery here is rugged and mysterious, showcasing the raw and untamed aspects of nature. The waterfalls and canyons in this area offer opportunities to photograph the wild beauty of the landscape.

There are also several special attractions worth noting during your visit. First, Changhai Lake, Jiuzhaigou's largest and deepest lake, is surrounded by pristine forests. The blue, clear waters of the lake make it the perfect spot for panoramic shots of Jiuzhaigou. Then, the Five-Color Pool is another must-see, where the lake's water changes color in the varying light, offering the best shooting opportunities at sunrise and sunset. Lastly, the Nuorilang Waterfall, one of the widest waterfalls in Jiuzhaigou, presents a magnificent spectacle, ideal for photographing the grandeur of waterfalls.

The full-day tour will combine bus rides and hiking. In the morning, you will take a bus to the top of the scenic area and then start a leisurely hike along the boardwalks. This approach ensures that you won’t miss any of the stunning spots, and you will have ample time to stop and take photos at various locations. The tour is expected to last around 6-7 hours.


Day 2: Jiuzhaigou Deep Tour Day 2: Jiuzhaigou Deep Tour Day 2: Jiuzhaigou Deep Tour
Day 3: Jiuzhaigou Deep Tour
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  • Jiuzhaigou 

  • 4+ stars Hotel

  • Breakfast


The third day will continue your in-depth exploration of Jiuzhaigou, with a focus on capturing more intricate details of the landscape and enjoying the quiet beauty of nature.

You will depart from your hotel in Jiuzhaigou and continue to explore more of the area’s breathtaking scenery. Today, you will spend more time photographing Changhai Lake and the Five-Color Pool, taking advantage of the soft morning light and the reflections in the lake. Changhai Lake, with its clear waters and surrounding dense forests, offers spectacular views, especially during autumn when the trees turn golden and red, adding rich colors to your photographs.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Nuorilang Waterfall area in Shuzheng Valley for more photo opportunities, capturing the powerful flow of the waterfalls. The Shuzheng Waterfall and Shuanglonghai Waterfall are magnificent, and you can experiment with different angles and lighting to capture the dynamic movement of the water.

After a full day of photography, the guide will arrange for transportation to the Jiuzhaigou station or airport, preparing for your departure from the deep photography tour. If time allows, you may also choose to head to Chengdu to experience the city’s local culture and attractions.


Day 3: Jiuzhaigou Deep Tour Day 3: Jiuzhaigou Deep Tour Day 3: Jiuzhaigou Deep Tour
Day 4: Chengdu Departure
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  • Jiuzhaigou - Chengdu (High-Speed Rail) - End of Tour

  • Breakfast


After completing the deep photography experience in Jiuzhaigou, you will take the high-speed train back to Chengdu. The train journey takes about 5-6 hours, giving you time to relax and reflect on the beautiful experiences from the past few days.

Upon arrival in Chengdu, you can choose to have some free time to explore some of the city’s famous attractions, such as Kuanzhai Alley, Jinli Ancient Street, or try local delicacies like hotpot and spicy skewers. If your journey is complete, you can head to the airport or train station to prepare for your return flight or train.

This efficient high-speed rail Jiuhuang deep photography experience tour allows you to thoroughly explore the natural beauty of Jiuzhaigou while giving you plenty of opportunities to capture breathtaking moments. At the end of your trip, you will return to Chengdu with a collection of stunning photographs and cherished memories from an unforgettable journey.


Day 4: Chengdu Departure Day 4: Chengdu Departure Day 4: Chengdu Departure

Included & Excluded

  • The price is based on two people sharing one twin room. If you prefer a single room, please contact us for a quote.
  • Price may vary depending on exchange rates, travel dates, and hotel class.
Price Includes:
  • Comfortable hotel with daily breakfast (twin room)
  • Professional English-speaking local tour guide
  • Air-conditioned private coach throughout the tour
  • Entrance tickets to all listed attractions and activities
  • Lunches as specified in the itinerary
  • Domestic fights and high-speed train tickets
  • One travel accident insurance per person
Price Excludes:
  • International flights to and from China
  • Airport transfer to hotel on arrival day (Day 1)
  • Optional or recommended activities
  • Chinese visa application fees
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses (e.g. shopping, laundry, hotel minibar)

Cancellation Policy

We understand that travel plans may change. Please review our cancellation policy below:
  • Free cancellation if canceled 60 days or more before the tour starts
  • 5% of total tour cost if canceled 45-59 days before departure
  • 10% of total tour cost if canceled 30-44 days before departure
  • 25% of total tour cost if canceled 15-29 days before departure
  • 45% of total tour cost if canceled 7-14 days before departure
  • 100% of total tour cost if canceled less than 7 days before departure

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What Our Clients Say?

Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews

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Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s): Shanghai
Date of Experience: May 08,2024
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Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories. Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s): Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of Experience: June 02,2025
... ... ...
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Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic! Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale. For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return. A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s): Zhangjiajie
Date of Experience: May 08,2025
... ...

Q & A

Asked by Regan Tate from Singapore | July 30,2025 17:22
What’s the difference between the "upper," "middle," and "lower" parts of Jiuzhaigou?
Do we visit all three, and which has the most impressive sights?
Answered by intotravelchina | July 30,2025 17:26
Upper: Long Lake (the largest) and Five Flower Lake (most colorful)—a must-see. Middle: Nuorilang Waterfall (the park’s iconic waterfall) and Panda Lake. Lower: Sparkling Lake and the entrance area, with smaller lakes. We visit all three via shuttle buses, hitting the highlights of each. Most travelers say Five Flower Lake (upper) and Nuorilang Waterfall (middle) are the standouts—but every corner surprises!
Asked by Ivan Hornby from Uganda | July 30,2025 17:02
Are there any age restrictions for this tour? I want to bring my 70-year-old grandmother.
will she be able to handle the drives and walking?
Answered by intotravelchina | July 30,2025 17:26
No age restrictions—we’ve had many older travelers enjoy the tour! For your grandmother, we can arrange extra rest stops, ensure she has a comfortable seat in the vehicle, and take slower walks in Jiuzhaigou. Huanglong might be tiring, but she can skip the steepest parts and enjoy the lower pools. Let us know her needs, and we’ll tailor the pace—she’ll love the beauty of the lakes!
Asked by Flora Maria from Canada | July 30,2025 16:40
Can we swim in any of Jiuzhaigou’s lakes?
They look so inviting, but I assume there are rules against it?
Answered by intotravelchina | July 30,2025 17:26
Swimming is strictly forbidden—Jiuzhaigou’s ecosystem is delicate, and the lakes are protected. The water is also very cold (even in summer!), which can shock the body. Plus, the mineral content that makes the lakes colorful is best preserved undisturbed. Stick to photos—they’ll capture the beauty without harming the environment!
Asked by Steele from Singapore | July 30,2025 15:33
Is the tour guided by someone who speaks fluent English?
I’m not confident in my Chinese.
Answered by intotravelchina | July 30,2025 17:25
Absolutely—your guide will be fluent in English, with years of experience leading international groups. They’ll explain everything in detail: from the geology of the lakes (how those colors form!) to local Tibetan stories about the mountains. They’ll also help with practical stuff—ordering food, translating, or answering questions on the spot. No language barriers here!
Asked by Tess Boyle from Ireland | July 30,2025 15:16
Food is a big part of travel for me—what kind of meals are included?
Answered by intotravelchina | July 30,2025 17:25
Meals include local specialties—think fresh trout from Jiuzhaigou’s rivers, stir-fried mountain vegetables, and hearty soups. Don’t worry about spice: our guides let restaurants know to adjust heat levels for the group. Vegetarian options are always available (tofu dishes, steamed greens, rice), and you can ask for extra non-spicy sides. Breakfasts are usually buffet-style with something for everyone—no need to go hungry!
Asked by Elvira Alcott from US | July 30,2025 14:48
How is Huanglong different from Jiuzhaigou?
Answered by intotravelchina | July 30,2025 17:25
Huanglong is unique—instead of lakes, it has terraced 钙化 (travertine) pools, like a "golden dragon" winding up the mountain (hence its name). The main trail is about 3.5km, with a steady uphill climb (some sections are steep), so sturdy, non-slip shoes are a must. It’s more physically demanding than Jiuzhaigou, but the payoff is incredible: pools in shades of blue and white, set against snow-capped peaks. We take plenty of rest stops, and there’s a cable car option for part of the ascent if needed.

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