9 Days Chengdu-Jiuzhaigou-Chongqing-Yangtze Cruise-Yichang Tour

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding – High-Speed Train to Huanglong Jiuzhai Station – Transfer to Jiuzhaigou Valley Area

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your morning visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, one of the world’s most important panda conservation and research institutions, home to more than 100 giant pandas including adults, juveniles, and newborn cubs in carefully designed natural-style habitats.

Walk through bamboo-lined ecological paths and observe pandas engaging in natural behaviors such as feeding on bamboo, climbing trees, playing together, and resting in shaded enclosures. Visit the Panda Nursery Area and Panda Kindergarten, where newborn pandas are nurtured under professional care, offering a rare close-up experience. The site also includes the Panda Museum, which provides scientific insights into panda evolution, breeding programs, and global conservation efforts.

After the visit, transfer to Chengdu railway station and board a high-speed train (approximately 1.5–2 hours) to Huanglong Jiuzhai Station, enjoying changing landscapes from Sichuan Basin plains to alpine mountain scenery along the route.

Upon arrival, meet your local guide and continue by private vehicle for approximately 1.5–2 hours scenic drive to Jiuzhaigou Valley region, passing mountain valleys, Tibetan villages, and forest landscapes. Check in to your hotel and rest.

This period also allows guests to gradually adjust to the higher altitude, cooler temperatures, and thinner air of the Tibetan plateau environment.

After breakfast, start a full-day exploration of Jiuzhaigou National Park, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site famous for its crystal-clear alpine lakes, multi-layer waterfalls, colorful forests, snow-capped peaks, and Tibetan cultural villages.

Enter the park by eco-sightseeing shuttle bus and follow a well-designed valley route covering three main scenic areas:

🌊 Nuorilang Scenic Area

• Visit the iconic Nuorilang Waterfall, one of the widest plateau waterfalls in China
• Enjoy panoramic viewing platforms overlooking forested valleys and cascading waters

🏞️ Zechawa Valley

• Long Lake, the deepest and largest lake in Jiuzhaigou, surrounded by snow peaks and dense forests
• Five-Color Pond, famous for its crystal-clear water reflecting turquoise, emerald, and sapphire tones

🌿 Rize Valley

• Panda Lake, surrounded by dense forest and clear green water
• Five Flower Lake, known for underwater fallen trees visible through ultra-clear water
• Pearl Shoal Waterfall, a powerful limestone cascade with wide flow surface
• Mirror Lake, famous for perfect reflections of mountains and trees on calm water

🌲 Shuzheng Valley (Return Route)

• Rhinoceros Lake, deep blue waters with forest surroundings
• Tiger Lake, named for its shape and seasonal reflections
• Shuzheng Waterfall, multi-tier cascading water system
• Sparkling Lake, known for shimmering sunlight reflections

Jiuzhaigou contains more than 114 turquoise lakes, 17 groups of waterfalls, and vast virgin forests, forming one of the most visually spectacular natural landscapes in Asia.

The park is operated with eco-friendly shuttle buses and wooden boardwalk systems, allowing flexible sightseeing at multiple stops. Your guide will adjust the itinerary based on weather, crowd levels, and your walking preference to ensure a comfortable experience.

💡 Travel Tips

• Enter early in the morning for best lighting and fewer tourists
• Wear comfortable walking shoes for wooden boardwalks and light hiking
• Buffet lunch is available at Nuorilang Restaurant (limited selection)
• Bring snacks or request hotel-prepared lunch boxes if needed
• Keep warm clothing due to rapid weather changes at high altitude

After breakfast, depart from Jiuzhaigou Valley and drive approximately 2 hours through alpine mountain roads to reach Huanglong National Park, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site famous for its spectacular travertine terrace landscapes.

Huanglong is known as one of the world’s three most outstanding travertine terrace systems, stretching approximately 3.6 kilometers, located beneath the snow-capped Xuebao Peak (5,588m). The entire valley resembles a golden dragon winding through the mountains, which is why it is named “Huanglong” (Yellow Dragon Valley).

The landscape was formed over millions of years through geological processes including glacial movement, tectonic uplift, mineral deposition, climate change, and natural erosion. These processes created the iconic layered calcium carbonate pools, terraces, and waterfalls that define the valley.

At the top of the scenic area (approximately 3,556m altitude), you will arrive at the highlight of Huanglong – the Five-Color Ponds, a stunning group of 693 interconnected pools with vibrant colors ranging from turquoise, emerald, gold, and deep blue. The pools reflect sunlight like gemstones scattered across the mountain, creating one of the most photogenic alpine landscapes in China.

Huanglong is also rich in biodiversity, serving as a habitat for rare wildlife such as giant pandas and Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys, and features snow mountains, glaciers, forest valleys, and waterfalls.

To save energy and time, instead of a full uphill hike (which normally takes about 6 hours round trip), you will take a cable car to the upper scenic area, then walk downhill through the valley to fully enjoy the scenery at a comfortable pace.

After approximately 3 hours of sightseeing, descend from the park and drive to Huanglong Jiuzhai Railway Station to board a high-speed train back to Chengdu (approx. 2 hours). Upon arrival in Chengdu, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel for rest.

After breakfast, begin your Chengdu cultural exploration with a visit to Wenshu Temple, one of the most important and well-preserved Buddhist temples in downtown Chengdu. Experience peaceful temple courtyards, incense-filled prayer halls, traditional architecture, and a calm spiritual atmosphere. Adjacent to the temple is the lively Wenshufang Bazaar, where you can explore local snacks, handicrafts, and everyday Chengdu life.

Continue to Renmin Park (People’s Park), a perfect reflection of Chengdu’s famous slow lifestyle. Relax in a traditional tea house, sip local tea, and observe locals enjoying daily leisure activities such as mahjong games, ear cleaning services, dancing, singing, and social gatherings – a true experience of authentic Chengdu culture.

Next, visit Jinli Old Street, one of the most famous cultural streets in Sichuan. Walk through ancient-style architecture filled with food stalls, local snacks, handicrafts, traditional performances, and cultural shops. The atmosphere becomes especially lively in the evening.

After sightseeing, transfer to the railway station and take a high-speed train (approximately 1 hour) to Chongqing, the famous “Mountain City of China”.

Upon arrival in Chongqing, your local guide will meet you at the station and transfer you to your hotel in downtown Chongqing. The rest of the day is free for relaxation.

After breakfast, begin a full-day exploration of Chongqing, China’s famous cyberpunk-style mountain metropolis.

Start at the Three Gorges Museum, home to over 280,000 cultural relics, showcasing the history of the Yangtze River, Three Gorges region, and Chongqing city development over 3,000 years.

Next, visit the iconic People’s Assembly Hall, a grand architectural landmark known for its traditional palace-style design and recognition in the History of Architecture (London publication).

Continue to Liziba Station, where you will experience the famous sight of the monorail passing directly through a residential building – a unique symbol of Chongqing’s vertical urban design.

Then proceed to Hongya Cave, a multi-layered cliffside complex built in traditional Ba and Shu architectural style, rising 11 floors along the riverbank. The structure becomes especially stunning when illuminated at night.

After sightseeing, transfer to Chaotianmen Port between 18:00–21:00 for boarding your 4-day Yangtze River Cruise, which departs at approximately 21:00.

Cruise Boarding Notes:

• Chaotianmen Port has multiple piers; exact boarding location must be confirmed in advance
• Coordinate with driver to reach correct pier efficiently
• Boarding time may vary depending on ship schedule, water level, and seasonal conditions
• Please follow final instructions provided by your travel consultant

Wake up gently on the Yangtze River Cruise, surrounded by peaceful river views, rolling hills, and fresh morning air along the world’s third-longest river. Enjoy a relaxing breakfast onboard while the ship sails through scenic sections of the Three Gorges Reservoir area.

Morning onboard activities may include:

• Tai Chi on the sun deck
• Coffee time with river views
• Yangtze River cultural lecture
• Leisure entertainment programs
• Captain’s Welcome Party (depending on cruise schedule)

Later, take a shore excursion to Fengdu County, a culturally rich region known for its mythology, folklore, and mountain landscapes.

Visit the famous Fengdu Ghost City, the most iconic attraction in the area. This site is deeply rooted in Chinese beliefs about the afterlife and traditional underworld mythology. Walk through temple complexes, stone stairways, and sculptures depicting judges, spirits, demons, and moral punishment scenes. The architecture blends Taoist, Buddhist, and folk beliefs, creating a mysterious cultural atmosphere unique to China.

Other scenic attractions in Fengdu area may include:

• Mount Shuanggui Scenic Area
• Snow Jade Cave
• Jade Emperor Scenic Zone
• Xiaoguanshan Folk Residences

Depending on your cruise schedule, Fengdu Ghost City may be included or optional with extra payment.

In the late afternoon, the cruise may arrive at Zhongxian County, where you may optionally experience the large-scale live performance “Feng Yan San Guo Show”, which recreates historical scenes from the Three Kingdoms period using dramatic lighting, sound effects, and outdoor natural scenery. The performance highlights the legendary loyalty story of General Guan Yu, offering a powerful cultural experience on the Yangtze River journey.

Important Notes:

1. Shore excursions vary depending on cruise company (Century Cruises, Victoria Cruises, Yangtze Gold Cruises, etc.). Actual itinerary depends on your booked ship.
2. Walking is required at Fengdu Ghost City, including stairs and uphill sections. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.

Today, the cruise enters the most spectacular section of the Yangtze River Three Gorges, beginning with the dramatic Qutang Gorge, known for its narrow cliffs, powerful river currents, and towering mountains. Enjoy panoramic views from the sun deck as the ship passes through the legendary Kui Gate, a place often featured in Chinese literature and even printed on currency designs.

In the morning, an optional shore excursion may take you to White Emperor City (Baidicheng) in Fengjie. This historic site is known as the “Poetry City,” mentioned in over 1,400 classical Chinese poems. It also tells the famous story of Liu Bei entrusting his son to Zhuge Liang, a key moment in Chinese history. From the viewing platform, you can enjoy one of the best panoramic views of Qutang Gorge and Kui Gate.

Continue sailing into the scenic Wu Gorge, known for its deep valleys, misty peaks, and quiet beauty. Here, you may transfer to a smaller boat for an excursion into tributary streams such as:

• Shennv Stream (Goddess Stream)
• Shennong Stream
• Lesser Three Gorges

These side gorges offer close-up views of steep cliffs, hanging coffins, waterfalls, and untouched natural scenery.

In the evening, enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Party, featuring entertainment, performances, and a celebratory atmosphere with fellow passengers.

Important Notes:

1. Some cruises may offer additional optional scenic sites such as Three Gorges Summit or Goddess Sky Road, located on mountain viewpoints.
2. Shore excursion arrangements vary depending on cruise company and sailing schedule.

After breakfast, check out and disembark at Maoping Port, marking the final stage of your Yangtze River journey.

Begin the morning excursion to the world-famous Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydropower project in the world, located near Yichang in Xiling Gorge. Learn about its engineering scale, flood control system, and power generation capacity while enjoying panoramic views of the massive structure and surrounding river landscape.

Optional experience:

• Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift, the world’s largest and most advanced ship elevator system, offering a unique navigation experience through the dam area.

After sightseeing, transfer by cruise-arranged bus to Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal. Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you and assist with your onward travel arrangements.

If time permits, you may visit:

• Yichang Museum, showcasing regional history and Yangtze River culture

Finally, transfer to Yichang Sanxia Airport or Yichang East Railway Station for your departure to next destination.

Disembarkation Notes:

1. All passengers must check out early morning with luggage
2. Ship lift participation may depend on availability and crowd conditions
3. Arrival time in Yichang varies (around 12:30–13:30 depending on itinerary option)

Departure Connectivity:

From Yichang, flights and high-speed trains connect to major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Wuhan, Chengdu, Hangzhou, and more, making onward travel convenient and flexible.