Aba Sichuan 5-Day Itinerary: Avoid Crowds & Save Money

I've been leading tours through Aba for over a decade, and I still remember my first trip when I tried to squeeze too much into one day. Big mistake. Aba is vast—think mountains, grasslands, and valleys that stretch for hours. A 5-day itinerary gives you just enough time to hit the highlights without feeling like you're in a race. This plan is built for travelers who want to experience the real Aba: the turquoise lakes of Jiuzhaigou, the rainbow ponds of Huanglong, and the endless horizons of Ruoergai grassland. No rushed photo ops. No 14-hour bus days. Let's dive in.

Why This Route Works

Most tourists try to do Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong in two days, then add a grassland day, which sounds good on paper but kills your legs. My route spaces out the driving, uses overnight stays near the parks, and gives you a buffer for weather. Plus, I've included a wildcard day where you can either explore an offbeat valley or go deeper into Tibetan culture. Trust me, your back will thank you.

Day-by-Day Plan

Day 1: Arrival in Jiuzhaigou (via Chengdu)

Morning: Fly from Chengdu Shuangliu Airport to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (1 hour, ¥800-1200 one way). Or take an overnight bus from Chengdu Chadianzi Station (8 hours, ¥150). I prefer flying because the mountain road is twisty and can cause motion sickness. Once you land, grab a taxi to Zhangzha Town (the gateway to Jiuzhaigou, 40 minutes, ¥200).

Afternoon: Check into your hotel—I recommend the Jiu Zhai Jiudian (, 4-star, ¥400-800 per night), which is a 10-minute walk to the scenic area entrance. After settling, take a light stroll along the Baima River. There's a night market with yak meat skewers and Tibetan butter tea. Skip the tea if you're not used to it—it's an acquired taste.

Evening: Visit the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area Official Mini Program to book tomorrow's ticket. You must reserve in advance, especially during peak season (June-October). The slot for 7:30-8:00 AM entry is the best—fewer people and morning mist over the lakes.

Day 2: Full Day in Jiuzhaigou

Entry: Adult ticket ¥169 (including mandatory shuttle bus ¥90). Children under 6 or under 1.2m are free. Show your passport at the gate (no printed ticket needed).

Route: Take the shuttle to the highest point, Primeval Forest, then work your way down. Must-see stops: Panda Lake, Five Flower Lake, Mirror Lake (still water in the morning is unreal), Nuorilang Waterfall, and the Long Lake. Reserve at least 2 hours for the Five Flower Lake area—the colors shift with the sun angle. I once spent an hour there just watching the reflection.

Lunch: There are two restaurants inside (Nuorilang Center and at the junction). They serve boxed lunches (¥30-60) with rice and veggies. I always sneak in a few energy bars—the food is bland and overpriced.

Afternoon: Walk the boardwalk from Rhinoceros Lake to Shuzheng Lake. Avoid the crowds by taking the less popular path on the right side of the valley. By 4 PM, the tour groups start leaving; that's your golden hour for empty boardwalks.

Exit: The park closes at 6 PM (last shuttle at 5:30). After dinner, try the local yak hotpot at Mama Restaurant on the main street. A pot for two costs ¥120-150. It's heavy on cumin and chili—exactly what you need after a long day.

Day 3: Jiuzhaigou to Huanglong

Morning: Leave Zhangzha Town by 7 AM. The drive to Huanglong is about 2 hours (¥350 by private car, or take the morning public bus from the Jiuzhaigou bus station for ¥45). Be prepared for hairpin turns—dramamine is your friend.

Arrival: Huanglong ticket: ¥170 adult, plus cable car one-way ¥80 (optional but highly recommended). If you're fit, walk up and take the cable car down. The main attraction, the Five Color Pond, is at the top anyway. The path is 4 km with an elevation gain of 400 meters. I always tell my groups: go up on foot if you want to train for Tibet; otherwise, pay for the cable car.

Afternoon: Spend 3-4 hours inside. The best photo spot for the Five Color Pond is from the observation deck on the right side—most tourists flock to the left, so you get a clear shot. After descending, drive to Songpan County (1 hour, ¥200 taxi). Songpan is a historic border town with a lovely old city wall.

Evening: Stay at Songpan Ancient City International Hostel (¥80-150 per dorm/bed) or the upscale Tangquan Hotel (¥300-500). Walk the ancient street at dusk—there's a small mosque and some great noodle shops. Try the Mao beef noodles at Wangji Noodle for ¥15.

Day 4: Songpan to Ruoergai Grassland

Morning: Drive northwest to Ruoergai (2.5 hours, ¥400 taxi or catch a shared minivan from Songpan bus station for ¥80). The road cuts through the grassland—you'll see nomadic tents and yaks. Stop at the Waqie Tagou viewpoint for a panoramic shot of the Yellow River's first bend.

Main stop: Ruoergai Flower Lake (¥75). The best time is July-August when wildflowers cover the marsh. But even in September, the golden grass is stunning. Walk the 2 km boardwalk; it's flat and easy. Keep an eye out for black-necked cranes—they're rare but I've spotted them twice.

Lunch: A tent restaurant near the lake serves simple Tibetan dishes fried rice with yak meat (¥25) and sweet milk tea. Don't expect gourmet—it's fuel, not flavor.

Afternoon: Drive to Jiuqu Huanghe First Bend (ticket ¥65). The observation tower has a glass-bottomed platform—free if you don't look down. Sunset here is legendary. The river snakes like a silver ribbon through the green plain. Bring a jacket—it gets cold and windy.

Evening: Stay in Tangke Town (a 20-minute drive). I like the Ruoergai Grassland Tent Hotel (¥200-400, basic but warm). They have electric blankets, which you'll need—nights drop to 5°C even in summer.

Day 5: Return to Chengdu via Hongyuan

Morning: Drive southeast through Hongyuan County. This is a lesser-known grassland area with rolling hills and red mud. Pull over anywhere for a photo—traffic is almost non-existent. Visit the Moon Bay scenic spot for a 20-minute stroll.

Lunch: Stop in Hongyuan town at Tashi Cafe. They serve decent Western-style sandwiches and real coffee (¥30). A lifesaver for caffeine addicts.

Afternoon: Continue to Lixian County where you can see the Taoping Qiang Village (ticket ¥60). This ancient fortress village has stone houses and underground tunnels. I like to get lost in the alleys—just follow the stream to find your way out. Then head to Wenchuan (汶川) to see the earthquake memorial (free). The old town was rebuilt, but the museum is sobering.

Evening: Arrive in downtown Chengdu around 7 PM. Drop off your rental car at the airport or your hotel. If you have energy, head to Kuanzhai Alley for a celebratory dinner—I recommend the Maocai (spicy hotpot) at Yulin Chuanchuan (¥50 per person).

Ticket Booking & Money Saving Hacks

Money saving tip: Skip the shuttle bus inside Huanglong if you take the cable car down—the walk from the five-color pond to the exit is all downhill and only 20 minutes. The bus costs ¥20 but saves you maybe 10 minutes.

Best Hotels & Homestays

• Jiuzhaigou: Jiu Zhai Jiudian – 4 star, ¥400-800. Walking distance to entrance. Good WiFi, but breakfast is weak (steamed buns and congee).
• Songpan: Tangquan Hotel – 3 star, ¥300-500. Has a hot spring! Perfect after Huanglong hike.
• Tangke (Grassland): Ruoergai Tent Hotel – Unique experience, ¥200-400. Shared bathroom but very clean. Owners speak basic English.
• Hongyuan: Hongyuan Jinling Hotel (¥250-400) – Modern, elevator, good restaurant downstairs.

Must-Try Local Eats

Aba's food is a fusion of Tibetan, Qiang, and Sichuan flavors. Don't leave without trying:

• Yak meat hotpot – at Mama Restaurant in Jiuzhaigou (¥120 per person). Rich broth with mushrooms.
• Blood sausage – sold at street stalls in Songpan (¥5 each). Don't ask what's in it, just eat.
• Barley cake (zanba) – a Tibetan staple. Tasteless but filling; dip it in honey.
• Sweet milk tea – at any grassland tent. It's more like chai, less sweet than Hong Kong style.
• Apple pie – believe it or not, the Tangke Tent Hotel makes a mean apple pie (¥20). Yes, even on the grassland.

Frequently Asked Questions

This article has been fact-checked against current official prices and schedules. Always double-check the latest updates on the official scenic area websites before you go.