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Prof. Jian Chen
Quick Jump
I’ve been guiding groups through Aba for over a decade. This classic route—Jiuzhaigou plus Huanglong—is the one I recommend to first-timers who want the most bang for their time. But most English-language guides miss the real logistics: how to book tickets, which bus to catch, and why you should skip the midday crowds. So let me walk you through my exact 5-day plan, with all the tiny details that make or break a trip.
What Makes This the Classic Aba Itinerary?
Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in northern Sichuan is home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Jiuzhaigou Valley (famous for turquoise lakes and waterfalls) and Huanglong (a fairyland of travertine pools). The classic combo pairs them with a night in a Tibetan village and a stop at a lesser-known spot like the Songpan Ancient Town. I’ve seen too many tourists rush through both parks in 48 hours and end up exhausted. My route gives each place a full day, plus buffer time for altitude and weather.
How Many Days Do You Need for a Classic Aba Trip?
Absolute minimum: 4 days. But 5 is the sweet spot. Here’s how I usually split it:
| Duration | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| 4 Days | Good for tight schedules, cheaper | Rushed; no time for Songpan or buffer for bad weather |
| 5 Days (recommended) | Relaxed pace, includes Songpan, backup day for rain | Costs one extra night |
| 6-7 Days | Adds Tagong grasslands or Danba watchtowers | Requires more time off |
Day-by-Day Breakdown of the Classic Aba Sichuan Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Chengdu, Overnight Train to Jiuzhaigou or Fly?
Most travelers start from Chengdu. You have two choices: fly to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (JZH) or take an overnight bus/train. Flying saves time but costs more and risks altitude shock (JZH is at 3,400m). I usually recommend the overnight bus from Chengdu’s Chadianzi Bus Station (departs 7:30-8:00 PM, arrives ~6 AM, fare ~¥150). It’s bumpy but efficient. Alternatively, the new high-speed train from Chengdu East to Huanglongjiu Station runs twice daily (2h30m, ¥180). From Huanglongjiu, a shuttle bus to Jiuzhaigou takes 1.5 hours (¥45). Check schedules on 12306.cn or Trip.com.
Day 2: Full Day in Jiuzhaigou Valley – The Main Trail
Enter the park at 7:30 AM sharp (gates open 7:30-17:00, last entry at 14:00). Ticket: ¥169 (peak season, Nov 16-Mar 31 ¥80). You can book via the official WeChat mini-program or on Trip.com. Tip: pre-book at least 7 days in advance in summer. Inside, take the park shuttle to Original Forest (Yuan Shi Sen Lin) at the top of the Rize Valley, then walk down to Arrow Bamboo Lake, Panda Lake, and Five Flower Lake. I always tell my groups: “The best photos are before 10 AM when the water is still.” After lunch (self-packed; park food is overpriced), take the shuttle to Long Lake in the Zechawa Valley, then walk the 4.5 km boardwalk to Five Color Pond. Finish at Nuorilang Falls before 4 PM to catch the perfect light. Inside trick: restrooms near the VIP lounge at Nuorilang are usually clean and less crowded than the main ones.
Day 3: Second Half of Jiuzhaigou & Transfer to Huanglong
If you only did one valley on Day 2, use the morning to explore the other. Most people need 1.5 days for Jiuzhaigou, but if you’re fast, you can check out Shuzheng Valley on the first day. Alternatively, skip the second day and head straight to Huanglong. Transfer: From Jiuzhaigou (Zhangzha Town), take the intercity bus to Huanglong at 8 AM (2 hours, ¥35). Or hire a taxi (¥200-250). Arrive around 10 AM, drop your luggage at a guesthouse (I recommend Huanglong Jiuzhaigou Hotel near the entrance – basic but clean, ¥200/night).
Day 4: Huanglong Scenic Area – The Golden Dragon
Huanglong is at 3,100-3,500m. Take it slow. Enter at 8 AM (open 8:00-17:00, last entry 15:00). Ticket: ¥170 (peak season, ¥60 off-season). The classic route: take the cable car up (¥80 one-way, total time 4-5 hours with cable car; or hike up 4 km and come down). The cable car drops you near the top; walk 2 km along the boardwalk to the Five Color Ponds (Wucai Chi). On the way, you’ll pass Huanglong Temple. Personal observation: Most tourists rush to the top and then crowd the boardwalk. I advise taking the photo at the Five Color Ponds around 10 AM, then walking DOWN slowly through the golden travertine areas like Flying Waterfall and Bonsai Pond – these are emptier in the afternoon. Bring oxygen canisters (sold at the entrance, ¥25) – altitude sickness hits even fit hikers.
Day 5: Return to Chengdu or Extend to Tagong / Danba?
From Huanglong, fly back from JZH airport (check flights on Trip.com; often to Chengdu, Chongqing, or Xi’an) or take the bus back to Chengdu (departs 1 PM, 8 hours, ¥150). If you have an extra day, consider a side trip to Songpan Ancient Town (30 minutes from Huanglong) – a Ming dynasty walled town with a bustling market. I often guide travelers to Chuanzhusi Town for the night before heading out.
Pre-Booking Essentials for Aba
- Jiuzhaigou tickets: Book via the official Jiuzhaigou Official Account on WeChat (search “九寨沟”) or on Trip.com. Peak season (Apr 1-Nov 15) sells out days in advance.
- Huanglong tickets: Same channels. Off-peak you can buy at the gate, but I still book online.
- Transport: Use 12306.cn for trains, Trip.com for buses and flights. For bus from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou, check Chadianzi Bus Station schedule on bus.ctrip.com.
- Accommodation: I recommend Zhangzha Town for Jiuzhaigou (5 minutes walk to gate) and Huanglong Township near the cable car entrance. Avoid booking too far from the gate – you’ll waste time.
- Altitude preparation: Start taking Diamox (acetazolamide) 2 days before if you’re prone to altitude sickness. Also buy oxygen cans and red ginseng candy in Chengdu.
Where to Stay in Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong
| Area | Recommended Hotel | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zhangzha Town (near Jiuzhaigou) | Jiuzhaigou InterContinental (luxury) or Mama’s Hostel (budget) | ¥300-800 / night (peak) | Walking distance to gate; many restaurants with English menus. |
| Huanglong Entrance | Huanglong Jiuzhaigou Hotel (mid-range) | ¥200-400 | 10 min walk to cable car; basic but clean; front desk may speak minimal English. |
| Songpan | Songpan Ancient Town Inn | ¥150-300 | Authentic Tibetan-style courtyard; good for culture lovers. |
Best Time for the Classic Aba Itinerary
October (mid-month especially) is peak autumn foliage – breathtaking but crowded. May-June is my personal favorite: flowers bloom, water levels are high, and crowds are thin. Avoid the Chinese national holidays (May 1-5, Oct 1-7) at all costs – the boardwalks become jammed. Winter (Nov-Mar) is cold but magical with snow caps and barely any tourists – plus half-price tickets. Just check if Huanglong’s boardwalk is open (sometimes closes after heavy snow).
Insider Tips to Avoid Crowds and Save Money
- Enter at 7:30 AM, not 8:00. The park opens early but most groups aim for 8. That half-hour gives you empty trails.
- Skip the main entrance queue at the end of the day. Instead of taking the shuttle back to the gate, walk the last 1 km through Shuzheng Valley – it’s beautiful and you’ll beat the rush.
- Bring a refillable water bottle. There are free hot water stations at every rest stop in Jiuzhaigou (look for the green tap). Save ¥10 per bottle.
- Book your bus back to Chengdu the night before. Early morning buses fill up quickly. Ask your hotel to reserve.
- Don’t buy souvenirs in the scenic areas. They’re marked up 3x. Buy in Songpan town instead – especially Tibetan silver and yak wool scarves.
- Use Alipay or WeChat Pay. International credit cards are rarely accepted. Bring a backup Chinese bank card or enough cash (¥1000-1500 per person for 5 days).
FAQ
This article has been fact-checked against personal experience and official sources including 12306.cn and Trip.com. All prices are as of the most recent peak season.
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