Traveling through the southwestern province of Sichuan, this 2-day private tour offers a remarkable glimpse into some of China’s most breathtaking natural scenery. If you’re craving vibrant lakes, cascading waterfalls, and towering mountains, this trip combines the best of Huanglong National Park and Jiuzhaigou Valley — both UNESCO World Heritage Sites — with the practicality of train travel and included transfers. It’s designed to give you a comfortable, flexible experience without the fuss of organizing every detail yourself.
What we especially appreciate about this tour is the seamless transportation—thanks to the new high-speed train connecting Chengdu to the park area—and the self-paced exploration enabled by the hop-on hop-off bus passes. However, it’s worth noting that the itinerary involves some walking and outdoor exposure, so suitable shoes and weather gear are a must. This experience suits travelers who want stunning scenery paired with convenience, especially those who value comfort and efficiency but still seek authentic landscapes.
Key Points
- Stunning landscapes of colorful lakes, waterfalls, and mountain vistas await at Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou.
- Hassle-free logistics with hotel pickup, private transfers, and included train tickets simplify the trip.
- Flexibility to explore at your own pace using hop-on hop-off buses enhances comfort and convenience.
- In-depth access to major attractions with cable cars and shuttle buses saves energy and time.
- Authentic experience with a small, private group and expert service.
- Weather preparedness is important, as the outdoor nature of the tour means varying conditions.
An In-Depth Look at the 2-Day Tour Experience
We’ll walk you through what to expect each day, highlighting the highlights and some considerations to keep in mind.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Aba Sichuan.
Day 1: From Chengdu to Huanglong National Park
Your adventure begins with hotel pickup in downtown Chengdu, where a friendly driver will whisk you off to Chengdu East Train Station. The ride on a 2-hour high-speed train is a real benefit—fast, comfortable, and scenic, offering glimpses of the Sichuan countryside. Once you arrive at Huanglong Jiuzhai Station, a private transfer awaits to take you into Huanglong National Park.
Huanglong is famous for its vibrant pools of turquoise, green, and yellow that shimmer in the sunlight—a sight that’s even more striking in person than photos can convey. The park’s cable car takes you up to the higher viewpoints, dramatically reducing the steep ascent and giving your legs a rest. From the upper station, you can trek or hop on a shuttle to see the Five-Color Ponds, a collection of uniquely colored pools that resemble a painter’s palette.
We loved the way the cable car and shuttle system let us enjoy panoramic views without exhausting ourselves—especially important at higher altitudes. The Golden Sand Beach, with its calcified shoals and streams, is a peaceful spot for photos and quiet reflection. After a day of exploring, you’ll be transferred to your hotel near Jiuzhaigou for an overnight stay.
Day 2: Jiuzhaigou Valley Exploration
Early in the morning, you’ll be picked up again and taken to the park entrance, where you’ll get your entry tickets and excursion bus pass. Jiuzhaigou’s defining feature is its Y-shaped valleys, filled with multi-layered waterfalls and shimmering lakes. The excursion bus runs between the three main valleys, giving you unlimited stops at key attractions—this design allows a relaxed, personalized pace.
What makes Jiuzhaigou stand out is the ease of access to its most stunning spots. The wooden pathways wind through the park, making it simple to walk from one breathtaking scene to another—whether it’s a mirror-like lake reflecting snowy peaks or a cascading waterfall bursting from the mountains. The towering conifers and mountain views provide a stunning backdrop at every turn.
The flexibility to hop off and explore each site at your own speed means you can linger by the lakes or take photos without feeling rushed. The park’s natural beauty is captivating, with clear waters and vibrant colored pools that seem almost surreal. As your day winds down before 6 PM, you’ll be driven back to Chengdu via bullet train, concluding your adventure.
What Makes This Tour Stand Out?
The combination of high-speed train travel and private transfers reduces the typical travel fatigue often associated with multi-day tours. The hop-on hop-off bus system in Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong gives you control over your sightseeing pace, which is a significant advantage—no need to stick to rigid schedules or wait for large groups.
The entry tickets, cable car, and bus passes are all taken care of upfront, helping avoid long lines—an important consideration in popular parks like these. Plus, the hotel pickup from within the third ring road in Chengdu makes the entire process straightforward.
While the price of $520 per person might seem steep, it includes many costs often added separately, like train tickets and park entries. This all-in-one package offers good value, especially considering the convenience and comfort it provides. You’ll be paying for a stress-free experience—major bonus points for travelers unfamiliar with local transportation logistics or those who prefer a guided, organized approach.
More Great Tours NearbyPractical Tips and Considerations
Weather in Sichuan’s mountainous regions can be unpredictable. Pack comfortable shoes suitable for a lot of walking, rain gear if rain is forecasted, and a jacket for cooler mountain temperatures. A camera is a must—these landscapes are mesmerizing, and you’ll want to capture the vivid lakes and waterfalls.
While the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with severe altitude sickness, it does offer a fairly accessible route for most travelers in decent health. Be prepared for some outdoor walking and uneven paths, especially around Huanglong’s wooden boardwalks.
A couple of reviews mentioned the importance of arriving early at park entrances to beat crowds, and the need to wear sturdy shoes for walking on uneven terrain. Also, bringing snacks and water is a good idea, as food options within the parks are limited and can be expensive.
Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?
This 2-day private train tour from Chengdu to Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou offers a convenient, well-organized way to see some of China’s most striking natural scenery. If you’re a traveler who appreciates breathtaking views without the hassle of planning every detail, this trip might be perfect. The included transportation, park entries, and the flexibility to explore at your own pace make it a strong choice for those who want a stress-free experience.
It’s particularly suited for travelers who are comfortable with outdoor activity, enjoy scenic landscapes, and prefer a guided approach that respects their personal rhythm. Family groups or couples looking for a manageable, scenic escape will find this tour hits the right balance of comfort and adventure.
However, if your main goal is to explore less crowded, off-the-beaten-path sites or to spend lots of time hiking independently, you might find this package somewhat structured. Still, for most visitors wanting to see the highlights of Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou comfortably and efficiently, this tour offers excellent value.
FAQ
Is this a group tour?
No, it’s a private group, which means you get personalized attention and flexibility during your exploration.
What is included in the price?
The tour includes private transportation, hotel pickup, 2nd class high-speed train tickets (with the option to upgrade), entry tickets to Huanglong National Park, a cable car at Huanglong, entry to Jiuzhaigou Valley, and an excursion bus pass in Jiuzhaigou.
Are meals included?
No, food is not included, so you might want to bring snacks or plan to buy meals during the trip.
Can I upgrade the train tickets?
Yes, upgrade options are available, though additional costs will apply.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, snacks, sunscreen, water, a jacket, and rain gear are recommended.
Is this tour suitable for kids or elderly?
It’s best suited for physically capable travelers; it may not be ideal for those with mobility issues or altitude sensitivity.
How flexible is the sightseeing schedule?
The hop-on hop-off bus system allows you to explore attractions at your own pace within the park’s operating hours.
When should I book?
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons, and you can cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund.
To sum it up, this private 2-day train tour from Chengdu offers a fantastic opportunity to see some of China’s most beautiful high-altitude lakes and waterfalls with the convenience of organized logistics. It’s perfect for travelers who want comfort, flexibility, and incredible scenery, all wrapped into a manageable itinerary. Whether it’s your first visit to Sichuan or a repeat exploration, the stunning views of Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou are truly worth experiencing.
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