Crystal Lakes of Jiuzhaigou

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Songpan - Huanglong - Jiuzhaigou National Park
Duration:
4 days / 3 nights (flexible)
Price:
from £ 415.- per person

Watch clouds float across sapphire mountain lakes circled by snowy peaks and hike to hidden waterfalls in Jiuzhaigou, a gorgeous natural playground tucked between the hills. One of China’s most beautiful sites, it’s criss-crossed with prayer flags and scattered with multi-coloured terraced pools. During the trip, you can take a cable car to the hilltop and hike downhill between the rainbow terraced pools of Huanglong.

Day 1 – Arrival in Songpan

On arrival, you’ll be greeted by your driver and transferred to your hotel in the sleepy village of Songpan, perched on the banks of the Min River. Home to a mix of Tibetans, Hui Muslims and Han Chinese, it’s an inspiring place where many religions and traditions coexist in peace. The village is very friendly and completely charming with many little wooden houses sprinkled along the narrow streets.

Day 2 – Terraced pools – Huanglong

This morning your driver will take you to the rainbow terraced pools of Huanglong. You’ll grab an early lunch to set you in good stead for a hearty hike. When you arrive in the valley, you can take a cable car up to the hilltop and wander down between multi-coloured pools. It’s not something that you’ll forget in a hurry. You’ll spend the night in a hotel near Jiuzhaigou, a great base to explore.

Days 3-4 – Free time & departure

Today you’ll explore the emerald lakes and waterfalls at your own pace, arranging your own transport to the national park. You can follow the trail past brilliant glassy lakes reflecting fluffy clouds or visit the small Tibetan communities scattered around the valley, decorated with fluttering prayer flags. After another night in your hotel, you’ll pack your bags and continue your journey.