Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong and Zoige Grassland

Spend two days in depth in Jiuzhaigou, head north to Zoige for two nights to see Flower Lake and the Yellow River's First Bend, then return via Songpan to Huanglong.

Travel counterclockwise: first stay three nights in lower-altitude Jiuzhaigou, completing all the main sights over two days; then cross the mountains to Zoige to see Flower Lake, Rer Dam and the sunset at the First Bend of the Yellow River in Tangke; then head back to Songpan Old Town, and on the final day visit Huanglong and leave from the airport. The grassland section suits chartered cars or self-driving, and summer or autumn is recommended. Suitable for travelers who want to see high-altitude grasslands beyond Jiuzhaigou.

Flowers in Zoige are at their best from June to August; the grassland sits at about 3,500 m, and nights are very cold.

Day by day

Day 1 · Arrival at the Valley Entrance and Rest

Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong（The Mystery of Tibet）

After picking you up at the airport, it's about 1.5 hours to Zhangzha Town; in the evening, watch the Tibetan song-and-dance show.

Avoid strenuous activity on day one to acclimatize.

Stay: Zhangzha Town (Jiuzhaigou Entrance)

Day 2 · Rize Valley and Zechawa Valley

Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong（Primeval Forest、Arrow Bamboo Lake、Panda Lake & Panda Lake Falls、Five Flower Lake (Wuhua Hai)、Long Lake、Five-Colour Pond）

The sightseeing bus goes straight to the top of the valley; stop at each site from the Primeval Forest to below Changhai, in order; about 8 hours for the full day.

Entry tickets and the sightseeing bus require advance real-name reservations.

Stay: Zhangzha Town (Jiuzhaigou Entrance)

Day 3 · Shuzheng Valley Waterfall Cluster

Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong（Pearl Shoal Waterfall、Mirror Lake、Nuorilang Waterfall、Shuzheng Lakes、Reed Lake）

Re-enter the park from Nuorilang Central Station and walk downhill along the boardwalk through Shuzheng Valley; about 6 hours.

Re-entry on day two requires a separate ticket; you can return to town to rest in the afternoon.

Stay: Zhangzha Town (Jiuzhaigou Entrance)

Day 4 · Over the Mountains to Zoige's Flower Lake

Zoigê（Flower Lake (Huahu)、Re'er Daba Grassland）

About 4 hours by chartered car from the valley entrance to Zoige; in the afternoon visit Flower Lake and Rer Dam; spend the night in the county town.

Flower Lake sits at about 3,460 m; walk slowly on the boardwalks.

Stay: Zoige County Town

Day 5 · Yellow River First Bend Sunset at Tangke

Zoigê（Dazha Monastery、Suokezang Monastery、First Bend of the Yellow River）

In the morning, visit Dazha Monastery in the county town; then about 1.5 hours to Tangke; in the evening, climb the viewing platform for the sunset.

The viewing platform has many steps, and temperatures drop quickly after sunset, so bring warm clothes.

Stay: Tangke Town

Day 6 · Back to Songpan Old Town

Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong（Red Army Long March Memorial、Songpan Ancient City）

About 4.5 hours southeast from Tangke to Chuanzhusi; visit the monument there, then continue to Songpan Old Town.

The grassland roads have plenty of livestock; drive slowly and avoid traveling after dark.

Stay: Songpan Old Town

Day 7 · Huanglong and Departure

Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong（Huanglong Scenic Area）

About 1 hour from Songpan to Huanglong; sightsee for about 4 hours; then about 1 hour to the airport.

Book an evening flight; the cable car is recommended for the climb.

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