Sichuan Pandas, Mount Emei & Jiuzhaigou 7-Day High-Speed Rail Classic

Connect Chengdu, Leshan, Mount Emei, Huanglong, and Jiuzhaigou by high-speed rail for the standard first-time Sichuan itinerary.

Spend two days in Chengdu visiting pandas and the old town, dedicate a segment each to the Leshan Giant Buddha and Mount Emei's Golden Summit, and then take the Sichuan-Qinghai Railway to Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou. The entire route relies mainly on high-speed rail and scenic area shuttle buses, eliminating the need for self-driving, making it perfect for first-time visitors to Sichuan. The trade-offs are that all Western Sichuan snow mountains are skipped, Mount Emei is visited in a single day without hiking, and only one full day is reserved for Jiuzhaigou.

The autumn colors of Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong peak in October, while July–August is rainy; parts of Huanglong are closed during winter.

Day by day

Day 1 · Arrive in Chengdu & Explore the Old Town

Chengdu（Kuanzhai Alley、People's Park & Heming Teahouse、Chunxi Road / Taikoo Li）

Take the airport subway or a taxi into the city (approx. 1 hour). Spend the afternoon walking around Kuanzhai Alley and People's Park.

Stay: Chunxi Road · Taikoo Li

Day 2 · Pandas & Three Kingdoms Historic Street

Chengdu（Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding、Wenshu Monastery、Wuhou Shrine & Jinli Street）

Take the subway or a taxi to the Giant Panda Breeding Base (approx. 1 hour). Return to the city center in the afternoon, relying mainly on the subway and walking.

Pandas are most active in the morning. It is recommended to arrive as soon as the park opens and book tickets in advance.

Stay: Chunxi Road · Taikoo Li

Day 3 · Leshan Giant Buddha to the Foot of Mount Emei

Mount Emei & Leshan（Leshan Giant Buddha、Baoguo Temple）

Take a high-speed train from Chengdu East to Leshan (approx. 1 hour). After sightseeing, take a taxi (approx. 45 minutes) to Baoguo Temple at the foot of the mountain to check in.

Tickets for the Leshan Giant Buddha are released in rolling batches; it is recommended to book in advance with real-name registration.

Stay: Baoguo Temple Foothills

Day 4 · Ascend the Golden Summit & Return to Chengdu

Mount Emei & Leshan（Leidongping、Golden Summit of Mount Emei） → Chengdu

Take a sightseeing bus up the mountain (approx. 2 hours) to Leidongping, walk to the cable car to reach the Golden Summit, and take a high-speed train back to Chengdu (approx. 1 hour) after descending.

Temperatures vary greatly on the mountain, so bring a jacket even in summer. Keep an eye on your food to prevent monkey encounters.

Stay: Chunxi Road · Taikoo Li

Day 5 · High-Speed Rail to Huanglong

Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong（Huanglong Scenic Area、Five-Colour Pond）

Take an early high-speed train to Huanglongjiuzhai Railway Station (approx. 1 hour 40 minutes), transfer to a bus to Huanglong (approx. 30 minutes), and then drive 2 hours to the entrance of Jiuzhaigou.

Huanglong is over 3,000 meters above sea level. Take the cable car up and walk slowly to prevent altitude sickness.

Stay: Zhangzha Town (Jiuzhaigou Entrance)

Day 6 · Full-Day Tour of Jiuzhaigou

Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong（Long Lake、Five Flower Lake (Wuhua Hai)、Pearl Shoal Waterfall、Nuorilang Waterfall、Shuzheng Lakes）

Walk into the park from the entrance, take the scenic area sightseeing bus to the top of the valley, and then hop off at different sections to explore from top to bottom for about 8 hours.

Tickets must be booked in advance with real-name registration; no tickets are sold on-site. Book two weeks in advance during peak season.

Stay: Zhangzha Town (Jiuzhaigou Entrance)

Day 7 · Return to Chengdu by Bus & High-Speed Rail

Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong（Chuanzhusi Town） → Chengdu

Take a shuttle bus from the valley entrance to Huanglongjiuzhai Railway Station (approx. 2 hours), and transfer to a high-speed train back to Chengdu East Railway Station (approx. 1 hour 40 minutes).

Shuttle bus schedules change with the season; verify departure times before setting off.

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