4-Day Tour from Jiuzhaigou to Ruoergai Grassland and Songpan

Summary

Day 1 Chengdu-Jiuzhaigou: Train to Jiuzhaigou
Day 2 Jiuzhaigou: Jiuzhaigou full-day tour (Nuorilang Waterfall,  Five-Color Pond, Long Lake etc.)
Day 3 Jiuzhaigou-Ruoergai-Songpan: Jiuzhaigou, Ruoergai Grassland, Songpan Ancient Town
Day 4 Songpan-Chengdu: Train back to Chengdu

Day 1 Chengdu-Jiuzhaigou

Your journey begins with a high-speed train ride from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou, offering a comfortable and scenic ride through Sichuan’s mountainous countryside. Upon arrival, your private guide and driver will greet you at the station and escort you directly to your hotel near Jiuzhaigou National Park. Along the way, your guide will provide an introduction to the region’s Tibetan and Qiang culture, as well as helpful tips for exploring the park. Settle in for the evening in the peaceful surroundings of the valley, preparing for a full day of natural wonder ahead.

Day 2 Jiuzhaigou

Today is dedicated to discovering the natural wonders of Jiuzhaigou National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its dreamlike scenery and ecological richness. Your private guide will accompany you throughout the day, helping you plan the best route based on weather and crowd conditions. With private transfers to the park gate and expert insights along the way, you’ll experience Jiuzhaigou’s magic at a comfortable pace.

Begin at the magnificent Nuorilang Waterfall, one of the widest and most iconic waterfalls on the Tibetan Plateau. The water cascades down a 20-meter-high cliff in shimmering layers, surrounded by vibrant vegetation or icy mist in winter. Your guide will explain its name—meaning “grand and magnificent” in Tibetan—and share its cultural symbolism in local folklore.

Next, visit Five-Color Pond, a small yet astonishingly beautiful lake nestled in the virgin forest. Fed by underground springs, its mineral-rich waters glow in surreal shades of blue, emerald, and aquamarine. Despite being less than 100 square meters in size, it’s considered the “soul” of Jiuzhaigou due to its purity and depth of color. Your guide will help you spot the subtle shifts in hue as light and angle change.

Continue to Long Lake, the largest and highest-altitude lake in the park. At 7.5 km long and surrounded by snow-covered mountains, its mirror-like surface reflects the dramatic landscape in every direction. Your guide will explain its glacial origins and its sacred role in local Tibetan beliefs, where it's said to hold the spirits of the mountains.

After an inspiring day in nature, your guide will escort you back to your hotel, offering help with dinner reservations or evening plans. Whether you prefer a cozy meal near your lodge or a quiet stroll under the stars, you’ll find Jiuzhaigou’s peaceful charm lingering into the night.

Day 3 Jiuzhaigou-Ruoergai-Songpan

After breakfast, set off with your guide and driver on a scenic overland journey through the remote Tibetan highlands. Heading north toward the Ruoergai Grassland, you’ll traverse a route rarely taken by mass tourists but deeply rewarding for those seeking pristine nature and authentic culture. Often dubbed one of China's top 10 most beautiful wetlands, Ruoergai is a vast plateau at 3,500 meters elevation, dotted with grazing yaks, Tibetan tents, and herds of sheep. Your guide will introduce you to the nomadic lifestyle of the region’s Tibetan communities and may help arrange a visit to a herder’s tent for tea (if conditions allow). This region is also rich in birdlife, making it a hidden gem for nature lovers and photographers.

In the afternoon, descend toward Songpan Ancient Town, an ancient town once known as the "Gateway to the West" during the Tang and Ming dynasties. With your guide, explore the well-preserved city walls, watchtowers, and timeworn stone streets lined with traditional Tibetan-style wooden buildings. Learn about the town's strategic importance along the historic trade route linking China with Tibet and beyond. Enjoy the chance to browse handmade silverware, yak wool scarves, and herbal products sold by local artisans.

Wrap up the day with a relaxing evening in Songpan. Your guide can recommend a hotpot restaurant featuring local specialties like yak meat and wild mushrooms, or a peaceful teahouse with views of the ancient walls. After check-in, take in the alpine air and quiet charm of this storied town before resting up for your return journey.

Day 4 Songpan-Chengdu

Enjoy a leisurely morning walk through Songpan’s quaint alleys or visit a local Tibetan teahouse before heading to the train station. Your guide will ensure a smooth check-in for your high-speed train back to Chengdu. Sit back and relax as you retrace your journey through Sichuan’s mountains and valleys, arriving in Chengdu in the afternoon or early evening. Upon arrival, your tour concludes with optional drop-off at your hotel or airport.

Price Per Person in US Dollars