6-Day Gannan Mini-Loop Adventure: Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong, Ruoergai & Zhagana
Explore fairy-tale valleys, alpine lakes, vast grasslands, and Tibetan villages in one epic road trip!
Route Overview
Start/End: Chengdu (or Langmusi for shorter loops)
Highlights:
Jiuzhaigou Valley: UNESCO-listed turquoise lakes & waterfalls.
Huanglong: Colorful travertine pools at 3,500m altitude.
Ruoergai Grassland: Endless green plains & Tibetan nomad culture.
Zhagana: "Stone Mountain Paradise" with hidden villages.
Day 1: Chengdu → Jiuzhaigou (8–9h drive/flight)
Morning: Fly to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (1h) or take a scenic bus from Chengdu.
Afternoon: Rest/acclimate; explore Zhangzha Town (Tibetan handicrafts, yak meat hotpot).
Stay: Jiuzhaigou (hotels near the park entrance).
Day 2: Jiuzhaigou National Park (Full Day)
Must-see spots:
Five-Color Pond (small but stunning).
Nuorilang Waterfall (widest in China).
Long Lake (glacial lake surrounded by forests).
Tip: Use park shuttles to save time; pack lunch.
Day 3: Jiuzhaigou → Huanglong → Songpan (3h total drive)
Morning: Drive to Huanglong Scenic Area (2h). Hike or take a cable car to see the "Yellow Dragon" travertine terraces.
Afternoon: Head to Songpan Ancient Town (1h), a historic Tibetan/Qinghai trade hub. Walk the city walls.
Stay: Songpan (cozy guesthouses).
Day 4: Songpan → Ruoergai Grassland → Langmusi (4h drive)
Morning: Drive through the Ruoergai Grassland (3,400m altitude). Stop at Flower Lake (Huahu) for wetland wildlife.
Afternoon: Visit Langmusi Monastery (straddles Sichuan-Gansu border). Hike to Sky Burial Platform (respect local customs).
Stay: Langmusi (Tibetan-style lodges).
Day 5: Langmusi → Zhagana (3.5h drive)
Morning: Scenic drive to Zhagana ("Eden of Tibet"). Stop at Diebu Valley for canyon views.
Afternoon: Hike to Ribbon Waterfall or visit Dairy Village (traditional Tibetan homes).
Stay: Zhagana (homestays with mountain views).
Day 6: Zhagana → Chengdu (10h drive) or Fly Out
Option 1: Long drive back to Chengdu via Zoige Wetlands.
Option 2: Fly from Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (arrange return transport in advance).
Travel Tips
Altitude Sickness: Huanglong/Ruoergai are above 3,500m. Rest Day 1; avoid alcohol.
Packing: Layers (cold mornings!), sunscreen, hiking shoes, rain gear.
Permits: Foreigners may need permits for border areas (check with agencies).
Best Time: June–October (grassland flowers in July; autumn colors in Jiuzhaigou).
Budget Estimate (Per Person)
Transport: ¥1,500–2,000 (buses/car rental).
Accommodation: ¥200–400/night (mid-range).
Entrance Fees: ~¥600 (Jiuzhaigou ¥280, Huanglong ¥170, etc.).
