China National Parks

China

3,800

autumn

Overview Itinerary Dates & Pricing Gallery Is this tour Right for you

Overview

This unique private autumn trip begins and ends in two of the best-known China national parks. The first is Jiuzhaigou, internationally recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful nature reserves. The latter, Zhangjiajie, came to public attention as the filming ground for the Hollywood hit movie, Avatar. These two China national parks consist of dense forests, and thus, when the time comes, stand in beautiful autumn foliage colors. In between visiting these two parks, travel along the foot of the Tibetan Plateau. Here, Tibetan communities managed to avoid the political turmoil in the Tibetan highlands. Keeping out of harm’s way, these communities managed to authentically preserve Tibetan heritage and traditions. Traveling through these villages offers unique insight into a rapidly changing culture. The trip dates listed below are chosen to showcase the best autumn foliage in China's national parks. However, this trip is available year-round, and we would love to arrange it at your convenience. The regions visited on this tour offer amazing sights all year round, each season with its own unique characteristics. The recommended travel dates to China's national parks are May, August, September, and October (please refer to the list of Chinese national holidays below, during which these rates may not apply).

Highlights

Jiuzhaigou National Park. Emerald lakes, multi-tiered waterfalls, Tibetan villages, and dense forests in peak autumn color.
Huanglong Nature Reserve. Limestone terraces and thousands of mineral pools set beneath snow capped peaks.
Bipenggou and Mounigou. Forests, waterfalls, alpine valleys, and some of Sichuan's best foliage viewing.
Tibetan and Qiang Villages. Taoping fortress village, Zhuokeji, Danba watchtowers, Tagong monastery, and Gyarong Tibetan settlements.
Xinduqiao and Kangding Region. Open plateau landscapes, poplar lined rivers, grazing lands, and classic autumn photography scenes.
Mugecuo Lake and Hailuogou Glacier Park. High altitude lakes, valley hikes, steaming hot springs, and dramatic glacier viewpoints.
Giant Panda Conservation. Walk through Bifengxia Panda Research Center and surrounding nature reserve.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Avatar like stone pillars, glass bridge, cable cars, scenic elevators, and deep valleys.
Tianmen Mountain. Long cable car ride, the famous Heaven’s Gate cave, and winding mountain roads.

Itinerary

Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.

Chengdu

Day 1

Arrival In Chengdu And Fly To Jiuzhaigou

Day 14

Fly From Zhangjiajie To Chengdu

Jiuzhaigou

Day 2

Explore Juizhaigou National Park

Huang Long Nature Reserve

Day 3

Huang Long Nature Reserve

Mounigou Scenic Area

Day 4

Walking Through Mounigou

Taoping Fortress Village

Day 5

Taoping Fortress Village And Bipengou Scenic Area

Zhuokeji

Day 6

Visiting Zhuokeji Tibetan Village

Danba

Day 7

The Ancient Watchtowers Of Danba

Xinduqiao

Day 8

Autumn Colors Of Xinduqiao

Mugecu Lake

Day 9

Hiking Around Mugecu Lake

Hailuogou National Park

Day 10

The Glaciers Of Hailuogou

Bifengxia Panda Research Center

Day 11

Walking Through Bifengxia Panda Research Center

Zhangjiajie

Day 12

Fly From Chengdu To Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Day 13

Exploring Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport

Day 15

Departure From Chengdu

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Itinerary

Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.

Chengdu

Arrive in Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan province. Lying at the heart of a region commonly known in China as the “Country of Heaven”, Chengdu is thought to have held a significant strategic location for various cultures for more than 4,000 years. With the fertile plains surrounding the city, it is often referred to as “Nature’s Storehouse”. Chengdu’s airport is located pretty far from the city center, but if possible, based on that day's flight schedule, a short tour of the city center might be possible. In the evening, board the flight to Jiuzhaigou, where one of the world’s highest-altitude airports is located at 3,448 meters (11,312 feet) above sea level. Arrive in Jiuzhaigou, at the northern edge of Sichuan province, meet the local guide, and drive straight to the hotel to check in and have a good night’s rest.

Hotel
Dinner

Begin the last day of the private trip at Zhangjiajie with a cruise over Baofeng Lake. Then continue to Tianmen Mountain, which is the highest peak in Zhangjiajie, rising 1,517 meters (nearly 5,000 feet) above sea level. Then board the longest mountain cable car in the world, stretching for nearly 7.5 kilometers (4.66 miles) to the foot of the 999 stairs leading to the magnificent Tianmen Cave, seen traditionally by the Chinese as the gateway from our world to the higher worlds. Then board the vehicle for a ride over the Heaven-Linking Avenue, the picturesque name of the famous 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) winding road which connects the foot of the mountain to the Tiananmen Cave. Wrap up the visit in the region with a visit to the Junsheng Sand Painting Academy, showcasing a unique local art form. From here, continue to the airport for the flight back to Chengdu, and upon arrival, transfer to the airport hotel for the night.

Hotel
Breakfast

Jiuzhaigou

Spend the entire day taking in the marvels of Jiuzhaigou (Nine Villages Valley). This nature reserve and its superb, breathtaking landscapes are extremely attractive for their karst scenery, large number of lakes, and spectacular waterfalls. The name Jiuzhaigou derives from the nine Tibetan villages scattered throughout the valley. Its attraction lies in its simple, idyllic beauty; it is primitive, natural, and still in a pristine state. With majestic, unrivalled emerald lakes, layered waterfalls, colorful forests, snow-peaked mountains, and Tibetan folk villages, all blending in harmony, it is a jewel of nature set in spectacular mountain scenery. Jiuzhaigou lies in a transitional area where northern and southern flora and fauna meet. A natural botanical and zoological garden, it is home to densely growing conifers and broadleaf trees, as well as rare and endangered animal species such as the giant panda, golden snub-nosed monkey, and white-lipped deer. Spend the day with easy walks throughout the nature reserve, and in the evening return to the hotel for a second night in Jiuzhaigou.

Hotel
Breakfast, Dinner

Huang Long Nature Reserve

Check out of the hotel and drive to the nearby Huang Long Nature Reserve. Huang Long literally means ‘The Yellow Dragon Valley’, and it is commonly known to the Chinese people as ‘The fairyland on Earth’ for its undeniably breathtaking landscapes. The valley was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1992, and to date, it remains one of China's most stunning national parks. Running along the southern slopes of the Minshan mountain range, the valley is a true wonder of nature, with stunning limestone formations, some 3400 ponds of all shapes and colors, stalactite caves, and beautiful waterfalls. In addition, several ancient temples dot the landscape. All these features, together with the snowcapped peaks of the Minshan in the background, make up a beautiful day for anyone willing to make the journey. In the afternoon, drive to Songpan, a mainly Tibetan-inhabited town. If time permits, visit Songpan Old Town, with some of its buildings dating back to the Tang Dynasty.

Hotel
Breakfast

Mounigou Scenic Area

This morning, drive out to visit the Mounigou Scenic Area, a World Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Although the entire area boasts stunning landscapes, it is mainly known for two of its main features, Zhaga Waterfalls and Erdaohai Lake, which are hidden amid a beautiful forest. In the afternoon, take the approximately 150 km (93 miles) of winding mountain road to Wenchuan. The city of Wenchuan is known throughout China as the epicenter of the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, which claimed the lives of nearly 70,000 people and left nearly 5 million people homeless. With 80% of its buildings destroyed on this horrific night, Wenchuan is now being rebuilt.

Hotel
Breakfast

Taoping Fortress Village

After a short drive out of Wenchuan, stop at the village of Taoping. This well-fortified village is inhabited by the Qiang people, an ethnic group that traditionally lived on the border between the Tibetan people to the west and the Chinese Han people to the east. As a site of constant tensions for centuries, the hills surrounding the village still bear the remains of walls that go back to the Three Kingdoms Period, in the 3rd century AD. The village itself is very much fortress-like, with three distinct guard towers rising above it, and maze-like, crisscrossing narrow streets within it. The village is also known for its underground water system, which sustained it during lengthy sieges. All these features were necessary for the Qiang to maintain their cultural identity amid the two neighboring regional superpowers. Another rather short drive ends at the Bipengou Scenic Area. This incredibly diverse nature reserve features pristine forests, glaciers, lakes, crystal-clear streams, waterfalls, and a beautiful wetland. This area is known as one of the best spots to view autumn foliage. Late in the afternoon, drive to the city of Maerkang, at the foot of the Quanya Snow Mountain. If time permits, pay a visit to one of several ancient Tibetan temples on the hills overlooking the town, which is stretched along the riverbed.

Hotel
Breakfast

Zhuokeji

Begin the day with a visit to Zhuokeji, considered to be one of the most beautiful and best-preserved Tibetan Villages in the region. The village was first established during the Qing Dynasty as a Tibetan outpost and later became the seat of the Tu Si, the ruler of the Yi people in China. In more recent history, the village was famed for being the place at which Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai, and Zhou De stopped for a week during the 1935 Long March, one of the most prominent events shaping modern-day China. Visit the ancient palace and the remains of the impressive watchtower before heading south to Supo village, then on to the town of Danba.

Hotel
Breakfast

Danba

For most of the day, explore the surroundings of Danba. The area is inhabited by Gyarong Tibetans, and is famous for its stone-made watchtowers. The watchtowers date back to the very beginning of the 18th century, and it is said they could shelter a family during times of war for up to 15 days. Travel to Danba’s vicinity, stopping by the towers, and visit the Jiaju Residential House, a magnificent display of typical Kham Tibetan architecture. From here, continue past the small town of Bamei to Tagong, a Tibetan town in the historical Kham region and home to the region's most important monastery. Explore Tagong Monastery, built during the Qing Dynasty era. The monastery miraculously escaped destruction during the Cultural Revolution, and its murals are thus exceptionally well preserved. Late in the afternoon, continue driving, arriving at Xinduqiao in the evening.

Hotel
Breakfast

Xinduqiao

After breakfast, spend a few hours roaming the vast lands surrounding Xinduqiao, which are regarded as a photographer's paradise. The area between Zheduoshan and Xinduqiao features plateau pasture scenery of rolling chains of mountains, river valleys dotted with poplars, grassland, and Tibetan villages. Take the time to explore the area and enjoy its magnificent autumn colors. Late in the afternoon, drive along the narrow road at the foot of the mountain, past picturesque Tibetan villages, to the city of Kangding.

Hotel
Breakfast

Mugecu Lake

Some 26 km (16 miles) north of Kangding, nestled within the Zheduo Mountains, lies Mugecuo scenic area. Take the one-hour drive from Kandgding to Mugecuo Lake, the largest alpine lake in Sichuan, located at an elevation of 3,800 meters (12,460 feet). From here, embark on a three-hour hike down the beautiful valley, and past the 7 colors lake, to a cluster of steaming hot springs. Late in the afternoon, drive to Hailuogou, one of the least visited, yet most astounding of China's national parks. The park is located well over 2,000 meters (6,560 feet) above sea level, and lies on the eastern slopes of the Gonggar Mountain. 31 square kilometers (12 square miles) of the park are covered in marine glaciers. The park offers stunning views of virgin forests in lush green valleys beneath snow-capped mountain peaks. In the evening, reach the hotel in the park’s vicinity, and stay here for the night.

Hotel
Breakfast

Hailuogou National Park

Today, hop on a shared ECO bus. These buses have been designed to operate in China’s most fragile biospheres, so they have a minimal environmental impact. Drive through Hailuogou Park to marvel at the unparalleled views. Then take the cable car to an astounding viewpoint at 3,500 meters (11,480 feet) above sea level, for a view over the Hailuogou Glacier and the Gonggar Shan, rising to 7,500 meters (24,600 feet). In the afternoon, visit Moxi, where Han Chinese, Tibetan, and Yi people live together amid the mighty, holy mountains, which serve as a backdrop to the tranquil ambience of this small town. This is yet another important place where the Chinese Red Army, led by Mao Dzedong, stopped during the famous battle of Luding Suspension Bridge, one of the most heroic and well-known sagas of the Long March. In the evening revert to the hotel for a second night.

Hotel
Breakfast

Bifengxia Panda Research Center

With a very early beginning of the day, descend from the high mountainous region, and drive back to the lowlands of west Sichuan. First head to Ya’an, and on to Bifengxia Nature Reserve. As well as being the largest conservation and research center for the endangered Giant Panda (after Wolong Nature Reserve was shut down following the Wenchuan earthquake), this is also a beautiful nature reserve, featuring running rivers, magnificent mountain peaks, and lush green forests. Take a few hours to walk in the Panda Research Base and the Nature Reserve before proceeding to Chengdu for the night.

Hotel
Breakfast

Zhangjiajie

With an early wake up call, drive to Chengdu’s airport for the morning flight to Zhangjiajie. Upon arrival meet the guide and drive to the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, one of most beautiful China national parks. This magnificent natural gem has been brought to the world’s attention as the place in which much of the Hollywood motion picture Avatar was filmed. The park is considered to be one of China’s most spectacular scenic spots, featuring unique rock formations, clear streams, caves and waterfalls. Begin with a visit to the northern part of Wulingyuan Park. A UNESCO World Natural Heritage site since 1992, Wulingyuan boasts some 3,100 quartz and sandstone peaks which appear spectacular, lofty and elegant. This, along with the mysterious deep valleys and grottos, offers numerous fantastic views. Upon arrival visit the famous Glass Bridge, perched 300 meters above the Wlingyuan canyon. When first opened to the public, it was the world’s longest glass bridge at a length of 430 meters (1,410 feet), a title taken from it with the opening of the Hongyagu Glass Bridge at the end of 2017. Continue to the Golden Whip Stream, probably the best-known landmark in the entire park, and take here a beautiful yet easy hike. After a long day enjoying the marvels of the park, head to the hotel at Wulingyuan.

Hotel
Breakfast

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

The day is dedicated to exploring the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area. Upon arrival in the park, take a shuttle bus to the cable car station for a ride up to Tianzi (son of heaven) Mountain. Considered to be the jewel in the crown of the entire nature reserve, the mountain is named after a local farmer who led his comrades into successful revolt, and thus adopted the epithet traditionally reserved only for the emperor. Hop onboard another shuttle to Yuanjiajie, a natural platform that faces giant rocks, rising from deep valleys and surrounded by higher mountains. Unique in their shapes and covered with pine trees, these rocks resemble a vivid Chinese painting. On to Tian Xia Di Yi Qiao, or literally, ‘the first bridge of the world’, for a walk over a naturally made bridge, featuring more stunning views of this magnificent nature reserve. Afterwards, take the Bailong Elevator, a 330-meter (1,080-feet) tall, glass-made elevator built on the side of a huge rock, down to the vehicle. End this eventful day at the Ten-Miles Gallery. Though only 5.8 miles (13.6 km) long, this gallery, nestled at the foot of Tianzi Mountain, runs along the beautiful Suoxi Valley Scenic Spot and offers yet another unique perspective on the park’s breathtaking scenery. In the evening, drive back to the hotel in Wulingyuan.

Hotel
Breakfast

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport

In the morning, transfer back to Chengdu airport for the international departure flight out of China.

Breakfast

Dates & Pricing

Trip rates for this China national parks tour are quoted in US Dollars.
Note: China National Parks private tour rates are valid all year round, but are not valid for tours that occur (in whole or in part) during Chinese national holidays listed below. The regions visited throughout this tour offer amazing sights all year round, each season with its own unique characteristics. And we would love to arrange it at your convenience.
New Year (1-3 Jan 2025)
Chinese Spring Festival (28 Jan-03 Feb 2025)
Qingming Festival (4-6 Apr 2025)
Labor Day Holiday (1-3 May 2025)
Dragon Boat Festival (30 May-02 Jun 2025)
Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day (1-8 Oct 2025)Note: Direct flights from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou and from Zhangjiajie to Chengdu might not be available at all times. Please check with us before booking this trip to confirm flight availability.Trips@Asia reserves the right to change the prices and programs for China National Parks private tours due to changes in flight schedules, airfares, and other local circumstances.
Prices are based on twin share occupancy.Rates for private groups of 2 travelers and above:
2 travelers- US$5,630/ person
4 travelers- US$4,186/ person

Dates	Status	Price	Notes
20 Oct 2026 - 03 Nov 2026	available	$ 3,800	Per Person (For a group of 6 or more) $951 Single Room Supplement

Additional Information

Inclusions

Domestic flights as per program
Accommodation at selected hotels including breakfast
Transfer by private A/C vehicle
Meals as indicated in the program (B&B basis)
English speaking guide for each area as per program

Is this trip right for you?

You love landscapes more than cities. This itinerary focuses almost entirely on national parks, mountains, and rural regions.

You want autumn at its best. Timing is chosen specifically for foliage, clear air, and strong seasonal contrast.

You are comfortable with altitude. Several areas exceed 3000 meters and pacing allows for gradual adjustment.

You enjoy walking and light hiking. Daily sightseeing includes forest paths, valleys, lakeshores, and scenic trails.

You value cultural context without urban overload. Tibetan, Qiang, and minority villages add depth without heavy city touring.

You are flexible and patient. Mountain weather, winding roads, and long drives are part of accessing these remote landscapes.

Overview

Highlights

Jiuzhaigou National Park. Emerald lakes, multi-tiered waterfalls, Tibetan villages, and dense forests in peak autumn color.
Huanglong Nature Reserve. Limestone terraces and thousands of mineral pools set beneath snow capped peaks.
Bipenggou and Mounigou. Forests, waterfalls, alpine valleys, and some of Sichuan's best foliage viewing.
Tibetan and Qiang Villages. Taoping fortress village, Zhuokeji, Danba watchtowers, Tagong monastery, and Gyarong Tibetan settlements.
Xinduqiao and Kangding Region. Open plateau landscapes, poplar lined rivers, grazing lands, and classic autumn photography scenes.
Mugecuo Lake and Hailuogou Glacier Park. High altitude lakes, valley hikes, steaming hot springs, and dramatic glacier viewpoints.
Giant Panda Conservation. Walk through Bifengxia Panda Research Center and surrounding nature reserve.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Avatar like stone pillars, glass bridge, cable cars, scenic elevators, and deep valleys.
Tianmen Mountain. Long cable car ride, the famous Heaven’s Gate cave, and winding mountain roads.

Dates & Pricing

Dates	Status	Price	Notes
20 Oct 2026 - 03 Nov 2026	available	$ 3,800	Per Person (For a group of 6 or more) $951 Single Room Supplement

Is this trip right for you?

You love landscapes more than cities. This itinerary focuses almost entirely on national parks, mountains, and rural regions.

You want autumn at its best. Timing is chosen specifically for foliage, clear air, and strong seasonal contrast.

You are comfortable with altitude. Several areas exceed 3000 meters and pacing allows for gradual adjustment.

You enjoy walking and light hiking. Daily sightseeing includes forest paths, valleys, lakeshores, and scenic trails.

You value cultural context without urban overload. Tibetan, Qiang, and minority villages add depth without heavy city touring.

You are flexible and patient. Mountain weather, winding roads, and long drives are part of accessing these remote landscapes.