12-Day Gannan, Jiuzhaigou and Northern Sichuan Tour

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Duration 12 Days
Route Lanzhou – Xiahe – Zhagana – Langmusi – Ruoergai – Jiuzhaigou – Huanglong – Bipenggou – Dujiangyan – Chengdu
Entry City Lanzhou
Exit City Chengdu

Overview

Travel overland from Lanzhou to Chengdu through Gannan and northern Sichuan. This private 12-day route combines plateau grasslands, Zhagana’s stone peaks, Ruoergai wetlands, a full day in Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong’s travertine pools, Bipenggou, Dujiangyan and Chengdu’s pandas.

Daily Itinerary

Lanzhou skyline and landscaped Yellow River promenade at sunset
Lanzhou skyline and landscaped Yellow River promenade at sunset.

Arrive in Lanzhou, meet your private driver and transfer into the city. If time permits, walk beside the Yellow River and enjoy a first taste of Northwest China cuisine.

Sangke Grassland, winding stream and grazing horses beneath dramatic clouds
Sangke Grassland, winding stream and grazing horses beneath dramatic clouds.

Travel to Xiahe and explore the historic cultural neighborhood around Labrang. Continue across Sangke Grassland, with its open plateau views, before reaching Hezuo.

Jiangdie scenic highway winding through mountain passes toward Zhagana
Jiangdie scenic highway winding through mountain passes toward Zhagana.

Follow the spectacular Jiangdie Highway through mountain passes, valleys and high grassland. Arrive in Zhagana and watch the stone peaks glow in the evening light.

Zhagana village at sunrise and a secular plateau town street atmosphere
Zhagana village at sunrise and a secular plateau town street atmosphere.

Begin with an early walk among Zhagana's village lanes and viewpoints. Continue through the plateau to Langmusi, with time for local crafts, cultural streets and surrounding mountain scenery.

Namo Canyon stream opening toward Ruoergai Flower Lake wetland
Namo Canyon stream opening toward Ruoergai Flower Lake wetland.

Walk beside clear streams and cliffs in Namo Canyon, then travel to the wetlands of Ruoergai. Explore Flower Lake's boardwalks and watch for seasonal birds across the grassland.

Yellow River First Bend and a scenic plateau road toward Jiuzhaigou
Yellow River First Bend and a scenic plateau road toward Jiuzhaigou.

See the sweeping Yellow River First Bend near Tangke, then continue through northern Sichuan's plateau scenery to the entrance area of Jiuzhaigou.

Turquoise Jiuzhaigou lake and multi-level waterfall surrounded by autumn forest
Turquoise Jiuzhaigou lake and multi-level waterfall surrounded by autumn forest.

Spend the day exploring Jiuzhaigou's turquoise and emerald lakes, multi-level waterfalls and forested valleys using the park's shuttle system and walking paths.

Clear turquoise travertine terraces among golden forest in Huanglong
Clear turquoise travertine terraces among golden forest in Huanglong.

Explore Huanglong's travertine pools, alpine forest and mountain views, subject to seasonal access and weather. Continue through the Min River valley to Maoxian.

Bipenggou alpine lake reflecting snow mountains and autumn forest
Bipenggou alpine lake reflecting snow mountains and autumn forest.

Travel to Bipenggou for clear alpine lakes, forest walks, snowy mountain views and vivid seasonal color. Continue to Lixian after the visit.

Min River dividing through green embankments at Dujiangyan's ancient irrigation system
Min River dividing through green embankments at Dujiangyan's ancient irrigation system.

Follow the Min River to Dujiangyan and explore the ancient irrigation system, riverside paths and historic bridges that still manage the region's water today.

Giant pandas eating bamboo and climbing in a spacious green habitat
Giant pandas eating bamboo and climbing in a spacious green habitat.

Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in the cooler morning hours. Later, stroll the grey-brick courtyards and food lanes of Kuanzhai Alleys.

Modern Chengdu Tianfu airport terminal at sunrise with an aircraft in the distance
Modern Chengdu Tianfu airport terminal at sunrise with an aircraft in the distance.

Transfer to Chengdu airport or railway station according to your schedule. Your Gannan, Jiuzhaigou and northern Sichuan private journey concludes after drop-off.

What's Included & Excluded

What is included in this tour

Private or group transport

Air-conditioned vehicle and transfers listed in the confirmed itinerary.

English-speaking service

Professional English-speaking guide service as specified in the quotation.

Accommodation

Selected hotels with breakfast when included in the confirmed proposal.

Sightseeing

Entrance tickets and activities specifically marked as included.
What is Not Included in this tour

International transport

International flights and transport to the tour starting point unless stated otherwise.

Personal expenses

Laundry, minibar, optional activities and other personal purchases.

Insurance and visas

Travel insurance, China visa fees and permit costs unless explicitly included.

Unlisted meals

Meals, drinks and gratuities not shown in the confirmed inclusion list.

Frequently Asked Questions

The format shown in the tour title applies. Private departures can be adjusted, while small-group departures follow the confirmed group schedule.

Private tours can usually be adjusted for pace, hotel level and special interests. Transport and attraction availability are reconfirmed before booking.

Bring a valid passport, comfortable walking shoes and season-appropriate clothing. We will advise on any permits or weather-specific equipment.

Final hotel and meal inclusions depend on the confirmed quotation. Your written proposal will list every included service before payment.

Expect a mix of walking, steps and vehicle access at the places included in this route. The exact level depends on the day-by-day sequence, so share any concerns about mobility, children, older travellers or rest breaks before the itinerary is confirmed.

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