9 days itinerary

Question

Hi everyone

I would like to plan for a 9 days trip to Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou, E Mei mountain and Qing Cheng mountain. Can anyone recommend a 9 days itinerary?

Where is the best place to stay in Chengdu?

Answer

For a 9-day trip covering Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou, Emei Mountain, and Qingcheng Mountain, it’s best to balance travel days with sightseeing to avoid rushing. Here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day 1 – Arrival in Chengdu: Arrive in Chengdu, settle in. If time allows, explore Jinli Ancient Street and Wuhou Shrine.
Day 2 – Chengdu City Tour: Visit Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, People's Park, and Sichuan Opera for the evening “face-changing” show.
Day 3 – Qingcheng Mountain & Dujiangyan: Take a day trip to Qingcheng Mountain for Taoist temples and scenic hikes, then visit Dujiangyan Irrigation System on the way back.
Day 4 – Travel to Jiuzhaigou: Fly or take a long-distance bus/train to Jiuzhaigou. Check into your hotel and rest.
Day 5 – Jiuzhaigou National Park: Full day exploring Jiuzhaigou, with highlights such as Five Flower Lake, Nuorilang Waterfall, and Mirror Lake.
Day 6 – Jiuzhaigou & Travel to Emei: Optional morning visit to Jiuzhaigou for any missed spots, then travel back to Chengdu and onward to Emei Mountain base (overnight in Emei City or Mount Emei area).
Day 7 – Emei Mountain: Take the cable car or hike up Emei Mountain, visit Golden Summit, and stay overnight near the mountain or return to Chengdu depending on preference.
Day 8 – Chengdu Leisure: Return to Chengdu if you stayed on Emei Mountain. Explore local markets, try Sichuan cuisine, and visit the Wenshu Monastery.
Day 9 – Departure: Depending on your flight, do any last-minute sightseeing or shopping before heading to the airport.

Accommodation in Chengdu:

Central Location: Stay near Chunxi Road or Taikoo Li for easy access to shopping, restaurants, and metro lines.
Historical/Cultural Area: Consider staying near Jinli Ancient Street or Wuhou Shrine for a more traditional Chengdu atmosphere.
Budget-Friendly: Narrow streets near Kuanzhai Alley have hostels and boutique hotels with easy access to city attractions.

This itinerary provides a good mix of city culture, natural scenery, and famous sites, balancing travel and sightseeing comfortably over 9 days.