Xmas Vacation in Sichuan

Question

I booked my airfare from Dec 19 to Jan 3rd. Family of 3 with a 15 y/o daughter.

We will be at Chonqing and Chengdu for sure. Given that later Dec is low tourism season, I am thinking of booking train/hotel to Zhangjiajie or Jiuzhaigou or or any day trip (huanglong, Qingcheng Shan, etc.) last minute depending on the weather. Doable? Like a day or 2 ahead. I figure there are plenty of things to do, like to keep my itinery flexible.

Also any referral for local tour operator that I can speak to about 2-day trip to Zhangjiajie or Jiuzhaigou?

Thanks in advance.

Answer

Visiting Sichuan and nearby scenic areas in late December is very doable, but a few considerations will help you plan a flexible and enjoyable trip for your family.

1. Flexibility and last-minute bookings:

Late December is low season for tourism in most of Sichuan and neighboring provinces, so train tickets and hotels for popular destinations like Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong, and Zhangjiajie are usually available even a day or two in advance.
Weather is the main variable. Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong may have snow or frozen paths, which can affect accessibility. Zhangjiajie tends to be less affected but can be cold and foggy.
Keep a few backup options for day trips from Chengdu or Chongqing, such as Qingcheng Shan, Dujiangyan, Leshan Giant Buddha, or local cultural activities, so you can adjust plans according to weather conditions.

2. Local tour operators for Zhangjiajie or Jiuzhaigou:

Zhangjiajie Travel Agency: Offers 2-day or 3-day private tours including transportation from Chongqing or Chengdu, hotel, and entrance tickets. They can customize for a family of three.
Jiuzhaigou Local Tours: Based in Chengdu, these operators provide flexible itineraries and pick-up/drop-off services, which is helpful for winter trips when weather may change plans.
You can contact these agencies via WeChat or email. Many accept English-speaking customers and can arrange private vehicles, which is convenient for a family.

3. Transport tips:

High-speed trains and intercity buses are reliable. Booking 1–2 days in advance is sufficient during low season.
For remote areas like Jiuzhaigou, consider private car or tour packages to avoid complicated connections in winter.
If you decide on day trips from Chengdu, check the local weather and road conditions in the morning before heading out.

4. Accommodation:

Book hotels in advance for major tourist towns like Zhangjiajie city or Jiuzhaigou village to ensure availability, even in low season.
Flexible cancellation policies are recommended if you want to adjust plans last minute.

Overall, your idea of keeping your itinerary flexible is realistic. With low-season traffic and reliable local operators, you can make last-minute decisions for 1–2 day trips. Focus on weather forecasts and pre-contact local operators for Zhangjiajie or Jiuzhaigou to ensure a smooth experience for your family.