A foreign passport holder’s 6-day Sichuan plan is two main bases plus a return night: three nights in Chengdu (with a Leshan/Emei day trip), two nights up at Jiuzhaigou, and a final night back in Chengdu before flying out. Chengdu and the Jiuzhaigou gateway town both have licensed hotels that register foreigners; the mountain resorts vary, so confirm the licence each time.
Why Chengdu plus Jiuzhaigou
Chengdu is the province’s hub — pandas, food, and the rail and air gateway. Jiuzhaigou is the fairy-tale valley of turquoise lakes six hours north by road, or a one-hour flight. You do not need a hotel in between; the flight or a long driver day gets you there. Sleeping in Chengdu for the city and at Jiuzhaigou for the park keeps your registration to two clean stays (plus the return night).
Hotels must register foreign guests with public security. Licensed Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou hotels do it at check-in; small mountain lodges may not be licensed for foreign passports. Confirm before paying — see can foreigners stay in Chinese hotels.
Day 1 — Arrive Chengdu, central base
Fly into Tianfu (TFU) or Shuangliu (CTU). Settle in a Jinjiang or Qingyang hotel near the river or the Wide and Narrow Alleys. Evening hotpot. Sleep in Chengdu for three nights. For area picks, see best area to stay in Chengdu.
Day 2 — Pandas and alleys
Panda base early (book ahead), then the Wide and Narrow Alleys and Jinli. Sleep in Chengdu.
Day 3 — Leshan or Emei day, return
Train or driver to Leshan’s Giant Buddha or Emei Shan; back to your Chengdu base. Sleep in Chengdu.
Day 4 — Fly to Jiuzhaigou, change base
Flight Chengdu–Jiuzhaigou (HUANG LONG airport, ~1 hour) or a long driver day. Check in to a hotel in the Jiuzhaigou gateway town (near the park entrance). Registration resets; show your passport. For the park-side context, see where to stay near Jiuzhaigou.
Day 5 — Jiuzhaigou park day
Full day in the valley’s boardwalk loops and shuttle routes. Sleep at the gateway town.
Day 6 — Return to Chengdu, depart
Fly back to Chengdu and take your outbound flight, or fly out from the Jiuzhaigou airport if your airline allows. Six nights, two bases plus a return.
Night-by-night base plan
| Night | Base area | Why here | Transfer note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chengdu (Jinjiang/Qingyang) | City hub | Metro/taxi from TFU/CTU |
| 2 | Same Chengdu base | Pandas, alleys | Metro or taxi |
| 3 | Same Chengdu base | Leshan/Emei day | Train/driver, return |
| 4 | Jiuzhaigou gateway | Park base | Flight or long drive |
| 5 | Same Jiuzhaigou base | Park day | Shuttle in park |
| 6 | Chengdu (return) | Departure | Flight back |
Picking each base
Chengdu’s Jinjiang and Qingyang districts hold the most foreigner-licensed hotels and the best Metro access. At Jiuzhaigou, stay in the gateway town near the entrance, not far away — the shuttle starts early and you want to be first in. Confirm the hotel’s foreigner licence, as some small inns near the park are not licensed.
Payment and booking notes
Chengdu international hotels take foreign cards; Jiuzhaigou gateway resorts vary and many prefer cash or Alipay. Book the park-side room ahead in autumn, the peak color season. For card acceptance by tier, see foreign credit card hotels in China.
Frequently asked questions
Is six days enough for Sichuan?
For Chengdu plus Jiuzhaigou, yes. Add nights for Emei overnights or Daocheng if you want more.
Is the Jiuzhaigou flight reliable?
Usually, but mountain weather delays happen. Build a buffer night (the return Chengdu night) so a delay doesn’t kill your flight home.
Do Jiuzhaigou hotels take foreigners?
The licensed gateway resorts do. Small inns vary — confirm.
Will my card work up there?
At bigger resorts, sometimes. Carry cash; Alipay helps if you have it set up.
Is altitude a problem at Jiuzhaigou?
The valley is ~2,000–3,000 m; most are fine, but take it easy and hydrate.
Can I do Jiuzhaigou by train?
A new line reaches the area, but the flight is still fastest. Check current schedules when booking.
When is best to visit?
Autumn (Oct–Nov) for the famous colors; spring is green and quiet. Winter is cold but strikingly empty.
