【2025】"Buy Autumn, Get Winter Free" — An Extreme Commando Trip to Huanglong & Jiuzhaigou

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Discover our 2025 Huanglong & Jiuzhaigou commando trip guide: snow-covered Five-Color Pond, standing tickets on high-speed rail, and budget tips. Plan your extreme autumn-winter adventure now!

Introduction: A Promise Four Years Overdue

"After Jiuzhaigou, no other water is worth seeing" — this phrase has circulated online for so long that my wife and I have been dreaming of it since our student days. Back then, we were studying in Sichuan and Chongqing. From Chongqing to Jiuzhaigou, there was only a bus — an 11-hour ride that made our backsides ache just thinking about it. Later, the high-speed rail opened, but life always loves to play jokes: in 2021, we had everything ready, only for an earthquake to strike Aba the day before our departure. Roads were damaged, and the risk of aftershocks and falling rocks made us decisively change course to Guizhou.

This year, we planned ahead — we even gave up on the National Day holiday. Then, the night before departure, as I was packing, I bent down — and threw out my back. The pain was excruciating; I couldn't move at all. The next morning, we rushed to the hospital. The diagnosis was "lumbar facet joint dysfunction." The doctor said it wasn't serious, but I'd need to wear a lumbar support belt for a long time, apply pain patches, and prolonged walking could delay recovery. My wife and I exchanged glances, hesitated for an entire afternoon, and finally steeled ourselves: "Let's go for it!"

And so, with my lumbar support belt on and pain patches applied, we embarked on this extreme commando trip of "buy autumn, get winter free."

Trip Overview: Two Non-Stop Days, Crazy Check-Ins at Huanglong & Jiuzhaigou

Dates: October 22–25, 2025
Destination: Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture
Travelers: Couple / Married couple
Cost per person: Approximately 2,000 RMB (including transportation, accommodation, tickets, meals)

Our strategy was simple: Huanglong first, then Jiuzhaigou — two consecutive days of non-stop action. On the third day, we'd return to Chengdu to rest, and on the fourth, fly back to Shenzhen. Jiuzhaigou only offers a one-day ticket, and we couldn't miss Huanglong either, so commando mode was the only option.

Part 1: Huanglong — A Snowy Palette, an Unexpected Gift of Early Winter

Departure at Dawn: A "Standing Ticket" Experience on the High-Speed Rail

On the evening of October 22, we landed at Chengdu Shuangliu Airport for the first time in a year. To catch the earliest high-speed train the next morning, we booked a hotel near Chengdu East Station. We didn't lie down until 1 a.m., and the alarm went off at 5:30 a.m. We were so sleepy we could barely open our eyes, but we had to get up — we'd managed to snag tickets for the earliest direct train from Chengdu East to Huanglong Jiuzhai Station. And, you guessed it, we didn't get seats.

You read that right. I tried to grab tickets the moment they went on sale — they sold out instantly. Even stranger: as I write this article, the same train on Wednesday has plenty of tickets, but Thursday's always shows "sold out." I can't figure out this system, but standing tickets it is — who cares, as long as we get there?

We arrived at Huanglong Jiuzhai Station at 8:30 a.m., transferred to the official bus at 9 a.m., and after 45 minutes, we finally reached the Huanglong scenic area around 9:50 a.m.

One Hour in Line, Five Minutes on the Cable Car

We chose the "cable car up, walk down" route. When we got to Huanglong, we thought we could just hop on the cable car and go up — wrong. After storing our luggage at the visitor center at the main entrance and taking a shuttle bus to the cable car's lower station, we began a long wait in line — from 10:10 a.m. to 11 a.m., a full 50 minutes. The cable car ride itself was only 5 minutes. This is the true meaning of "one hour in line, five minutes on the ride."

The Five-Color Pond in the Snow: God's Spilled Palette

As soon as we got off the cable car, the scene before me left me stunned — a world of pure white. It turned out that two days before our arrival, Huanglong had experienced a major temperature drop, and the first snowfall had blanketed the entire scenic area in silver. From the cable car's upper station to Huanglong Temple, you can either hike 2 kilometers or take a sightseeing electric cart (tickets need to be reserved in advance). We chose to hike. Along the way, snowflakes began to fall again. Huanglong Temple and the Five-Color Pond were both enveloped in swirling snow. The snowflakes drifted into the travertine pools, melted, and merged into streams that flowed gently downward.

The Five-Color Pond — Huanglong's most iconic attraction. Countless travertine pools stacked layer upon layer, like a palette the mountain god had arranged — emerald green, light blue, golden yellow, all intertwined in breathtaking splendor. We brought a drone, and from a bird's-eye view, the awe was beyond words. Even without a drone, it's fine — the scenic area has observation platforms at various heights around the Five-Color Pond. Looking down from above, you can still feel nature's incredible craftsmanship.

Even more surprising: around 1 p.m., the snow stopped, and the sky suddenly cleared. Sunlight bathed the Five-Color Pond. The emerald green and light blue reflected off each other, the colors instantly brightened — it was so beautiful it took your breath away.

Visual Fatigue on the Way Down

After admiring the Five-Color Pond, we followed the sightseeing walkway down step by step, passing Mirror Moon Pond, Dragon's Back Golden Flow Waterfall, Contending Beauty Pond, Golden Sand Spreads the Ground, Bright Mirror Reflecting Pond, Bathing Cave, Bonsai Pond, and Welcome Guest Pond. Each travertine pool was stunningly colorful and had its own character. But after the brilliance of the Five-Color Pond, the later sights inevitably led to some visual fatigue.

By 4:30 p.m., we had finished visiting the entire Huanglong scenic area. We retrieved our luggage and boarded a bus to Jiuzhaigou from the parking lot near the main entrance. Earlier, we'd worried that tickets on the "Jiulvyuexing" app would be sold out and we'd have to carpool or take a Didi. As it turned out, the official parking lot had buses where you could buy tickets on the spot — no need to stress at all.

Huanglong Tips

Luggage Storage: If you choose the "cable car up, walk down" route, make sure to get off the bus at the main entrance and store your luggage at the visitor center. The cable car service center can also store luggage, but after you finish your tour and walk down, having to retrieve your luggage and then catch a bus is a real pain.
Cable Car Queues: If you're willing to wait patiently in the corridor line, you can go directly to the cable car's lower station and board — this can save you about 30 minutes. Those in the know, know.
Sightseeing Electric Cart: Highly recommended. From the cable car's upper station to Huanglong Temple and the Five-Color Pond, it's about a 3-kilometer walk. The electric cart can save you 2 kilometers, significantly conserving your energy.
Altitude Sickness: Huanglong is over 3,000 meters above sea level, and the Five-Color Pond is around 3,600 meters. If it's your first time at high altitude, avoid strenuous activity. We'd traveled through even higher altitudes in western Sichuan last year, so we had no reaction this time. But if you're not in great physical condition, it's best to prepare in advance.
Visit Duration: The "cable car up, walk down" route takes about 4–5 hours. If you're short on time, you can choose "cable car both ways," but you must get electric cart tickets — otherwise, the 2-kilometer return walk will also be exhausting.
Must-See Recommendation: The Five-Color Pond is the soul of Huanglong. If you're pressed for time, or if you've already visited Jiuzhaigou first, you can just see the Five-Color Pond. Choose "cable car both ways," and it's more convenient to store your luggage at the cable car service center.

Part 2: Jiuzhaigou — A One-Day Blitz of Autumn's Final Glory

Arrival and Preparation

After finishing Huanglong, we arrived at Jiuzhaigou around 6 p.m. and checked into a hotel near the scenic area entrance. The next morning, we woke up at 6 a.m., had a quick breakfast, and headed to the Jiuzhaigou visitor center by 7 a.m. The gates opened at 7:30 a.m., and we were among the first to enter.

The Shuttle Bus Strategy: Go Straight to the Top

Jiuzhaigou's shuttle bus system is well-organized. Buses depart from the visitor center and head straight to the highest point — the Primeval Forest (or Arrow Bamboo Lake, depending on the route). We chose the "Primeval Forest" route and got off at the final stop. From there, we worked our way down, stopping at each scenic spot.

Must-See Spots in Jiuzhaigou

1. Primeval Forest
At over 3,000 meters, the Primeval Forest is a sea of green — towering fir trees, moss-covered rocks, and a crisp, clean air that feels like a natural oxygen bar. We spent about 30 minutes here before moving on.

2. Arrow Bamboo Lake
This is where the magic begins. The lake's water is a stunning turquoise, surrounded by bamboo groves. The reflection of the autumn leaves on the water's surface is simply mesmerizing.

3. Panda Lake
Named after the pandas that once visited to drink, Panda Lake is a large, emerald-green body of water. The waterfall at its outlet is a must-see — the roar of the water and the mist create a surreal atmosphere.

4. Five Flower Lake
Often called the "pearl of Jiuzhaigou," Five Flower Lake is a kaleidoscope of colors — blue, green, yellow, and orange all blend together. The underwater logs and plants add to its ethereal beauty.

5. Pearl Shoal Waterfall
This is one of the most famous waterfalls in Jiuzhaigou. The water cascades down a wide, terraced slope, creating a curtain of mist that sparkles in the sunlight. We spent a good 20 minutes here, just watching and photographing.

6. Mirror Lake
As the name suggests, Mirror Lake is perfectly still, reflecting the surrounding mountains and trees like a mirror. It's best visited early in the morning before the wind picks up.

7. Nuorilang Waterfall
China's widest waterfall, Nuorilang is a breathtaking sight. The water thunders down a 270-meter-wide cliff, creating a roar that echoes through the valley. We took the boardwalk to get a closer look — the spray was refreshing.

8. Long Lake
The highest lake in Jiuzhaigou, Long Lake is a deep blue, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The shuttle bus takes you directly here, and the view is worth the ride.

9. Five-Color Pond (Jiuzhaigou)
Don't confuse this with Huanglong's Five-Color Pond. Jiuzhaigou's version is smaller but equally stunning — a small, deep-blue pool with incredible clarity.

The Commando Strategy: Maximize Your Time

We followed a strict schedule: 15–20 minutes at each stop, with longer breaks at the major spots like Five Flower Lake and Pearl Shoal Waterfall. By 4 p.m., we had visited all the major attractions and were back at the visitor center. Total time: 9 hours, covering over 20 kilometers on foot.

Jiuzhaigou Tips

Shuttle Bus Strategy: Take the bus to the highest point first, then work your way down. This saves energy and avoids crowds.
Footwear: Wear comfortable walking shoes. You'll be on your feet all day.
Food: Bring snacks and water. The food inside the park is expensive and not great.
Weather: Check the forecast. Jiuzhaigou can be rainy even in autumn. A rain jacket is essential.
Photography: The best light is in the morning and late afternoon. Plan your stops accordingly.

Part 3: The Return Journey — Rest and Recovery

Back to Chengdu

On the third day, we took the high-speed rail back to Chengdu. This time, we had seats — a small victory. We spent the day resting, eating hotpot, and visiting a few local attractions like Kuanzhai Alley and Jinli Ancient Street.

Flight Back to Shenzhen

On the fourth day, we flew back to Shenzhen. The trip was exhausting but incredibly rewarding. We had seen autumn and winter in one go — a true "buy autumn, get winter free" experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is it possible to visit both Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou in two days?

Yes, but it requires careful planning. We did it with a "commando" approach — up early, moving fast, and maximizing every minute. If you're not used to intense travel, consider adding an extra day.

2. What is the best time to visit Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou?

Autumn (October) is the peak season for autumn foliage. Winter (December–February) offers snow-covered landscapes. We visited in late October and got both — autumn colors and early winter snow.

3. How do I get from Chengdu to Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou?

The high-speed rail from Chengdu East Station to Huanglong Jiuzhai Station is the fastest option (about 2 hours). From there, take the official bus to the scenic areas. Alternatively, you can fly to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport, but flights are less frequent.

4. What should I pack for a trip to Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou?

Warm clothing (temperatures can drop below freezing)
Comfortable walking shoes
Rain jacket
Sunscreen and sunglasses (high altitude = strong UV)
Snacks and water
Power bank (you'll be taking lots of photos)
Lumbar support belt (if you have back issues like me)

5. Is altitude sickness a concern?

Yes, especially at Huanglong (over 3,000 meters). If you're not used to high altitudes, take it easy. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and consider bringing altitude sickness medication. We had no issues because we had previously traveled to higher elevations in western Sichuan.

Internal Linking Suggestions

[Link: How to Plan a Sichuan Road Trip]
[Link: Best Autumn Destinations in China]
[Link: High-Speed Rail Travel Guide for Sichuan]
[Link: Altitude Sickness Prevention Tips]
[Link: Photography Tips for Jiuzhaigou]

Final Thoughts: Was It Worth It?

Absolutely. Despite the back pain, the standing tickets, the long queues, and the exhaustion, this trip was unforgettable. We saw Huanglong's Five-Color Pond under a blanket of snow — a sight few get to experience. We witnessed Jiuzhaigou's autumn glory in full display. And we did it all on a budget of 2,000 RMB per person.

If you're considering a similar trip, my advice is simple: just go. The planning, the stress, the discomfort — it all fades away when you're standing in front of nature's masterpiece. And if you have a partner to share it with, even better.

So pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou are waiting for you.

Call to Action:
Ready to plan your own extreme commando trip to Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou? [Link: Book your high-speed rail tickets now] and [Link: Reserve your hotel near the scenic area]. Don't forget to [Link: Check the weather forecast] and [Link: Download our packing checklist]. Your autumn-winter adventure starts here!