Start of Winter in Sichuan and Chongqing: A Photographic Journey with My Parents

Meta Description: Explore a heartwarming Sichuan Chongqing road trip with parents during Start of Winter. From Jiuzhaigou's autumn colors to Sanxingdui's ancient mysteries, discover travel tips, itinerary, and family bonding moments.

Introduction: A Promise Kept Under November Skies

When the wind howls and the rain pours, there's no better retreat than a dream shared with family. As the cold November wind carried the chill of late autumn, I realized it was time to fulfill a promise. My father had long dreamed of visiting Sichuan and Chongqing, especially the legendary National Highway 318. A three-day road trip through western Hunan during the National Day holiday had left him craving more. When my cousin canceled her end-of-month plans, the opportunity arose for me to take my parents on this unforgettable journey alone.

"Dad, do you still want to go? I'll take you."

"Yes!!!"

That instant, unwavering reply confirmed this trip would become the warmest memory of the 2024 Start of Winter season—a perfect Sichuan Chongqing family adventure that blended natural wonders, cultural heritage, and cherished moments.

Why Visit Sichuan and Chongqing During Start of Winter?

Start of Winter (November 7–21) marks the transition from autumn to winter in the Chinese solar calendar. During this period, Sichuan and Chongqing travel offers unique advantages:

• Fewer crowds compared to Golden Week or peak autumn
• Mild temperatures (5–15°C in most areas) perfect for outdoor exploration
• Stunning autumn foliage lingering in places like Jiuzhaigou
• Lower accommodation prices and easier ticket availability
• Crisp, clear skies ideal for photography

For families traveling with elderly parents, this shoulder season provides comfortable conditions without the summer heat or winter chill extremes.

Getting There: A Green Train Under the Night Sky

The Journey from Huizhou to Chongqing

From Huizhou to Chongqing, I deliberately chose the K1172 express train—a classic green train experience. The beauty lies in its timing: depart at night, arrive in the morning. This saves a night's accommodation and lets parents drift off to sleep on the rocking berths.

On that late autumn evening, the train pulled slowly out of the station. Outside lights gradually faded; inside, carriage noise subsided. I leaned against my bunk, listening to the rhythmic clatter of tracks, thinking: this 754-kilometer journey is only the beginning.

Pro tip for family travel: Night trains are excellent for elderly parents—they rest while traveling, and you save on hotel costs. Book soft sleepers for extra comfort. [Link: Best overnight trains in China for family travel]

Jiuzhaigou: The Most Dazzling Encounter of Late Autumn

Planning the Jiuzhaigou Trip

Jiuzhaigou (Nine Village Valley) had been an uncertain option until the day before departure. When I saw high-speed train tickets were still available, I made up my mind—to fulfill my father's wish.

This was a 1,344-kilometer journey with multiple transfers:

The New High-Speed Rail to Jiuzhaigou

The high-speed rail to Jiuzhaigou only opened in September 2024, and tickets remain extremely hard to obtain. After passing Mianyang South, the train traveled almost entirely through tunnels, weaving through breathtaking mountain ranges. After getting off, we still took a bus (25 yuan per person). Two hours later, under a sky full of stars, we reached our destination.

Important note: Book high-speed rail tickets at least 14 days in advance. The scenic area shuttle bus runs until 8 PM, so plan arrival times accordingly.

Exploring Jiuzhaigou's Autumn Colors

At 6:20 AM, my parents' urging was more punctual than any alarm clock.

We walked 900 meters and swiped ID cards to enter the park at 7:30 sharp. Following the route Rize Valley → Nuorilang Central Station for lunch → Zechawa Valley → Shuzheng Lakes, we walked through it all.

We didn't enter the primeval forest, but our eyes were immediately drawn to distant Xuebaoding (Snow Treasure Peak) —the watershed between the Min River and Fujiang River, and the source of both waterways. Seeing such a snow mountain from within Jiuzhaigou's primeval forest was a luxury in itself.

Must-see spots during Start of Winter:

• Arrow Bamboo Lake – Vibrant turquoise waters framed by golden larch trees
• Panda Lake – Named for pandas that once visited to drink
• Five Flower Lake – Multi-colored waters reflecting autumn foliage
• Mirror Lake – Perfect reflections on calm mornings
• Long Lake – The highest lake in the valley at 3,100 meters
• Five Color Pond – Small but intensely colorful
• Shuzheng Lakes – A series of 18 lakes connected by waterfalls

Late autumn in Jiuzhaigou had given us its most brilliant colors—a photographer's dream during the Sichuan photography tour season.

Chengdu: Huffing and Puffing Our Way to You

Arriving in the City of Comfort

Arriving at Chengdu East Station, we transferred to Metro Line 2 and headed straight for Chunxi Road. We chose this area because it's close to attractions, the nightlife is vibrant, and it's convenient for visiting Sanxingdui.

After a short rest, we started our "strolling mode" in Chengdu—perfect for a family-friendly Sichuan itinerary.

Cultural Highlights in Chengdu

My parents visited Du Fu's Thatched Cottage and Wuhou Shrine, while I took time to wander outside. In the West Sichuan Tea Corridor of Huanhua Stream Park, I discovered a hidden gem teahouse—not the famous He Ming Teahouse (Crane Calling Teahouse) in People's Park, but an old spot deep inside the park where you get unlimited refills for just 20 to 40 yuan.

Sitting on a small bamboo chair, holding a covered teacup, with a gentle breeze rustling overhead—at that moment, comfort was maxed out. This is the essence of Chengdu slow travel.

In the evening, we visited Jinli Ancient Street, still as crowded as ever. Last time I was pushed along by the crowd; this time was slightly better, but the phrase "since we're already here" still forced us to squeeze into the masses.

Pro tip for parents: Visit Jinli before 5 PM to avoid peak crowds. The street is wheelchair accessible but narrow in sections.

Dujiangyan: A Relaxed Little City at the Foot of Snow Mountains

The Ancient Irrigation System

I remembered Dujiangyan from a few lines in my history textbook. Years later, I finally brought my parents here to experience the sentiment of "Seeking the Way at Mount Qingcheng, Worshipping Water at Dujiangyan."

Transportation tips: Chunxi Road Metro Line 2, Exit D → Xipu Station, Exit A1, then transfer to the intercity railway to Lidui Park Station.

A Gentle Route for Elderly Parents

Considering my parents' stamina, we chose a route that didn't enter the main scenic area: Dujiangyan Scenic Area Gate 6 → Exit at Baopingkou South Gate → Nanqiao (South Bridge) → Guanxian Ancient City → Walk along the river for 15 minutes back to Lidui Park Station → Yangtianwo Square.

Even without entering the main area, Dujiangyan can wear your legs out—that's no joke. The ancient irrigation system, built in 256 BC, is still functioning today and offers a fascinating glimpse into Chinese engineering genius.

At Yangtianwo Square, we photographed the giant panda taking a selfie. Walking through Xuanhua Gate felt like stepping into a time machine, landing us in Guanxian Ancient City. This earthquake-rebuilt ancient town left our footprints at the Ming Great Wall, Wenmiao Street (Confucian Temple Street), and Chenghuang Temple (City God Temple).

The Ming Great Wall preserves about a few hundred meters of original site. Standing on it, you can overlook the entire ancient city. Descending from the temple, we strolled to Nanqiao (South Bridge), watching the rushing river below—an inexplicable sense of peace settled over us.

Why Dujiangyan is perfect for family travel: - Flat walking paths suitable for elderly visitors - Rich historical and educational value - Less crowded than Chengdu's main attractions - Beautiful river views and ancient architecture

Sanxingdui: A Gaze Across 1,600 Years

Preparing for the Ancient Shu Kingdom

Before setting out, I crammed my brain with knowledge about Sanxingdui. Seeds planted in advance only bloom when you finally meet them.

From Chunxi Road, we took the scenic area direct bus, boarding at the northwest gate of IFS under the panda statue. For 25 yuan, scanned and paid, 90 minutes straight to the destination. After getting off, we crossed a food street and walked across the road to the visitor center. For 72 yuan per ticket, we rushed in eagerly.

The Mysteries of Sanxingdui

Li Bai once wrote, "The road to Shu is harder than the road to heaven. The kings Cancong and Yufu founded their kingdoms in such ancient times." The ancient Shu Kingdom had finally burst into my world.

Did the ancient Shu Kingdom, existing 3,100 to 4,500 years ago, truly exist?

This was a long-planned meeting. Through the glass, we gazed upon a gaze from thousands of years ago. After 90 years of archaeological excavation, not a single written character has been found. Yet despite this, it still "slept for three thousand years, and woke to astonish the world."

Key artifacts to see:

• The Bronze Standing Figure: 3.96 meters tall, wearing three layers of ornate robes, with hands clasped as if holding something. Could be an ancient tribe leader or a shaman communicating between heaven and earth.
• The Vertical-Eye Mask: 1.38 meters wide, 66 centimeters tall, with cylindrical pupils protruding about 16 centimeters outward, weighing 100 kilograms. Those extremely exaggerated eyes and ears resemble the mythical "Thousand-Li Eyes" and "Shun-Wind Ears."
• The Bronze Mask: With large, Ultraman-like eyes, it's the "face" of Sanxingdui.
• The Shaman Statues: 57 bronze human heads, uniform in size and style, serving as both symbols of deities and representatives of the ruling class.
• The Gold-Masked Envoy: A combination of gold and bronze, representing the highest level of ancient Shu craftsmanship.

Sanxingdui is a must-visit for any Sichuan cultural heritage tour. [Link: Top archaeological sites in China]

Practical Travel Tips for Sichuan and Chongqing with Parents

Best Time to Visit

Start of Winter (November 7–21) offers the perfect balance of good weather, fewer crowds, and stunning autumn colors. For parents, this shoulder season avoids summer heat and winter cold.

Transportation Recommendations

Accommodation Tips

• Chunxi Road area in Chengdu – central location, metro access, vibrant nightlife
• Jiuzhaigou – book near the scenic area entrance for early access
• Chongqing – choose Jiefangbei area for convenient transfers

Health and Comfort for Elderly Travelers

• Pack warm layers – temperatures drop significantly at Jiuzhaigou (0–10°C)
• Bring comfortable walking shoes – many attractions require extensive walking
• Carry snacks and water – food options can be limited in scenic areas
• Plan rest breaks – Dujiangyan and Jiuzhaigou have benches and rest areas
• Consider travel insurance for peace of mind

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is it safe to travel to Sichuan and Chongqing with elderly parents during Start of Winter?

Yes, absolutely. The weather is mild (5–15°C in most areas), crowds are smaller, and transportation is well-developed. Just pack warm layers and comfortable shoes, especially for Jiuzhaigou where temperatures can drop near freezing at higher elevations.

2. How many days do I need for this Sichuan Chongqing itinerary?

A minimum of 7–8 days is recommended: 2 days for Jiuzhaigou (including travel), 2 days for Chengdu, 1 day for Dujiangyan, 1 day for Sanxingdui, plus travel days between cities. For a more relaxed pace with parents, add 1–2 extra days.

3. Are the high-speed trains to Jiuzhaigou accessible for elderly passengers?

Yes, the new high-speed rail (opened September 2024) is modern and accessible. However, tickets sell out quickly—book at least 14 days in advance. After the train, you'll need to take a shuttle bus (25 yuan) for the final 2-hour journey to the scenic area.

4. What should I pack for a Start of Winter trip to Sichuan and Chongqing?

Pack layers: thermal underwear, fleece jackets, waterproof outerwear, comfortable walking shoes, hats, gloves, and scarves. Don't forget sunscreen (UV is strong at high altitudes), lip balm, and a reusable water bottle. For Jiuzhaigou, bring a rain jacket or umbrella.

5. Can I visit Sanxingdui without a tour guide?

Yes, the museum has excellent English signage and audio guides available. However, a guided tour (available at the entrance) provides deeper insights into the mysterious artifacts. The direct bus from Chengdu IFS is convenient and affordable.

Conclusion: A Journey Worth Taking

This Start of Winter journey through Sichuan and Chongqing was more than a vacation—it was a promise fulfilled, a dream realized, and a bond strengthened. From the turquoise lakes of Jiuzhaigou to the ancient mysteries of Sanxingdui, from the tea houses of Chengdu to the river views of Dujiangyan, every moment was a treasure.

My father's unwavering "Yes!!!" echoed through every step of this trip. If you're considering a family adventure, don't wait. Book those tickets, pack those bags, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Ready to plan your own Sichuan Chongqing family adventure? Start by checking train schedules, booking accommodations, and preparing your parents for the journey of a lifetime. The road to Shu may be harder than the road to heaven, but with family by your side, every step is worth it.

Have you traveled to Sichuan or Chongqing with your parents? Share your experiences in the comments below!

[Link: Best family-friendly hotels in Chengdu] [Link: Complete guide to Jiuzhaigou National Park] [Link: How to book high-speed rail tickets in China]