In the summer of 2022, a family of four from the United States – father David, mother Kate, and their two children, 12-year-old Amy and 8-year-old Jack – embarked on an exciting journey of discovery to western Sichuan, China. They had long heard about the beauty of Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong Scenic Area, and Ruoergai Prairie, but this time they finally had the chance to experience this distant and mysterious land in the East for themselves.
Preparing for the trip
David and his family made a lot of preparations for the trip. They studied the route, checked the weather, and prepared Chinese learning cards for the children, hoping to add some cultural learning fun to the trip. David is a photographer, and he brought all the professional equipment for this trip, hoping to capture the most stunning moments.
First Impressions of Xi'an
The first stop on the trip was the ancient capital of Xi'an. David and his family arrived in the evening and stayed at a hotel near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The hotel is only a three-star hotel, but the value for money is superb, and downstairs is the fountain of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the night view of the Great Tang Nocturnal City. David and Kate took the kids for a stroll through the illuminated Night City, taking in the city's ancient and modern intertwined charm. Amy and Jack were so curious about everything that they were excited to pose for photos in their rented Chinese costumes.
The next day, David's family traveled to the Xi'an City Walls, where they marveled at the majestic walls. Afterwards, they went to Hui Min Street to taste a variety of authentic food, such as mutton buns, old yogurt and fried yogurt, which satisfied their taste buds. Of course, the Terracotta Warriors and Horses was a must-see attraction, where David not only took many precious photos, but also explained the glorious history of this ancient empire to the children.
Running to Jiuzhaigou
Due to the epidemic in Chengdu, David and his family temporarily changed their route and decided to head to Longnan for a night's rest before heading to Jiuzhaigou. The natural scenery of Longnan was equally mesmerizing, and they took a walk along the mountain paths near their hotel, feeling the serenity and harmony of nature.
Finally, on the third day, David and his family set foot on the provincial highway to Jiuzhaigou. The winding mountain road was a bit bumpy, but the beautiful scenery along the way made the journey worthwhile. They arrived at the Jiuzhaigou scenic area in the afternoon and checked into a cozy and comfortable hotel. After a short rest, they couldn't wait to go to the Jiuzhaigou Ancient Scenario Area, where they watched a wonderful show and experienced the rich Tibetan culture.
Journey to Jiuzhaigou's Wonderland
The beauty of Jiuzhaigou mesmerized David's family. They chose to start their tour at the outermost Shuzheng Gorge, avoiding the hordes of tour groups. The gurgling water and lush greenery of Shuzheng Gou made them feel as if they were in a fairy tale world. Afterwards, they went to the direction of Changhai and visited the Colorful Pools, the colorful lakes were as bright as jewels. Finally, they went to the primitive forest, where the air was fresh and pleasant, as if it were a natural oxygen bar. Amy and Jack ran and played here to their heart's content, enjoying the gifts of nature.
Huanglong and Ruoergai
After leaving Jiuzhaigou, David's family drove to Huanglong scenic spot. The colorful pools, snow-capped mountains, canyons, forests and other natural landscapes here made them linger. They strolled in the Huanglong ditch, admiring the calcium carbonate deposits arranged like terraces and feeling the nature's ingenious work.
Afterwards, they came to the Ruoergai Prairie. Here the blue sky and white clouds, cattle and sheep, let them feel the vastness and beauty of the grassland. Amy and Jack saw groundhogs for the first time here, and they were excited to take pictures with these little guys. At night, they stayed in a small cottage on the grassland. Although the conditions were simple, the experience of watching the Milky Way under the starry sky was unforgettable.
The Shock of Hukou Falls and the Journey Home
After a day in Ruoergai Prairie, David and his family drove to Hukou Falls. The majestic Yellow River Falls here made them feel the majestic power of nature. They stood on the viewing platform and watched the rushing and roaring of the waterfalls from a close distance, their hearts filled with awe and moved.
On the last day of the trip, David's family set off for home. They looked back on the trip with gratitude and satisfaction. The exploration of Western China had not only given them a glimpse of the natural beauty and cultural flavors of the Orient, but had also brought them closer together as a family. They look forward to their next adventure soon.
