My Experience of a Self-Drive Tour Around the Northwest of Sichuan in Late July: Itinerary, Scenic Spots, Accommodation, and Dining Tips
Itinerary:
Total trip duration: 5 days.
Route: Chengdu → Songpan → Muni Gou → Jiuzhaigou → Ruoergai → Tangke → Hongyuan → Chengdu.
Daily highlights: Day 1 exploring the ancient city of Songpan; Day 2 visiting Muni Gou, including Er Dao Hai and Zha Ga Waterfall; Day 3 full-day tour of Jiuzhaigou; Day 4 heading to the Ruoergai Grasslands to enjoy the sunset at the First Bend of the Yellow River; Day 5 sampling local cuisine in Hongyuan on the way back.
Scenic Spots Experience:
Songpan Ancient City: Not too commercialized, with a strong local vibe and delicious Muslim cuisine.
Muni Gou: Known as the "Little Jiuzhaigou," it's less crowded but some spots were dry due to the low water season.
Jiuzhaigou: The three valleys each have their unique charm. Recommended visiting order is Ri Ze Gou → Ze Cha Wa Gou → Shu Zheng Gou. Pearl Beach is a filming location for "Journey to the West," and the Five-Flower Lake is a must-visit spot.
Ruoergai Grasslands and the First Bend of the Yellow River: Due to bad weather, we didn't enter the scenic area but took photos at a roadside viewing platform.
Accommodation Recommendations:
Songpan: Yi Duo Hotel, conveniently located in the ancient city with easy parking and reasonable prices.
Jiuzhaigou: He Ye Welcome Hotel, just a 5-minute walk from the scenic area.
Ruoergai Tangke: Sheng Di Hotel, but the accommodation conditions were poor with moldy walls and a strong odor. It's advisable to stay in Hongyuan town if possible.
Dining Recommendations:
Songpan: Pickled Chinese cabbage dumplings in the Muslim street.
Jiuzhaigou: He Ye Welcome Hotel's restaurant offers affordable home-style dishes like stir-fried vegetables, tomato and eggs, and eggplant with fish flavor.
Hongyuan: A must-try is the "One Cup of Yak Meat and Mushroom Soup," with incredibly fresh mushrooms and tender beef, a group meal deal for 136 yuan for two.
Costs:
Per person cost: 1000 yuan.
Muni Gou entrance fee: 70 yuan for a single spot, 100 yuan for a combo ticket.
Dining inside Jiuzhaigou: 25 yuan per box lunch at Luoshi Lang Visitor Center, 68 yuan for three home-style dishes at the hotel restaurant.
Travel Tips:
Get to the park early: Jiuzhaigou is crowded, so it's best to arrive before 7:30 am to avoid the peak crowd.
Weather considerations: Be aware of weather changes as it can affect the view and photo opportunities.
Accommodation choices: Avoid places with strong odors and moldy walls; opt for better-quality hotels.
Reflections:
The emotional journey of the self-drive tour: Cloudy, overcast, downpour, and blue skies mirrored the emotional journey of our trip.
Anticipation for the next trip: Finally seeing blue skies on the way back, looking forward to clear skies on the next adventure.
Overall, my self-drive tour experience around the northwest of Sichuan in late July, including itinerary, scenic spots, accommodation, and dining tips, offers valuable insights for fellow travelers.
