In this vibrant summer, I embarked on the long-awaited graduation trip. Without heavy luggage or the rush of catching a flight, I chose a relaxed and poetic route—traveling by high-speed rail through Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong, and the winding rivers of Aba. This journey not only allowed me to marvel at the craftsmanship of nature but also brought a sense of inner peace and freedom.
Day 1: Zhenjiangguan to Jiuzhaigou
As the first ray of sunlight pierced through the curtains, I knew the trip had subtly begun. Taking the high-speed rail from Zhenjiangguan at 7 a.m., I stood at the gates of Jiuzhaigou three hours later. Since Jiuzhaigou stops selling tickets for entry after 2 p.m., I made sure to seize the time and entered the park smoothly. The clear waters and beautiful mountains of Jiuzhaigou unfolded like a scroll, making it hard to leave. I chose the sightseeing bus to the Primeval Forest, strolling along the forest paths, feeling the breath of nature. In the evening, after checking into a pre-booked guesthouse and taking a brief rest, I took a leisurely walk around the village, experiencing the local customs.
Day 2: A Day Tour in Jiuzhaigou – Chuanzhusi
After enjoying a hearty breakfast at the guesthouse, I stepped back into the fairyland of Jiuzhaigou. This time, I targeted the Rize Valley, appreciating the colorful lakes and waterfalls along the sightseeing bus route. At noon, I had a simple meal at the诺日朗 Center Station; although the taste was not entirely to my liking, the unique scenery more than made up for it. In the afternoon, we gathered to head towards Chuanzhusi, preparing for the Huanglong trip the next day.
Day 3: Chuanzhusi – Huanglong – Waque Talin – Jiuzhi Yellow River
In the morning, bathed in sunlight, I eagerly made my way to Huanglong. Taking the cable car to the upper station, my Huanglong journey began. The beauty of the Five-Color Pool was breathtaking, and the sights along the way, such as the Primeval Forest, the Striving-for-Beauty Pools, and the Penjing Pools, were mesmerizing. At noon, we chose our own dining spots within the Huanglong scenic area, indulging in both food and views. In the afternoon, we drove to Waque Talin, where the continuous prayer flags, despite the quiet dilapidation, held a mysterious allure. In the evening, after checking into a hotel in the Jiuzhi Yellow River scenic area and having dinner, I hiked to the summit to watch the sunset, and at that moment, the whole world seemed to quiet down.
Day 4: Jiuzhi Yellow River – Hongyuan – Maiqun Township's Miles of Rapeseed Fields – Langyi Temple – Aba County
Early in the morning, to not miss the sunrise at the First Bend of the Jiuzhi Yellow River, I climbed to the summit along the plank road. When the first ray of sunlight broke through the clouds and shone on the winding river, the shock and beauty were unforgettable. In the morning, we drove to Aba County, and the grassland scenery along the way was refreshing. By noon, we arrived at Maiqun Township, where vast fields of rapeseed flowers, juxtaposed with red Tibetan-style buildings, painted a beautiful pastoral landscape. In the afternoon, we went to Langyi Temple to watch the sunset, which was equally captivating.
Day 5: Aba County – Geme Temple – Lianbaoyeze
After breakfast, we drove to Geme Temple, which rivalled the Potala Palace and was a real eye-opener. Then we headed to Lianbaoyeze, where the natural scenery was stunning. I headed straight to the 4520-meter-high ground and then to Zhagar Tso, and the beauty along the way was captivating. In the evening, we returned to Aba County, preparing for our journey home the next day.
Day 6: Aba County – Lixian – Chengdu
In the morning, we bid farewell to this beautiful land and drove to Chengdu. By noon, we enjoyed local Qiang cuisine such as preserved pork and wild vegetables in Lixian. Around 5 to 6 p.m., we arrived in Chengdu smoothly. I tasted local foods such as hotpot, Bobo chicken, and Sichuan cuisine in the streets and alleys of Chengdu, drawing a perfect end to this trip.
