6-Day Essential Chengdu and In-Depth Jiuzhaigou Tour

Six days combining Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou was the perfect blend. The Chengdu Panda Base in the early morning, watching the giant pandas tumble and munch bamboo, was the highlight for our daughter. Then Jiuzhaigou's impossibly turquoise lakes and tiered waterfalls, like nature turned up the saturation. Private and family-friendly throughout.

Jiuzhaigou in autumn is otherworldly, the colourful lakes ringed by red and gold forests look painted. The Five Flower Lake and the Nuorilang waterfalls were jaw-dropping. We also loved the pandas in Chengdu and a side trip to see the Leshan Giant Buddha. Six days gave the in-depth Jiuzhaigou time the name promises.

The in-depth Jiuzhaigou part really was in-depth, two full days to wander the valley's boardwalks past the multi-coloured lakes and waterfalls without rushing. Chengdu before it was a great intro, the pandas of course, plus teahouses and Sichuan food. Long drive up to Jiuzhaigou but the private car made it comfortable.

We travelled with grandparents and kids and the pace suited everyone. The giant pandas in Chengdu delighted all three generations. Jiuzhaigou's lakes are so vivid they hardly look real, and the park's shuttle buses meant the older folks could manage. Our guide carried snacks and was endlessly patient. Six wonderful days.

A fantastic Sichuan trip, the pandas and Jiuzhaigou's lakes are both must-sees. Jiuzhaigou is high altitude and busy in peak season, so expect some crowds at the famous lakes even with a private guide. The long transfer day is unavoidable. Still, the colours of those lakes and the panda morning made it all worth it.