China's Mountain Secrets: Zhangjiajie & Jiuzhaigou in 7 Days

Fly into Zhangjiajie Hehua airport for Wulingyuan, then use the park's shuttle buses between viewpoints. For Jiuzhaigou, fly to Jiuzhaigou Huanglong airport via Chengdu, then take a bus or car to Zhangzha town. Both parks sell dated entry tickets online; check shuttle and cable-car tickets separately, as they are not always included.

Jiuzhaigou valley sits around 2,000 to 3,100 metres, high enough to notice but rarely severe. Take the first day gently, drink water and avoid rushing up stairs. The bigger altitude concern is the flight into Huanglong airport, which is higher than the valley, so plan a slow arrival and watch for headache or breathlessness.

Expect roughly $820-1,200 (about €720-1,040) per person excluding international flights. That covers mid-range hotels, park entry, internal shuttles and the flight between Zhangjiajie and Chengdu. Add cable cars, the Jiuzhaigou shuttle and meals. Book the internal flight early, as seats on the Chengdu route are limited.