Spend the morning watching pandas in a naturalistic setting; the base opens early (usually around 7:30am) and is best visited in the morning when pandas are active.
Transfer back to Chengdu (train or car), then fly or take a long-distance bus to Jiuzhaigou—flights from Chengdu take about 1 hour; overall travel can take most of the day.
Spend the day visiting turquoise lakes, multi-tiered waterfalls, and colorful forests in this UNESCO World Heritage site; park hours typically 7:00am–6:00pm—arrive early to avoid crowds.
Explore the atmospheric riverside complex with traditional stilted buildings, cafes, and souvenir shops—open daily into the evening and ideal for last-minute shopping and photos.