Start with time in Chengdu
Start by choosing what you want from Chengdu: time for food, neighbourhoods, museums or a particular visit. As an editorial starting point, give the city three full days if you prefer a balanced stay. Arrival and departure time are additional.
A wider Sichuan trip is another decision. Pick the regional experience first, then check how many nights and travel stages it needs. A long list of places does not show the time between them.
Choose one main extension
Compare the experience you would most like to add, rather than fitting every famous name into one route. For Jiuzhaigou, the lakes, waterfalls and visitor routes form a separate chapter beyond Chengdu. Plan the journey there, the local stay and the return or onward connection together.
The park's transport and visitor arrangements should be checked against the actual dates. A train station or airport connection still leaves the journey to your hotel and the park entrance to organise.
Discuss walking and access
Tell the adviser about stairs, long walking days and how much time you want outdoors. Ask for the proposed visitor route and the transport within any scenic area, as well as the journey to it. If you prefer gentler days, compare a different extension or a longer city stay.
Use hotel moves carefully
Keep a city base for the visits around Chengdu. For an extension, compare staying near the chosen regional visits with returning to the city after every outing. Ask for the actual properties, room types, meal arrangements and luggage plan before agreeing the nights.
Make time for local life
Meals and time in a neighbourhood are part of the trip. Share food interests, dietary needs and how adventurous you would like to be. Decide which visits can be removed if the day becomes too full.
Consider a Chongqing stay
A Chongqing city stay can offer a different urban chapter. Compare it with keeping more time in Sichuan, including the journey and another change of hotel. Begin with the Sichuan destination overview and describe the experiences that matter most; the route and services are agreed in your tailored proposal.