Originally Posted by
mnredfox
Hmmm, good questions.
1. I would say depends on what your alternatives are. When you say 1 day, I presume you mean 1 full day AT Jiuzhaigou (i.e. 1 day fly from CTU, 1 day at the part, 1 day to fly back to CTU). Right? Do you enjoy nature (ie similar to Yosemite, Yellowstone, or Grand Canyon in the US? My vote would be yes, Jiuzhaigou was definitely one of the highlights of my China experience. But again it depends on your timing.
Yes - this is what I was thinking - a full day to see the park, staying the night before and after outside the park with whatever extra time the flight schedule provides. I definitely like US parks, and would love to see China's best offerings of the type.
Weighing against Xi'an and Chengdu (i.e. probably have time for 2 of the 3--I realize Xi'an is a bit further than Chengdu, but once you're going to the airport in China, the day is blown, and anything you get back is gravy).