If you are planning to visit Sichuan in China, you are going to want to check out Jiuzhaigou, one of China's most breathtaking natural reserves, famous for its crystal-clear turquoise lakes, multi-tiered waterfalls, and dramatic snow-capped peaks.
With all its natural beauty comes an overwhelming number of visitors every single day. The park has a daily limit of around 41,000 people during peak season, and visiting requires careful planning as many transportation options get booked out days in advance. That’s why I put together this travel guide, to help you book everything beforehand and get to Jiuzhaigou comfortably and without any hiccups, which are likely to happen if you don’t plan well.
Within this travel guide, I will provide you with all the information you need to help you get from Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan, to Jiuzhaigou based on my experience traveling the route while backpacking around China for a month. Without further ado, here are ways you can get from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou.
Ways to Get from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou
By High-Speed Train
One of the most popular ways to get to Jiuzhaigou is to take a high-speed train from Chengdu. You can take a train from Chengdu East Railway Station to Huanglong–Jiuzhai Railway Station, which takes about two hours. Be sure to book your train tickets together with your Jiuzhaigou entrance ticket at least three days in advance, as both sell out very quickly. You do not want to secure your park ticket but then find that the trains are fully booked, leaving you without a way to get there and back.
Once you arrive at Huanglong–Jiuzhai Railway Station, you can walk to the parking lot on the right-hand side from the exit where there will be bus drivers asking you where you want to go. Tell them you want to go to Jiuzhaigou, and they will direct you to the right bus. The bus should take about 2 hours and cost 51 CNY. You can buy it from the bus driver.
You will be dropped off at a bus stop located right next to the entrance of Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area. Most of the hotels I recommend are in this area as well, so you can check in first and it is only a few minutes’ walk to the park entrance.
Most people visit Jiuzhaigou together with Huanglong, usually spending one night in Jiuzhaigou since the two are not far apart. You can explore Jiuzhaigou on the first day and Huanglong the next, or the other way around. If you plan to start with Jiuzhaigou, I recommend taking the earliest train from Chengdu at 6:15 AM so that you arrive by 10:15 AM and have a full day to explore the park.
I took the 8:35 AM train because the 6:15 AM one was fully booked for that week. I arrived at 12:35 PM and only had half a day to explore. Although it was enough to see the highlights, it felt a bit rushed for my liking. Do not make the same mistake I did and make sure to book the 6:15 AM train at least three to four days in advance.
By Bus
Before the high-speed train, you used to have to take the grueling 8 - 10 hour bus ride from Chengdu to visit Jiuzhaigou. Well, you can still do it today if you are looking to save a bit of money and have time to spare. The buses depart from Xinnanmen Bus Station or Chadianzi Bus Station and take around 8 to 10 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Make sure when you buy your ticket that the bus goes all the way to Jiuzhaigou Valley, not just to Jiuzhaigou County, which is further away. I wouldn't recommend it personally, but at least you know you have the option.
By Bus from Huanglong
If you decide to explore Huanglong on the first day and want to get to Jiuzhaigou from there, you can book a shuttle service here. It costs around 11 USD per person one-way, with departures from 7 AM to 1 PM almost every hour. Once you book, the travel agency will send you the exact pickup location and vehicle license plate via WeChat, so keep an eye out for the message.
Getting from Jiuzhaigou back to Huanglong-Jiuzhai Railway Station
To get from Jiuzhaigou back to Huanglong-Jiuzhai Railway Station, you can also go with the same shuttle service, which you can book here. Make sure you pick the right option!
Things to Know Before Traveling to Jiuzhaigou
- Book Everything 3 Days in Advance: Tickets sell out fast, including trains to and from Huanglong–Jiuzhai Station, so make sure you book everything at least three days ahead. Ideally, book your train tickets together with your Jiuzhaigou entry ticket to guarantee you have transportation both ways.
- Take the Earliest Train from Chengdu: If you want to maximize your time in Jiuzhaigou, I recommend catching the 6:15 AM train from Chengdu. It arrives around 10:15 AM, giving you roughly six hours to explore the park.
- Accommodation outside the park: Overnight stays inside the park are not allowed. Lodging is typically in a nearby town (usually near the park entrance). Hotels range from budget to higher-end. You can stay here overnight and visit Huanglong the next day before heading back to Chengdu in the evening.
- Dress & packing: Temperatures and weather change quickly. Layers are a must (base + mid + outer waterproof/windproof jacket). Good walking shoes or hiking boots (with grip) are advised, plus rain-protection, a sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Valid passport / ID for entry: For foreigners, passport details used to book tickets must match the actual passport, or you may be denied entry. You will need to scan your passport to get in.
My Experiences Getting From Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou
Getting from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou
My experience was smooth overall, but not without a scare. I assumed I could book certain things, like the train to and from Jiuzhaigou, just one day in advance. By the time I tried to book, the 6:15 AM departure I wanted was already fully booked, so I had to settle for the 8:35 AM train instead, which significantly reduced the amount of time I had in the park.
The train was packed, and many passengers who weren’t quick enough to book a seat ended up standing for more than two hours, something I definitely don’t envy. This is why I highly recommend booking everything in advance, so you don’t have to deal with situations like this.
I arrived at Huanglong-Jiuzhai Railway Station at 10:35 AM, and the number of people getting off the train was overwhelming. It was so crowded that lines were already forming the moment we stepped off the train, and I hadn’t even set foot off the platform yet.
I followed the crowd toward the exit, and once outside, I turned right toward the bus parking lot. I asked a random person there which bus went to Jiuzhaigou, and he pointed me in the right direction. The bus fills up quickly, and once it’s full, the driver comes around to collect payment, either through an app or via WeChat.
The fare was 51 CNY per person, and the ride took about two hours before arriving at this bus stop, right next to the Jiuzhaigou entrance. By the time I arrived, it was already 12:35 PM, so I went straight to Jiuzhaigou and spent the next 4-5 hours exploring the park. If you take the 6:15 AM train, you will have 6-7 hours, which is ideal, so you do not have to rush as I did.
Getting From Jiuzhaigou to Huanglong
The night before, I booked a shuttle service (the one listed under “Jiuzhaigou –Huanglong Attraction Shared Transfer”) for 8 USD. Around 9 PM, they sent me the pickup time, location, and the bus license plate. The next morning, I woke up early, headed to the pickup point at Moon Bay Parking Lot, and caught the 7 AM bus to Huanglong.
After about three hours, I arrived in Huanglong at around 9:30 AM. I headed straight into the scenic area, hiked up, and spent roughly five hours exploring its beautiful travertine landscapes. By the time I was done, it was already 3 PM, and since my train back to Chengdu was booked for 6:30 PM, I had plenty of time to spare. If you’re unsure how long you’ll spend in Huanglong, booking a train around 6:30 PM is a safe choice.
Getting From Huanglong to Huanglong-Jiuzhai Railway Station and Back to Chengdu
Around 4 PM, I decided to start heading to Huanglong-Jiuzhai Railway Station, which is about 30 minutes away. I walked around the square in front of the Huanglong entrance and approached a few taxi drivers, using Google Translate to ask if there was any carpool heading to the station. Luckily, one was just about to leave. The fare was 30 CNY per person, and I arrived at the railway station at 4:45 PM with plenty of time to relax before my train.
At 6:30 PM, I boarded the train, and once again, it was jam-packed with people all the way to Chengdu. Many passengers without seats were sitting on the floor, and I really felt for them. After two days of hiking 4–5 hours a day, having a proper seat for the two-hour ride back is essential. So don’t risk it, and start booking everything at least three days in advance.
Fun fact: I almost had to stand on this train because I waited until two days before to book, and only standing tickets were left. Thankfully, the Trip app has a waitlist feature you can join in case someone cancels. By that evening, someone did, and I secured a seat thanks to the app. This is why I recommend booking everything through the Trip app. Their cancellation policy is great and makes the whole process much more convenient!
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