Planning to visit Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong, but not sure where to begin? This itinerary is perfect for you. With so many people visiting Jiuzhaigou each day, and due to the daily limit capacity of 41,000 people during peak season, you are going to need to plan your visit carefully and way in advance, and this is what this itinerary is for.
In this guide, I will provide you with all the information you need to plan a perfect trip to Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong, including a 2-day itinerary, how to get to Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong, where best to stay, and much more. So without further ado, here is a complete itinerary to Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong.
- Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong Itinerary Map
- Where to Stay in Jiuzhaigou?
- 2-Day Itinerary for Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong
- Things to Know Before Visiting China
- When to Visit Jiuzhaigou?
- How to Get to Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong?
- How to Get Around Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong?
- How to Avoid Crowds in Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong?
- Opening Hours and Entrance Fee for Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong?
- How Difficult is the Walk in Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong?
- How Much Money Does it Cost to Visit Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong?
- What to Pack for Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong?
- Further Reading for China, Hong Kong, and Macau
Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong Itinerary Map
| ☀️ Day 1: | Exploring Jiuzhaigou |
| ☀️ Day 2: | Hiking Huanglong |
Where to Stay in Jiuzhaigou?
For this itinerary, I recommend staying in Jiuzhaigou, as there are many hotels located right in front of the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area entrance. There are no hotels near Huanglong, and since this itinerary begins in Jiuzhaigou, it’s best to spend the night there. Here are some recommended accommodations in Jiuzhaigou:
2-Day Itinerary for Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong
Day 1: Exploring Jiuzhaigou
This itinerary begins in Chengdu, an excellent base for exploring the remote corners of Sichuan Province. I highly recommend taking the earliest train at 6:15 AM from Chengdu East Railway Station to the Huanglong–Jiuzhai Railway Station, a journey of about 2 hours. Be sure to book your train tickets along with your Jiuzhaigou entrance ticket at least 3 days in advance, as both tend to sell out quickly.
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, which is where we will visit on our first day here, 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’ll arrive at a bus stop right next to the entrance of Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area at around 10:15 AM. Most of the recommended hotels are in this area as well, so you can check in, drop off your backpack, and then walk to the Jiuzhaigou entrance as it is only a few minutes away.
- Jiufeng Holiday Hotel (Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area Visitor Center Branch) (Budget)
- Starry Sky Hotel (Mid-Range) 👍 Top Pick
- Rezen Retreat·Four Seasons Manju Hotel (Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area) (High-End)
You will need your passport to enter the park as your ticket is associated with it. Once you get into the park, you can line up to take the scenic shuttle bus into the park. Jiuzhaigou is laid out in a Y shape with the entrance at the bottom, and when you board the park bus from the entrance, there is an equal chance you might be heading to either the left or right side of the Y.
Either way, the bus will first take you to the central station, and then continue to the end of that branch without any stops. I recommend starting from the right branch over the left because there are more attractions to see there, beginning at the top with Swan Lake.
From here, you can walk along the lake’s edge and enjoy the glistening turquoise water set against lush green and golden trees, with a snow-capped mountain towering above. You can stroll the entire length of the lake before taking another shuttle to Arrow Bamboo Lake, which is next on the route, or continue on a 3 km hike to the Primeval Forest, an ancient woodland, if you have enough time. I did not have time for the hike, so I walked along the shore and then continued on to Arrow Bamboo Lake.
After a short ride from Swan Lake, you will arrive at Arrow Bamboo Lake and its beautiful waterfall. The lake sits at an altitude of about 2,629 m and covers roughly 151,000 m². The lake is relatively shallow (around 5–10 m deep) and is known for its stable water level throughout the year; it doesn’t fully freeze even in winter.
It is a lovely walk that takes you right up to the water of the lake so you can appreciate it closely, but it can get crowded at times, and there is no railing protecting you from falling into the water in case you bump into someone, so be very careful. You can spend about 30 minutes here before.
Panda Lake sits at around 2,587 m elevation and is another mirrored turquoise lake that is reachable on foot from Arrow Bamboo Lake so you do not need to take another bus to get to. You can stroll along its lakeside trail and it should take you all the way to Panda Lake Waterfall, another must-see here.
Next up is Five Flower Lake, the most beautiful multi-colored lake in Jiuzhaigou in my opinion, and definitely the highlight of my trip here. It sits at an altitude of about 2,472 m. The lake is relatively shallow (around 5 m deep) and covers roughly 90,000 m². Its magical, multicolored water comes from a combination of calcium‑carbonate deposits, algae, and submerged water plants.
The trees around the lake are green in summer and golden in autumn, reflecting beautifully in the water and creating a dreamlike scenery that doesn't feel like China at all. It feels more like the Alps in Europe! This is the place that made it all worthwhile for me. The Five Flower Lake is truly breathtaking to see!
From here, instead of taking the shuttle bus to Central Station, you can opt to walk instead so you can actually enjoy Jiuzhaigou and its wonderful nature in peace without having to shove and be shoved by others in crowded places.
The walk from here to Nuorilang Waterfall takes about 30 minutes along an easy and flat boardwalk, and you will get to see some really beautiful foliage along the way. If you have the time, be sure to enjoy this beautiful and peaceful part of the park on foot!
Nuorilang Waterfall is one of Jiuzhaigou’s most iconic sights and also one of the most crowded areas in the park. Located at an elevation of about 2,365 meters, it spans 320 meters in width and plunges roughly 24.5 meters. Its Chinese name comes from Tibetan, meaning “majestic and splendid”, which perfectly describes how I felt when I first saw it in person.
There are viewing platforms on both sides of the waterfall. From these vantage points, you can feel the spray from the falls, hear its thunderous roar, and take in panoramic views of the surrounding forest and cliffs.
After visiting the waterfall, you can take the shuttle bus to Rhinoceros Lake, located at the lower end of the Y. If time allows, you could instead take a shuttle from the Central Station to the other branch of the Y and explore sights like Long Lake and Five-Color Pond. I didn’t have time to visit that branch, so I chose to continue down toward the exit, stopping at Rhinoceros Lake along the way.
If you are looking for a place to stop and take a break, you can get off at Shuzheng Village, a traditional Tibetan-Qiang village with more than 400 local residents. Here, you will see many beautiful buildings highlighting the unique wooden Tibetan architectural style, colorful decorations, and religious touches.
After Shuzheng Village, you can stop by at Reed Lake, a beautiful lake known for its dense beds of reeds that sway gently in the wind. A clear, jade-colored brook, which is often called the “Jade Ribbon”, meanders through the reeds and divides the lake into two halves.
After walking along Reed Lake, you can take the shuttle bus and exit the park, completing your first day of the trip. You can relax, find a nice restaurant for dinner, and call it a night. Before going to bed, make sure to book a shuttle bus from Jiuzhaigou to Huanglong for the next morning, which you can book here under “Jiuzhaigou- Huanglong Attraction Shared Transfer.” It costs around 8 USD per person one way, with departures from 7 AM to 1 PM almost every hour, usually from the Moon Bay Parking Lot.
Day 2: Hiking Huanglong
The next morning, you can wake up and catch the bus you booked the day before to go to Huanglong, where you’ll be spending the second day exploring. The bus usually departs from the Moon Bay Parking Lot at 7 AM, but make sure to double-check your booking. The travel agency should text you the night before after you book your bus ticket.
The transfer should take about 2-3 hours, but before you arrive, you can also book the Huanglong entry ticket online in advance, so you can hit the ground running when you arrive. It should cost around 170 CNY for the hiking ticket. Once you get there, you can just use your passport and begin hiking Huanglong.
Right from the start, after hiking through a thick forested area, you will arrive at the Welcome Pond, a collection of beautiful pools with crystal-clear water located around 3,230 meters above sea level. This gives you a glimpse of the stunning scenery to come as you continue hiking upward. There is plenty more to see along the way!
As you follow the winding boardwalk upward, you will come across the Glowing Waterfall, a stunning cascade where water tumbles down a rocky ledge about 10 meters high and 60 meters wide. It forms dozens of tiered waterfalls that shimmer like silver pearls rolling down, resembling a sparkling curtain of water suspended high above.
The Lotus Terrace Waterfall is another beautiful waterfall you will encounter while hiking up the trail. It is located at around 3,240 to 3,270 meters above sea level, spans 167 meters in length, 19 meters in width, and has a vertical drop of 25 meters.
Located at an altitude of 3,320 meters, you will find Bonsai Pond, another cool spot you can check out while hiking up the Huanglong Scenic Area. The pond embankment follows the contours of the tree roots and the natural terrain, with the embankment connecting seamlessly to the banks and the flowing water, which cascades in layered terraces.
Next, you will find the Mirror Reflection Pool, a smooth and beautiful pool located around 3,400 meters above sea level. The water is so calm and still that it earned the name Mirror Reflection Pool, and you will find a collection of over 180 pools in this area.
There is a pavilion that extends over the travertine, where you can rest from the hike and enjoy the stunning Mirror Pools. The water reflects the snowy forest and mountain peaks behind, creating a perfectly symmetrical image, which makes for excellent photo opportunities.
Zhengyan Pool
As you continue up the mountain, you will come across the Zhengyan Pools, a collection of over 658 colorful pools situated at an altitude of 3,454 meters. It is the second-largest pool cluster in Huanglong Valley and one of my favorites, with its stunning orange-colored travertine contrasting perfectly against the snowy forest and mountains in the background.
After about two hours of hiking, you should arrive at the Middle Temple, an inaccessible temple that also serves as a rest stop. You can take a break here, as there are many seating areas and a few shops selling snacks to keep you going. Since it is so close to Huanglong Temple, the next stop, I suggest you push through this rest stop and rest at Huanglong Temple for a better view of the place.
From Middle Temple, you can continue for another 15 minutes to reach the Huanglong Temple, a larger rest stop located just before the Five Colored Pool. It offers a much better view of the surrounding mountains compared to Middle Temple.
Unlike the Middle Temple, you can actually go inside it and see its beautiful courtyard and Buddha images and statues. It is not often that you see a Chinese temple being surrounded by a snowy landscape, so be sure to spend some time and explore the temple.
From the temple, it is only a few minutes' walk to the Five-Colored Pond, arguably the most beautiful attraction in Huanglong Scenic Park. The pool sits high in the valley at about 3,576 meters above sea level and is considered the largest and highest outdoor travertine pond cluster in the world. It is also one of the most surreal sights in China, a place that made me wonder, "How is this even real?"
The visual effect of all these pools together is truly surreal. As you follow the boardwalk, it winds up the mountainside with several observation decks, allowing you to view the ponds from above. From this perspective, they resemble a field of jade or gemstones scattered across the mountainside.
Consider spending at least an hour at the site and walking along the boardwalks, viewing from different angles to really appreciate how the colors shift and glow under varying light conditions.
After you are done, you can either hike back the same way, which should take about two hours, or take the electric shuttle near Huanglong Temple to the Upper Cable Car Station. From there, you can buy a ticket and ride the cable car down. The ride should take no more than 30 minutes, which is very convenient and saves time, giving you plenty of time to catch the carpool taxi to the railway station.
Once you exit the park, you can relax for a bit, find something to eat, rest up, and then go around the area to find a carpool taxi to take you to the Huanglong-Jiuzhai Railway Station so you can head back to Chengdu in the evening. The carpool taxi should cost around 30 CNY per person and it will take you around 30 minutes to get from Huanglong to the railway station.
For this itinerary, I recommend booking your return train for around 6 PM on the second day, just in case you want to spend more time in Huanglong. I arrived in Huanglong and began hiking around 10 AM, and I finished everything and got back down by 2:30 PM, with plenty of time to relax before my 6 PM train.
Keep in mind that this train also sells out quickly, so be sure to book it at least three days in advance, ideally together with your outbound train and Jiuzhaigou ticket, unless you want to be standing on a two-hour train after two full days of hiking. You should be back in Chengdu by 8 - 9 PM. Congratulations, you've completed this 2-day itinerary, hopefully full of great memories and wonderful pictures! 😁
Things to Know Before Visiting China
- Always Carry Your Passport: Everything revolves around your passport/ID in China, and it’s often used interchangeably as your main form of identification. Many major tourist attractions require you to show your passport when buying a ticket, and the ticket will then be linked to it. You’ll scan your passport again to enter. The same applies to high-speed trains. It’s best to carry your passport with you at all times while traveling in China.
- Get an eSIM: China’s cashless economy relies on constant internet access, so having a data connection is essential. I highly recommend getting an eSIM or a local SIM card for your trip. An eSIM is often better because the service is usually based in Hong Kong, which bypasses China’s Great Firewall, meaning you can access apps like Instagram and YouTube without a VPN. I suggest checking eSIM options on Klook or Trip.com, as they tend to be the most affordable.
- Use AMap to Navigate: Google Maps doesn’t work well in China, so local apps like AMap are much more informative and accurate for getting around. It even provides metro information, making it easy to navigate city subway systems. I used AMap throughout my entire trip, and it worked perfectly! In this guide, I’ll be linking locations with AMap links instead of Google Maps, so be sure to download it before your trip.
- Use LetsVPN to Bypass the Great Firewall: As you may know, many major websites such as Google, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and more are blocked in China. To access them, you’ll need a VPN like LetsVPN installed on both your phone and laptop before you arrive in China. This is crucial as once you're in the country, you won’t be able to search for or download VPN apps. I used LetsVPN during my trip, and it worked very well throughout. The service is affordable too, with a free tier offering limited data or a basic unlimited plan for just 5.99 USD per month.
- Connect Alipay with Your Credit Card: First, download Alipay from the app store, set up your account, and link it to your credit card. This will be one of the two main ways you’ll pay for services in China. Alipay also has mini-apps built in, such as Didi (China’s version of Uber), so you don’t need to download separate apps, and you can use them directly through Alipay. Very convenient!
- Get a Transport Card Working in Alipay: Once you have Alipay set up, you’ll need to verify your account before you can activate a transport card for metro and bus rides. First, if you’re not currently in the city you want to use, tap the city name in the top-left corner and select the correct city. After that, tap the “Transport” button and request a transport card. You’ll be asked to upload a photo of your passport for verification. Once approved, your transport card will be issued, and you can use the QR code to scan and pay for buses and metro rides.
- Get WeChat Set Up: WeChat is another essential app for communicating with locals, thanks to its built-in translation feature. It’s also widely used for payments as Alipay only works about 70% of the time, while WeChat is commonly needed for paying individuals, buying entry tickets at certain attractions, and more. Setting up WeChat can be a bit tricky though because you need verification from an existing user. The easiest way is to ask your hotel’s reception to help verify your account when you arrive in China, which is how I got mine activated.
- Use Trip.com / Trip App: For hotels, day trips, attraction tickets, train tickets, flights, and everything in between, you can use Trip.com or the Trip app to book all your travel needs. It’s very convenient, offers a great user experience, and has a generous cancellation policy that gives you more flexibility when traveling in China.
When to Visit Jiuzhaigou?
The best time to visit Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong is generally from mid-September to early November, when the autumn foliage transforms the area into a palette of red, gold, and orange that reflects beautifully in its turquoise lakes and travertines. During this period, the weather is crisp and clear, which makes the colors of the lakes stand out even more, especially with the golden leaves and trees surrounding them.
It is also one of the most crowded times of the year because the scenery is at its absolute best during this season, so be sure to prepare yourself mentally. Not gonna lie, I was there in early November, and the crowds were overwhelming to say the least. It really took the beauty of the place out a bit, to be honest.
Also, with the daily limit of 41,000 people during this period, you not only need to get your park ticket at least three days in advance, but you also have to book the trains to and from Huanglong–Jiuzhaigou Station early, as they sell out very quickly. Do not wait until the last moment to book your train back unless you want to stand for the entire two-hour journey to Chengdu.
For a quieter but still lovely experience, spring (late April–May) is a great option with much of the snow already melted, wildflowers blooming, and visitor numbers remaining relatively low. Summer (June–August) brings lush greenery and powerful waterfalls thanks to seasonal rains, but be prepared for frequent showers as well as typical crowds, although not as much as in autumn.
Avoid visiting during Chinese New Year (variable Jan–Feb) and National Day Golden Week (Oct 1–7) as Jiuzhaigou will get extremely packed during these long holidays. The same goes for most tourist destinations in China. Avoid these periods like the plague!
How to Get to Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong?
Getting from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou: One of the most popular ways to get to Jiuzhaigou is by high-speed train. 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. 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.
Getting Jiuzhaigou to Huanglong: After you are done exploring Jiuzhaigou on the first day, you can book a shuttle service here under "Jiuzhaigou-Huanglong Attraction Shared Transfer" and take it to Huanglong the next morning. It costs around 8 USD per person one-way, with departures from 7 AM to 1 PM almost every hour, usually from Moon Bay Parking Lot.
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. The bus will drop you off at the entrance to the scenic area and you can begin exploring right away.
Getting from Huanglong to Huanglong Jiuzhai Railway Station: To return to Huanglong Jiuzhai Railway Station, you can take the same shuttle service, which you can book here under “Shared transfer shuttle bus at Huanglong Jiuzhaigou Station”. The fare is around 26 CNY, so make sure you select the correct option. You can also take a carpool taxi from the scenic area entrance, where drivers wait to fill up their vehicles. This usually costs about 30 CNY per person.
How to Get Around Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong?
For Jiuzhaigou: Once inside the nature reserve, you can use the scenic buses to get around the park. They are very efficient, run every couple of minutes, and stop at all the designated stops in the park. I arrived at 12 PM and didn't have to wait long to get on one, although I've heard if you are there during the opening hours, it can take quite a while to get on one.
As you can see from the map, Jiuzhaigou is laid out in a Y shape. When you board the park bus from the entrance, there is an equal chance you might be heading to either the left or right side of the Y. Either way, the bus will first take you to the central station, and then continue to the end of that branch without any stops.
Once you reach either end, you can start walking down the Y or hop on the bus one stop at a time as you make your way back to the central station. Some sections are easy to walk, while others are quite long and are best covered by bus. That said, walking does allow you to escape the crowds, so I highly recommend walking at least one section instead of taking the bus to fully appreciate the true beauty of Jiuzhaigou.
Once you arrive at the central station, if you have enough time, you can either explore the other branch or start making your way toward the Jiuzhaigou exit, getting off along the way to visit attractions before leaving the park.
For Huanglong: You have 4 options, you can either hike up and take the cable car down, take the cable car up and hike down, or hike up and down/cable car up and down. Personally, I recommend hiking up and taking the cable car down to avoid the long cable car queue. If you have the time or do not want to wait in line for the cable car, which can have queues of up to 2.5 hours, I highly recommend this over other options.
You will likely arrive at the top around the same time, and you will have already seen all the beautiful sights along the way. You can take the cable car down if you prefer, as there is usually no queue at the top. The trailhead is located here and you can begin hiking immediately after you arrive. It should take about 2.5 hours before you arrive at the Five-Colored Pool.
If you prefer not to hike up, you can take the cable car up almost all the way to the top. From the upper station, it is only a short and mostly flat walk of a few kilometers to reach the Five Colored Pool, the end point of the hike. From there, you can walk back down on foot, which is much easier than climbing up.
The downside is that the cable car has limited capacity, and with the large number of visitors each day, it becomes congested very quickly, even right at opening time. The queue can stretch up to 2.5 hours before you can get on. When I passed the station around 2 PM on my way down, the line was still just as long, if not longer, than it was in the morning. If you are able, do yourself a favor and just hike up. Take it slow, and eventually, you will arrive at the same time as if you were to wait in line!
If you insist on taking the cable car, you can catch the free shuttle bus from this bus stop to the lower station and buy the ticket from there. It should cost about 80 CNY per person going up and 40 CNY per person coming down. From the upper cable car station, you can either walk about 20 minutes or take an e-shuttle for 15 CNY, and it will take you to the trailhead where you can begin the rest of the hike to Five-Colored Pool. After you are done, you can make your way down on foot to see the remaining attractions.
How to Avoid Crowds in Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong?
For Jiuzhaigou: Crowds in Jiuzhaigou are next level, even by Chinese standards. I have never been to a natural place that is this crowded before; it is absolutely mind-boggling to see! And although crowds in Jiuzhaigou are a constant struggle, there are ways you can minimize them and make your trip more enjoyable.
First and foremost, if you can, try to visit outside of peak periods, such as the Chinese Golden Week in early October, when the park is extremely busy, as well as weekends. Spring and winter are generally quieter while still offering beautiful scenery. Arriving early in the morning or exploring in the late afternoon also helps you avoid the busiest hours, as most day-trip groups are not yet in the park or have already left.
Use the shuttle bus strategically by taking it to the end of one branch of the Y-shaped layout and then walking back toward the central station. This allows you to bypass crowded bus sections that most people take from stop to stop all the way through. You can avoid all of that simply by choosing to walk instead of taking the shuttle.
For Huanglong: Crowds in Huanglong are as bad as in Jiuzhaigou, which is already next level, even for China's standards. I have never been to a nature place that is this crowded before; it was absolutely mind-boggling to see! And although crowds in Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou are a constant struggle, there is a way you can minimize them and make your trip more enjoyable.
The one thing that helped me was avoiding the cable car on the way up. Because it has limited capacity and the number of visitors is so high, it becomes congested very quickly, even right at opening time. The queue can stretch up to 2.5 hours before you can board. When I passed the station around 2 PM on my way down, the line was still just as long, if not longer, than it had been in the morning.
If you are able, do yourself a favor and hike up instead. Take it slow and you will likely reach the top around the same time you would have if you had waited in line. Once you are done exploring, you can take the cable car down. It is a bit of an effort, but you will spend more time enjoying the park rather than standing in line for 2 to 3 hours.
Opening Hours and Entrance Fee for Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong?
For Jiuzhaigou: Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area has defined entry times and limits, so you have to plan way in advance. According to the official park announcement, during peak season (April 1 to November 15), you can enter from 7:30 AM until 2:00 PM, and the park closes at 6:00 PM. There is a strict daily limit of 41,000 visitors, so advance booking is required.
Ticket pricing varies between high season and low season. In peak season, the entrance ticket costs 190 CNY, and the mandatory sightseeing shuttle-bus ticket costs 90 CNY, so the total for both comes to 280 CNY per person. During the off-season (November 16 to March 31), the entrance fee is reduced to 80 CNY, and the bus ticket is also 80 CNY, making the total 160 CNY.
Because tickets sell out quickly, especially during peak periods, you must book online at least three to four days in advance. You can book your ticket here. Be sure to calculate your arrival time and choose the correct entry time slot.
For example, although the train from Chengdu takes about two hours, you also need to account for the additional two hours it takes to travel from the railway station to the park entrance. Weekdays are busy, but weekends can be extremely crowded, so avoid visiting on weekends if possible.
For Huanglong: Huanglong usually opens daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM during the main season. During the off-season (winter months), hours may be shorter and parts of the valley are sometimes closed, so it’s a good idea to check ahead if you visit between December and March.
For entrance fees, during the peak season (generally from early April through mid‑November), the admission cost is 170 CNY per person. In the off‑season, the fee drops to 60 CNY per person. If you plan on hiking up, you can book it in advance here, and all you have to do is scan the passport at the gate, and you will be on the trail up Huanglong in no time.
To take the cable car up, you will need to buy a ticket that includes the cable car at its service center. The service center is accessible from the park entrance via a free shuttle bus, which you can catch here. The cable car ride up costs 80 CNY, and the ride down costs 40 CNY, in addition to the standard park entrance fee of 170 CNY. Once you arrive at the upper station, you can either walk about 20 minutes or take a quick electric shuttle service for 15 CNY per person to take you to the trailhead to Five-Colored Pool.
How Difficult is the Walk in Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong?
For Jiuzhaigou: Jiuzhaigou is very easy to walk, with clear designated trails and elevated boardwalks on mostly flat terrain. There are a few stairs here and there, but nothing too challenging, so you will not be breaking a sweat. Although the altitude is 2,500 meters, which is not much, you might still feel mild effects of altitude, so be sure to pace yourself if you are feeling out of breath.
The main challenge, however, is the crowds. You will often find it difficult to walk along the trails because many people stop in the middle to take photos. Just take it slow and power through it, and you should be good.
For Huanglong: If you hike up, the trail is not very steep but it is long, taking almost 2.5 hours from the entrance to the Five Colored Pool one-way without resting, and it includes quite a few stairs. The trail is also located high up, at about 3,100 to 3,600 meters, so you will likely feel the effects of altitude, such as shortness of breath or dizziness. Be sure to pace yourself if you start feeling out of breath.
If you take the cable car, the hike becomes much easier since the steepest sections of the mountainside are already bypassed. From the Upper Cable Car Station, the trail has only a slight incline and is much gentler than the earlier sections. It should take about 30 minutes to reach the Five Colored Pool.
How Much Money Does it Cost to Visit Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong?
From this 2-day itinerary, we can calculate approximately how much money you will be spending here (on average) as follows:
| 🛌 Lodging: | 21 USD |
| 🥘 Food: | 16 USD (8 USD/Day) |
| 🚗 Transportation: | 60.27 USD (30.14 USD/Day) |
| 🧗 Activities: | 71.28 USD (35.64 USD/Day) |
| 💰 Total Budget: | 168.55 USD (84.28 USD/Day) |
What to Pack for Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Jiuzhaigou-Huanglong, China:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Down Jacket: In freezing temperatures, a down jacket is essential. The Columbia Men's Lone Fir Hooded Jacket (for women) is my choice. They are warm, lightweight, and available in various colors.
- Wool Beanie: A wool beanie is perfect for keeping your head and ears warm.
- Wool Gloves: I always have wool gloves handy to keep my hands warm in cold weather.
- Wool Socks: Don't forget to keep your feet warm with wool socks.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for China, Hong Kong, and Macau
Looking for more information about your trip to China, Hong Kong, and Macau? Here is a collection of articles that you might find useful:
- Want to spend 5 days in Hong Kong? Here's a complete itinerary for you: Hong Kong in 5 Days: A Backpacker's Itinerary.
- First time in Hong Kong, but you are not sure where to begin? This is the guide for you: Visiting Hong Kong: 12 Awesome Things to Do & More.
- Macau is often called the Las Vegas of Asia, offering larger-than-life entertainment, a unique blend of Portuguese heritage, and so much more. If you’re planning a visit, be sure to check this out: Discover Macau: 10 Cool Things to Do & More.
- Guangzhou is the fourth-largest city in China and one of the wealthiest, with major trade activities taking place in and around the city for over 2,000 years. With so much history and so many places to explore, you’ll definitely want this comprehensive travel guide: Explore Guangzhou: 12 Incredible Things to Do & More.
- Guilin is, hands down, one of the most beautiful places I’ve seen in China. If you’re planning to visit, here is the comprehensive travel guide I wish I had! Check it out: Visiting Guilin: A Complete Travel Guide
- Looking for a complete itinerary to Guilin? Check out: 5-Day Itinerary in Guilin
- Want to visit Huangguoshu Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Asia? Check out this travel guide: Huangguoshu Waterfall: A Complete Travel Guide
- Visiting Guizhou and want to experience the rich culture of the Miao people? Why not visit Xijiang, the largest and arguably the most beautiful Miao stilted village in the region. Here’s a complete travel guide: Xijiang Village: A Complete Travel Guide
- Dali is one of Yunnan’s most charming and culturally rich destinations and a great place to start acclimatizing before visiting other high-altitude areas in the province. If you are planning a trip, be sure to check out this travel guide: Exploring Dali: A Complete Travel Guide
- Yulong Snow Mountain, one of the most beautiful mountains in Yunnan, is located in Lijiang, a destination you shouldn’t miss when visiting China. If you plan to visit Lijiang, check out our travel guide: Exploring Lijiang: 10 Best Things to Do & More
- The mythical town of Shangri-La, made famous by the novel "Lost Horizon", is real and located in China. If you want to visit Shangri-La, this travel guide provides all the information you need to plan the perfect trip: Discover Shangri-La: A Complete Travel Guide
- Yading is probably one of the most beautiful places I’ve seen in China, and definitely my favorite of all. To help you plan your trip to this stunning region, here’s a complete travel guide: Visiting Yading: A Complete Travel & Hiking Guide
- Visiting Jiuzhaigou is a surreal experience. Even though it can be extremely crowded, it is still worth the visit. With so many visitors each day, careful planning is essential. Here’s a travel guide to help you plan a smooth trip to Jiuzhaigou: Exploring Jiuzhaigou: A Complete Travel Guide
- If you are planning a visit to Huanglong, here is everything you need to know to plan your trip: Visiting Huanglong: A Complete Travel Guide
- Planning a trip to Chengdu but not sure where to start? This travel guide has you covered: Chengdu Travel Guide: 10 Best Things to Do & More
- For more articles about China, visit the China travel guide, or explore my guides to Hong Kong and Macau.
- Planning a trip to East Asia? Explore all my articles on the East Asia Travel Guide page.
- You can find all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
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