How to get to Jiuzhaigou: 2026 Guide

Before August 2024, reaching Jiuzhaigou was a real adventure. Travellers had to take an 8-hour bus journey from Chengdu, following mountain roads through steep gorges, with occasional closures caused by landslides.

The good news is that a new high-speed rail connection has made travelling to Jiuzhaigou much easier. The turquoise lakes of northern Sichuan, once only accessible to travellers with plenty of time, can now be visited during a long weekend trip.

You will still need to choose the right train, arrange the onward shuttle bus, and book your entry time in advance, as Jiuzhaigou National Park no longer accepts visitors without a reservation.

No need to worry — this guide explains everything you need to know about getting to Jiuzhaigou, including transport options, tickets and practical travel tips.

📍 Where is Jiuzhaigou and how do you get there?

Located in northern Sichuan Province, in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture near the border with Gansu, Jiuzhaigou Valley is famous for its turquoise lakes, waterfalls and Tibetan villages. Its name comes from the nine Tibetan villages that were originally located in the valley, some of which are still inhabited today.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, the park has a distinctive Y-shaped layout:

• Right branch – Rize Valley: The most photographed area, known for colourful lakes and waterfalls.
• Left branch – Zezhawa Valley: The highest section, leading towards Long Lake.
• Main trunk – Shuzheng Valley: The central route descending towards the park entrance.

Prices are approximate and based on current exchange rates. Prices may vary by season and availability.

🚄 High-speed train to Jiuzhaigou: the latest and easiest option

Since 30 August 2024, the Zhenjiangguan–Huangshengguan section of the Chengdu–Xining high-speed railway has been open, making travel to Jiuzhaigou much easier. Three new high-altitude stations were added, including Huanglong-Jiuzhai Station, located at 2,977 metres above sea level in Chuanzhusi Town.

Previously, the journey from Chengdu by road could take 7–8 hours. With the new high-speed rail connection, the trip can now be completed in around 3.5 hours, making Jiuzhaigou a much more accessible destination.

Key High-Speed Train Information

• Journey time: The fastest train from Chengdu East to Huanglong-Jiuzhai takes around 1 hour 39 minutes, while other services usually take 2–2.5 hours.
• Frequency: Up to around 30 services per day during peak travel periods.
• Ticket price: Around CNY 141 (≈ £15) for second class and CNY 225 (≈ £24) for first class.
• Booking: Tickets are released 15 days before departure. You can book through the 12306 app, which supports passport registration for international travellers.

⚠️ Important: Some trains show Huangshengguan or Songpan as their final destination. This does not necessarily mean they skip Jiuzhaigou access — always check the stations served and make sure the train stops at Huanglong-Jiuzhai Station.

The station was originally designed for around 800 passengers, but passenger numbers have increased significantly. Expansion work started in late 2025 to enlarge the waiting area to around 2,600 square metres. Temporary routes may be in place while construction continues.

From Huanglong-Jiuzhai Station to Jiuzhaigou Valley

Shuttle Bus Information

• Service hours: Around 06:00–23:00, with departures timed around train arrivals.
• Route: Connects the station with several stops in Zhangzha Town, usually near major hotels.
• Fare: Around CNY 28–56 (≈ £3–6) depending on the drop-off point.
• Tickets:
• • Online: Through the dedicated WeChat mini-program, available 5 days before travel.
  • On site: At the visitor centre outside the station.

✈️ Flying to Jiuzhaigou: the fastest but less predictable choice

Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport is also located in Chuanzhusi, around 88 km from Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park, with a journey time of approximately 1.5 hours by road. Sitting at an altitude of 3,447.65 metres, it is one of the highest civilian airports in China.

Key points to consider before booking:

• Limited flight options: Since the 2017 earthquake, several routes have not resumed. In 2026, direct flights mainly operate from Chengdu and Chongqing. Check the latest schedules before booking, as some online guides still mention routes from Beijing, Shanghai or Xi’an that may no longer be available.
• Weather-related delays: Due to its high altitude, snow, fog and low visibility can frequently cause delays or cancellations, especially during winter. Allow extra time for your return journey.
• Getting to Jiuzhaigou after arrival:

⚠️ Altitude reminder: The flight takes you from Chengdu at around 500 metres above sea level to nearly 3,450 metres in just 55 minutes. Travellers who are sensitive to altitude changes should take this sudden elevation gain into account.

🚌 Taking a bus from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou

Bus services from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou are still available, but they are no longer the most practical choice for most travellers.

The journey follows a spectacular mountain road through areas such as Wenchuan, Maoxian and Songpan, offering impressive scenery along the route. However, it can be physically demanding, with possible delays caused by road conditions or landslides during the rainy season.

With a similar budget, the high-speed train is now usually the better choice, as it takes around half the time and offers a more comfortable journey.

💡 Tip: The bus can still be a good option if you want to explore destinations along the way rather than travel directly to Jiuzhaigou.

🚗 Private transfers and organised tours to Jiuzhaigou

For a group or family, a private transfer can be a good option, especially for combining Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong, which are about 105 kilometres apart by road.

Many travellers combine the train to Huanglong-Jiuzhai with a private car and driver once there: you keep the flexibility without having to endure the eight-hour drive from Chengdu. Pretty handy!

It’s also the best way to reach secondary sites, like the Mounigou valley for example, which aren't well served by public transport.

Organised tours from Chengdu, lasting two or three days, generally include the train, transfers, and accommodation. Most importantly, they save you the headache of booking entry tickets, which we'll come back to below.

🎫 Jiuzhaigou entrance tickets: what foreign travellers need to know

Make sure to read this before your visit! The park no longer sells tickets on-site. Online booking with your real name is mandatory, and visitors without a valid reservation will be refused entry.

The 2026 ticket prices are as follows:

• Peak season, from 1 April to 15 November: CNY 190 entrance fee + CNY 90 for internal shuttle buses, CNY 280 in total.
• Off-peak season, from 16 November to 31 March: CNY 80 entrance fee + CNY 80 for shuttle buses, CNY 160 in total.
• Optional insurance: CNY 10.
• Half-price tickets are available for children aged 7-18 and full-time students up to undergraduate level. Entry is free for visitors aged 65 and above, although shuttle bus fees still apply.

The daily visitor limit is set at 41,000 people during peak season and 23,000 during off-peak season. In July and August, booking slots can sell out within minutes.

Once inside the park, getting around is straightforward: shuttle buses run along each branch of the Y-shaped route and stop at every main attraction, with Nuorilang Centre acting as the main transport hub.

⭐ Which way to get to Jiuzhaigou should you choose?

• First trip with limited time: Take the train to Huanglong-Jiuzhai Station, then continue by official shuttle bus. It offers the best balance of travel time, price, and reliability.
• Sensitive to altitude: Choose the train without hesitation. The gradual climb helps your body adapt better than a sudden increase in altitude.
• Planning to visit both Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong: Take the train, then hire a private driver for two or three days to explore both areas.
• Travelling on a tight budget with more time available: Take the direct bus from Chengdu, with a stop in Songpan along the way.
• Travelling from Chongqing: Flying can still be a good option, but it depends on weather conditions.

💡 Things to know before travelling to Jiuzhaigou

• Visa-free entry for eligible travellers: Citizens from the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days (currently valid until 31 December 2026). Check the latest entry requirements before travelling.
• Do not visit the park on your arrival day: Spend one night acclimatising in Zhangzha Town first, especially before heading to higher areas such as Long Lake.
• Allow two days for your visit: One day is enough for the highlights, but two days allow you to explore all three valleys at a more relaxed pace.
• Dress in layers: Temperatures can vary significantly between the valley floor and higher viewpoints, and the weather can change quickly.
• Choose the right season: Mid-October to early November offers the autumn colours that make Jiuzhaigou famous, but it is also the busiest period. Winter brings frozen waterfalls and lower prices, often around half the usual cost, although some trails may be closed.
• Prepare your payments: Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with a foreign bank card, and consider getting an eSIM to stay connected during your trip.

🗺️ Where to go after visiting Jiuzhaigou

If you have enough time, the other must-visit destination is undoubtedly Huanglong, located just 26 km from Huanglong-Jiuzhai Railway Station. Its ochre and turquoise travertine pools provide the perfect contrast to Jiuzhaigou’s colourful lakes. A bus connects the two sites from Zhangzha Bus Station, costing CNY 47.

Around 20 minutes from the railway station, the ancient town of Songpan and its Ming Dynasty city walls are also worth a stop, even if only to break up the return journey.

Further north, the Zoige Grasslands offer a completely different landscape, with vast highland scenery on the Tibetan Plateau. They can be reached via Huangshengguan Railway Station.

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