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Where is Jiuzhaigou Valley Located?
Jiuzhaigou Valley is tucked away in the rugged mountains of northeastern Sichuan Province, China. The scenic area is officially located in Zhangzha Town, Jiuzhaigou County, which serves as the gateway to the valley.
The main entrance to the park is known as the Jiuzhaigoukou (Valley Entrance), and this is where most visitors begin their journey—it’s considered the base of the scenic area.
To give you an idea of distances:
- Jiuzhaigoukou is about 43 kilometers by road from Jiuzhaigou County town.
- It’s roughly 90 kilometers from Huanglong-Jiuzhai Railway Station, the nearest high-speed train stop.
This makes Jiuzhaigou a bit remote, but the spectacular lakes, waterfalls, and snowcapped peaks are well worth the trip.
Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou Valley Distance & Routes Overview (with Map)
The distance from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou Valley is about 450 km (280 miles) by road. Getting there isn’t just about covering the distance—it’s about choosing the travel style that works best for you. You have four main ways to reach this UNESCO World Heritage Site:
By Train: The most comfortable choice for many travelers. A high-speed train runs between Chengdu East Railway Station and Huanglong-Jiuzhai Railway Station, taking about 2 hours. From there, it’s another 2-hour bus or car ride to reach the Jiuzhaigou Valley entrance.
By Car: Great for flexibility and scenery lovers.
- Route 1 (Scenic Route): A slower road via Dujiangyan, Wenchuan (epicenter of the 2008 earthquake), and Songpan. Driving speed is about 40–50 km/h, and the trip takes at least 7 hours without traffic. Expect longer during holidays or peak seasons.
- Route 2 (Expressway): A faster highway through Mianyang to Jiuzhaigou County, then on to the park. Driving speed is 80–100 km/h, and the whole journey takes around 4 hours.
By Flight: Fast but with extra transfers. Flights leave from Chengdu Tianfu Airport (about 60 km from downtown) and land at Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport, only 85 km from Jiuzhaigoukou. The flight itself is just 1 hour, but when you add 1 hour to get to the airport and 2 hours from the airport to the park, the total travel time is closer to 3–4 hours.
By Bus: Budget-friendly but time-consuming. Long-distance buses depart from Chadianzi Bus Station and Chengdu East Railway Station Bus Terminal, following the same routes as private cars. The trip usually takes 1–2 hours longer than driving yourself, so plan on 8–10 hours total.
Check more map of Jiuzhaigou in Jiuzhaigou Maps.
Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou High Speed Train - Highly Recommended
Fortunately, the high-speed rail connecting Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou opened in September 2024.
The Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou high-speed train starts from Chengdu East Station and ends at Huanglongjiuzhai Station. The whole journey takes about 2 hours.
Upon reaching Huanglongjiuzhai Station, you will only need to cover a remaining 2-hour road journey to reach the picturesque Jiuzhaigou National Park. This development brings greater convenience and accessibility for travelers wishing to explore the stunning beauty of Jiuzhaigou.
How to Get to Jiuzhaigou National Park from Huanglongjiuzhai Station
You can only get to Jiuzhaigou National Park from Huanglongjiuzhai Railway Station by overland. The road distance is 90 kilometers and it will take 2 hours. There are three transportation options to choose.
- Bus: Upon exiting the station, there are buses available to take you directly to Jiuzhaigou National Park. The fare is ¥51 per person. Buses depart approximately 40 minutes after the arrival of the high-speed train.
- Private Charter: You can hire a private charter vehicle that will take you directly to any desired location near the park. The cost is approximately ¥100 per person. Departure times are flexible, and the vehicles are usually 5-7 seater business cars that depart once they are full.
- Travel Agency Charter: If you choose to travel with a tour group, the travel agency will arrange transportation to take you from Huanglongjiuzhai Railway Station to Jiuzhaigou National Park free of charge.
Notion: After arriving at Huanglongjiuzhai Railway Station, you can take a 1-hour drive to Huanglong Scenic Area for 4-5 hours sightseeing. Then you can take a 2-hour drive back to Jiuzhaigou for accommodation.
Recommended Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou Train Tour Itinerary
After arriving in Chengdu, you can arrange a 1-2 day trip in Chengdu, then take the earliest train to Jiuzhaigou, go to Huanglong Scenic Area on the day of arrival, then go to Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area for 1 day, and finally return to Chengdu. The whole journey takes 5-6 days.
Day 1: Arrival in Chengdu
- Arrive in Chengdu and check into your hotel.
- Immerse yourself in the local cuisine and enjoy a delicious Sichuan hotpot or other regional dishes.
Day 2: Chengdu Exploration
- Take some time to explore the city and visit popular attractions such as the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Wenshu Monastery, or Jinli Ancient Street.
- In the evening, you can experience traditional Sichuan opera or enjoy a vibrant nightlife in the city.
Day 3: Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou
- Take the earliest available high-speed train from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou.
- Upon arrival in Zhenjiangguan Station, make a visit to Huanglong Scenic Area, known for its colorful pools, limestone formations, and hot springs.
- Spend the night in Jiuzhaigou.
Day 4: Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area
- Spend the whole day exploring Jiuzhaigou National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Take the park's shuttle buses to visit the various scenic spots, including the famous colorful lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks.
- Enjoy the serene beauty of the natural surroundings and capture memorable photographs.
- Return to your accommodation in Jiuzhaigou for the night.
Day 5: Return to Chengdu
- Depart from Jiuzhaigou and take the high-speed train back to Chengdu.
- Arrive in Chengdu and spend the day at your leisure.
- You can visit additional attractions, shop for souvenirs, or indulge in the local cuisine.
- Overnight in Chengdu.
Day 6: Departure
Check more details in Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou High-speed Train >>
Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou by Car
Traveling by car (or hiring a private driver) is the most flexible way to reach Jiuzhaigou from Chengdu. The journey covers about 450 km (280 miles) and takes you through dramatic mountains, river valleys, and Tibetan-style towns. Depending on your route, you can choose between speed or scenery.
Route 1: Expressway via Mianyang to Jiuzhaigou County
The brand-new expressway opened in September 2025, making the trip much faster and smoother. From Chengdu, you drive through Mianyang straight to Jiuzhaigou County, with a total travel time of around 3.5 hours.
This highway cuts across the mountains of northeastern Sichuan and passes close to several attractions along the way, such as Jiuhuang Mountain, the Baima Tibetan Cultural Area, and the Baima Wanglang National Nature Reserve.
Once you arrive in Jiuzhaigou County, it’s about 1 more hour by road to reach Jiuzhaigoukou (the scenic area entrance). If you’d rather not continue driving after a long day, you can stay overnight in Jiuzhaigou County—hotels here are generally cheaper and more plentiful—then head into the park early the next morning.
Route 2: Scenic Road via Dujiangyan – Wenchuan – Songpan
Before the new highways and trains were built, this was the classic route and, for decades, the only way to reach Jiuzhaigou. Even though it takes 7–8 hours, over 80% of visitors traveled this way before 2024.
The road winds through the UNESCO-listed Dujiangyan Irrigation System, passes Wenchuan (the epicenter of the 2008 earthquake), and leads to the ancient town of Songpan. You can also make a detour to the Huanglong Scenic Area, another UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its colorful pools.
While the expressway now offers a much faster option, this scenic road is still worth considering if you want to experience local culture and dramatic landscapes along the way. Expect mountain passes, small ethnic villages, deep gorges, and plenty of photo stops.
Tip for Travelers: If you don’t want to drive yourself, hiring a private driver is a great option. It allows you to stop at hidden gems along the way while avoiding the stress of navigating mountain roads.
Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou Flight - Most Expensive Way
Before the Chengdu Jiuzhaigou high-speed train opened, flying was the most convenient way to reach Jiuzhaigou. From Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, a one-hour flight would take you to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport, providing access to the enchanting wonderland on Earth, Jiuzhaigou.
However, it's important to note that while the flight duration is short, approximately 1 hour, additional time needs to be allocated for traveling from Chengdu city to Tianfu International Airport, which is approximately 50 kilometers away. This travel time should be factored in, along with any necessary preparations such as early check-in, security procedures, and other airport-related processes.
| No. | Time | Duration | Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2565 | 18:30 - 19:05 | 35 min | Economy class: ¥500-1000 Business class: ¥1000-2000 |
| 3U 6675 | 18:30 - 19:30 | 1 hour |
How to Get to Jiuzhaigou National Park from Huanglong Airport
Jiuzhaigou National Park is approximately 80 kilometers away from Huanglong Airport, and the journey offers scenic landscapes along the way. To get to Jiuzhaigou National Park from Huanglong Airport, you have a few transportation options:
- Bus: After arriving at Huanglong Airport, you can take a bus to Jiuzhaigou. The bus journey takes approximately 1.5-2 hours, and the bus operates from the arrival of the first flight until 19:30. The price for the bus ticket is around 50 yuan.
- Taxi: Taxis are available at Huanglong Airport, and you can negotiate a fare with the driver to take you directly to Jiuzhaigou. The taxi ride typically takes about 1.5-2 hours, and the fare is approximately 200 yuan. Taxis provide flexibility and convenience, especially if you have a group or a lot of luggage.
- Private Transfer: Another option is to arrange a private transfer from Huanglong Airport to Jiuzhaigou. Many travel agencies and hotels in the area offer private transfer services. This allows you to have a dedicated vehicle and driver to take you directly to Jiuzhaigou at your preferred time. It's recommended to book in advance and confirm the details with the service provider.
Notion: After arriving at Huanglong Airport, you can take a 40-minutes drive to Huanglong Scenic Area for 4-5 hours sightseeing. Then you can take a 2-hour drive back to Jiuzhaigou for accommodation.
Recommended Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou Flight Tour Itinerary
The flight journey from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou is similar to the high-speed rail journey to Jiuzhaigou. This 5-day itinerary allows you to experience the highlights of Chengdu, including the adorable pandas, vibrant street culture, and historical sites. You'll also have ample time to explore the natural wonders of Jiuzhaigou Valley and Huanglong Scenic Area.
Day 1-2: Arrive in Chengdu and explore Chengdu's top attractions, including the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Jinli Ancient Street, and Wenshu Monastery, while indulging in local cuisine.
Day 3: Fly from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou, visit Huanglong Scenic Area, and transfer to Jiuzhaigou for overnight stay.
Day 4: Full-day exploration of Jiuzhaigou National Park, visiting its lakes, waterfalls, and enjoying the serene beauty of the valley.
Day 5: Depart from Jiuzhaigou Valley and return to Chengdu or onward journey.
Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou by Public Bus - Budget Way
Taking a public bus from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou is the budget-friendly option, following the same routes as traveling by car. The journey usually takes 4–8 hours, depending on road conditions, and costs less than hiring a private driver.
You can catch long-distance buses to Jiuzhaigou from Chadianzi Bus Station, Xinnanmen Bus Station, and Chengdu East Bus Station. These buses head directly to Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area or Jiuzhaigou County.
With the opening of the new high-speed rail and expressways, fewer travelers now choose public buses. As a result, some stations may operate 9-seater business vans instead of large coaches. These vehicles are more comfortable and flexible but come at a slightly higher price.
If you’re traveling on a tighter budget and don’t mind a longer ride, public buses remain a convenient choice for reaching Jiuzhaigou from Chengdu.
Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou Bus Schedule and Price
There are several bus stations in Chengdu that offer bus services to and from Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area. The journey by road typically takes around 6-8 hours, and the cost per person for a one-way trip ranges from 168 to 238 yuan, with a round trip costing approximately 400 yuan per person.
| Departure Station | Departure Time | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xinnanmen Bus Station | 08:20 | 8 hours | 168 for one way, 300 for round trip |
| Chadianzi Bus Station | 10:20 | 8 hours | 238 for one way, 400 for round trip |
| Chengdu East Bus Station | 09:30 | 7.5 hours | 238 for one way, 400 for round trip |
| Tourist Express from IFS | 08:40 | 7 hours | 180 for one way, 360 for round trip |
All buses traveling to Jiuzhaigou National Park, including those from Zhenjiangguan High-speed Railway Station, typically make stops at the following three locations:
- Luneng Hilton Hotel: Located approximately 13 kilometers away from the entrance of Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area.
- Qianguqing Parking Lot: Situated approximately 13 kilometers away from the scenic area and around 7.5 kilometers from the entrance of the scenic area.
- Xingyu International Hotel: Positioned approximately 2.5 kilometers from the entrance of the scenic area.
These stops serve as convenient drop-off points for visitors, allowing them to access Jiuzhaigou National Park with ease after arriving by bus.
Recommended Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou Overland Tour Itinerary
Day 1-2: Arrive in Chengdu and explore Chengdu's top attractions, including the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Jinli Ancient Street, and Wenshu Monastery, while indulging in local cuisine.
Day 3: Spend whole day to take a bus to Jiuzhaigou.
Day 4: Full-day exploration of Jiuzhaigou Valley, visiting its lakes, waterfalls, and enjoying the serene beauty of the valley.
Day 5: Turn to Huanglong Scenic Area to explore whole day
Day 6: Depart from Huanglong Scenic Area and return to Chengdu.
How to Choose from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou, Train, Flight, or Bus?
Speed and Convenience: The fastest and most convenient option is taking the high-speed train from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou. The train journey takes around 2 hours, allowing you to reach your destination quickly and comfortably.
Cost: High-speed train tickets are relatively affordable, making it a cost-effective choice for many travelers. Compared to flights, train tickets often provide better value for money.
Comfort: High-speed trains offer a comfortable and spacious environment with amenities like Wi-Fi and power outlets. You can relax, enjoy the scenery, and even move around the train to stretch your legs.
Road Exploration: If you prefer a more adventurous and immersive experience, traveling by bus allows you to slowly explore the landscapes and towns along the way. The bus journey takes longer, but it provides an opportunity to see more of the region.
Flight Convenience: If you have limited time or prefer the convenience of air travel, you can choose to fly from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou. Flights are the quickest option, with a flight duration of around 1 hour.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your preferences, budget, and available time. If you prioritize speed and convenience, the high-speed train is highly recommended. It offers a quick and comfortable journey at a reasonable cost.
Explore Jiuzhaigou Valley & Huanglong in Sichuan with AOT
Are you ready for a journey into the enchanting realm of Jiuzhaigou National and Huanglong in Sichuan, China? Join AOT (Asia Odyssey Travel) as we take you on an unforgettable adventure through these breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Jiuzhaigou National Park and Huanglong Scenic Area are famous for their natural wonderland, especially the water landscape. The turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, terraced ponds, and thermal springs, along with the lush forests and snow-capped peaks together create a beautiful fairy tale world and scenic paradise.
With over a decade of experience and a deep understanding of Jiuzhaigou, Asia Odyssey Travel offers a range of budget-friendly options to suit every traveler's preferences.
Popular Scenic Points: Rize Valley, Zechawa Valley, and Shuzheng Valley, Five-Color Ponds
Tour Packages: Jiuzhaigou Tours, Chengdu Jiuzhaigou Tours, Jiuzhaigou Highspeed Train Tours
Tailored Experiences: We provide personalized tours that cater to your preferences and ensure a seamless travel experience. Our knowledgeable guides will accompany you as you explore these natural wonders, sharing fascinating insights and stories along the way.
Smooth Logistics: From transportation to accommodations, we take care of all the travel details, so you can fully enjoy your trip in Jiuzhaigou.
24/7 Support: Our dedicated team is available around the clock to provide assistance and travel consulting services.
Prepare to be amazed by the beauty and serenity of Jiuzhaigou National Park and Huanglong. Let AOT be your trusted partner in discovering the hidden gems of Sichuan, as we create memories that will last a lifetime. Join us on this extraordinary journey and let the magic of Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong unfold before your eyes.
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