Easily reach Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou from Chengdu by high-speed rail and explore this natural wonder known as “paradise on earth.” This guide will help you plan an unforgettable high-speed rail journey, covering transportation, attractions, seasons, and practical tips to help you enjoy the beautiful scenery of western Sichuan.
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Transportation Options
Key Experiences
Local Cuisine
Best Time to Visit
Accommodation Options
Suggested Itinerary
Travel Notes
How to get from Chengdu by high-speed rail
Currently, there are two train stations from Chengdu to Huanglong Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area: Songpan Railway Station and Huanglong Jiuzhaigou Railway Station. The high-speed train journey takes about 2 hours. After exiting the station, you can take a pre-booked shuttle bus or chartered car to Jiuzhaigou (about 2 hours) or Huanglong (about 1 hour).
Detailed high-speed rail itinerary guide
Starting from Chengdu
- Departure Station: Chengdu East Railway Station (accessible by Metro Lines 2 and 7)
- Destination Station: Songpan Station or Huanglong Jiuzhaigou Station (Huanglong Jiuzhaigou Station is recommended as it is closer to the scenic area.)
- Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours
- Ticket Price Reference: Second-class seat approximately 110-150 RMB
Recommended channels: Travel agency purchasing agents, such as Manjing Travel Agency.
High-speed rail station shuttle to scenic area
After exiting the station, you will need to transfer to a bus to reach the scenic area:
| destination | travel time | Suggested approach |
|---|---|---|
| Huanglong Scenic Area | Approximately 2 hours | Direct bus / chartered bus |
| Huanglong Scenic Area | Approximately 1 hour | Direct bus / chartered bus |
- Direct bus: Book in advance through a travel agency or mini-program; ticket price approximately 50-80 RMB per person.
- Chartered vehicle: Suitable for 2-4 people; approximately 500-600 RMB per vehicle; more flexible.
- Self-driving is not recommended: Mountain roads are complex, and foreign driver’s licenses are not legal for driving (unless you hold a Chinese driver’s license).
(Booking through a travel agency is recommended. We will provide full service, including purchasing high-speed rail tickets and providing pick-up and drop-off service at the station.)
If you choose to hire a car or drive yourself for the whole trip, the route is Chengdu → Maoxian → Songpan → Jiuzhaigou, which takes about 6-7 hours. There are many winding mountain roads along the way, so please drive carefully (it is recommended to take the high-speed rail to the destination and then hire a car to the scenic area to save time and effort).
Recommended must-see highlights of Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou
Huanglong Scenic Area – A Fairyland on Earth
Huanglong is renowned for its vast and colorful travertine pools, especially the “Five-Colored Pools.” The scenic area is at a high altitude (3100–3900 meters), and a visit of 3-4 hours is recommended.
Highlights:
- Five-Colored Pools: The cascading water displays a variety of colors—blue, green, yellow, and white—under the sunlight, like a palette scattered across the mountains.
- Huanglong Temple: Located at the highest point of the scenic area, it offers panoramic views of the entire Huanglong Canyon, allowing visitors to experience the fusion of Tibetan Buddhist culture and natural scenery.
- Competing Pools & Flying Waterfalls: A cluster of pools and cascading waterfalls, perfect for leisurely photography.
Helpful Tips:
- Huanglong has a high altitude, so we recommend bringing a portable oxygen cylinder, moving slowly, and taking precautions against altitude sickness.
- The scenic area has well-equipped walking trails, and you can also choose an easier route that combines the cable car uphill with a walk downhill.
Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area – A Fairytale World
Jiuzhaigou, with its 108 alpine lakes, waterfalls, colorful forests, and snow-capped peaks, creates a breathtaking landscape that makes “after seeing Jiuzhaigou, no other water scenery compares.” A 1-2 day in-depth visit is recommended.
Core Areas:
- Rize Valley (Primitive Forest – Mirror Lake): Concentrates classic scenic spots such as Five-Flower Lake and Pearl Shoal Waterfall, with crystal-clear water and vibrant colors.
- Zechawa Valley (Long Lake – Five-Colored Pond): Home to Long Lake, the largest and deepest lake in Jiuzhaigou, as well as the exquisite Five-Colored Pond.
- Shuzheng Valley (Nuorilang Waterfall – Reed Sea): A blend of waterfalls and Tibetan villages, combining cultural and natural beauty.
Tour Options:
- The scenic area utilizes a combination of eco-friendly shuttle buses and walking; shuttle bus tickets are bundled with entrance tickets.
- To avoid peak crowds, it is recommended to enter during the off-season or early in the morning to enjoy the tranquil lake scenery.
Enjoy the “Jiuzhaigou Eternal Love” performance
This is a large-scale song and dance performance set against the backdrop of Jiuzhaigou’s history, culture, and Tibetan customs. Using modern stage technology, it showcases rich ethnic characteristics and legends. The performance lasts approximately one hour. It’s best enjoyed in the evening after visiting the scenic area.
Experience Tibetan and Qiang Ethnic Customs
In the Tibetan and Qiang villages surrounding Jiuzhaigou (or Shuzheng Village and Heyezhai Village within the scenic area), you can visit traditional dwellings, experience Tibetan clothing for photos, taste butter tea and barley wine, and participate in a bonfire party in the evening to feel the warm local ethnic culture.
Must-Try Local Flavors
- Yak Hot Pot: The tender, flavorful yak meat from the highlands, paired with a broth made from wild mushrooms and local herbs, is both warming and nourishing.
- Barley Cakes and Butter Tea: Traditional Tibetan staple foods and drinks, perfect for replenishing energy during trekking.
- Yogurt and Tsampa: Naturally fermented yogurt is sweet and tangy, while tsampa is portable and easy to store—a must-try for experiencing Tibetan daily life.
It’s recommended to find well-reviewed restaurants in Zhangzha Town or the commercial street at the entrance to Jiuzhaigou, avoiding the overpriced and mediocre fast food options within the scenic area.
Best Time to Visit Guide
- Autumn (Late September – Late October): Jiuzhaigou and Huanglin are at their most beautiful, with vibrant colors reflecting in the clear waters, offering excellent photo opportunities. This is peak tourist season, so advance booking is recommended.
- Summer (June – August): Abundant water flow, spectacular waterfalls, and cool weather make it ideal for escaping the heat. However, there may be occasional landslides during the rainy season, so please check the weather and road conditions before you travel.
- Spring (April – May): Wildflowers bloom gradually, rhododendrons adorn the lakes, and there are relatively fewer tourists, making it suitable for travelers who prefer tranquility.
- Winter (November – March): Some lakes are frozen and covered in snow, presenting a serene northern landscape. Fewer tourists and discounted tickets are available, but some sections of the trails may be impassable due to snow accumulation.
High-altitude weather is unpredictable. Even in summer, you should prepare a windproof jacket, sun hat, sunglasses, and comfortable, non-slip hiking shoes. In winter, be sure to bring a down jacket, warm gloves, and non-slip shoes.
Accommodation selection suggestions
Near the entrance to Jiuzhaigou: Concentrated hotels, convenient dining and transportation, suitable for visiting Jiuzhaigou.
Chuanzhusi Town: Located between Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou, suitable as a transit point for accommodation.
Songpan Ancient Town: Rich in historical and cultural atmosphere, offering experiences of Tibetan and Qiang customs (a 2-hour drive from Jiuzhaigou).
Jiuzhaigou County: Well-equipped with living facilities, relatively affordable prices, but a bit far from the scenic area (a 2-hour drive from Huanglong).
Practical information you must know before you go
Documents and Tickets
- Passport: Original passport is required for ticket purchase, collection, accommodation, and park entry.
- Visa: Please ensure your passport has a valid Chinese tourist visa (L visa).
- Park Booking: Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou implement a real-name reservation system for tickets. It is recommended to book 1-2 weeks in advance through the official website or travel agency, especially during peak season.
Altitude Sickness
- Huanglong’s altitude is 3100-3900 meters, and Jiuzhaigou’s is 2000-3100 meters.
- Recommendations: Avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, and drink plenty of water on the day of arrival. Portable oxygen cylinders are available (available inside and outside the scenic area). If you experience severe headache, nausea, or difficulty breathing, please descend the mountain immediately and seek medical attention.
Language and Payment
- Mandarin is the primary language of communication; some staff at scenic spots and high-speed rail stations speak basic English.
- Recommended download: Translation apps (such as Google Translate, Microsoft Translate).
- Payment methods: WeChat Pay / Alipay (requires linking an international credit card or using TourCard, etc.)
Internet and Communications
- International tourists can use eSIM or purchase a local SIM card (China Unicom/China Mobile/China Telecom), which can be obtained at the airport or service centers with your passport.
- Note: Google, Facebook, Instagram, etc., require a VPN to use in mainland China; it is recommended to install one before departure.
Epidemic Prevention and Health
- It is recommended to purchase travel insurance covering altitude sickness and acute illness transport.
- Carry commonly used medications: motion sickness medicine, cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, and band-aids.
Jiuzhaigou Itinerary and Recommendations
We can customize a unique Jiuzhaigou or Sichuan trip for you based on your ideas, preferences, and time constraints.
Classic Itinerary Recommendations
Jiuzhaigou 3-Day Tour from Chengdu by High-Speed Rail
