Planning a trip to Jiuzhai valley and Huanglong from Chengdu but not sure where to start? We’ve done the journey ourselves, and this guide shares everything you need to know—from how to get there and suggested itineraries to where to stay, useful travel tips, and our honest experience along the way.
Where Are Jiuzhai Valley & Huanglong?
Jiuzhai or also called Jiuzhaigou (九寨沟) and Huanglong (黄龙) are two different destinations, located about 2 hours’ drive from each other in the Aba Prefecture of Sichuan Province. They’re approximately 400 km north of Chengdu, which is why most travelers visit them from Chengdu. While driving takes around 8 hours, the easiest and most efficient way to get there is by high-speed train, which only takes about 2 hours.
What Are Jiuzhai Valley and Huanglong Famous for?
Their breathtaking turquoise lakes and the iconic tiered pond formations in Huanglong.
⚠️ One important thing to note: the most famous pond in both Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong is called the “Five-Color Pond (五彩池)” Yes, they share the same name—but they are two completely different ponds, which often confuses travelers.
Linardo and I were also confused at first! We thought the famous tiered, terrace-like pond was located in Jiuzhaigou, but it actually belongs to Huanglong National Park. And since Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong are not in the same location, you’ll need to plan your trip properly.
But don’t worry—we’ll share the perfect itinerary so you can visit both during your trip to Aba.
How to Get to Chengdu to Jiuzhai Valley
- 🚄 Take the high-speed train from Chengdu East Station to Huanglong Jiuzhai Station. The journey takes about 2 hours. You can book your tickets via Trip.com. Make sure to book at least 4–5 days in advance, as this is a very popular destination with limited transportation options, and tickets sell out quickly.
- If this is your first time taking a high-speed train in China, you may want to check out the guide we wrote about riding HSR as a foreigner in China.
- 🚌 Once you arrive at Huanglong Jiuzhai Station, you can take the shuttle buses to either Huanglong (about a 30-minute drive from the station) or Jiuzhaigou (about a 1.5-hour drive from the station). Alternatively, you can use ride-hailing apps like Didi, which are convenient and relatively easy to find near the train station.
Once we arrived in Aba and drove to our hotel, the scenery along the way was absolutely incredible. Honestly, it didn’t even feel like China anymore, the landscape had a very Tibetan, almost Nepal-like vibe, with a strong ethnic and tribal atmosphere. It already felt like a completely different adventure.
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Do I Need to Stay Overnight in Jiuzhai Valley?
Yes! We don’t think a day trip is enough to fully experience Jiuzhaigou—mainly because you’ll spend too much time on the road and have limited time to explore the park. This is especially true if you’re also planning to visit Huanglong (which, in my opinion—Nessa here—is even more incredible than Jiuzhaigou).
Another important factor is the altitude. Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong are located at elevations of around 2,000–3,000 meters above sea level. Your body may need time to adjust, and doing everything in one day could increase the risk of altitude sickness—especially if you’re not used to high elevations.
Where to Stay in Jiuzhai Valley
- Holiday Inn Express Jiuzhaigou by IHG
A modern, comfortable hotel in the Jiuzhaigou area offering clean, well-appointed rooms and reliable service. Ideal for travelers exploring Jiuzhaigou National Park, it features complimentary breakfast and convenient amenities designed for easy, stress-free stays. - Conrad Jiuzhaigou
A luxury hotel blending contemporary design with Tibetan cultural touches, Conrad Jiuzhaigou offers spacious rooms, refined dining, and upscale facilities. Perfect for guests seeking premium comfort and personalized service near Jiuzhaigou’s stunning natural scenery. - InterContinental Resort Jiuzhai Paradise
An elegant resort nestled in the Jiuzhai Paradise area, combining world-class hospitality with resort-style leisure options. Guests can enjoy beautifully landscaped grounds, multiple dining venues, and excellent amenities — a great base for relaxation and adventure around Jiuzhaigou.
Jiuzhai Valley National Park Guide
Entrance Ticket Price:
- Peak Season (Apr 1 – Nov 15): 190–220 CNY (Entrance) + 90 CNY (Bus) = 280–310 CNY total
- Off-Season (Nov 16 – Mar 31): 80 CNY (Entrance) + 80 CNY (Bus) = 160 CNY total
- Where to Buy Ticket: Trip.com
Opening Hours:
Jiuzhaigou Valley is open year-round, typically from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM (or 6:00 PM in some seasons), with the last entry usually at 2:00 PM.
Must-See Spots:
There are countless lakes and waterfalls inside the park, but our top 4 favorites that you absolutely shouldn’t miss are:
- Five Flower Lake 五花海
- Mirror Lake 镜海
- Nuorilang Waterfall 诺日朗瀑布 (the widest waterfall in China)
- Five-Color Pond 五彩池
Shuttle System Inside the Park:
There are shuttle bus stops at major attractions throughout the park. We highly recommend taking the bus because Jiuzhaigou is massive (over 64,000 hectares) and would be extremely difficult to explore entirely on foot—especially if you only have one day.
Personal Tips
Even though there’s a shuttle bus system, you’ll still need to walk a lot. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes, have a good breakfast, and be prepared for plenty of walking throughout the day.
Huanglong Scenic Area Guide
As we mentioned earlier, the scenery in Huanglong is even more impressive than Jiuzhaigou—mainly because of its stunning travertine (calcium) terraces.
Ticket Price:
- Peak Season (April 1 – November 15): approximately 200 CNY
- Off-Season (November 16 – March 31): approximately 60–80 CNY
- Where to Buy Ticket: Trip.com
You have two options to explore the park: take the cable car up or hike up. The hike is about 5 km and can take 4–5 hours, which can be quite exhausting due to the altitude. To save time and energy, we recommend taking the cable car up and hiking down instead.
Altitude Warning:
Huanglong is located at a higher elevation than Jiuzhaigou, around 3,100–3,500 meters above sea level. Altitude sickness is possible. For me and Leonardo, we didn’t feel very sick, but we were definitely short of breath while walking around the park. In total, we spent about 4–5 hours exploring Huanglong.
You’ll also notice that many visitors buy portable oxygen cans to help with breathing at higher altitudes.
Best Time to Visit Jiuzhai Valley & Huanglong
Autumn (September–November, most popular):
This is the most beautiful season, with stunning red and yellow foliage. October is usually peak season. However, it’s also the most crowded time of the year. It can be difficult to find good photo spots or fully relax and enjoy nature. Crowds in China can sometimes be quite intense and noisy during peak season.
Summer (June–August, green + waterfalls):
The scenery is lush and vibrant, with strong waterfalls and bright turquoise lakes. July and August have the fullest water levels. It’s generally less crowded than autumn, and the lakes are not frozen—making it another great time to visit.
Winter (December–February, snow + fewer tourists):
Ideal if you prefer a quieter and more peaceful experience. However, some of the lakes may be frozen—especially in Huanglong, since it’s located at a higher elevation than Jiuzhaigou. January is usually the coldest month.
We visited in winter and really enjoyed it. Yes, some of the ponds in Huanglong were frozen and not as vibrant, but we truly appreciated the slow, relaxed, and healing walk that we needed. ✨
Suggested Jiuzhai Valley & Huanglong Itinerary
Day 1 – Chengdu → Huanglong
Take the morning train from Chengdu to Huanglong Jiuzhai (around 2 hours).
Then take the bus to Huanglong (about 30 minutes). Drop your luggage at the free storage area in Huanglong’s Tourist Center.
Next, take the free shuttle bus to the gondola station. Near the gondola station, you can purchase tickets to Huanglong Park.
You can hike all the way up to the Five-Colored Pond, but it takes about 4–5 hours. Taking the gondola up is a better option, then slowly hiking down to explore the other ponds (around 2–3 hours downhill, approximately 5 km).
At night, head to your hotel. It’s best to stay somewhere near Jiuzhaigou.
Day 2 – Full Day Jiuzhaigou
Jiuzhaigou Valley is much larger than Huanglong, with many lakes and ponds to explore. While you only need half a day for Huanglong, you’ll need a full day in Jiuzhaigou.
It’s highly recommended to stay near the “Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area” entrance to the valley. There is a lively area called Pengfeng Village, and staying there is very convenient because it’s within walking distance of the scenic area — so you won’t need to spend extra on transportation.
After your visit, take the 7 PM train back to Chengdu. Make sure to pre-book your tickets, as there are limited trains returning to Chengdu. If tickets are sold out, you may need to wait until the next morning.
Day 3 – Relax & Return to Chengdu
After checking out of your hotel, head back to the train station.
Spreading the trip over three days means you won’t have to rush your time in Jiuzhaigou. You’ll have more flexibility to explore at a slower pace and extra time to relax—especially if you’re staying at a nice resort.
This option is perfect if you prefer a more comfortable and less rushed itinerary before returning to Chengdu.
FAQ
Is Jiuzhai Valley worth visiting?
Yes! Especially if you love nature. We’ve visited many natural attractions in China, but Jiuzhaigou is truly special. The mountains, the turquoise lakes, and the overall atmosphere are absolutely incredible.
How many days do you need for Jiuzhai Valley?
The minimum is 2 days and 1 night, but we recommend 3 days and 2 nights so you can explore at a more relaxed pace.
Can you visit Huanglong and Jiuzhai Valley in one day?
No, it wouldn’t be practical. Both parks are very large and located about 2 hours apart by car, so trying to do both in one day would feel rushed and exhausting.
Is Jiuzhai Valley hard to walk?
Not really. The altitude isn’t too high, and there’s a shuttle bus system inside the park. However, you’ll still need to walk quite a lot.
Is Huanglong hard to walk?
Yes, it’s more challenging than Jiuzhaigou due to the higher altitude and uphill hiking sections.
Do you need a tour from Chengdu?
Not necessarily. It’s actually better to arrange a local tour from Aba if needed, since the drive from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou takes about 8 hours. Alternatively, you can take the high-speed train to save time.
Final Thoughts
Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong are two of the most beautiful destinations we’ve ever visited. It honestly doesn’t feel like China—it feels more like a mix of Switzerland and Tibet or Nepal. It’s such a unique and breathtaking experience.
As mountain lovers, we truly think this is one of the best mountain destinations you can visit.
Explore More Hidden Gems in China
If you’re planning a longer trip, check out our other China travel blogs featuring Zhangjiajie, Shanghai, and Guangzhou — each offering its own unique blend of nature and culture.
For detailed routes and insider travel tips, download our China Travel eBook, which includes itineraries, hidden attractions, and local experiences curated from our own journeys.
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