Jiuzhaigou, renowned for its crystal-clear lakes, layered waterfalls, and snow-capped mountain backdrops, is a paradise for nature lovers worldwide. This guide will break down all Jiuzhaigou transport, including flights, road transport, city transport, and scenic spot special transport.
Air Travel to Jiuzhaigou
Air travel is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Jiuzhaigou.
Major Airport Serving Jiuzhaigou
Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (JZH): The only airport serving Jiuzhaigou, located about 88km from Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and 52km from Huanglong Scenic Area. It’s one of the highest-altitude airports in China, sitting at around 3447m above sea level.
- Airport Shuttles: Direct shuttles run between the airport and Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area Entrance (about 2 hours’ ride) and Huanglong Scenic Area (about 1.5 hours’ ride). Buses depart every 30 minutes after flight arrivals, with a one-way fare of around ¥50-60.
- Taxis & Private Transfers: Taxis take about 1.5 hours to reach Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, costing around ¥200-300 one-way. Private transfers can be booked in advance via platforms like Trip.com for a more comfortable and flexible journey.
Domestic Routes
Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport has frequent flights connecting to major Chinese cities, making it easily accessible:
- Chengdu (1 hour, the most frequent route with multiple flights daily from both Tianfu and Shuangliu airports)
- Chongqing (1.5 hours, 3-4 flights daily)
- Xi’an (2 hours, 1-2 flights daily)
- Beijing (2.5 hours, daily flights)
- Shanghai (3 hours, daily flights)
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High-Speed Rail to Jiuzhaigou
Source: Wikipedia
Huanglongjiuzhai Station is the closest high-speed rail station to Jiuzhaigou (located in Chuanzhusi Town, Songpan County). It offers frequent EMU trains mainly connecting to Chengdu, with the fastest journey from Chengdu East Station taking only 1 hour and 39 minutes.
Fares range from ¥80 to ¥120, and tickets can be booked in advance via Trip.com or the 12306 app. The station provides convenient transfers to Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong Scenic Areas.
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Road Transport in Jiuzhaigou
Road transport is a popular option for travellers who want to enjoy the scenic views along the way, with a well-developed network of highways and coaches connecting Jiuzhaigou to surrounding cities and scenic spots.
Long-Distance Buses & Intercity Coaches
Regular coach services operate from major cities to Jiuzhaigou, with comfortable air-conditioned buses and frequent departures:
- Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou: Departs from Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station and Chengdu North Bus Station, 4-5 hours’ ride (via G8513 Expressway), fare around ¥150-180.
- Jiuzhaigou to Huanglong Scenic Area: Daily shuttles from Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area Entrance, 1.5 hours’ ride, fare around ¥40-50.
- Jiuzhaigou to Songpan Ancient Town: Hourly buses from Jiuzhaigou County Bus Station, 1 hour’s ride, fare around ¥20-30.
Car Rentals and Self-Drive Tours
Self-driving is a flexible way to explore Jiuzhaigou and its surrounding areas, allowing you to stop and admire hidden scenic spots along the way.
- Availability and Car Types: Car rental services are available in Jiuzhaigou County, Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport, and major cities like Chengdu. Recommended car types include SUVs and sedans (suitable for the well-paved highways), with daily rental prices ranging from ¥300-800 depending on the model and season.
- Rental Channels: Book online via platforms like Trip.com or through local car rental companies in Jiuzhaigou County for convenience.
- Advantages and Key Considerations:
- Advantages: Flexible schedule, perfect for family trips or small groups, and easy access to remote spots like Zhuokeji Tibetan Village or Bipenggou.
- Travel Preparation: Equip with GPS and offline maps (Amap/Gaode have detailed routes for Jiuzhaigou and surrounding areas). Prepare anti-altitude sickness supplies like portable oxygen and glucose oral liquid, as some routes pass through high-altitude areas.
- Safety Notes: Drive cautiously on mountain roads, especially in rainy seasons (June-August) when there may be landslides. Obey speed limits and avoid driving at night as some rural roads have poor lighting.
City Transport in Jiuzhaigou
Jiuzhaigou’s urban transport mainly covers Jiuzhaigou County (Zhangzha Town) and the area around the scenic spot entrance, with convenient options for short-distance travel.
Buses and Public Transport
- Jiuzhaigou County: Has a basic bus network covering major streets, the bus station, and the scenic spot entrance. Buses run from 6:30 to 21:00, with a fare of ¥1-2 per trip.
- Scenic Spot Entrance Area: Shuttle buses connect the entrance with nearby hotels and guesthouses, operating from 6:00 to 22:00 during peak season, with frequent departures.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps
- Taxis: Widely available in Jiuzhaigou County and around the scenic spot entrance. The starting fare is ¥8 for the first 3km, with ¥2 per additional kilometre. Taxis are the most convenient way for short trips, such as from your hotel to the scenic spot entrance.
- Ride-Hailing Apps: Didi Chuxing is available in Jiuzhaigou County, supporting online booking and cashless payment—familiar and convenient for most travellers.
Walking and Biking
- Walking: The area around the scenic spot entrance and Jiuzhaigou County’s main street is pedestrian-friendly. Walking is a great way to experience local life and browse small shops selling Tibetan handicrafts.
- Shared Bikes: A small number of shared bikes are available in Jiuzhaigou County, with a rental price of about ¥1.5 for 30 minutes, suitable for short trips within the town.
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Tourist Transport in Jiuzhaigou
Special tourist transport, such as scenic spot shuttle buses, is the only official way to get around inside Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, ensuring environmental protection and efficient travel.
Scenic Spot Shuttle Buses
Environmental protection sightseeing buses are the core transport within Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area—they are the only vehicles allowed to operate inside, with a scientific "Y"-shaped route network covering all major attractions.
- Route Network: Three main routes converge at Nuorilang Central Station, the hub of the scenic area:
- Shuzheng Valley Line: Covers attractions like Shuzheng Waterfall, 犀牛海 (Rhinoceros Lake), and 火花海 (Spark Lake).
- Ri Ze Valley Line: Connects to major attractions including 五花海 (Five-Flower Lake) and 珍珠滩瀑布 (Pearl Shoal Waterfall).
- Zechawagou Valley Line: Leads to 长海 (Long Lake) and 五彩池 (Five-Colored Pond).
- Operation Details:
- First bus departs at 7:30, last bus returns at 19:00 (peak season); adjusted to 8:00-18:00 in off-season.
- Waiting Time: The scenic area uses an intelligent dispatching system, ensuring waiting time at stations is no more than 5 minutes during peak season, and no more than 15 minutes at the entrance.
- Fare: Included in the scenic area ticket (¥169 for the ticket + ¥90 for the shuttle bus, valid for 1 day; 2-day tickets are also available).
- Onboard Services: Each bus is equipped with a guide who provides commentary on attractions and safety tips.
Walking Trails
Complementing the shuttle buses, Jiuzhaigou has over 80km of wooden walking trails, allowing you to explore smaller waterfalls and lakes up close. The trails connect major shuttle bus stations, so you can combine walking with bus rides for a flexible experience.
Private Tours and Drivers
For travellers who want to explore Jiuzhaigou and its surrounding areas (such as Huanglong, Songpan Ancient Town, and Zhuokeji Tibetan Village), private tours with drivers are an excellent choice.
- Services Offered: Many travel agencies and hotels in Jiuzhaigou provide private car services with professional drivers and multilingual guides. Vehicles are equipped with safety supplies and oxygen, and routes can be customised.
- Recommended Routes:
- Classic Jiuzhaigou-Huanglong Tour (3 days): Jiuzhaigou (2 days) + Huanglong (1 day)
- Cultural & Natural Tour (4 days): Jiuzhaigou (2 days) + Huanglong (1 day) + Songpan Ancient Town (1 day)
- In-depth Exploration Tour (5 days): Jiuzhaigou (2 days) + Huanglong (1 day) + Bipenggou (1 day) + Zhuokeji Tibetan Village (1 day)
Travel Tips for Getting Around Jiuzhaigou
- Altitude Adaptation: Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area has an average altitude of 2500m, and Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport is even higher (3447m). Avoid strenuous exercise after arrival, prepare portable oxygen and glucose oral liquid, and do not take a bath on the first day to prevent altitude sickness.
- Book in Advance During Peak Seasons: The peak tourist season in Jiuzhaigou is from May to October.
- Prepare for Changeable Weather: Jiuzhaigou’s weather is unpredictable, with large temperature differences between day and night. Bring warm clothes, rain gear, sunscreen, sun hats, and sunglasses.
- Use Reliable Apps and Platforms: Book flights, hotels, and car rentals through Trip.com; use Amap/Gaode for navigation; use Alipay and WeChat Pay for cashless payments; and use Didi for ride-hailing in urban areas.
FAQs About Jiuzhaigou Transport
How long does it take to travel from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou by road?
Via the G8513 Mianyang-Jiuzhaigou Expressway, the driving time is about 4 hours. By coach, it takes 4-5 hours with regular departures from Chengdu’s bus stations.Is there public transport between Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong Scenic Area?
Yes, there are daily shuttle buses between Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area Entrance and Huanglong Scenic Area, taking about 1.5 hours. You can also book a shared ride or private transfer for more flexibility.Can I use ride-hailing apps like Didi in Jiuzhaigou?
Yes, Didi Chuxing is available in Jiuzhaigou County and around the scenic spot entrance, supporting online booking and cashless payment.What should I note when driving in Jiuzhaigou?
Drive cautiously on mountain roads, especially in rainy seasons (June-August) when landslides may occur. Obey speed limits, avoid driving at night, and prepare anti-altitude sickness supplies for high-altitude sections.Is there a difference in transport options between peak and off-season?
In peak season (May-October), more flights, buses, and shuttle buses are available, but you need to book in advance. In off-season (November-April), some transport services may reduce frequency, so check schedules beforehand.