Jiuzhaigou is structured in a Y-shaped layout, showcasing six major scenic areas: Long Lake, Sword Rock, Nuorilang, Shuzheng, Zharu, and Black Lake. Its renowned “Six Wonders” include emerald lakes, layered waterfalls, colorful forests, snow-capped peaks, Tibetan culture, and blue ice.
How to Get There
By Air
The most convenient way to reach Jiuzhaigou is by flying to Chengdu or Chongqing and transferring to a flight bound for Jiuhuang Airport.
• From Chengdu Shuangliu Airport: Over 20 flights daily to Jiuhuang Airport; flight duration ~40 minutes.
• From Chongqing Jiangbei Airport: Fewer flights available (a few per day); flight duration ~1 hour. Tickets are typically ¥200 cheaper than those from Chengdu.
Jiuhuang Airport
• Distance to Jiuzhaigou entrance: ~88 km (~1.5 hours by car).
• Distance to Huanglong Scenic Area: ~50 km (~1 hour by car).
• Address: Songpan County, Aba Prefecture
• Contact: +86 837 7243737
Airport Bus Services
• Two routes available, departing once full:
1. Airport to Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area: ¥45/person.
2. Airport to Jiuzhaigou via Huanglong: ¥100/person. The bus stops at Huanglong for 4–4.5 hours before continuing.
• Inquiries: +86 837 7243612
Taxi Services
Estimated Fares (CNY):
• Airport to Jiuzhaigou: Day ¥200, Night ¥260
• Airport to Huanglong: Day ¥180, Night ¥200
• Airport to Chuanzhusi: Day ¥30, Night ¥40
• Airport to Songpan: Day ¥60, Night ¥80
• Airport to Munigou: Day ¥180, Night ¥200
• Contact: +86 837 7232520
By Train
Currently, there is no direct train to Jiuzhaigou. Travelers must transfer from Chengdu, Guangyuan, or Jiangyou by bus, which is less convenient.
• From Guangyuan Railway Station: Transfer by bus via Wenchuan County (Gansu Province) to Jiuzhaigou County. Attractions along the way include Guangyuan Old Town, Zhaohua Old Town, Huangze Temple, and Jianmen Shu Road. However, this route is prone to landslides during the rainy season.
• From Jiangyou Railway Station: Transfer by bus via Pingwu and Wenchuan Counties to Jiuzhaigou. Key sights along the way include Douchuan Mountain, the Li Bai Memorial Hall, Hailight Martial Arts Museum, and Bao’en Temple. Road distance: ~303 km.
By Long-Distance Bus
Direct buses to Jiuzhaigou are available from Chengdu, Mianyang, and Dujiangyan, with Chengdu being the most recommended departure point due to its frequent service.
• Important Note: Jiuzhaigou and Jiuzhaigou County are several kilometers apart and should not be confused.
Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou
1. Chadianzi Bus Station
• Address: Yangxi Flyover, Third Ring Road, Jinniu District, Chengdu
• Departure Times: 7:20, 8:00, 16:00
• Ticket Price: ¥123/person
2. Ximen Bus Station
• Address: 22 South Xi’an Road, Jinniu District, Chengdu
• Departure Times: 8:40, 9:20
• Ticket Price: ¥85/person
Food
Due to limited local resources and challenging transportation, food prices in Jiuzhaigou are relatively high. Local cuisine is predominantly beef and mutton, with Tibetan and Qiang ethnic variations:
• Tibetan Style: Smoked and roasted meats accompanied by barley wine, butter tea, and yogurt.
• Qiang Style: Spicy and sour dishes, often using meat and offal.
Visitors may find these dishes unfamiliar. Tibetan specialties are primarily available within the villages (e.g., Shuzheng Village). It’s advisable to bring your own snacks for a picnic while exploring. Outside the scenic area, you’ll find mostly Sichuan cuisine, along with some halal and Tibetan restaurants. Restaurants in Pengfeng Village are generally more affordable than those near the park.
Shopping
Though shopping options are limited, Jiuzhaigou offers unique souvenirs, including:
• Qiang embroidery, Tibetan handicrafts (rings, knives, prayer beads).
• Yak meat, a popular local specialty.
• Medicinal herbs like Fritillaria, cordyceps, and musk.
• Spices and produce such as Sichuan peppercorns, bracken, and wood ear mushrooms
However, if you are unsure about the authenticity or quality of the products, it’s best to buy sparingly.