How to get to Jiuzhaigou ? In previous years it had been difficult for visitors to get to Jiuzhaigou due to its isolated location, however this is no longer a concern. Nowadays, visitor can take train, long-distance bus or flight to Jiuzhaigou from Chengdu.
By Air
Jiuhuang Airport (JZH) is 12 kilometers away to the north of Chuanzhusi Town, which is located in Songpan County of the Aba Autonomous Prefecture. Passengers can take flight to this airport from Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi'an, Guangzhou, Beijing and Shanghai in usual time. However, the flight schedules are decreased a lot because of the Jiuzhaigou Earthquake on Aug. 8th 2017. Only direct flights to/from Chengdu and Chongqing are available currently. Visitors are advised to recheck the flight schedule or postpone the travel plans there.
Huanglong Reserve was not affected and open as usual. After arriving at Jiuhuang Airport, visitors can take shuttle buses to Huanglong Reserve, and some of other local scenic spots. The departure time of the shuttle buses generally runs in accordance with the flight schedule.
Jiuhuang Airport is located in Chuanzhusi Town, Songpan County, with an altitude of nearly 3500 meters. It is 88 kilometers away from Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area and 43 kilometers away from Huanglong. In peak season, there are airport buses from the airport to Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area and Huanglong, and the ticket price is 45 yuan and 22 yuan respectively. If you rent a car, it will cost about 200 yuan to go to Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area, 100 yuan to Songpan, and 50 yuan to Chuanzhu Temple. The price may rise due to weather factors.
Address: About 12 kilometers north of Chuanzhusi Town in Songpan County, Aba Prefecture
Phone: 0837-7243770
By Train
As of now, there is no direct train to/from Jiuzhai Valley. Passengers can only take trains to Guangyuan or Jiangyou first and then change to a bus to arrive at the destination, but it is rather inconvenient. It is reported that Jiuzhaigou Railway Station will be put into service by the end of 2019 along with the operation of Chengdu - Jiuzhaigou Train. By then, the travel between Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou will be very convenient and rail travel just takes 2 hours or so.
By Bus
There are two long-distance bus stations in Jiuzhaigou currently. Most long-distance buses depart in the early morning and arrive at dawn, and now even provide a service throughout the winter months. Traveling by bus can also help with gradual acclimatization to the local high altitudes (it is recommended that those prone to altitude sickness take appropriate medication before departure).
Jiuzhai Bus Center Satation: Buses to Chengdu, Markang, Lanzhou and other places
Address: Jiutong Sunshine Hotel, 2 kilometers east of the mouth of Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area Valley, Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area County
Phone: 0837-7739900
Getting Around Transport
By Taxi
Most hotels and restaurants still located at areas which still have a distance from the main entrance of the valley. The flag-down rate of the taxis in Jiuzhaigou County is CNY4-6 for the first 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) due to the different car types. Only a few drivers would use the taximeter. Thus it is quite necessary to negotiate the price before boarding. Usually shuttling in the county and near the valley costs no more than CNY10.
Reference Taxi Fare:
Jiuhuang Airport – Huanglong Scenic Area: CNY600-700 for a single trip
Chengdu –Huanglong Scenic Area: about CNY1, 500 for a single trip
Sightseeing Bus
Sightseeing buses provided in Jiuzhai Valley brings lots of convenience for visitors. These buses start from the entrance gate of the valley and stop at main attraction sites inside the valley. A round trip inside the valley usually takes about 130 minutes. Tourists need to buy bus tickets at the entrance gate. Since the reopening after the earthquake, the bus fare is CNY 90. Besides, two kinds of buses are provided: the larger buses can only be taken at designated stations and the medium-size ones can be taken at any place along its travel route.
Chartered Car
Some visitors prefer to drive there by themselves or hire a car. The advantage is that visitors can plan their journey freely without too many limitations. However, unless they are skilled drivers, it is recommended to hire someone who is familiar with the local conditions, since some sections of the road are hazardous and especially dangerous at night. They can hire a car with a driver at Jiuhuang Airport and go to Huanglong National Scenic Reserve. However, if they prefer to travel independently, it is possible to hire a car when they arrive in Chengdu or Mianyang. The whole route can then be catered to their interests.