Jiuzhaigou Travel Guide

Jiuzhaigou Travel Guide

Jiuzhaigou Facts

Chinese Name: 九寨沟县 (jǐu zhài gōu xiàn)
Population: 81,500
Area: 5,286 square kilometers (2,041 square miles)
Location: in the north of Sichuan Province, southwest China
Area Code: 0837
Zip Code: 623400
GDP (2018): CNY 2.54 billion (USD 0.384 billion)
Nationalities: Han, Tibetan, Hui, Qiang 
 

Famous for Stunning Natural Scenery in Jiuzhaigou National Park

Located in the north of Sichuan Province, Jiuzhaigou County, previously known as Nanping County, is part of the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture. Since the opening of the Jiuzhaigou National Park in 1984, visitors have flocked to the region year by year. The distance from Jiuzhaigou county to Jiuzhaigou National Park is about 48 km (30 mi). Up to now, over 100 hotels and restaurants are available in the county.

Jiuzhaigou is famous for green lakes, waterfalls, colorful forests, snow peaks, Tibetan customs and blue ices. April to November is the peak season of Jiuzhaigou tourism. Around April, Jiuzhaigou is covered with red, purple, blue and yellow flowers. From June to August, it is a good place for summer vacation because the cool climate brought by the high altitude can keep tourists away from the heat. Also it is the best time to watch the green lakes and waterfalls due to the abundant water supply. October and November sees the most brilliant Jiuzhaigou scenery as the forests are dressed in beautiful colors and all reflected in the bright lakes. Besides, visitors can experience strong Tibetan customs through Tibetan performances, traditional buildings, monasteries and Tibetan custom parks.
 

With some of the most beautiful and inspiring scenery on earth and some of the reserves scenic spots considered holy by the local Tibetan and Qiang people, it is no wonder a number of mysterious legends surround the wonderful landscape of Jiuzhaigou. Many people are drawn to the area for these reasons, and with the park open all year round the authorities have ensured that the fragile environment is sufficiently protected with a range of comprehensive facilities.  

Panda Lake
Panda Lake
Tiger Lake
Tiger Lake 
Charming scenery of Jiuzhaigou
Five-Flower Lake
 More Pictures
 More Videos

Recommended Tour Itineraries:

7-Day Sichuan Tour of Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou from $1059
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Hiking Adventure
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In previous years it had been difficult for visitors to get there due to its isolated location, however this is no longer a concern due to the construction of the Jiuzhaigou Ring Way which links the reserve with Chengdu and the Jiuhuang Airport, and has made gaining access to the park a great deal easier. Jiuhuang Airport operates direct flights to/from Chengdu and Chongqing at present. About the transportation inside the county, there were sightseeing buses in the Jiuzhaigou Valley. However, the buses are suspended because the scenic area is closed now due to the earthquake. There is no train service now. However, Jiuzhaigou Railway Station, which is under construction, will open in 2019 along with the operation of the Jiuzhaigou - Chengdu Train.

Multi-Color Pond
Multi-Color Pond, Huanglong Valley
Bonsai Lake, Huanglong Valley
Bonsai Lake, Huanglong Valley

 Best Time to Visit Jiuzhaigou

 Local Highlights:
Historically, the region has been home to small population of Tibetan and Qiang people, and provides a good opportunity to get to know more about the locals' unique life and culture. The highlight of any visit to these areas are special performances laid on by the Tibetan and Qiang people which are also a popular form of the local nightlife.

 Special Local Products:
Trying some of the typical local foods and picking up a number of the reasonably-priced, locally-produced goods of the Tibetan and Qiang groups are something of a must during your visit. This area has been blessed with some of the most captivating landscapes on earth and words simply do not do it justice, and so you are encouraged to visit at the earliest opportunity.

 Physical Features:
Lying on the highest tableland in the world between the Sichuan Basin and the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Jiuzhaigou covers altitudes ranging from 2,000 meters (6,561 feet) to about 4,300 meters (14,107 feet). With a large number of lake groups, waterfalls and a rich variety of endangered plants and fauna, it was awarded the status of UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve in 1997 and was also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. The reserve has received a string of other titles including that of a National Geological Park, a AAAAA Class Scenic Spot in China and a Green Globe 21.

 Further Reading:
  Dining & Nightlife        Shopping
 

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- Last updated on Jul. 22, 2024 by Brenda Lian -
Questions & Answers on Jiuzhaigou Travel
Asked by Andi from INDONESIA | Jun. 09, 2024 22:17Reply
chengdu - jiuzhaigo
how to get to jiuzhaigou from chengdu?
Answers (2)
Answered by Andi | Jun. 09, 2024 22:18
00Reply


better spend 2 nights or only 1 night? can we use the entrance fee for 2 nights?
Answered by Joshua | Jun. 11, 2024 20:38
00Reply


One day for visiting is enough. The entrance ticket is only valid for one day and you cannot stay overnight inside the scenic area.
Asked by Nadia from TUNISIA | May. 24, 2024 01:47Reply
Bus Schedule
Hi,
Does someone knows and tell ma:
- what are the bus times from Jiuzhaigu to Huanglong and especially if there are buses in the afternoon.
- also the bus schedules from Huanglong to Sonzhou bus station or Zhenjiangguanxiang railway station morning and afternoon.
This would really help me as I can't find these informations.
Thanks a lot. Nadia
Answers (3)
Answered by Joshua | May. 26, 2024 19:21
00Reply


1. Jiuzhaigou - Huanglong bus departs at 07:40 from Jiuzhaigou Bus Station and no buses in the afternoon.
2. No Huanglong - Songzhou or Zhenjiangguan Bus. But there free shuttle buses from Zhenjiangguan to Songzhou, and also Songzhou - Jiuzhaigou buses depart at 10:00, 14:00 and 19:00. Songzhou - Huanglong buses depart at 12:50, 14:20 and 19:00.
Answered by Nadia | May. 27, 2024 02:20
00Reply


Really thank you Joshua for this valuable information that is not easily found.
You are serving a lot of people !!
But how do single travelers go from Huanglong National Park to Songpan and Zhenjiangguan if there is no bus ? If it's by taxi, at what price ?
All the best.
Nadia
Answered by Keith | May. 27, 2024 18:43
00Reply


You can take a taxi to Songzhou Bus Station at a cost of about CNY 130 and take a free shuttle bus there to Zhenjiangguan. Or you can share a car with other tourists directly to Zhenjiangguan Station. The taxi journey takes about CNY300 and 1.5h, and four tourists sharing a car makes each one pay about CNY 80. The train departure is fixed and it won't be hard to find tourists taking the same train and willing to share a car.
Asked by Keith from AUSTRALIA | Mar. 13, 2024 15:06Reply
zhangjiajiexi West train station to Jiuzhaigou
Hi,
Hope it's ok to ask many questions ..

We are planning to take a train to zhangjiajiexi West train station and then to Jiuzhaigou, are there buses to Jiuyuan Hotel Huodiba, Goukou, Jiuzhaigou ? what would it cost ?

Also can I take Didi or taxi from station to hotel and how much would it cost apx ?

Do we need to buy the national park ticket before arrival or we can buy on the day we are visiting ?

On the way back, we would like to book a private car to take us to Huanglong National Park and wait for about 4-5 hours and than to Zhenjiangguan station to take our train to Chendu. What would be the aproximate cost to hire a private car for this purpose ?

Thank you very much in advance for your assistance.
Kind regards,
Keith
Answers (1)
Answered by Joshua | Mar. 13, 2024 19:28
00Reply


If you take a train to Jiuzhaigou, I believe you will arrive at the nearest Zhenjiangguan Station. You can take a direct bus at this station to the tourist center of Jiuzhaigou National Park, which is about 2 miles away from your hotel. The bus ride takes about 2h 40min and CNY 48-98. If you take a Didi or taxi to the hotel from the tourist center, it will take CNY 10-15.

You can buy the ticket on the day but may need to wait in line as the peak season is coming. It is advised to book a ticket online in advance.

The private car may cost CNY 300 - 600 for the mentioned trip.
Asked by PRASONGSITH from THAILAND | Feb. 05, 2024 23:38Reply
After visit Jiuzhaigou we want to visit Huanglong how to travel there by public transportation ?
Answers (1)
Answered by James | Feb. 06, 2024 17:53
00Reply


As I know, there are some buses operated from Jiuzhaigou to Huanglong but the schedule is not fixed. You can consult your hotel staff and they may know more about it.
Asked by Aaron Chang from MALAYSIA | Feb. 03, 2024 22:07Reply
Entrance tickets to jiuzhaigou and huanglong
Where can foreign tourist buy entrance tickets to jiuzhaigou and huanglong? Is it easy to get a taxi from Zhenjiangguan station to Huanglong and from Huanglong to jiuzhaigou? How much is the fares?
Answers (1)
Answered by Amanda | Feb. 03, 2024 23:31
00Reply


You have to hire a car as taxis may not be available because of too long distances. It generally costs CNY 600-800 per day.
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