China is a country of breathtaking natural beauty, full of stunning national parks and scenic areas. We believe both Jiuzhaigou National Park and Huanglong Scenic Area in Sichuan Province are amongst the nicest natural places in the entire world.
Since the introduction of high-speed trains, visiting both parks has become much easier. The journey from Chengdu now takes less than two hours on a fast and comfortable train.
However, understanding the area remains challenging. The use of local names and the lack of reliable English maps make it tricky to choose where to stay. We are convinced that this post will help you plan your visit without a glitch.
The Best time to Visit Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong
Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong are spectacular year-round destinations. As the seasons change, so do the colors of the trees, bushes, and flowers.
Both parks fully bloom in the summer. Granted, the colors are vivid and the fauna thrives, but the crowds are large. Winter, on the other hand, is much quieter, with fewer colors but far fewer tourists too.
We visited in early April, at the beginning of spring. The snow was melting, water flowed everywhere, and the vegetation was just beginning to bloom. There weren’t too many tourists, and the weather was splendid. We highly recommend visiting at this time of the year!
How to Get to Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong
By Plane
In the past, most visitors arrived at the Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport. We flew there from Xi’an and were amazed by the spectacular mountain views from the plane.
Since the opening of the high-speed railway, the number of flights has been drastically reduced. There are now only direct flights from Chengdu Tianfu and Beijing Capital airports. dunan (Chengdu South) or Chengduxi (Chengdu West) stations. You can buy your plane ticket here.
Once you land, you’ll need to take a taxi or a shuttle bus to your destination. The airport is near Chuanzhusi Town, about 53 km (33 miles) from Huanglong and 88 km (55 miles) from Jiuzhaigou.
By Train
The HuanglongJiuzhai Train Station opened in August 2024 and has since become the main access point to both parks. The station is close to Chuanzhusi Town, about 26 km (16 miles) from Huanglong and 92 km (57 miles) from Jiuzhaigou.
There are over a dozen daily trains from Chengdu, and the trip takes roughly two hours. Most trains depart from Chengdudong (Chengdu East), but some originate from Chengdunan (Chengdu South) or Chengduxi (Chengdu West) stations. You can check the schedules and buy your tickets here.
Once you arrive at HuanglongJiuzhai Station, you can take a shuttle bus to Jiuzhaigou or Huanglong. Buses operate from 8:30 AM to 9:15 PM. Taxis are also available.
Where to Stay
Pengfeng Village (by the Jiuzhaigou Valley Entrance)
The best place to stay near Jiuzhaigou National Park is Pengfeng Village, a charming linear settlement along the main road.
Pengfeng is a typical Chinese tourist town, filled with shops, restaurants, and all the tourist infrastructure you might need. There are many hotels within walking distance of the park entrance.
Recommended Hotels:
Holiday Inn Express
We chose the Holiday Inn Express for its convenient location near the park’s entrance. Our room was comfortable, the hosts were friendly, and we could walk to the park in minutes.
Rezen Retreat Four Seasons Manju Hotel
If you’d like to try a local brand, Rezen has several hotels in the area. The Four Seasons Manju is a modern hotel with spacious rooms near the park entrance. Book a Queen Room with a Courtyard View and you won’t want to leave.
Langzhai Village, Zhangzha Town
If you prefer staying in a luxury hotel surrounded by nature, Langzhai Village, just outside Zhangzha Town, is your best option. The village lies along the main road toward the park, about 11 km (7 miles) from the entrance, so you’ll need transport to get there.
Langzhai is much smaller than Pengfeng, barely a village, but you’ll still find a few restaurants and shops. The highlight here is the stunning view of the surrounding mountains.
Recommended Hotels:
Hilton Jiuzhaigou Resort
We spent one day at the Hilton Jiuzhaigou Resort and loved every minute of it. Our room was spacious and comfortable, with epic mountain views. We especially enjoyed the abundant and delicious breakfast.
Conrad Jiuzhaigou
Another fantastic luxury choice, the Conrad Jiuzhaigou blends beautifully into the natural landscape. It offers stylish rooms, a gym, a spa, and lush green gardens. Ask for a top-floor room for the best views.
Chuanzhusi Town
Chuanzhusi is the largest town in the area and the main gateway to both parks. The airport and train station are nearby, and this is the best base for visiting Huanglong Scenic Area.
The town takes its name from a 13th-century Tibetan temple in its center. You’ll find plenty of accommodation, restaurants, and shops, and you can even take pleasant walks among nearby lavender fields.
Recommended Hotels:
Days Inn by Wyndham Songpan Chuanzhu Temple
Days Inn by Wyndham is the only international brand in Chuanzhusi. The hotel combines Tibetan-style architecture with modern comfort and great views.
Wassim Hotel
Located in the town center near Chuanzhu Temple, Wassim Hotel features comfortable rooms and friendly staff. You will love the fresh coffee served in the lobby, the free laundry service, and free train station pickup.
What to Visit
Juizhaigou National Park
Jiuzhaigou is one of China’s most beautiful national parks, a vast area filled with pristine forests, crystal-clear lakes, waterfalls, and charming Tibetan villages.
Although you can walk through the park, it’s best to take the shuttle bus from the entrance to reach some of the most spectacular spots. Don’t miss the three major lakes — Five Color Lake, Long Lake, and Mirror Lake, and the Pearl Shoal and Nuo Ri Lang waterfalls.
The park is open from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM (April 1–November 15) and from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM (November 16–March 31). Ticket prices vary by season. You can get your ticket here.
Huanglong Scenic Area
Huanglong is smaller and less crowded but equally beautiful. It’s China’s most famous plateau wetland, known for its terraced pools, mountain views, and Tibetan temples.
You can explore the park on foot, but if you want to save energy, take the cable car up and walk down to the exit.
The area is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM all year-round. Ticket prices vary: high season runs from June 1 to December 15, and low season from December 16 to May 31. Buy your ticket here.
How to Organize Your Trip
We recommend visiting both Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong and spending at least three days in the area. Both parks are incredibly beautiful and deserve plenty of time.
The easiest itinerary is to stay two nights in Pengfeng or Langzhai while exploring Jiuzhaigou for two full days, then spend one night in Chuanzhusi to visit Huanglong from there. You can also do this in reverse.
If this sounds overwhelming, you can book a self-guided tour package from a reputable agency. This one has excellent reviews and provides step-by-step guidance throughout your trip.
