Q: Can I Visit Jiuzhaigou Using China’s 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy?
A: No, Jiuzhaigou is not covered by the policy.
Jiuzhaigou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its turquoise lakes and alpine scenery, lies within Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province. However, under China’s updated 240-hour visa-free transit rules, Aba Prefecture is excluded from the permitted stay areas. This means travelers cannot use the transit visa exemption to visit Jiuzhaigou directly.
Read more: Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou by train & bus
 | Chengdu to Huanglongjiuzhai train (nearest station to Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong). Bus from Huanglongjiuzhai Station to Jiuzhaigou Valley (Through bus, carpool, Book online). |
 | 253 Hotels in Jiuzhaigou for foreign tourists, Hotels near Chengdu East Station |
 | Huanglong National Park (entrance ticket, cableway), Jiuzhaigou Park (entrance ticket, sightseeing bus, shuttle bus) |
 | Flights to or from Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (JZH) |
Sichuan’s 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy: Key Details
Here’s what foreign travelers need to know about the policy’s eligibility, entry points, and permitted regions in Sichuan.
1. Who Is Eligible?
Citizens of 54 countries qualify for the 240-hour visa-free transit if they:
- Hold valid passports and confirmed onward tickets to a third country/region.
- Enter and exit through designated ports.
Applicable Countries (Grouped by Region):
| Region | Countries |
|---|---|
| Europe | Austria, Belgium,Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland,France,Germany,Greece, Hungary, lceland.ltaly, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia,Slovenia,Spain，Sweden，SwitzerlandMonaco,Russia,the United Kingdomlreland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine.Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina,Montenegro,North Macedonia, Albania,Belarus, and Norway |
| Americas | USA, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile |
| Oceania | Australia, New Zealand |
| Asia | South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, UAE, Qatar |
Source: National Immigration Administration announcements.
More authoritative info, please read this link China’s 240-hour Visa-free Transit Policy.
2. Designated Entry/Exit Ports in Sichuan
Travelers must use one of the following airports:
- Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (original port).
- Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (newly added in December 2024).
Read more: Tianfu Airport to Chengdu by train
3. Permitted Stay Areas in Sichuan
The policy allows transit travelers to explore 11 prefecture-level cities within Sichuan, including Chengdu, Leshan, Deyang, Zigong, Luzhou, Suining, Neijiang, Meishan, Ya’an, Ziyang, Yibin.
| Permitted Cities | Key Attractions |
|---|---|
| Chengdu | Giant Panda Base, Jinli Ancient Street, Wuhou Shrine |
| Leshan | Leshan Giant Buddha, Mount Emei (UNESCO site) |
| Deyang | Sanxingdui Museum (ancient Shu civilization relics) |
| Zigong | Zigong Dinosaur Museum, Lantern Festival displays |
| Luzhou | Luzhou Laojiao Liquor Cultural District |
| Suining, Neijiang, Meishan, Yaan, Ziyang, Yibin | Regional cultural sites, tea plantations, and nature reserves |
Note: Activities must remain within these cities’ administrative boundaries. More authoritative info, please read this link China’s 240-hour Visa-free Transit Policy.
Check Live Train Schedule
| Chengdu to Huanglongjiuzhai Train | Chengdu to Leshan Train | Chengdu to Emeishan Train |
| Chengdu to Chongqing Train | Tianfu Airport to Chengdu Train | Shuangliu Airport to Chengdu Train |
Why Isn’t Jiuzhaigou Included?
The exclusion stems from regulatory restrictions. While Sichuan’s 240-hour policy covers major tourist hubs like Chengdu and Leshan, Aba Prefecture (Jiuzhaigou’s location) is classified as a border area with stricter entry controls due to its ethnic autonomous status and ecological sensitivity.
Alternative Itinerary: Explore Leshan and Mount Emei
For travelers keen to experience Sichuan’s natural and cultural wonders under the transit policy, Leshan City offers two iconic UNESCO sites:
- Leshan Giant Buddha: The world’s largest stone-carved Buddha (71 meters tall).
- Mount Emei: A sacred Buddhist mountain with hiking trails, temples, and panoramic views.
Both destinations are accessible via high-speed rail from Chengdu (1–1.5 hours) and fall within the permitted stay zone.
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