Introduction
Travelling by high-speed rail from Jiuzhaigou to Hong Kong can be a lengthy journey, spanning over a great distance but offering panoramic views of the wonderfully diverse landscape of China. While there are a few transfers involved, each leg of the trip presents an opportunity to experience the comfort and speed of China’s modern high-speed train network. If direct high-speed trains are not available or are infrequent between the two destinations, efficient transfers can be made at major railway stations along the route.
Jiuzhaigou – Huanglongjiuzhai Railway Station – Chengdu East – Guangzhou South – Hong Kong West Kowloon.
Railway Map
Train Schedule Overview
Due to the complex nature of this journey, the following is a simplified schedule overview for the trip:
Jiuzhaigou – Huanglongjiuzhai Railway Station – Chengdu East – Guangzhou South – Hong Kong West Kowloon.
 | 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, |
 | Huanglong National Park (entrance ticket, cableway) |
 | Flights to or from Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (JZH) |
| Steps | Departure Station | Arrival Station | Duration | Frequency | Fares | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Huanglongjiuzhai Station | Chengdu East Station | Varies | Multiple Daily | Varies | ||
| Step 2 | Chengdu East Station | Guangzhou South Station | Varies | Multiple Daily | Varies | ||
| Step 3 | Guangzhou South Station | Hong Kong West Kowloon Station | Varies | Multiple Daily | Varies | ||
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For a live schedule, refer to www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains/ & www.trip.com
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Firstly, you need to take a bus to Huanglongjiuzhai Railway Station to catch a train to Chengdu East, then a high speed train to Guangzhou South, again another train to Hong Kong West kowloon Station. This is a long rail journey.
Alternative: Chengdu to Hong Kong by Flight
Considering the duration required for the train journey, you have the option to fly directly from Chengdu to Hong Kong. This would significantly cut the travel time, providing a quicker, albeit a different travel experience.
Hong Kong West Kowloon Station
Hong Kong West Kowloon Station is currently the only train station that operates high speed trains to mainland China. It operates once daily direct train to Nanning East Station. You can take the MTR to the West Kowloon Station. It is located between Kowloon Station & Austin Station. Just use www.mtr.com.hk/en/customer/jp2/ to plan your route.
Photo Guide: how to take a train from HK West Kowloon
How to Buy Tickets Online
There are several ways to book your train tickets online. Just remember that booking herizon for train tickets opens 15 days before your travel date. It is recommended to book you tickets as soon as possible in advance to secure your seat at your desired departure time.
Check Live English Schedule
1. Book with 12306 China Railway
www.12306.cn is the offcial website of China Railway, which now has supported English. It also provides an offcial ticketing (English version) App – Tielu 12306 for both iOS and Android.
Jack’s friendly reminder: In the official site www.12306.cn, you can enter “hkw” or ‘hkwestkowloon‘ as Hong Kong West Kowloon Station; and “chengdudong” as Chengdu East Railway Station, or enter “Huanglongjiuzhai” as Huanglongjiuzhai Railway Station.
2. Book with China Highlights
www.chinahighlights.com is a trusted online ticket agent who get possitive reviews & is often recommended on Trip Advisor forum. They offer real-time train schedule online, English-language support, They can also provide assistance in case of any issues with your tickets or travel or when you’re running into trouble. Even they can deliver tickets to your hotel in advance. You can place orders with them any time. They are helpful, especially when you’re not familiar with the China’s transportation system or do not speak Chinese.
When to Buy Tickets
Tickets can be booked up to 15 days on the official 12306 China Railway website. It is always advisable to buy tickets in advance to secure ticket availability or seat assignment. Ticets tend to sell out quickly on this popular route especially during the bussy travel peak period, such as the public National Days (Gold Week), Labour’s Days, Chinese Moon Festival or Qingming Festival. But if you use an online ticket agent www.chinahighlights.com, you can order tickets any time with them and they will book it for you once the tickets are released online.
Immigration & Customs Procedures at Hong Kong West Kowloon
Hong Kong West Kowloon Station is a joint checkpoint between Hong Kong and mainland China, which means that border control and immigration procedures for both Hong Kong and mainland China are conducted in one place in Hong Kong West Kowloon Station. So prepare for all necessary travel documents like passports and visas at hand and allow surfficient time for the immigration and customs procedures for both Hong Kong and Manland sides.
Boarding Tips and Procedures
Make sure to arrive at the train station early enough before departure time to allow for ticket checks, immigration and custom procedures, security checks and boarding. You will need to present your passport and train ticket for verification before boarding the train.
Visa to Mainland China
You need a visa to enter mainland China if you are taking a train from Hong Kong to Guangzhou. While most passports are granted visa on arrival for Hong Kong, you’ll still need a visa to enter mainland China. Just apply it in advance.
Trusted Online Ticket Agents:
Option 1: China Highlights is a reliable online agency for China train ticketing. They get positive reviews on TripAdvisor & Trustpilot. Sharon and her team help you buy tickets & plan rail routes even deliver tickets to your hotels with a service fee.
Option 2: Trip.com is an internatioal brand owned by Ctrip Group, China's largest online travel booking platform. Trip.com offers booking service for flight, train, hotel, activities, etc
