Exploring Huanglong National Park: A Guide to the Sightseeing Bus
A common question among foreign tourists planning a visit to Huanglong Scenic Area is whether purchasing a sightseeing bus ticket is necessary. The answer is yes—securing an advance ticket is highly recommended for two critical reasons: it preserves your energy and significantly reduces high-altitude fatigue, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
About Sightseeing Bus in Huanglong
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Ticket Price | Single trip: ¥20/person (valid for 1 day). Discounts: Students (50% off), seniors (60+ free). |
| Route | Cable Car Upper Station → Five-Color Pond Station (2.4 km, 10-minute ride). |
| Operating Hours | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (seasonal adjustments possible; closes earlier in winter). |
| Capacity | Limited to 5,000 tickets/day; advance booking required. |
| Vehicle Type | Electric buses, eco-friendly and low-noise. Speed limit: 30 km/h for safety. |
| Advace bus ticket: www.trip.com/huanglong-sightseeing-bus.htm | |
How to Purchase Tickets
Official Platforms
- Mobile Apps: “Beautiful Aba” (official app), Ctrip, Meituan.
- Onsite Counters: Limited tickets may be sold at cable car stations (not recommended during peak seasons).
Advance Booking Tips
- Book 7 days ahead during peak seasons (June–October, holidays).
- Read more: Huanglongjiuzhai Station to Huanglong by bus
4 Reasons to Book the Sightseeing Bus in Advance
- Limited Daily Availability: Only 5,000 tickets are issued daily. During peak travel periods (e.g., summer, National Day holidays), tickets sell out rapidly. Booking early guarantees access and avoids disappointment.
- Reduce High-Altitude Fatigue: The bus route covers an elevation of 3,500+ meters. Walking uphill in thin air increases the risk of altitude sickness. The bus saves 40+ minutes of strenuous hiking, preserving energy for exploring the iconic Five-Color Pond.
- Optimize Your Itinerary: The bus drops visitors near the Five-Color Pond, allowing you to prioritize this highlight and leisurely descend via footpaths to secondary attractions like the Zhenyan Pools and Bonsai Pools.
- Weather and Time Constraints: Afternoon weather in Huanglong is unpredictable (rain/snow common). Taking the morning bus ensures safer, clearer views.
 | Bus from Huanglongjiuzhai Station to Jiuzhaigou or Huanglong (Through bus & Book online). Chengdu to Huanglongjiuzhai train. Shuangliu Airport to Huanglongjiuzhai train. Leshan / Emeishan to Huanglongjiuzhai train |
 | 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), Chengdu Panda Base |
 | Flights to or from Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (JZH) |
Step-by-Step Travel Plan
- Recommended Combo: Buy the “Cable Car + Sightseeing Bus” package (¥100 total: ¥80 cable car + ¥20 bus).
- Take the cable car up, then the bus to the Five-Color Pond.
- Walk downhill to other sites.
Avoid Crowds: Visit between 2:00 PM–4:00 PM when most tourists are descending.
Final Tips
- Check real-time updates on the park’s website for weather-related closures.
- Carry oxygen cans if prone to altitude sickness.
- Wear non-slip shoes; paths can be icy or wet.
Rize Gully (From Primeval Forest to Nuorilang Waterfall)
| Rizegou Gully | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | Scenic Spot | Rating | Description | Image Reference |
| 1 | Primeval Forest | ★★★ | Ancient fir forest draped in moss, symbolizing pristine wilderness with high oxygen concentration. | |
| 2 | Swan Lake | ⭐⭐⭐ | Marshland oasis where wild swans gather in spring, surrounded by emerald grasses. | |
| 3 | Arrow Bamboo Lake | ★★★★ | Bamboo-fringed lake featured in film Hero, famed for mirror-like reflections of peaks. | – |
| 4 | Panda Lake | ★★★★ | Crystal waters with fish shoals; frozen cascades in winter. Named for pandas drinking here. | – |
| 5 | Five-Flower Lake | ★★★★★ | Jiuzhai’s iconic kaleidoscopic lake: turquoise, sapphire, and amber hues blend like liquid gemstones. | – |
| 6 | Pearl Shoal | ★★★★ | Golden travertine terrace where rapids sparkle like scattered pearls under sunlight. | – |
| 7 | Pearl Shoal Waterfall | ★★★★★ | Thunderous 270m-wide cascade immortalized in Journey to the West, mist rising like dragon’s breath. | – |
| 8 | Mirror Lake | ★★★★★ | Perfect mountain reflections at dawn—nature’s glass canvas. “No photo, no proof” among locals. | – |
| 9 | Nuorilang Waterfall | ★★★★★ | Epic 320m travertine curtain, winter’s frozen sculpture vs summer’s roaring veil. | – |
| Rizegou Gully | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | Scenic Spot | Rating | Description | Image Reference |
| 1 | Primeval Forest | ★★★ | Ancient fir forest draped in moss, symbolizing pristine wilderness with high oxygen concentration. | |
| 2 | Swan Lake | ⭐⭐⭐ | Marshland oasis where wild swans gather in spring, surrounded by emerald grasses. | |
| 3 | Arrow Bamboo Lake | ★★★★ | Bamboo-fringed lake featured in film Hero, famed for mirror-like reflections of peaks. | - |
| 4 | Panda Lake | ★★★★ | Crystal waters with fish shoals; frozen cascades in winter. Named for pandas drinking here. | - |
| 5 | Five-Flower Lake | ★★★★★ | Jiuzhai’s iconic kaleidoscopic lake: turquoise, sapphire, and amber hues blend like liquid gemstones. | - |
| 6 | Pearl Shoal | ★★★★ | Golden travertine terrace where rapids sparkle like scattered pearls under sunlight. | - |
| 7 | Pearl Shoal Waterfall | ★★★★★ | Thunderous 270m-wide cascade immortalized in Journey to the West, mist rising like dragon’s breath. | - |
| 8 | Mirror Lake | ★★★★★ | Perfect mountain reflections at dawn—nature’s glass canvas. "No photo, no proof" among locals. | - |
| 9 | Nuorilang Waterfall | ★★★★★ | Epic 320m travertine curtain, winter’s frozen sculpture vs summer’s roaring veil. | - |
Trusted Online Ticket Agents:
Option 1: 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
Option 2: 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.
