Introduction
Traveling from Shangri-La to Jiuzhaigou is a little bit complicated, as it can be a journey that combines the transport methods of flight, train + bus.
The fastest way is to fly from Shangri La to Chengdu first, then a train + bus to Jiuzhaigou or Huanglong Scenic Area. Below is a guide for you.
 | 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) |
Step 1: Flight from Shangri-La to Chengdu
The fastest way to start your journey is by taking a flight from Diqing Shangri-La Airport (DIG) to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU). There are several flights available daily, and the flight duration is approximately 1.5 hours. Prices can vary, but you can expect to pay around 600-1200 RMB for a one-way ticket.
Step 2: High-Speed Train from Chengdu Tianfu Airport to Chengdu East Station
Upon arrival at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, you will need to transfer to Chengdu East Railway Station. The high-speed train from Tianfu Airport Railway Station to Chengdu East Railway Station is efficient and quick, taking about 30 minutes. Trains run frequently throughout the day.
Step 3: High-Speed Train from Chengdu East Station to Huanglongjiuzhai Railway Station
With the opening of the Huanglongjiuzhai Railway Station on August 30, 2024, traveling to Jiuzhaigou has become more convenient. From Chengdu East Station, you can take a high-speed train directly to Huanglongjiuzhai Railway Station. There are 7 trains daily, and the journey takes between 1.5 to 2 hours. Ticket prices range from 128 to 144 RMB.
Step 4: Bus from Huanglongjiuzhai Railway Station to Jiuzhaigou or Huanglong Scenic Areas
Upon arriving at Huanglongjiuzhai Railway Station, you have two main scenic areas to explore: Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong. They can be reached via the through bus.
- Through bus to Jiuzhaigou Valley: The bus ride from Huanglongjiuzhai Station to Jiuzhaigou Valley takes about 2 hrs, CNY 51/p.
- Through bus to Huanglong: If you’re headed to Huanglong, the bus ride is even shorter—just about 40-50 minutes, CNY 28/p.
- Bus bus tickets online: www.trip.com/bus/huanglongjiuzhai-jiuzhaigou-ticket
1. Through Bus to Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area
- Distance: 90 km
- Transport: Through bus
- Journey time: 1.5-2 hours
- Ticket price: ¥51
- First bus: 8:30 AM, Last bus: 9:15 PM
- Return first bus: 6:00 AM, Last bus: 8:00 PM
2. Through Bus to Huanglong Scenic Area
- Distance: 90 km
- Transport: Through bus
- Journey time: 40-50 minutes
- Ticket price: ¥28
- First bus: 8:30 AM, Last bus: 9:15 PM
- Return first bus: 10:10 AM, Last bus: 10:15 PM
Booking Through Bus Tickets
You can purchase bus tickets to the scenic areas in two ways:
- At the ticket office in front of the train station
- Online through www.Trip.com/bus/, a popular platform affiliated with Ctrip Group
Alternative Route: High-Speed Train via Kunming
If you prefer traveling entirely by train, you can consider an alternative route via Kunming. However, this route is longer and more complex.
- Shangri-La to Kunming: Take a train to Kunming. This leg of the journey can take up to 5.5-6 hours.
- Kunming to Chengdu East Station: From Kunming, take a high-speed train to Chengdu East Station. The journey takes approximately 6-9 hours.
- Chengdu East Station to Huanglongjiuzhai Railway Station: Follow the same steps as outlined in Step 3 above.
You may consider staying in Chengdu for a night, and continue your journey to Jiuzhaigou on next day.
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
