If Jiuzhaigou National Park is on your China itinerary, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is, “How to get there from Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chongqing, or another major city?” The answer is simpler than it may seem: for most travelers, Chengdu is the gateway to Jiuzhaigou.
Except for seasonal direct flights from Beijing, there are currently no year-round direct flights or direct high-speed trains from China’s major cities to Jiuzhaigou. Instead, most journeys involve a connection in Chengdu, which offers the widest range of onward transportation options.
At QuietRoutes, we’ve helped many international visitors plan multi-city trips across China, and almost every Jiuzhaigou itinerary passes through Chengdu in one way or another. In this guide, we’ll compare the best routes from Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, and Chongqing, explain the different transportation options, and help you choose the one that best fits your travel plans.
Beijing to Jiuzhaigou
After Chengdu, Beijing is one of the easiest cities to connect with Jiuzhaigou. Direct flights are available from Beijing to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (JZH) during the peak travel season. Outside this period, most travelers will need to connect through Chengdu, either by air or by high-speed train.
Option 1: Direct Flight from Beijing to Jiuzhaigou (Seasonal)
Direct flights from Beijing to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport usually operate between June and November during the peak travel season. For example, in 2026, the route is scheduled to resume on June 15, with around 4–6 flights per week.
Travel Time
- Flight time: Approximately 2.5 hours
- Airport transfer: Around 1.5–2 hours from Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport to Jiuzhaigou Valley entrance
Cost: Flight prices vary depending on the season and booking time.
Best for
- Travelers with limited time and who want the fastest route to Jiuzhaigou
- Visitors traveling during the peak season when direct flights are available
- Travelers who prefer to avoid additional transfers
QuietRoutes Tip: Direct flight schedules can change each year depending on seasonal demand and airline arrangements. We recommend checking the latest availability before planning your Beijing–Jiuzhaigou itinerary.
Option 2: Fly to Chengdu, Then Continue to Jiuzhaigou (Year-Round Choice)
For most travelers from Beijing, flying via Chengdu is the most practical year-round option. After arriving in Chengdu, there are two main ways to continue to Jiuzhaigou:
1. Chengdu → Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport → Transfer to Jiuzhaigou
The flight from Chengdu to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport takes around 40–50 minutes. After arrival, you can take an airport transfer to Jiuzhaigou Valley, which usually takes around 1.5–2 hours.
This is the fastest overall option and is ideal for travelers who want to minimize travel time. However, when booking separate flights, make sure to allow enough time for the connection.
Best for:
- Travelers with limited time
- Visitors who prefer flying over ground transportation
- Those who want the shortest journey from Beijing to Jiuzhaigou
2. Chengdu → Huanglongjiuzhai Railway Station → Transfer to Jiuzhaigou
The high-speed train option offers a more relaxed and flexible journey. There are frequent trains from Chengdu to Huanglongjiuzhai Railway Station, allowing you to avoid tight flight connections and enjoy a comfortable rail experience.
After arriving at the railway station, a further road transfer is required to Jiuzhaigou Valley, which takes around 2 hours.
Best for:
- Travelers who prefer high-speed trains
- Visitors who want a more comfortable and flexible schedule
- Travelers combining Jiuzhaigou with Chengdu or other Sichuan destinations
Option 3: High-Speed Train via Chengdu
Another option is to take the high-speed train from Beijing to Chengdu, then continue by train to Huanglongjiuzhai Railway Station and transfer to Jiuzhaigou.
This route takes significantly longer than flights. If you prefer train travel or plan to spend time in Chengdu along the way, it can be a good choice.
Best for:
- Travelers who enjoy train journeys
- Visitors with a flexible schedule
- Those who want to include Chengdu as part of their China itinerary
Our Recommendation
For most international travelers, we recommend flying from Beijing to Chengdu and then continuing to Jiuzhaigou by either a flight or a high-speed train. This route offers the best balance of convenience, flexibility, and year-round availability. If your trip falls during the peak season when direct Beijing–Jiuzhaigou flights are operating, taking the direct flight is the fastest and simplest choice.
Shanghai to Jiuzhaigou
There are currently no direct flights or direct high-speed trains between Shanghai and Jiuzhaigou. For most travelers, Chengdu is the most convenient gateway. Similar to the Beijing route, you can first fly from Shanghai to Chengdu, then continue to Jiuzhaigou by domestic flight, high-speed train, or private transfer depending on your schedule and travel preferences.
Besides the Chengdu route, there is another option worth considering:
Fly to Mianyang + Private Transfer to Jiuzhaigou
With the opening of the Jiuzhaigou–Mianyang Expressway (G8513) in 2025, traveling from Mianyang to Jiuzhaigou has become more convenient. The distance between Mianyang and the Jiuzhaigou entrance is around 300 km, and the journey usually takes approximately 4–5 hours by private vehicle.
This route is best suited for:
- Travelers with a flexible schedule
- Visitors who want to experience a scenic Sichuan road journey through mountain landscapes
Our Recommendation
For most international travelers, we recommend flying from Shanghai to Chengdu and continuing to Jiuzhaigou from Chengdu. It offers the most reliable connections and the greatest flexibility throughout the year. If you are traveling with a private group or prefer a more scenic overland journey, the Mianyang transfer route can also be a good alternative.
Xi’an to Jiuzhaigou
Xi’an is geographically closer to Jiuzhaigou than Beijing and Shanghai, but there are still no direct flights or direct high-speed trains connecting Xi’an and Jiuzhaigou. While many travelers choose to travel via Chengdu, Xi’an also offers an alternative route through Guangyuan and Longnan.
Route: Xi’an → Guangyuan → Longnan → Jiuzhaigou
Travelers can take high-speed trains from Xi’an to Guangyuan, then to Longnan, then continue to Jiuzhaigou by private transfer or long-distance bus.
The distance from Longnan to Jiuzhaigou is around 200 km, and the final journey usually takes approximately 3 hours by car or bus.
Compared with the Xi’an–Chengdu route, this option requires more careful planning, as you need to coordinate train schedules, transfers, and the final road journey to Jiuzhaigou. However, it can be an interesting way to explore a less-traveled route through western China.
Best for:
- Travelers with flexible schedules
- Visitors interested in a more local travel experience
- Those who want to explore scenic areas beyond the main tourist routes
Our Recommendation
For most international travelers, we recommend traveling from Xi’an to Chengdu, then continuing to Jiuzhaigou from Chengdu. If you have extra time and enjoy exploring less common routes, the Guangyuan–Longnan route can be a rewarding alternative and adds a more scenic overland experience to your journey.
Chongqing to Jiuzhaigou
Although direct flights between Chongqing and Jiuzhaigou occasionally operate during the peak travel season, they are limited and not a reliable year-round option. Thanks to the short distance between Chongqing and Chengdu and also the frequent high-speed train connection, traveling via Chengdu is the easiest and most convenient choice for most travelers.
At the same time, Chongqing is only about 650 km from Jiuzhaigou, making a direct private transfer another practical option.
Option 1: High-Speed Train via Chengdu
The most popular choice is to take a high-speed train from Chongqing to Chengdu, which takes about 1–1.5 hours. From Chengdu, you can continue to Jiuzhaigou in different ways as above.
Best for:
- Most international travelers
Visitors using public transportation - Travelers combining Chongqing, Chengdu, and Jiuzhaigou
Option 2: Private Transfer to Jiuzhaigou
If you prefer to travel directly, a private transfer from Chongqing to Jiuzhaigou is also a practical option. The drive takes approximately 7–9 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
The biggest advantage is convenience. You’ll travel door to door without changing trains or flights, with the flexibility to stop at scenic viewpoints along the way. This option is especially popular with families and private tour groups.
Although self-driving to Jiuzhaigou is technically possible, we generally do not recommend it for international travelers. Driving in China requires a valid Chinese driver’s license, and mountain roads can be challenging for visitors unfamiliar with local driving conditions.
Best for:
- Travelers who prefer a door-to-door journey
- Families or small private groups
- Visitors planning a customized private tour
Our Recommendation
For most travelers, we recommend taking the high-speed train from Chongqing to Chengdu, then continuing to Jiuzhaigou from Chengdu. It’s the fastest, most flexible, and most reliable option throughout the year.
If your schedule allows, consider combining Chongqing, Chengdu, and Jiuzhaigou into one trip. You’ll seamlessly experience Chongqing’s dramatic skyline and famous hotpot, Chengdu’s giant pandas and teahouse culture, and the breathtaking lakes and waterfalls of Jiuzhaigou. It’s one of the classic itineraries for exploring southwest China.
Practical Travel Tips
Book Seasonal Flights Early
Direct flights to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport are seasonal and may change every year, even every month. If you’re planning to visit during summer or autumn, book your flights as early as possible.
Allow Plenty of Time for Connections
If your journey involves a transfer in Chengdu, avoid booking tight connections. Instead, leaving a comfortable buffer will make your trip much less stressful.
Chengdu Is the Best Backup Plan
If direct flights are unavailable or fully booked, don’t worry. Chengdu offers the most frequent flights, high-speed trains, and private transfers to Jiuzhaigou year-round.
Consider a Private Transfer
After arriving at Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport or Huanglongjiuzhai Railway Station, you’ll still need to travel to Jiuzhaigou Valley. A private transfer is often the most convenient option, especially for families, groups, or travelers with luggage.
Final Thoughts
Although Jiuzhaigou is located deep in the mountains of northern Sichuan, getting there is much easier than many travelers expect. If you’re planning to visit Jiuzhaigou from Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chongqing, or any other major cities, Chengdu is the most convenient gateway, offering reliable connections throughout the year. For travelers from Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong, it is the same.
As a Chengdu-based travel agency, we are ready to help international travelers plan seamless journeys across China. Whether you need advice on transportation, private transfers, or a fully customized itinerary, our local team is here to make your trip to Jiuzhaigou and beyond as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
FAQ
Can you fly directly to Jiuzhaigou from Beijing?
Yes, but only during the peak travel season. Direct flights from Beijing to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport are seasonal and typically operate between June and November. Outside this period, most travelers connect through Chengdu.
Is there a high-speed train from Shanghai to Jiuzhaigou?
No. There is currently no direct high-speed train between Shanghai and Jiuzhaigou. The most common route is to fly to Chengdu first, then continue by high-speed train, flight, or private transfer.
Which city has the easiest connection to Jiuzhaigou?
Chengdu is the main transportation hub for Jiuzhaigou. It offers the widest choice of flights, high-speed trains, and private transfers, making it the easiest city to connect through from anywhere in China.
Is it better to fly or take the train?
It depends on your starting point. For travelers coming from Beijing or Shanghai, flying is usually the fastest option. If you’re already in Chengdu, Xi’an, or Chongqing, high-speed trains can be a comfortable and convenient alternative.
Which airport is closest to Jiuzhaigou National Park?
Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (JZH) is the closest airport to Jiuzhaigou National Park. The drive from the airport to the park entrance takes approximately 1.5–2 hours.
Which railway station should I use for Jiuzhaigou?
Huanglongjiuzhai Railway Station is the main high-speed railway station serving Jiuzhaigou. From the station, you’ll need to take a bus or private transfer to Jiuzhaigou Valley, which takes around 2 hours.
