For decades, the journey from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou – the “Fairyland on Earth” – meant a long 10-hour bus ride through winding mountain roads and high passes.
That has now changed.
Since the full opening of the Sichuan-Qinghai high-speed railway on August 30, 2024, travelers can get from Chengdu to the Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong area in around 1.5 to 2 hours by train. However, the train does not go directly to Jiuzhaigou National Park. It stops at Huanglongjiuzhai Station, where you’ll need to continue by car or bus to reach the park entrance.
Even with this final road transfer, the high-speed train has made the journey from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou much faster and more comfortable for most travelers.
In this guide, we will explain how to take the Chengdu–Jiuzhaigou high-speed train, what to expect at Huanglongjiuzhai Station, how to continue your journey to Jiuzhaigou, as well as ticket booking, schedules, and more.
Chengdu–Jiuzhaigou High-Speed Train at a Glance
The Sichuan-Qinghai high-speed train departs from Chengdu East Railway Station (Chengdudong, 成都东) and arrives at Huanglongjiuzhai Railway Station (黄龙九寨站).
Distance: Approximately 420 km.
Speed: Trains travel at about 200 km/h, passing through a series of impressive tunnels and bridges.
Frequency: There are roughly 20 departures daily, from 06:00 to 18:40. During peak periods, such as the National Day holiday and autumn season, there may be nearly 30 departures per day.
Huanglongjiuzhai Station vs. Songpan Station vs. Huangshengguan Station
Three railway stations serve this area, each with a different purpose.
Huanglongjiuzhai Station (黄龙九寨站): The main station for travelers visiting Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong. It is the most convenient choice for continuing to Jiuzhaigou National Park by road.
Songpan Station (松潘站): About 20 km from Huanglongjiuzhai Station and located closer to Songpan Ancient Town. If you plan to visit Songpan before heading to Jiuzhaigou, this station is a better choice.
Huangshengguan Station (黄胜关站): Located farther north, this station is useful for some local destinations but is generally less convenient for travelers heading directly to Jiuzhaigou or Huanglong.
Booking Tickets: 12306 vs. Online Travel Agencies
China’s train tickets generally go on sale 15 days before departure. On popular routes such as Chengdu–Jiuzhaigou, and during peak travel periods such as the October National Day holiday and July or August, tickets can sell very quickly.
The Official Way: China Railway 12306
For the most reliable booking experience, we recommend using China Railway 12306, the official ticketing platform operated by China Railway.
Pros
- Official ticket price without third-party service fees
- Real-time ticket availability
- Your ticket is booked directly through the official railway system
- An English version is now available
Things to Know
International travelers need to complete passport verification before booking. The verification process can take some time, so we recommend completing it several days earlier.
Booking Through Third-Party Platforms
Platforms such as Trip.com and Klook can be more convenient for international travelers.
However, there is an important point to understand: third-party platforms ultimately depend on 12306 to secure and issue the ticket. In other words, whether you book through an OTA or another travel platform, the actual railway ticket must still be issued through China Railway’s ticketing system.
For this reason, we recommend booking directly through the official 12306 platform whenever possible.
If you need help booking high-speed train tickets, we can also help.
High-Speed Train Seat Classes and Prices
Generally, Chengdu–Jiuzhaigou high-speed trains offer three types of seats: Second Class, First Class, and Business Class. Prices vary depending on the seat class and the specific train.
- Second Class: around RMB 140. Affordable and comfortable, ideal for budget travelers.
- First Class: around RMB 230. More legroom and a quieter cabin.
- Business Class: around RMB 420. Available on some trains only, with the most spacious and comfortable seating.
Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou Stations
Departure: Chengdu East Railway Station
Chengdu East is the main departure station for Jiuzhaigou, although some trains also depart from Chengdu South, so check your train details carefully.
Chengdu East is large and busy, and all passengers and luggage must go through security checks. We recommend arriving at least 60 minutes before departure, especially if it is your first time using a Chinese railway station.
You no longer need a paper ticket. Bring the same passport you used to book and use the Manual Channel for passport verification. You’ll also need to show your passport again at the boarding gate.
Arrival: Huanglongjiuzhai Station
Huanglongjiuzhai Station is much smaller than Chengdu East and is located in Chuanzhusi Town, at an elevation of nearly 3,000 meters. It can be much cooler than Chengdu, even in summer, so keep a jacket handy.
QuietRoutes Note: Because of the sudden altitude change, you may feel slightly lightheaded when you arrive. Take it easy, walk slowly, and give yourself some time to adjust.
Luggage and Prohibited Items
A few things to keep in mind when packing for the high-speed train:
- Luggage: Up to 20 kg per adult and 10 kg per child.
- Size: The combined length, width, and height should generally be within 200cm.
- Power banks: Must be clearly labeled and no more than 100Wh.
- Prohibited items: Knives, large aerosol cans, and certain flammable or high-proof liquids are not allowed.
The Crucial “Last Mile”: Station to Jiuzhaigou Park
Huanglongjiuzhai Station is not at the entrance to Jiuzhaigou National Park. You still need to travel about 90 km by road, which usually takes around 1.5–2 hours.
Option A: Shuttle Bus
A shuttle bus is the most budget-friendly option. You can find the scenic-area shuttle service (景区直通车) near the station exit.
- Price: Around US$8 per person
- Duration: About 2 hours
- Drop-off: Jiuzhaigou entrance or hotels around Zhangzha Town
- Best for: Solo travelers or those traveling on a budget
Option B: Private Transfer
A private transfer is more convenient, especially if you have luggage or are traveling with family or a group.
- Price: Varies depending on the number of travelers and vehicle type.
- Duration: About 1.5 hours
- Drop-off: Directly at your hotel
- Best for: Families, groups, and travelers who prefer a more comfortable journey
Prefer a Private Transfer?
Tell us your train time and group size, we’ll arrange the private transfer from Huanglongjiuzhai Station to your Jiuzhaigou hotel seamlessly.
Visit Huanglong before Jiuzhaigou
Huanglong is much closer to Huanglongjiuzhai Station than Jiuzhaigou, so you can visit it first without adding extra travel.
If you take an early morning train from Chengdu, you can arrive at Huanglongjiuzhai Station in the morning, continue to the Huanglong scenic area, and spend several hours exploring the scenic area. Afterward, travel from Huanglong to your hotel near Jiuzhaigou for the night.
This route makes good use of your first day and avoids having to return to the station or make a separate trip to Huanglong later.
Final Thoughts
The Chengdu–Jiuzhaigou high-speed train has made the journey much easier than it used to be. The train itself is straightforward, but the last-mile transfer and route planning are still important, especially if you are visiting Huanglong as well.
For the smoothest trip, book your train through 12306, choose an early departure if you plan to visit Huanglong first, and arrange your transfer from Huanglongjiuzhai Station in advance.
If you prefer not to handle the train, transfers, and hotel logistics yourself, QuietRoutes can arrange the journey as part of a private Jiuzhaigou tour.
