Jiuzhaigou Travel Guide | Take You to Encounter a Fairyland on Earth

Jiuzhaigou Travel Guide | Take You to Encounter a Fairyland on Earth

Hey guys👋, today I’m sharing a super detailed travel guide for Jiuzhaigou! This place is truly as beautiful as a fairy tale world, every shot looks like a masterpiece. Save this now and get ready to start your dreamy journey!

Preparation Before the Trip

📄Documents: ID card is a must! Also bring any discount cards like student ID or senior citizen card.
👗Clothing: Jiuzhaigou is at high altitude with big temperature differences between day and night. In summer, remember to bring long-sleeve jackets, a windbreaker is very practical; thick jackets are essential in spring and autumn; in winter, be sure to wear a down jacket and bring scarves and gloves🧣.
💊Medicine: Prepare common medicines like cold medicine, stomach medicine, and motion sickness pills. Some areas are above 3000 meters altitude, so you can take Rhodiola in advance to prevent altitude sickness, and oxygen bottles are also available for purchase in the scenic area.
🌞Others: High SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hats are essential for sun protection; don’t forget your phone, camera, and power bank.

Best Time to Visit

🌳Spring and autumn (March to May, September to November): Pleasant climate, flowers bloom beautifully from March to May, and the colorful autumn scenery from September to November is stunning.
🌊Summer (June to August): High water flow period, waterfalls are magnificent, a great place to escape the heat.
❄️Winter (December to February): Covered in snow and ice, like a winter fairy tale world, fewer tourists, and ticket discounts available.

Transportation Guide

✈️Flight: Direct flights to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport, about 1 hour from Chengdu or Chongqing. After arrival, take the airport shuttle bus or charter a car to the scenic area. Note that the airport is on the plateau and flights may be canceled in bad weather.
🚄High-speed Rail: Take the high-speed train from Chengdu East Station to Huanglong Jiuzhaigou Station, about 1 hour 39 minutes. Then transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus, about 2 hours to Jiuzhaigou. Buy tickets in advance during peak season.
🚌Bus: Take a direct bus from Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station or Chadianzi Bus Station, about 8 to 10 hours. Suitable for those on a budget with plenty of time.
🚗Self-driving: From Chengdu, take the Jiuyuan Expressway, about 440 kilometers. You can enjoy the scenery along the way, but the plateau mountain roads are many, so new drivers should drive cautiously. An SUV and snow chains are recommended.

Ticket Information

🎫Peak season (April 1 to November 15): Ticket 190 RMB + sightseeing bus ticket 90 RMB.
🎫Off-season (November 16 to March 31): Ticket 80 RMB + sightseeing bus ticket 80 RMB. After 2 PM, tickets have a "buy one get one free" offer (must book on the official website).
There are also discounts or free tickets for children, seniors, and other specific groups. Check the official scenic area announcements for details.

Accommodation Recommendations

🏨Near the entrance: Hotels like Jiuzhai All Season Hotel and Jiuzhai Luneng Hilton Resort, about a 10-minute walk to the scenic area, convenient for travel, prices range from 100 to 800 RMB per night per person.
🏡Zhangzha Town: Many Tibetan-style guesthouses, such as Abuluzi, where you can experience fire pit culture and Tibetan cuisine, about 200 to 500 RMB per night per person.
🌄Zhongcha Valley: Recommended is the Ritz-Carlton Reserve at Rizhao Valley, with stunning snow mountain views and spacious comfortable rooms, but prices are relatively high.

Food Recommendations

🥘Yak Meat Hotpot: A must-try! Local yak meat is firm, cooked with vegetables in a rich broth, fresh and delicious, about 60 to 80 RMB per person.
🍵Butter Tea with Highland Barley Cake: Tibetan specialty, salty and fragrant butter tea paired with crispy barley cake, full of local flavor.
🍄Mushroom Soup Hotpot: Jiuzhaigou has a rich variety of mushrooms, making the soup delicious and nourishing.

Tips to Avoid Pitfalls

🎫Ticket Booking: Real-name ticket purchase system, no on-site window, book at least one day in advance on platforms like Aba Tourism Network.
🚌Sightseeing Bus Seat Choice: Most beautiful views on the right line are on the left side, so choose a window seat on the left side for better sightseeing and photos.
🌦️Weather and Clothing: Jiuzhaigou weather is changeable, windbreaker and raincoat are essential, shoe covers can also be prepared. In summer, do sun protection with sunglasses, face masks, and high SPF sunscreen.
🍱Food Caution: Be cautious with the "Tibetan Family Feast" at the scenic area entrance, prices are high and quality varies. It’s better to eat local Sichuan cuisine in Zhangzha Town.
⏰Time Management: Park entry time is 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM (no entry after 2:00 PM). The last sightseeing bus inside the valley is at 7:00 PM, plan your time reasonably.
⚠️Altitude Sickness: Avoid strenuous exercise, rest or use oxygen if feeling unwell.
🌱Environmental Protection and Safety: Do not touch the lake water or feed animals, the boardwalks can be slippery, wear non-slip shoes.

Jiuzhaigou is so stunning it leaves you speechless, guys, start planning now! If you have questions, leave a comment below~