Jiuzhaigou National Park: how to organize your trip

A trip to Jiuzhaigou can range from a brief two to three-day visit to an extended week or two, depending on your travel plans. For most, it is recommended to spend more time exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Sichuan province.

In August 2017, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck the park, causing significant damage to Jiuzhaigou National Park. While much of the park remained accessible, the Chinese government temporarily closed it to restore the affected areas.

On March 3, 2018, parts of the park reopened to visitors, though some valleys remain closed and may never be fully restored.

Explore Sichuan province in China:

• Giant Panda Sanctuary in Chengdu
• Leshan Buddha – symbol of Buddhism in Sichuan
• Yellow Dragon park – beautiful travertine landscape

Jiuzhaigou National Park: What makes it special?

Jiuzhaigou is a haven for nature enthusiasts and is often considered China’s most stunning natural site. Its name, 九寨沟, translates to “Valley of Nine Villages,” a reference to its Tibetan cultural roots.

Located on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau, the park is renowned for its cascading waterfalls, vibrant lakes, and lush forests, all set against the backdrop of towering snow-capped peaks ranging from 2,000 to 4,500 meters.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, Jiuzhaigou attracts millions of visitors annually. The park is divided into several valleys, each offering distinct views and experiences.

Currently, only three valleys are open to tourists: Zechawa (则查洼), Rize (日则沟), and Shuzheng (树正沟). A fourth valley, Zharu (扎如沟), can be accessed with a special permit and is the only area where camping is permitted.

To preserve this pristine environment and manage the large number of visitors, the China National Park Service restricts private vehicles and limits access to designated walking areas. Visitors are required to stay on the established pathways, which include pedestrian bridges and paved paths, to minimize the impact on the park’s fragile ecosystem.

How to visit Jiuzhaigou?

Cost of visiting Jiuzhaigou

Jiuzhaigou is one of the most expensive parks to visit in China, with an entrance fee of CNY 310. The ticket includes two parts:

1. Entrance Fee (CNY 220): This is mandatory for all visitors, and if you plan to stay more than one day, you’ll need to purchase a new ticket each day.
2. Sightseeing Bus Ticket (CNY 90): While not required, it’s highly recommended as the park is too vast to explore on foot. With private vehicles prohibited, the bus is the most efficient way to see the park in a single day.

! Please note that bicycles and other forms of personal transportation are not allowed in the park.

• The park opens daily at 7 AM during the summer and 8 AM in winter, with closing time at 6 PM year-round.

In winter, the entrance fee is discounted, and while it’s the off-season due to colder weather, the frozen waterfalls and snow-covered trees create a stunning winter landscape, comparable to the famous autumn colors.

How long should you spend in Jiuzhaigou?

For most tourists, a single day provides a glimpse of the park, though it only allows you to cover part of it. The most popular tours suggest two full days to explore the main attractions.

However, if you are passionate about photography, nature observation, or simply wish to immerse yourself in the scenery, it’s recommended to stay longer. Most visitors typically spend 1-3 days in the park.

How to get to Jiuzhaigou National Park

Jiuzhaigou is somewhat remote, but accessible by plane or bus. Private transfers or group tours from Chengdu are also available.

• The nearest airport is Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport, about 85 km from the park. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus. The bus ride takes about 1.5 hours and costs CNY 50, running until 6 PM, with departures based on passenger capacity.

Alternatively, you can take a direct bus from Chengdu. Buses depart from Chadianzi Station (茶店子车站) and Nanmen Station (南门车站) at 7:00 AM daily. The journey is approximately 8-9 hours, covering 465 km.

When is the best time to visit Jiuzhaigou?

Jiuzhaigou is worth visiting year-round, though certain times stand out.

The autumn months of September and October are the most popular, offering spectacular views of the changing foliage. However, be mindful of China’s National Day during the first week of October, when the park becomes particularly crowded due to a surge in domestic tourism. 

Winter travel to Jiuzhaigou: what you need to know

A winter trip to Jiuzhaigou is highly recommended, with temperatures ranging between 0°C and 3°C. However, you’ll need to be well-prepared for the cold. Be sure to bring essentials like a winter hat, gloves, boots, and warm clothing. It’s also important to note that many hotels reduce their staff or close during the winter season.

If hot water and heating are priorities for you, confirm multiple times with your hotel to ensure these services are available. Alternatively, consider booking through a reputable travel agency familiar with reliable accommodations during the winter months.

As spring arrives and the snow melts, the park comes alive with budding trees and thawing lakes, making it a busy season for visitors.

During the summer, Jiuzhaigou is lush with vibrant greenery. However, the unpredictable summer rains deter many travelers, who prefer to wait until the clear skies of September and October to visit.

What to pack for your Jiuzhaigou trip

When visiting Northern Sichuan and Jiuzhaigou, there are a few essential items and considerations to keep in mind:

• Altitude sickness:

Be prepared for the possibility of altitude sickness, as the elevation in Jiuzhaigou ranges from 2,000 to 4,500 meters. The airport sits at an altitude of 3,500 meters, and the park itself is at 2,000 meters above sea level.

If you have any cardiovascular conditions, it’s advisable to consult your doctor before traveling.

• Snacks and drinks:

You’re allowed to bring your own food and drinks into the park, so packing your favorite snacks is a good idea.

While bottled water is available for purchase within the park, food options are limited, with a single restaurant offering dishes that may not be familiar, and prices higher than those in the hotels.

• Some items that will make your trip more comfortable include sunscreen, lip balm, a raincoat, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer. Be ready that some toilet rooms in China does not provide toilet paper or soap.