Huanglong Scenic Area- Jiuzhaigou

Question

Hi,

I am searching for best way to organize visit from Chengdu to Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou national park.

Plan is to book early train from Chengdu to Huanglong Jiuzhaigou Station, go to Huanlgong for a few hours and same day continue to Jiuzhaigou area. Sleep there and early morning visit national park. in late afternoon took bus to railway station and train back to Chengdu.

I see on trip.com combination ticket (Jiuzhaigou National Park Huanglong Jiuzhaigou Station - Huanglong Scenic Area- Jiuzhaigou One-way Shuttle Bus ) is it good option. It said it leaves 4 hours in Huanglong before continuing to Jiuzhaigou.

I am short of time so cannot extend my visit there for one more day.

Please share your taughts...

Thx!

Answer

Visiting Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou from Chengdu in a single day is ambitious but feasible with careful planning. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Travel logistics:

Taking the early train from Chengdu to Huanglong Jiuzhaigou Station is the most efficient option. Trains usually take 9–10 hours, so make sure to check the exact departure and arrival times.
The combination ticket you mentioned on Trip.com that includes the one-way shuttle bus from the station to Huanglong Scenic Area and then to Jiuzhaigou is a convenient solution, especially if you want to maximize your short visit time.
It allows approximately 4 hours in Huanglong, which is enough to see the main highlights, although you will need to move efficiently and may not cover every viewpoint in depth.

Huanglong Scenic Area visit:

The main scenic spots can be accessed via the cable car, which saves time and energy. From the top, you can descend on foot or use the bus within the park.
Focus on the iconic travertine pools and the main walking route, as 4 hours is tight if you try to explore everything.
Bring snacks, water, and wear comfortable walking shoes, as there is a fair amount of uphill and downhill walking.

Jiuzhaigou National Park visit:

Arriving in Jiuzhaigou area in the evening, you would spend the night nearby. Plan for an early start to visit the park the next morning.
Jiuzhaigou can take a full day to explore properly, but if you start early and follow the main highlights (Shuzheng, Zechawa, Rize, and Five Flower Lake), you can have a fulfilling visit within 6–7 hours.
Use the internal shuttle buses in the park to save time between main scenic spots.

Return to Chengdu:

After your early morning visit to Jiuzhaigou, you can take the late afternoon bus back to the railway station for your train to Chengdu.
Ensure you book tickets in advance for both train and any shuttle buses, as this region is popular and can sell out, especially in peak season.

Summary recommendation:

The Trip.com combination ticket is a practical choice for short timeframes, as it handles transport and gives you a fixed window in Huanglong.
4 hours in Huanglong is enough for a condensed visit, but plan your walking route carefully and prioritize the main attractions.
For Jiuzhaigou, an early start is crucial to make the most of your visit, but note that you will have a very tight schedule with little margin for delays.
If possible, consider adjusting the plan to allow one extra day; however, if constrained by time, your described itinerary is doable.

Tips:

Check altitude: Huanglong is high, so be mindful of altitude sickness symptoms.
Weather can change quickly, especially in late spring/early summer, so bring a light rain jacket.
Pack light and carry only essentials to save energy during the walk in Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou.

Huanglong Scenic Area- Jiuzhaigou

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