Southwest China
A national park in the northern Sichuan mountains with lakes the colour of jade, and a forest of pine and birch that turns completely different in October. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage list, and it earns it.
The case for going
The main route through the valley, about 5 kilometres with shuttle options.
The calcified pools that create the water colour — the reason it is a UNESCO site.
The widest waterfall in China, at 210 metres.
The upper valley, with the Tibetan prayer mills and a forest walk.
The deepest and largest lake, and the quietest part of the park.
The only way to see the valley before the coaches arrive.
Practical
Highland. Cool all year, cold at night, and snow from late October.
Fly to Jiuzhai Huanglong (JZH) or take the high-speed rail to Huanglongjiuzhai station and transfer. The park entrance is a further 45 minutes by shuttle bus.
Airport. Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (JZH)
Rail. Huanglongjiuzhai station on the Chengdu–Xian line, then a 45-minute coach transfer.
In pictures
Questions travellers ask
Two days in the valley — one for the main Y-shaped routes, one for the quieter half at opening time — plus the transfer day each way from Chengdu. The full loop is four days.
At the park gate villages for the first entry slot, or in the Jiuzhai town proper. The airport (JZH) is 90 minutes from the valley; most visitors drive from Chengdu with a Huanglong stop.
Fly Chengdu to Jiuzhai Huanglong (JZH), about an hour, or drive the 8-hour road which pairs with Huanglong National Park. Booking the park entry online days ahead is essential.
Yes — it is the most beautiful water landscape in China and arguably in Asia. October colour and shoulder-season emptiness are the two windows worth planning around.
Routes through here
Southwest China
6days
Two very different experiences that work better together than separately. Chengdu is a relaxed, edible, tea-drinking city. Jiuzhaigou is a day’s drive away and utterly unlike anywhere else in China. Six days lets you do both without rushing either.
From US$1,880per person
Combine it with
Where to stay
Conrad · Luxury
Inside the Jiuzhaigou scenic area, so guests get early entry to the valley before the coach convoys arrive. The single best reason to overnight inside the park.
From US$700 per night
Valid to 2026-12-31
