Chengdu > Huanglong > Jiuzhaigou > Chengdu in 3 Days and 2 Nights

🇨🇳 Here's a comprehensive review of our self-guided trip from Chengdu to Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou, all in one post. Chengdu > Huanglong > Jiuzhaigou > Chengdu 3 days and 2 nights by high-speed train 🚄 📍 Starting with booking high-speed train tickets: - We booked through the Trip app. The ticket price plus booking fee ranges from 400-700 THB depending on the date and time. We booked the earliest train at 06:14 (to avoid missing the Mini Car in Huanglong, which can also be booked through an agency for 200-300 THB). - To get to Chengdu East Railway Station (Chengdudong), we used DiDi from our hotel. The driver dropped us off right at the station entrance (Metro Line 2 is also an option). - The first checkpoint is baggage screening (you can't enter the station without a train ticket). We approached the staff, showed our passport, and after confirming our booking, we were allowed to proceed to baggage screening. - After screening, head to the gate. There are clear signs, and close to departure time, there will be a line for passport checks on the far left. - Go down to your train car and find your seat. - Upon arrival at Huanglong Jiuzhai Station, take the escalator up and go through another passport check on the far right line. 📍 Traveling from the train station to Huanglong: - After exiting the station, take the escalator up. At the top, you'll see buses parked on the right. - For Huanglong, take the green bus (15 CNY per person). For Jiuzhaigou, take the white-blue or panda-themed blue buses (51 CNY per person). 📍 Exploring Huanglong: - Upon arrival at Huanglong, you can store your luggage for free at the Huang Long Tourist Center on the left. - If you plan to take the cable car, a free shuttle bus will take you to the cable car entrance. Proceed to the passport check and board the cable car. - At the top, you can choose to walk a long 2-3 km trail or take a Mini Car back to the landmark area (20 CNY per person). From there, it's a 700-800 meter walk to the scenic spot, which can be quite tiring as it's uphill. - At the landmark, you can either walk back to the Mini Car or take a 4 km downhill trail (the view is said to be beautiful but it's a long walk). We chose to return via the Mini Car. - After taking the Mini Car back to the cable car, the descent costs another 40 CNY per person. - At the bottom, take the free shuttle bus to retrieve your stored luggage. 📍 Traveling from Huanglong to Jiuzhaigou: - Near the luggage area, you'll hear people shouting "Jiuzhaigou". You can choose between a bus or a shared ride. We opted for the bus (55 CNY per person), which departs once full. - Inform the driver of your drop-off point in Jiuzhaigou or show them a picture of your hotel. Most people stay near Pengfeng Village, which is bustling with food options and within walking distance to Jiuzhaigou. 📍 Exploring Jiuzhaigou: - At the entrance, go through the passport check on the far right line. - Most visitors start on the left side at Long Lake. Take the first bus without switching lines. - Work your way down the stops and switch lines at the Tourist Center to visit the right side at Arrow Bamboo Lake. From the Tourist Center, walk up the stairs to the bus stop. - There's a lot of walking, but it's more manageable than Huanglong as there are fewer steep inclines. - The right side has many scenic spots, as do the lower areas. Plan your time wisely. 📍 Traveling from Jiuzhaigou to the train station: - Near Pengfeng Village, by the KFC, there's a large parking lot with a blue booth featuring a panda design (if you're facing the river with your back to KFC, it's on the right). - Approach the staff for assistance. They're very helpful and can help you book a bus to Jiuzhaigou Railway Station. You'll need a Chinese phone number to scan the QR code for booking. If you don't have one, the staff can book for you, and you can transfer the payment to them. Once booked, they'll provide a QR code and the bus license plate number. - On the day of travel, wait at the ticketing point. The bus is punctual (delays are usually due to late passengers or those boarding the wrong bus). - At the train station, go downstairs to the central gate for baggage screening. - Line up on the far right. Close to departure time, staff will open the gate for passport checks. - Walk a bit further to the platform. Cars 1-8 are on the left, and cars 9-16 are on the right. For cars 7-8, the right side is closer. * This route can be done in 2 days and 1 night if you take the earliest train and return on the latest train, but it will be quite rushed. ** Feel free to share additional tips for this route in the comments. Enjoy your trip! We gathered a lot of information for this route from various groups and compiled it here for a comprehensive self-guided travel guide. Sharing some photos too! ✌🏻