Take China Group Tours in 2025 to enjoy 30% discount compared to a private tour. Same Experience & Lowest Price!
Jiuzhaigou Location Map: Where is Jiuzhaigou Located in China
Jiuzhaigou is tucked away in the northern part of Sichuan Province, southwestern China, right on the edge of the Minshan Mountains on the eastern Tibetan Plateau. On the map, you'll find it about 400 kilometers (250 miles) north of Chengdu, the provincial capital and the usual gateway for most travelers.
While it feels remote, Jiuzhaigou is part of the larger Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, which explains the strong Tibetan cultural vibe you'll notice in its villages, prayer flags, and yak-butter tea stalls.
Jiuzhaigou National Park Map: Understanding Jiuzhaigou's "Y" Shape
The secret to making sense of Jiuzhaigou is this: the park is shaped like a giant “Y.” Once you understand that, navigating the valleys, buses, and attractions becomes a breeze.
1. Shuzheng Valley (The Trunk)
This is the main entrance valley — the first one you'll explore after entering the park. It's famous for its string of terraced lakes, wooden boardwalks, and traditional Tibetan villages. Think of it as your warm-up for the wonders ahead.
Reed Lake – the very first lake, surrounded by reeds and with a picturesque backdrop.
Shuzheng Lakes – dozens of turquoise pools cascading down in steps.
Nuorilang Waterfall – one of the widest waterfalls in China, roaring especially in spring and summer.
2. Rize Valley (The Right Branch)
Ask any visitor — this is Jiuzhaigou's most spectacular valley, packed with the park's most photogenic spots. It's a must if you're short on time.
Mirror Lake – calm waters that reflect the mountains like a natural mirror.
Five-Flower Lake – the park's superstar, glowing in shades of blue, green, and yellow.
Pearl Shoals & Waterfall – where water spreads across a wide limestone shoal before tumbling down a powerful waterfall.
Primeval Forest – an ancient woodland that feels like stepping into another era.
3. Zechawa Valley (The Left Branch)
This is the highest and longest valley, stretching deep into the mountains. It feels quieter, more spacious, and gives you a sense of Jiuzhaigou's grand scale.
Long Lake – the largest and deepest lake in Jiuzhaigou, framed by snow-capped peaks.
Five-Coloured Pond – a tiny pool but dazzling with rainbow-like hues.
4. The Hub: Nuorilang Tourist Center
Right at the junction where the three valleys meet is the Nuorilang Tourist Center. This is the park's main hub: buses switch routes here, and it's a good spot for a break, meals, or to reorient yourself before heading to the next valley.
Pro Tip: When you see Jiuzhaigou's map, always picture the “Y.” Start at the trunk (Shuzheng), then branch out either right to Rize or left to Zechawa depending on your time and energy.
Jiuzhaigou Bus Map: How to Use the Park's Sightseeing Bus
Here's the deal: private cars aren't allowed inside Jiuzhaigou, and the park is way too big to explore only on foot (over 70 km of valleys!). The good news is that Jiuzhaigou has an efficient hop-on, hop-off bus system that's included with your entrance ticket. Think of it as your magic carpet for getting around.
Buses run along all three valleys (Shuzheng, Rize, and Zechawa) throughout the day. You can hop on and off at the major scenic spots. Most buses funnel through Nuorilang Tourist Center, the central hub where all routes connect.
The Golden Rule of Jiuzhaigou Bus Travel
The single most important strategy is simple:
Take the bus all the way to the top of one branch first, then explore by walking and catching buses downhill.
Why? Because this way you avoid endless backtracking and save hours of precious sightseeing time.
For example:
- If you go to Rize Valley, ride the bus straight to Primeval Forest (the top). Then slowly work your way down, stopping at Mirror Lake, Five-Flower Lake, Pearl Shoals, and more.
- If you choose Zechawa Valley, ride to Long Lake first, then walk and bus down past Five-Coloured Pond and other stops.
Master the bus map, and you've mastered Jiuzhaigou. Without it, you'll waste time. With it, you'll feel like a pro traveler gliding through the park.
Jiuzhaigou Transportation Map: How to Get to Jiuzhaigou
Jiuzhaigou may look remote on the map, but getting there is much easier now than it used to be. Thanks to new highways and high-speed trains, you can reach this fairyland with fewer bumps along the way.
By Air: Fastest Way
The nearest airport is Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (JZH), about 80 km from the park entrance. It has direct flights from big cities like Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xi'an. From the airport, it's about 1.5–2 hours by car or shuttle bus to Jiuzhaigou.
By Road: Scenic Drive
The new Chengdu–Jiuzhaigou highway (opened in 2025) has cut travel time dramatically. Now, the drive from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou takes 6–7 hours instead of 10+. It's a winding but scenic route, with Tibetan villages and mountain views along the way. Great for a private car journey or a guided tour.
By Train: The New Game Changer
Since late 2024, the Chengdu–Jiuzhaigou high-speed railway has been running to Chuanzhusi Station, about 40 km from the park. The ride from Chengdu to Chuanzhusi takes around 3.5–4 hours, making it the most comfortable and reliable option. From Chuanzhusi, it's about 1 hour by bus or car to Jiuzhaigou.
Jiuzhaigou Hotel Map: Where to Stay for Overnight
When planning your trip, where you stay in Jiuzhaigou really matters. The park itself has no hotels inside, so visitors base themselves in nearby towns and villages. Here's how the accommodation map looks:
Zhangzha Town – Closest to the Entrance
This is the main hub just outside Jiuzhaigou's gate. If you want maximum convenience, stay here.
- Pengfeng Village: Only 2–3 km from the park entrance (10–15 min walk). It's the liveliest spot with plenty of guesthouses, restaurants, and shops. Perfect for independent travelers.
- Zhangzha Town Center: Around 6–7 km away (10–15 min drive). Home to bigger hotels and the famous Jiuzhai Romance A popular choice for group tours.
- Upper Shizhai Village: 15 km away (20–30 min drive). Quieter, with charming homestays surrounded by nature.
Jiuzhaigou County – More Choices, Further Out
About 40 km (1 hr drive) from the park entrance. With the new Chengdu–Jiuzhaigou highway ending here (2025), this area has grown. Good if you prefer a wider range of hotels and don't mind the extra commute.
Chuanzhusi Town – Near the High-Speed Rail Station
Roughly 40 km (1 hr drive) from the park. This is where the new Jiuzhaigou high-speed train station opened in 2024. If you're arriving by train and want a calmer setting, this is a solid base. Expect mid-range hotels and local guesthouses, plus easier access to Huanglong National Park.
Tip: If you want early access to Jiuzhaigou, stay in Pengfeng Village. If you prefer convenience with the new train, Chuanzhusi is your spot.
Bonus Highlight: Huanglong National Park Map
If you're already making the trip to Jiuzhaigou, don't skip its beautiful neighbor — Huanglong National Park. Located about 2 hours by car (or 1 hour from Chuanzhusi), Huanglong is famous for its dazzling turquoise pools, snow-capped peaks, and sacred Tibetan monasteries.
The Layout: One Main Valley
Unlike Jiuzhaigou's sprawling “Y” shape, Huanglong is simple: a single main valley stretching about 7.5 km from the entrance to the top. Think of it as a straight climb lined with wonders.
Lower Section (Entrance to Midpoint): Start with colorful ponds surrounded by forest and waterfalls.
Mid Section: Scenic boardwalks lead past more travertine terraces and lakes, each glowing in different shades of blue and green.
Upper Section (Summit): At 3,500 m sits the iconic Five-Color Ponds, the crown jewel of Huanglong, right beneath snow-dusted peaks. Nearby, you'll also find the Huanglong Ancient Temple, adding a spiritual touch to the scenery.
The park is straightforward: you either hike up and down the same valley (4–6 hours walking) or save energy by taking the cable car partway up and then strolling down. Either way, the map is your friend to pace yourself — it's a steady climb, but every section rewards you with surreal views.
Tip: Huanglong sits at a higher altitude than Jiuzhaigou. Walk slowly, drink water, and let the scenery set the pace.
Jiuzhaigou Travel Map: The Perfect Itinerary from Chengdu with 1 Day in Valley
Getting to Jiuzhaigou from Chengdu has never been easier. Thanks to the new high speed train and expressway, you can wake up in Chengdu and be surrounded by Jiuzhaigou's turquoise lakes the very next day.
Option 1: By High Speed Train
Route: Chengdu → Chuanzhusi Town → Huanglong → Jiuzhaigou
Itinerary Idea:
Day 1-2: Arrive in Chengdu & Exploration
Day 3: Morning high speed train from Chengdu to Huanglong Jiuzhai in Chuanzhusi (2 hours). Head to Huanglong National Park to explore its turquoise ponds (4-5 hours). Transfer to your hotel near Jiuzhaigou (2 hours). Rest or enjoy a relaxed evening in town.
Day 4: Full day inside Jiuzhaigou National Park following the “Y” route (5-6 hours). Overnight near the park.
Day 5: Back to Chengdu for departure.
Option 2: By Expressway
Route: Chengdu → Jiuzhaigou by highway
Itinerary Idea:
Day 1: Arrive in Chengdu & Night Exploration in Jinli.
Day 2: Morning exploration in Chengdu Panda Base (1-2 hours). Then take a private car from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou by the new expressway (4-5 hours). Overnight near Jiuzhaigou.
Day 3: Spend a full day exploring Jiuzhaigou National Park (6-8 hours). Overnight near the park
Day 4: Drive back to Chengdu and explore Kuanzhai Alley in the late afternoon.
Whether you zip up on the bullet train or take a scenic road trip, the key is the same: arrive the night before so you can dedicate one full day to Jiuzhaigou's valleys.
The Asia Odyssey Travel Advantage: Beyond the Map
Even with the best map, Jiuzhaigou can be overwhelming. The crowds, the long bus lines, the endless decision of where to go next — it can turn a dream day into a tiring one. That's where we step in.
Beat the Crowds: Our guides know the rhythm of the park like the back of their hand. They'll take you to Five-Flower Lake when the big tour groups are busy eating lunch, or to Nuorilang when the buses are less packed. The result? More peace, more photos, less stress.
Time is Precious: You don't want to waste a single moment here. That's why we arrange everything in advance — from the sightseeing bus strategy inside the park to a private vehicle waiting at the gate when you're done. No standing in line, no waiting around, just smooth travel from start to finish.
Deeper Than a Map: A map shows you the path, but it can't whisper the legends of the Tibetan villages, or point out the secret angle for the perfect waterfall shot. Our local guides bring Jiuzhaigou to life with stories, insights, and those hidden gems you'd never find alone.
With Asia Odyssey Travel, Jiuzhaigou isn't just a park you see — it's a place you truly experience.
Data in submission...
