Early in the morning, sunlight filtered through the glass dome of Chengdudong Railway Station, warming my face with its bright light. With the sound of the ticket check beep, I boarded the C5752 high-speed train bound for Huanglongjiuzhai.

Photo in front of the high-speed train [Photo by Yang Wenhan]

The interior of the train was spotless, and the comfortable seats made the journey feel effortless. Passengers around me beamed with excitement and anticipation.

With the opening of the Zhenjiangguan-Huangshengguan section of the Sichuan-Qinghai Railway, it now takes just over an hour to travel from Chengdudong Railway Station to Huanglongiiuzhai Station. The convenient transportation brings Jiuzhaigou closer than ever.

Launch Event Site [Photo by Lv Fengyao]

For local Jiuzhaigou resident, Nam, the operation of the train to Jiuzhaigou holds special significance.

Nam is a tour guide, and this was her first time taking the train to her hometown. “In the past, it took me seven or eight hours by bus to get back to Jiuzhaigou County. Now, it only takes an hour and a half by train. It’s incredibly convenient!” she said with a big smile of happiness.

Meanwhile, across the carriage, Etienne, a visitor from France, had traveled a great distance to join his friends in Chengdu for a trip to Jiuzhaigou.

Etienne shared that his first encounter with Jiuzhaigou was through a French TV program. The emerald lakes, cascading waterfalls, and colorful forests captured his heart. From that moment, he dreamed of seeing it all with his own eyes.

Now, sitting on the train heading toward Huanglongjiuzhai, Etienne couldn't contain his excitement, “I believe this journey will be an unforgettable experience in my life.”

Jiuzhaigou-Mianyang Highway

Since Huanglongjiuzhai Station’s operation, it has served a total of 300,000 passengers, with an average of 13,000 passengers per day. During this year’s National Day holiday, tickets for high-speed trains to Huanglongjiuzhai Station have already sold out.

Of course, for travelers who love freedom and exploration, driving is also a popular choice. As the train passed left the station, I encountered several road-tripping travelers. They excitedly shared the beautiful scenery along the way: “The winding mountain roads, the lush greenery on both sides, and the occasional wildlife sightings—it is absolutely amazing!”

Soon, the Jiuzhaigou-Mianyang Highway will be fully open, reducing the travel time from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou from eight hours to just four. This not only greatly improves connectivity between regions but also brings unprecedented development opportunities to the areas along the route.

Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport

If time is tight or you wish to experience a journey above the clouds, flying is undoubtedly the best option. From the sky, you can gaze down at the earth below, with seas of clouds and rolling mountains, and all fatigue will disappear, leaving only boundless anticipation for the beautiful scenery ahead. (By Fan Yiling)