Travel Guide

Overview

Transportation

The subway is the cheapest way to get around (a one-way trip starts at about $0.30). Taxis are plentiful and cheap, though cycling is arguably the best way to see the city, especially if you’re staying in an area with many hutongs.

In previous years it had been difficult for visitors to get there due to its isolated location, however this is no longer a concern due to the construction of the Jiuzhaigou Ring Way which links the reserve with Chengdu and the Jiuhuang Airport, and has made gaining access to the park a great deal easier. Jiuhuang Airport operates direct flights to/from Chengdu and Chongqing at present. About the transportation inside the county, there were sightseeing buses in the Jiuzhaigou Valley. However, the buses are suspended because the scenic area is closed now due to the earthquake. There is no train service now. However, Jiuzhaigou Railway Station, which is under construction, will open in 2019 along with the operation of the Jiuzhaigou - Chengdu Train.

Plane

Qingdao Liuting International Airport has frequent connections with Beijing and Shanghai and international services from Germany, Hong Kong, South Korea and Japan. The 20 mile taxi ride into the city center will cost around ¥130 and the airport shuttle bus is ¥20.

Train

Qingdao has a great high-speed rail service to other Chinese cities. The fare from Beijing is around ¥275 and Shanghai is ¥550.

Car

Qingdao is well served by excellent modern highways, with the G20/G25 taking you north to Beijing and the G15 running south along the coast to Shanghai.

Bus

The city has excellent bus links across Shandong Province and good services from other major cities. The fare from Beijing is around ¥231.

When To Go

The best times to visit Beijing are autumn and late spring, which bring clear skies, mild temperatures, and resplendent flora. Crowds are thick during the October holidays (October 1 through 7) and Spring Festival (late January to mid-February, depending on the lunar calendar).

Best Visit in March While seeing some of the world's finest natural scenery, March is the best season to participate in Guizhous diversified minority festivals like Lusheng Festival. The many different ethnic minority communities living in Guizhou have kept their ancient traditions alive and have remained relatively untouched by the modern world

Other good time to visit Guizhou: April, July, November

Travel Tips

Though Beijing is the capital of China, few locals speak English, compared with Shanghai and Hong Kong. Haggling is expected at markets like the Silk Market, Maliandao, Panjiayuan, and Hongqiao, so brush up on your survival Chinese for best results.

Local Highlights

Historically, the region has been home to small population of Tibetan and Qiang people, and provides a good opportunity to get to know more about the locals' unique life and culture. The highlight of any visit to these areas are special performances laid on by the Tibetan and Qiang people which are also a popular form of the local nightlife.

Special Local Products

Trying some of the typical local foods and picking up a number of the reasonably-priced, locally-produced goods of the Tibetan and Qiang groups are something of a must during your visit. This area has been blessed with some of the most captivating landscapes on earth and words simply do not do it justice, and so you are encouraged to visit at the earliest opportunity.

Physical Features

Lying on the highest tableland in the world between the Sichuan Basin and the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Jiuzhaigou covers altitudes ranging from 2,000 meters (6,561 feet) to about 4,300 meters (14,107 feet). With a large number of lake groups, waterfalls and a rich variety of endangered plants and fauna, it was awarded the status of UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve in 1997 and was also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. The reserve has received a string of other titles including that of a National Geological Park, a AAAAA Class Scenic Spot in China and a Green Globe 21.