How to get to JiuZhaiGou from Chengdu?
If you’re an overseas traveller visiting China, what’s the best map app to use?
Most overseas travellers are used to Google Maps. However, in China, Google Maps requires a VPN, and the information it provides is often incomplete or outdated. For example, when checking the driving route from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou, Google Maps shows two options: 7 hours 44 minutes and 9 hours 47 minutes. These driving times were accurate around 2010, when Google stopped operating in China.
So here are the best alternatives to Google Maps when travelling in China:
If you’re using an iPhone, you can rely on Apple Maps. Although it appears to be Apple Maps, all of its map data actually comes from Amap, one of China’s most accurate and widely used map providers. The information is not only fully updated but also real-time. For example, when checking the same Chengdu–Jiuzhaigou route at 9:04 p.m., Apple Maps shows a travel time of 5 hours 26 minutes.
If you’re using an Android phone, the best choice is Amap Global, which offers reliable and up-to-date navigation for international travellers. It also supports multiple languages, including Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and English.
These options work very well in China and provide far more accurate local information than Google Maps.
Although the Chinese version of Amap provides more detailed driving information—such as lane guidance, speed camera alerts, and real-time traffic conditions—overseas travellers generally don’t need these features.
| Apps | VPN | Map Service Supplier in China | English Support | Information provided | |
| Google map | Yes | Google Inc. | English | Incomplete and outdated | |
| iPhone map | No | Amap / AutoNavi Inc. | Bilingual | Partial | |
| Bing map | No, but it does not work now. | “TomTom”? | Bilingual, but not available | Partial, but not available | |
| Waze map | No, but it does not work properly. | owned by Google in 2013 Waze uses a legal, licensed Chinese map-data provider | English | Incomplete or outdated, unofficial | |
| Amap International | NO, and full local data | Amap / AutoNavi Inc. | Bilingual | Full |
What is the difference between using a car only and using a combination of high-speed train + car?
When you plan a two-day Chengdu–Jiuzhaigou trip by high-speed train and private car, Huanglong–Jiuzhai Station is the best arrival option. Although the station name includes “Jiuzhai,” it’s actually located in Chuanzhusi Town, about 90 kilometers from Jiuzhaigou.
The temperature here is much cooler than in Chengdu, so have your jacket ready before you get off the train. Follow the exit signs, walk with the crowd, and keep your passport in hand — you’ll need to show it when you exit.
If you booked private car service, your driver will meet you at the exit holding a sign with your name. From there, you’ll be escorted to the car. You’ll walk across a small square and take an escalator up to a larger square where buses and private cars pick up passengers. The parking area is right there.
For your return trip, simply take the escalator back down into the station. Please note: Huanglong–Jiuzhai is a small station with limited seating in the waiting hall, so don’t be surprised if there are no seats available. If you need food or drinks, there is another waiting hall a short walk away with cafés and restaurants.
You can also walk to the second waiting hall nearby, where you’ll find plenty of cafés and restaurants
3 days Chengdu – Jiuzhaigou road trip
If you would like to do the road trip, you will need 3 days for this trip.
The Wenjiu Route (highlighted blue) has more historical sites, and the driving time on the road is 7 hours.
