Getting Here and Around

Traveling in and out of Sichuan and Chongqing has never been more convenient. The rapid modernization of the two cities and their surrounding rural areas has changed what was once a difficult area for traveling into a corridor of connectivity within and without the region.

Chengdu and Chongqing are both modern cities with international airports serving regional, national, and international destinations. Since the launch of a high-speed rail link, the two cities are no longer connected by flights. Sichuan Airlines is the largest local airline and serves smaller destinations throughout the province, including Jiuzhaigou. New international routes are constantly being added to Chengdu including direct flights to Bangkok (Thai Airlines), Amsterdam (KLM), Abu Dhabi (Etihad), and Vancouver (Sichuan Airlines).

Taking buses around Sichuan is a convenient and economical option for short-distance travel, including Leshan. It is worth keeping abreast of the weather situation in western Sichuan, as heavy rains in the area can cause large—occasionally fatal—landslides that can close roads for days.

Chengdu and Chongqing are both major hubs in China's national rail network. The two cities are connected by a bullet train that takes about two hours. It’s usually possible to buy tickets at the station on the day you want to travel if you don’t mind a bit of pushing and long lines. Reserve at least two weeks in advance if you plan to travel during major Chinese holidays. It is highly recommended to avoid travel during the Chinese New Year, usually celebrated each year around late January/early February, as the spectacular crush of people make all forms of travel (planes, trains, and especially buses) difficult and unpleasant.