Sichuan’s high-speed rail network has changed how the province can be travelled. Journeys that used to cost most of a day are now short, and several destinations that were awkward by road are straightforward by train.
Knowing which lines serve which places is the key to building an efficient route.
The line towards Jiuzhaigou and the northern valleys, which has transformed access to that part of the province. It is the most significant recent change for visitors.
Serving Leshan, Emeishan and the southern cities including Yibin. This is the line that makes the Leshan and Emei pairing easy.
Towards Chongqing and onward, which turns the two cities into a single combined trip rather than a long journey.
Connections towards Xi’an and beyond, linking Sichuan to the rest of the country.
| Route | Why rail | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Chengdu to Leshan or Emeishan | Faster and more predictable than driving | The standard choice |
| Chengdu to Chongqing | Faster door to door than flying | Frequent departures |
| Chengdu to Dujiangyan | Quick and frequent | A day trip made easy |
| Chengdu to Xi’an | Makes a two-city trip practical | Book ahead in peak |
The western highlands. Daocheng Yading, Tagong, Danba, Litang and the Garze region are not served by rail, and road is the only option. This is the main gap in the network for visitors.
Jiuzhaigou is now reachable by rail to a point, with road completing the journey – a substantial improvement on the old all-road approach.
Book ahead. Tickets are allocated to specific seats and popular departures fill, particularly at weekends and during public holidays.
Carry identification matching the booking exactly. It is checked at the station and the name must match.
Arrive with time to spare. Stations are large, security takes time, and gates close shortly before departure.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Best for | Leshan, Emei, Dujiangyan, Chongqing, Xi’an |
| Not served | The western highlands |
| Book | Ahead, especially at holidays |
| Carry | Identification matching the booking |
Reachable by rail part of the way, with road completing the trip. Check current services.
For the destinations it serves, usually yes – faster and more predictable.
At weekends and holidays, definitely.
Usually, though bringing your own is more reliable on shorter journeys.
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