China has officially opened the first expressway to directly reach Jiuzhai Valley, greatly improving access to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. As a result, travel time from Chengdu, the provincial capital, is now just four hours, boosting tourism and regional connectivity.
The G8513 expressway stretches about 246 kilometers from Jiuzhai Valley to Mianyang City in Sichuan Province. In addition, it features two lanes in each direction and allows vehicles to travel safely at 80 kilometers per hour. Developers emphasized that the project followed strict environmental principles. Consequently, they minimized ecological impact and restored natural terrain after construction.
By connecting previously underserved areas such as Pingwu County and Beichuan Qiang Autonomous County, the G8513 also establishes a major corridor. Moreover, it links Sichuan with Gansu, Qinghai, and Xinjiang provinces. Authorities said that, in addition to facilitating tourism, the route will support trade and regional economic development.
Jiuzhai Valley, also called Jiuzhaigou National Park, attracts visitors with waterfalls, forests, plateau lakes, and karst formations. Furthermore, located on the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, it remains one of China’s top tourist destinations.
Tourist numbers have surged in recent years, according to Guo Xiaomin, deputy director of the Jiuzhaigou administration. This year, the park recorded 5.075 million visits, representing a 26.81 percent increase over last year. Meanwhile, foreign visits rose sharply to 296,000, up 52.51 percent.
In addition, the expressway improves access to Bao’en Temple, a site featured in the Chinese video game Black Myth: Wukong. Officials said that easier access will further encourage both domestic and international tourism.
Experts also noted that the Jiuzhai Valley expressway demonstrates how infrastructure can balance ecological protection with economic development. By reducing travel times and improving connectivity, the project benefits local communities and tourism operators.
Looking ahead, authorities will continue monitoring the expressway’s environmental impact while promoting sustainable tourism. Furthermore, the project is expected to foster regional economic integration and raise conservation awareness among visitors.
Overall, the Jiuzhai Valley expressway marks a major milestone. Consequently, it strengthens both tourism and ecological stewardship in southwest China.
