1. Why is Jiuzhai Valley National Park so Special?
1.1 Introduction
Jiuzhaigou National Park, a magical land located in the northwest of Sichuan Province, is a treasure bestowed upon humanity by nature. It is a forest-covered mountain valley, named after the nine Tibetan villages nestled among the high mountain lakes. Renowned for its colorful lakes, waterfalls, and travertine streams, it is hailed as "a fairyland on earth." The lakes display a kaleidoscope of colors, ranging from emerald green to azure blue, and even deep purple. Attractions such as Five Flower Lake, Long Lake, and Pearl Shoal display the extraordinary craftsmanship of nature. Additionally, Jiuzhaigou Valley just like a historical book that records millennia-old civilization, preserving rich folk culture and traditional arts to this day. Its history can be traced back to ancient times and this area was once a settlement of the ancient Qiang people based on the records of "Huayang Biography", and Tibetan ancestors also thrived here, all of which created the unique culture together. Until now, these villages still retain traditional architectural styles and ways of life, allowing visitors to experience authentic Tibetan customs.
1.2 Geographical Location & Natural Resources
The entrance to Jiuzhaigou is sited in Zhangzha Town, Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. You will find the location of Jiuzhaigou ticket office, shopping stores, cafes and hotels here, making it the closest hub to the Jiuzhaigou National Park. Situated at an elevation of over 2,000 meters, Jiuzhaigou is covered with pristine forests and dotted with 108 lakes. The area boasts abundant flora and fauna, serving as a habitat for over ten rare and precious wild animals, including the giant panda. From afar, snow-capped peaks tower into the clouds, remaining white all year round. Combined with the cultural landscape of Tibetan wooden houses, prayer flag drying racks, footbridges, watermills, traditional customs, and mythological legends, Jiuzhaigou Valley is praised as a "beautiful fairyland."
The main valley of Jiuzhaigou is shaped like a "Y," stretching over 50 kilometres. It is home to numerous lakes, waterfalls, and travertine streams. Water is the centerpiece of Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve, with emerald and crystal-clear streams weaving through forests and shallow shoals like a necklace. The colorful lakes and majestic waterfalls create a breathtaking spectacle.
Overall, Jiuzhaigou Valley is renowned for its six wonders: high mountain lakes, waterfalls, colorful forests, snow-capped peaks, blue ice, and Tibetan culture. It is even celebrated as the "King of Water Scenery."
1.3 Culture Activities
Historically located along the ancient Southern Silk Road, Jiuzhaigou has fused diverse ethnic cultures. The local communities, through their traditions and labor, have left behind a precious cultural heritage. Known as the "Land of Folk Songs, the Land of Pipa (a traditional Chinese lute) and the Land of Love Songs," Jiuzhaigou is famous for the rich musical traditions. The "Ge Dance" of the Baima Tibetan people and the "Nanping Tunes" have been included in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List. In 2008, the grand musical drama Tibetan Mysteries officially found its home at the Jiuzhaigou Tibetan Mysteries Grand Theater, where it continues to be performed regularly until now.
2. Highlights of Jiuzhai Valley National Park
The Jiuzhaigou National Park is distributed in a "Y" shape, formed by three main valleys: Zechawa Valley, Rize Valley, and Shuzheng Valley, with a total length of approximately 60 kilometres.
The left branch of the "Y" shape is Zechawa Valley, featuring major attractions such as Long Lake, Five-Color Pond, Upper Seasonal Lake, and Lower Seasonal Lake.
The right branch of the "Y" shape is Rize Valley, which is the most essential and iconic area of Jiuzhaigou. It is home to attractions including the Primeval Forest, Fangcao Lake, Swan Lake, Arrow Bamboo Lake, Arrow Bamboo Lake Waterfall, Panda Lake, Panda Lake Waterfall, Five Flower Lake, Peacock Riverway, Large and Small Golden Bell Lakes, Pearl Shoal, Pearl Shoal Waterfall, Mirror Lake, and Nuorilang Waterfall.
The lower part of the "Y" shape is Shuzheng Valley, where the main attractions include Rhinoceros Lake, Tiger Lake, Shuzheng Waterfall, Shuzheng Mill, Shuzheng Village, Shuzheng Lakes, Wolong Lake, Sparkling Lake, Double Dragon Lake, Reed Lake, and Bonsai Shoal.
2.1 Zechawa Valley 则查洼沟
It is the longest and highest-altitude route among the four touring routes in Jiuzhaigou National Park. The highlights of this route are the Five-Color Pond and Long Lake.
Five-Color Pond : As the smallest lake in Jiuzhaigou, it is well known for the most vibrant colors. Due to varying mineral content in the water, the lake displays a stunning array of hues. Within the same lake, you may spot shades of sky blue, azure, olive green, and even more colors, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene.
Long Lake : In contrast to the Five-Color Pond, Long Lake is the highest and largest lake in Jiuzhaigou, standing at an elevation of 3,060 meters, its water would never dry up throughout the year. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the lake features a broad surface with deep indigo-blue water, sourced from the melting snow of the high peaks, one may enjoy the sight of lush greenery as well as majestic snow-capped peaks.
2.2 Rize Valley 日则沟
Stretching 18 kilometres from Nuorilang Waterfall to the Primeval Forest, Rize Valley is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and represents the most beautiful part of Jiuzhaigou Valley. The area features lakes with ever-changing colors, towering waterfalls, travertine streams resembling treasure basins, and ancient trees that create a picturesque landscape.
Nuorilang Waterfall: Located at the intersection of Shuzheng Valley, Rize Valley and Zechawa Valley, this waterfall spans 270 meters in width and stands 24.5 meters tall. It is one of the widest high-altitude travertine waterfalls in China, thus providing you with a spectacular view.
Five Flower Lake: Known as the "Crown Jewel of Jiuzhaigou" and the "Essence of Jiuzhaigou," it is famous for the crystal-clear waters that shimmer with dreamy shades of blue and green under sunlight, hence creating a mesmerizing sight.
Panda Lake: Situated at an elevation of 2,574 meters, this lake is named after the giant pandas that once roamed here. It is said that pandas frequented this area to drink, forage, and wander, hence the name comes thereafter.
Panda Lake Waterfall: With a drop of 80 meters, this is the tallest waterfall in Jiuzhaigou.
Five-Color Pond: At an elevation of 3,010 meters and about 100 meters long, this is the smallest yet most colorful lake in Jiuzhaigou, rivaling the beauty of Five Flower Lake. Its exceptionally clear waters reveal the rock patterns at the bottom, while the varying colors of sediments and surrounding vegetation create a dazzling array of hues. Known as the "Eye of Jiuzhaigou," it is considered as the most exquisite of all the lakes.
Pearl Shoal: Famous for its unique water droplet splashes, the waters crash into the pit on the sloping beach, creating pearl-like droplets. The Pearl Shoal Waterfall, with a width of 200 meters and a drop of 40 meters, is a majestic view.
Mirror Lake: Renowned for its mirror-like surface, the lake perfectly reflects the surrounding scenery, hence creating a stunning visual effect.
Peacock Riverway: In autumn, this area transforms into a colorful display resembling a peacock spreading its tail.
Primeval Forest: Covering the top of Rize Valley, this is one of the untouched natural wonders of Jiuzhaigou National Park, it is renowned for its lush vegetation and high concentration of negative oxygen ions, so one may enjoy the refreshing and serene ambiance.
2.3 Shuzheng Valley 树正沟
Shuzheng Valley, with a total length of 13.8 kilometers, is the main valley of Jiuzhaigou Valley. It has more than 40 lakes (known as "Haizi" in Chinese), accounting for approximately 40% of all the lakes in the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area. These lakes extend along the valley for five or six kilometres, with shimmering water and rippling blue waves, presenting a very beautiful scenery.
Shuzheng Lakes Group: The altitude of Shuzheng Lakes Group ranges from 2,187 to 2,280 meters. Its terrain is formed by travertine deposition on the basis of the superposition of debris flow deposits in the river valley, creating 19 lakes of different sizes, which are stacked layer by layer along the valley. Here, forests, lakes, and small waterfalls are intertwined, which present a peculiar landscape of "trees growing in the water, water flowing through the forest, and people wandering in a painting."
Shuzheng Waterfall: It is a group of waterfalls formed by more than 40 consecutive "Haizi". The waterfalls are stacked layer upon layer, displaying a magnificent view.
Bonsai Beach: It is well-known for its variously shaped bonsai, demonstrating the perfect combination of nature and art.
Reed Lake: It is a wetland covered with dense reeds with the serene environment.
Huohua Lake (Spark Lake): It gets its name for the scenes when the wind blows and waves rise, the splashing water looks like sparks.
Rhino Lake: It is one of the largest "Haizi" in Jiuzhaigou Valley, with deep and clear water.
Shuzheng Village: It is a Tibetan and Qiang ethnic village located in Shuzheng Valley. Behind the village is the God Mountain, which is 4,200 meters above sea level, facing the Shuzheng Lakes Group. In the village, there is the Lotus Bodhi Pagoda, which represents the unity, peace, and happiness of the nine Tibetan villages. People may enjoy the sight of the Tibetan architectural style, colorful paintings, and the costumes of the Tibetan people in Jiuzhaigou, experience the daily life of the Tibetans, including clothing, food, housing, and transportation.
3. How to Get There?
3.1 Traffic Information
By Air
You can take a direct flight to Huanglong Airport from cities such as Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi'an, Beijing, Wuhan, Hangzhou, Changzhou, Zhengzhou, and Guangzhou. Starting from Chengdu, a direct flight to Huanglong Airport takes about 40 minutes. After that, you can take a coach to the mouth of Jiuzhaigou Valley and it is nearly two hours'driving from the airport to the scenic area.
By Train
Starting from Chengdu East Railway Station or Chengdu West Railway Station, there are high-speed rails directly to Huanglong Jiuzhai Station, and the journey takes about 1 hour and 39 minutes. After arrival, you need to transfer to a direct bus to Jiuzhaigou with a duration of 2 hours.
By Bus
Departing from Chengdu, Gansu or Mianyang, there are many coaches to Jiuzhaigou every day. Tourists can take a direct bus to Jiuzhaigou at Chengdu East Bus Station, Chengdu Xin Nanmen Bus Station or Chengdu Chazidian Bus Station.
3.2 Opening Time & Ticket Information
Opening time
Peak season (April 1st to November 9th): 7:30 - 17:30
Off-season (November 10th to March 31st of the following year): 8:30 - 17:00
Tips: The entry time to the scenic area is from 7:30 to 14:00. Tourists are required to book their tickets and enter the scenic area before 14:00 on the same day.
Time needed: 8-9 hours
Ticket information
| Date | Ticket Price | Sightseeing Bus Price | Total Price |
| Apr. 1 - Nov. 15 | CNY 190 | CNY 90 | CNY 280 |
| Nov. 16 - Mar. 31 | CNY 80 | CNY 80 | CNY 160 |
Notes: Children under 1.2m, the disabled and seniors over 60 years old are free of charge.
4. Best Time to Go
The beautiful scenery of Jiuzhaigou National Park changes throughout the four seasons and each season has its own unique charm. Especially, the colorful scenery in autumn is the most enchanting period. From April 1st to November 15th is the peak season, and from October 15th to 30th is the best golden period. However, this is also the time when there are the most tourists, and the scenic area can be quite crowded.
Spring (March-May): The best time to visit is in March. At this time, the ice begins to melt, and the mountain flowers are in full bloom. The white snow on the distant mountains sets off the fairy-tale world, making it extremely beautiful. Moreover, this is also the most cost-effective time period to visit Jiuzhaigou Valley throughout the year. The ticket price is based on the off-season price (CNY 80), which saves a lot compared to the peak-season price (CNY 190).
Summer(June - August): The average temperature during the whole summer is around 22-25 degrees. The cool climate brought by the high altitude allows tourists to escape the intense heat of summer. If you arrive in early July, remember to bring warm clothes because the temperature difference between day and night is quite large. At this time, there is sufficient water in the lake, and the green pool water adds a touch of coolness. This is the best time for tourists to enjoy the "Emerald Lakes" and "Cascading Waterfalls", which are two of the six wonders in the scenic area.
Autumn(September - November): October is the best season and it is also the best time for tourists to appreciate the "Colored Forests", one of the six wonders in Jiuzhaigou. At this time, most of the leaves have changed colors ranging from golden yellow to red all over the mountains. Coupled with other colors as transitions and embellishments, plus the interspersed mountain flowers, Jiuzhaigou National Park just like a painter's palette, hence forming a very stunning and beautiful landscape painting.
Winter(December - February): Every January, "Ice and Snow Festival" is held in Jiuzhaigou, visitors who come to Jiuzhaigou at this time can watch the most distinctive local folk custom performances, and the scene is very spectacular. In addition, winter is also the season with the fewest tourists, and it is the best time to admire the "Blue Ice" and "Snow-capped Peaks". Most importantly, it has become especially peaceful and more poetic in the silent winter. The mountains and forests are covered in white, and the waterfalls turn into huge natural ice sculptures of art. Such a pure and elegant world can truly make you forget all the troubles in the world.
5. Suggested Tour Routes and Attractions
If you only have one day to visit the scenic spots, taking the sightseeing bus combined with hiking is the most time-saving and energy-efficient way.
Rizegou Valley: First, take the sightseeing bus to Wuhua Sea in the morning, and then visit Wuhua Sea, Zhenzhutan (Pearl Shoal), Jinghai (Mirror Lake) and other places in sequence downwards, there are stops for the sightseeing bus at each scenic spot. After finishing the visit at one spot, tourists can take the sightseeing bus to the next stop.
Zechawagou Valley: First, take the sightseeing bus to Changhai (Long Lake), and then hike for 20 minutes from Changhai to Wucaichi (Colorful Pond). After that, take the sightseeing bus directly from Wucaichi to Nuorilang Service Area. There are no stops set at the scenic spots of Upper and Lower Seasonal Lakes.
Shuzheng Valley: Take the sightseeing bus to the scenic spots of Shuzheng Valley in the afternoon, visiting the views such as Nuorilang Waterfall, Xiniuhai (Rhino Lake), Laohuhai (Tiger Lake), Shuzheng Lakes Group, Shuanglonghai (Twin Dragon Lake), etc. There is no stop set at Luweihai (Reed Lake). You can take the sightseeing bus in Shuzheng Valley and pass by Zharu Temple (扎如寺 where they can get off and visit), finally return to the main gate of the scenic area to end the day's trip.
6. Attractions Nearby
6.1 Huanglong Scenic Area 黄龙风景区
Huanglong Scenic Area is renowned for its "Four Wonders"- colorful ponds, snow-capped mountains, valleys, and forests. Its main features are travertine terraces and groups of colorful ponds. Particularly, the landscape of "Golden Sand Spreading on the Ground" looks as if it is sprinkled with gold powder under the sunlight. The terraces with distinct layers wind through the mountains like golden ribbons. There are not only magnificent snow-capped peaks and deep valleys but also abundant wildlife and plant resources distributing in this area, so it is known as the "Jade Pool on the Earth". From Huanglong to Jiuzhaigou, it takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by taking a shuttle bus.
6.2 Songpan Ancient City 松潘古城
As a historical and cultural city in Sichuan Province, Songpan Ancient City is not just an important military fortress but also an important post station for the "Tea-Horse Trade" among the Tibetan, Qiang, Hui, and Han ethnic people in history. In the ancient city, there are a large numbers of small bridges over flowing streams and numerous ancient buildings, which in turn to preserve the rich historical traces. People who travel here may feel the profoundness and vicissitudes of the ancient city, and by climbing up the ancient city tower, they can have a panoramic view of the magnificent surrounding scenery. It is worth noting that only 140 kilometres from Songpan Ancient City to Jiuzhaigou National Reserve with a duration of 3 hours by taking a shuttle bus.
7. Food & Accommodation
Food
The Tibetan cuisine in Jiuzhaigou enjoys a long history and distinctive characteristics. Among them, the most representative dishes are beef, roasted mutton, zanba (roasted highland barley flour), butter tea, and highland barley wine. The taste of Tibetan cuisine emphasizes being light and mild. The traditional banquet for entertaining guests consists of six kinds of food, namely milk tea, rice with fern root potatoes, steamed stuffed buns with soup, hand - grabbed mutton, mixed stewed dishes, and yogurt, which are full of ethnic customs.
When visiting Jiuzhaigou, it is recommended that tourists must try the following delicacies: Tibetan - style hot pot, grilled sausage, cold dressed Chinese wingnut flowers, Jiuzhaigou mushroom casserole, pigeon soup, potato ciba (a kind of glutinous food), whole roasted lamb, grilled beef steak, persimmon cakes, and pickled cabbage noodles.
The Tibetan - style hot pot features the yak beef as the main ingredient, accompanied by various wild mushrooms, so it tastes extremely delicious. Highland barley wine is a traditional beverage of the Tibetan people with a rich and mellow aroma.
Accommodation
There is a wide range from five-star hotels to distinctive homestays, and tourists can choose based on their basic needs.
Accommodation during the peak season is generally quite expensive, the price of an ordinary inn is approximately around CNY 300 per night. If you want to stay in a better place, the price can reach about CNY 500 per night. The price of a five-star hotel is basically between CNY 800-1400 per night. During the off-season, the price is much cheaper than during the peak season, which is about CNY 100 per night, and the cost for staying two nights is roughly around CNY 160.
Tips: It is recommended to go during the off-season, from March to August, when the prices are relatively lower.
8. Useful Travel Tips
Altitude Sickness: Jiuzhaigou is located at an altitude between 2,000 meters and 4,300 meters. The strong winds on the plateau may cause headaches and altitude sickness. You may experience symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, and chest tightness. If the blood oxygen level is too low or the symptoms cannot be relieved, it is necessary to seek medical treatment in a timely manner or return to a low-altitude area.
Weather Changes: The climate is changeable and there is a large temperature difference between morning and evening, so it is recommended to bring enough warm clothing and cold-proof jackets. In spring, the temperature is moderate, but warmth protection is still necessary. It is advisable to wear thick warm clothes or down inner linings and match them with hats, scarves, and gloves.
Generally speaking, the climate in Jiuzhaigou National Park is very pleasant. The average temperature is about 20℃ in summer and 10℃ to 15℃ in autumn. If you go there in summer, in addition to put short-sleeved clothes, you should also prepare a long-sleeved shirt or a jacket. In autumn, a fleece garment plus a windproof jacket is sufficient. Of course, a mountaineering jacket would be the best choice. In winter, however, you need to wear a relatively thick cotton-padded coat.
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