Jiuzhaigou

Jiuzhaigou, literally meaning "Valley of Nine Villages," is located in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province. It is world-renowned for its stunning water scenery, often referred to as the "Fairyland of China." Jiuzhaigou is famous for its five unique features: crystal-clear alpine lakes, imposing waterfalls, colorful forests, snow-capped mountains, and Tibetan culture. It's not only one of China's first nature reserves but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its beauty changes with the seasons: spring brings vibrant wildflowers, summer has lush green mountains and waters, autumn is filled with colorful foliage, and winter is blanketed in snow.

Travel Route

The Jiuzhaigou scenic area follows a Y-shape. The lower branch of the "Y" is the Shuzheng Valley, with the Zechawa Valley to the left and the Rize Valley to the right. These two valleys converge from north to south, forming the Shuzheng Valley. Most of Jiuzhaigou's major scenic spots are distributed across these three valleys. Visitors can either take convenient sightseeing buses or explore on foot along the walking paths.

The recommended route for sightseeing is as follows: Entrance → Nuorilang Junction → Long Lake → Five-Color Pond → Nuorilang Junction → (hiking 3km, about one hour: Primeval Forest → Sword Rock Waterfall → Swan Lake → Grass Lake → Arrow Bamboo Lake → Panda Lake → Five Flower Lake → Pearl Shoal Waterfall → Mirror Lake → Nuorilang Junction → Nuorilang Waterfall → Rhinoceros Lake → Tiger Lake → Shuzheng Waterfall → Shuzheng Lakes → Sparkling Lake → Double Dragon Lake Waterfall → Reed Lake → Bonsai Lake → Entrance.

Highlights

The core scenic area of Jiuzhaigou is composed of 108 lakes of varying sizes, 17 calcified waterfall groups, 5 primeval forests and more than 10 snow-capped mountains. The lake here is called "Haizi". Because the water contains different minerals and algae, it presents various colors such as emerald green, royal blue, and dark blue, just like a pigment plate carefully prepared by nature.

Shuzheng Valley (Entrance)

Shuzheng Valley is the main valley of Jiuzhaigou and the primary entrance to the scenic area, stretching 13.8 kilometers and containing over 40 lakes. Key scenic spots include Shuzheng Lakes, Huohua Lake, etc.

Sparkling Lake
Surrounded by dense forests, the lake's water is hidden among the greenery like a piece of jade. In the early morning, when the sun rises, the lake's surface sparkles in the sunlight, creating the illusion of fire dancing on the water.

Shuzheng Lakes
This is the largest group of lakes in Jiuzhaigou, consisting of 19 lakes of varying sizes. They snake through the valley like a string of dazzling pearls embedded in the green valleys.

Zechawa Valley (Left Branch)

Zechawa Valley is the longest and highest-altitude sightseeing route in Jiuzhaigou. Major attractions here include the Five-Color Pond and Long Lake.

Five-Color Pond
The Five-Color Pond is a true gem of Jiuzhaigou, renowned for its vibrant hues. Under the sunlight, the water shimmers in shades of blue, green, and yellow, resembling nature’s most exquisite palette—an awe-inspiring sight to behold.

Long Lake
Long Lake is the highest, deepest, and largest lake in Jiuzhaigou. It resembles a brilliant sapphire embedded in the mountains, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Its water is peaceful and deep, with no outlet, relying entirely on snowmelt and rainwater. This creates an otherworldly sense of serenity and beauty.

Rize Valley (Right Branch)

The Rize Valley Scenic Route stretches 16 kilometers between Nuorilang Waterfall and the Primeval Forest, showcasing the most stunning landscapes of Jiuzhaigou. Key attractions include Five Flower Lake, Pearl Shoal Waterfall, and Nuorilang Waterfall.

Pearl Shoal Waterfall
Pearl Shoal is one of Jiuzhaigou's most famous attractions. The fast-flowing water crashes over the shoal, creating countless sparkling droplets that resemble glistening pearls. Standing by the shore, you can feel the impact of the flowing water and the refreshing splash of the water. Additionally, Pearl Shoal is an ideal spot for capturing breathtaking photos of waterfalls and flowing water, making it a favorite stop for visitors to preserve their memorable moments.

Five Flower Lake
Known for its rich color gradients, Five Flower Lake displays a stunning array of colors, including pale yellow, bright green, dark green, sky blue, and deep blue, resembling a vivid oil painting.

Nuorilang Waterfall
As the widest waterfall in China, Nuorilang Waterfall is a stunning sight. The best viewing spot is directly opposite the waterfall. After passing through an underground tunnel and climbing stairs, you will find a hidden viewing platform with a panoramic view of the waterfall and its surrounding scenery. The waterfall is fed by the waters of Nuorilang Lakes. As the water cascades from the top of the falls, it resembles a silver river plunging from the heavens, its roaring sound echoing through the valley.

Mirror Lake
Known for its perfect reflections, Mirror Lake mirrors the surrounding mountains and waters, forming a beautiful natural landscape.

Zharu Valley

Located in the northeast of Jiuzhaigou, Zharu Valley is the fourth valley of the scenic area and rarely visited by tourists. It offers a glimpse into Tibetan pastoral life and the unique charm of Bon religion. Unlike the more crowded routes, Zharu Valley is a cultural travel route with fewer tourists, typically explored at the end of a trip or as a half-day excursion. The valley entrance sits at 2,026 meters, while its highest peak, Zhayizhaga Sacred Mountain, rises to 4,528 meters and is revered by locals. Other highlights include the majestic Mirror Cliff, the ancient Zharu Horse Trail, and the spiritually significant Zharu Monastery, known for its thriving incense offerings.

Best Time to Travel

Jiuzhaigou has distinct seasons, with each one offering its unique landscapes and charm. However, the best season for tourism is undoubtedly autumn (September to November), especially from mid-October to early November. In autumn, the leaves of the trees change from green to yellow, then yellow to red, creating a vibrant and colorful scene that is simply breathtaking. The crystal clear lakes reflect the colorful forests, resembling exquisite oil paintings, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Of course, apart from autumn, the other seasons in Jiuzhaigou also have their own unique charm.

Spring (March to May): As everything revives, the temperature rises, snow melts, and wildflowers bloom. Jiuzhaigou is peaceful and beautiful, ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities and serene environments.
Summer (June to August): The climate is cool, the water levels are abundant, and the waterfalls are magnificent. After the rain, Jiuzhaigou looks even fresher, with clouds and mist swirling around, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. It's a perfect spot for summer vacations and hiking.
Winter (December to February): Covered in snow and ice, Jiuzhaigou becomes a winter wonderland. Visitors can enjoy skiing, ice skating, and other winter sports, experiencing the calm and mysterious beauty of the season. Although some scenic spots may be closed due to snow, Jiuzhaigou still holds undeniable charm in winter.

How to Get to Jiuzhaigou?

To reach Jiuzhaigou, you can choose from several convenient transportation options:

By Air

You can fly directly to Jiuzhaigou from cities like Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi'an, Beijing, Wuhan, Hangzhou, Changzhou, Zhengzhou, and Guangzhou, landing at Jiuzhaigou Huanglong Airport. From the airport, you can charter a car or take the airport shuttle bus to the scenic area, which takes about 2-3 hours. Keep in mind that the airport is located on the plateau, and weather changes can cause flight delays or cancellations, so it is recommended to check weather conditions in advance.

By High-speed Train

You can take a high-speed train from Chengdu to Songpan Station or Huanglong Jiuzhaigou Station. It is recommended to purchase tickets 15 days in advance and allow extra time for potential waiting lists and transfers. The fastest train from Chengdu East Station to Huanglong Jiuzhaigou Station takes about 1 hour and 39 minutes, and then you can transfer to a bus for a 2-hour ride to the scenic area. Please kindly note that high-speed train tickets need to be booked in advance, and tickets are in high demand during peak seasons.

By Bus

From Chengdu, you can take direct buses to Jiuzhaigou from Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station and the Chadianzi Bus Station. Departure times are early, and it is recommended to buy tickets in advance. The journey passes through places like Wenchuan and Maoxian, with a travel time of about 8 hours. It is recommended to plan your schedule reasonably.

By Car

We can arrange a tourist vehicle for you. From Chengdu, you can choose between the two main routes: the East Line and the West Line. The East Line is about 400 kilometers, with an estimated travel time of 8-9 hours, passing through Dujiangyan. The West Line is about 450 kilometers, with an estimated travel time of 9 hours, passing through Mianyang.

Travel Tips

Altitude Sickness: Jiuzhaigou has an altitude ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 meters, and some visitors may experience altitude sickness. It is recommended to have a physical check-up before departure and carry medications to combat altitude sickness. Once you arrive in Jiuzhaigou, drink plenty of water, get adequate rest, and avoid strenuous physical activity.
Weather awareness: Jiuzhaigou's climate is changeable with large temperature differences between morning and evening. Pack appropriate clothing according to the season. In spring, bring light jackets and sweaters; in summer, ong-sleeve T-shirts or short-sleeve T-shirts paired with a sunscreen jacket is advised; in autumn, bring thicker coats and warm clothing; and in winter, a down jacket is a must. Additionally, rain gear is essential in case of unexpected weather.
Environmental protection: Jiuzhaigou is a nature reserve, and visitors should actively protect the environment. Do not litter, damage vegetation, or capture wildlife. Visitors should also follow all park regulations, such as no smoking or loud noise.
Sun protection and warmth: Jiuzhaigou has intense sunlight, so visitors should take precautions like applying sunscreen and wearing a sunhat, especially in summer. With significant temperature differences between day and night, it's important to carry warm clothing to avoid catching a cold.
Respect local culture: Jiuzhaigou is located in areas inhabited by Tibetan and Qiang ethnic groups. Visitors should respect local customs and religious beliefs. When visiting temples, villages, or other cultural sites, remain quiet, refrain from taking photos, and avoid touching cultural relics.