Jiuzhaigou is a renowned natural wonder, captivating the world with its unique karst landscape, crystal-clear lakes, roaring waterfalls, and abundant biodiversity. Its name is derived from the nine Tibetan villages that dot its valley, seamlessly intertwining with the surrounding nature. Here, nature and culture coexist in a symphony of beauty, inviting all to explore and be moved by its profound charm.
Jiuzhaigou Valley is truly a "Fairyland on Earth," offering visitors a chance to experience the remarkable natural beauty and rich biodiversity of the Tibetan Plateau. Jiuzhai Valley is famous for its crystal clear and colorful lakes, terraced waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and lush forests. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its unique and dense highland lakes, vast travertine falls, and streams, creating a spectacle of "mountains and lakes."
Main Scenic Areas in Jiuzhaigou
Shuzheng Valley
Entrance to Jiuzhaigou, showcasing lush forests and crystal-clear streams. Features include Bonsai Shoal, Reed Lake, Twin Dragons Lake, Sparkling Lake, and Shuzheng Lakes.
Shuzheng Lakes:
Upon entering the gates of Jiuzhaigou, you will be greeted by the serene sight of Shuzheng Lakes, a series of interconnected small streams spanning over 5 kilometers. Comprising approximately 19 lakes, Shuzheng Lakes offer a tranquil respite, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of nature and the traditional Tibetan villages that dot the landscape. As you traverse the trail, you will be immersed in the grandeur of the surrounding mountains, lush forests, and the crystal-clear waters of the lakes.
Rhinoceros Lake:
Rhinoceros Lake, the second-largest lake in Jiuzhaigou, stretches for approximately 2.2 kilometers in length and boasts a depth of 17 meters, covering an area of 200,000 square meters. A visit during the summer reveals the lake's unique characteristic of transforming into various shades of green across its surface. The diverse hues create a breathtaking sight, adding to the allure of this already stunning natural gem.
Rize Valley
Located in the south-western of Jiuzhaigou, renowned for its primeval forests and spectacular waterfalls. Highlights are Virgin Forest, Hanging Spring of Sword Cliff, Grass Lake, Swan Lake, Eagle Claw Cave, Arrow Bamboo Lake, Panda Lake, and Five Flower Lake. Among them, Pearl Shoal is the most representative scenic spot.
Pearl Shoal
Pearl Shoal:
The Pearl Shoal in Jiuzhaigou is a unique geological formation covered with numerous pits and hollows. As the turbulent stream rushes down the slope, it collides with these hollows, creating a spectacle of countless sparkling water droplets. Under the sun's rays, these droplets shimmer like pearls scattered across the surface, earning the Shoal its apt name. The Pearl Shoal Falls, situated at an elevation of 2,433 meters, stands at a height of 21 meters, with a width of 162.5 meters at its top. The maximum drop of the falls can reach a stunning 40 meters, making it a breathtaking sight to behold.
Panda Lake:
It is said that the giant pandas in Jiuzhaigou often came to this lakeshore to drink and forage, hence the name Panda Lake. There is a round stone with black and white patterns in Panda Lake, resembling a fat giant panda, which continues to evoke associations of the pandas' once active presence here. Located at an elevation of 2,587 meters, Panda Lake is 14 meters deep and covers an area of 90,000 square meters. It is one of the lakes in Jiuzhaigou that does not freeze completely in winter.
Zechawa Valley
Stretching approximately 18 kilometers in length, Zechawa Valley stands as the longest valley in Jiuzhaigou, proudly taking its place as the southeastern branch of this remarkable natural wonder. Home to the breathtaking Long Lake and Five Color Pond.
Zechawa Valley
Long Lake:
Nestled amidst the embrace of mountains and trees, Long Lake stands as the longest and widest lake. Its graceful S-shaped outline reflects the melting waters of snow-clad mountains, ensuring its waters never dry up nor overflow. Its stunning azure hue and verdant surroundings create a picture-perfect landscape, making it an ideal location for photography enthusiasts.
Five Color Pond:
Due to varying mineral concentrations at different depths, the water exhibits a spectrum of hues ranging from pale blue to aquamarine and finally to emerald green. This tiny yet vibrant gem truly captures the essence of Jiuzhaigou's natural beauty.
Nuorilang Waterfalls
Nestled at the convergence of Rizegou, Shuzhenggou, and Zechawagou valleys, Nuorilang Waterfalls boasts a unique location and scenery, serving as the iconic symbol of Jiuzhaigou. The name "Nuorilang" in Tibetan signifies "male deity," embodying grandeur and magnificence. Standing at a height of 30 to 40 meters, with a width of 300 meters and a drop of 20 meters, Nuorilang Falls is one of the largest travertine waterfalls in China and the widest of all the falls in Jiuzhaigou.
The source of this waterfall lies in the Rizegou valley, where the water cascades down from a flat surface at the top. The relentless flow of water resembles a silver river plunging downwards, its roaring sound echoing through the valley, shaking the surrounding mountains.
Reommended Visiting Route for Jiuzhaigou
Embracing a Y-shaped landscape, Jiuzhaigou's three primary valleys — Shuzheng Valley, Zechawa Valley, and Rize Valley — branch out from the central intersection of Nuorilang Falls. If you're entering through the main gate, Shuzheng Valley serves as the ideal starting or ending point for your journey.
To explore Zechawa Valley and Rize Valley, you'll need to retrace your steps back to Nuorilang Falls and visit each valley consecutively. Depending on your time availability, you can plan your Jiuzhaigou tour for either one or two days. The longer you stay, the more you'll be able to appreciate the natural wonders and cultural treasures that await you within this spectacular destination.
Jiuzhaigou in Four Seasons
In Spring, Jiuzhaigou awakens from winter's slumber, with melting ice trickling down the slopes and blossoms dotting the landscape in a kaleidoscope of colors. The air is filled with the fresh scent of new growth, inviting you to explore this burgeoning world.
During Summer, Jiuzhaigou radiates a vibrant energy. The lakes shimmer in the dazzling sunshine, reflecting the sparkle of the sun's rays. The gentle breeze whispers through the trees, inviting you to immerse yourself in the serenity of nature.
Autumn transforms Jiuzhaigou into a tapestry of rich hues. The lakes glow in a rainbow of colors, from vivid blues to deep greens, while the mountains are tinted in a blend of reds, oranges, and yellows. This is Jiuzhaigou at its most colorful and vibrant.
Winter brings a sense of tranquility to Jiuzhaigou. The peaks are capped in snow, the waterfalls frozen in time, and the lakes lie placid beneath a blanket of ice. This is a winter wonderland, where every breath feels crisp and clear, and the silence is broken only by the sound of your own footsteps in the snow.
The most enchanting months to journey to Jiuzhaigou are September, October, and November. These autumn months offer cooler temperatures and colorful forests.
Travel Tips
Ticket Price: Peak-Season (April 1 to November 15): CNY169
Off-Season (November 16 to March 31): CNY80
Tourist Bus Fare: Peak-Season: CNY90
Off-Season: CNY80
(Note: The ticket lasts for one day. The tourist bus fare is compulsory and only last for one day. The operate time is from 7:00 to 17:00. Opening Time: 08:00-17:30 (Admission ends at 14:00)
Recommended Sightseeing Time:1-2 days
Address: Beside the 301 Provincial Highway, Jiuzhaigou Mouth, Yuzha Town, Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture
Scenic Spot Level: National AAAAA Tourist Attraction
Climate: Warm temperate zone in western Sichuan Plateau climate
Best Time to Visit: September, October, and November
