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Jiuzhaigou National Park Attractions & Highlights
Jiuzhaigou National Park is renowned worldwide for its stunning collection of colorful lakes, cascading waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and lush forests.
The park is a Y-shaped valley with three main sections : Rize Valley, Zechawa Valley, and Shuzheng Valley. Shuzheng Valley serves as the primary entrance to the scenic area, while Zechawa Valley is located on the right-hand side and Rize Valley is situated on the left-hand side.
Shuzheng Valley (树正沟) - A Water Wonderland
Shuzheng Valley is indeed the first valley visitors encounter after entering Jiuzhaigou National Park, and it stretches for approximately 14 kilometers.
Known for its abundant water features, Jiuzhaigou is renowned for its stunning lakes. Shuzheng Valley is home to over 40 different lakes, which make up around 40% of all the lakes in the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area.
These lakes in Shuzheng Valley display a remarkable array of colors, ranging from vibrant blues and greens to crystal clear and reflective surfaces. The combination of the surrounding mountains, forests, and water creates a picturesque and serene environment that is a hallmark of Jiuzhaigou's natural beauty.
Shuzheng Lakes (树正群海) elevation: 2187-2280 meters
Shuzheng Lakes is a collection of 19 lakes. These lakes can be likened to 19 gleaming green emeralds, delicately nestled amidst the deep mountains and valleys of Jiuzhaigou. The interconnected lakes are adorned with verdant trees and shimmering waterfalls, creating a picturesque landscape reminiscent of a beautiful jade necklace adorning Shuzheng Village.
Rhinoceros Lake (犀牛海) elevation: 2301 meters
Rhinoceros Lake is the second largest lake in Jiuzhaigou. It is said that a seriously ill eminent monk rode a rhinoceros to this place. After drinking from the sacred spring by the lake, he recovered without any treatment and left his beloved rhinoceros here, hence the name.
In spring and summer, the lake is emerald green; when the autumn wind blows, the embankments are filled with autumn colors, and the red leaves and green trees are reflected in the lake and mountains, which is so beautiful.
Sparking Lake (火花海) elevation: 2211 meters
Sparkling Lake derived its name from the mesmerizing sight created when sunlight shines at an angle on the lake's surface, causing it to glisten and sparkle like scattered sparks.
In 2017, a powerful 7.0-magnitude earthquake, known as the Jiuzhaigou earthquake, struck the region. As a result of this seismic event, the dam at the outlet of Sparkling Lake collapsed, leading to a significant breach and the disappearance of the lake's original landscape. However, through restoration efforts, the lake has been largely restored to its former beauty.
Nuorilang Waterfall (诺日朗瀑布) elevation 2343 meters
Nuorilang Waterfall holds the distinction of being the most spectacular and beautiful waterfall in Jiuzhaigou and the widest alpine travertine waterfall in China with a width of 300 meters. The name "Nuorilang" has dual significance in Tibetan, representing both a god and the concept of being tall and majestic.
Nuorilang Waterfall is positioned at the confluence of the three valleys in Jiuzhaigou National Park, making it a pivotal transportation hub and culinary center within the scenic area.
Rize Valley (日则沟) - The Essence of Jiuzhaigou
Rize Valley stretches for approximately 18 kilometers, making it the most beautiful valley of the 3 in Jiuzhaigou. Starting from Nuorilang Waterfall and extending towards the right, Rize Valley is a treasure trove of natural wonders. Along this scenic route, visitors are treated to a plethora of captivating sights, including an array of colorful lakes, shoals, and waterfalls. These vibrant and picturesque features contribute to the allure of Rize Valley, making it one of the highlights of Jiuzhaigou National Park's breathtaking scenery.
Five-Flowers Lake (五花海) elevation: 2462 meters
Five-Flowers Lake stands out as the most renowned and stunning lake among the numerous lakes in Jiuzhaigou. Its beauty is attributed to the presence of travertine deposits and a diverse array of brightly colored algae at the lake's bottom. Additionally, the differing distribution of submerged plants has contributed to the formation of vibrant blocks of sapphire blue, emerald green, orange, and light red within the lake. These colorful blocks resemble magnificent ornaments adorned with numerous gemstones. The overall effect is one of elegance, grace, and luxury, as if the lake itself were a pearl-like masterpiece within Jiuzhaigou's natural wonderland.
Panda Lake (熊猫海) 2574 meters
Panda Lake is a glacier barrier lake that derives its name from the pandas that once inhabited the area. When sunlight illuminates the lake's surface, the ripples on Panda Lake reflect brilliant colors, creating a captivating and somewhat ethereal sight. It is believed that giant pandas used to roam in Jiuzhaigou, and they were known to frequent this particular location to wander, drink water, and search for food. As a result, the area came to be known as Panda Lake or the Panda Sea, adding to its charm and allure.
Arrow Bamboo Lake (箭竹海) elevation: 2629 meters
Arrow Bamboo Lake, located adjacent to the Panda Lake, earns its name from the abundance of arrow bamboos that grow and thrive along its shores. These bamboos are a favorite food source for pandas.
Within the Arrow Bamboo Lake, there exists a unique and peculiar landscape - a display of calcified dead trees partially submerged in the lake. Some of these dead trees can be seen with their upper portions exposed above the waterline, while others may have young saplings taking root on them. This intriguing sight adds to the distinctive character of the Arrow Bamboo Lake, showcasing the cycle of life and the resilience of nature even in seemingly inhospitable conditions.
Pearl Shoal Waterfall (珍珠滩瀑布) elevation: 2433 meters
Pearl Shoal Waterfall is renowned as the most exquisite, rapid, and sonorous waterfall among all the waterfalls in Jiuzhaigou. Upstream of the waterfall lies Pearl Beach, a vast accumulation platform formed by the deposition of calcium carbonate from the clear lake water. As the pristine water cascades down the expansive surface of the beach, it creates a mesmerizing spectacle of silver beads splashing against the uneven stone terrain. This sparkling display resembles glistening pearls, inspiring the name Pearl Beach.
The water continues its journey, rushing down from the cliff, and takes the form of a broad crescent-shaped waterfall, known as Pearl Shoal Waterfall. The combination of the picturesque beach, the shimmering silver beads, and the awe-inspiring waterfall forms a truly captivating and unforgettable scene within Jiuzhaigou.
Mirror Lake (镜海) elevation: 2376 meters
Mirror Lake holds the distinction of being the third largest lake in Jiuzhaigou. The name "Mirror Lake" stems from its incredibly calm and tranquil water surface, which resembles a perfectly still mirror. The reflections seen on the lake's surface are truly remarkable and often surpass the beauty of the actual surroundings. When the weather is clear and favorable, the reflections captured in the water are particularly breathtaking, especially during the serene moments of 9 am and 5 pm. These timeframes offer ideal conditions for witnessing the mesmerizing phenomenon where the reflection in Mirror Lake outshines the real scene, creating a truly awe-inspiring and magical experience.
Zechawa Valley (则查瓦沟) - Discover Serenity
Zechawa Valley stretches across a length of 17 kilometers and encompasses several notable attractions, including Seasonal Lake, Five-Colored Lake, and Long Lake. Among these, Seasonal Lake is primarily appreciated from the window of the shuttle bus, while Five-Colored Lake and Long Lake serve as the main highlights of the valley.
Long Lake (长海) elevation: 3101 meters
Long Lake is a glacier barrier lake situated within Jiuzhaigou National Park. It boasts the highest altitude, the deepest waters, and the largest area among all the lakes in the valley. The surface of Long Lake exhibits a captivating dark blue hue. The water source originates from the melted snow in the surrounding mountains, ensuring a pristine and refreshing supply.
The lake is encompassed by lush green forests, while the peaks of the neighboring mountains remain snow-covered throughout the year. During winter, Long Lake transforms into a frozen wonderland, with the ice layer reaching a remarkable thickness of up to 60 centimeters.
Five-Colored Lake (五彩池) elevation: 3010 meters
Located 1 kilometer downstream from Long Lake is the Five-Colored Lake, which, despite being the smallest among the lakes in Jiuzhaigou, is renowned for its exquisite beauty and vibrant colors. The Five-Colored Lake exhibits a captivating display of hues, comparable to a mesmerizing palette of colors. The pool's waters are exceptionally clear, allowing visitors to see the intricate stone patterns on the rock surface at the bottom of the lake.
Huanglong National Park (黄龙) - Fairyland Close to Jiuzhai Valley
The Huanglong Scenic Area is situated approximately 100 kilometers away from the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and around 40 kilometers from the Airport. It is a stunning valley with terraces of colored limestone ponds in blues, greens, oranges, yellows, and white.
Huanglong, which means 'Yellow Dragon', got its name for its special geographical features. Seen from a distance, Huanglong's numerous travertine formations look like an enormous, golden dragon arching across the valley, winding its way between the snowy mountain peaks. Huanglong Valley is also renowned for superlative sceneries of snow-topped mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, virgin forests, wild animals, etc. The area, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, has been called a "World Wonder" and “Fairy Land on Earth."
Five-Color Ponds (五彩池) elevation: 3576 meters
The Five-Color Ponds is a remarkable feature within the Huanglong Valley. It encompasses a vast area of 21,000 square meters and consists of an impressive 693 individual colorful pools. This collection of pools makes it the largest assemblage of colorful pools in the Huanglong Valley and the world's largest and highest open-air travertine pool group.
The pools are arranged in a random and staggered manner, forming layers with diverse shapes, such as arcs, fans, and skirts. The water in each pool takes on different colors depending on factors such as sediment content, the color of the pool's embankment, light refraction, and the pool's depth. When viewed from a distance, these pools resemble jade plates. When sunlight illuminates the pools, they exhibit a stunning array of colors, including shades of white, purple, blue, and green. This vibrant display adds to their beauty and charm, captivating visitors with their colorful allure.
Even during the winter, when the surrounding landscape turns white, the pools retain their mesmerizing blue jade-like appearance.
Jiuzhaigou National Park Weather & Best Time to Visit
Jiuzhaigou National Park experiences a highland temperate climate due to its elevation of about 2,000 to 4,500 meters (6,500 to 14,800 feet) above sea level. The weather can vary significantly throughout the year, so it's important to consider the best time to visit based on your preferences and the activities you intend to engage in.
The best time to visit Jiuzhaigou National Park is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) seasons. Here's a breakdown of the weather and highlights of each season:
Spring (April to June):
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Weather: Spring brings mild temperatures, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). However, it can still be chilly, especially in April and May.
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Highlights: The park comes alive with vibrant blossoms, lush greenery, and cascading waterfalls during this time. It's a great season for photography and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere before the peak tourist season.
Summer (July to August):
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Weather: Summer is the peak tourist season, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). However, it can be crowded, and occasional rainfall is common.
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Highlights: The park's landscapes are at their most vibrant during summer, with clear blue skies and lush vegetation. It's the best time for trekking, hiking, and enjoying the stunning turquoise lakes.
Autumn (September to October):
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Weather: Autumn offers mild and pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). The nights can be cooler, especially in October.
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Highlights: During autumn, the foliage transforms into a riot of colors, creating a picturesque and magical atmosphere. The waterfalls, lakes, and forests are breathtaking, and the weather is generally stable.
Winter (November to March):
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Weather: Winter is cold, with temperatures ranging from -2°C to 10°C (28°F to 50°F). Snowfall is common, and the park may experience closures or limited accessibility during this time.
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Highlights: While the park is open during winter, it is less crowded, and the snow-covered landscapes offer a unique and tranquil experience. It's a great time for photography and enjoying the peaceful ambiance.
It's important to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly, as conditions can vary. The park can be closed temporarily due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances, so it's advisable to stay updated before your visit. Check more details in Best Time to Visit Jiuzhaigou.
Location & How to Get to Jiuzhaigou National Park
Jiuzhaigou is located in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province, southwestern China. It is situated in the Min Mountains on the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau. The nearest major city to Jiuzhaigou is Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, which is approximately 400 kilometers (248 miles) to the south.
You can get to Jiuzhaigou by flights from other main cities in China, or by high-speed train and by overland from Chengdu.
By Flight Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport is the main airport serving Jiuzhaigou. It's about 43 km from Huanglong Scenic Area and 88 km from Jiuzhaigou National Park. You can reach the airport by flying from major cities like Chengdu, Beijing, Guangzhou, Wuhan, Xian, Suzhou, and Zhengzhou. From the airport, it takes around 30 minutes by car to Huanglong and 1.5 hours to Jiuzhaigou National Park. Local transportation options, such as taxis or shuttle buses, are available to facilitate this journey.
By High-Speed Train from Chengdu
You can also take the Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou high-speed train to reach Jiuzhaigou. The train journey takes about 2 hours and the ticket price ranges from 106-363 yuan. Upon arrival at the railway station, you will need to allocate additional travel time to reach their desired destinations. It takes approximately 1.5 hours by car to reach Huanglong and about 2.5 hours to reach Jiuzhaigou National Park from the station. Local transportation options, such as taxis or shuttle buses, are available to facilitate this journey.
By Overland from Chengdu
The road journey from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou typically takes around 8-10 hours, depending on traffic conditions and stops along the way.
There are buses to Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area from several bus stations in Chengdu, such as Chadianzi Bus Station and Xinnanmen Bus Station. The fare ranges from 168-400 yuan, and you can choose a one-way ticket or a round-trip ticket.
Check more details in How to Get to Jiuzhaigou from Chengdu
How Long to Stay in Jiuzhai Valley National Park
Upon arrival in Jiuzhaigou, The recommended duration for a visit to Jiuzhaigou National Park and Huanglong can vary depending on your interests and the amount of time you have available. However, here are some general guidelines:
Jiuzhaigou National Park (1-2 days)
Shuttle buses in the scenic area allow for quick transportation to the main points. One day is sufficient for visiting the highlights, but for a thorough exploration, consider staying for two days to fully appreciate the natural beauty and hike along various trails.
Huanglong National Park (0.5-1 day)
Huanglong Scenic Area offers a cable car that takes you directly to the Five-colour Pond, the main attraction. From there, you can hike the trail to the foot of the mountain in 3-4 hours. Half a day is enough to explore the highlights of Huanglong using the cable car, making it possible to visit in the afternoon upon arrival at the airport or railway station.
Recommended Jiuzhaigou National Park Tour Itinerary
To reach Jiuzhaigou National Park, you can start your journey from Chengdu by flights, high-speed trains and overland. Usually, a 5-day itinerary allows you to experience the highlights of Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou National Park and Huanglong Scenic Area.
Day 1-2: Arrive in Chengdu and explore Chengdu's top attractions, including the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Jinli Ancient Street, and Wenshu Monastery, while indulging in local cuisine.
Day 3: Travel from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou by early flight or train, visit Huanglong Scenic Area in the afternoon, and transfer to Jiuzhaigou for overnight stay.
Day 4: Full-day exploration of Jiuzhaigou National Park, visiting its lakes, waterfalls, and enjoying the serene beauty of the valley.
Day 5: Depart from Jiuzhaigou National Park and return to Chengdu or onward journey.
Where to Stay in Jiuzhaigou National Park?
Jiuzhaigou offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some popular areas and hotels to consider when planning your stay in Jiuzhaigou:
- Zhangzha Town
This is the main town closest to the entrance of Jiuzhaigou National Park. It has a variety of hotels, guesthouses, and hostels catering to different budgets. Some popular options include Sheraton Jiuzhaigou Resort, InterContinental Resort Jiuzhai Paradise, and Banyan Tree Hotel.
- Chuanzhusi Town
Located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Jiuzhaigou National Park, Chuanzhusi offers a more laid-back atmosphere and a range of accommodation options. It's a good choice if you prefer a quieter setting away from the crowds. Some recommended hotels in this area include Howard Johnson Tianyuan Resort Jiuzhaigou, Jiuzhaigou Jinjiang Hotel, and Jiuzhaigou Jin Hongqiao Hotel.
- Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic Area
If you want to stay within the scenic area itself, there are a few hotels located near the entrance. These hotels offer convenient access to the park, allowing you to start your exploration early in the morning. Some options include the Sanroyal International Hotel and the Qianhe International Hotel.
What to Eat in Jiuzhaigou National Park?
When visiting Jiuzhaigou, you'll have the opportunity to savor a variety of delicious local dishes. Here are some popular dishes and specialties to try during your stay:
- Yak Meat: Enjoy yak meat in dishes like hotpot, stir-fry, and dumplings.
- Tibetan Butter Tea: Try this creamy and salty tea made with tea leaves, yak butter, and salt.
- Tibetan Noodles: Sample "Liangfen," cold noodles with various toppings like vegetables and chili sauce.
- Tibetan Momos: Delight in steamed or fried dumplings filled with meat or vegetables.
- Buckwheat Pancakes: Savor these pancakes served with honey or yak butter for breakfast or snacks.
- Tibetan Barley Wine ("Chang"): Experience this traditional alcoholic drink made from fermented barley.
These are just a few examples of the local dishes and specialties you can find in Jiuzhaigou. Additionally, there are also various Chinese and Sichuan cuisine options available in the area. Don't forget to explore the local markets and food stalls for an authentic culinary experience.
Explore Jiuzhaigou Valley & Huanglong in Sichuan with AOT
Are you ready for a journey into the enchanting realm of Jiuzhaigou National and Huanglong in Sichuan, China? Join AOT (Asia Odyssey Travel) as we take you on an unforgettable adventure through these breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Jiuzhaigou National Park and Huanglong Scenic Area are famous for their natural wonderland, especially the water landscape. The turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, terraced ponds, and thermal springs, along with the lush forests and snow-capped peaks together create a beautiful fairy tale world and scenic paradise.
With over a decade of experience and a deep understanding of Jiuzhaigou, Asia Odyssey Travel offers a range of budget-friendly options to suit every traveler's preferences.
Popular Scenic Points: Rize Valley, Zechawa Valley, and Shuzheng Valley, Five-Color Ponds
Tour Packages: Jiuzhaigou Tours, Chengdu Jiuzhaigou Tours, Jiuzhaigou Highspeed Train Tours
Tailored Experiences: We provide personalized tours that cater to your preferences and ensure a seamless travel experience. Our knowledgeable guides will accompany you as you explore these natural wonders, sharing fascinating insights and stories along the way.
Smooth Logistics: From transportation to accommodations, we take care of all the travel details, so you can fully enjoy your trip in Jiuzhaigou.
24/7 Support: Our dedicated team is available around the clock to provide assistance and travel consulting services.
Prepare to be amazed by the beauty and serenity of Jiuzhaigou National Park and Huanglong. Let AOT be your trusted partner in discovering the hidden gems of Sichuan, as we create memories that will last a lifetime. Join us on this extraordinary journey and let the magic of Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong unfold before your eyes.
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