Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area Travel Guide for April

1. 🌤️ Best Time to Travel: • April is an excellent time to visit Jiuzhaigou. The ice and snow begin to melt, peach blossoms bloom brilliantly, the temperature is moderate, and there are relatively fewer tourists. 2. 🚇 Transportation Guide: • 🛫 Airplane: Fly to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport, which is about 88 km from the scenic area. There are flights to and from cities such as Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi'an, and Beijing. After landing, take the airport shuttle bus to Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area (approx. 1.5–2 hrs). • 🚆 High-speed Rail: Take the high-speed train from Chengdu East Station to Huanglong Jiuzhai Station, then transfer to a shuttle bus for a two-hour ride to Jiuzhaigou. This is a more convenient option. • 🚌 Long-distance Bus: There are daily buses from Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station and Chadianzi Bus Station to Jiuzhaigou (approx. 7–8 hrs). 3. 🎫 Ticket Information: • Peak Season (Apr 1–Nov 15): Entry ticket: CNY 190/person; sightseeing bus ticket: CNY 90/person. • Certain groups are eligible for discounted or free entry tickets according to national policies (sightseeing bus ticket not included). 4. 🕗 Opening Hours: • 8 am–6 pm; last entry: 2 pm (Apr 1–Nov 9). 5. 📸 Photo Spots: • 🌊 Five Flower Lake: Known as the "Essence of Jiuzhaigou" and "One of the Wonders of Jiuzhaigou," this lake boasts colorful waters that resemble a dreamscape. • 🏞️ Long Lake: The highest and widest lake in Jiuzhaigou, Long Lake features dark blue waters that reflect the distant snow-capped mountains, creating a magnificent view. • 🌲 Shuzheng Lakes: Composed of 20 to 30 lakes of varying sizes arranged like terraced fields, this area resembles a natural painting. 6. 🎡 Suggested Itinerary: • Morning: Upon entering the scenic area, take the sightseeing bus directly to the primeval forest in Rize Valley. Then, visit Arrow Bamboo Lake, Panda Lake, Five Flower Lake, and Mirror Lake in turn. • Noon: Arrive at Nuorilang Tourist Center. There is only one restaurant in the scenic area, Nuorilang Restaurant, and the prices are relatively high. If you don't like the food there, you can bring your own snacks. • Afternoon: Take the sightseeing bus to Long Lake and Five Color Pool in Zechawa Valley. Afterward, take the bus back to Nuorilang, and then walk down along Shuzheng Valley, visiting Shuzheng Lakes, Rhinoceros Lake, and other attractions before exiting the scenic area. 7. 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations: • Near the entrance: It is recommended to stay near the entrance to the scenic area, where dining, entertainment, and other activities are easily accessible. You can walk directly to the main entrance of Jiuzhaigou. • Not recommended: Do not stay in Jiuzhaigou County, which is 40 km from the scenic area and inconvenient to travel to and from. 8. 🍽️ Food Guide: • 🍖 Yak Beef Hot Pot: Fresh yak beef is simmered with various mushrooms, resulting in a flavorful and nutritious dish. • 🍖 Potato Cakes: Steamed potatoes are mashed and mixed with various seasonings, creating a soft and chewy texture. • 🍖 Barley Cakes: Baked with barley flour, these cakes have a rich aroma and are a staple food of the Tibetan people. • 🍖 Yogurt: The local yogurt is quite tart but delicious. With added honey, sugar, and nuts, it offers a balanced sweet and sour flavor and a rich texture. 9. 💡 Important Notes: • 🚫 Altitude Sickness: Jiuzhaigou is located at a high altitude, and some people may experience altitude sickness. Take precautions in advance, such as taking altitude sickness medication and avoiding strenuous exercise. • 🚫 Scenic Area Regulations: Smoking is strictly prohibited in the scenic area. Protect the environment and do not litter. • 🚫 Respect Local Customs: Respect local religious beliefs and customs. Tibetan people absolutely do not eat donkey, horse, or dog meat, and some areas also abstain from eating fish. • 🚫 Beware of Scams: Do not trust strangers at the entrance to the scenic area who claim to sell discounted tickets, to avoid being scammed. • 📸 Photography Preparation: Bring sufficient power banks, as taking photos of the numerous scenic spots will consume a lot of battery power. If you have photography needs, remember to bring the appropriate photography equipment and accessories. • 🚙 Self-driving Tips: The highway from Pingwu to Jiuzhaigou is closed for repairs. You can only take the national highway, with a speed limit of 50–60 km/h. The drive takes about four hours. I hope this guide will make your trip to Jiuzhaigou even more enjoyable! 🌟