Just returned from Jiuzhaigou, and I honestly don't recommend visiting in May-June

🌿 Reasons not to go: 1. We're already planning to return soon lol – if it gets overcrowded, the experience will be ruined. 2. While Jiuzhaigou is fairyland-beautiful, it has many pitfalls. Without thorough preparation, you'd be wasting this magnificent scenery. Going in May-June without proper research will likely leave regrets 😉 📜 After many sleepless nights, I've compiled this ultimate May-June Jiuzhaigou travel guide (2-3 day itinerary・Y-shaped route) 🗺️ Itinerary Overview Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area forms a "Y" shape with three main valleys: Zechawa, Rize, and Shuzheng. May-July is the high-water season when lakes are crystal clear, waterfalls spectacular, and colorful forests begin to bloom. Follow this itinerary: 🔵 2-Day Highlights: Day1 focus on Rize + Shuzheng Valleys, Day2 explore Zechawa Valley + catch missed spots; 🔵 3-Day Leisure: Day1 Rize Valley, Day2 Zechawa Valley, Day3 relax in Shuzheng Valley + Tibetan villages. ✅Day1: Rize Valley (Right arm of "Y") Must-sees: Nuorilang Waterfall→Five-Flower Lake→Pearl Shoal Waterfall→Mirror Lake→Panda Lake→Arrow Bamboo Lake→Swan Lake→Grass Lake→Primeval Forest 💎8:30 Entrance Take the shuttle straight to Nuorilang Waterfall at Rize's end – its thunderous cascade looks like a broken Milky Way. May's lakes show magical Tiffany blue, while June-July adds rhododendron petals floating on water – pure romance. Hike to Five-Flower Lake with its visible submerged trees glowing rainbow colors under sunlight. Then Pearl Shoal Waterfall where water droplets sparkle like pearls (featured in 1986's "Journey to the West"). At Mirror Lake, midday sun creates perfect reflections of snow mountains and forests – breathtaking. 💎12:30 Nuorilang Transit After lunch, explore deeper: Panda Lake and Arrow Bamboo Lake offer secluded beauty. Continue to Swan Lake with its dancing birds, Grass Lake's wildflowers, and finally the fairy-tale Primeval Forest with sunlight filtering through leaves. ✅Day2: Zechawa + Shuzheng Valleys (Left arm + trunk of "Y") Must-sees: Long Lake→Five-Color Pond→Nuorilang Transit→Rhinoceros Lake→Tiger Lake→Shuzheng Lakes→Reclining Dragon Lake→Reed Lake 💎8:00 Long Lake At 3100m altitude, May's Long Lake still has icy patches contrasting with snow mountains – surreal beauty. 💎9:15 Five-Color Pond Sunlight transforms this pond into a spilled palette of blue, green, yellow, orange, and purple. 💎10:45 Nuorilang Transit Transfer to Shuzheng Valley, starting with mighty Nuorilang Waterfall. Visit Rhinoceros and Tiger Lakes with their visible calcite deposits and shimmering waters. 💎13:30 Shuzheng Lakes Walk past Shuzheng Waterfall and Sparkling Lake, enjoying the harmony of rushing falls and calm lakes. Discover Reclining Dragon Lake's submerged "dragon" logs and Reed Lake's swaying reeds. ✅Day3 (Optional): Zhaga Sacred Mountain + Zhongcha Tibetan Village 💎9:30 Zhaga Sacred Mountain Hike through the red stone valley – like burning flames beside streams – with sacred snow mountains in the distance. 💎13:30 Zhongcha Valley Experience Tibetan culture: make tsampa, drink barley wine, and enjoy mountain views with hospitable locals. 💖 May-June Tips 📌1 Clothing: Layer like an onion: moisture-wicking base, fleece mid-layer, windproof outer shell. Bring rain gear for May showers and June hail. 📌2 Photography: Rize Valley: Morning light enhances Five-Flower Lake and Pearl Shoal colors; Zechawa Valley: Afternoon backlighting creates magical layers at Long Lake and Five-Color Pond. ❗❗ Pitfalls to avoid: Ignore "private scenic spot" scams – all attractions are included; Nuorilang Restaurant is overpriced – pack snacks/self-heating meals to save money for souvenirs. 👍 Itinerary Advantages Balanced "Y" route: Covers all highlights of both main valleys. Seasonal focus: May for icy waterfalls/rhododendrons, June-July for cascades/reflections. Cultural depth: Authentic Tibetan village experiences beyond scenery. 🔥 Follow this route to easily cover Jiuzhaigou's core attractions while avoiding crowds and fully immersing in nature's splendor.