7.9 Jiuzhaigou Post-Trip Report – Think Twice Before Coming

Crowded beyond belief? Sightseeing buses like sardine cans? Scenery glimpsed in passing? 😩 True, peak season crowds are overwhelming! BUT! To truly experience Jiuzhaigou's soul and escape the masses, rely on these two legs! Follow this hardcore hiking route to enjoy secluded lakes and vistas most miss – worth every aching step! 💪 🚶‍♀️ **Core Strategy**: Ditch the shuttle buses, focus on plank trail hikes! Targets: Primeval forests, hidden lakes, deep breaths of nature! 📍 **Elite Hiking Routes & Attractions (Crowd-Avoiding Edition)**: 1. **Rize Valley (Essence Section)**: ◦ **Arrow Bamboo Lake 🎋 → Panda Lake 🐼**: Rush here at opening! Skip the crowds at Five-Flower Lake. This quieter trail offers misty mornings, mirror-like waters, and stunning reflections. Panda Lake often has waterfowl – lucky visitors might spot red pandas (rare, don’t count on it). ◦ **Five-Flower Lake 🎨**: The crown jewel! Avoid the packed viewing decks. Descend via Tiger Mouth plank trail for a unique overhead view of its colorful layers. Strong hikers can trek down to the shore. ◦ **Pearl Shoal Waterfall 💎**: Powerful and majestic. Walk the lower plank trail to feel the spray – far more thrilling than the crowded overlook! 2. **Zechawa Valley (Exploration Section)**: ◦ **Long Lake 🌊**: Jiuzhaigou’s highest-altitude lake, a sapphire nestled in mountains. After standard photos, take the left plank trail toward Five-Color Pond for quieter vistas. ◦ **Five-Color Pond 🎨**: Small but dazzlingly clear, shifting hues under sunlight. Worth lingering over. 3. **Shuzheng Valley (Finale Section)**: ◦ **Rhinoceros Lake 🦏 → Shuzheng Lakes 🏞️**: By afternoon, crowds thin. This trail links multiple lakes/waterfalls (Tiger Lake, Shuzheng Falls, Sleeping Dragon Lake) – every step a postcard. Shuzheng Lakes’ terraced mini-pools with plank paths weaving through are magical! Nearby **Shuzheng Mill** and **Prayer Wheels** add cultural charm. ◦ **Reed Lake 🌾**: If energy remains (or next day), hike from Bonsai Beach to Reed Lake. The jade-like river winding through golden reeds offers serene, crowd-free photo ops. 🚌 **Transport Tips**: • **Getting There**: Fly to Jiuhuang Airport (1.5-2hr drive to park) or take a bus from Chengdu (8-10hr, rugged roads). Self-drivers: skilled driving required, caution in rainy season. • **Lodging**: Stay near the park entrance for easy access. • **Inside Park**: This guide is all about hiking! Shuttles? Only if legs give out (buy tickets at select stops). 🕳️ **Pitfall Avoidance (Hardcore Edition)**: • **Early! Early! Early! 🕖** Enter at 7am (summer opening) for empty trails. • **Travel Light**: Backpack essentials: water (1.5L+), snacks (chocolate/beef jerky), sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, rain gear, trekking poles (lifesavers!). • **Proper Hiking Shoes 👟**: Wet, slippery planks demand good grip. • **Layer Up**: Unpredictable weather – mornings chilly, rain likely. Pack a warm/waterproof jacket. • **Know Your Limits**: 30,000 steps/day is normal. Split over 2 days if needed. • **Cash**: Spotty phone signals = some vendors cash-only. • **Leave No Trace**: Pack out trash, don’t feed fish/trample vegetation! 📸 **Photo Pro Tips**: • **Dawn Reflections**: Arrow Bamboo/Mirror Lake (if en route) at windless sunrise. • **Aerial Views**: Tiger Mouth for Five-Flower Lake; high points for Long Lake. • **Silky Water Shots**: Slow shutter at Pearl Shoal/Shuzheng Falls (tripod/steady surface needed). • **Leading Lines**: Use plank trails for depth – tiny human figures emphasize grandeur. Tired of crowds? Measure Jiuzhaigou with your footsteps! This route demands grit but rewards with pristine beauty far from the chaos. Exhausting? Yes. Breathtaking? Absolutely. 🏃‍♀️💦