Just got back from Jiuzhai Valley, and I really don't recommend following the music to travel
"In a place close to the sky, there are always eyes watching, she has the gorgeous dreams of the forest, she has the light of the blue sea..." 🎶 Han Hong's song "The Magical Jiuzhai Valley" has spread the mystery and beauty of Jiuzhai Valley all over the country, making people yearn for this fairyland on earth. In March, I finally set foot on this land and personally felt its magical charm. Now I will share this guide with you 👇
Travel Guide
✈️ Airplane: Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport has an increasing number of routes, and many cities can fly directly. After getting off the plane, there are airport buses 🚌 to Jiuzhai Valley Scenic Area. It is also very convenient to share a car or charter a car, but you must communicate the price in advance, and don't be "scammed".
🚌 Bus: There are buses to Jiuzhai Valley from Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station and Chadianzi Bus Station, and the journey takes about 9–10 hours. It is also a unique experience to enjoy the magnificent scenery of western Sichuan along the way.
Super Detailed Travel Route
🗺Day1: Arrive at Jiuzhai Valley - Jiuzhai Valley Entrance
After arriving at Jiuzhai Valley, go to the hotel to put down your luggage first, then stroll around near the entrance of Jiuzhai Valley to familiarize yourself with the environment, taste local delicacies, and have a good rest to recharge your energy for the next day's tour 😴.
🗺Day2: Jiuzhai Valley Day Tour
🌄 Morning: Enter the scenic area as early as possible and take the sightseeing bus to the Primeval Forest. In March, there is still some snow in the Primeval Forest. The sun shines on the snow, sparkling ✨.
🍽 Lunch: Have a simple meal at Nuorilang Service Center, fill your stomach and continue on your way.
🌅 Afternoon: Starting from Nuorilang Waterfall, stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Shuzheng Waterfall Group, Tiger Lake, and Rhinoceros Lake. In March, some of the lakes begin to thaw, and the lake water is crystal clear, which complements the surrounding scenery and is so beautiful that it is breathtaking.
9 Must-See Attractions
1. Primeval Forest: In March, there is still a winter charm. Walking through it is like walking into a fairy tale world.
2. Nuorilang Waterfall: Although the water volume is not as large as in the high-water season, it has a bit more tranquility, and the ice hanging on the edge of the waterfall is crystal clear.
3. Shuzheng Waterfall Group: A series of small waterfalls are smart and lovely, shining brightly in the spring sunshine.
4. Tiger Lake: The lake water is azure blue, and the surrounding snow-capped mountains and forests are reflected in the lake, like a picture scroll.
5. Rhinoceros Lake: Part of the lake surface begins to thaw, and the blue lake water is intertwined with the melting ice, like a dream.
6. Five Flower Lake: The most gorgeous lake in Jiuzhai Valley, even in March, it is still colorful and dazzling like a gem.
7. Long Lake: The winter ice has not completely faded. Standing by the lake, you can feel the magnificence of nature.
8. Pearl Shoal Waterfall: The waterfall rushes down in the spring, with a majestic momentum. The splashing water is like pearls shining in the sunlight.
9. Arrow Bamboo Lake: The surrounding arrow bamboo is lush, and the lake is sparkling, quiet and beautiful.
Recommended Local Cuisine
1. Yak Beef Soup Hot Pot: In Jiuzhai Valley, which is still a bit chilly in March, having a pot will warm you up and taste delicious. The yak beef is chewy and the soup base is rich.
2. Tibetan Butter Tea: The taste is rich and mellow, which can not only resist the spring cold, but also replenish physical strength.
3. Mashed Potato Cake: Made from potatoes, it tastes soft and glutinous, and you will fall in love with it with spicy seasoning.
4. Jiuzhai Valley Tsampa: A traditional Tibetan delicacy, rich in nutrition, it has a special flavor when eaten with butter tea.
5. Roast Whole Lamb: The aroma is overflowing, the outer skin is golden and crispy, and the inside is tender and juicy, but the price is relatively high, so you can share it with many people.
6. Sauerkraut Noodles: The noodles are strong, the sauerkraut is appetizing, and the soup is fresh and delicious, which makes people have endless aftertastes.
Recommended Accommodation
🏨Near the entrance of Jiuzhai Valley: There are many hotels and inns, which are convenient for travel and close to the gate of the scenic spot. For example, the Howard Johnson Resort Jiuzhaigou has a beautiful environment and complete facilities; the cost-effective Jiulv Holiday Inn is also good, clean and tidy, and the owner is enthusiastic.
🏨Zhangzha Town: Not far from the scenic spot, there are many restaurants and shops in the town. The Luneng Resort Hilton Hotel has complete facilities, allowing you to relax after a day of sightseeing.
Travel tips
1. The temperature difference between morning and evening in Jiuzhai Valley in March is large, so thick down jackets, warm hats, scarves, and gloves 🧣 are essential. You should also prepare non-slip and waterproof shoes, as there may be snow and ice on the roads in the scenic area.
2. Smoking is prohibited in the scenic area 🚭. Protect the environment and do not litter.
3. Jiuzhai Valley belongs to high-altitude areas, so pay attention to rest and avoid strenuous exercise to prevent altitude sickness. If you have mild altitude sickness, you can adapt near the entrance of Jiuzhai Valley first, and don't rush into the scenic area.
4. The sightseeing bus in the scenic area stops at various attractions. Arrange the order of the tour reasonably, and you can stay longer at the essential attractions.
5. Pay attention to the official website or official account of the scenic spot in advance to understand the ticket information and opening hours. It is best to buy tickets online in advance to avoid delaying the trip.