Jiuzhaigou Super Detailed Travel Guide: A Must-Visit Once in a Lifetime
Jiuzhaigou, known as the "King of Water Scenery," features emerald lakes, cascading waterfalls, colorful forests, snowy peaks, Tibetan culture, and blue ice—six wonders that amaze. Each season offers unique scenery, making it one of the must-visit travel destinations in a lifetime. This guide will help you easily explore Jiuzhaigou. Remember to like and save it💕
1. Preparation Before the Trip
1. Documents: ID card is a must. Don’t forget various discount certificates (such as student ID, senior citizen card, military officer ID, etc.) as they are needed for ticket purchase and identity verification.
2. Clothing: Jiuzhaigou is at a high altitude with large temperature differences between day and night. In summer, it’s recommended to bring long-sleeve jackets and pants, such as windbreakers and fleece jackets. Sun protection items like sun-protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also essential. In spring and autumn, temperatures are cooler, so thick jackets are necessary. In winter, be sure to bring down jackets, thick sweaters, scarves, gloves, and snow boots for warmth.
3. Medicine: Prepare common medicines such as cold medicine, stomach medicine, and motion sickness pills. Some areas of Jiuzhaigou are above 3000 meters altitude, so medicines to prevent altitude sickness like Rhodiola can be taken in advance. Oxygen cans (sold inside the park for 30-50 RMB each) can also be prepared.
4. Other Items: Mobile phone, camera, power bank, charger, umbrella or raincoat, toiletries, and skincare products. Food and drinks inside the park are expensive, so bringing some snacks and drinking water is advisable.
2. Best Time to Visit
- Spring and Autumn (March to May, September to November): These two seasons have pleasant weather, comfortable temperatures, and less rainfall. From March to May, snow melts, flowers bloom, and waterfalls rush; from September to November, leaves turn yellow and red, creating stunning autumn colors.
- Summer (June to August): This is Jiuzhaigou’s high water season, with magnificent waterfalls like Pearl Shoal Waterfall and Nuorilang Waterfall showing their grandeur. The average daily temperature is 15-25°C, making it a great place to escape the heat.
- Winter (December to February): The park is covered in silver snow, with crystal-clear ice waterfalls resembling a fairy tale world. There are fewer tourists, and tickets are discounted.
3. Transportation Guide
External Transportation
- Airplane: You can fly directly to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport from Chengdu or Chongqing, with a flight time of about 1 hour. After arrival, take the airport shuttle bus (about 1.5 hours) or charter a car to the park. However, Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport is located on the plateau, and flights may be suspended in bad weather.
- High-speed Rail: Take the high-speed train from Chengdu East Station to Huanglong Jiuzhai Station, which takes only 1 hour and 39 minutes. Then transfer to the park shuttle bus, which takes about 2 hours to reach Jiuzhaigou. Tickets are tight during peak season, so buy in advance.
- Bus: Take a direct bus to Jiuzhaigou from Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station or Chadianzi Bus Station. The journey takes about 8-10 hours, suitable for travelers with a limited budget and ample time.
- Self-driving: Depart from Chengdu along the Jiu-Mian Expressway, about 440 kilometers in total. You can enjoy the scenery along the way, but there are many mountain roads on the plateau. New drivers should drive cautiously, and it is recommended to drive an SUV and prepare snow chains.
Internal Transportation
Inside the park, there are sightseeing buses and Coaster minibuses. Sightseeing buses run in a loop within the park, with stops at every scenic spot. Visitors can get on and off anytime with a one-day unlimited ride ticket. Coaster minibuses follow passengers without queuing and can be booked in advance as VIP Coasters, but the cost is relatively high.
4. Ticket Information
- Peak Season (April 1 to November 15): Ticket 190 RMB + sightseeing bus ticket 90 RMB.
- Off-season (November 16 to March 31): Ticket 80 RMB + sightseeing bus ticket 80 RMB. After 2 PM, tickets enjoy a "buy one get one free" offer (must be booked on the official website).
- Discount Policies: Children, seniors, students, disabled persons, military personnel, and other specific groups enjoy ticket discounts or free admission. Check the official park announcements for details.
5. Accommodation Recommendations
1. Near the Park Entrance: Hotels like All Seasons Hotel and Jiuzhai Luneng Hilton Resort are about a 10-minute walk to the park, very convenient for travel. Prices range from 100 to 800 RMB per person per night.
2. Zhangzha Town: Many Tibetan-style guesthouses, such as Abuluzi, where you can experience fire pit culture and Tibetan cuisine. Prices range from 200 to 500 RMB per person per night.
3. Zhongcha Valley: Recommended is the Ritz-Carlton Reserve, with stunning snow mountain views and spacious, comfortable rooms, though prices are relatively high.
6. Food Recommendations
1. Yak Meat Hot Pot: A must-try in Jiuzhaigou, made with local yak meat that is firm and chewy, paired with various vegetables cooked in a rich broth. Delicious and fragrant, costing about 60-80 RMB per person.
2. Butter Tea with Highland Barley Cake: Rich in Tibetan flavor, the butter tea is salty and rich, and the barley cake is crispy, filling and a great way to experience local culture.
3. Mushroom Soup Pot: Jiuzhaigou has a variety of local mushrooms, making the soup pot fresh and nourishing.
4. Himalayan Music Tibetan Restaurant & Bar: The restaurant is full of Tibetan style, with decorations and music that make you feel like you are in a foreign land. Located near Jiuzhaigou, it is easy to find. The signature yogurt is moderately sweet and sour, sprinkled with brown sugar powder for extra flavor; the yak meat stew is tender and soft, best paired with barley cake; the butter tea is sweet with a nutty flavor, suitable for most tastes. There is live singing in the evening.
5. Fairy Tale Tibetan Restaurant: Tibetan-style decoration full of ethnic charm. The yak meat is tender and juicy, with a reddish color and balanced fat. Meat slices can be taken out once cooked and dipped in special sauce, releasing a fragrant aroma.
6. Sichuan Memory Yak Meat Mushroom Soup Pot: The yak meat soup pot is the specialty here, with a delicious broth and tender meat without any off-flavors, paired with matsutake and boletus mushrooms for a unique and very tasty experience.
7. Pitfall Avoidance Guide
1. Ticket Booking: The park implements real-name ticket purchase, and there are no ticket windows on site. Be sure to book at least one day in advance on platforms like Aba Tourism Network, Jiuzhaigou official WeChat, or Trip.com.
2. Sightseeing Bus Seat Choice: Most scenic views on the right line are on the left side. When taking the sightseeing bus, try to choose a window seat on the left for better views and photos.
3. Weather and Clothing: Jiuzhaigou’s weather is changeable. Don’t trust weather forecasts blindly; it can be sunny one moment and stormy the next. Windbreakers and raincoats are essential, and shoe covers can prevent muddy shoes. In summer, also prepare for sun protection with sunglasses, face masks, and high-SPF sunscreen.
4. Dining Caution: Be cautious about the "Tibetan Family Feast" at the park entrance, as prices are high and quality varies. It’s better to try local Sichuan cuisine in Zhangzha Town.
5. Time Management: Park entry is from 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM (no entry after 2:00 PM). The last sightseeing bus inside the valley is at 7:00 PM. Plan your time reasonably to avoid missing the last bus.
6. Altitude Sickness: Avoid strenuous exercise, and rest or use oxygen promptly if feeling unwell.
7. Environmental Protection and Safety: Do not touch the lake water or feed animals. The boardwalks can be slippery, so wear non-slip shoes.
Jiuzhaigou is truly beautiful, so start planning your trip now! If you have any questions, feel free to ask me in the comments~
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