I just got back from Jiuzhaigou and have some advice to share.
🎉 I just returned from Jiuzhaigou and want to share some truths with everyone. Now that the high-speed rail is open, there are indeed more people, but the scenery is absolutely stunning 😍. Jiuzhaigou on a sunny day is unexpectedly beautiful 📷, you can use the original photos without any filters. September to October is the best time to visit Jiuzhaigou, ladies, you must go at least once! Here are some tips I’ve gathered that might help those who haven't visited yet!!!
✅ Travel Itinerary
D1: Chengdu East Station 🚄 take the high-speed train to Huanglong Jiuzhai Station - Huanglong Scenic Area - Jiuzhaigou Entrance
D2: Full-day deep tour of Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area
D3: Jiuzhaigou - Huanglong Jiuzhai Station - Chengdu
🏔 Must-see Attractions in Jiuzhaigou
1⃣ Shuzheng Valley: Reed Lake, Bonsai Beach, Shuzheng Lakes, Sparkling Lake, Rhinoceros Lake.
2⃣ Rize Valley: Five Flower Lake, Mirror Lake, Panda Lake, Pearl Shoal Waterfall, Nuorilang Waterfall.
3⃣ Zechawa Valley: Five-Color Pond, Long Lake.
✅ Attraction Descriptions
Five-Color Pond: Known as the 'Eye of Jiuzhai,' it is a stunning blue.
Nuorilang Waterfall: Gathers water from Rize Valley, with spectacular ice falls in winter.
Shuzheng Lakes: Composed of over 40 lakes, you can see the full view from the observation deck.
Long Lake: The surrounding peaks are snow-covered year-round, and the blue-green lake is even more serene in winter.
Panda Lake: On windless days, you can see the reflection of the entire sky, very spectacular.
Pearl Shoal Waterfall: Like a galaxy descending from the sky, one of the filming locations for 'Journey to the West.'
Reed Lake: A spot that requires a hike, from Shuanglong Lake to Bonsai Beach, there is a blue ribbon in the reeds.
Mirror Lake: A filming location for the movie 'Hero,' as calm as a mirror.
Rhinoceros Lake: The sightseeing bus passes by, sit on the left side for a better view.
Tiger Lake: The distant snow-capped mountains reflect in the blue-green lake.
Arrow Bamboo Lake: Surrounded by arrow bamboo and fir trees, with a small waterfall nearby.
✅ Jiuzhaigou Travel Tips
🔸 There are public restrooms every two to three kilometers within the scenic area, very convenient.
🔸 Be sure to apply sunscreen, the UV rays are strong even without sunlight.
🔸 The altitude of Jiuzhaigou is over 3000 meters, so altitude sickness is usually just a mild headache.
🔸 The beauty of Jiuzhaigou can't be fully captured in photos, so make sure to bring a friend who can take good pictures to capture the stunning scenery.
🔸 When taking the sightseeing bus, sit on the left side for Shuzheng Valley and on the right side for Rize Valley.
🔸 It takes about 6-7 hours to tour the entire scenic area, so it's best to start early to avoid the crowds and long lines for the sightseeing bus.
✅ Recommended Route within the Scenic Area
Morning: Start with Shuzheng Valley, walk along the wooden plank road, highly recommend Reed Lake, which has no parking spot, so you need to walk back 1 kilometer from Bonsai Beach, but it's worth it, different from other lakes, it has its unique beauty.
Noon: Take the bus from Bonsai Beach to Nuorilang Center for lunch and visit Nuorilang Waterfall.
Afternoon: While the crowds head to Shuzheng Valley, we can go to Zechawa Valley's Long Lake and Five-Color Pond. You can view Upper and Lower Seasonal Lakes from the bus, as the hike is long. Then return to Nuorilang Center and transfer to Rize Valley's Primeval Forest. If time is short, you can skip this as you've already seen many similar lakes. Walk from Five Flower Lake to Pearl Shoal Waterfall, then take the bus from Mirror Lake parking lot to the exit, enjoying Mirror Lake along the way.
Jiatu Shiguang Travel Agency3