Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area
» Jiuzhaigou Aba, Si Chuan

九寨沟风景区 迷幻的童话世界

Jiuzhaigou Valley

Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area lies in Nanping County, northern Sichuan Province in the southern part of the Minshan range. Stretching over 72,000 square kilometers in the northern part of Sichuan Province, the jagged Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area reaches a height of more than 4,800 meters, thus comprising a series of diverse forest ecosystems. It is listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1992.

The name "Jiuzhaigou"

Its name is due to the existence of nine stockaded villages of Tibetan origin, and it is always regarded as a holy mountain and watercourse by the Tibetan people.

Ancient Chinese legend has it that the goddess accidentally broke her mirror here and the pieces which fell down the mountain formed beautiful lakes, streams and waterfalls. The scenery here is extremely beautiful. The scenic spot actually consists of three major gullies, which formerly was the site of nine stockaded villages of Tibetans.

A look at Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area

Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area is one of a cluster of three protected areas in the Minshan range, all of which have been separately nominated for World Heritage status.

Lakes

The place is dotted with more than 100 gorgeous lakes, which differ from others by having a high concentration of calcium carbonate, so that the lakebeds and embankments are all covered with crystals. The water is so clear that the bottom is visible despite depths of several dozen meters. Waterfalls are the essence of the scenery in Jiuzhaigou. They are created between lakes on different levels with water flowing down the cliffs covered with trees. The water actually oozes through the tree trunks into the falls.

Natural resources

Since Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area is situated at the point of intersection between sub-tropic and temperate zones, sub-tropical plants such as the Chinese pine and Mt. Huashan pine can be seen growing. State protected animals of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd level also live in this area.

It abounds in virgin forests and rare flowers and grasses. Besides, in the vast primeval forests there are all kinds of rare birds and animals. Some 140 bird species also inhabit the valley, as well as a number of endangered plant and animal species, including the Giant Panda. Much of the site is forested, with an altitudinal variation ranging from mixed forest through coniferous forest to alpine meadows, and finally to permanent snow.

Habitat for the Giant Panda

Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area's other values include habitat for the Giant Panda. In this regard it is the fifth most important of the thirteen panda reserves in China with a population estimate of 40 individuals made in 1975. Numbers have likely been reduced since then as a result of forestry operations and bamboo flowering, but much habitat still remains.

Getting around

As the saying goes "when coming back from the Yellow Mountains one does not want to see a mountain; when coming back from Jiuzhaigou one does not want to see water." The essence of Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, known as "king of Chinese water scenes," lies in its waters: lakes, spring waters, streams, waterfalls, rivers and shoals.

Reed Lake (Luwei Lake)

Reed Lake is elevated about 2,140 meters (7,021 ft). It is actually a semi-marsh lake, where reeds abound and birds fly freely. As the reeds come into bloom, layers of the down-like flowers undulate, seducing lots of wild ducks and egrets to come here. Reed Lake suffuses a thriving and flourishing vitality.

Pearl Shoal

Reputed as the first scenery in Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, the Pearl Shoal Waterfall is located above the Mirror Sea and beneath Jinlinghai (Gold Bell Sea) in Rizegou. It is the most beautiful site in Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, with an altitude of 2,433 m (7,982 ft) and a height of 21 meters. On the top of the waterfall, it measures 162.5 meters (533 ft) in width. With a fall of 40 meters (131 ft), the waterfall has a shape of the crescent. It surges down from the Pearl Shoal with a thunderous sound, splashing up sprays of waves. The Pearl Shoal Waterfall is one of the distinctive waterfalls in China.

Nuorilang Waterfall

The Nuorilang Waterfall is located at the end of the Shuzhenggou, with an altitude of 2,365 meters (7,759 ft), 270 in (885 ft) width and 24.5 (80 ft) in height. It is the widest waterfall in China, and also one of China's largest calcium ones. The name of Nuorilang means magnificent and splendid in Tibetan language. The grand waterfall turns into gorgeous rainbows in the sunshine.

Magic Mirror Cliff

It's a gigantic cliff rising 800 meters (2,624 ft) from the level ground. Its surface is as smooth and slippery as a mirror. Capped with pines and China firs, the cliff top resembles a human head with cropped short hair and curly beard, which in local mythology, was left over by Zhayiga, the Ancester of mountains to keep the evil spirit under control.

Shuzheng Waterfall

The Shuzheng Waterfall is located in Shuzhenggou, above Shuzheng Lakes and beneath the Tiger Sea, with an altitude of 2,295 meters (7,529 ft), a height of 25 meters (82 ft) and a width of 72 meters (236 ft) at the top. Blocked by trees in the upper lake, it turns into streams of water dashing against protruding rocks midway and exploding into millions of petal-shaped falls. Viewed from the distance, it looks like a water lily bursting in the blue sky.

Long Lake

It's the largest lake in Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, covering an area of 7.5 km (4.66 miles), long and 0.375 km (23 miles) wide. It is 3103 meters above sea level, with a maximum depth of 103 meters (337 ft).

The melted snow from the South Peak and the waters of surrounding mountain streams and brooks all find their way into the Lade which has no exit. The excess water either vapors or seeps into the earth. The waters never spill over the banks in spite of downpours in summer and autumn.

Beautiful all year round

The Lake won't dry up either in spring and winter, even there's a long dry spell. In spring, Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area is radiant and enchanting. The air is filled with fragrance of wild blossoms. In summer, the beautiful trees are luxuriantly green. In autumn, the breeze is intoxicating, while tree leaves turn crimson. In winter, the mountains and valleys are wrapped in snow and ice.

Attractions around » Jiuzhaigou Aba, Si Chuan

Natural Scene

Natural Scene

Nature Reserve & Scenic Area

Nature Reserve & Scenic Area

  Weather

  1. When is the best time go there?

  Food

  1. Prepare your own food and drink

  Shopping

  1. Do bargain hard

  Travel

  1. Time is too short? Then these are some must-see places and others you can skip.
  2. Sorry, no camping

  Customs

  1. Any festivals there?

  Other Hints

  1. Stay tight
  2. Take something fun with you in case the plane will be late.
  3. A useful book for you to buy
  4. Stay on the wooden plant roads if you plan to see everything in Jiuzhaigou.
  5. Stay safe and Keep warm

  • When is the best time to go there?

    Like the scenery, the climate at Jiuzhaigou is alpine. Autumn begins in early October and is the best time to visit because the scenery is at its most colorful.


  • Prepare your own food and drink

    Food and drink are not readily available in the park. Every bus stop has a toilet. There are only some snacks and water in the village at the transfer station.


  • Do bargain hard

    The listed prices are usually no true, so don't pay according to the price written on the price card, or you will get ripped off. Do bargain hard.


  • Time is too short? Then these are some must-see places and others you can skip.

    If you only have one day, see the main valley, starting at the'virgin forests' and working your way down. There are more colored pools on this side of the park, and more places to walk.


  • Sorry, no camping.

    It is not allowed to camp inside the Jiuzhaigou scene area, so it's wise not to prepare anything for camping, or you will carry all your camping stuff inside only to find it is not allowed.


  • Any festivals there?

    The Ice-waterfall Tourism Festival of Large Jiuzhai, Aba and the Southern Ice and Snow Festival of Sichuan, have been successfully held here simultaneously. They are usually held when winter comes to Jiuzhaigou, lasting about two months.

    During this time, a series of activities related to the beautiful Jiuzhaigou Valley are held successively, such as a photographic competition, ice sports, concerts and the Tibetan celebrations for Spring Festival.

    The local Tibetans hold some celebrations during Chinese Spring Festival. The most important and largest one is the Mazi Fair held in Zharusi Temple, which is located in Shuzheng Valley. Held annually on May 15th of the Chinese lunar calendar, it is a vital religious event for Tibetans living in Jiuzhaigou.


  • Stay tight

    The services in the park are designed to work around the tour groups. If you want to do things apart from the crowd, it is more difficult. You might go to the wrong place or at wrong time and end up getting nothing. So it's better to stay with you group.


  • Take something fun with you in case the plane will be late.

    The airplanes out of Jiuzhaigou are always late. You need to transfer, so that means you will have more time to wait in the airport. Due to some reason, the planes tend to be late a lot. So it is wise if you take a PSP, or gameboy or whatever to help you kill time.


  • A useful book for you to buy

    A tourist sketch map (3-5 Yuan), and the small book called 'A Complete Tour Guide of Jiuzhaigou, A world of Fairy Tales' (29.80 Yuan). It is the most informative book to make your trip easier.


  • Stay on the wooden plant roads if you plan to see everything in Jiuzhaigou.

    Follow the wooden plank roads. When you follow the plank roads, you will see more of everything, and everything in this park is worth seeing.


  • Stay safe and Keep warm

    The highest tourist destinations reach heights above 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) and altitude sickness is a possibility.

    In the winter months the park is extremely cold and it is necessary to dress warmly to prevent frostbite.


Known as 'king of Chinese water scenes', The essence of Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area lies in its waters: lakes, spring waters, streams, waterfalls, rivers and shoals. It is a great masterpiece of nature having dreamlike scenery and abundant natural resources.

Special China Tours

Tour Highlights

» 3 toursCity Tours

»»For exploration of Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, check out 3 tours ...



Tour Searching
Tour Packages We Provide
Package Searching 101
Customized Tour Design
Tour Booking
Fill Your Cart
Travel Agreement
Order Confirmation
Deposit & Payment
Methods of Payment
Deposit
Final Payment
Cancellation
Alteration
Customer Service
Contact Us
Our Guarantees
Lodge a Complaint
Travel Tips
Sitemap
Popular China Travel Destinations & Tours
phone U.S.A. +1 (310) 997-0051 / +1 (310) 878-2934
Canada +1 (604) 998-6945
China +86 (10) 8409-8570 / +86 (10) 8409-8571
email info@yeschinatour.commsn: help@yeschinatour.com