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Jiuzhaigou National Park
Introducing Jiuzhaigou National Park
Jiuzhaigou National Park, also known as Jiuzhai Valley, is a stunning nature reserve and national park located in the north of Sichuan Province in southwestern China. The Jiuzhaigou National Park spans an area of 280 square miles (720 sq km) and varies in elevation from 6,600 to 14,800 feet (2,000 to 4,500 m). The Jiuzhaigou valley is part of the Min Mountains on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau. It’s known for its many multi-level waterfalls, colorful lakes, and snow-capped peaks. Jiuzhaigou takes its name from the nine Tibetan settlements along its length. The remote region was inhabited by various Tibetan and Qiang peoples for centuries. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a World Biosphere Reserve.
Jiuzhaigou National Park Fast Facts
• AKA: Jiuzhai Valley, Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area
• Chinese Name:Jiǔ zhài gōu 九寨沟
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Designated in 1992
• Area: 720 km2 (280 sq mi)
• Best Time to Visit: March to October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 1 - 2 Days
• Things to Do: Photography, Hiking, Nature
• Opening Hours: 8:00 – 17:00 (Apr - Nov), 8:30 - 17:00 (Dec - Mar)
• Entrance Fee: CNY190 (Apr - Nov), CNY80 (Dec - Mar)
• Shuttle Bus Fee: CNY90 (Apr - Nov), CNY80 (Dec - Mar)
• Address: Jiuzhaigou County, approx. 330 km (205 miles) from Chengdu, Sichuan Province
What UNESCO Says on Jiuzhaigou National Park
The Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area is a reserve of exceptional natural beauty with spectacular jagged alpine mountains soaring above coniferous forest around a fairyland landscape of crystal clear, strange-coloured blue, green and purplish pools, lakes, waterfalls, limestone terraces, caves and other beautiful features. These include a number of karst formations; indeed the area is a “natural museum” for alpine karst hydrology and research. Covering 72,000 ha in the northern part of Sichuan Province, Jiuzhaigou preserves a series of important forest ecosystems including old-growth forests which provide important habitat for numerous threatened species of plants and animals, including the giant panda and takin. Attaining heights of 4,752 m in the southern Minshan Mountains, Jiuzhaigou also contains an important number of well-preserved quaternary glacial remnants with great scenic value.
Reasons to Visit the Jiuzhaigou National Park
The lakes are simply breathtaking. Jiuzhaigou boasts a collection of over 100 lakes, each renowned for their crystal-clear waters and vibrant colors. These lakes owe their existence to travertine dams, which are the result of mineral deposits from the neighboring mountains.
The waterfalls are majestic. Jiuzhaigou is also home to a number of waterfalls, among which the Nuorilang Waterfall stands out as the broadest waterfall in China. These waterfalls exhibit their true grandeur in the spring and summer seasons, when they are fed by the melting snow from the nearby mountains, causing them to surge dramatically.
The mountains are awe-inspiring. Jiuzhaigou is nestled within the Minshan Mountains, a part of the expansive Tibetan Plateau. These mountains serve as a sanctuary for a diverse range of plant and animal species, including the iconic giant pandas and the unique Sichuan takins.
The forests are lush and green. Jiuzhaigou is a sanctuary for a diverse range of forests, encompassing coniferous, deciduous, and mixed forests. The forests are home to a variety of birds and animals, including the golden snub-nosed monkey and the Sichuan pheasant.
The Tibetan culture is unique and fascinating. Jiuzhaigou is a haven for several Tibetan settlements, offering a unique opportunity to delve into Tibetan culture and customs. Visitors have the chance to explore Tibetan temples and monasteries, as well as savor the flavors of Tibetan cuisine.
What to Expect at Jiuzhaigou National Park
Jiuzhaigou National Park spans an area of 720 square kilometers (approximately 280 square miles). This enchanting wonderland is nestled in a Y-shaped valley, which is divided into three main sections: the Shuzheng valley, abundant with lakes and waterfalls; the Rize valley, showcasing a remarkable array of breathtaking landscapes; and the Zechawa valley, home to both the largest and smallest lakes in the park.
Shuzheng Valley (树正沟)
Stretching over 14 kilometers (approximately nine miles), Shuzheng Valley serves as a microcosm of Jiuzhaigou. It is adorned with over 19 lakes, which make up 40% of all the lakes within the Jiuzhaigou scenic area. These lakes are nestled amidst picturesque valleys, their azure waters rippling under the gentle breeze, accompanied by the melodious songs of birds and the rustling of reeds. The Shuzheng Waterfall, despite being the smallest waterfall in the valley with a width of 72 meters and a height of 25 meters, stands as a prominent attraction in Shuzheng Valley. The major scenic spots here are Double-Dragon Lake, Bonsai Beach, Reed Lake, Spark Lake, Tiger Lake, Shuzheng Waterfall, Rhinoceros Lake, and Nuorilang Waterfall.
The Shuzheng Lakes
The Shuzheng Lakes, a group of 19 lakes of diverse sizes, create a dazzling spectacle reminiscent of an emerald and diamond necklace gracing the valley. Encircled by verdant forests, these lakes cascade down in terraces, crafting a distinct landscape. The water from the upper lakes meanders gently along the shoal, splitting into myriad streams by the groves within the lake. These streams unite at the precipice of Shuzheng Waterfall, plunging abruptly into the lower lakes. This idyllic scene is a favorite among photographers visiting the park.
Shuzheng Waterfall
Shuzheng Waterfall, the first waterfall that greets visitors in the Jiuzhaigou scenic area, provides a captivating spectacle despite its modest size. Situated at an elevation of 2,295 meters, the waterfall boasts a height of 25 meters and spans 72 meters at its crest. It is nestled between Tiger Lake and Wolong Lake. The water from the upper lake is intercepted by trees, transforming into rivulets that crash against jutting rocks midway, culminating in a myriad of petal-shaped cascades. This formidable display of power arguably makes it the most intense among the four waterfalls in Jiuzhai Valley. The ensuing veil of light-reflecting mist is a sight to behold.
Nuorilang Waterfall
Also known as Norilang Waterfall, Nuorilang Waterfall is perched at an elevation of 2,365 meters, boasting a width of 320 meters and a drop of 24.5 meters. This qualifies it as one of the largest calcified waterfalls in China and the broadest waterfall in Jiuzhaigou. The term “Nuorilang” is derived from the Tibetan language, signifying “majestic and sublime or male god”. The waterfall’s vigorous flow originates from the Nuorilang Seas, cascading over the precipice and filling the valley with a thunderous roar. Although the waterfall sustained significant damage in the 2017 earthquake, it has since made a remarkable recovery. Often featured on television, Nuorilang Waterfall is considered a symbol of Jiuzhaigou.
Rize Valley (日则沟)
Rize Valley, forming the southwestern branch of the Jiuzhaigou valley system, extends over a distance of 18 kilometers from the Nuorilang Waterfall to the Primeval Forest. The path that connects Nuorilang and the untouched forests is often hailed as the most scenic route in all of Jiuzhaigou. The valley is a treasure trove of attractions, including the Primeval Forest, an age-old woodland that provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and cliffs. It also showcases a diverse array of awe-inspiring landscapes, such as Strawberry Lake, Swan Lake, Panda Lake, Five Flowers Lake, Arrow Bamboo Lake, Pearl Beach Waterfall, and Mirror Lake.
Five Flowers Lake
Five Flower Lake, nestled above Pearl Beach Waterfall and below Panda Lake at the upper end of Peacock River in Rize Valley, spans an area of 90,000 square meters (107,639 square yards). It is situated at an altitude of 2,472 meters (2,703 yards) and has an average water depth of 5 meters (5.5 yards). The lake derives its name, “Five Flower Lake,” from the travertine deposits on the lake bed, a variety of vibrant algae, and the diverse distribution of submerged plants. These elements combine to create a multitude of colorful patches on the lake bed, exhibiting hues such as royal blue, emerald green, orange yellow, and light red.
Arrow Bamboo Lake
Situated near the apex of the right branch of the Y-shaped Jiuzhaigou National Park, in the Rize Valley, Arrow Bamboo Lake stretches approximately 5-6 kilometers in length and averages a breadth of 1-2 kilometers. The lake, with a depth of 6 meters, is perched at an elevation of 2,618 meters. A unique feature of this lake is its ability to resist freezing. It is encircled by bamboo groves, and the arrow bamboo, a short variety of bamboo with arrow-shaped leaves, serves as a primary food source for the giant pandas.
Panda Lake
Panda Lake, nestled at an altitude of 2,587 meters, has a depth of 14 meters and spans an area of 90,000 square meters. It is encircled by bamboo forests and a blend of deciduous and coniferous woodland. The lake derives its name from the pandas that were once frequent visitors to this area. The lake showcases an unusual rock texture that is reflected in the lake water, complemented by white stones, creating a series of ring patterns reminiscent of pandas. Despite the absence of panda sightings in recent years, the crystal-clear waters of Panda Lake are believed to be the preferred spot for Jiuzhaigou Valley’s giant pandas to quench their thirst, frolic, and forage for food.
Pearl Beach Waterfall
Pearl Beach Waterfall is a spectacular waterfall with a maximum drop of 40 meters and a breadth of 310 meters. The waterfall cascades from the cliff, forming a crescent-shaped spectacle. A stroll down its plank path offers visitors a delightful view of the waterfall. The waterfall’s thunderous roar, vigorous splashes, and rapid torrents contribute to some of the most breathtaking aquatic sights in Jiuzhaigou.
Zechawa Valley (查洼沟)
Zechawa Valley, the most elongated and elevated valley in the Jiuzhaigou scenic area, extends over a distance of 18 kilometers from Nuorilang Waterfall to Long Lake, establishing it as the longest and highest sightseeing route in the park. The valley forms the southeastern branch of Jiuzhaigou. It is home to numerous renowned landscapes such as the Five Colored Pool, Long Lake, and Seasonal Lakes.
Long Lake
Situated at the terminus of Zechawa Valley, the crescent-shaped Long Lake is the largest lake in Jiuzhaigou National Park. Perched at an elevation of 3,000 meters, the lake spans a length of 7.5 kilometers and reaches a depth of up to 103 meters. Interestingly, the lake has no outgoing waterways, with its water supply coming from snowmelt and loss occurring through seepage. The surrounding snow-capped mountains, lush trees, and ever-changing clouds are all mirrored in the lake, creating a breathtaking vista reminiscent of an oil painting.
Five-Colored Lake
Often referred to as ‘the eye of Jiuzhaigou’, the Five-Colored Lake, though the smallest, is the most colorful in Jiuzhaigou. Its myriad hues and tones evolve with the shifting light and changing seasons. The vibrant pools owe their color to the interplay of sunlight, algae, and sediments. When bathed in sunlight, the lake presents a kaleidoscope of colors: baby blue, azure, light green, and even shades of yellow and red.
How to Get to Jiuzhaigou National Park
By air: Jiuzhaigou National Park is accessible by direct flights from Chengdu to Jiuhuang Airport, which is about 88 km (55 miles) away.
By bus from Chengdu: take a bus from Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station to Jiuzhaigou National Park, leaving at 8:00 or 8:20 AM. The bus ride takes around 10-11 hours.
Charter a car or bus from GGC:
• Jiuzhaigou National Park is approx. 330 km (205 miles) from Chengdu.
• Charter a car/bus to enjoy a hassle-free private round-trip transfer from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou National Park.
Additional Travel Advice on Jiuzhaigou National Park
• High Altitude: Altitude sickness is a possibility due to the high elevation.
• Pace Yourself: Pace yourself and avoid strenuous activity at high altitude.
• Comfortable Shoes: Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
• Sun Protection: Sun protection is essential, so be sure to wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
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