Jiuzhaigou - a name that translates to "Valley of Nine Villages" - is a UNESCO World Heritage site in northern Sichuan, widely known as a "fairy tale world." This spring, I decided to wander into this magical place.
The drive from Beijing took 28 hours. We stopped overnight in Xi'an, breaking the journey into two manageable segments. As we climbed into the mountains of northern Sichuan, the landscape transformed dramatically - turquoise lakes appeared between forested peaks, and waterfalls cascaded down limestone terraces.
Jiuzhaigou is shaped like the letter Y, with three main valleys: Shuzheng Valley, Rize Valley, and Zecha Valley. Each offers unique and stunning scenery.
Shuzheng Valley
The first valley you encounter when entering the park. Highlights include Bonsai Beach, where calcified trees stand in shallow crystal water like miniature landscapes; Reed Lake, a vast expanse of reeds that turn golden in autumn; the magnificent Nuorilang Waterfall, one of China's largest waterfalls; and Rhino Lake, a deep blue pool shrouded in morning mist.
Rize Valley
This is where Jiuzhaigou's most famous lakes are found. Mirror Lake perfectly reflects the surrounding mountains when the water is still. Pearl Shoal Waterfall cascades down a wide curved cliff face, creating a curtain of white water. The crown jewel is Five Flower Lake - arguably the most beautiful lake in all of China. Its water shifts between turquoise, emerald, sapphire, and gold, with ancient fallen tree trunks visible through the crystal-clear water.
Zecha Valley
The longest and highest valley, leading to Long Lake at the highest elevation in the park. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, Long Lake is deep blue and mysterious. Below it sits the Five Color Pool, small but incredibly vivid, its mineral-rich waters shimmering in shades of blue and green.
Travel Tips
Location: Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province
Tickets: Peak season (April 1 - November 15) is 259 yuan per person, including entrance fee and shuttle bus. Off-season is cheaper.
Transportation: Self-drive from Beijing takes about 28 hours. Alternatively, fly to Chengdu and take a bus or flight to Jiuzhaigou. The nearest airport is Jiuhuang Airport, about 88km from the park.
Accommodation: Stay at hotels near the park entrance in Pengfeng Village or Zhangza Town. This allows you to enter the park early in the morning.
Clothing: The temperature difference between morning and evening is large. Even in spring, bring a down jacket for early morning. Wear comfortable walking shoes. The park is at an altitude of 2,000-3,000m, so some visitors may experience mild altitude sickness.
Best Time to Visit: Autumn (October) is peak season for golden foliage. Spring offers fewer crowds and fresh green landscapes. Summer brings wildflowers. Winter has frozen waterfalls but limited access.
