Jiuzhaigou Travel Guide - Complete Guide to Paradise on Earth

Jiuzhaigou is known as “Paradise on Earth,” attracting countless visitors with its unique alpine lakes, waterfall clusters, snow-capped mountains, and Tibetan culture. This article provides a complete Jiuzhaigou travel guide to help you plan an unforgettable trip.

Why Choose Jiuzhaigou?

Jiuzhaigou is located in Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. It is China’s first nature reserve established primarily to protect natural scenery and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you’ll find:

• 114 alpine lakes: Various shapes and brilliant colors
• Numerous waterfalls: Majestic and spectacular
• Primeval forests: Dense vegetation and fresh air
• Tibetan culture: Unique ethnic customs and traditional architecture

Each season offers different beautiful scenery, earning it the reputation “After visiting Jiuzhaigou, there’s no need to see other water.”

Best Time to Visit

Seasonal Characteristics

Spring (March-May):

• Peak flowering season with cherry blossoms and peach flowers
• Mild temperatures perfect for hiking
• Fewer tourists, peaceful atmosphere

Summer (June-August):

• Abundant water flow, most spectacular waterfalls
• Lush greenery, perfect summer retreat
• Peak tourist season

Autumn (September-November):

• Best tourist season, colorful autumn foliage
• Mountains covered with red leaves, most beautiful season
• Most crowded, advance booking required

Winter (December-February):

• Snow-covered landscape, ice and snow wonders
• Off-season discounts
• Some attractions may be closed

Recommended Duration

A 6-7 day itinerary allows for in-depth exploration of Jiuzhaigou and surrounding attractions.

Classic 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Chengdu

• Accommodation: Hotel near Kuanzhai Alley
• Attractions: Kuanzhai Alley, Jinli, Chunxi Road
• Food: Sichuan Hotpot

Day 2: Travel to Jiuzhaigou

Huanglong Scenic Area - Paradise on Earth:

• Five-Colored Pools: Most famous attraction in Huanglong
• Feipu Liuhui: Waterfalls splashing with brilliant light
• Zhaga Grand Waterfall: Magnificent and spectacular
• Pearl Lake: Crystal clear water
• View of 5,588m Xuebao Peak

Accommodation: Hotel near scenic area Food: Qiang Welcome Banquet, Tibetan Tusi Banquet

Day 3: Jiuzhaigou In-Depth One-Day Tour

Shuzheng Group Lakes:

• Shuzheng Group Lakes: Clusters of large and small lakes
• Shuzheng Waterfall: Majestic and spectacular

Zechawa Valley:

• Long Lake: Largest and longest lake
• Five-Colored Pool: Smallest but most brilliant lake

Rize Valley:

• Arrow Bamboo Lake: Filming location for “Hero”
• Five Flower Lake: Most colorful lake
• Pearl Shoal: Waterfalls splashing like pearls
• Mirror Lake: Clear reflections like a mirror
• Nuorilang Waterfall: Widest waterfall

Accommodation: Scenic area hotel Food: Highland Health Banquet

Day 4: Tibetan Village Experience

Explore traditional Tibetan villages:

• Learn about Tibetan architecture
• Experience ethnic culture
• Purchase unique handicrafts

Day 5: Emeishan Golden Summit

• View the Four-Sided Ten-Direction Samantabhadra Golden Buddha
• Admire sunrise, sea of clouds, and Buddha’s halo
• Visit wild monkey habitat

Accommodation: Emeishan Food: Tofu Banquet, Emeishan Wild Vegetable Banquet

Day 6: Leshan Giant Buddha

• Leshan Giant Buddha: 71 meters high, world’s largest cliff stone carving
• Lingyun Temple: Thousand-year-old temple

Accommodation: Chengdu city center Food: Sichuan-style Buffet

Day 7: Departure or Continue Exploring

Return or continue exploring other Chengdu attractions based on itinerary.

Transportation

Getting to Jiuzhaigou

By Air:

• Chengdu to Jiuhuang Airport (1 hour)
• Transfer to airport bus to Jiuzhaigou

By Bus:

• Direct bus from Chengdu Chadianzi Bus Station to Jiuzhaigou
• Approximate 8-10 hour journey
• Recommend luxury seats for comfort

By Car:

• Chengdu → Dujiangyan → Wenchuan → Maoxian → Songpan → Jiuzhaigou
• Total distance: 430 km
• Many mountain roads, drive carefully

Transportation Within Scenic Area

Electric sightseeing buses available in Jiuzhaigou. It’s recommended to purchase tickets:

• Save energy
• Convenient access to all attractions
• Follow scenic area traffic rules

Accommodation Recommendations

Accommodation Inside Scenic Area

Advantages:

• In-depth exploration of scenic area
• Avoid peak crowds

Disadvantages:

• Higher prices
• Relatively simple facilities

Accommodation Near Jiuzhaigou Entrance

Advantages:

• Diverse choices from budget to luxury
• Convenient dining and shopping
• Shuttle service to scenic area

Recommended Areas:

• Zhangzha Town: Closest to scenic area
• Chuanzhusi: Transportation hub

Booking Tips

• Peak season (National Day, summer vacation): Book 1-2 months in advance
• Off-season: Book 1 week in advance
• Pay attention to hotel cancellation policies

Ticket Information

Jiuzhaigou Tickets

Peak Season Price (April 1 - November 15):

• Ticket: 190 RMB/person
• Sightseeing bus: 90 RMB/person
• Total: 280 RMB/person

Off-Season Price (November 16 - March 31):

• Ticket: 80 RMB/person
• Sightseeing bus: 80 RMB/person
• Total: 160 RMB/person

Discount Policies

• Children under 6, seniors over 70: Free
• Minors 6-18, students, seniors 60-70: Half price
• Disability certificates, military IDs eligible for discounts

Booking Methods

• Official WeChat account booking
• Scenic area ticket window
• Ctrip, Qunar, and other platforms

Must-Visit Attractions

Shuzheng Group Lakes

• Characteristics: Over 40 lakes arranged in terraces
• Best viewing: Morning light is best
• Photography tips: Capture reflections and layers

Five Flower Lake

• Characteristics: Rich colors from lakebed deposits
• Best viewing: 2-4 PM
• Highlights: Blue, green, yellow, orange multi-colored water

Pearl Shoal Waterfall

• Characteristics: Opening credits filming location for “Journey to the West”
• Best viewing: Summer when water flow is greatest
• Highlights: Water splashing like pearls

Long Lake

• Characteristics: Largest lake in Jiuzhaigou
• Best viewing: Autumn with colorful foliage
• Highlights: Deep lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains

Five-Colored Pool

• Characteristics: Most brilliant lake in Jiuzhaigou
• Best viewing: 9-11 AM
• Highlights: Brilliantly colored, extremely clear water

Nuorilang Waterfall

• Characteristics: Widest waterfall in Jiuzhaigou (270 meters wide)
• Best viewing: Summer flood season
• Highlights: Waterfall cascading like silver river

Photography Tips

Best Shooting Times

• Early morning: Soft light, saturated colors
• Evening: Setting sun, enchanting light and shadow
• Avoid noon: Strong light, easy to overexpose

Photography Suggestions

• Use polarizing filter to reduce water reflection
• Bring tripod for slow-motion waterfall shots
• Pay attention to angle and symmetry for reflections
• Compose with foreground, middle ground, and background layers

Recommended Shooting Spots

1. Mirror Lake: Perfect reflections
2. Five Flower Lake: Rich colors
3. Pearl Shoal Waterfall: Dynamic
4. Long Lake: Snow mountain reflections
5. Shuzheng Group Lakes: Rich layers

Food Recommendations

Sichuan Hotpot

Recommended Restaurants:

• Xiaolongkan
• Dalongyi
• Longsenyuan
• Chuanxibazi
• Meiwha Fish Head Hotpot
• Aiqisuhuo Hotpot
• Tan’axue

Specialty: Thai-style hotpot popular with Chengdu locals

• Putian
• Jiyu

Sichuan Cuisine

Recommended Restaurants:

• Qinglong Zhengjie
• Honglajiao
• Mawangzi
• Chengdu Chike
• Taolin Restaurant
• Jimaojian
• Laoma Tihua
• Erniang Jizhuazhu
• Chaozuodashi

Skewers

Recommended Restaurants:

• Maojiaohuo
• Niujianqian
• Malubianbian
• Xiaojungan
• Laojie Xiaoniu

Other Specialties

• Tofu cold noodles
• Qiao jiao beef
• Diving frog
• Zizi jiang strange-flavored noodles
• Dry pot
• Chicken rabbit crispy knife-cut ice
• Fen boboboji
• Buckwheat noodles

Warm Tips: Chengdu food is very popular. Expect lines at popular restaurants. Arrive early or dine during off-peak hours.

Shopping Recommendations

Unique Souvenirs

• Tibetan clothing: Hand-embroidered garments
• Silver crafts: Hand-forged silverware
• Yak jerky: Highland specialty
• Saffron: Medicinal value
• Tibetan Thangka: Traditional religious paintings

Shopping Tips

• Prices higher inside scenic area, compare in nearby shops
• Distinguish between handicrafts and mass-produced items
• Check expiration date and packaging when buying yak jerky

Practical Travel Tips

Pre-Trip Preparation

1. Documents

   • ID card (required)
   • Student ID, senior card, etc. for discounts
   • Tour guide certificate and other documents

2. Clothing

   • Spring/Summer: Light jacket + long sleeves + sun protection
   • Fall/Winter: Down jacket + thermal underwear + hat and gloves
   • Comfortable hiking shoes

3. Other Items

   • Sunscreen (strong UV at high altitude)
   • Sunglasses
   • Lip balm
   • Common medications (cold medicine, pain relievers)
   • Power bank
   • Camera/phone

Altitude Sickness Prevention

• Acclimate to high altitude environment beforehand
• Drink plenty of water and rest adequately
• Avoid strenuous exercise
• Seek medical help if headache, nausea symptoms appear

Environmental Protection

• Don’t litter, keep scenic area clean
• Don’t touch lake water, protect water quality
• No smoking in scenic area
• Follow scenic area rules

Money-Saving Tips

1. Accommodation: Choose homestays slightly further from scenic area
2. Dining: More economical to dine outside scenic area
3. Shopping: Compare prices, bargain appropriately
4. Tickets: Book online in advance, note discount policies

Important Notes

Safety Reminders

• Many mountain roads, pay attention to traffic safety
• High altitude area, sun protection and warmth
• Watch your step when taking photos
• Keep valuables safe

Protecting the Environment

• Leave no garbage, practice “leave no trace” tourism
• Don’t feed wildlife
• Protect vegetation and wildlife habitats

Respect Local Culture

• Learn about Tibetan culture and customs
• Remove hats in temples, no photography
• Respect local residents’ living habits

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Jiuzhaigou suitable for independent travel or group tours?
A: Both have advantages. Independent travel is more flexible and allows in-depth exploration. Group tours are more convenient and suitable for first-time visitors. Choose based on personal preference.

Q: How many days needed to fully explore Jiuzhaigou?
A: At least 3 days, recommend 5-7 days for in-depth exploration including Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong, Emeishan and surrounding attractions.

Q: Does Jiuzhaigou have altitude sickness?
A: Jiuzhaigou elevation 2000-3100 meters. Most people won’t experience severe altitude sickness. Recommend acclimatizing beforehand and rest and warmth.

Q: Which season is most beautiful for Jiuzhaigou?
A: Autumn (September-November) is Jiuzhaigou’s most beautiful season with colorful foliage. Most crowded, advance booking required.

Q: How to book Jiuzhaigou tickets?
A: Book through official WeChat account, scenic area ticket window, or travel platforms. Advance booking recommended for peak season.

Q: Can you stay inside Jiuzhaigou?
A: Some accommodation options inside Jiuzhaigou, but prices higher. Most tourists choose to stay near Jiuzhaigou entrance.

Q: Do you need a tour guide?
A: Recommend based on personal needs. If you want in-depth understanding of Jiuzhaigou history and ecology, choose professional guide. Self-guided tourists can also use scenic area audio guides.

Summary

Jiuzhaigou is a must-visit destination in life. Its beauty cannot be fully described in words. Whether spring flowers, summer greenery, autumn red leaves, or winter snow, each season has unique charm.

Plan your itinerary in advance and prepare well. We believe you will leave unforgettable memories in this paradise on earth!

---

Wishing you a pleasant trip to Jiuzhaigou! If you have any questions, please leave a comment.