Jiuzhaigou: The Ultimate Guide to a Dreamlike Wonderland

Friends, I was completely captivated by the beauty of Jiuzhaigou! Before going, I wondered if it was overhyped, but after visiting, I realized that its beauty is truly beyond words. It completely exceeded all my expectations! 1. Itinerary 1. Three-Day Tour: Day 1: Morning: Arrive at Jiuzhaigou and check in to your hotel. Afternoon: Explore Shuzheng Valley, including Heye Village, Shuzheng Lakes, Shuzheng Waterfall, and Sparkling Lake. Day 2: Morning: Explore Rize Valley, including Nuorilang Waterfall, Mirror Lake, Pearl Shoal Waterfall, and Five Flower Lake. Afternoon: Explore Zechawa Valley, including Long Lake and Five Color Pool. Day 3: Morning: Free time. You can choose to revisit the valley or experience Tibetan and Qiang culture. Afternoon: Depart from Jiuzhaigou. 2. Four-Day Tour: Day 1: Same as Day 1 of the three-day tour. Day 2: Same as Day 2 of the three-day tour. Day 3: Morning: Explore Zharu Valley, including Zharu Monastery and Baojing Rock. Afternoon: Free time. You can choose to experience Tibetan and Qiang culture. Day 4: Same as Day 3 of the three-day tour. 2. Recommended Attractions 1. Shuzheng Valley Heye Village: The largest Tibetan village in Jiuzhaigou. Shuzheng Lakes: A group of 19 lakes of varying sizes. Shuzheng Waterfall: One of the four major waterfalls in Jiuzhaigou. Sparkling Lake: Named for the way sunlight makes the water sparkle like fireflies. 2. Rize Valley Nuorilang Waterfall: The widest waterfall in Jiuzhaigou. Mirror Lake: The surface of the lake is like a mirror, reflecting the surrounding snow-capped mountains and forests. Pearl Shoal Waterfall: The water flows down like pearls. Five Flower Lake: One of the most beautiful lakes in Jiuzhaigou, with colorful waters. 3. Zechawa Valley Long Lake: The longest and highest lake in Jiuzhaigou. Five Color Pool: The smallest lake in Jiuzhaigou, but with the richest colors. 4. Zharu Valley Zharu Monastery: The only Tibetan Buddhist temple in Jiuzhaigou. Baojing Rock: A huge rock shaped like a precious mirror. 3. Transportation Guide By Air: Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (JZH) is about 88 km from Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area. You can take the airport bus or a taxi to the scenic area. By Bus: There are direct buses to Jiuzhaigou from Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station and Chadianzi Bus Station. The journey takes about 8-10 hrs. By Car: From Chengdu, take the Chengguan Expressway, Duwen Expressway, and National Highway 213. The journey takes about 7-8 hrs. 4. Food Recommendations Tibetan Cuisine: Tsampa, butter tea, highland barley wine, yak meat, etc. Qiang Cuisine: Potato cakes, buckwheat noodles, Qiang-style cured meat, etc. Sichuan Cuisine: Twice-cooked pork, Mapo tofu, boiled fish, etc. 5. Accommodation Recommendations Jiuzhaigou Entrance: Many options, ranging from budget to luxury hotels. Inside Jiuzhaigou: Only the Nuorilang Service Center offers accommodation, and the prices are higher. 6. Travel Tips The best time to visit is autumn (late September to late October). Jiuzhaigou is at a high altitude, so take precautions against altitude sickness. Smoking and littering are prohibited in the scenic area. There are many tourists during holidays, so it is recommended to travel during off-season. 7. Cost Reference Entrance Ticket: Peak Season (Apr 1 to Nov 15): CNY 169/person Off-Season (Nov 16 to Mar 31 of the following year): CNY 80/person Sightseeing Bus Ticket: Peak Season: CNY 90/person Off-Season: CNY 80/person Accommodation: Budget Hotel: CNY 200-300/night Comfort Hotel: CNY 400-600/night Luxury Hotel: CNY 800+/night Food: CNY 50-100/person per day 8. Map Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area Map 9. Other Guide services are available in the scenic area. It is recommended to book in advance. Pay attention to safety and keep your belongings safe. Have a pleasant trip!