Explore the Fairyland of Jiuzhaigou and Its Stunning Scenery

When the hustle and bustle of the city overwhelms you like a tide, and when busyness and fatigue become the main theme of life, do you yearn for an escape to a real fairyland? Jiuzhaigou is such a dreamy place where you can find peace and beauty for your soul. 1. Pre-trip Preparation Clothing Jiuzhaigou has a high altitude and a large temperature difference between day and night. If you travel in the summer, you should also bring a light jacket to prevent the coolness in the morning and evening. In autumn and winter, thick down jackets and warm scarves and gloves are essential to prevent the cold from spoiling your enjoyment of the scenery. Documents and Items Be sure to bring your ID card with you, as it is required for purchasing tickets and checking in to accommodations in the scenic area. In addition, bring sunscreen, as the ultraviolet rays are strong at high altitudes. You can also bring light rain gear, as the weather in the mountains is changeable, and it may rain at any time. Medications You can prepare medications to prevent altitude sickness in advance. Rhodiola can be taken about a week before departure. You can also bring common medicines such as cold medicine and gastrointestinal medicine to deal with possible physical discomfort. 2. Transportation Guide Airplane The nearest airport to Jiuzhaigou is Jiuhuang Airport, with direct flights from cities such as Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xi'an. After arriving at the airport, you can take an airport bus to Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, which takes about 1–1.5 hours. Bus Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station and Chadianzi Bus Station both have long-distance buses to Jiuzhaigou. The journey is long, taking about 8–10 hours, but the scenery along the way is also quite charming. Self-driving If you love the feeling of freedom, self-driving is also a good choice. Starting from Chengdu, drive along the Rongchang Expressway and National Highway 213, with mountains and picturesque scenery along the way. However, pay attention to the road conditions in the mountainous area and drive carefully. 3. Scenic Area Tour Ticketing You can book tickets in advance on the official website of Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area or related travel platforms. The scenic area implements admission in time slots, so be sure to check the admission time you booked to avoid delaying your trip. Route Planning Jiuzhaigou is distributed in a "Y" shape, mainly composed of Shuzheng Valley, Rize Valley, and Zechawa Valley. - Shuzheng Valley: It is the entrance area of Jiuzhaigou and one of the most densely populated areas of attractions in the scenic area. Starting from the entrance of the valley, you will pass through Reed Sea, Bonsai Shoal, Shuzheng Lakes, Shuzheng Waterfall, and other attractions. The golden reeds of Reed Sea sway in the wind, Bonsai Shoal is like a natural landscape bonsai, and Shuzheng Lakes and Waterfall show the beauty of dynamic water. - Rize Valley: It is the essence of Jiuzhaigou, and Nuorilang Waterfall is its starting point. This is one of the largest calcified waterfalls in China, with a majestic momentum. The classic scene of the four masters and disciples walking through the waterfall in "Journey to the West" was filmed here. Continuing to go deeper, Pearl Shoal Waterfall, Five Flower Lake, Arrow Bamboo Lake, and other attractions each have their own characteristics. The water of Pearl Shoal Waterfall falls like pearls, the water of Five Flower Lake presents colorful colors, and Arrow Bamboo Lake is famous for the giant pandas that often come here to drink water. - Zechawa Valley: There are relatively few attractions, but Long Sea and Five Color Pond should not be missed. Long Sea is the highest and largest lake in Jiuzhaigou, deep and tranquil; Five Color Pond is small and exquisite, and the color of the lake is gorgeous, like gems inlaid in the mountains. How to Visit - There are sightseeing buses in the scenic area, and the stations cover all the main attractions, which is very convenient. You can take the sightseeing bus to your favorite attractions and then take the next bus to the next attraction. - If you have enough energy, you can also choose to hike some sections to feel the beauty of Jiuzhaigou more closely. For example, near Shuzheng Lakes, stroll along the wooden boardwalk, listen to the sound of the gurgling water, and get close to nature. 4. Culinary Experience - Yak Meat: The yak meat in Jiuzhaigou is firm and nutritious. You can taste yak meat hot pot. The fresh and tender beef rolls in the boiling soup, paired with local specialty vegetables, taste delicious. There is also dried yak meat, which is easy to carry and is a good snack. - Tibetan Pastries: Such as milk residue cake and ginseng fruit cake, they have a rich taste, are sweet but not greasy, and are full of rich Tibetan flavor. - Butter Tea: A traditional drink of Tibetan compatriots, it can not only dispel cold and keep warm, but also relieve the discomfort caused by altitude sickness. You may not be used to it at first, but after a few more sips, you can appreciate its mellowness and richness. 5. Accommodation Recommendations - Jiuzhaigou Entrance: There are many hotels here, from high-end star hotels to affordable homestays. The advantage is that the transportation is convenient, it is close to the scenic area, and you can quickly enter the park in the morning. Like the Howard Johnson Resort Jiuzhaigou, the facilities are luxurious, and there are hot springs to relax. - Zhangzha Town: It is also close to the scenic area, with a variety of accommodation options, and complete supporting facilities such as dining and shopping. Many Tibetan-style inns are unique and allow you to experience the local customs in depth. When you set foot on the land of Jiuzhaigou, you seem to have stepped into a fairyland forgotten by the years. The clear lake water, the spectacular waterfalls, and the dense forests are all telling the magic and beauty of nature. Here, time seems to slow down, and the soul finds a resting place. Don't hesitate any longer, pack your bags and go to Jiuzhaigou for a romantic date with nature.