Just returned from Jiuzhaigou, honestly don't recommend visiting in May-June

🌿 Reasons not to go: 1. We plan to revisit during off-peak season - the peak season crowds are overwhelming 2. Jiuzhaigou requires strategic planning, lack of preparation leads to missed opportunities. The stunning landscapes deserve a more thoughtful approach😉 📜 Late-night compiled ultimate May-June Jiuzhaigou guide (2-3 day itinerary·off-peak strategies) 🗺️ Itinerary breakdown Jiuzhaigou forms a "Y" shape with Rize Valley, Zechawa Valley and Shuzheng Valley. May-July is the high-water season with cascading waterfalls and colorful foliage. Recommended routes: 🔵 2-day efficient version: Day1 explore Rize Valley, Day2 cover Zechawa Valley + Shuzheng Valley highlights; 🔵 3-day immersive version: Day1 Rize Valley hiking, Day2 Zechawa Valley in-depth, Day3 Shuzheng Valley leisure + Tibetan village experience. ✅Day1: Rize Valley hidden gems (right branch of "Y") Key spots: Primeval Forest → Fangcao Lake → Swan Lake → Arrow Bamboo Lake & Waterfall → Panda Lake → Nuorilang Center → Mirror Lake → Pearl Shoal Waterfall → Five-Flower Lake 💎7:30 Park entrance Take first shuttle to Primeval Forest - May features lingering snow, June has hanging moss like natural curtains. Walk to Fangcao Lake - morning mist creates ethereal views with occasional waterfowl. 💎11:00 Arrow Bamboo Lake area Pass waterfall (filming location for "Journey to West") - May has coexisting ice/water, June sees azalea petals floating. Descend to Panda Lake - sunlight creates jade hues, wild ducks often play in afternoon. 💎15:30 Pearl Shoal to Five-Flower Lake Feel misty spray at Pearl Shoal, downstream to Five-Flower Lake - peacock blue in May, wild roses in June. ✅Day2: Zechawa + Shuzheng Valleys (left branch + main stem) Key spots: Long Lake → Five-Color Pond → Nuorilang Center → Rhinoceros Lake → Tiger Lake → Shuzheng Waterfall → Sparkling Lake → Reed Lake 💎8:00 Long Lake Shuttle to 3100m-altitude "plateau jade" - May has icy shores contrasting with snow mountains. 💎9:15 Five-Color Pond Hike to multi-hued pond - polarized lenses recommended to capture color gradients. 💎12:00 Shuzheng Valley Experience thunderous Nuorilang Waterfall, visit Rhinoceros Lake (best morning reflections), Tiger Lake (tiger-stripe shadows). 💎14:30 Waterfront time Walk Shuzheng Lakeside trail through Sparkling Lake (sunlight creates flame effects), don't miss Reed Lake's emerald channel. ✅Day3 (optional): Zhongcha Valley culture + Zharu Valley hike 💎9:30 Zhongcha Valley Private car to Tibetan village for Thangka painting, butter tea tasting with Gongga Mountain views. 💎13:00 Zharu Valley Eco-shuttle to hidden gems - explore red rock formations, visit Zharu Temple for monk chanting. 💖 May-June special tips 📌1 Dressing code: "Sandwich layers" for changeable weather: moisture-wicking base + fleece + waterproof shell. Carry umbrella for May showers/June hail. 📌2 Photography golden hours: Rize Valley: 9-11am frontlight (best colors at Five-Flower/Pearl Shoal) Zechawa Valley: After 2pm sidelight (better depth at Long/Five-Color Pond) ❗❗ Must-know: Beware "shortcut guides" outside park - all sights included in ticket; Nuorilang food overpriced - bring freeze-dried meals/energy bars. 👍 Itinerary highlights Smart timing: Early shuttles + reverse route avoids tour groups; Seasonal beauty: May ice/azalea contrasts, June waterfall/foliage harmony; Cultural immersion: Tibetan crafts instead of standard sightseeing. 🔥 This plan lets you skillfully avoid crowds while experiencing Jiuzhaigou's "six wonders" - both iconic vistas and hidden tranquility~