[2025 Jiuzhaigou Attraction] Travel Guide for Tiger Lake (Updated May)

Three-day Jiuzhaigou Free Travel Guide Day 1: 🚄Chengdu East to Zhenjiangguan Station (1.5h by train, be sure to book tickets a few days in advance) 🚌Tourist direct bus booked on Ctrip (about 3h by bus, winding mountain roads, those prone to motion sickness should prepare motion sickness medicine and vomit bags) 🏨Hotels near the scenic area usually offer free transportation to the entrance of the scenic area on the day of the visit, and you can take a taxi back from the main entrance of the scenic area after the visit. There are plenty of taxis, which is very convenient. 🍽️Breakfast and lunch can be solved nearby, there are well-known restaurants such as KFC, McDonald's, Dicos, Luckin Coffee, and Tea100 near the scenic area, and they all offer takeout, which is very convenient! Dinner: Jiuzhai Fairy Tale Tibetan Restaurant, quite popular online, has a local atmosphere, excellent service, and offers a yak meat hotpot set for 2-3 people plus yak meat skewers (with complimentary baby vegetables and yak yogurt). Yak meat is chewier than beef, tastes quite fragrant at first, but after eating more, the soup base feels too light and relies on dipping sauce for flavor; highland barley walnut cake is fragrant, tasting like a healthy grain cake; yak yogurt has a sweet and sour taste, very rich in flavor, with an average cost of around seventy to eighty yuan per person. Day 2: The hotel's business car takes you to the entrance of the scenic area, queue up for ticket inspection at 8 am, and take the sightseeing bus upon entering. Jiuzhaigou scenic area is distributed in a 'Y' shape, with the main road being Shuzheng Valley, which has many Tibetan homestays that can be booked in advance to stay inside the valley. After entering the park, queue up for the scenic area's sightseeing bus, which randomly takes you to the left or right valley. If going to the left valley, it is recommended to sit on the left side of the sightseeing bus, with Tiger Lake and Rhino Lake on the left, offering many scenic views along the way; if going to the right valley, it is recommended to sit on the right side of the sightseeing bus, with Mirror Lake, Nuorilang Waterfall, Panda Lake, etc., on the right. Nuorilang Center has many restaurants, the food is a bit expensive, but the prices at the milk tea shops are quite fair, if you have the energy, it's better to bring your own dry food or self-heating rice. Chang Lake, Arrow Bamboo Lake, Panda Lake, Five Flower Lake, Nuorilang Waterfall are must-visits! The Five-Color Pond may have less water, but its colorful appearance is quite photogenic. Other lakes are also beautiful, but after visual fatigue sets in, they all seem more or less the same, so I didn't visit them. Note small tips: The local temperature in Jiuzhaigou is low, with a large temperature difference between day and night. It's only about seven or eight degrees Celsius when entering the park at 8 am, and even playing with a phone can make your hands feel cold, so be sure to wear a windproof jacket. However, once the sun comes out, the temperature rises quickly, and you can wear a light-colored camisole long dress under the jacket, paired with some ethnic accessories, which is very photogenic! My biggest regret is that I was afraid of the cold and didn't wear a dress, but by noon I was sweating from the heat. Day 3: Return by the same route 🔙

💦First, let me answer a question: Is Jiuzhaigou worth visiting during the dry season in May? The answer is yes! Except for a small number of lakes with low water levels or even dried up, most are still incredibly beautiful with abundant water. Of course, if you're seeking the best visual experience, I still recommend going after July🐾 ☀️Weather: Jiuzhaigou is in a plateau region where weather changes frequently, and weather forecasts aren't very accurate. If you're hesitant, just go for it! For example, the day I went, it had rained the night before, but the next day was still sunny (although rain, clouds, and sunshine alternated). Remember to bring rain gear🌂!! 🏠Accommodation: I chose a chain hotel near Jiuzhaigou scenic area. Overall, the experience was good - it felt safe and the service was attentive. The hotel provides shuttle buses starting at 7:20 AM every morning, which is very convenient. 🚗Transportation: After taking the high-speed train to Huanglong Jiuzhaigou Station, there are direct buses available (WeChat mini program: Jiuyue Travel) that take about 2 hours. 👚Clothing: It's very cold in the morning and evening. Areas at higher elevations like Long Lake and the Primeval Forest are also quite cold. I recommend bringing a detachable sherpa-lined jacket that you can adjust as needed. Don't just rely on a shawl - you'll still be cold🥶 🌟Sightseeing: Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area has a Y-shaped structure. Park buses randomly take tourists to any of the highest points on the left, middle, or bottom routes. Regardless of which point you start from, the touring order is always from top to bottom. Don't get off the bus midway🚗 (1) Left side: Main attractions [Bus] Long Lake ➡️ [Walking] Five-Colored Pond (currently in dry season, lower your expectations) ➡️ [Bus] Nuorilang Visitor Center♥️ (2) Right side: Nuorilang Visitor Center ➡️ [Bus] Primeval Forest (high altitude and low temperature, snow mountains right before your eyes; skip if you're wearing thin clothes or aren't interested in vegetation) ➡️ [Bus] Arrow Bamboo Lake (green water, beautiful) ➡️ [Walking] Panda Waterfall + Panda Lake (blue-green crystal clear water, feels like Sanya, must visit) ➡️ [Bus] Five-Colored Pond (can clearly see the intertwined roots at the bottom, stunningly beautiful) ➡️ [Bus] Pearl Beach Waterfall, Mirror Lake (I was too tired to go by this point) ➡️ [Bus] Nuorilang Visitor Center (nearby is Nuorilang Waterfall, which has very thin water flow during dry season and is quite ordinary - you can see it from the bus, personally I don't think it's worth a special visit, but go if you're interested) (3) Middle: Nuorilang Visitor Center ➡️ [Bus] Rhinoceros Lake (gorgeous lake with deep blue crystal water) ➡️ [Bus/Walking] Tiger Lake, Shuzheng Waterfall, Shuzheng Lakes (attractions are concentrated in this section; I was too tired to go, which was a bit regrettable) ➡️ [Bus] Spark Lake ➡️ [Bus] Bonsai Beach ➡️ [Walking] Reed Lake (not far back, very impressive with emerald green water, I loved it) ➡️ After viewing, walk back to Bonsai Beach and take the bus out of the scenic area🎈 ⚠️Important Notes⚠️ (1) Don't pack too many things in your bag. It's best to organize by category, such as makeup items, photography gear, food, daily necessities, etc. I brought a selfie stick, water, snacks, umbrella, tissues, and a power bank. (2) For solo female travelers, Jiuzhaigou is huge with many attractions. You must be selective, especially if you want time for photos. Walking around for a day is really tough on your legs👣

It's worth the trip, but try to go to a time with fewer people, otherwise it will be very tiring and crowded 😵😵😵

Chengdu travel guide! Those planning a trip to Chengdu during the holidays, pay attention! Chengdu, a city of exceptional charm, is more than just a testament to the rapid development of modern technology. Wandering through its streets and alleys, you'll feel as if you're traveling through time, touching the distant and profound historical and cultural veins of ancient Shu, Yin, Western Zhou, and Qin dynasties. The mystique of the ancient Shu civilization, the unique charm of the Yin and Shang periods, the etiquette of the Western Zhou Dynasty, and the grandeur of the Qin Dynasty have all left their mark on this city, waiting for every visitor to explore and experience. ## Travel Preparations ### Documents Documents are essential when traveling. Your ID card is a crucial identification document needed for transportation, hotel check-in, and entering certain scenic spots. Don't forget your student ID or other discount cards, which can save you money on entrance fees and transportation if you meet the eligibility criteria. ### Electronic Devices In this digital age, electronic devices have become an indispensable part of our lives. Mobile phones are essential for communication, navigation, and capturing memorable moments. Chargers and power banks ensure your phone stays fully charged so you don't miss anything exciting. Headphones allow you to enjoy your own music world during the trip, isolating you from the outside noise. Cameras are the best travel companions, allowing you to capture every beautiful scene in Chengdu and create lasting memories. ### Toiletries Skincare is essential even when traveling. Skincare products keep your skin hydrated, facial wipes are convenient and hygienic, makeup remover thoroughly cleanses your face, sunscreen protects your skin from UV damage, and facial cleanser keeps your face refreshed and clean. Bring these toiletries to maintain a healthy routine during your trip. ### Clothing Chengdu's weather is unpredictable, so sun-protective clothing is a must-have for travel. It protects you from the sun and provides warmth when the weather is slightly cool. Short sleeves are suitable for hot weather, keeping you cool and comfortable. Slippers are perfect for relaxing in the hotel, and a change of clothes ensures you have clean clothes every day. ### Medicine It's common to encounter minor health issues during travel. Motion sickness medication can alleviate discomfort during the journey, cold medicine can address potential cold symptoms, anti-inflammatory medicine can treat minor inflammations, and heatstroke prevention medicine protects your health in hot weather. ## Travel Tips ### Plan Your Trip Detailed planning is essential before any trip, just like a battle plan before a war. Without a plan, it's easy to encounter problems during the trip, such as missing the best time to visit popular attractions or choosing unsuitable restaurants. Gather information through the Internet, travel books, and friend recommendations to create a personalized travel plan. ### Book Flights/Train Tickets Chengdu is a popular tourist destination, especially during peak seasons, when flights and train tickets are in high demand. Book in advance to avoid delays. Check the official websites of major airlines and railway departments for ticket information and potential discounts. ### Book Accommodation Booking accommodation in advance is crucial for a Chengdu trip. While Chengdu has abundant hotel resources, they can be scarce during peak seasons. Choose a hotel that suits your budget and preferences, ideally located near transportation and attractions for convenient travel. ### Check the Weather Check the real-time weather forecast before your trip and pack accordingly. Chengdu's weather can change dramatically, from sunny one day to rainy the next. Being prepared ensures a more comfortable trip. ### Pre-Departure Check Before leaving, carefully check if doors and windows are locked, take out the trash, and turn off the power at home. This ensures home safety and avoids unnecessary waste. ## Five-Day, Four-Night Chengdu Itinerary ### Day 1: Chengdu Airport/Station Pickup - Hotel Check-in After arriving in Chengdu, check in to your hotel and take a good rest to recover from the journey. If you have energy, visit the Wuhou Shrine and Jinli Ancient Street. Wuhou Shrine is dedicated to Zhuge Liang, where you can experience the turbulent times of the Three Kingdoms period and appreciate Zhuge Liang's wisdom and loyalty. Jinli Ancient Street is full of Chengdu's characteristic cuisine and traditional culture. Strolling along the ancient street, tasting various delicacies, and experiencing Chengdu's slow-paced life, you'll feel as if time has slowed down. ### Day 2: Chengdu - Huanglong Scenic Area - Jiuzhaigou Huanglong Scenic Area is a rare natural calcium deposit museum, known as a "world wonder" and a "fairyland on earth." The colorful calcified pools resemble gems embedded in the earth, shimmering under the sunlight. The journey from Huanglong Scenic Area to Jiuzhaigou offers breathtaking scenery, building anticipation for Jiuzhaigou. ### Day 3: Full-Day Jiuzhaigou Tour Jiuzhaigou's beauty is intoxicating. The deep tranquility of Long Lake, the vibrant colors of Five Flower Lake, the majestic Nuorilang Waterfall, the colorful Five Color Pond, the crystal-clear Rhinoceros Lake, and the mysterious Tiger Lake—each spot is like a beautiful painting. The magical Jiuzhaigou, known as a "fairytale world" and the "king of waterscapes," showcases nature's wonders, transporting you to a dreamlike world. ### Day 4: Jiuzhaigou - Chengdu On the way back to Chengdu from Jiuzhaigou, you'll pass through Chuanzhusi Town and Tibetan villages, which have the most distinctive Tibetan characteristics. Here, you can experience the unique local customs and admire the Tibetan and Qiang dwellings along the way, as if entering the Tibetan Plateau. The warm hospitality of the Tibetan people, the unique architectural style, and the colorful prayer flags will leave a lasting impression. ### Day 5: Dujiangyan - Panda Base - Return Home Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a World Cultural Heritage site, is an outstanding representative of ancient water conservancy projects and continues to play a vital role today. Here, you can appreciate the wisdom and creativity of the ancients and the magnificence of water conservancy projects. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is home to adorable giant pandas, where you can observe their habits up close and have a close encounter with these lovely "national treasures." After the tour, return home with cherished memories. ## Food Guide ### Kaojiang Spicy Grilled Fish Address: 7th Floor, L707, IFS International Financial Center Mall, No. 1, Hongxing Road Section 3, opposite the Giant Panda. The grilled fish here is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, super fragrant, spicy, and flavorful! The fish is carefully grilled and absorbs the flavors of various seasonings. Be sure to add black bean curd; the tender bean curd absorbs the grilled fish broth, creating an exceptional taste! You'll fall in love after just one try. ### Zhang Taipo Lao Ma Ti Hua · Sichuan Restaurant (Taikoo Li Main Branch) Address: No. 27, Hongshizhu Heng Street. This is an authentic Chengdu Lao Ma Ti Hua (braised pig's trotters) restaurant with super authentic and delicious flavors! They offer various pig's trotters dishes, including braised and clear broth versions, each delicious and not greasy. The soft and tender trotters melt in your mouth, and the rich and flavorful broth is unforgettable. ### Taotao Sheng Freshly Baked Pastries (Taikoo Li Branch) Address: 1st Floor, No. 3 Annex, No. 2, Tianxianqiao North Road. Their mochi and large tarts are truly delightful! The mochi is chewy and paired with sweet fillings, creating a wonderful taste. The large tarts have a crispy crust and sweet filling, a must-try for pastry lovers. Mochi lovers must visit! ### Dakou Yichang · Sweet Potato Noodles and Dried Tofu (Taikoo Li Branch) Address: No. 7, Yuchengji Alley, Daci Temple Road. This sweet potato noodles and dried tofu shop is popular online. The dish can be enjoyed in various ways, wrapped with steamed pork, braised dishes, crab sticks, pickled pepper chicken offal, and more. One bite combines the softness of the sweet potato noodles, the firmness of the dried tofu, and the deliciousness of the various fillings, making it irresistible.

| Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong Hiking Guide. 🌟Departing from Chengdu, take the high-speed train to Huanglong Jiuzhai Station, then transfer to a shuttle bus or hire a private car to Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong. Stay overnight in Chuanzhusi or near Jiuzhaigou for easy access to the scenic areas the next day. 🌟Jiuzhaigou Hiking Route: Nuorilang Center Line, Chang Hai direction, and Primeval Forest direction. Check in at Nuorilang Waterfall, Tiger Lake, the Shuanglonghai boardwalk, Reed Lake, and Five Flower Lake. The hike takes about 5 hours. Jiuzhaigou is at a high altitude, so it is recommended to bring a warm jacket, water, and snacks. 🌟Huanglong Scenic Area: Take the cable car up, then a sightseeing bus, and walk to the Five-Color Pool. Hike down from there. Must-see attractions include the Five-Color Pool, Zhengyan Pool, and Bonsai Pool. The entire journey takes about 5 hours, covering approximately 20,000 steps, with a 4.2 km downhill hike. The Huanglong Scenic Area is at a high altitude, and some visitors may experience altitude sickness, so it is recommended to bring oxygen. Also, sightseeing bus tickets need to be booked in advance, as they are limited to 5,000 per day.

📍行程介紹 take a speed train from Chengdu east train station. Ticket can be purchased via trip.com 🚩遊玩路線 purchase entrance ticket and sightseeing bus in the park. Go early and during off pic season . Winter (December - February): Fewer tourists, breathtaking snowy landscapes, but some areas may be closed. However ticket price is cheaper. Start early at 8.30an as there are many places to cover 🏖️打卡景點 Recommended Route: 1. Long Lake (highest point, 3,100m) – A deep blue alpine lake surrounded by mountains. 2. Five-Color Pond – A magical, vividly colored lake. 3. Arrow Bamboo Lake & Panda Lake – Crystal-clear waters, once home to wild pandas. 4. Five-Flower Lake – The most famous lake in Jiuzhaigou, with striking turquoise and green hues. 5. Pearl Shoal Waterfall – A magnificent waterfall featured in Journey to the West. 6. Mirror Lake – Best seen in the morning when the water reflects the sky and trees. 7. Nuorilang Waterfall – The largest waterfall in Jiuzhaigou. 🚇交通方式 speed train from Chengdu and there is bus from train station to jiuzhaigou 🍜特色美食 yak hot pot is awesome especially during winter. We went to the restaurant near our hotel. Do check with the hotel the name of the restaurant 🏠住宿推薦 1.松雲壹號酒店（九寨溝景區店） Hotel is walking distance to the park entrance New and cheap and highly recommended 💡注意事項： winter is very cold at the park

OMG, you guys!! I just got off the high-speed train and received an opening-year gift from nature! I was standing by the Spark Sea when a furry head suddenly popped out of the water—a wild otter holding a fish in its mouth stared at me for 5 seconds!! It turns out that the title "Fairy Tale World" in the Chinese textbook was written by Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area itself.📖 💎【20,000 Steps for the Ultimate Decisive Guide】 ⚠The left branch line is completely frozen❌ The right branch line is the winter beauty! 🚫Routes to avoid: Panda Lake× | Pearl Shoal Beach× (You'll get tired of the icefalls later) 🔥Recommended route: Sword Bamboo Sea→Five Flower Lake (sapphire dropped into a palette)→Mirror Lake (snow mountain reflection in mirror mode)→Nuorilang Waterfall (giant crystal chandelier)→Rhinoceros Lake (golden light in the afternoon)→Shuzheng Lakes (emerald box overturned by God)→Spark Sea (watch out for otters!) 📸 Three Legendary Photo Spots 1⃣ Jiuzhaigou - Five Flower Lake (11:00-12:00) Crouch at the corner of the boardwalk, let the sunlight split the lake water into peacock blue and emerald green, throw your down jacket to your companion, wear a white sweater and kneel on the viewing platform for a top-down shot! 2⃣ Shuzheng Lakes (before 14:30) Use a telephoto lens to frame the azure lakes and prayer wheels together, and take continuous shots the moment the prayer flags are blown by the wind. 3⃣ Spark Sea (15:00-16:00) Shoot the Tibetan villages reflected in the shimmering water, otters often forage near the small waterfall on the right. 👗Tips for Taking Photos in Tibetan Clothing ✔ Choose royal blue/bright red! The contrast with the icefall is stunning. ✔ Choose tassel headwear for dynamic shots while moving. ✔ Rentals at the entrance are 50 yuan/hour, negotiable. 🚄Key Points for High-Speed Rail Travelers Huanglong Jiuzhaigou Station → Direct bus to the scenic area (book in advance!) Arrive at the entrance before 8:00 am to avoid tour groups. Choose Cantonese-style cured meat for self-heating hot pot, it goes perfectly with the snowy scenery. ⚠Hard-Learned Lessons ▫ Wear a furry hat! The plateau wind will blow your mind. ▫ Wear non-slip shoes with V-shaped soles! The Mirror Lake boardwalk is icy and dangerous. ▫ Bring two sets of hand warmers! They're more important for your phone than for you. ▫ Prepare 1 yuan bills! The restroom attendant at Tiger Lake only accepts cash. The moment the sunlight pierced the icy surface of the lake, Millions of years old calcium carbonate began to shimmer at the bottom. This is not a trip, it's like stepping into a glass museum of the gods.✨ (Mr. Otter, please give me another heart next time we meet!)

Below is information on Jiuzhaigou's routes and costs: Route • Internal route: Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area is formed by three main valleys, Zechawa Valley, Rize Valley, and Shuzheng Valley, which form a "Y" shape. The recommended route is to take a bus from the entrance to the primeval forest in the morning, walk to the Grass Lake, and then take a sightseeing bus to visit Swan Lake, Arrow Bamboo Lake, Panda Lake, Five Flower Lake, Mirror Lake, and Nuorilang Lake. Have lunch and rest at Nuorilang Center Station. In the afternoon, take a sightseeing bus from Nuorilang Center Station to Long Lake, walk to the Five-Color Pond, then take a sightseeing bus to Rhino Lake, and then visit Tiger Lake, Shuzheng Waterfall, and other attractions by walking and taking a bus. Finally, take a sightseeing bus from Double Dragon Lake to Bonsai Beach, and then to the entrance. • External route: A small loop from Chengdu to Dujiangyan, Wenchuan, Maoxian, Songpan, Huanglong, Jiuzhaigou, Pingwu, Jiangyou, Mianyang, and Chengdu. A 4-day trip is recommended. Cost • 🚗Transportation: Round-trip air tickets from Chengdu to Jiuhuang Airport are about CNY 2,000–3,000, and chartered cars from the airport to the scenic area are about CNY 500. Self-driving from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou costs about CNY 1,000 for fuel. Taking a train from Chengdu to Songpan Railway Station and then transferring to a car costs about CNY 500. • 🏡Accommodation: Hotels in the scenic area cost CNY 800–1,500 per night in peak season and CNY 400–800 per night in off-season. Hotels outside the scenic area cost CNY 400–800 per night in peak season and CNY 200–400 per night in off-season. • Tickets: CNY 220 per person in peak season (April 1 to November 30) and CNY 80 per person in off-season (December 1 to March 31 of the following year). • Dining: Meals in the scenic area cost about CNY 50–100 per person, and meals outside the scenic area cost about CNY 20–50 per person. • Others: Electric cars in the scenic area cost CNY 90 per person in peak season and CNY 60 per person in off-season. Tour guide services cost about CNY 100–200 per day.

One of the highlights of the trip to Jiuzhaigou National Park was a beautiful stretch of waterscape within the Shuzheng Valley, from Shuzhengqunhai to Xiniuhai. The sightseeing bus made a stop at Shuzhengqunhai, and I walked up the valley to Xiniuhai. At Shuzhengqunhai, one can choose to walk on walking board down nearer to the water level of the lakes. I chose to walk beside the main road and admire the lakes from above. Vast landscape of Shuzheng Valley can be seen from this stretch. Looking from above, the colors and clarity of the waters below could be appreciated. Shuzhengqunhai ended with Shuzheng waterfall, into the Laohuhai (Tiger Lake) stretch, after several hundreds of meters. The Laohuhai stretch was a stretch walking beside the water level of the lake. This stretch of lakes was colorful, in various color shades of waters imaginable. The lakes here has rich aquatic vegetation. The lakes right beside the walkway had shallower clear water where interesting structures and colors of the lake bottom could be seen. The colors of the waters here were quite different from other lakes found in Jiuzhaigou, in fact from any other lakes at all. Several hundred meters ahead is the Xiniuhai (Rhinoceros Lake) stretch. There is a walkway to walk in to the other side of this huge lake. And the view from there was more spectacular than from beside the main road. The color of the lake seen was turquoise more towards the light blue shade. From here, the view of the vast valley to the South can be seen. This stretch of Shuzheng Valley of Jiuzhaigou, I would say, could be the most colorful, where a varieties of color shades of Jiuzhaigou waters, could be appreciated, over a stretch of streams and lakes. To get here, it is recommended to get down either at Shuzheng bus stop then walk upstream, or at Xiniuhai bus stop then walk downstream. #china #travel #naturalwonders #thingstodo

Jiuzhaigou is located in Zhangzha Town, Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, in the southern section of the Minshan Mountains in the northwestern part of Sichuan Province, China. It is a major branch valley at the source of the Baishui River, which is an upper tributary of the Jialing River in the Yangtze River system. There are three main tourist routes in Jiuzhaigou: Shuzheng Valley, Zechawa Valley, and Rize Valley. Each valley features a variety of scenic spots, mainly composed of plateau calcified lake groups, calcified waterfall groups, and calcified beach flows. The water landscapes are vast in scale, diverse in type, numerous in quantity, beautiful in form, exquisite in layout, and excellent in environment. Jiuzhaigou has a forest coverage rate of over 80%, and it is home to a wide variety of national protected species of flora and fauna. Jiuzhaigou's specialty snacks include Tibetan-style hot pot, roasted sausages, cold mixed walnut flowers, Jiuzhaigou mushroom pot, gastrodia elata pigeon cup, potato glutinous rice cake, roasted whole lamb, hand-grabbed beef steak, Jiuzhaigou persimmon cake, Jiuzhaigou sauerkraut noodles, and more.