[2025 Jiuzhaigou Attraction] Travel Guide for Xiliu Sea (Updated Apr)

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 🔙

In the spring, Jiuzhaigou is not yet in its high water period, but the air in the rain and mist is filled with a refreshing and pleasant aroma. Walking up the path from Shuzheng Group of Lakes and Shuzheng Waterfall, what comes into view is the emerald green of Rhino Lake. The mountains are shrouded in a hazy mist, and the lake surface is calm like a mirror, reflecting the surrounding lofty peaks, as if you are in the water towns of the Jiangnan region. Above Rhino Lake is Tiger Lake. The rain curtain envelops the lake surface, and the raindrops create ripples on the water, with the hazy mountains obscured by the mist. As the rain lets up, the beauty of the lake and mountains gradually unfolds before my eyes. The verdant lawns and reeds by the lake set against the azure waters, and the clouds and mist rolling through the mountains, seem like a landscape painting scroll.

The weather was particularly good, sunny all day. The peach blossoms near the Reed Sea are in bloom, but not many are blooming further up. Jiuzhaigou, with its own beauty filter and the sunlight filter, cannot be described in words. I can only say that mobile phones cannot capture its beauty. I gave up the left line because the Changhai Sea was frozen and the water level in the Wucai Pool was shallow, so I focused my energy on the right line and the middle line. I didn't walk the circular plank road at Jianzhuhai, but I went to see Jianzhuhai Waterfall, a relatively delicate small waterfall; Wuhuahai is worth walking on the circular plank road, walking slowly and taking pictures, the color of the water changes a lot, mainly green; Zhenzhutan Waterfall is not so spectacular during the dry season, but it is also worth seeing; I spent a lot of energy on the middle line. There is no need to go to Nuorilang Waterfall in this season. I hiked all the way from Rhino Lake to Bonsai Beach. The road from Rhino Lake to Shuzheng Qunhai is really the essence of the essence. There is a new scene at every step. I can't take it all in. When you arrive at Shuzheng Village, you can go to the highest observation deck to admire the Shuzheng Group of Seas. Looking down from a high place, it looks like an inlaid sapphire, which is well worth it. The Reed Sea is also on my list. I walked all the way there. If you have limited physical strength, you can take a bus to Bonsai Beach, get off and walk back 600 meters to the Reed Sea to check in. Leave the park at 5:30, more than 30,000 steps, sour and refreshing, worth it, few people, beautiful, the scenic spot's scheduling ability, supporting facilities, and service quality are worthy of 7A+ I want to come again in autumn

🏔️ Jiuzhai Valley Off-Season Alert: Experience Paradise for a Third of the Price ❄️ Hidden Gem Experience Who says winter is only for hibernating? Enjoy the blue ice all to yourself on the Changhai boardwalk in December – hearing the ice crack is as satisfying as popping champagne! ▫️ VIP Treatment: Head straight to Five Flower Lake at 8 am. The sub-zero lake surface will be steaming with mist, and when the sunlight breaks through, it's like a spilled sapphire mine cart. ▫️ NPC Interaction: Chat with the Tibetan shuttle bus driver, and they'll point you to a hidden trail behind Shuzheng Village for panoramic views of Reed Lake without the crowds. ▫️ Magic Hour: Stake out Pearl Shoal Beach at 3 pm. The rainbows refracted by the icicles are even more vibrant than in summer. 🔥 Warmth Cheat Codes ✅ Foot warmers are essential! Walking for over 3 hours in the scenic area will make you question your life choices. ✅ Bring a thermos for yak butter tea! Refills are only ¥5 in the village, keeping your hands warm and combating altitude sickness. ✅ Wear bright sweaters! You'll instantly become the star of your own *Love Letter* photoshoot in the snow. 🍲 Tibetan Food Guide Unlock dining secrets known only to locals. ▫️ Hidden Gem: Skip the tourist traps and head to "Ama Huotang" in Pengfeng Village. The Tibetan-style dried pork rib hot pot with qingkebaba (barley cake) is so good you'll be licking the pot clean. ▫️ Breakfast Hacks: Don't fall for the ¥38 hotel buffet! Go to the Zharu Temple morning market for ¥2 yak offal soup with freshly baked buckwheat pancakes. ▫️ Souvenir Dos and Don'ts: ✔️ Do: Buy Ruoergai air-dried beef (make sure it's the kind that shreds easily). ❌ Don't: Buy the so-called "wild gastrodia." It's probably dyed radish. 🚌 Transportation Tips Turn the off-season sightseeing bus into your private chauffeur with these pro tips. ▫️ Reverse Route: Take the bus to Long Lake first and work your way back to avoid 90% of the tour groups. ▫️ Window Seat Strategy: Sit on the left side of the bus on the way there and the right side on the way back for IMAX-worthy snowscape views. ▫️ Late Bus Surprise: After 4 pm, the drivers turn into drift kings, making the empty mountain roads feel like a roller coaster. ⚠️ Lessons Learned the Hard Way ▪️ Don't wear UGG boots! You'll be doing the swan lake on the icy boardwalks. ▪️ Buy oxygen tanks online in advance! Prices triple in the scenic area. ▪️ Register your drone! Strong winds at 3,100 meters can easily cause a crash. 📷 Instagram-Worthy Shots Local photography pros share their secrets. ▫️ Mirror Lake Alternative: Walk to the end of the Rhino Lake boardwalk and flip your phone upside down to recreate the "sky falling" shot. ▫️ Shuzheng Lakes Secret Spot: Climb onto the second level railing of the viewing platform and use the prayer flags as a foreground for a stunning shot of the snow-capped Tibetan village. ▫️ Nuorilang Waterfall Trick: Place an orange next to the ice pillars for a vibrant contrast that will boost your likes by 200%. As I munched on instant hot pot by Five Flower Lake at -15°C, watching the mist rise from the emerald water, it hit me – visiting Jiuzhai Valley in the off-season isn't just a substitute; it's like activating a cheat code.

I've always heard that once you've seen Jiuzhaigou, no other water compares! This Saturday, I finally made it to Jiuzhaigou! 📍Recommended Accommodation: Stay at the entrance of the valley. 🚗Transportation: Sightseeing bus + walking 🎟️Tickets: Sightseeing bus + entrance ticket: CNY 160 (off-season) 👍️Must-see attractions: ⭐Five Flower Lake (Pictures 1-5) Located on the right route, it offers different scenery in each season. I visited on March 1st, so it was still winter scenery. In winter, the overall color is blue with a hint of light green. The water is crystal clear, as alluring as amber. ⭐Pearl Shoal (Pictures 6-7) Personally, I think all the waterfalls are relatively average this season. I especially like the green on Pearl Shoal; it's full of life. Also, Pearl Shoal Waterfall was a filming location for *Journey to the West*! ⭐Rhinoceros Lake, Tiger Lake (Pictures 8-9) Tiffany blue, a very unique shade! The water sparkles, the wind rustles the trees—it's incredibly relaxing! ⭐Sparkling Lake (Pictures 13-14) The blend of blue-green water and milky white stones creates a unique charm! ⭐Arrow Bamboo Lake (Pictures 15-16) The sun shines on the golden mountain, reflecting in the green lake. Three birds play in the water, enjoying their time. ⭐Shuzheng Village (Pictures 17-18) Experience Tibetan culture. The air-dried yak jerky is delicious, and the barley cake and butter tea are also good! 💗Other tips: 1. If you're short on time, you can choose a few spots to visit. Five Flower Lake is a must-see. The other places have their own unique shades of blue, but you can skip them if you experience aesthetic fatigue. 2. There are many kinds of air-dried meat sold inside. The red one selling for around CNY 120 is pork, while the one selling for around CNY 180 is yak meat!

🌈Attractions: The famous Jiuzhaigou Valley is characterized by one word - water. As the saying goes, you can’t miss the water after visiting Jiuzhaigou. The water in Jiuzhaigou can be divided into two types: lakes (static) and waterfalls (dynamic). A lake is a place with good water quality and clear bottom. Due to the presence of certain calcium salts in the water, the lake appears in various colors. 🚗 Transportation to the scenic spot: Take the high-speed rail from Chengdu to Huanglong Jiuzhaigou Station, which takes about two hours, and then take the bus to Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area (two hours) to reach the vicinity of the scenic area. The route in the scenic area is Y-shaped, and the intersection is at Nuorilang Waterfall [Smart]. You can also eat and rest here. The various attractions are connected by sightseeing buses within the scenic area. 👍️Must-see attractions: Sparkling Lake, Changhai Lake, Rhino Lake, Mirror Lake, Five-Colored Pool, Pearl Beach Waterfall (the filming location of the 1986 version of "Journey to the West" [GoodJob]), Nuorilang Waterfall, etc. 🚩Queueing tips: The scenic area is large, the scenery is beautiful, and there are usually many people. You need to enter early and leave enough time for the tour. 💗Other tips: There are many attractions in the scenic area. It takes more than 20,000 steps to visit most of the attractions in one day [Sweat][Sweat][Sweat]. It is recommended to stay in a nearby hotel for one night in advance to recharge your energy [Smart].

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.

Rhino Lake is a famous scenic spot in Jiuzhaigou. It is located in Shuzheng Valley in Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, 2,301 meters above sea level, 2,000 meters long, 225 meters wide and 17 meters deep. It is the second largest lake in Jiuzhaigou and the largest lake in Shuzheng Valley. It is said that a seriously ill monk rode a rhinoceros to this place. After drinking the magical spring water by the lake, he was cured and left his beloved rhinoceros here, hence the name. The Rhino Sea is oval in shape, with a vast expanse of water. The lake water is clear and blue, and its reflection is the best among all the seas. There are reeds at the end of the north bank, and woods and silver waterfalls at the exit of the south bank. Surrounded by towering mountains, you can see the main peak of Siguniang Mountain, Yaomei Peak, in the distance. Summer is green

#Nature attractions Rhinoceros Lake is another lake that you must visit in Jiuzhaigou National Park. With its size being the second largest after Long Lake, which is 2 kilometers wide and covers an area of ​​over 200,000 square meters, and its beauty that changes in each season, this lake is a destination that tourists should not miss. ⛅️ The beauty of Rhinoceros Lake changes with the seasons. In summer, the lake is emerald green contrasting with the lush green of the trees. In autumn, the changing leaves reflect on the water surface. One of the highlights of Rhinoceros Lake is the phenomenon of fog and clouds covering the lake. 📢 When we went, the guide told us a legend that in the past, there was a lama riding a rhinoceros through this lake. At that time, the lama was seriously ill, but after drinking water from this lake, he recovered, so he left the rhinoceros to guard the lake. This lake is therefore called Rhinoceros Lake. I highly recommend it. It is another important tourist attraction in Jiuzhaigou. You can come down to see the beauty of the lake or walk around the lake. There is a walking path to walk into. 👍🏻

Jiuzhaigou is often associated with the beauty of the Five Flower Lake, the Multicolored Lake, the Mirror Lake, or the Long Lake. However, there's another stunning area: the lower part of Jiuzhaigou National Park. This section is located below the fork that leads to the upper left or right parts of the park. It's highly recommended not to miss this area, as every spot is so beautiful that you might not want to visit anywhere else. Starting from the Rhinoceros Lake, the Tiger Lake, and the Dragon Lake, the water here is just as beautiful as the upper parts, surrounded by the vibrant colors of trees and the changing leaves of autumn, contrasting with the water's hue. It's truly an amazing place that you must see with your own eyes at least once.

🙋‍♀The weather in Jiuzhaigou has been very good recently! But you must take good sun protection, the sun in high altitude areas is super hot at noon ❗🔅The temperature is around 10°C-20°C～ ＿ ✅【Our itinerary】① Day 1: Jiuzhaigou-Huanglong-Chuanzhusi/Jiuzhaigou Entrance Day 2: Immersive Tour of Jiuzhaigou Day 3: Jiuzhaigou- Characteristic Tibetan Village- Chuanzhusi Town- Chengdu - ② Day 1: Chengdu-Huanglong Scenic Area-Jiuzhaigou Day 2: Full day tour of Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area - Maoxian Day 3: Maoxian - Visit Mount Siguniang - Chengdu - 🧐Weather & Outfit Wear a skirt and a coat at night. It's enough. It's hot at noon so you can wear it to take pictures. Now is the most beautiful season in Jiuzhaigou. Maybe the crowds are its only drawback, but as a mature scenic spot, you don’t have to wait even if there are a lot of people. All tourists can be pulled into the valley in just ten minutes, so you can rush in without worry! - 👇Scenic spot guide👇 1⃣The sightseeing bus goes directly from the gate to the top of the ditch on the left (Zhezhawagou), Changhai, which is very photogenic and beautiful! After getting off the bus, walk along the plank road from Changhai to Wucai Pool (about 30 minutes). After the tour, walk for 10 minutes to Wucai Pool Station and take the bus directly to Nuorilang Central Station. ‼ Suggestion: Try to plan a shorter time for this ditch. If the time is too long, you will not have enough time to visit Rize Valley. 2⃣Take a bus from Nuorilang transfer station to another ditch, get off at Jianzhuhai, and then take a bus downstream one stop at a time. 🌟Highlights: Jianzhu Lake, Wuhua Lake, Pearl Pool Waterfall (filming location of Journey to the West) ♨If you want to rest and eat, walk to Jinghai parking lot after the tour and take the bus to Nuorilang transfer station! ✅If you have solved the food problem on the way, you can visit Shuzheng Valley directly in the direction of the valley instead of getting off at Nuorilang! 🌟Highlights: Rhino Lake, Shuzheng Lake, Shuanglong Lake Waterfall After the tour, take the bus out of the scenic area! - Things to note 💣 ①The temperature difference is quite large, it is recommended to wear a thick coat, Jiuzhaigou tour method: sightseeing car + hiking 🏃 ②The restrooms in Jiuzhaigou are a highlight! They are super clean and there are toilets along the way. You don’t have to worry about not being able to find a restroom. ③Now is the peak season, tickets must be purchased in advance, the scenic spot has limited tickets every day ④ There are "characters" in the scenic area who ask you to take a photo with them, and then ask you to pay after taking the photo. This is really unnecessary. ⑤ The entrance time to Jiuzhaigou has been adjusted from 8:00 to 7:30⏰. Entering the scenic area earlier will result in fewer people. ⑥ The restrooms in Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area are very clean! The toilet seat will be changed automatically! You can drink the water with confidence ⑦ Bring sunglasses and umbrellas! The ultraviolet rays are strong in the plateau, so remember to apply sunscreen. ⑧ Bring some snacks with you. Although the journey time has been shortened after the high-speed rail was opened, it still consumes a lot of energy.

From July to September, Jiuzhaigou has abundant water 💧 and enters its peak season, attracting a large number of tourists. Therefore, I sincerely recommend that everyone make thorough preparations before setting off, especially during this peak season. Based on my personal experience, I have summarized a guide to avoid pitfalls and methods to avoid crowds. Save it directly! ✅ About the Scenic Area 📍 Address: Zhangzha Town, Jiuzhaigou County, Aba, Sichuan Ticket: 190 yuan, Sightseeing Bus: 90 yuan ⏰ Entry Time: 7:30—14:00 🧐 About the Weather ⛅ July-August: 15 - 30℃, stable weather, mainly sunny 🧥 Clothing: The temperature difference between day and night in Jiuzhaigou is large, so bring a windbreaker or thick coat. You can wear short sleeves and skirts at noon, but you need to wear a coat in the morning and evening. Travel Tips: ✅ To enjoy the most beautiful scenery, remember: sit on the left side of the sightseeing bus from the entrance to Rhino Lake, sit on the right side from Rhino Lake to Nuorilang, sit on the right side when visiting Rize Valley, and sit on the left side when visiting Zechawa Valley. ✅ When you arrive at the scenic area in the morning, don't stay too long in one spot out of curiosity. Arrange your time reasonably and mainly go to the attractions you want to visit. Highly recommended spots are Long Lake, Five-Color Pond, Sparkling Lake, and Reed Lake (you can also choose based on your preferences). ✅ Only the Nuorilang Center Station in the scenic area provides food, so it is recommended to prepare some dry food to replenish energy along the way.

Hi, buddies, today I'm going to share the travel tips for Jiuzhaigou!🌄 On the first day, remember to rest and acclimate after arriving at Jiuzhaigou; on the second day, spend the whole day exploring the Jiuzhaigou scenic area, with attractions like Shuzheng Lakes, Long Lake, and Rhino Lake to feast your eyes on; on the third day, head to the Huanglong scenic area, where the Colorful Ponds and Huanglong Temple await you!🏞️ Next up is the time for scenic spot recommendations!🏝️ The waters of Shuzheng Lakes are emerald green, Long Lake is spectacular, and Rhino Lake is crystal clear. The Colorful Ponds and Huanglong Temple are also must-visit spots!😋 For food, Tibetan delicacies such as butter tea and barley cakes are waiting for you to try!🍜 For accommodation, hotels and guesthouses in Jiuzhaigou County or within the scenic area are great choices, with top-notch facilities and services!🏨 For transportation, it's important to book your plane or bus tickets in advance!✈️ The weather is changeable, so remember to bring warm clothes. Safety first, follow the regulations of the scenic area, and do not climb in dangerous areas!⛰️ This trip to Jiuzhaigou made me appreciate the wonders of nature, are you tempted? Come and share your travel stories!💬

Jiuzhaigou is a tourist destination suitable for all seasons. It is a nature reserve and a national scenic spot. The highest altitude of Jiuzhaigou is about 4,800 meters. There are lakes, waterfalls, snow-capped mountains and forests in the area. The scenery is unique and natural. Especially in autumn, the maple leaves and the shallow pools are colorful and beautiful. The Rhino Lake with a wide surface area gives people a beautiful and tranquil feeling. After passing the Rhino Lake, the wide Nuorilang Waterfall seems to be hanging a white curtain. There are also Changhu Lake, Mirror Lake, Five Flower Lake, Five Color Pool, Cao Lake, etc. The fusion of reflection and lake water makes the lake water more gorgeous. In addition, the blue sky, snow-capped peaks, distant mountains and nearby trees are all included in the lake, and the scenery is fantastic. The water of Wuhua Lake is the most gorgeous and colorful, like a colorful and ever-changing kaleidoscope. The water in the Five-Colored Pool is emerald blue, like heaven. The unique mountains and waters of Jiuzhaigou form a multi-layered and multi-faceted natural picture. Make people intoxicated here. It is recommended to rent a car to save time and go point to point. The public bus may be too crowded and you may not be able to get on the bus. #Jiuzhaigou Address: Jiuzhaigou County, Aba County, Sichuan, China 623402 Time: 0700-1900