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

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.

Family, it's so stunning! This isn't Mount Fuji, but Jiuzhai Valley in March! They say April is the most beautiful month, but Jiuzhai Valley, located in Aba Prefecture, Sichuan, welcomes the revival of all things as early as March! With only a 20-day flowering period, this time is truly the most breathtaking time of year in Jiuzhai Valley. Visiting Jiuzhai Valley in March, you can see peach blossoms, snow-capped mountains, and blue lakes, with a romantic pink atmosphere everywhere! The flowering period in Jiuzhai Valley lasts from early March to April. In early March, the peach blossoms are still buds, hidden among the branches. By mid-March, the peach blossoms officially bloom, but they haven't fully bloomed yet. Late March is the peak flowering season, and Jiuzhai Valley looks like a pink fairy tale world. In early April, the peach blossoms gradually fall, the ice and snow begin to melt, and spring officially arrives. However, note that the flowering period is predicted based on previous years' blooming times, and the actual blooming time may vary due to altitude and other factors. • Attractions: ◦ Shuzheng Lakes: Composed of 19 lakes of varying sizes, these lakes are arranged at different heights, forming a series of beautiful waterfalls. Surrounded by dense forests, peach blossoms bloom beside the lakes in March, complementing the emerald green lake water and azure sky, creating a charming scene. ◦ Rhino Lake: The second largest lake in Jiuzhai Valley, it has a wide surface, deep water, and clear quality. When sunlight shines on the lake, it shimmers, and the blooming peach blossoms on the shore reflect in the water, creating a dreamlike scene. ◦ Reed Lake: A semi-marshland lake, large areas of reeds sway in the wind, full of vitality. Walking along the boardwalk, with blooming peach blossoms on both sides, it feels like being in a sea of pink flowers. ◦ Long Lake: The highest and widest lake in Jiuzhai Valley, its water is dark blue. The snow-capped mountains opposite stand majestically, and on sunny days, the full view of the snow mountains reflects in the lake, echoing the peach blossoms on the shore, resembling a fairyland. • Tickets: Jiuzhai Valley ticket prices vary between peak and off-season. March is the off-season, and ticket prices are generally CNY 80/person, and sightseeing bus tickets are CNY 90/person. Peak season ticket prices will increase. Check the latest prices on the official public account or major travel platforms before traveling. • Best travel route: After entering the scenic area in the morning, first take the sightseeing bus to Long Lake to enjoy the magnificent scenery of the snow-capped mountains and lake, and take photos. Then go to Five Flower Lake to experience the beauty of the colorful lake water. Then take the sightseeing bus to Shuzheng Lakes, stroll among the lakes, and enjoy the peach blossoms and waterfalls. Afterwards, go to Rhino Lake and walk along the lakeside boardwalk to admire the reflection of the peach blossoms. Finally, go to Reed Lake and feel the breath of spring in the flower-filled boardwalk. • Best photo spots: ◦ By the Shuzheng Lakes waterfall: With the waterfall and peach blossoms as the background, the photos taken have both dynamic beauty and a romantic atmosphere. ◦ Lakeside of Rhino Lake: Sitting on the rocks by the lake, with the lake surface and the reflection of peach blossoms as the background, the portrait photos taken are incredibly beautiful. ◦ Center of the Reed Lake boardwalk: Standing in the middle of the boardwalk, with blooming peach blossoms on both sides, the photos taken are full of spring atmosphere. ◦ Long Lake viewing platform: You can capture Long Lake, snow-capped mountains, and peach blossoms in one frame, and the panoramic photos taken are very impressive. • Precautions: ◦ Jiuzhai Valley has a high altitude, and altitude sickness may occur. Take precautions in advance and avoid strenuous exercise. ◦ Smoking is strictly prohibited in the scenic area. Protect the environment and do not litter. ◦ The temperature difference between day and night in Jiuzhai Valley in March is large. Bring warm clothing, such as down jackets and thick coats. ◦ Pay attention to safety when taking photos. Do not approach dangerous areas in order to find angles. • Local specialties: ◦ Yak beef hot pot: Made with local yak beef, the meat is tender and nutritious. After being cooked in a hot pot, the soup is delicious and flavorful. Served with various vegetables, it is both filling and warming. ◦ Barley cakes: Made with barley flour, they have a crispy texture and a light wheat aroma. They can be eaten as snacks or with butter tea. ◦ Tibetan butter tea: A traditional drink of the Tibetan people, it is made with butter, tea leaves, and salt. It has a rich flavor, refreshes the mind, and helps to withstand the cold of the plateau.

🌈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.

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!💬