Jiuzhai Valley

Introduction to Jiuzhai Valley (九寨沟)

Jiuzhaigou Valley is a nature reserve and national park located in northern Sichuan Province of southwestern China. Jiuzhaigou Valley scenic and historic interest area is part of the Minshan Mountain range on the edge of the Tibetan Himalayan Plateau and stretches over 72,000 hectares. It is known for its many multi-level waterfalls, colorful lakes, and snow-capped peaks, with an elevation ranging from 2,000m to 4,500m.

As one of China’s most spectacular scenic sites, Jiuzhai Valley is the perfect destination all year round with the change of seasons and the most sensational landscapes. There are endangered plants and species which you can discover with an adventurous hike in the colorful clusters of the forest. 

This fantastic scenic spot location is well-known for its travertine formations which have created some of the most colorful landscapes in the park. The ponds are often called the five colored pools due to the colored limestone and the crystal clear waters, the ponds exhibit the spectrum of the rainbow and the best time to see this is between September and Novermber. 

Jiuzhaigou Valley site was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1992 and a World Biosphere Reserve in 1997. The tourism area is classified as a AAAAA scenic area by the China National Tourism Administration. There have been 141 species of bird recorded from the site. Some 13 of these are listed including Chinese monal, snowy-cheeked laughing thrush and a subspecies of Tengmalm's owl, which is endemic to the region.

Since opening, the number of tourists has increased every year: from 5,000 in 1984 to 170,000 in 1991, 160,000 in 1995, to 200,000 in 1997, including about 3,000 foreigners. Visitors numbered 1,190,000 in 2002. As of 2004, the site averages 7,000 visits per day, with a quota of 12,000 being reportedly enforced during high season. The Town of Zhangzha at the exit of the valley and the nearby Songpan County feature an ever-increasing number of hotels, including several luxury five-stars, such as Sheraton.
 

Location

Jiuzhaigou, Sichuan Province

Main Sights

Long Sea, Five Color Pool, Grass Lake, Arrow Bamboo Lake, Panda Lake, Five Flower Lake, Pearl Shoal and Pearl Shoal Falls, Mirror Lake, Nuorilang Falls, Rhinoceros Lake, Shuzheng Village

Travel Information

Admission: 220 Yuan (1 April - 15 November), 180 Yuan (16 November - 31 March)

Opening Hours: 7:00AM - 7:00PM (1 April - 15 November), 8:00AM – 6:00PM (16 November - 31 March)

Transportation 

1. There are many flights from many major cities throughout China to Jiuzhaigou. You can take a flight to Chengdu and then take a day long bus trip through the mountainous area.

Travel Tips 

1. When you visit this Jiuzhai Valley park, you can take the bus to the last stop (primitive forest) and hike to Swan Lake. Here you can get on a bus to Arrow Bamboo Lake and hike to Shuzheng Village (Tibetan town that are full of shops). From here you can take a bus to Long Lake, walk to the Colored Pool, and gradually work your way down to Zechawa Village.

2. Bring some warm clothes even in summer. At night the temperature may be rather low due to the high altitude.
 

Tour including Visiting Jiuzhai Valley (Sichuan)

Chengdu & Jiuzhaigou Valley 6 Days Winter Tour