Explore the Stunning Beauty of Jiuzhaigou National Park
Introduction to Jiuzhaigou National Park
Jiuzhaigou National Park, renowned as a “Fairyland on Earth” and “Jiuzhaigou Valley,” is located in the northwest of Sichuan Province, China, within the Jiuzhaigou County of the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture. The park spans longitudes 103°46′ to 104°4′ and latitudes 32°51′ to 33°19′, and is situated at the northern foot of the Garna Peak in the southern section of the Minshan Mountain Range. It serves as a tributary source for the Jialing River, part of the Yangtze River system. The park covers an area with an altitude ranging from 2,000 to 4,300 meters above sea level and is 435 kilometers away from Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan Province.
*Colorful pools
*Autumn in Jiuzhai
Jiuzhaigou National Park features four main scenic routes: Shuzheng, Rize, Zechawa, and Zaru, stretching over 60 kilometers. The landscapes are spread across six main scenic areas: Shuzheng, Nuorilang, Jianyan, Changhai, Zaru, and Tianhai. The park is famous for its unique “three valleys and 118 lakes,” along with five terraces, twelve waterfalls, ten streams, and dozens of springs, which together create a spectacular alpine valley landscape. Notable attractions include Sword Suspension Spring, Fangcao Lake, Swan Lake, Arrow Bamboo Lake, Panda Lake, High Waterfall, Five-Flower Lake, Pearl Shoal Waterfall, Mirror Lake, Nuorilang Waterfall, Rhinoceros Lake, Shuzheng Waterfall, Shuzheng Lakes, Wolong Lake, Sparkling Lake, Reed Lake, Liujing Beach, Long Lake, Multicolored Pool, and Upper and Lower Seasonal Lakes.
In addition to its breathtaking natural beauty, Jiuzhaigou National Park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare species such as the giant panda. The park is characterized by its dense primeval forests, snow-capped peaks, and Tibetan cultural elements like wooden houses, prayer flags, plank bridges, water mills, traditional customs, and myths, making it truly a “beautiful fairyland.”
Internal Attractions
Three Valleys of Jiuzhaigou: Rize Valley, Shuzheng Valley, and Zechawa Valley.
- Rize Valley: Home to pristine forests, Grassy Lake, Swan Lake, Arrow Bamboo Lake, Panda Lake, Five-Flower Lake, Peacock River Channel, Pearl Shoal Waterfall, Quiet Lake, Nuorilang Lakes, and Nuorilang Waterfall.
- Shuzheng Valley: Includes Rhinoceros Lake, Tiger Lake, Shuzheng Waterfall, Shuzheng Lakes, Wolong Lake, Sparkling Lake, Reed Lake, and Bonsai Beach, as well as Zaru Monastery.
- Zechawa Valley: Features Zezawa Village, Lower Seasonal Lake, Upper Seasonal Lake, Multicolored Pool, and Long Lake.
*crystal clear water in the valley.
*A peaceful stream in the valley.
Historical Background
Jiuzhaigou, named after the nine Tibetan villages within the valleys, is also known as “He Yao Nine Villages.” The language, attire, and customs of the local Tibetans differ significantly from those in neighboring areas. According to historical records, their ancestors originally lived in Maqu County, Gansu Province, part of a powerful tribe at the foot of the Anyi Qing Mountains. They migrated to the Bailong River area during the Eastern campaign of Songtsen Gampo, as documented in the Tangshu Tubo Biography. During the early Tang Dynasty, the brave and skillful warriors of the Hequ tribe served as the vanguard in the campaign, occupying Songzhou (present-day Songpan). Some of these warriors settled under the Gonggang Ridge and brought with them the legends and traditions of the Erlo Goddess Mountain and the tribe’s origins to Jiuzhaigou. The name of Se Mo Mountain and the legends of Ero Se Mo in Jiuzhaigou originate from Hequ.
The Tibetan inhabitants of Jiuzhaigou have a proud history. In August 1841, when the British army attacked the coasts of Fujian and Zhejiang, the Daoguang Emperor ordered the deployment of soldiers to recapture the lost territory. A group of Tibetan troops from 58 villages in Jinchuan and Songzhou arrived at the Jiangzhe frontline in 1842. They reached their designated location ahead of schedule but were ambushed by the British forces. Despite heavy losses, they fought bravely, earning the respect and fear of the British. British officer Bingham once described these Tibetan warriors as “tall and strong men” who were “determined to either win or die.”
Best Time to Visit & Ticket Information
Jiuzhaigou National Park is open to visitors year-round, with autumn being the most popular season. In the past, winter was considered an unsuitable time for visiting the park, but with the opening of the Chengdu-Jiuzhaigou tourist highway, the winter beauty of Jiuzhaigou was discovered. Since the introduction of winter tours in 1998, the number of visitors has been increasing each year, especially during the Spring Festival, when it’s necessary to book accommodations in advance.
The park can be toured in one day or extended to two days, but each entry requires an additional ticket and sightseeing bus fee. If you stay in a local Tibetan guesthouse within the park, you don’t need to purchase an extra ticket, but accommodations are quite basic. Ticket prices are 300 RMB (including sightseeing bus fee) in spring, summer, and autumn, and 150 RMB in winter. The sightseeing bus ticket is valid for one entry, and once you exit the park, it becomes invalid. Insurance costs 3 RMB.
*special hotel in Jiuzhaigou valley
Shuzheng Scenic Area
Shuzheng Lakes: The Shuzheng Lakes area is the gateway to the beautiful landscapes of Jiuzhaigou, spanning 13.8 kilometers and containing over 40 lakes, accounting for about 40% of the park’s lakes. The lakes, like sparkling mirrors, cascade along a five-to-six-kilometer stretch. The crystal-clear waters, reflecting the surrounding lush greenery, create a stunning view that changes with the light and seasons. A poem by contemporary poet Xiao Cao vividly describes Jiuzhaigou: “Snow-capped peaks stretch far and wide, waterfalls rush between pines, vibrant forests delight the eye, while colorful ponds rise high. Fish swim among the moon and clouds, people wander along the shallow seas. Is it the move of Mount Penglai? Suddenly Jiuzhai is known to the world.”
The most stunning feature is the “Crystal Palace” at the lower end of the Shuzheng Lakes: a vast expanse of water, up to 40-50 meters deep. At about ten meters below the surface, there is a milky-yellow calcium carbonate dyke, resembling a dragon lying at the bottom of the lake. When the mountain wind ripples the water, the “dragon” seems to writhe and twist, ready to leap into the sky.
Sparkling Lake: At an elevation of 2,187 meters and 9 meters deep, Sparkling Lake lies between Double Dragon Lake and Wolong Lake. Surrounded by dense forests, the lake’s tranquil, sapphire waters are like a crystal-clear emerald. During early morning, the sun’s rays refract on the water, creating the illusion of countless flames dancing on the surface, hence the name Sparkling Lake.
Wolong Lake: Wolong Lake is a perfect example of a blue lake, with a strikingly deep blue color that captivates the viewer. The lake is still and serene, resembling a smooth, flawless, and translucent sapphire. At the lake’s bottom is a milky-yellow calcium carbonate deposit, shaped like a dragon resting underwater. According to legend, in ancient times, a black dragon from the Heishui River demanded 99 days of offerings from the people of Jiuzhai each year to bring rain.
A white dragon from the Bailong River, moved by the people’s plight, tried to bring water to Jiuzhai but was blocked by the black dragon. The two dragons fought fiercely, and the white dragon, exhausted, sank into the lake, while the mountain god subdued the black dragon. The white dragon, unable to return to the Bailong River, eventually transformed into a yellow dragon lying at the bottom of the lake. The lake was thus named “Wolong Lake” in memory of the white dragon.
Rhinoceros Lake: Rhinoceros Lake is about 2 kilometers long, 18 meters deep, and located at an altitude of 2,400 meters, making it the largest lake in Shuzheng Valley. A plank bridge connects the southern end to the opposite shore. Rhinoceros Lake is known for its ever-changing scenery, with reflections that are unparalleled in Jiuzhaigou. The early morning mist, reflecting the clouds and fog, creates a surreal scene that blurs the line between the sky and the water. The vibrant colors of the surrounding foliage further enhance the beauty of the lake, making it a place where visitors linger, enchanted by its charm.
According to legend, a gravely ill Tibetan lama once rode a rhinoceros to the lake. After drinking the water, he miraculously recovered. The lama became so attached to the lake that he refused to leave and ultimately rode his rhinoceros into the water, where they settled forever. Hence, the lake was named Rhinoceros Lake.
Shuanglong Lake is located above Luwei Lake and below the Huohua Lake Waterfall Cluster. Through the crystal-clear water, you can faintly see two belt-like biological tufa ridges lurking on the lakebed, resembling two flood dragons hiding in the depths, undulating gently as if they are about to soar into the sky and disappear into the vast heavens.
Perhaps it is due to the flood dragons’ enlightenment and the subsequent tranquility of the lake that many beautiful swans and affectionate mandarin ducks often make a temporary home here. If you’re fortunate, you may witness the delightful scene of wild ducks swimming in groups and swans soaring gracefully, adding to the joy of the visit.
*a wooden house in Jiuzhaigou national park.
*Peaceful lake with gentle breeze in Jiuzhaigou Valley.
Shuzheng Group Lakes
The Shuzheng Group Lakes are composed of 20 to 30 terraced lakes of varying sizes, stretching for several miles and cascading down nearly 100 meters in elevation. Verdant cypress, pine, and fir trees densely surround the lakes. The waters flow over the dikes from the upstream, winding through the forests before tumbling into the next level of lakes, forming layered waterfalls that create silver sprays as they rush noisily downstream. These waterfalls and rapids connect the lakes within Shuzheng, separating movement from stillness. The lakes not only vary in height but also in color. The trees are vividly green, the lakes are richly blue, and the waterfalls and sprays are a pristine white. The most captivating sight is the blend of vibrant greens and blues, creating a scene of exceptional beauty.
Shuzheng Waterfall
Shuzheng Waterfall is formed by the connected cascades of numerous terraced lakes. The water rushes down with great force, its momentum creating a series of circular patterns as it flows into a deep gorge, resembling an army of thousands of horses, drumming and waving banners, roaring like thunder. On the dikes above the terraced lakes, various shrubs unique to the plateau stand tall, their roots firmly embedded in the lakebed. Despite being constantly battered by the flowing waters, they remain upright, their roots intact, forming a unique plant community and a rare natural spectacle: clear water flows through the forest, spills over the dikes, and tumbles down the layered waterfalls, resembling shattered jade and flying flowers!
The seabuckthorn and willows along the riverbank have deep roots anchored in the crevices of carbonate rocks, with many long red fibrous roots over a meter long. The flowing water combs them together, resembling a large red ponytail. These red roots sway with the current, rising and falling, looking like red agate flowing within the transparent jade waters. Looking up to the sky, watching the clouds, listening to the wind, one sees vast expanses of pink buckwheat flowers along the shore, tiered Tibetan homes, and herds of cattle and sheep coming and going at dawn and dusk. Smoke curls up from the chimneys, dogs bark in the distance… Everything about Shuzheng Waterfall seems serene, tranquil, and idyllic, yet it’s also full of vitality, evoking a sense of enchantment and wonder!
Rize Scenic Area
The Rize Scenic Area comprises the lower part of Rize Valley, including Nuorilang Waterfall, Nuorilang Group Lakes, Mirror Lake, Pearl Shoal, Five-Flower Lake, Panda Lake Waterfall, Panda Lake, and Arrow Bamboo Lake. It represents the essence of Jiuzhaigou’s beauty.
Mirror Lake
Leaving Pearl Shoal and descending along the winding mountain road, you arrive at a vast valley. The valley is open, with abundant vegetation, and a small stream meanders through the middle, flowing into Mirror Lake downstream. There are a few households by the stream, like a hidden paradise. Majestic peaks rise on both sides of the valley, and in autumn, the colors paint the forest as if a divine brush has freely splashed crimson, peach pink, dark purple, ink green, emerald, and pale yellow across the mountains.
Mirror Lake lies downstream in the open valley, stretching over a kilometer in length and surrounded by trees. The cliffs across the lake resemble a giant stone screen. To the right is the lower part of Mirror Lake, adjacent to the Nuorilang Group Lakes; to the left is the upper part of the lake, connecting with the valley. The reflections in Mirror Lake are unparalleled in Jiuzhaigou. It is like a mirror, perfectly replicating the scenery above it onto the water below. Visitors to Jiuzhaigou are always amazed by the lake’s lifelike reflections.
Golden Bell Lake
Golden Bell Lake, at an elevation of 2,435 meters, consists of a large and a small lake closely connected, named for their resemblance to bronze bells. Viewed from above, the lake water is a striking indigo, a vivid and eye-catching hue of “green from blue.” The lake shores are lush with dense foliage, highlighting the exquisite beauty of the bell-shaped lakes, making them seem to resonate with a clear and crisp sound, even without being struck.
Five-Flower Lake
Revered as the “unique beauty of Jiuzhaigou” and the “essence of Jiuzhaigou,” Five-Flower pond is located at the upper reaches of the Peacock River in Rize Valley. It is hailed as one of the world’s ten most beautiful lakes.
Following the boardwalk through the tranquil forest, you descend towards Five-Flower Lake. Skirting around the western side of the lake, there’s a segment of the boardwalk that’s an ideal vantage point for appreciating the water’s reflections and autumn colors. Visitors can pause here to take in the view. Continuing north along the boardwalk, you reach the northern shore of Five-Flower Lake. Emerging from the forest and turning right along the lake’s northern shore, you arrive at a gentle, open slope, soon reaching the end of the boardwalk.
*Five color ponds of Jiuzhaigou valley.
*Five color ponds of Jiuzhaigou valley.
This is where the lake flows into the Peacock River, with a boardwalk bridge built over it. The southern side of the lake resembles peacock feathers, while the northern side, with its meandering bends and three ancient trees adorned with flower crests, resembles a peacock’s head and neck. Hence, this section below is called the Peacock River. Following the river’s left bank north for about a hundred meters, crossing the river, and climbing up to the mountain road, you can look down on Five-Flower Lake from the road, where the view is even more breathtaking. Continuing southeast along the mountain road, you will reach the highest point on the southeast side of the lake, where a large stone, known as Tiger Rock, offers a panoramic view of Five-Flower Lake.
Arrow Bamboo Lake
Arrow Bamboo Lake, at an elevation of 2,618 meters, has a depth of 6 meters and covers an area of 170,000 square meters. Surrounded by lush arrow bamboo and towering fir trees, the lake is still full of life even in the harsh winter.
Arrow bamboo, a favorite food of giant pandas, grows abundantly around the lake, making this the lake’s most distinctive feature and its namesake. The lake’s surface is broad and elongated, with a deep blue color. The reflections are so vivid that one can’t tell if the mountains are in the water or if the water has engulfed the mountains.
Panda Lake
Panda Lake, at an elevation of 2,587 meters and a depth of 14 meters, is located not far downhill from Arrow Bamboo Lake. The giant panda is considered an auspicious creature, beloved by the Tibetan people of Jiuzhaigou. It’s said that Jiuzhaigou’s pandas love to wander here, drink water, and forage for food, which is why this lake is called Panda Lake.
The waters of Panda Lake are crystal clear, reflecting the surroundings as distinctly as Arrow Bamboo Lake. Especially on sunny days, the lake is filled with reflections of blue sky, white clouds, and layered forests. Peaks stand quietly around the lake, their reflections mirrored in the water, creating a dreamlike scene.
The rock walls along the shore have unique textures that, when reflected in the lake, blend with the naturally occurring round white stones adorned with black patterns resembling panda markings, forming an interesting visual harmony.
Pearl Shoal
The Pearl Shoal Waterfall is 200 meters wide, with a maximum drop of 40 meters. It is imposing and majestic. The waterfall crashes into the valley below with a roar like thunder, raising countless waves as it rushes eastward. This swift flow, with its emerald-green, white-tinged waters, is the most beautiful, powerful, and resonant stretch of rapids in all of Jiuzhaigou. The boardwalk to the left of the rapids offers the best view of this wild, jade-colored torrent.
Walking along the boardwalk, accompanied by the rushing water, you continue eastward until you reach the eastern side of Pearl Shoal. The slope here is even steeper, with a more uneven surface, and the rushing water leaps and bounds with an even more spectacular sight.
Nuorilang Waterfall
Arriving at Nuorilang Waterfall signifies reaching the heart of Jiuzhaigou’s breathtaking scenery. The way Nuorilang Waterfall welcomes visitors is the most spectacular and enthusiastic. As you wander through the winding paths, captivated by the surrounding beauty, the roar of Nuorilang ahead announces itself. It sprinkles water mist and casts a rainbow, passionately welcoming guests from afar. Oh! The waterfall, over 20 meters high and more than 300 meters wide, majestically tumbles over the 2,365-meter-high tufa dike, cascading down. Countless water droplets form a wide silver screen before you—a stunning sight from any angle.
In spring, as the snow melts and ice thaws, the clear snowmelt trickles down the melting ice, playing the first chords of spring. In summer, the torrents rush, the stream surges, and the river roars as it rushes through the crevices, thickets, ravines, and forests, gathering all its energy and beating the drum of life. In autumn, the mountains are green and the waters clear, with the first frost gently settling. The colorful leaves, carried by the gentle current, float leisurely on the water, red maples, yellow linden leaves, deep orange smoketree, and crimson acacia leaves—don’t flow away, don’t flow away.
In the heart of winter, as all sounds fade into silence, the Nuorilang Waterfall freezes into a majestic display of icicles, ice cascades, and snow mushrooms—a natural pause in time. Yet, the soft murmur of melting snow is the heartbeat of Nuorilang, a testament to its ceaseless vitality. The waters of Nuorilang originate from Mirror Lake.
Changhai Scenic Area
This area is composed of the Five-Colored Pool, the upper section of Zechawa, and the three seasonal seas: Upper, Middle, and Lower. Changhai is the largest and deepest lake in Jiuzhaigou, stretching approximately 8 kilometers in length and 4.4 kilometers at its widest point. With an elevation exceeding 3,000 meters, it is the highest lake in Jiuzhaigou.
The lake’s vast surface has no visible outlet, yet during the torrential rains of summer and autumn, it never overflows. In the dry spells of winter and spring, it never dries up—a mystery of nature! At the far end of Changhai, snow-clad peaks soar high, linked to the main ridges of the Minshan Mountains, towering at altitudes of 4,000 to 5,000 meters. The surrounding verdant mountains and emerald waters amplify the lake’s crystal clarity.
Long-necked water ducks often inhabit its surface, gliding freely, seemingly playing with the visitors. In spring and autumn, Changhai’s beauty is unparalleled: a world of glass, reflecting springtime snow-capped peaks encircled by blooming flowers, and the vibrant hues of autumn framed by layers of crimson and yellow foliage. Come winter, the lake transforms into a frozen wonderland, its icy surface reaching up to 60 centimeters thick, strong enough to bear the weight of vehicles.
Five-Colored Pool
Descending 1 kilometer from Changhai lies the Five-Colored Pool. Nestled 3,000 meters above sea level, it is hidden in a deep valley below the highway. At 2,995 meters in elevation and 6.6 meters deep, the Five-Colored Pool may be the smallest among Jiuzhaigou’s numerous bodies of water, but its colors rival the famed Five-Flower Lake. Its waters are exceptionally clear, revealing the intricate rock patterns at the bottom. Due to the different hues of sediment and surrounding vegetation, the lake’s surface bursts into a dazzling array of colors.
Baojing Cliff
Located in the lower section of Shuzheng Valley, key attractions include Zaru Monastery (Bon religion), Bonsai Lake, and Reed Lake. Zaru Valley is home to Baojing Cliff, a massive stone wall standing tall like a giant screen. Known also as the Demon Cliff, legend has it that this stone wall was erected by Zaiyizaga, the guardian deity of Jiuzhaigou’s mountains, to suppress a demon that tormented the people, ensuring it would never rise again.
Reed Lake
At an elevation of 2,140 meters and stretching 2.2 kilometers long, Reed Lake is a semi-swamp lake. Reeds grow densely amidst crystal-clear waters, where waterbirds soar and a meandering stream weaves through the lush greenery. The sea of reeds sways gently in the breeze, creating a soft rustling that soothes the soul. In spring and summer, the clear waters and green reeds blend seamlessly into a verdant paradise; in autumn and winter, the reeds turn golden, a striking contrast against the greenery, a masterpiece painted by nature.
Zaru Monastery
Situated halfway along Zaru Horse Path, this is the largest and most renowned Lamaist temple near Jiuzhaigou. Established in the late Ming Dynasty, it was renovated in 1860 and 1892. The monastery consists of six sections: the main hall, scripture library, music platform, tea house, and guest pavilion, all adorned with colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Every year, on the 15th day of the third lunar month, locals celebrate the grandest temple fair during the Mazi Festival, where people gather to worship, drink tea, sing, and dance with unbridled joy.
*Peaceful Zaru Monastery in Jiuzhaigou valley.
Zaru Horse Path
The Zaru Bridge, spanning a winding stream, marks the boundary between the mountain road and Zaru Horse Path. Built entirely from timber, it is a small, rustic bridge with wooden columns and a wooden pavilion. This is the starting point of Zaru Horse Path, an ideal trail for visitors to explore on horseback, with Tibetan pastoral landscapes unfolding like a poetic painting. On the 15th day of every lunar month, nearby Tibetans come to Zaiyizaga Mountain to offer prayers, making this path a lively, bustling scene.
Zaiyizaga Sacred Mountain
Standing at 4,400 meters, Zaiyizaga is revered as the ruler of all mountains. On the 15th day of every lunar month, and during the Mazi Festival in the third lunar month, pilgrims gather here, some on horseback, some on foot, circling the sacred mountain in a counterclockwise direction, praying for blessings. Nearby, scenic spots include Zaru Waterfall and Red Pool. Zaru Waterfall cascades down from the dense forest midway up the mountain, forming four layers of waterfalls intercepted by four terraces—a sacred water source for the Tibetans. Red Pool, so named for the red-colored soil of the surrounding hills, is a sacred site nestled beneath a mountain ridge along the pilgrimage path.
*Zaiyizaga Sacred Mountain in Jiuzhaigou national park.
Primeval Forest
Situated in the upper reaches of Rize Valley, the primeval forest is a sanctuary of towering trees, vibrant with the scents of pine and the whispers of nature. The tranquility here, coupled with the murmurs of a hidden spring, creates an otherworldly ambiance. As you tread softly on the carpet of moss and fallen leaves, with the fragrance of the forest and the rustling of leaves in the wind, you feel transported to a realm of pristine purity.
Grass Sea
At an altitude of 2,910 meters, Grass Sea is named after the lush grasses adorning its long lake surface. This serene, tranquil place, where grasses and reflections intertwine, is occasionally visited by waterbirds gliding gracefully through the still waters. Spring brings a carpet of green, summer blooms into a vibrant tapestry, autumn paints the scene in hues of gold, and winter covers it in a crystalline white. Visiting in the rainy season offers a unique charm, with the sea of grass shrouded in a gentle mist.
Swan Lake
Swan Lake is a unique gem among Jiuzhaigou’s many lakes. Connected to the lower reaches of Grass Sea, this semi-swamp lake features a vast shallow area covered in lush grass, with a clear stream flowing gently through the green expanse. Resting quietly in a secluded valley, Swan Lake shimmers under the azure sky, surrounded by verdant forests and blooming flowers. Its abundant water plants attract graceful swans, who often nest and raise their young here. When they are present, the swans glide serenely across the water, a sight that gave the lake its name. However, these migratory birds are not always visible to visitors, making a glimpse of them a rare and precious encounter.
Jianyan Cliff Spring
Jianyan, a solitary peak rising over 500 meters, pierces the sky like a sword. From the primeval forest, you can see a stream of water cascading down its side, falling from a height of over 130 meters—a breathtaking white ribbon known as the Hanging Spring. According to legend, these are the tears shed by the goddess Se Mo, in her search for the god Dage.
*Jianyan cliff spring
Primeval Forest
Jiuzhaigou’s extensive primeval forest is home to some of the most pristine landscapes in the region. Located at the very end of Rize Valley, this forest is a sanctuary of tall trees, dense underbrush, and rich biodiversity. Walking through it, you tread softly on a thick layer of moss and fallen leaves, surrounded by the fragrance of pine and the tranquil sounds of nature. This is a place where time seems to stand still, offering a glimpse into a world untouched and pure.