Jiuzhaigou Travel Guide

Notice: Jiuzhaigou Valley is reopen now. Travelers can visit the essence of Shuzheng Valley and Zechawa Valley and hike along seven scenic spots – Long Lake, Five-Color Pond,  Nuorilang Waterfall , Mirror Lake , Shuzheng Lakes, Double Dragon Lakes and […]

Notice:

Jiuzhaigou Valley is reopen now. Travelers can visit the essence of Shuzheng Valley and Zechawa Valley and hike along seven scenic spots – Long Lake, Five-Color Pond,  Nuorilang Waterfall , Mirror Lake , Shuzheng Lakes, Double Dragon Lakes and Zharu Temple. Only 2000 travelers are allowed to visit the park each day, and travelers need to register in advance with real name and identity. Feel free to make your plan now! 2) Currently there is only one flight operated between Chengdu and Jiuzhai which only flys in Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The Chengdu to Jiuzhai flight departs from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport at 22:05, and arrive at Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport at 23:05. The return flight departs from Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport at 23:50, and arrive at Chengdu at 00:55. Please contact your travel consultant to adjust your itinerary accordingly.

Basic information

Area code: 0837

Sichuan Province Tourism Bureau Quality Supervision Complaint: 028-86657308

Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area Tel: 0837-7739753

Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area Complaint Rescue Phone: 0837-7739309

Travel information 

• Jiuzhaigou District is in high-altitude area. Visitors who is the first time to the plateau may have altitude sickness reaction, try not to exercise vigorously, reduce drinking wine, smoking, etc., and add water in time. Prepare a plate of commonly used drugs such as Rhodiola, or bring a small oxygen bottle.
• The temperature difference between day and night in the plateau area is extremely big, pay attention to keeping warm and cold.
• Jiuzhaigou is located in the plateau, and the road is far away and falls. Tourists with severe hypertension, coronary heart disease, and heart disease should not go.

Safety

Western Sichuan and Northwest Sichuan have high altitude and complex road conditions, which have high requirements for vehicle performance, driver technology, and ability to adapt to the high altitude environment. If you choose to drive by yourself, remember to bring non-slip chain, and on winter ice and snow roads, you must slow down and keep your car safe.

Medical treatment

Jiuzhaigou County People’s Hospital

Address: No. 27, Shuncheng Street, Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province

Arrival method: About 200 meters walk from Yongle Bus Terminal

Tel: 0837-7732146

 

Jiuzhaigou County Tibetan Hospital

Address: Linjiang Road, Jiuzhaigou County, Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture

Tel: 0837-7733641

Destination Overview

Destination sketch

Jiuzhaigou County, original as Nanping County, is located in the western Sichuan. It is one the boundary between Sichuan Province and Gansu Province. Covering an area of ​​5,290 sq km, Jiuzhaigou County is administratively divided into 17 towns. And the world famous scenic sport Jiuzhai Valley lies in the southwest direction of Jiuzhaigou County, about 41km away from the county. The various geographical characters and various scenic types make Jiuzhai Valley as the unique site in the karst geography in the world.

Local Life

The folk customs of Jiuzhaigou are completely different from Tibet. It is because it is located in the transitional zone from the Tibetan area to the Han area and from the pastoral area to the agricultural area. Therefore, it has a heavy border culture. Around Jiuzhaigou, Tibetan and Qiang people of all ethnic groups live together in harmony.

Beliefs and taboos

The Tibetan compatriots in Jiuzhaigou believe in Ben religion. To this day, the entire Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture still holds 60 Ben temples.

Culture

Mani Stone piles

In the Jiuzhai Valley area, visitors can often see stones engraved with scriptures stacked at the entrances and exits of crossroads, There are also prayer flags on the piles. This is the “Mani stone piles” , and the Mani Stone piles is original and specific embodiment of Bon worship of the god of worship.

Pagoda

In Tibetan Buddhism, the tower is divided into two types: the Ling pagoda and the normal pagoda. The ling pagoda is one kind of burial way of living Buddha. The normal pagoda is built in monasteries and villages where the population is small. The primary colors of the pagoda must be white.

Tibetan Village House

Jiuzhaigou is named after nine Tibetan villages in valley. Jiuzhaigou, with an average elevation of 2,500 meters or so, most of the traditional buildings here are wooden structures.

Tibetan clothing

The basic characteristics of Tibetan costumes are the big waist, long sleeves, and big cheeks. Most of the festival costumes are fur-trimmed. Their colors are influenced by religious culture. White, yellow, and red are the main colors of their costumes.

Local festival

Jiuzhai Tibetan New Year Tibetan calendar January 1

On the day of the Lunar New Year, there was a very grand performance.

Mazi Festival Tibetan calendar March 15

This can be considered as an important festival in Jiuzhaigou. In this special festival in Jiuzhaigou, all the lamas need to perform chanting at Zaru Temple where the event is held. The rehearsal shows and the people around them will dress up and gather at Zaru Temple attended the ceremony.

Huanglong Temple Festuval Tibetan calendar June 15

The Tibetans and the Qiang people were very admired Huanglong who had become god by practice. Therefore, on the day that Huanglong was immortal, they held a grand temple fair. On this day, you will find that the surrounding people will come to the market. Here you can enjoy Tibetan opera, Tibetan people singing, Tibetan people wrestling and archery. 

Best Travel season

Jiuzhaigou is a beautiful place with plenty of water in summer. The autumn scenery is gorgeous and colorful. It is a suitable choice for travelers who are looking at the scenery, traveling to Jiuzhaigou in both summer and autumn.

Currency and Consumption

Consumption level

Traveling in the western Sichuan area, the biggest expense is transportation expenses. In addition, many attractions are for tickets, which should be included in the budget.

Intercity traffic

Aircraft  

Sichuan Jiuzhaihuanglong Airport,JZH

Airport bus

route

Airport – Jiuzhaigou, about 88 kilometers, one-way about 2 hours, one-way fare 45 yuan, round-trip fare 80 yuan

Airport – Huanglong, about 43 kilometers, about one-hour one-way, 22 yuan one-way fare, round-trip fare 40 yuan

Long-distance bus

The important land traffic in Jiuzhaigou is the East-West Ring Road, which is about 920 kilometers long. The West Line departs from Chengdu and passes through Dujiangyan, Wenchuan, Maoxian, Songpan to Jiuzhaigou. The distance is about 440 kilometers. The East Line departs from Chengdu and passes through Mianyang, Jiangyou, Pingwu and Jiuzhaigou counties to Jiuzhaigou. The distance is about 480 kilometers.

 

Jiuzhaigoukou Bus Station

Address: Jiuzhaigou Mizoguchi, Aba, Jiutong Sunshine Hotel Tel: 0837-7739900

 

Jiuzhaigou County Bus Station

Address: Yongfeng New District, Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Prefecture

Tel: 0837-7726030

 

Chengdu Ximen Bus Station

Address: At the mouth of Jinniu Avenue, Chengguan Road, Chengdu City, northwest of Chengdu

Tel: 028-87506610

 

Chengdu Xinnanmen Passenger Station

Address: 57 Linjiang Road, Chengdu

Tel: 028-85433609

 

Chengdu Chadianzi Bus Terminal

Address: Yangzi Overpass Bridge, Sanhuan Road, Chengdu

Tel: 028-87506610

Attractions

Jiuzhaigou

Jiuzhaigou is a narrow strip of lowland, four hundred kilometers long, in the Minshan Mountain Range in Nanping County, northeast Sichuan. It took its name because there are nine Tibetan villages in the valley. As it is a remote place with unusually charming scenery and Few inhabitants, it is often called the “wonderland on earth.” The valley, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, is covered with luxuriant primitive forests and dotted by more than a hundred lakes and ponds of various sizes. At the bottom of the clear Blue lakes, stones and waterweeds twinkle in the sun, producing a rainbow of colors. As the valley is of a terraced topography, waterfalls are created between lakes on different levels, the biggest drop being over twenty meters. The roaring sound of the falls echoes Through the valley.

The valley is home to a great variety of plants and rare animals, such as the giant panda, lesser panda, golden monkey, and antelope.

Address: Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan Province

Tickets for scenic spots: 220 yuan from April 1 to November 15 and 90 yuan from sightseeing tickets; 80 yuan from November 16 to March 31 of the following year; 80 yuan for sightseeing tickets

Shuzheng Valley line

Shuzheng Valley is a main tourist route of Jiuzhai Valley. It is about 14 kilometers (about nine miles) in length with over 40 lakes, representing 40% of all the lakes in Jiuzhaigou. The major scenic spots here are Double-Dragon Lake, Bonsai Beach, Reed Lake, Spark Lake, Tiger Lake, Shuzheng Waterfall, Rhinoceros Lake, and Nuorilang Waterfall, etc.

Reed Lake (Luwei Lake)

Reed Lake is 2,140 meters (about 7,021 feet) above the sea level and is 22 kilometers (about 14 miles) in length. There are reeds grow thickly in the lake. Clear streams wind through the reeds and aquatic birds fly above the lake. In spring and summer, the water is as verdurous as flourishing reeds, overflowing with vigor. In autumn and winter, golden reeds greet the eye everywhere. While during the florescence season, downy reed catkins joggle tenderly in the breeze, just like water waves. Egrets and widgeons sport in groups on the lake, presenting picturesque views.

Shuzheng Lakes

Shuzheng Lakes and waterfalls are at 2,215 m (7,268 ft) the lowest series of lakes in Jiuzhaigou; Spread across the valley this series of small lakes and waterfalls cascade down the lower valley and drain directly into Baishui Jiang.

The last three features are the Sleeping Dragon Lake, Reed Lake and Bonsai beach. Sleeping Dragon Lake contains a large travertine shelf that extends across the floor of the lake. Locals say it looks like a sleeping dragon and that the head and tail seem to move as the wind ripples the lake surface.

Rhinoceros Lake

Rhinoceros Lake is the largest lake in Shuzheng Valley. The story goes that in olden days, a lama came here on a rhinoceros. He was seriously ill and was on the verge of death. After he drank some water of the lake, he recovered unexpectedly! Then the lama drank the lake water day and night and was reluctant to leave. Therefore, he came into the lake riding on the rhinoceros and dwelled in the lake forever. That is why the lake is called Rhinoceros Lake. It is one of the most changeable lakes in Jiuzhaigou. Every morning the inverted images of clouds and mists are of enchanting beauty and people just cannot distinguish the sky from the lake. To the south of Rhinoceros Lake is a bridge where you can take in the beautiful scenery. To the north of the lake visitors can view Semo Mountain. Rhinoceros Lake is the only site that provides yachts for tourists to enjoy themselves, both for sport, sightseeing and life’s simple pleasures.

Rize Valley

The 18-kilometre length of the Rizao valley is the most beautiful landscape in Jiuzhaigou between the Nuorilang Waterfall and the primeval forest. The scenery here is beautiful. The scenery changes due to the changes of the four seasons. Take a coach to the virgin forest, walk from top to bottom, and finally reach the mirror sea.

Nuorilang Waterfall

The Nuorilang Falls are situated, at an altitude of 2,365 m (7,760 ft), at the junction of the Zechawa, Rize and Shuzheng valleys. Best viewed from the Shuzheng valley road the 250-m (820 ft) wide veil of water flows out of the thick shrubs and bushes of Rize Gully to drop 24 m (79 ft) into a small ravine below the road.

Pearl Shoal

Pear shoal are best viewed by taking the walkway. This takes visitors across the “Golden Bell Lake” and “Pearl Shoal” down the left side of the falls then across the base of the Falls to “Mirror Lake”. The shallow waters rush over the 160-m (525 ft) wide travertine shelf called “Pearl Shoal” creating a noisy bubbling cascade which from a distance looks like a shawl of pearls draped across the hillside. The falls have a drop height of 21 m (69 ft) and are 162 m (532 ft) wide providing a spectacular display.

Five-Flower Lake (Wuhua Lake)

The pride of Jiuzhai Valley, Five-Flower Lake lies at the end of the upper reach of Peacock River, 2,472 meters (about 8,110 feet) above the sea level and five meters (about 16 feet) in depth. Most of the colorful leaves are gathered in the lakefront and interlaced as brocades. The water that contains calcium carbonate as well as hydrophytes with different colors presents a versicolor sight, azure blue, blackish green and light yellow, etc, so it is named Five-Flower Lake. The local people say that it is a holy lake, and where there is the water, there must be flourishing flowers and trees. When looking down from the mountain, you will find that the lake with hills on three sides is just like a huge upended cucurbit pouring colorful water to the lower place.

Panda Lake    

Pandas are regarded as lucky and endearing animals. It is said that pandas in Jiuzhaigou like to drink water and play in this lake, so the lake is called Panda Lake. It is 2,587 meters (about 8,488 feet) above sea level and 14 meters (about 46 meters) in depth. The water is clear and transparent. Especially on fine days, the blue sky and white cloud are mirrored in the lake. There are inverted images of cliffs with strange textures in the lake sides and the white stones with black lines in the lake, all of them have made the Panda Lake an interesting and beautiful place.

Mirror Lake

Mirror Lake, wrapped by forests, is a narrow and long lake about 1,000 meters (1,094 yards) in length. The mountain on the opposite side is like a huge stone screen. On the right is the lower reach of Mirror Lake, abutting the Nuorilang Lake Cluster and on the left is the upper reach that joins the Mirror Lake Valley. In the rosy dawns, the lake is as smooth as a mirror and blue sky, white clouds, the mountains far away and trees nearby can all be seen reflected in the lake. What is more wonderful is that you can see the conjured images that the fish are swimming in the sky and the birds are flying in the lake! Near the lake there is a tree reaching the sky, which is tightly twisted by a long vine, just like two sweet lovers. Therefore, people gave Mirror Lake another romantic name, Love Park.

Virgin Forest

About 52% area of Jiuzhaigou Valley is covered by virgin forest and the forest at the top of Rize Valley is part of it. Seeing the luxuriantly green trees, walking on thick and soft lichens, smelling the fragrant and moist air, and listening to the sound of wind and bird-song you will find that you are coming into a new isolated world. In the lower part of the south of mountains, Chinese pines, oaks and spruces grow thickly and in the north Chinese hemlocks, maples, birches and fir trees are flourishing. In the upper part of mountains are alpine shrubs and alpine meadows.

Zechawa Valley

Zechawa Valley, 18 kilometers (about 11 miles) in length, is the longest and highest route in Jiuzhaigou.

Seasonal Lakes

There are Lower Seasonal Lake and Upper Seasonal Lake in Zechawa Valley. Lower Seasonal Lake is near Zechawa Village and has a grove of birches at the lakeside. Strawberries and other wild fruits can be found in the grove. The upper Seasonal Lake is next to Five-Colored Pond surrounded by cliffs. All the lakes have plenty of blue water due to the ample rainfall in autumn and are at a low level of green color water in spring and winter. While in the early summer, the water dries up and turns into grassland as lots of grasses grow in the riverbeds.

Five-Colored Pond (Wucai Pond)

The old Chinese legend said that there was a colorful lake, Jasper Lake, in the palace of the Queen Mother of the West. However, nobody has seen it with his own eyes. In Jiuzhai Valley you can truly appreciate the colorful lake, which is the small but exquisite Five-Colored Pond in Zechawa. The lake is 6.6 meters (about 21.7 feet) deep, 2,995 meters (about 9,826 feet) above the sea level and occupies an area of 5,645 square meters (about 6,751 square yards). On sunny days, the lake present various colors when the lake ripples, shining with red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue and purple light, as if you are in a dreamland.

Long Lake

The largest lake in Jiuzhaigou, Long Lake, is located at the end of Zechawa, covering an area of 930,000 square meters (about 230 acres). The source of Long Lake is melted snow from the mountains. Cedars all over the mountain encircle the lake. When looked at from afar, the lake is bathed in the sunshine, like the jade palace in the heaven. At the side of the lake there is an old tree, which is said to be the guardian of the lake. In winter, the lake is frozen 60 centimeters (about 24 inches) on the surface and is an ideal place for skating.

Zharu Valley

Zharu Valley is the home of tourism in Jiuzhaigou. The valley has recently been opened to a small number of tourists wishing to go hiking and camping off the beaten track. Visitors can choose from day walks and multiple day hikes, depending on their time availability. Knowledgeable guides accompany tourists through the valley, sharing their knowledge about the unique biodiversity and local culture of the national park. The Zharu Valley has 40% of all the plant species that exist in China and it is the best place to spot wildlife inside the national park.

The main hike follows the pilgrimage of the local Benbo Buddhists circumnavigating the sacred 4,528 m Zha Yi Zha Ga Mountain.

Songpan ancient town

The town as a whole consists of both an inner city and an outer city. There are five city gates in the inner city, facing north, south, east, west and southwest. There are also two city gates in the outer city. Each gate was built from vast flagstones, with its ceiling shaped in a semi circle. Stones at the base of the gates are embellished with delicate engravings.

Arrival method: Chengdu Chadianzi Bus Terminal has a shuttle bus to Songpan, ticket 88 yuan, starting at 6:00 daily

Huanglong National Park

It is located at Songpan county of Aba Qiang Autonomous Region in Sichuan Province. In 1992, Huanglong was listed in the Wold Natural Heritage Directory by UNESCO. It was named after the ancient Huanglong Temple within the area. The most amazing view in the area is the Huanglong Valley known for its featuring open karst landscape.

Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area is famed for its outstanding travertine (calcium carbonate) formations. With the virgin forest as its backdrop, the travertine scenery holds colorful ponds, beaches, lakes, springs, waterfalls, caves, etc. The travertine formations scenery is No.1 in China.

Address: Located in Huanglong Township, Songpan County, 60 kilometers away from Songpan County and 100 kilometers away from Jiuzhaigou. How to get there: Take a bus to Jiuzhaigou and get off at Chuanzhu Temple, and then change to a local bus; or take the long distance from Chengdu to Songpan. Passenger car, ticket 50 yuan; can also rent horses outside the north gate of Songpan County, 60 to 80 yuan per day, including horse riding, accommodation and guide, travel more than 40 kilometers

Tickets: 200 yuan from April 1st to November 15th, 60 yuan from November 16th to March 31st; Cableway will be 80 yuan and 40 yuan

Tel: 0837-7249166

Emergency Rescue Tel: 0837-7249006 www.huanglong.com

Yinbing Pond 

Upon entering the scenic area, a group of exquisite, crystal clear ponds will immediately catch your eyes with their unparalleled and esthetic charm. These are the Yingbin (welcoming guests) Colored Ponds. In spring, the luxuriant trees, blooming flowers, butterflies and birdsong enhance their glamour even more. From the ponds, you can see the interwoven reflection of trees, mountains, clouds and sky, which is a veritable feast to the eyes.

Shitazhenhai

Shitazhenhai is the most beautiful attraction of the whole scenic area. The calcium carbonate deposits give a myriad of different hues to the water, which is truly breath-taking.

Huanglong (Yellow Dragon) Cave

In the Yellow Dragon Cave, there are three sitting Buddha figures whose bodies are encrusted with calc-sinter crystals. In winter, ice forest, bamboo shoots and waterfalls, etc, form a magical icy scene.

Mouni Valley

It belongs to the western part of Huanglong National Scenic Reserve. After ten years of development, this unknown valley has now been listed as the World Biosphere Reserve, World Natural Heritage as well as the Green Globe 21 of UN. Its spectacular mountain scenery, large waterfall and the surrounding culture combine to create an attractive landscape.

Zhaga Waterfall

There are many colorful pools and round waterfalls in Zhaga Valley. The various sounds of waterfalls echo throughout the forest. Some fall down from the calcific steps while others pass through the woods creating an impressive spray and some misty fog.

Erdaohai Scenic Area

Erdaohai Scenic Area hides in a jungle with an area of 6800 square meters (1.68 acres). Visitors can get here by horse or on foot from the Zhaga Waterfall. The upper part of Erdaohai Lake is so limpid and clear that people can see little fishes under the water. While the lower part of it is a deep pool, it is too deep to be fathomable. Erdaohai Lake is a typical fallen lake. The color of water changes gradually from light blue to black blue as the depth increases.

Address: North of Munigou Scenic Area, Songpan County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, separated from Zhagao Waterfall by only one mountain

Opening hours: High season 7:00-19:00, off-season 8:00-17:30

Tickets: From April 1st to November 15th 70 yuan, other time 60 yuan, discounted price 50 yuan (students, active duty soldiers, the elderly, disabled persons with effective documents to implement preferential). In addition, if

Tour Zhagao Waterfall Scenic Area, you can buy 100 yuan for two scenic spots tickets (off-season 60 yuan), preferential price 70 yuan (see above for preferential conditions)

Accomodation

Hotel price here during the peak season is higher than that in the off-peak season, but not much. It costs around CNY200 for a 3/4 star hotel, while the 5 star hotel is much expensive, about CNY700-900. The price is subjected to changes according to your need. Anyway, popular hotels, hostels or inns will usually be full during the peak season.

Food  

Jiuzhaigou Tibetans mainly eat barley, corn and wheat. In the morning, They usually drink butter tea and eat zanba; At noon,they eat bacon flavour pie (something like bread); You can eat sauerkraut noodles for dinner. Drink a little barley wine after a meal.

Shopping

• Jiuzhaigou honey
• Ginseng fruit rice
• Jiuzhaigou Cordyceps

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