Never see water again after returning from Jiuzhaigou? How to deeply appreciate it?

This super comprehensive Jiuzhaigou travel guide is all you need! Jiuzhaigou, a place known as "paradise on earth" and "fairy tale world," boasts colorful waterscapes and rich natural ecological resources. It is China's first nature reserve with the primary purpose of protecting natural scenery. This guide will help you navigate Jiuzhaigou. ❤️1. Best Time to Visit Jiuzhaigou offers different scenery in each season, each with its unique beauty: ❤️- Spring (March - May): Temperatures are relatively low and fluctuate greatly, averaging between 9 - 18°C. Ice and snow begin to melt, and peach blossoms bloom brilliantly. There are relatively fewer tourists during this time, and hotel and ticket prices are more affordable, making it suitable for budget-conscious travelers. Remember to bring heavy coats and padded jackets. ❤️- Summer (June - August): With an average temperature of around 20°C, it's an excellent summer retreat. The water levels are high, perfectly embodying the saying, "Never see water again after returning from Jiuzhaigou." This is the peak tourist season, with 30,000 - 40,000 visitors daily. Hotel and dining prices will increase. Dresses and short sleeves are suitable, but be prepared for significant temperature differences between day and night with a light jacket. ❤️- Autumn (September - November): This is the most colorful season in Jiuzhaigou, with vibrant hues covering the mountains and plains. Mid-to-late October is generally considered the best time for viewing the colorful forests. Temperatures are around 15°C, so wear jackets and windbreakers. ❤️- Winter (December - February): The main attraction is the snow scenery, resembling a winter wonderland. It's also the coldest time, so be sure to bring down jackets and padded jackets. ❤️2. Transportation Guide - External Transportation: 🛫- Airplane: Fly to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport, about 88 km from Jiuzhaigou. There are flights to and from cities like Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi'an, and Beijing. After landing, take the airport bus to Jiuzhaigou, which takes about 1.5 - 2 hrs. 🚅- High-speed Rail: Take the high-speed train from Chengdu East Station to Huanglong Jiuzhaigou Station, then transfer to a shuttle bus for a two-hour ride to Jiuzhaigou. This is a more convenient option. 🚗- Long-distance Bus: There are daily buses from Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station and Chadianzi Bus Station to Jiuzhaigou, taking about 7 - 8 hrs. - Self-driving is not recommended. The drive from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou takes 7 hrs, with many curves and narrow roads. - Internal Transportation: - Sightseeing Bus: Once inside the scenic area, take the sightseeing bus, which stops at various attractions. Visitors can hop on and off at any stop. Bus tickets are included in the entrance ticket, making it very convenient. - Walking: The scenic area has a well-developed boardwalk system. You can choose to walk between some attractions for a closer look at the scenery, such as around Shuzheng Lakes, Five Flower Lake, and other spots. ❤️3. Ticket Information The ticket price includes entrance and bus fare. During peak season (April 1 to November 15), the ticket is 169 yuan/person and the bus fare is 90 yuan/person. During the off-season (November 16 to March 31), the ticket is 80 yuan/person and the bus fare is 80 yuan/person. Special groups enjoy discounted or free tickets according to national policies (excluding sightseeing bus tickets). ❤️4. Recommended Itinerary The scenic area consists of four valleys: Rize, Shuzheng, Zechawa, and Zaru. The recommended visiting time is one day, for 6 - 8 hrs. Entry stops after 2 pm. Consider the following route: 1. Morning: Upon entering, take the bus directly to the primeval forest in Rize Valley, a natural oxygen bar with fresh air. Then, visit Arrow Bamboo Lake and Panda Lake. Arrow Bamboo Lake's clear water complements the surrounding mountains and forests. Panda Lake is said to be frequented by pandas; with luck, you might spot one. Next, arrive at Five Flower Lake, known as the "essence of Jiuzhaigou" and "a wonder of Jiuzhaigou." Overlooking the lake from the highest point, Tiger Rock, offers a panoramic view. This is one of the best photo spots in Jiuzhaigou, with the lake's water displaying a mesmerizing array of colors. Finally, reach Mirror Lake, where the water reflects the sky, mountains, and trees perfectly, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene. 2. Noon: Arrive at Nuorilang Tourist Center. There's only one restaurant inside, Nuorilang Restaurant, which is quite expensive. You can bring your own snacks but avoid carrying too much to prevent burdening yourself. 3. Afternoon: Take the bus to Long Lake in Zechawa Valley. Long Lake is the highest and widest lake in Jiuzhaigou, with dark blue water reflecting the distant snow-capped mountains, creating a magnificent view. Next, visit Five Color Pond, the smallest but most colorful lake in Jiuzhaigou. Under the sunlight, the water displays a dazzling array of colors. Afterward, take the bus back to Nuorilang and walk down Shuzheng Valley, visiting Shuzheng Lakes, Rhinoceros Lake, and other attractions before exiting the scenic area. Shuzheng Lakes consist of twenty to thirty terraced lakes, resembling a natural painting. Rhinoceros Lake has deep, serene water and is named after a legend of a rhinoceros that once cultivated here. ❤️5. Accommodation Recommendations - Near the Entrance: It's recommended to stay near the entrance for convenient access to food, entertainment, and the Jiuzhaigou entrance. - Not Recommended: Avoid staying in Jiuzhaigou County, which is 40 km from the scenic area and inconvenient. Staying inside the scenic area is prohibited and subject to fines. ❤️6. Food Guide - Local Specialties: - Yak Beef Hot Pot: Fresh yak beef simmered with various mushrooms, offering a delicious and nutritious meal. Available in many Tibetan restaurants. - Potato Cakes: Steamed potatoes mashed and mixed with seasonings, resulting in a soft and unique flavor. - Barley Cakes: Baked with barley flour, these cakes have a rich aroma and are a traditional staple food of Tibetans. They are crispy and delicious. - Cold Walnut Flowers: Walnut flowers are nutritious and refreshing when served cold, a unique wild vegetable dish. - Yogurt: The local yogurt is quite sour but tasty. Mixed with honey, sugar, and nuts, it becomes a sweet and sour treat with a rich texture, perfect for cleansing the palate. ❤️7. Important Notes 1. Jiuzhaigou is at a high altitude, and some people may experience altitude sickness. Take precautions, such as taking altitude sickness medication in advance and avoiding strenuous activities. 2. Smoking is strictly prohibited in the scenic area. Protect the environment and do not litter. 3. Respect local religious beliefs and customs. Tibetans strictly abstain from eating donkey, horse, and dog meat, and some areas also avoid fish. In more formal toasting occasions, guests should dip their ring finger in the wine and flick it towards the sky three times to honor the heavens, earth, and ancestors. Then, take a small sip, and the host will refill the glass. Repeat this twice more. On the fourth refill, the guest must drink the entire glass. 4. Do not trust strangers at the entrance offering discounted tickets to avoid scams. 5. Bring sufficient power banks, as taking photos of the numerous scenic spots consumes a lot of battery power. If you have photography needs, bring appropriate equipment and accessories. 6. Those prone to motion sickness should prepare motion sickness medication, as both long-distance buses and sightseeing buses within the scenic area can be bumpy. 📍Detailed Address: Jiuzhaigou is located in Zhangzha Town, Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, in the southern section of the Minshan Mountains in northwestern Sichuan Province, China.