Jiuzhaigou is known for its beautiful scenery, clear lakes, tumbling waterfalls, lush woods, and snow-capped peaks. Mineral-rich water running through the valley makes the lakes in this area brightly colored and clear as glass—these lakes’ different shades of blue and green make for a strange and beautiful sight. Jiuzhaigou Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a wildlife reserve. It is known for having a wide range of different types of plants and animals. It is home to many plants and animals, some rare or at risk of extinction. The area is known for its old spruce, fir, birch woods, and many different forest ecosystems.

Jiuzhaigou History

The first people to live in the Jiuzhaigou area did so thousands of years ago. People from many different cultures have lived in the area, including the Tibetans and the Qiang. Before the second part of the 20th century, only some people outside Jiuzhaigou knew about its beautiful scenery. In the 1970s, a group of Chinese travellers and photographers went to the area and took pictures of how beautiful it was. These pictures interested people, leading to more people going to Jiuzhaigou and learning more about it. In 1979, the Chinese government made Jiuzhaigou an official nature reserve to protect its cultural and natural importance. In 1992, the area was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, bringing it even more worldwide attention. In August 2017, a strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0 hit Jiuzhaigou. This was very sad. The earthquake significantly damaged the area, including its buildings and some of its natural sights. Today, Jiuzhaigou is a popular place for tourists to visit. Each year, millions of people go there.

How To Get Into Jiuzhaigou

By air

The Aba Autonomous Prefecture’s Jiuhuang Airport (JZH) is 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) north of Chuanzhusi Town in Songpan County. People can fly to this airport in the usual amount of time from Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an, Guangzhou, Beijing, and Shanghai. After getting off the plane at Jiuhuang Airport, people can take shuttle buses to Huanglong Reserve and other nearby places of interest. Most of the time, the shuttle cars leave the airport at the same time as the flights.

By Bus

You can take a bus to Jiuzhaigou from Chengdu and other nearby towns. You can check the bus routes and buy your tickets ahead of time.

By Car

If you’d rather drive, you can rent a car in Chengdu and take the scenic road to Jiuzhaigou. Depending on how the streets are, the trip takes between 8 and 10 hours.

Jiuzhaigou Climate

Jiuzhaigou has a unique temperature because it is high up in the mountains and has a lot of hills. Jiuzhaigou has a temperate and mountain climate, meaning there are clear seasons and significant changes in temperature throughout the year. Here is a list of the different seasons and what makes them unique: Spring (March to May) –  Jiuzhaigou’s spring is fantastic and can be hard to predict. During this season, temperatures slowly rise, with daytime highs between 10°C and 20°C (50°F and 68°F). But it’s important to remember that spring is the rainiest time of year, with rain and sometimes snow showers. Summer (June to August) -Most people go to Jiuzhaigou in the summer when the weather is mild and pleasant. Temperatures during the day are usually between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F), while the nights tend to be less busy. This is a great time to visit if you like to be outside because the weather is usually warm and it rains less. Autumn (September to November) – Autumn is considered one of the best seasons to visit Jiuzhaigou due to its stunning fall foliage. During this time, the weather becomes more relaxed, and temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). The air is crisp, and the scenery is breathtaking, with vibrant colours. Winter (December to February) – Winter is cold and rough in Jiuzhaigou, especially at higher elevations. The average daytime temperature is between -5°C and 1ten C (23°F and 50°F). This means that the temperature can drop well below freezing. Snow falls often, and some places may be too icy to get to. But the beauty of snowy scenery is unique and peaceful.

Top Sights In Jiuzhaigou

Jiuzhaigou Valley

Jiuzhaigou comprises the “Y”-shaped Rise Valley, Shuzheng Valley, and Zechawa Valley. Shuzheng Valley is 14 km long and has more than 40 lakes. It takes about two to three hours to see the whole place. Spark Lake, Tiger Lake, Tibetan villages, and Nuorilang Waterfall are some of the most famous places to visit. After seeing the sights in Shuzheng Valley, move on to Zechawa Valley, the longest and highest of the three. You can get a quick snack or a cup of yak butter tea here, then gee the beautiful Long Lake and Five Coloured Pond (Wu Cai Chi). Your last stop will be Rize Valley, which has some of the most beautiful coloured lakes in Jiuzhai Valley, the highest waterfalls, and some of the most impressive woods in the park.

Huanglonggou Valley (Huanglong National Park)

Huanglonggou is known for its fantastic limestone beauty. Along the 7km valleys are shaped and coloured calcified ponds, caves, waterfalls, streams, stones, etc., named “Heaven Lake” and “Calcification Museum”. The Huanglonggou Valley can be seen from a trail or a cableway. From the valley gate (in the north), you can walk up to the valley’s top (in the south). The best parts of Huanglonggou Valley are the Five Colour Ponds, which are 3990m above sea level. 6Six hundred ninety-three ponds look like beautiful emeralds. They are all different sizes, shapes, and colours. You can walk downhill on another trail or take a cable car to the Travellers Centre. If you want to move calmly, the best way is to take a cable car to the top and then walk down. Most of the time, Huanglonggou Valley is best seen on tour with Jiuzhaigou Valley because it only takes a half day to see all the main sights. Since it snows a lot in Huanglonggou Valley, the cableway will be closed from November 15 to April 15 of next year.

Munigou Valley

Even though Munigou Valley is 4,070m above sea level, it has a beautiful view of colourful mountains and water. Mother Nature’s magic has made beautiful natural sights and a rich religion and ethnic culture. There are two parts to Munigou Valley: the Zhaga Waterfall and the Erdao Lakes. It has unspoiled woods, a mountain lake, a hot spring, big waterfalls made of limestone, and ponds. You will lose yourself in the beautiful scenery, which is made up of mountains, water, and trees.

Nuorilang Waterfall

The Nuorilang Waterfall is one of Jiuzhaigou’s most well-known and impressive natural sights. It is in China’s Sichuan Province, in the Zharu Valley, part of the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area. The Nuorilang Waterfall is a wide-flowing waterfall about 300 metres wide and drops about 20 metres. It is known for having a solid flow and thundering as the water crashes down. The lush greenery, tall cliffs, and colourful forests that circle the waterfall make for a beautiful scene. The Nuorilang Waterfall is a lovely place to see because of the moving water, the mist it makes, and the beautiful nature around it. People who go to Jiuzhaigou can see the Nuorilang Waterfall from various angles. Some platforms and paths give you great views of the waterfall and places to photograph it. People can enjoy the cool mist filling the air near a waterfall. The Nuorilang Waterfall is incredible when the leaves around it change colours in the autumn. This makes the area look even more beautiful. But it’s important to remember that the waterfall can look different based on the time of year and the weather. The waterfall is easy to get to in the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and is often one of the main sights on the park’s routes for tourists. Tourists often stop here to take in the awe-inspiring beauty of Jiuzhaigou and enjoy the natural beauty.

Long Lake

Long Lake, also called Chang Lake or Changhaizi, is one of the most popular places to visit in Jiuzhaigou Valley in the Chinese province of Sichuan. It is at the top of the valley, about 3,100 metres (10,170 feet) above sea level, at the highest point. The whole Jiuzhaigou Valley, which includes Long Lake, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a state nature reserve. The area is protected to protect its rare plants and animals and their unique ecosystems. Visitors are asked to treat the surroundings carefully and stay on the paths set up. Planning is essential when going to Long Lake because the high altitude can be challenging for some people. Bring warm clothes, stay hydrated, and stop if you need to so you can get used to the high air. Long Lake is a must-see spot in Jiuzhaigou Valley because it is surrounded by beautiful nature and has a calm atmosphere. It gives tourists a chance to get lost in the beauty of nature.

Zharu Valley

Zharu Valley is a beautiful place in Jiuzhaigou, in the province of Sichuan in China. It is one of the valleys in the Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve, and it has a peaceful and beautiful setting for tourists. The natural beauty of Zharu Valley is well known. The dense forests, tall mountains, and falling waterfalls that circle the valley make it a peaceful and beautiful place. The scenery in Zharu Valley is calm and beautiful because humans haven’t changed it. Zharu Valley has several hike trails that let people see its beautiful sights. The paths have different difficulty levels to suit people of varying fitness levels and tastes. Hiking in Zharu Valley is a great way to escape the people and spend time in nature.

Jiuzhaigou City Details

Jiuzhaigou is not a city but a beautiful place in China’s Sichuan Province. It is in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture. But there is a town called Zhangzha near the entrance to Jiuzhaigou National Park, the central place where tourists enter the park. Zhengzhou Town is a small town that has grown up around Jiuzhaigou to serve the tourism business there. It is primarily a place for tourists to stay while they explore the area.

• Jiuzhaigou currency: Yuan
• Jiuzhaigou Area: 720 km²
• Jiuzhaigou Population: 67,519 (2015)
• Jiuzhaigou (China)  dials Code:+86

Getting around in Jiuzhaigou

There are many ways to get around Jiuzhaigou. Here are some ways to get around the area:

• Shuttle Buses – Within the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, shuttle buses can take you from one sight or scenic place to another. These buses are the primary way tourists get around and run on set paths. They regularly go around the valley and make it easy to get around.

• Walking – Jiuzhaigou is known for its beautiful scenery; walking is a great way to take time and see the area. The different lakes, waterfalls, and sights are all connected by well-kept walking paths and boardwalks. Walking lets you get close to the beautiful scenery and enjoy the beauty of nature at your own pace.

• Electric Carts – In some parts of Jiuzhaigou, electric carts are available for transportation. These carts operate on designated routes and can take visitors from one point to another within the scenic area. They provide a convenient option, especially for those who prefer to walk only a short distance.

Jiuzhaigou Cuisine

Jiuzhaigou is in the Chinese province of Sichuan, so the food there is varied and full of the flavors and spices of the area. Here are some of Jiuzhaigou’s favorite meals and food highlights:

• Sichuan Hot Pot – Hot pot is a famous way to eat in Jiuzhaigou and all over the Sichuan province. It is made with a pot of simmering spicy broth in which meats, veggies, and tofu are cooked. Sichuan peppercorns are vital to this food because of their spicy and numbing flavors.

• Mapo Tofu – Mapo Tofu is a well-known Sichuan food known for its bold and spicy flavors. It has soft cubes of tofu cooked in a spicy sauce made from fermented black beans, chili oil, Sichuan peppercorns, and ground pork or beef. It is usually eaten with rice that has been steamed.

• Kung Pao Chicken – Kung Pao Chicken is a traditional dish from Sichuan that has become popular worldwide. It has small pieces of chicken stir-fried with peanuts, veggies, and a sweet, sour, and spicy sauce. Sichuan peppers are often added to the dish to kick it.
• Sichuan Hot and Sour Soup –  This soup is a favorite in Sichuan food. It is sour and spicy. It has tofu, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and chopped meat in a broth with vinegar, chili oil, and Sichuan peppercorns for flavor. It’s known for its bright flavors and how the heat and acidity balance each other.

Jiuzhaigou Nightlife

Jiuzhaigou is mainly known for its beautiful natural scenery and calm atmosphere, so the evening scene isn’t as exciting as in busy cities. But there are still things to do and places to go if you want to experience Jiuzhaigou at night. Here are some thoughts:

• Night Walks in Jiuzhaigou Town -Jiuzhaigou Town is the main entrance to the national park. It has a small number of tourist-friendly bars, shops, and restaurants. Evening strolls around town can be fun because you can soak up the local vibe, try some local snacks, and stop in one of the cosy bars for a drink.
• Cultural Performances – Some hotels and resorts in Jiuzhaigou put on culture shows, like dances and music shows with traditional Tibetan music and dance. These shows often show off the region’s rich cultural history and can be a fun way to spend an evening.
• Night Photography -Some hotels and resorts in Jiuzhaigou put on cultural shows, such as dances and music shows with traditional Tibetan music and dance. These shows can be a fun way to spend an evening and often show off the area’s rich cultural past.
• Night Markets -There are sometimes night markets or local fairs in Jiuzhaigou where you can look at the different stalls selling local crafts, gifts, and street food. These markets show how people live in the area and let you try some of the best fares from that area.

Approximate Budget

For a few days, a moderate budget for a trip to Jiuzhaigou could be between $600 and $1,500 per person. This would cover transportation, lodging, meals, and entry fees. But this is just a rough estimate, and the actual cost may be different depending on your tastes and how you plan to travel. Studying and planning your trip is always best to understand how much it will cost.

Conclusion

Jiuzhaigou is exciting because it has a unique mix of natural beauty, cultural history, and peace. People see its beautiful lakes, streams, and mountains topped with snow worldwide. Exploring Jiuzhaigou’s valleys, hiking trails, and beautiful spots is an excellent way for visitors to feel the stunning beauty. The bright colours of the multicoloured lakes, like Five Flower Lake and Mirror Lake, are hard to forget. In addition to its natural beauty, Jiuzhaigou is a great place to learn about Tibetan and Qiang cultures by visiting local towns, watching traditional performances, and talking to the friendly people there. This makes travel more interesting from a cultural point of view. Happy Travels!

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