- China Trip Planner
Jiuzhaigou
A fairyland tucked away in a deep valley
This is an amazing place, which seems to exist as if in a fairytale. It is a mysterious land full of natural wonders.
Deep in the valley of the Mingshan Mountain in the Aba Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan, nine Tibetan villages are hidden. Three gorges named Shuzhen, Rize, and Zechewa are perched in a Y shape; the name Jiuzhaigou means "a gorge with nine villages in scenic countryside."
Covering an area of 510 square miles (1320 square kilometres), Jiuzhaigou boasts 114 lakes, 47 springs, 18 groups of waterfall, 11 rapids, 5 calcsinter (travertine) sports centers, and 9 Tibetan villages.
There are five treasures in Jiuzhaigou. These are green lakes, tumbling waterfalls, colourful forests, snow-capped mountains - and Tibetan folklore.
The water of the lakes is green and clean all through the year. On fine days the blue sky, the white clouds, the distant mountain, and the nearby trees are reflected in the lake. Fish seem to swim in the clouds, and birds to fly in the sea. The colourful lake, a product of sunshine, seaweed, and sediment, sometimes presents numerous geometrical patterns in yellow, green, grey, red, and emerald hues. Fanciful compositions mingle, resulting in infinity of designs. Some sunlit lakes look like a burning sea in the distance while others seem to have dragons moving fast across the bottom, an illusion created by submerged calcified reefs. Overall, these are most beautiful lakes, many of them linked by torrential waterfalls.
It is fascinating to discover that all the overhanging waterfalls in Jiuzhaigou splash down from the dense forests. The Nuorilang Waterfall, the widest in the area, rushes down from Cuiyan peak like a huge silvery curtain, majestic and spectacular. Some waterfalls cast an expanse of water drops in the wake of the plunge from the high points, foggy or misty in the distance. They are called overlapped waterfalls and those in Jiuzhaigou are unique.
Jiuzhaigou has 74,000 acres (30,000 hectares) of primitive forest, home to more than 2000 species of plants. The forest changes its colours from season to season. In fall the forest presents a panoramic view. The yellow fir, the red maple, and the grey elm are dotted here and there. They are reflected in the lakes. In winter the green lakes are like sapphires against the pure and white forest.
Three gorges in the area are encircled with high mountains. Atop Gaierna Mountain there are more sinuous mountains looming in the distance, more serpentine valleys extending in the green. You may experience the illusion of floating. In addition, the snow-capped mountains shine so brightly in the sun that you may become dizzy.
Jiuzhaigou is home to Tibetans, whose culture is mixed with that of the Han, the Qiang minority, and the Hui minority nearby. Therefore, the architecture is markedly different from that of the Tibetans in western China. Its private houses feature the Han fashion of adopting elevated corners and circular gates. On the other hand, it is common to see white stones used for door and window frames, evidence of some imitation of Qiang architecture.
Nowadays, Jiuzhaigou is listed as a World Natural Heritage site and a World Human and Biological Protection Area by the United Nations.
Location
Situated in the Aba Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, Jiuzhaigou is over 250 miles (400km) away from Chengdu, the capital city.
Climate
Jiuzhaigou has frozen soil and melting snow before April. Average temperatures range from 66F to 71.6F (19C to 22C) in summer and from 44.6F to 64.4F (7C to 18C) in fall. A drastic temperature change occurs between day and night. It is very cold in winter, and its rainy season lasts from July to August.
Of Special Interest
Jiuzhaigou boasts dust-free picturesque scenery and unique Tibetan customs and culture.
Main Attractions
Wucaichi Lake, the overlapped waterfalls, Nuorilang Waterfalls, Heye village, the colourful primitive forests, and the floating icebergs.
- 24/7 Live Chat Support
-
Besides issuing invitation letter to visitors, China Guide also helps reserve hotel rooms for all guests. Since there is a strong demand for accommodation during the fair, the local hotels often risk an incredible high room rate despite government pricing regulations. Don’t get ripped off by the inflated hotel rate, consult with us now for the proper hotel rate.
- Got a question