Stepping into Jiuzhaigou felt like walking into a dream—turquoise lakes so clear they looked like glass, waterfalls cascading from forested cliffs, and colors that didn’t seem real. In this Jiuzhaigou Guide, we’ll take you through the must-see spots inside the park and share how we explored this stunning natural wonder over two days. If you’re planning your visit and wondering what to focus on once you’re inside, this guide is for you.
Date visited: Mar-2025
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Jiuzhaigou: A Dreamlike Wonderland in Sichuan
Located in northern Sichuan Province, Jiuzhaigou National Park is one of China’s most iconic natural treasures and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The name “Jiuzhaigou” means “Valley of Nine Villages,” referencing the nine Tibetan villages scattered throughout the area.
What makes the park truly special is its otherworldly scenery—vibrant turquoise lakes, multi-level waterfalls, colorful alpine forests, and dramatic mountain peaks. It’s a place where nature feels untouched and magical, attracting millions of visitors each year who come to witness its surreal beauty in every season.
Brief History of Jiuzhaigou Tourism
Jiuzhaigou was officially opened to tourism in the early 1980s, and its reputation quickly grew both within China and internationally. It gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1992 and was later designated a World Biosphere Reserve in 1997. With the development of tourism infrastructure—including eco-friendly shuttle buses and clearly marked boardwalks—the park has become a model for sustainable tourism in China.
Despite being hit by major earthquakes in 2008 and again in 2017, Jiuzhaigou has bounced back with extensive restoration efforts, and many of its most famous spots are now open to visitors once again.
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Jiuzhaigou Guide: Layout and Transport System of the Park
To explore the park efficiently, it’s important to understand its layout and transport system. This guide will help you navigate the park easily and make the most of your visit.
Layout of the Park
Jiuzhaigou is composed of three valleys arranged in a Y shape. The Rize (日则沟) and Zechawa (则查洼沟) valleys (both at higher altitude) make up the right and left forks of the Y, respectively.
These two valleys then meet at the center, forming Shuzheng Valley (树正沟) (bottom of the Y). The main tourist amenity centre of the park sits at this junction (near Nuorilang Waterfall) where the two higher valleys meet.
The main entrance/exit to the park is at the base of the Y, in Shuzheng Valley, which is the lowest altitude point in the park. Visitors arrive here and can either start their journey by heading to the end of Rize or Zechawa Valley, depending on crowd conditions.
- Rize Valley (日则沟): Right fork of the Y
- Zechawa Valley (则查洼沟): Left fork of the Y
- Shuzheng Valley (树正沟): Bottom of the Y
Transportation within the Park
All transport inside Jiuzhaigou is by official park shuttle buses. The park has 55km of road connecting the main sights in the three valleys. Shuttle buses run frequently and stop at key locations throughout the park. In addition to the shuttle buses, there are wooden boardwalks connecting the scenic spots.
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Purchasing Tickets and Park Fees
Tickets to Jiuzhaigou National Park must be purchased online in advance, as there are no on-site ticket sales available. All visitors are required to book through the official website or authorized platforms before arrival.
Fees to the park is a combination of the park entry fee and the park shuttle bus fee (which entitle visitors to unlimited use of the park shuttle buses).
Recommended Sequence for Visiting
It’s recommended to start by taking the shuttle bus to the end of Rize or Zechawa Valley (the highest altitudes). From there, make your way back downhill on foot via the boardwalks, enjoying the scenery. If the next site is too far to walk, simply hop on the shuttle bus to continue your journey. This downhill route helps to prevent altitude sickness.
Helpful Map for Your Visit
For an easy-to-read, detailed map of Jiuzhaigou National Park, you can refer to one of the best English tourist maps available on the official website.
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Jiuzhaigou Guide: Rize Valley (日则沟), Jiuzhaigou’s Scenic Gem
Rize Valley (日则沟), the southwestern arm of Jiuzhaigou National Park, stretches approximately 18 kilometers from the Primeval Forest to the Nuorilang Waterfall. Known for its diverse and picturesque landscapes, Rize Valley is often the first choice for visitors exploring the park. Descending from higher elevations, the valley offers the follwing sequence of stunning natural sights.
1. Grass Lake (草海)
A shallow lake adorned with intricate vegetation patterns, Grass Lake is a mosaic of floating grasses and plants. The interplay of flora and water creates a unique tapestry of colors and textures, offering a serene and picturesque setting.
2. Swan Lake (天鹅海)
Measuring 2,250 meters in length and 125 meters in width, Swan Lake is named for the swans and ducks that frequent its waters. Surrounded by dense fir woods and flowering plants, the lake provides a tranquil habitat for migratory birds.
3. Arrow Bamboo Lake (箭竹海)
Covering an area of 170,000 m² at an elevation of 2,618 meters, this shallow lake is encircled by arrow bamboo forests, the favored food of giant pandas. Its serene waters and lush surroundings made it a prominent filming location for the 2002 Chinese film “Hero.”
4. Panda Lake (熊猫海)
Renowned for its striking blue and green hues, Panda Lake is steeped in legend as a former watering spot for giant pandas, though sightings have ceased in recent years. The lake cascades into the multi-tiered Panda Waterfalls, which descend 78 meters in three distinct steps.
5. Five Flower Lake (五花海)
A shallow, multi-colored lake, Five Flower Lake is famed for its crystal-clear waters that reveal a network of ancient fallen tree trunks beneath the surface. The lake’s vibrant colors result from a combination of travertine deposits, algae, and submerged vegetation, making it one of Jiuzhaigou’s most captivating sights.
6. Pearl Shoal (珍珠滩) and Pearl Shoal Waterfall (珍珠滩瀑布)
Pearl Shoal is a gently sloping expanse of active calcareous tufa deposition, over which a thin sheet of water flows, creating a shimmering effect reminiscent of pearls. This shoal leads to the Pearl Shoal Waterfall, where water plunges 28 meters over a 310-meter-wide curtain, forming one of the park’s most iconic waterfalls. Notably, a scene from the television adaptation of “Journey to the West” was filmed here.
7. Mirror Lake (镜海)
As the name suggests, Mirror Lake offers pristine reflections of the surrounding landscapes when its waters are calm. This tranquil lake provides a perfect conclusion to the Rize Valley journey, capturing the essence of Jiuzhaigou’s serene beauty.
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Jiuzhaigou Guide: Zechawa Valley (则查洼沟), The Highest of Jiuzhaigou’s Valleys
Zechawa Valley is the southeastern arm of Jiuzhaigou and stretches about 18 km from Nuorilang to Long Lake. At its highest point, it reaches 3,150 meters above sea level—making it the highest valley in the park. Though less varied than Rize, it offers a peaceful route and two standout sights.
1. Long Lake (长海)
Long Lake is Jiuzhaigou’s largest and deepest lake, spanning 7.5 km and plunging 103 meters deep. Sitting at the highest altitude in the park, it’s fed by snowmelt and has no visible outlet, with water seeping underground. Local legends speak of a mysterious lake creature living in its depths.
2. Five-Color Pond (五彩池)
Just downhill from Long Lake, this small but vibrant pond stuns with its brilliant blues and greens. Despite its modest size, it has some of the clearest and most colorful waters in the park. It’s fed by underground water from Long Lake and stays unfrozen even in winter.
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Jiuzhaigou Guide: Shuzheng Valley (树正沟), The Heart of Jiuzhaigou
Shuzheng Valley is the main northern branch of Jiuzhaigou, extending 14.5 km from the Y-junction to the park’s entrance. As the most accessible valley, it showcases a series of stunning lakes and waterfalls.
1. Nuorilang Waterfall (诺日朗瀑布)
Located near the valley junction, this 24.5-meter-high, 320-meter-wide waterfall is the widest calcified waterfall in China and a symbol of Jiuzhaigou.
2. Nuorilang Lakes (诺日朗群海) & Shuzheng Lakes (树正群海)
These are stepped series of 18 and 19 ribbon lakes, respectively, formed by glaciers and naturally dammed. Some lakes have folkloric names like Rhinoceros Lake (犀牛海) and Tiger Lake (老虎海).
3. Sleeping Dragon Lake (卧龙海)
This deep blue lake is notable for its visible calcareous dyke running through it, resembling a dragon lying on the bottom.
4. Reed Lake (芦苇海)
A 1,375-meter-long reed-covered marsh with a clear turquoise brook known as the “Jade Ribbon” zigzagging through it. The contrast is particularly striking in autumn when the reeds turn golden yellow.
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