Jiuzhaigou / 九寨沟
Jiuzhaigou is a scenic area in Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, southwest China, and is famous for its clear lakes, waterfalls, colorful forests, and snow-capped mountains. It is a great destination for visitors who want to enjoy nature, photography, and peaceful landscapes in a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Jiuzhaigou is suitable for families, adults, elderly visitors, photographers, and nature lovers because most sightseeing areas are connected by eco-buses and boardwalks.
Highlights:
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Jiazhaigou National Park (九寨沟国际深林公园)
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Five Flower Lake (五花海) – A beautiful lake known for its clear blue and green water.
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Nuorilang Waterfall (诺日朗瀑布) – One of the widest waterfalls in China and one of Jiuzhaigou's most famous attractions.
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Long Lake (长海) – The largest and deepest lake in Jiuzhaigou, surrounded by mountains.
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Mirror Lake (镜海) – A peaceful lake famous for its clear reflections of the mountains and forests.
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Pearl Shoal Waterfall (珍珠滩瀑布) – A wide waterfall featured in the Chinese television series Journey to the West.
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Five-Colored Pond (五彩池) – A small lake with bright blue, green, and turquoise water.
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Huanglong Scenic Area (黄龙风景) - It is a world natural heritage site. It is famous for its colourful pool group. The core highlight is the colourful pool - more than 3,400 calcium pools are stacked. The pool water presents a variety of colours in blue, green, yellow and orange in the sun, which is called "human Yaochi".
Best Time to Visit:
September to October in autumn times for more autumns orange scenery and cool weather.
Summer also good for green and blooming flowers.
Ideal Stay:
3 days and 2 nights
Suitable For:
- Older children to adult (for younger child can be tired easily and for elderly that have heart problem or people that have problem can give short of problem or effect, according to the high place area)
- Visitors that like photographers and nature lovers.
Airport Name (distance to city centre):
- Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (九寨黄龙机场) - 88 km to the city centre, 2 hours by car.
Train Station Name (distance to city centre):
- Huanglong Jiuzhai Railway Station (黄龙九寨站), 89 km to the city centre, 2 hours by car.
Where to go
Jiuzhai Romance Park / 九寨千古情景区
Huanglong Scenic Area / 黄龙风景名胜区
Jiuzhaigou National Park / 九寨沟国家级自然保护区
Mirror Lake / 镜海
Pearl Shoal Waterfall / 珍珠滩瀑布
Fairy Pool Scenic Area (Love Sea Scenic Area) / 神仙池景区
Long Lake / 长海
Five-Colored Pond / 五彩池
Zhongcha Ditch / 中查沟
Nuorilang Waterfall / 诺日朗瀑布
Five Flower Lake / 五花海
What to eat
Grilled Yak Skewers / 烤牦牛肉串
One of Jiuzhaigou most iconic street snacks. Fresh yak meat is charcoal-grilled and seasoned with cumin, chili, and local Tibetan spices, creating a smoky and flavorful bite that's perfect for a quick snack after exploring the scenic area.
Maji Ama Music Tibetan Restaurant / 玛吉阿妈音乐藏餐
A Tibetan-themed restaurant featuring authentic Tibetan cuisine, traditional décor, and live music performances, making it one of the most memorable dining experiences in Jiuzhaigou.
Ga Ma Zhuang Yuan / 嘎玛庄园
A Tibetan-style restaurant with a charming traditional atmosphere, offering authentic local cuisine and yak specialties.
Ruyi Linka Tibetan Restaurant / 如意林卡铜锅牦牛肉藏餐吧
One of the most popular Tibetan restaurants in Jiuzhaigou, specializing in traditional Tibetan cuisine and copper pot yak hotpot.
Chuanwei Memory Yak Mushroom Hotpot / 川味记忆牦牛肉菌汤锅
A local favorite specializing in yak meat hotpot with a rich mushroom broth. Known for its fresh ingredients, hearty portions, and comforting soup after a day of sightseeing.
Language Tibetan Restaurant / 藏雅阁总店
A highly rated Tibetan restaurant offering authentic local dishes, yak specialties, and traditional Tibetan hospitality. Popular among visitors looking for a classic Jiuzhaigou dining experience.