Simply a fairyland. All is blending in harmony with each other — a jewel set in the mountains. Water is the spirit of Jiuzhaigou. Ancient Chinese legend has it that the goddess Semo, accidentally smashed her mirror. Then the fragments fell down the mountain to form beautiful lakes, streams and waterfalls.

Location       This enchanted wonderland is located in the Min Shan mountain range at the north of Sichuan Province. Its name means nine Tibetan villages set in the valleys.

Wild Life       A natural botanical and zoological garden, it is a home of densely growing conifers and broadleaf trees, and of rare and endangered animal species such as the giant panda, golden monkey, and white-lip deer.

Tour bus       In Jiuzhaigou there is a very convenient traffic system. In order to protect the environment of the beautiful valley, keep the narrow roads from being blocked and to be able to cater for a large quantity of tourists, the officers choose the tour buses as the main traffic tool in the valley. These buses are worked by natural gas which will not pollute the beautiful nature. You can get on or off the bus at any stop in the valley. Bus tickets are sold at the entrance. Price: peak season (1st May – 31st October ) RMB90, low season (1st November -30th April next year )RMB70, and RMB3 for insurance. The ticket is available only in the valley for a single use.

Jiuzhai visiting road

       The wriggling visiting road in Jiuzhaigou is just like a beautiful necklace bunching the wonderful scenery on the way. Walking is a pleasant way to cover distances in the valley, and traffic is limited. And walking along the visiting road you can get near to the spectacular scenery including waterfalls, mountains and lush bamboo forest to touch these fantastic things in person.

The mileage among the main landscapes in Jiuzhaigou

Entrance – Nuorilang 14.4km       
Nuorilang – Long sea 17.8km          
Nuorilang – Virgin forest 18km   
Entrance – Jiuzhai town 7km        
Entrance – Jiuzhai county 42km      
Entrance – Huanglong Temple 128km

       Jiuzhaigou offers some of the most spectacular scenery in all of china, and nowhere else is the water so crystal clear and clean as it is here. There are over 118 lakes in this area and numerous waterfalls, with water powering down the mountainsides.

      Legend has it that long ago, the god of strength, ”Dage” made a mirror from cloud and wind and presented it to his favorite goddess “Semo”. When Semo accidentally broke the mirror, the broken pieces fell down into the forests below and turned into 118 transparent lakes. What is most unusual about the lakes and waterfalls here is the reflection of the woods and mountains in the water. The feeling of openness and space that is afforded here is arguably unrivalled throughout China.

The waterfalls of Jiuzhaigou      are very charming and visitors are very attracted by them. Here rivers run across the whole scenic area, water torrent from the valleys forming millions of waterfalls. There are 17 groups of waterfalls, all of them are beautiful and full of power. Moreover, 6 of them are wider and longer than Huangguoshu waterfall (the most famous one of the group in China ). In addition, Nuorilang waterfall is more than 100 meters wide and 20 meters high. Water falls down from the top of the waterfall splashing a lot of beautiful water flowers. Standing in front of it you will feel its strong power deeply. The Shuzheng waterfall is not so wide and about 30 meters high, water flying down to the valley just like two dragons waking up from their dream. Panda sea waterfall is the highest one, about 78 meters high. In Jiuzhaigou waterfalls and trees are mingled together, we call the rare scenery “forest waterfall”.

Shuzheng Gully  and waterfalls     are situated along the main path from the entrance to the reserve and just before Nuorilang. This group of over 40 lakes and spectacular waterfalls are among the most impressive in the park, and with Dage Mountain towering behind, this is a truly beautiful spot. Shuzheng Waterfall is close to Shuzheng Stockade, a “typical” Tibetan style village, slightly spoiled by the fact that so many travellers have passed through and the villagers now pose for photo sessions. There are a few accommodation options available here too.

The Westen Route

       Heading west from Nuorilang, the track passes a few interesting villages, a stunning lake and  takes in some impressive scenery. Zechawa stockade is the first small village along the route with a few basic accommodation options, a Tibetan style about the place, and a small village store, where you can stock up on essentials and supplies. The road then passes towering mountains and lush greenery until it reaches Five Colored Lake which is the most beautiful lake in the entire park. The last site along this path is the Long Lake. Less travelers take this route, so it may be more peaceful, although the scenery is less instantly dramatic as that along the eastern route.

Nuorilang         The road from the entrance to the park splits at Nuorilang waterfalls and hotel. Nuorilang consists of a hotel, restaurant, a couple of stores and the spectacular waterfalls which spill down over the cliffs. From here, you have two options, 17km east to the Primeval Forest or 18km west to Long Lake. Both trips offer impressive scenery, small villages and basic accommodation along the route, although the eastern trip is probably the more interesting of the two with a few gargantuan lakes and waterfalls tumbling down the hillside and the chance to see some rare wildlife along the way.

The Easten Trip

       Taking the eastern path from Nuorilang offers some spectacular scenery and great walks. A full day will allow you to walk the eastern route and back (36km) although you should ensure you have sufficient supplies with you. This great walk takes you past the Pearl Beach Falls which end in Swan Lake, on to Rize Village and ending in the heart of the Primeval Forest, a lush, conifer wood. The scenery along this route is wild and untamed, the air is fresh and if you are lucky you may catch a glimpse of some of China‘s most rare wildlife including pandas or bison.

Tags: Jiuzhai, Min shan, nuori, shuzheng, waterfall, 九寨沟