"Stunning! Jiuzhaigou – A Dazzling Fairyland on Earth, Breathtakingly Beautiful"

Jiuzhaigou Travel Guide: [Chukle]

Pre-Trip Preparation

• Documents: Bring ID cards and other necessary certificates like student IDs or senior citizen cards for ticket purchases and discounts.

• Clothing: Pack according to the season – light jackets for summer, thick coats for autumn, and down jackets with thermal underwear for winter.

• Essentials: Prepare rain gear, sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, moisturizers, and common medications.

• Tickets: Book entrance and shuttle bus tickets in advance through official channels like the Aba Tourism website.

Transportation Guide

• Flights: Direct flights from Chengdu or Chongqing to Jiuhuang Airport, then transfer via airport shuttle or private car to the scenic area.

• High-Speed Rail: Take the train from Chengdu to Huanglong-Jiuzhai Station, then switch to a scenic area shuttle.

• Self-Drive: Depart from Chengdu via G213 National Highway or scenic routes like Grassland Line/Gansu Line. SUV with snow chains recommended.

Accommodation Options

• Near Entrance: Hotels like Jinji Hotel or Jiuzhai Roulang Hilton Resort offer walking access to the scenic area.

• Zhangzha Town: Tibetan-style B&Bs (e.g., Abuluozi) provide hearth culture experiences and local cuisine.

Tour Tips

• Best Time: Mid-Sept to late Oct for colorful foliage and turquoise waters (peak photography season); Jun-Aug for powerful waterfalls (ideal summer escape); Dec-Feb for serene snowscapes and jade-like frozen waterfalls (discounted tickets).

• Highlights: Five-Flower Lake’s gradient blues/greens from calcified algae resemble a peacock’s tail; Pearl Shoal Waterfall (filming site for "Journey to the West"); Long Lake (highest-altitude glacial lake, frozen like a mirror in winter); Rhinoceros Lake’s open waters and scenic boardwalk hikes.

• Itineraries:
- One-day essentials: Nuorilang Center → Long Lake → Five-Color Pond → Five-Flower Lake → Pearl Shoal → Mirror Lake → Shuzheng Lakes.
- Two-day deep dive: Day 1 explore Rize/Zechawa Valleys; Day 2 discover hidden Zharu Valley or visit Huanglong Scenic Area.

Dining Recommendations

• Local Specialties: Yak meat hotpot, potato glutinous cakes, wild herbs, barley bread, walnut flower salad, and cured meats.

• Top Restaurants: Kawanjin Tibetan Cuisine, Xiangtu Sichuan Cuisine • Cold Pot Fish • Yak Meat Hotpot (near entrance), Tibetan Family Bistro.

Important Notes

• Altitude Sickness: Some areas exceed 3,000m – avoid strenuous activity; carry oxygen bottles and Rhodiola rosea supplements.

• Eco & Safety: Do not touch lake water or feed wildlife. Wear anti-slip shoes for wet boardwalks.