Jiuzhaigou Easy for Kids and Seniors! Route Optimization + Altitude Sickness Prevention, a Must-Have Guide for Family Trips!

Jiuzhaigou Travel Guide: A Magical Journey to the Human Paradise

2. Best Time to Visit

Autumn (late September to late October): Colorful forests and clear lakes make it the most beautiful season in Jiuzhaigou.
Summer (July to August): A summer resort with abundant water and spectacular waterfalls.
Spring (April to June): Blooming flowers and vibrant life.
Winter (November to March): Snow-covered scenery with a unique charm, but some attractions may be closed.

3. Recommended Attractions

Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area is Y-shaped, consisting of three valleys:

Shuzheng Valley: Main attractions include Penjing Pool, Reed Sea, Sparkling Lake, Shuzheng Group Lakes, Shuzheng Waterfall, and Rhino Lake.
Rize Valley: Main attractions include Nuorilang Waterfall, Mirror Lake, Pearl Shoal Waterfall, Five Flower Lake, Panda Lake, Arrow Bamboo Lake, Swan Lake, and Primeval Forest.
Zecha Valley: Main attractions include Long Lake and Five Color Pool.

Must-See Highlights

Five Flower Lake: One of the most beautiful lakes in Jiuzhaigou, with colorful waters like a spilled palette.
Nuorilang Waterfall: The widest travertine waterfall in China, majestic and spectacular.
Long Lake: The longest and highest lake in Jiuzhaigou, with crystal-clear water surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
Five Color Pool: The smallest lake in Jiuzhaigou but with the richest colors, changing mysteriously under sunlight.

4. Recommended Itineraries

One-Day Tour: Suitable for visitors with limited time, focusing on key attractions.

Morning: Take the sightseeing bus to Rize Valley to visit Five Flower Lake, Pearl Shoal Waterfall, Mirror Lake, etc.
Afternoon: Take the sightseeing bus to Zecha Valley to visit Long Lake and Five Color Pool, then return to Nuorilang Central Station to see Nuorilang Waterfall, Rhino Lake, and more.

Two-Day Tour: Allows a deeper exploration of Jiuzhaigou to fully experience its charm.

Day 1: Visit Shuzheng Valley and Rize Valley.
Day 2: Visit Zecha Valley, with options for hiking or cycling to experience a more original Jiuzhaigou.

5. Food Recommendations

Tibetan Hot Pot: Featuring yak meat and Tibetan fragrant pork, with a delicious and nutritious broth.
Butter Tea: A Tibetan specialty drink made from butter, tea leaves, and salt, with a unique taste.
Qingke Wine: Traditional Tibetan barley wine with a mellow flavor.
Yak Jerky: A convenient snack with a delicious taste and rich nutrition.
Jiuzhaigou Mushrooms: The area is rich in various mushrooms, offering fresh mushroom dishes.

Recommended Restaurants:

Sheraton Jiuzhaigou International Hotel Restaurant: Offers Tibetan, Sichuan, and other cuisines in an elegant environment.
InterContinental Jiuzhaigou Paradise Hotel Restaurant: A buffet with a wide variety of local specialties.
Goukou Tibetan Family Restaurant: Experience Tibetan culture and authentic Tibetan cuisine.

6. Accommodation Recommendations

Jiuzhaigou offers a wide range of accommodations from luxury hotels to budget inns. Here are some cost-effective options:

Jiuzhaigou Lotus Leaf Hotel: Located at the valley entrance, affordable, clean, and tidy.
Jiuzhaigou Youth Hostel: Suitable for backpackers, inexpensive with a relaxed atmosphere.
Jiuzhaigou Tibetan-Style Inn: Experience Tibetan culture at a moderate price.

7. Transportation Guide

By Air: Fly to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport, then take an airport shuttle or taxi to Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area.
By Bus: Long-distance buses are available from Chengdu, Mianyang, and other cities to Jiuzhaigou.
By Car: Drive from Chengdu via Dujiangyan, Wenchuan, Mao County, and Songpan to Jiuzhaigou, about 400 kilometers in total.

8. Important Notes

Jiuzhaigou is at a high altitude; take precautions against altitude sickness.
Smoking and littering are prohibited in the scenic area.
Respect local Tibetan customs.
Protect the ecological environment and care for plants and animals.

9. Nearby Attractions

Huanglong Scenic Area: Famous for its colorful pools, snow mountains, canyons, and forests, known together with Jiuzhaigou as the "Human Paradise."
Ruoergai Grassland: One of China's three major wetlands, vast and picturesque.
Munigou Valley: Known for its primeval forests, alpine lakes, and waterfall clusters.

10. Travel Tips

Jiuzhaigou weather is changeable; bring rain gear and sun protection.
There is a lot of walking in the scenic area; wear comfortable shoes.
Buy tickets and sightseeing bus passes online in advance to avoid queues.