Jiuzhai Colorful Forest Early Autumn Must-Visit

🍁 National Day Jiuzhaigou Guide｜4h Direct Access to the Colorful Forest Secret Spot with Guide || 4 Hours from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou, Who Understands the Joy! 🚗 The Jiuzhai-Mianyang Expressway will officially open before National Day 2025, so this autumn you no longer have to cross mountains to see the colorful forest～
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🚗【Transportation】
The Jiuzhai-Mianyang Expressway starts from Youxian District, Mianyang, and ends at Jiuzhaigou County. It takes 4 hours to reach the scenic area from Chengdu via Mianyang on the expressway! The toll fee is about 180 yuan, and there are charging stations at 5 service areas along the way🔋. It is recommended to depart before 6 AM on October 1 to avoid the city exit peak. If you don’t want to drive, you can also take the high-speed train, which takes 3 hours from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou, with a direct shuttle bus from the station to the scenic area, super convenient.
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📅【3 Days 2 Nights Itinerary】
Day 1: Chengdu → Jiuzhaigou, visit the Tibetan village at the valley entrance in the afternoon
You’ll be amazed by the colorful forest along the highway as soon as you get off! First, go to the street near the valley entrance to eat roasted yak meat skewers, and stay at a guesthouse near the entrance for easy access to the park the next day.
Day 2: Full day deep tour of Rize Valley
Arrive at the scenic area before 7:30 AM, take the sightseeing bus straight to Five Flower Lake, and shoot the "Peacock Spreads Its Tail" panoramic view at Laohuzui Viewing Platform📸. The reflection at Mirror Lake before 10 AM is almost perfect. Wearing a white long dress will maximize the atmospheric effect.
Day 3: Zechawa Valley + Return trip
Walk clockwise around Changhai Lake to the Prayer Platform for a very effective wish, and the newly opened wooden plank trail leads to a century-old cypress tree, perfect for photos. Return before 3 PM to avoid the evening expressway peak.
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🍂【Must-See Colorful Forest Spots】
📌 Five Flower Lake: Already entering its prime in early October, the lake reflects the red and yellow colorful forest like a spilled palette🎨
📌 Pearl Shoal Waterfall: You can see double rainbows under sunlight refraction; bring a waterproof bag due to heavy mist
📌 Zharu Valley: Newly opened 5 km ecological trail where you might encounter Tibetan macaques, a must for hiking lovers!
📌 Tips: The light is softest before 10 AM and after 4 PM, perfect for portrait shots with a natural soft filter effect～
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🏨【Accommodation Recommendation】
Jiuzhaigou Indigo Hotel offers two daily performances of Chinese-style clown shows. Every room has a viewing balcony or floor-to-ceiling windows with direct views of the plateau scenery. It also provides authentic Tibetan and Qiang cuisine and a high-altitude heated swimming pool, located about 15 minutes from Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area.
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⚠️【Hard Lessons Learned】
✅ Huge temperature difference! Wear short sleeves at noon and down jackets in the evening; bring a windbreaker
✅ Tickets + sightseeing bus cost 280 yuan, book in advance
✅ Altitude sickness warning: Changhai Lake is at 3,101 meters, avoid running or jumping! Bring some glucose oral solution
✅ Sunscreen! The plateau UV rays can tan you in minutes; sunglasses and hats are a must
✅ Although the colorful forest is not at its peak this National Day, 10%-35% of the leaves have turned yellow, offering a fresh vibe🍂, and there are far fewer people than in mid to late October!!