Enjoy the stunning natural scenery of Jiuzhaigou Lake and mountains at the end of October 2024

October 29, 2024: A three-day, two-night self-guided trip to Jiuzhaigou.

Jiuzhaigou in late October was like stumbling into a fairytale! This trip left me speechless with its beauty. Every reflection in the lake, every vibrant forest, was a visual feast. If you'd like to experience this "real-life fairyland," this itinerary will definitely help!

Jiuzhaigou Itinerary Highlights: Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area reaches peak beauty in autumn. Under blue skies and white clouds, the lakes are crystal clear, and the mountains and forests are ablaze with vibrant red and yellow foliage. Peak season is incredibly crowded, so be sure to plan your accommodation and transportation well in advance, as the on-site experience can be overwhelming!

Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area Scenic Spots and Recommendations
Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area (Provincial Highway 301, Zhangza Town, Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture)
Open year-round, but opening hours vary slightly depending on the season. During the autumn season (July 16th - November 9th), the park is open from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Please note that ticket sales and admission cease at 2:00 PM, so plan your time accordingly!
Tickets are 280 RMB, and reservations are recommended on the official website or other authorized platforms.

Scenic Area Highlights:
The highlights of autumn are, of course, Wuhua Lake, Mirror Lake, and Nuorilang Waterfall. Wuhua Lake's vibrant colors resemble an overturned palette; on windless mornings, Mirror Lake offers perfectly symmetrical reflections, resembling a shattered mirror; and Nuorilang Waterfall's abundant water flow and deafening roar is truly breathtaking.

Driving within Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area is prohibited. Instead, you'll need to take the scenic area's eco-friendly shuttle bus, which runs frequently to various attractions, ensuring you don't have to worry about long waits. However, during peak season, the number of people entering and leaving can be high, so it's recommended to arrive early and depart during off-peak hours.

Accommodation and Transportation Tips: Accommodation reservations are absolutely essential, especially for hotels within two kilometers of the scenic area gate! This distance is easily accessible by walking or taxi. During peak season, hailing a taxi on site is nearly impossible—I tried Didi that day, and there were over 80 people waiting. It's better to just walk.

We recommend staying in Zhangza Town, near the scenic area. There's a wide selection of B&Bs and hotels, offering reasonable value and convenient dining options.

For high-speed rail tickets, it's recommended to check a month in advance or reserve a carriage ticket. During peak season, it's very popular, and not booking in advance can be a hassle.

Food Recommendations

Zhangza Town's local restaurants specialize in Sichuan and Tibetan-Qiang cuisine. My personal recommendations are:
Zangqiang Restaurant and Laodifang Tibetan Restaurant, perfect for authentic dishes like yak beef and tsampa.

After exploring the scenic area, be sure to enjoy a bowl of Tibetan butter tea to warm yourself up.

Practical Tips
1. Wear warm clothing, as the temperature difference between morning and evening can be significant. Rain or snow can sometimes occur in the mountains, so bring a down jacket!
2. Bring dry food and water for your visit. Dining options within the park are limited, and prices are not cheap. 3. If you want to take beautiful photos, we recommend arriving early for brighter light and fewer crowds, ensuring stunning photos.
4. Keep your energy up. Jiuzhaigou's main scenic area involves extensive walking, so choose hiking boots or comfortable sneakers.

Ending
Jiuzhaigou's autumn beauty is truly worth a visit; every second is worth savoring. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a photography enthusiast, or traveling with your parents, Jiuzhaigou has something to offer. Remember, during peak season, be sure to book your accommodation and transportation well in advance. We look forward to seeing you next autumn!

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