Jiuzhaigou Valley (Sichuan)
by moment of pleasure
Oct 11, 2025
Jiuzhaigou in autumn is breathtakingly beautiful! This Jiuzhaigou itinerary focuses entirely on the vibrant autumn forests, crystal-clear lakes, and magnificent waterfalls. Stepping into Jiuzhaigou is like stepping into a living landscape painting, vibrant with vibrant colors and distinct layers. It's not just a photography enthusiast's paradise; even casual visitors can capture Instagram-worthy photos. This itinerary doesn't require extensive planning; autumn itself is the most enchanting scene in Jiuzhaigou!
Recommended Attractions
1. Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area
📍 Address: Provincial Highway 301, Zhangza Town, Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture
🕓 Opening Hours:
- April 1st - July 15th: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Ticket sales and admission stop at 2:00 PM)
- July 16th - November 9th: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM (Ticket sales and admission stop at 2:00 PM)
- November 10th - March 31st: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM (Ticket sales and admission stop at 2:00 PM)
🎫 Admission: 280 RMB
Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area is divided into three main gullies: Shuzheng Valley, Zechawa Valley, and Rize Valley. Each gully offers its own unique natural beauty. In autumn, Jiuzhaigou's leaves intertwine in red and yellow, and the lake reflects the vibrant colors of the forest, creating an almost unreal beauty.
🌳 Shuzheng Valley: Along the way, you'll see lakes and Jiuzhaigou's most iconic Tibetan villages. It's recommended to prioritize this area when entering the valley in the morning, as the colorful forests are particularly stunning in the backlight.
💦 Rize Valley: Must-see attractions include Nuorilang Waterfall, Five-Flower Lake, and Pearl Beach. Upon reaching Five-Flower Lake, the lake displays a vibrant array of blue, green, and yellow, surrounded by vibrant autumn forests, creating a striking visual impact.
🏞 Zechawa Valley: This area is famous for its Long Lake and Five-Colored Pools. It's recommended to visit in the afternoon when the light is soft and the lake's vibrant colors are vibrant.
Tips for the Trip
1. Autumn is the best time to visit Jiuzhaigou. It's recommended to plan your trip in early to mid-October to avoid the Golden Week crowds and to avoid peak scenic beauty. 2. Entering the gorge in the morning is less crowded and the light and shadows are softer. Remember to stock up on camera batteries and memory cards! Bring some snacks with you, as dining options within the scenic area are expensive and limited.
3. Regarding clothing, the temperature in Jiuzhaigou varies greatly from morning to night, so remember to bring a thick jacket and comfortable sneakers for long walks along the wooden plank paths and within the scenic area.
4. Some sections of the Jiuzhaigou route require you to take the scenic area's eco-friendly shuttle bus. Remember to save your ticket so you can hop on and off for free exploration.
5. Tickets must be reserved in advance, as they tend to sell out, especially in the fall. It's recommended to purchase tickets in advance and check opening hours on trip.com.
Transportation Guide
From Chengdu, it's recommended to take an early bus or charter bus to Jiuzhaigou. The journey takes about 6-8 hours on the highway and offers beautiful scenery. For a more convenient option, fly to Jiuzhaigou Huanglong Airport and then transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus.
Food Recommendations
Outside the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, there are many Tibetan restaurants in Zhangza Town. Try Tibetan butter tea, barley wine, or yak hotpot. Remember to check ahead and avoid peak hours to find a seat.
Practical Tips
- Bring a power bank and raincoat; light rain is possible in autumn, so don't rely on the weather forecast.
- Signals are weak throughout the scenic area, so download an offline map in advance.
- Protect the environment by avoiding littering; waste sorting and recycling are available throughout the scenic area.
Jiuzhaigou in autumn is truly a must-see. If you miss it, you'll have to wait until next year! Grab your camera and experience the breathtaking autumn colors of Jiuzhaigou for yourself!
#Jiuzhaigou #AutumnTravel #JiuzhaigouScenicArea #SichuanItinerary #NaturalWonder
Post by 呂學舜 | Oct 12, 2025























