Jiuzhaigou

Jiuzhaigou

At this moment, Jiuzhaigou is half autumn colors and half winter snow, truly divine.

Jiuzhaigou just after a snowfall, meeting a bright sunny day, looks like a fairy tale! Visiting at the end of November, you can catch both the colorful autumn and the silver winter scenery, creating layers of breathtaking views all day long. Everyone who comes falls in love! The best part is that off-season tickets are only 160 RMB per person, offering incredible value!

🚗 Transportation: Super convenient from Chengdu

- High-speed train: Take a 2-hour high-speed train from Chengdu directly to Jiuzhaigou Station, efficient and comfortable.
- Shuttle bus: From the train station, take the scenic area shuttle bus for 51 RMB per person straight to the park entrance.
- Park entry reminder: No entry allowed after 2 PM, so plan your departure time carefully.

🧥 Pre-trip essentials: Clothing & tips

- Clothing advice: The temperature difference between day and night is extreme! Around 10°C during the day, dropping to nearly -10°C at night. Dress in layers following the "three-layer rule":
- Base layer: Quick-dry or thermal wear
- Middle layer: Fleece or down liner
- Outer layer: Down jacket or windbreaker
- Accessories: Hat, scarf, and gloves are a must, or your hands will be too cold to take photos!
- Itinerary suggestion: Strongly recommend spending 2 days, staying inside the valley (book in advance) to enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace and avoid rushing.
- Other tips: Don’t be fooled by winter! The high-altitude UV rays are very strong, so sunglasses and sunscreen are essential to avoid getting sunburned quickly.

🌊 Travel guide: Follow the “Y” route to avoid pitfalls

Jiuzhaigou’s attractions are distributed in a “Y” shape. The shuttle buses run like public transit, stopping frequently with onboard commentary, so no complicated planning is needed!

1. Day One: Rize Valley (right line) — Focus on “water”

The winter primitive forest is closed, and the highest point is Arrow Bamboo Sea. Spend more time at these must-see spots:

- Arrow Bamboo Sea: Snow-capped mountains reflected on the calm lake surface, like an ink painting.
- Five Flower Lake: The highlight! The lake shimmers with blue-green and golden hues under the sun, with leftover snow on the shore, breathtakingly beautiful.
- Pearl Shoal Waterfall: Water splashes against rocks like scattered jade droplets; in winter, the mist may freeze into ice formations.
- Mirror Lake: On windless mornings, the lake surface is like a mirror, perfectly reflecting the colorful forests and snowy mountains.

2. Day Two: Zezhawa Valley (left line) → Shuzheng Valley (middle line)

- Zezhawa Valley: Head straight to two core spots
- Long Lake: The largest lake in Jiuzhaigou, partially frozen in winter, creating a magnificent scene with the snowy mountains.
- Colorful Pool: Like a lost painter’s palette, the water changes color with the light; fewer visitors in winter make for better photos.
- Shuzheng Valley: Enjoy lakeside views along the way, with these must-stop spots:
- Nuorilang Waterfall Viewing Platform: A 300-meter-wide waterfall; though the flow slows in winter, the snowy surroundings make it look even more sacred.
- Shuzheng Waterfall Viewing Platform: Multi-layered cascades flow over travertine terraces, forming a stunning picture with the surrounding Shuzheng lakes.
- Reed Lake: Vast reeds sway in the wind; in winter, the white reeds contrast with the blue water, fresh and photogenic.

✨ A heartfelt note

Only after coming here will you understand that the 5A rating is just Jiuzhaigou’s “entry-level label.” Its beauty goes far beyond that. When colorful forests reflect in clear lakes, fallen leaves float on the water, and snowy mountains stand tall under a bright blue sky, you will truly grasp the meaning of “After Jiuzhaigou, no need to look at other waters.”