Jiuzhaigou Autumn Photography Guide: Only 21 Days of the Golden Period Each Year, All Off-Peak Spots Revealed!

The peak autumn colors in Jiuzhaigou are brief and precious! According to historical climate data, the best window is from October 20 to November 10. Combining the light angles, here are the morning and evening photography tips.
⏰Golden Time Slots and Spots
7:00-9:00: Mirror Lake Reflection Period
Spot: Mirror Lake Viewing Platform. When there is no wind, the mountain reflection looks like an oil painting. Use a polarizing filter to eliminate glare.
10:00-14:00: Five-Color Pond Front Light Period
Spot: North side steps of the pond. Sunlight directly illuminates the underwater travertine, making the colors most saturated.
16:00-18:00: Nuorilang Waterfall Side Light Period
Spot: East side walkway of the waterfall. The sunset gilds the water curtain, and slow shutter speed creates a silky effect.
🚌Crowd Avoidance Route
Morning: Take a bus directly to the top of Rize Valley’s primeval forest → Arrow Bamboo Sea (morning fog not yet cleared) → Panda Lake.
Noon: Lunch at Changhai in Zezhawa Valley → Top light shooting at Five-Color Pond.
Afternoon: Shuzheng Lakes → Reed Sea (front light in the afternoon) → Second visit to Mirror Lake before leaving the park.
🎒Equipment Recommendations
Lens: Wide-angle (for panoramic lake shots) + Telephoto (to capture local colorful forests).
Filters: ND filter (for flowing water), Graduated neutral density (to balance sky and water brightness).
Accessories: Lightweight tripod (walkways are narrow), Waterproof shoe covers (for splashing areas).
💡Key Tips
Tickets are cheaper after National Day but require reservation; lunch inside the park is expensive, bring your own snacks.
Stay at the valley entrance hotel; the early bus departs at 7:00; a separate ticket is needed for re-entry.