October 24th Jiuzhaigou report, here’s some harsh truth...

Thought late October was just about seeing the colorful forests? Only after going did I realize the real traps are in the details! The weather is unpredictable with sudden sun and rain, the routes twist until your legs ache, and every photo is full of people… I’ve put together this trap-avoidance guide, follow it to save yourself a lot of detours✨
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☁️ Recent Weather Update
Jiuzhaigou in late October is like a “master of disguise.” During the day, when the sun is out, temperatures can reach 15-20°C, perfect for a thin sweater and a windbreaker; but by evening, it drops to around 5°C, so thermal leggings are a must. The mountain area often has light drizzles that come and go quickly, so carrying a foldable umbrella is essential. The paths can be slippery at times, so make sure your shoes have good grip👟
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🌊 Classic Attractions Trap-Avoidance Guide
- Five Flower Lake: The peak of the colorful forest is truly beautiful, with red, yellow, and green weaving into the blue lake like a palette, but don’t crowd the main viewing platform! Walk 50 meters down to a less crowded platform where the water reflections are clearer.
- Pearl Shoal Waterfall: The water flowing over the calcified shoal is very lively. Don’t just shoot from the front; the side walkway offers shots of the “waterfall passing through the forest,” combining dynamic and static layers beautifully.
- Shuzheng Lakes: The 19 lakes spread out like terraces, with Tibetan wooden houses nestled in the colorful forest. Go one hour before sunset to capture silhouettes under the blue sky—absolutely stunning.
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🗺️ Efficient Route (Walk Backwards to Avoid Queues)
1. Arrive at the park before 7:30 AM, take the first shuttle bus straight to Changhai Lake (fewer people, soft light), then walk 20 minutes to Five Color Pool to shoot the gem-blue lake water;
2. Before 10 AM, return to Nuorilang for a transfer, then hike along the Peacock River boardwalk to Pearl Shoal. The crowds haven’t arrived yet at this time;
3. After 3 PM, head to Shuzheng Valley, shoot reflections at Rhinoceros Lake, watch the small rainbow splashing at Shuzheng Waterfall, and stroll through Reed Lake at dusk.
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📸 Photo Spots & Tips
- Five Flower Lake boardwalk: Wear dark clothes and stand looking at the lake, with colorful forests and blue lake as the background, every shot is atmospheric;
- Pearl Shoal: Crouch low to capture close-ups of water rushing over stones, use sports mode to catch the texture of splashes;
- Shuzheng Mill: Stand in the middle of the water boardwalk, have a friend shoot your back, press the shutter as leaves drift by for a super romantic shot.
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🍲 Local Favorite Restaurants
At the valley entrance, be sure to try the yak meat hotpot. The tender meat dipped in chili powder, paired with barley cakes, is incredibly flavorful. Also try the butter tea, preferably the sweet kind, paired with tsampa balls for a hearty breakfast. Avoid eating main meals inside the park; options are limited and inconvenient.
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💡 Trap-Avoidance Tips
- Don’t wear high heels! You’ll be walking through Reed Lake and boardwalks, so sneakers are the way to go;
- Bring a thermos cup; the park has drinking water, and a sip of hot water to warm up feels great;
- For reflections, go early, not late. Before 9 AM, the lake surface is windless, and reflections are as clear as copy-paste.
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