Jiuzhai’s Stunning Autumn Waterfalls

From mid-October to November, encounter the autumn feast of Jiuzhaigou

“A year’s best scenery you must remember, especially when orange, yellow, and green abound.” Autumn in Jiuzhaigou is like a colorful painting, especially from mid-October to November, when it is as beautiful as poetry and art. If you plan to visit Jiuzhaigou during this period, this travel guide will help you have an unforgettable journey.

Preparation

Items to Bring

From mid-October to November, temperatures in Jiuzhaigou gradually drop, with large differences between day and night. You need to prepare warm clothing such as thick coats, sweaters, scarves, hats, and gloves. Comfortable walking shoes are also essential because you will be walking for long periods within the scenic area. Additionally, bring rain gear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and your personal medications to cope with changing weather and possible physical discomfort.

Ticket Booking

Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area requires ticket reservations. You can book tickets and shuttle bus passes in advance through the official Jiuzhaigou website or related travel platforms. Mid-October to November is the peak tourist season, especially during holidays, so tickets may be tight. Be sure to book early.

Transportation Planning

If you choose to fly, you can arrive at Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport, then take the airport shuttle bus or a private car to Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area. If traveling by bus, you can take a direct bus from Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station or Chadianzi Bus Station to Jiuzhaigou. Once at the scenic area, sightseeing buses are available, and you can freely transfer between attractions with your bus ticket.

Scenic Highlights

Colorful Forests

From mid-October to November, Jiuzhaigou’s colorful forests reach their best viewing period. The mountains and forests are dyed in various colors—red like fire, yellow like gold, green like jade—vivid and breathtaking. Under the sunlight, the colorful forests reflect in the lakes, creating stunning scenes. You can stroll along the boardwalks to admire the beauty of the forests up close and feel the magic and charm of nature.

Tranquil Blue Lakes

The lakes are a major feature of Jiuzhaigou, and in autumn, their colors become even bluer and clearer. Five Flower Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes, with water reflecting multiple colors under the sunlight, like a huge gem embedded in the forest. Mirror Lake acts like a mirror, reflecting the surrounding mountains and sky, creating the magical scene of “fish swimming in the clouds, birds flying in the water.”

Majestic Waterfalls

The waterfalls in Jiuzhaigou remain majestic in autumn. Nuorilang Waterfall is the largest waterfall in Jiuzhaigou, with water plunging from cliffs, splashing layers of water droplets, and producing thunderous sounds. Pearl Shoal Waterfall looks like a silver ribbon falling from the mountains, sparkling under the sunlight like scattered pearls.

Itinerary

One-Day Tour

If your time is limited, choose a one-day tour. Take the sightseeing bus directly to the Primeval Forest to enjoy its natural scenery. Then walk down the boardwalk to visit Arrow Bamboo Lake, Panda Lake, Five Flower Lake, and other spots. Near Five Flower Lake, take the sightseeing bus to Nuorilang Center Station, where you can have lunch. After lunch, visit Nuorilang Waterfall to experience its grandeur. Then take the bus to Long Lake to appreciate its peaceful beauty. Finally, walk down from Long Lake to visit the Five Color Pool, ending your day.

Two-Day Tour

If you have more time, a two-day tour is recommended. On the first day, follow the one-day tour route to explore Shuzheng Valley and Rize Valley. On the second day, take the sightseeing bus to Zechawa Village to visit Long Lake and Five Color Pool in Zechawa Valley. Then return to Nuorilang Center Station, take the bus to Shuzheng Valley, visit Shuzheng Lakes and Shuzheng Waterfall, and finally exit the scenic area through the main gate.

Food Recommendations

Within Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, you can taste various local specialties. Yak meat is one of Jiuzhaigou’s specialties, tender and delicious. Roasted whole lamb is also a must-try, crispy on the outside and tender inside, with a rich aroma. Additionally, there are special drinks like barley wine and butter tea, allowing you to experience Tibetan food culture.

Accommodation Suggestions

There are many hotels and guesthouses near the scenic area. If you want convenience, choose a hotel near the scenic area entrance. If you want to experience local folk culture, stay in a Tibetan family guesthouse and feel the hospitality of the Tibetan people.

From mid-October to November, Jiuzhaigou is a place that enchants visitors. Here, you can enjoy colorful forests, tranquil blue lakes, majestic waterfalls, taste various local delicacies, and feel the magic and charm of nature. We hope this travel guide helps you have a wonderful time in Jiuzhaigou.