Limited Time 21 Days! The Peak of Jiuzhaigou Autumn Colors is Here

When the autumn breeze sweeps across the western Sichuan plateau, Jiuzhaigou sheds its lush summer greenery and dons the most stunning attire of the year. The mountainsides blaze with fiery red maples, birch trees are adorned with bright yellow leaves, and even the pines and cypresses take on varying shades of deep green. The colorful forests reflect in the crystal-clear lakes, as if God has spilled a palette of colors. This guide will help you precisely capture the breathtaking moments of Jiuzhaigou in autumn, from the best viewing periods to must-visit photo spots, and practical travel tips to help you efficiently explore this "fairyland on earth."

Best Viewing Period

- Peak Period: October 23 to November 7, with 70%-90% of the foliage changing color.

- Off-Peak Recommendation: October 8 to October 18, with 50% color change, allowing you to avoid the National Day crowds.

Core Activities

- Enjoy the Colorful Forest Lakes: Fiery red maples and bright yellow birches complement the scenery of Five Flower Lake, Long Lake, and others.

- Watch Autumn Waterfalls: Nuorilang Waterfall flows dynamically, and the Pearl Shoal Waterfall sparkles like pearls in the afternoon.

- Experience Tibetan Culture: Watch the "Tibetan Riddle" performance and participate in intangible cultural heritage activities like thangka painting and Tibetan paper printing.

- Explore Hidden Gems: The newly opened Zharu Valley ecological trail, shrouded in morning mist with dappled light.

Photo Spots

- Five Flower Lake: From 9 to 11 AM, the Laohuzui viewing platform offers a panoramic view, and the circular boardwalk is perfect for capturing the colorful forest reflected in the lake.

- Mirror Lake: From 7:00 to 8:30 AM, the calm lake surface allows for photos of the colorful forest and snow mountain reflections.

- Pearl Shoal Waterfall: From 3 to 5 PM, use a shutter speed of 1/30 to 1/60 seconds to capture silky water flow effects.

- Shuzheng Lakes Cluster: The high-altitude viewing platform behind Shuzheng Village offers panoramic views; shoot one hour before sunset, and capture silhouettes during the blue hour.

Practical Information

- Tickets: Admission is 190 RMB per person, sightseeing bus ticket is 90 RMB per person, reservations must be made in advance via the "Jiuzhaigou" or "Aba Tourism" WeChat official accounts.

- Transportation: Take a high-speed train from Chengdu to Huanglong Jiuzhaigou Station, then transfer to a bus to the scenic area.

- Accommodation: Preferably choose official chain hotels or homestays at the Jiuzhaigou entrance; some Tibetan-style homestays have floor heating.

- Clothing: Large temperature differences between morning and evening; bring a windbreaker, down jacket, raincoat, and non-slip shoes.