The stunning autumn colors of Western Sichuan Jiuzhaigou

Jiuzhaigou, the fairyland of Western Sichuan 💦 The autumn here is breathtaking beyond words! The colorful pools and the forests dyed in layers make every snapshot a wallpaper-worthy masterpiece.

Key reminder 👉 The best viewing period is from mid to late October every year! This time I purposely avoided the peak season crowds, and the off-season tickets are cheaper, really worth it!

My 1-day tour highlights route:
1️⃣ Take the shuttle bus at the valley entrance → Five Flower Lake: This is the beauty icon of Jiuzhaigou! Under the sunlight, the lake shows intertwined blue, green, and yellow colors. Be sure to walk to the viewing platform for a panoramic shot 📸
2️⃣ Pearl Shoal Waterfall: Filming location of the 1986 version of "Journey to the West," the water falls like pearls. Remember to wear non-slip shoes (the ground is quite wet) 👟
3️⃣ Nuorilang Visitor Center: Have lunch here, with buffet and instant noodles available 🍜 It’s more cost-effective to bring your own snacks
4️⃣ Long Lake: The highest lake in Jiuzhaigou, the reflection of the snow-capped mountains on the lake is super stunning 🏔️
5️⃣ Five Color Pool: A mini but exquisitely colorful pool, the colors are most vivid when the sun shines directly 🌈
6️⃣ Shuzheng Group Lakes: Composed of 19 lakes of various sizes, walking along the boardwalk is very healing 🌲

✨ Tips:
- The only restaurant in the scenic area is at Nuorilang, so it’s recommended to bring chocolates, bread, etc.
- Altitude is 2000-3000 meters, pay attention to sun protection and altitude sickness prevention
- Must buy the shuttle bus ticket! Hiking will tire you out (don’t ask me how I know 😭)

🏨 Accommodation recommendation:
Stay at Jiuzhaigou Four Seasons Fairy Tale Hotel at the valley entrance, with a distinctive Tibetan style, only a 10-minute walk to the scenic area. Off-season price is 300+ RMB per night, very cost-effective~

🍜 Food recommendations:
▫️ Tibetan-style hot pot: "Zhaxi Tibetan Restaurant" in Zhangzha Town is super authentic, yak meat is tender!
▫️ Highland barley cake: freshly baked at roadside stalls, very fragrant, 3 RMB each and very filling
▫️ Butter tea: If you dislike the fishy taste, choose the sweet version, perfect with tsampa

Jiuzhaigou - Five Flower Lake, Shuzheng Group Lakes, Five Color Pool