A romantic 3-day, 2-night trip to the mountains in early summer with the magical Jiuzhaigou

Number of days：3 days
Time: May
Average cost: 2000 yuan
With whom: and friends
Tour kinds: Food, Photography, Self-driving, Humanities, Free Travel, Weekend Tour
Updated: 2022.05.24

"Nightingales sing in the green willows, the bright moon awakens the sky. I love the wheat on the ridges, its red petals smiling in the wind." Grain Full (Grain Full) is the season for the wheat harvest. With the Grain Full solar term, temperatures rise, and the scorching early summer sun arrives as expected. Escape the city heat and retreat to the cool mountains for a relaxing vacation. This hidden gem, nestled near Jiuzhaigou, boasts stunning scenery and a sparsely populated area. With majestic snow-capped mountains and serene, quaint Tibetan villages, it feels like being transported to the beauty of Switzerland.

In early summer, explore the mountains and journey to the most beautiful western Sichuan. Come to the magical Jiuzhaigou and immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery. Near the idyllic Zhongchagou Valley, a paradise on earth, lies a truly divine hotel: the Hotel Indigo Jiuzhaigou.

Jiuzhaigou, a paradise on earth

Departing from Chengdu at dawn, we experienced the city's morning rush hour traffic, journeyed through the revitalized Wenchuan, and followed the Minjiang River's source, delving deeper into the heart of Songpan in western Sichuan. Along the way, we encountered the secluded Diexi Lake and the towering ancient city of Songpan. After a nine-hour drive, we finally arrived at the entrance to Jiuzhaigou. To fully savor the beauty of Jiuzhaigou, we chose to rest at the Hotel Indigo Jiuzhaigou in Langzhai Village, Zhangza Town, at the entrance to the valley, before entering the valley the next day. From the hotel, it's a 15-minute drive to the entrance of Jiuzhaigou. After entering the scenic area, we boarded a scenic sightseeing bus and journeyed along the winding mountain road, winding around the mountains and waters. The journey was filled with breathtaking scenery. Through the swaying branches of the trees, a shimmering emerald lake shone like a jewel. Reeds swaying in the wind around the lake resembled dancers, gracefully performing a dance against this azure crystal. This is the gentle Reed Sea. As the bus travels, we pass the quaint and tranquil Shuzheng Village and the deep, tranquil Tiger Lake, before stopping at the Nuorilang Service Area. At this point, the tour route splits into two, forming a "Y" shape. One route passes by Rhinoceros Lake, Zezhawa Valley, and the Five-Colored Pool, leading to Changhai Lake. The other route passes by Nuorilang Waterfall, Mirror Lake, and Pearl Beach Waterfall, leading to Wuhua Lake. To experience the beauty of Jiuzhaigou from a high altitude and in comfort, it's essential to first take a sightseeing bus to Changhai Lake, exploring it from above. Then, at the Nuorilang transfer station, transfer to a sightseeing bus for an upward tour of Wuhua Lake. Deep within a valley steeped in mountains, a narrow lake lies buried among the peaks, its inky blue waters immersing the hills. This is the mysterious Changhai Lake. Stretching for four kilometers, the lake ends at the perpetually snow-capped mountains. The mountainous terrain creates a remarkable "S"-shaped watershed, which, together with the connected peaks, forms a magical gourd. Replenished by snowmelt from the surrounding mountains, the Changhai Lake remains vast year-round, despite the absence of surface water. Tibetans therefore call it the "treasure gourd" that "can never be filled, never leaks dry." Furthermore, the "One-Armed Old Man Cypress" at Changhai is a breathtaking natural wonder, similar in style to the "Welcoming Pine" at Huangshan. Following the plank path downhill for one kilometer, you'll reach Jiuzhaigou's smallest and most stunning Five-Colored Pond. Renowned for its pure, clear waters and vibrant colors, the Five-Colored Pond remains shimmering and pristine year-round, regardless of season. Along the gently rippling plank path, fallen leaves scatter across the Five-Colored Pond like plucked musical notes. The mountain breeze caresses the water, and the brown rocks strike each other, creating layers of golden ripples that are breathtakingly beautiful. The small, exquisite Wucai Pond, thanks to the overgrowth of underwater plants and ferns, transforms its originally azure surface into a vibrant riot of color, almost rivaling the beauty of Wuhua Lake. From Wuhua Lake, take a sightseeing bus straight down the mountain road, passing a breathtakingly blue lake, to reach Rhinoceros Lake. Surrounded by green mountains on three sides and connected to Shuzheng Waterfall on one side, Rhinoceros Lake offers a breathtaking reflection of the crown of all seas, making it a prime spot for autumn viewing. Beyond Rhino Lake lies a valley forest stretching for miles, where trees, shaped by the flowing clear water, stand in bizarre shapes. The misty Rhino Lake, shrouded in clouds, creates a blend of reality and illusion, a breathtaking beauty. The mythical Jiuzhaigou is renowned for its tranquil, vibrant, and enchanting waters. Here lies the Nuorilang Waterfall, China's widest waterfall. At 270 meters wide and 24.5 meters high, it's one of the country's largest calcified waterfalls. From the observation deck, you can admire the majestic cascade of water, its mighty cascade cascading down, its thunderous roar resonating with the ears. The waterfall's waters flow like the Milky Way, its waves cascading, majestic and vast; at other times, like a thousand silver beads, glittering and translucent. The scenery is breathtaking and captivating. True to its name, "Nori," which means "nori" in Tibetan, it resembles a muscular male god, showcasing his "toned" physique amidst the tranquil mountains, his expressions sometimes heroic and sometimes tender, all striving to win the smile of a celestial being. "The Jade Pool is originally a human world; how can mortals abhor imitating immortality?" The magical Jiuzhaigou is a paradise on earth. A day's visit is unforgettable.

A Secluded Mountain Retreat: Hotel Indigo Jiuzhaigou

For today's young people, travel isn't just about exploring scenic landscapes and exploring cultural heritage sites; it also demands a warm, comfortable, and elegantly appointed stay. Hidden within the magical Jiuzhaigou Valley lies a secluded mountain retreat, a paradise-like retreat. Fall in love at first sight, unforgettable upon second visit. Some say: If there are two "Peach Blossom Springs" in the world, one is in Tao Yuanming's poetry, and the other is right here in Jiuzhaigou. Among the dazzling array of hotels and B&Bs within and beyond Jiuzhaigou, the Hotel Indigo Jiuzhaigou is the most captivating. Nestled against the mountainside, nestled beside the village, and facing the water, its exotic charm is truly captivating. Its elegant exterior, warm and comfortable guest rooms, and comprehensive entertainment and commercial facilities are the icing on the cake.

Entering the Andian branch of Jiuzhaigou Indigo Hotel, one is struck by the "Dele Mansion" residence, inspired by the Ando Tibetan culture. Centered around a traditional Tibetan fireplace, the lobby exudes aristocratic elegance, while the wooden ceiling and colorful carpet create a striking aesthetic.

The hotel's design, by renowned Hong Kong design firm CCD, draws inspiration from the sacred eagle. Unique Tibetan elements of life and art, such as Xiangba, Qiang embroidery, yaks, and fire pits, are incorporated throughout the hotel, extending guests' understanding and imagination of local culture. The collision of modern aesthetics and authentic Tibetan culture creates breathtaking photo opportunities, each a signature spot for internet celebrities.

Several unique outdoor courtyards are located on different floors of the hotel. Inside the courtyards are the "Zang Cang" themed rooms, decorated with traditional Qiang fabric embroidery and thangka paintings unique to the Aba Tibetans. The overall warm color design makes people feel natural and warm. Open the door, you can immerse yourself in the Tibetan and Qiang culture. At the You Zang Neighborhood Restaurant, symbolizing a bountiful harvest, the golden hues and design blend traditional Amdo Tibetan etiquette with British manor culture, offering guests a diverse and distinguished dining experience. The hotel's signature Tibetan soup pot banquet delighted our palates and satisfied our craving for Tibetan cuisine. A slow-cooked broth made from natural yak tail bones, paired with seasonal vegetables and a bowl of locally made yak yogurt, creates an authentic Tibetan delicacy that will linger in our memory. Afterward, we enjoyed a cup of Kung Fu tea and explored Jiuzhaigou Luneng Beauty Plaza, a town dedicated to the intangible cultural heritage of China Green Development and Luneng Group. This experience offers both digestion and health, as well as a glimpse into local culture – a truly unique experience. Arriving at the town's entrance from the hotel, we were intrigued by a Tibetan chess game design. The town's Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum is filled with breathtakingly exquisite thangkas and mandalas meticulously crafted from ground gemstones. The rich collection of paintings, artifacts, and artworks here showcases Jiuzhaigou's unique Tibetan customs and culture. Here, visitors can witness the continuous evolution of Tibetan elements throughout history, immerse themselves in the daily lives of the Tibetan and Qiang peoples, and even experience a 2,500-year-old mandala through holographic projections.

After leaving the Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum, we discovered more interesting portals of Tibetan culture in the town - the Tibetan paper shop "Xiu Man Tibetan Paper" and the Tibetan incense shop "Kalachakra Tibetan Incense". If you are interested, you can also try your hand at making Tibetan paper and incense yourself and deeply experience the inheritance of Tibetan craftsmanship.

Distinctive Tibetan cultural elements can be seen everywhere in the town, including the Tibetan White Pagoda in the square, prayer flags hanging high in the streets, and local people dressed in Tibetan costumes... Common lifestyle and leisure brand stores in big cities can all be found here, which makes our hearts beat again when we stay in Jiuzhaigou.

A Mysterious Place, Zhongchagou

Who would have thought that just 15km away from Jiuzhaigou, separated by a mountain, lies such a secluded and untouched secret? Here, you'll find pristine snow-capped mountains, lush green grasslands, and the simple and honest Tibetan people, a place steeped in history, tranquility, and undisturbed tranquility. This is the tranquil and beautiful Zhongchagou, adjacent to the Hotel Indigo Jiuzhaigou. Zhongchagou maintains its original Tibetan village style, with wooden houses nestled side by side and colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind. It's a breathtaking sight, a stark contrast to the vibrant lights of Jiuzhaigou and Luneng. Entering the tranquil and peaceful Zhongchagou, wildflowers emanate their delicate fragrance, lush green grass blankets the alpine grasslands, and cattle and sheep dot the landscape. Staggered with withered wood fences and solitary, towering trees rise from the mountains, creating a picturesque scene. From the depths of the village, the sound of people reading echoes across the desolate mountaintops, like a magnificent symphony playing in the valley.

Ancient and tranquil, Zhongchagou has been home to villagers for generations, living a nomadic life surrounded by forests and snow-capped mountains. It feels like a secluded paradise. This idyllic Zhongchagou is captivating, earning it the nickname "Jiuzhaigou's Back Garden." In early summer, drive west to the magical Jiuzhaigou. Stay at the "fairy-like Meiju" (Jiuzhai Indi Hotel) and savor the tranquility and romance of the mountains!

Recommended Itinerary:

Day 1: Fly to Huanglong Airport and drive 1.5 hours to the hotel (airport pick-up available). Rest at the Hotel Indigo Jiuzhaigou, enjoy a Tibetan hot pot dinner, and then admire the night view of Luneng Beauty Village.

Day 2: After breakfast, proceed to Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area for sightseeing.

Day 3: In the morning, visit the Luneng Beauty Village Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum (1-2 hours), followed by exploring the town's various cultural and creative shops. In the afternoon, visit Zhongchagou Valley for sightseeing before returning home.