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Jiuzhaigou Travel Guide

Jiuzhaigou Travel Guide and News 2024

You are here: Home » China Travel Guide » Destinations » Sichuan  » Jiuzhaigou

Big Good News: Jiuzhaigou is fully open to tourists now, including the beautiful Panda Sea, Swan Sea and Wild Forest and other attractions. 2) Travelers can now travel to Jiuzhaigou by train now, which is much cheaper than flight tour. Book a valuable Jiuzhaigou tour package with China Discovery now!

Jiuzhaigou Valley, or Jiuzhaigou National Park is located in northern Sichuan province. It is known as “the Most Beautiful Waterscape in China”, Word Natural Heritage Site, “Fairytale Land”, 5A National Park. All people who have been to Jiuzhaigou know all these reputation match the reality. It is even regarded as the “Paradise for Photographers”.

Having been hidden as a mysterious and never been bothered by outsider until been found in the middle of 20th century, Jiuzhaigou keeps the wildness of nature very well. All the forests, lakes, waterfalls, landform are the best gifts from other mother nature.

Why visit Jiuzhaigou National Park?

  • Explore the most beautiful waterscape in China – water is the soul of Jiuzhaigou, and waters in the high-altitude mountain range are much clearer and diverse in forms. Over 108 lakes, 3 groups of waterfalls is the biggest highlight of Jiuzhaigou.
  • Colors of nature - Jiuzhaigou is the best painting presenting the best color used by the Mother Nature. Visiting Jiuzhaigou is a feast of vision. Wild forests, flowers, lakes changes colors in different season – grey in spring, green in summer, golden in autumn, white in winter.
  • Rare species - Jiuzhaigou Valley is home to over 220 bird species, 74 species of state-protected plants, 18 species of endangered animals, including the Giant Pandas, snub-nosed monkeys, etc.

Top Attractions in Jiuzhaigou National Park

Unlike the small attraction in cities or mountain, traveling Jiuzhaigou is explore two vast lands of attractions which are scattered in two national parks – Jiuzhaigou National Park and Huanglong National Park. >> Learn More about Jiuzhaigou Attractions

Jiuzhaigou Valley
Jiuzhaigou Valley

Jiuzhaigou Valley is famous for its colorful crystal lakes, layered waterfalls, authentic Tibetan villages, towering peaks, virgin forests and more, makes it like a fairyland ...

Huanglong Valley
Huanglong Valley

Huanglong Valley is a 7.5 kilometers long, 1.5 kilometers wide gentle-slope valley. Vast yellow travertine landforms exist in the valley, and look like a yellow dragon ...

Featured Activities in Jiuzhaigou National Park

Besides enjoying the beautiful waterscapes and natural scenery in Jiuzhaigou, there are a lot of things to do with icluding eating the traditional Tibetan cuisine, trying their costume and watching a show at night! >>Learn More about the Featured Activities in Jiuzhaigou

Jiuzhaigou Valley Walking

Jiuzhaigou Valley Walking

Walking in Jiuzhaigou is relaxing and enjoyable. You will have two days to explore the best highlights by hiking. Footpath are built near to attractions in three valleys in the scenic area.

Cultural Dancing Singing Show

Cultural Dancing Singing Show

The Shows are the most popular night activities in several theatres and hotels outside the valley. They are mainly themed about culture and history of Tibetan.

Yummy Tibetan Food

Yummy Tibetan Food

You should not miss the yummy tibetan food in Jiuzhaigou, including Tibetan Hot Pot, Sausage, Walnut Flower Salad, Jiuzhai Mushroom Pot, Potato with Ciba, Roast Whole sheep, etc.

Tibetan Costume Trying On

Tibetan Costume Trying On

Jiuzhaigou people pay great attention to their clothes. If you come to Jiuzhaigou, you can rent a Tibetan costume from the shop in the scenic area and try on and take photos for your memorable trip.

Weather & When to Go to Jiuzhaigou National Park

Though as high plateau, Jiuzhaigou have a humid climate unlike the extreme weather as in other high altitude region, such as Qinghai Tibet Plateau, which should be owned to the rich natural resource, especially wild forests and rivers. It has lots of sunny days all year around, a cool summer and less wind in winter. The average temperature in Jiuzhaigou is from 9 to 18 centigrade. The total annual rainfall there is 761mm. Check weather forecast of Jiuzhaigou

Summer and winter are two best seasons to tour both the Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong when all attractions are available for visiting. In summer days, the plentiful water replenishes every rivers, lakes and waterfall for you to enjoy the stunning waterscape. While the prosperous forests and flowers are the best setoffs of waterscape. The most beautiful scenery comes in Autumn especially October when the entire Jiuzhaigou is filled with diverse colors. Besides, the weather is very pleasant in autumn days.

Learn more about Jiuzhaigou weather >>

Jiuzhaigou in Spring
Jiuzhaigou in Spring

Jiuzhaigou in spring is still a little cold, especially in early March. Most days are overcast and cloudy. Though little rain, the melting snow water and humid climate will keep the weather relatively pleasant.

Jiuzhaigou in Summer
Jiuzhaigou in Summer

Summer is the rainy season of Jiuzhaigou with about 1/3 of the days are rainy and another 1/3 are sunny days. Though people can feel an increase in temperature, it is generally cool.

Jiuzhaigou in Autumn
Jiuzhaigou in Autumn

Jiuzhaigou in autumn is usually overcast or cloudy with less rainfall and sunray, a comfortable weather for people to take a trip. It is relatively cool and you can feel an invigorating autumn climate in Jiuzhaigou.

Jiuzhaigou in Winter
Jiuzhaigou in Winter

In winter, Jiuzhaigou is less-visited and full of a poetic atmosphere with all its colors turn into white. Mountains and trees are covered by snow. Waterfalls become a huge natural ice sculpture.

How to Plan Your Jiuzhaigou Visit Route

Most visitors explore Jiuzhaigou in one day because the ticket is only valid for one day. With the help of park bus, it is possible to visit most of the highlighting attractions in the park. But if you want a full exploration, you can spend two days since the national park is realy big. However you need to book tickets for the second day.

Exploring Jiuzhaigou in One Day

Commence your journey by boarding a tourist bus from the entrance, destined for Nuorilang. This route allows you to witness the iconic sights of Jiuzhaigou. Upon arrival at Nuorilang, transfer to Zechawa Valley, where you can marvel at the breathtaking Long Lake, Five-Color Pond, and Seasonal Lakes. Subsequently, proceed to the picturesque Rize Valley to discover the wonders of Panda Lake, Five Flower Lake, Pearl Shoal, and Mirror Lake. As your excursion draws to a close, return to the gate from Nuorilang, savoring the captivating views of the Shuzheng Lakes en route, including Tiger Lake and Rhinoceros Lake. While this one-day Jiuzhaigou tour may feel a tad hurried, it offers the opportunity to visit a selection of the region's emblematic lakes.

Embarking on a Two-Day Adventure in Jiuzhaigou

Day One: Commence your day by embarking on a tourist bus from the gate to Nuorilang. From there, transfer to Zechawa Valley's prominent attraction, the awe-inspiring Long Lake, which happens to be the largest and deepest lake in Jiuzhaigou. On your return journey to Nuorilang, relish the beauty of the Five-Color Pond and Seasonal Lakes. Take a moment to appreciate the majestic Nuorilang Waterfall, where a delectable lunch awaits you. In the afternoon, board a bus that will directly transport you to the gate, making noteworthy stops at each spot within Shuzheng Valley, including the Rhinoceros Lake, Sparking Lake, and Shuzheng Lakes, concluding today's unforgettable adventure.

Day Two: Begin your day by heading straight to Rize Valley from Nuorilang. Immerse yourself in the enchanting Arrow Bamboo Lake, Panda Lake, Five Flower Lake, and Pearl Shoal. As the late afternoon approaches, bid farewell to Jiuzhaigou, cherishing the memories of your captivating journey.

Transportation of Jiuzhaigou National Park

Train: With the opening of Zhenjiangguan Railway Station 镇江关站, Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou by high-speed rail became the most welcomed way of travel. It’s cheaper than travel by air and comfortable than a long-hour road trip. Currently, there are around 3 runs per day, and the traffic time only costs 1.5 hours. Zhenjiangguan Station is still some distance away from Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou (1.5~2.5 hours driving), so travelers are recommended to a pre-book private car to explore the two sites. >> Learn More about Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou Train

Flight: So far, there are only Chengdu and Chongqing operating flights to Jiuzhaigou. Chengdu is most popular gateway city for flights to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport with about 7 available from early morning to later afternoon. Chongqing comes after Chengdu with usually about 1 ~ 3 available schedules. Air routes from Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou to Jiuzhaigou airport is about to open. Jiuhuang airport is located in the plateau area. The flight may be cancelled for the bad weather (such as snowfall in winter). It is recommended that tourists make a backup transportation plan. >> Learn More about Airport and Flights to Jiuzhaigou.

Useful Links: Airport to Jiuzhaigou | Airport Huanglong | Jiuzhaigou Huanglong

Driving: There is a total 440 kilometers’ driving from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou, via Dujiangyan, Wenchuan, Maoxian, Songopan, Huanglong. But generally, most travelers stop at Songpan or Chuan Zhusi to visit Huanglong firstly, then transfer to Jiuzhaigou. The road is well conditioned, but possibly meet traffic jam in some days of peak season. Learn Ideas on Land Travel to Jiuzhaigou by Driving

Travelers can also take bus from Cha Dianzi Bus Station or Xin Nanmen Bus Station to Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou.

Learn more about Jiuzhaigou transportation

Transfer Between Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou: Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou | Jiuzhaigou to Chengdu

Jiuzhaigou National Park Accommodation

Having developed tourism for decades, Jiuzhaigou offers pleasant accommodation ranging from economy class to luxury class. Some international hotel brands, such as Sheraton, Intercontinental, also operate hotels in Jiuzhaigou. Some domestic or local hotels are also very popular among travelers, and you can make your choice according to your personal needs. Most of hotels are conveniently located near to the gate of Jiuzhaigou Valley so that you can get to the national park easily. Besides, most hotels offer not only great amenities, but also pleasant service.

Learn more about Jiuzhaigou hotels | Where to Stay in Jiuzhaigou

Useful Maps of Jiuzhaigou National Park

Top help you learn better about Jiuzhaigou Valley's attractions, transportation, names, etc, we have collected following tourist maps which are latest, downloadable and printable. >>View more Jiuzhaigou maps

Useful Links: Jiuzhaigou Valley Maps | Huanglong Valley Maps

Jiuzhaigou Tourist Map

Jiuzhaigou Tourist Map

Huanglong Travel Map

Huanglong Travel Map

Map of Scenic Sites Around Jiuzhaigou and Chengdu

Map of Scenic Sites Around Jiuzhaigou and Chengdu

Other Popular Destinations in China

China is vast and diverse. You can choose your favorite destination among more than 70 tourist destination and regions. Following are 4 popular destinations you may get interested in. Check all destinations in China

Chinese Name: 九寨沟

Chinese Pinyin: jiǔ zhài gōu

Literally: Valley of Nine Fortified Villages

Population: 81,394

Language: Mandarin & Sichuan Dialect

Tel Code: 0837

Zip Code: 623400

Time Zone: (UTC+8)

Plan Your Jiuzhaigou National Park Tour

Usually, 2 or 3 days are needed to explore the highlights of Jiuzhaigou Valley and Huanglong Valley excluding the arrival and departure days. Most travelers transfer to Jiuzhaigou from Chengdu by flight or driving. Some other cities also have flights to Jiuzhaigou, such as Beijing, Chongqing, etc. After arrival, spend a half day to tour the Huanglong Valley, and another full day to visit Jiuzhaigou. If you want to take a walking or photography tour, we recommend spend one more day.

You can also travel Jiuzhaigou with other hot destinations in Sichuan, such as Chengdu, Mount Emei, Leshan Giant Buddha, etc.

Travel with China Discovery

We have helped many global travelers enjoy their memorable trips to Jiuzhaigou for the past few years. Among them Mr. and Mrs. Mak from Singapore enjoyed 3 days in Jiuzhaigou during their 12 days China trip customized with us and shared us their travel story. Travel with China Discovery to create your wonderful Jiuzhaigou trip memories!

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