Jiuzhaigou

The Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area, located in the northern part of Sichuan province in China, is one of the country’s most spectacular natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The reserve is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, including crystal-clear turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, lush forests, and snow-capped peaks. Spanning over 720 km², Jiuzhaigou is named after the nine Tibetan villages ("jiu" meaning nine in Chinese) that dot the valley, and it serves as a haven for both natural beauty and cultural heritage.
The valley is often described as a fairyland for its surreal, vibrant scenery. Its pristine lakes, such as the iconic Colourful pond, are famous for their extraordinary colors, a result of mineral-rich waters, algae, and sunlight. The reserve is also home to diverse ecosystems, ranging from temperate broadleaf forests at lower elevations to alpine meadows and coniferous forests at higher altitudes. Jiuzhaigou is a vital sanctuary for many rare and endangered species, including the giant panda and the Sichuan golden monkey.
Visitors to Jiuzhaigou are treated to an immersive experience in nature, with opportunities to hike, photograph, and explore the rich biodiversity of the area. The reserve is open year-round, offering different charms depending on the season, from the lush greenery of summer to the golden and crimson hues of autumn.
How to get to Jiuzhaigou
From Chengdu there are direct flights to the Huanglong airport, 80km south of Jiuzhaigou. There is also a high speed train from Chengdu to the Zhenjiangguan railway station, and from there it's a three hours bus trip to Jiuzhaigou.
Accommodation
There is plenty of accomodation and hotels outside the park, not far from the visitor centre, bookable via hotel booking portals.