Jiuzhaigou Valley

Overview

Jiuzhaigou lies in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan, famous for its clear, multicoloured lakes, waterfalls and snow mountains, and known as a fairy-tale world.

History

Jiuzhaigou sits in the transition zone between the Tibetan Plateau and the Sichuan Basin, where active geology and travertine deposition over thousands of years created its lakes. The area was made a nature reserve in 1978, inscribed as a natural World Heritage Site in 1992 and designated a global geopark in 2001. After the 2017 earthquake it was repaired and reopened, with visitor numbers managed more strictly than before.

Highlights

• •The brilliantly coloured lake terraces
• •Ancient submerged trees in vivid water
• •The wide curtain of Pearl Shoal Waterfall
• •Tibetan culture living in harmony with nature
• •The dreamlike colours of underwater travertine

Practical tips

• •Autumn is the most beautiful season
• •Allow two days for an in-depth visit

Practical information

Best time

September to November

Tickets

CNY 169 in peak season, CNY 80 in low season; eco-bus ticket CNY 90

Opening hours

7:00 to 18:00, with visitor numbers capped

Local food

Mapo tofu, hotpot, dan dan noodles and fuqi feipian

Getting around

Chengdu is the hub; Jiuzhaigou and Mount Emei are reached by high-speed rail and shuttle

Visa

Domestic travel only requires a valid identity document, with no visa needed. Popular scenic areas and museums generally require real-name reservations booked online in advance.

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