Sights in Jiuzhaigou

This is the signature landscape of Shuzheng Valley. The Shuzheng Lakes stretch for miles, with a height difference of nearly 100 meters. They are composed of 19 lakes of varying sizes arranged in a terraced pattern. Between these lakes, willows, poplars, pines, and fir trees, as well as a variety of shrubs, grow. The water flows over the embankment, weaving through the trees to form wide waterfalls, creating a spectacular spectacle of "trees growing in water, water flowing through the forest."

Shuzheng Waterfall is located upstream of the Shuzheng Lakes, near Shuzheng Village. Measuring 62 meters wide and 15 meters high, it's the first waterfall you encounter upon entering the valley and the smallest of Jiuzhaigou's four major waterfalls. Despite its small size, it's still breathtaking for first-time visitors. The upstream lake flows along the shallows, forming a series of terraces, with cascading waterfalls cascading through them. The cascading waterfalls between the lakes create a breathtaking spectacle.

Shuzheng Village is the most popular village in Jiuzhaigou. Entering Shuzheng Village is like stepping into a landscape painting: wooden buildings stand side by side, prayer flags flutter in the wind, and smoke curls from the ancient wooden buildings, creating a tranquil and peaceful Tibetan atmosphere. Here, you can immerse yourself in Tibetan culture or purchase souvenirs embodying the unique characteristics of the Tibetan and Qiang ethnic groups.

The three characters "Norilang" are a Tibetan transliteration of "male god," symbolizing grandeur and grandeur. The waterfall has a drop of 20 meters and a width of 300 meters, with a flat top like a platform. Opposite the falls, an observation deck offers a panoramic view. In the mornings, the sun often creates rainbows across the valley, adding to the waterfall's allure. The cascading water, like a curtain of water, stirs up countless sprays that scatter like intermittent beads. In winter, the falls often form a vast ice curtain, with countless icicles hanging from the steep cliffs, creating a rare world of ice crystals. Nuorilang Falls is the widest travertine waterfall ever discovered in China and was the filming location for the ending credits of the 1986 TV series "Journey to the West."

After purchasing your ticket at the entrance to the ravine and entering the main gate, you'll find a 7km stretch of road. A turquoise river flows through the valley on the left – the Emerald River. Journey upstream and you'll enter a fairytale paradise.

The first village upon entering the valley boasts rich Tibetan architecture. True to its name, Lotus Leaf Village resembles a giant, unfurling lotus leaf when viewed from above. Behind the village stands a century-old, majestic pine tree, known as the Welcoming Pine.

Continuing past Heye Village, we arrived at a travertine beach. This low-lying, shallow beach is covered with weeds, poplars, azaleas, pines, cypresses, willows, and other trees and shrubs. The trees are graceful and the water is emerald green, creating a scene resembling a vast, colorful bonsai, hence the name "Bonsai Beach."

The first lake you encounter upon entering Jiuzhaigou, Reed Lake is a semi-swampy lake, home to reeds that sway in the wind and provide a haven for waterfowl. A flowing ribbon of water winds its way through the center of the lake, bisecting it. This ribbon of water possesses the luster and hue of jade, earning it the name Jade Belt River. Legend has it that this beautiful Jade Belt River was formed from the belt of Wonosemei, the goddess of Jiuzhaigou.

Shuanglong Lake is nestled among the trees beneath the Sparkling Lake Waterfall. Through the deep, crystal-clear waters, one can clearly see two travertine dikes lurking at the bottom of the lake, resembling two dragons wriggling in the sea.

Located at an altitude of 2,315 meters, this vast expanse of water is the second largest lake in Jiuzhaigou, second only to Changhai Lake. It boasts one of the most diverse scenery in Jiuzhaigou, and its stunning reflections are considered the most beautiful of all lakes. The northern shore ends in a reed grove, offering a view of Semei Mountain, the Goddess of Semei. The southern shore is bordered by forests and a silver waterfall, while the center lies a vast expanse of breathtaking blue. The reflections of misty clouds and crimson leaves and green trees on the azure water create a breathtaking, almost surreal, scene. Boat rentals are available on the water, making this the only place for water activities in Jiuzhaigou.

The petite Wolong Lake is a quintessential example of a blue lake. Its surface is calm and tranquil, like a smooth, crystal-clear sapphire, captivating the senses. A long, milky-white travertine causeway stretches along the seabed, resembling a lifelike dragon slithering beneath the surface.

Sparkling Lake lies between Shuanglong Lake and Wolong Lake. Crossing the plank road across the Sparkling Lake waterfall leads to the Sparkling Lake Observation Deck, located just off the highway. The lake's surface is a deep blue, surrounded by lush jungle. At dawn, the surface shimmers with a golden glow, resembling a thousand sparks dancing in the water—a truly stunning sight. Visiting Sparkling Lake in the evening is best done against the light to witness the shimmering waves.

Located at the upper end of the Kongque River in Rizegou, Wuhua Lake is a vibrant expanse of color, created by the diverse distribution of travertine deposits, vibrant algae, and submerged plants. Within the same waters, the lake displays shades of light red, light yellow, dark green, deep blue, and royal blue, resembling a giant pendant inlaid with countless gemstones, shimmering with brilliance and elegance. Wuhua Lake is known as "the unique beauty of Jiuzhaigou."

Jinghai Lake, located at an altitude of 2,390 meters, is approximately 1 kilometer long, with an average depth of 11 meters and a maximum depth of 24.3 meters. It is narrow and long, surrounded by trees. Located in the Rize Valley, it connects upstream with the Jinghai Valley and downstream to the Nuorilang Group of Seas. Jinghai Lake derives its name from its mirror-like surface. At dawn or at dawn, the blue sky, white clouds, distant mountains, and nearby trees are reflected in the seabed, creating a seascape with distinct lines and vibrant colors.

Panda Lake, located at an altitude of 2,587 meters and 14 meters deep, is adjacent to Wuhua Lake. It's said that Jiuzhaigou's giant pandas love to wander, drink, and forage here, hence the name "Panda Lake." The unique rock formations at Panda Lake contrast beautifully with the black-striped, white rocks underwater, resembling pandas. Panda Lake is home to the most fish in Jiuzhaigou, and you can spot alpine naked carp. Naked carp are a cold-water alpine fish that grows very slowly, making it difficult for other fish to survive.

Bamboo Shoot Lake is surrounded by a profusion of bamboo, a favorite food of giant pandas. The lake is named after its proximity to Panda Lake, and the expansive, turquoise waters of the lake are renowned for their stunning reflections. On calm days, visitors can admire a breathtaking scene, seemingly reflecting the mountains, or perhaps the water itself, on the mountains.

One of the wider rocky beaches among Jiuzhaigou's many lakes. A trestle bridge spans Pearl Beach, and the beach south of the bridge is covered with shrubs. The rapids flow under the bridge, stirring up countless rolling pearls on the shallows to the north. After 200 meters along this sloping beach, the torrent plunges over the cliff into the deep valley, forming the magnificent Pearl Beach Waterfall.

The primeval forest is the top of the Rizegou scenic spot, with an altitude of 3,060 meters. The trees cover the sky and the sun. Standing in the forest, you can step on the thick and soft moss and fallen leaves, smell the fragrant and moist air, and listen to the pine waves and birdsong, which makes people feel extremely comfortable.

Walking down from the primeval forest, you can see a solitary peak rising from the ground. It is more than 500 meters high and the peak wall is sharp, like a sword drawn from its sheath piercing the sky, hence the name "Sword Rock".

Caohai Lake, nestled deep beneath a cliff, is a semi-swampy lake. Its lower reaches connect to Tian'an Lake, creating a long, serene lake. Because of the high mountains and deep valleys, sunlight reaches the lake only late, giving it a mysterious air.

Swan Lake, located at an altitude of 2,905 meters, connects to the lower reaches of Caohai Lake. Much of its vast surface has been silted up into shallows, leaving half of it swampy. Wild grasses of various colors, ranging from light green to dark green, grayish-white, lavender, and pale yellow, are scattered irregularly across the surface. These velvety weeds create patterns on the water's surface. Numerous algae float within the lake, dotting the clear waters for a truly breathtaking sight.

Eagle Claw Cave, located on the roadside near Swan Lake, gets its name from the more than 50 eagle claw marks on the cave walls. Legends say these marks were left by King Gesar during his battle with demons. Legends are just legends; the so-called eagle claw marks are actually the result of differential weathering of the rocks.

From the trestle bridge at the outlet of Wuhua Lake, climb onto the mountain road. Heading downhill, you'll find the Peacock River, a river in a deep valley on the left. This narrow 310-meter-long river meanders through the forest, its banks adorned with flowers and trees, and the sound of birdsong.

Jinling Lake, located at an altitude of 2,435 meters, is named for its two adjacent lakes, one large and one small, which resemble copper bells. The smaller lake, at 103 meters deep, is the deepest of all the lakes in Jiuzhaigou. From above, the indigo waters and the densely shaded shores accentuate the delicate silhouette of the two bell-like lakes.

Located at the end of Zechawa Valley, the Changhai Lake forms an "S" shape. Across from it are snow-capped peaks, cirques, and U-shaped valleys, all typical glacial landscapes, with lush forests lining its banks. The lake has no outlet, its water source being melted from the mountains. Strangely, the Changhai Lake never dries up or overflows its banks, leading Tibetans to call it a "treasure gourd" that "can never be filled, never leaks."

Just 1km down from Changhai Lake lies the Five-Colored Pond, nestled deep in a valley below the mountain road. At 2,995 meters above sea level, the Five-Colored Pond is Jiuzhaigou's smallest lake, yet its vibrant colors rival those of Wuhua Lake. The water is exceptionally clear, revealing the lithographic patterns on the rock surface. The contrasting colors of the sediment and the surrounding vegetation give the originally azure surface a vibrant hue. Legend has it that if a couple descends the steps to the Five-Colored Pond, silently makes a wish, and then climbs the 189 steps, they are guaranteed to be together forever.

The Huanglong Scenic Area, located at the foot of Xuebaoding, the main peak of the Min Mountains, is a travertine ridge that rises gradually from south to north. Its topography resembles a giant dragon, head held high and prancing, resting in the shimmering embrace of the snow-capped peaks and glaciers. Huanglong Gorge is approximately 7.5 kilometers long and 1.5 kilometers wide. Ascending the steps from the gorge entrance, one encounters the winding, undulating back of the dragon, with countless rapids and waterfalls cascading down, resembling a dragon's paw playing with the water. The mountain is ablaze with vibrant azaleas, fiery red maple leaves, and shimmering golden hairtail, all complemented by vibrant pools of varying colors, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene. Huanglong's main attractions include the Welcoming Pool, the cascading waterfalls, the Washing Body Cave, the Golden Sands Pavement, the Bonsai Pond, the Mirror Reflection Pond, the Competition of Beauty Pond, the Yellow Dragon Cave, the Five-Colored Pond, the Rotating Flower Pond, and the Huanglong Ancient Temple.

"Miao Luo" is Tibetan, meaning "funny plain." The scenic area is located midway along the Chengdu-Jiuzhaigou-Huanglong tourist route, nestled in the Zagunao River valley, a tributary of the Minjiang River. The area is surrounded by rolling mountains, crisscrossing rivers, and vast forests. It is particularly famous for its magnificent autumn leaves.

Every autumn (September and October), the maple, birch, pine, and larch trees along the riverbanks of the scenic area gradually recover from frost, their leaves dyeing them a vibrant crimson and golden yellow. At this time, the mountains and forests are ablaze with crimson, creating a spectacular spectacle of crimson leaves adorning the vast landscape.

Ganhaizi, scientifically known as Fangcaohai, is located at Gonggangling at the junction of Songpan County and Jiuzhaigou County. It can be seen on the road from Jiuzhaigou to Chengdu.

This was originally a high mountain lake, but due to geological changes, the outlet expanded, leading locals to call it "Dry Lake." In fact, "Dry Lake" isn't dry at all. Surrounded by cascading mountains and dense forests, a winding stream flows through the lake, and lush grass covers the ground like a velvet carpet. In summer and autumn, wildflowers dot the landscape, and herds of cattle, sheep, mules, and horses roam. In winter and spring, the lake turns a deep yellow, creating a striking contrast with the crimson leaves of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Thus, people gradually changed the name from "Dry Lake" to "Gan Lake."

"Shenxian Pool" is called "Nen En Sangcuo" in Tibetan. It is composed of a series of alpine lakes and travertine pools. There are large calcified pools comparable to Huanglong, as well as alpine lakes and dense forests comparable to Jiuzhaigou.

The main scenic spots include Jinyintan, Bianba Waterfall, Liantaicai Pool, Shuanglong Pool, Qinglong Sea, Shenwa Sea, etc. They complement the well-preserved alpine virgin forests and rare animals and plants represented by giant pandas.