Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park/Jiuzhaigou Ravine
Daily 8am-6pm. 80-220 yuen, shuttle bus 80-90 yuen.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site and UN Biosphere Reserve contains some of China’s most dramatic wild landscapes. Among the sights at Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park/Jiuzhaigou Ravine are steep peaks, ravines, forest, meadows, marshes, lakes, and waterfalls. Three valleys--Rize Valley, Shuzheng Valley, and Zechawa Valley--form a “Y.” The reserve holds 114 lakes, 47 springs, 17 groups of waterfalls, 11 rapids, and 5 tufa shoals. Shuttle buses stop at each lake, but it is best to bus to the top of the valley and then walk down. Wooden walkways circle each lake (beware that they can get slippery at waterfalls, where water spray dampens them).
This UNESCO World Heritage Site and UN Biosphere Reserve contains some of China’s most dramatic wild landscapes. Among the sights at Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park/Jiuzhaigou Ravine are steep peaks, ravines, forest, meadows, marshes, lakes, and waterfalls. Three valleys--Rize Valley, Shuzheng Valley, and Zechawa Valley--form a “Y.” The reserve holds 114 lakes, 47 springs, 17 groups of waterfalls, 11 rapids, and 5 tufa shoals. Shuttle buses stop at each lake, but it is best to bus to the top of the valley and then walk down. Wooden walkways circle each lake (beware that they can get slippery at waterfalls, where water spray dampens them).
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| shuttle bus winds through Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park in Sichuan Province, China |
Nuorilang Waterfall,
which drains into Mirror Lake, is the widest highland waterfall in China and is this park’s symbol.
This park is extremely popular with the Chinese and is very crowded, which is particularly amazing since it is so difficult to reach. Since opening in 1984, tourist activity has increased every year. As of 2004, the site averages 7,000 visits per day, with a 12,000-person quota enforced during high season, but only about 3,000 foreigners visit per season. Despite these large numbers, the area is kept pristine.
Introduction to Jiuzhaigou Valley area
More Jiuzhaigou Valley Area Sights.
Things to do in nearby Chengdu.
Best souvenirs of China.
More ideas for exploring Asia and the South Pacific.
images and video ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
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| Nuorilang Waterfall in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park in Sichuan Province, China |
This park is extremely popular with the Chinese and is very crowded, which is particularly amazing since it is so difficult to reach. Since opening in 1984, tourist activity has increased every year. As of 2004, the site averages 7,000 visits per day, with a 12,000-person quota enforced during high season, but only about 3,000 foreigners visit per season. Despite these large numbers, the area is kept pristine.
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| Five Flower Lake in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park in Sichuan Province, China |
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| Five Flower Lake in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park in Sichuan Province, China |
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| Five Flower Lake in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park in Sichuan Province, China |
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| bridal photo at Five Flower Lake in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park in Sichuan Province, China |
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| girls take selfie at Long Lake in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park in Sichuan Province, China |
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| Tibetan prayer flags at Long Lake in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park in Sichuan Province, China |
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| leaves float on Mirror Lake in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park in Sichuan Province, China |
Introduction to Jiuzhaigou Valley area
More Jiuzhaigou Valley Area Sights.
Things to do in nearby Chengdu.
Best souvenirs of China.
More ideas for exploring Asia and the South Pacific.
images and video ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
Gosh there are some beautiful places in our world. I'd so love to explore more of China. Five flower lake and Nuorilang Waterfall in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park in Sichuan Province look absolutely stunning in your photos.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place Jiuzhaigou Valley looks to be! Is there a way to take hikes away from the selfie-taking tourist hordes?
ReplyDeleteYes to hikes--if you are there long enough. Most group tours are not.
DeleteSounds like water, water, water everywhere. The Nuorilang Waterfall looks huge. I love hikes with waterfalls. I have been to China but not seen Jiuzhaigou Valley and National Park. My husband wants to visit China and this area sounds like one we’d enjoy hiking. I like the idea of a bus to the top and walking down. It doesn’t surprise me that the Chinese climb in this remote park. I have seen Chinese groups all over the world climbing very difficult mountains. And some groups on very steep mountains were seniors between 65 and 80 years old. Amazing.
ReplyDeleteThe lake reflections look like an impressionist painting – so gorgeous!
It's funny how I always think of big cities when I imagine China but it's obvious from your posts that it is also filled with spectacular natural attractions. Nuorilang Waterfall in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park looks stunning and I love the idea of hiking downhill rather than up!
ReplyDeleteActually, walking down all those steps for several hours was rigorous! Allow plenty of time.
DeleteYour photos are so inviting! I would love to visit the Jiuzhaigou Valley!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing waterfall, and I love the reflections in Five Flower Lake. No wonder it is so popular!
ReplyDelete