On the third day of my visit to Ruoergai Grassland in Sichuan, I finally entered the legendary Jiuzhaigou. The place that National Geographic called the “Yaochi on earth” was really showing its fairytale-like face in the morning mist. As a Singaporean visiting this secret place in Western Sichuan for the first time, this detailed guide may help you avoid the mines I stepped on.
About the itinerary
Recommended to arrange a 2-day in-depth tour (tickets can be entered twice). On the first day, take the scenic bus directly to the primitive forest station, hike along the arrow bamboo sea – panda sea – five flower sea trestle, this 3 kilometers of the route has a gentle slope, along the way you will meet Tibetan grandmothers selling hand-woven hair ornaments (10 yuan / strip). The next day focuses on the Changhai-Wucaichi line, and it is recommended to bring your own lunch to avoid the midday meal rush.
Must-visit attractions
Five-color Pond: the lake will change five colors with the light, before 10:30 smooth light angle is the most suitable for photographs
Pearl Beach Falls: the location of the opening scene of Journey to the West, it is recommended to wear a waterproof jacket.
Norilang Waterfall: Asia's widest calcium waterfall, the best light in the afternoon.
Shuzheng Qunhai: 19 seas are connected like an emerald necklace, recommended to visit at dusk.
Practical Information
Transportation: Take the 8:00 shuttle bus from Chengdu Xinnanmen Station (158 RMB, 8 hours drive), we recommend choosing the left seat to see the scenery of Minjiang River.
Tickets: peak season (April-November) RMB 169 + sightseeing bus RMB 90, senior citizens over 60 years old are exempted from the entrance fee
Accommodation: Pengfeng Village Inn at the mouth of the ditch is cost-effective and recommended Tibetan-style lodging (about 200 RMB/night including floor heating)
Dress: the temperature difference between day and night is up to 15℃, we recommend onion style dressing (T-shirt + fleece + windproof jacket)
Local Experience
In Shuzheng Zhai, you can experience a Tibetan dinner (RMB 180/person) with barley wine and yak meat hot pot. The Thangka studio in the walled village offers a 2-hour experiential class (RMB 150), and hand-painting the auspicious Eight Treasures pattern will be a unique souvenir. Pay attention to respect local customs, and turn the thangka clockwise.
Travel Tips
There are no convenience stores in the scenic area, it is recommended to prepare energy bars and thermos cups
There may be a slight plateau reaction at an altitude of 3000 meters, you can take Rhodiola Rosea in advance.
Late October to early November is the red leaf season, need to book accommodation 30 days in advance
Electronic payment coverage is 95%, but keep some cash on hand to cope with network instability.
When I saw the reflection of snow-capped mountains by the Changhai Sea, I suddenly understood why Jiuzhaigou became a World Heritage Site. The landscape here seems to have been carefully colored by the Creator, and there are surprises around every corner. On the way back, why not stop at Songpan Ancient City and try the freshly baked barley cakes (RMB 5/pc) to give this natural encounter a warm ending.
