Exploring the Natural Wonders of Jiuzhaigou: An American Traveler's Guide to Trekking
Introduction: A Natural Journey to Awaken the Senses
As an outdoor enthusiast from Colorado, I used to think I knew enough about mountains and landscapes-until I set foot in Jiuzhaigou, Sichuan, China. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this “fairy tale world” with its blue waters, colorful forests, and snow-capped mountains changed my imagination about nature. 2024, I visited Jiuzhaigou as a backpacker, completing a three-day in-depth tour by a combination of hiking and sightseeing buses. Below is a summary of my practical tips, which I hope will provide inspiration for American travelers planning to visit.
Pre-trip Preparation: The Details Determine the Experience
1. Transportation and tickets
From Chengdu, you can choose to arrive at Jiuzhaigou by an early flight (1 hour) or a comfortable long-distance bus (5-6 hours). Tickets must be booked in advance on the official website during peak season (April-November) and total RMB 310 including sightseeing bus tickets; off-season (December-March) is more economical at only RMB 160. It is recommended to download the official map of the scenic spots or save the electronic “Y” shaped road map, which is the key to planning your trip.
2. Equipment list
Footwear: Jiuzhaigou's trestle paths are over 60 kilometers long, and my Salomon hiking boots showed excellent non-slip resistance on the slippery boards, so avoiding flat-soled shoes is highly recommended.
Clothing: With a temperature difference of 15°C between day and night in October, I used the three-layer method of dressing quick-drying T-shirt + fleece jacket + windproof jacket and had a disposable rain poncho in my backpack.
Plateau Reaction: The scenic area is at an altitude of 2,000-3,100 meters above sea level, so I took Rhodiola capsules in advance and carried portable oxygen bottles (available inside and outside of the scenic area for about 50 RMB/can).
Core Strategy: Balancing Efficiency and Depth of Itinerary Design
Jiuzhaigou's “Y” shaped layout consists of Shuzheng Gou (main road), Rize Gou (right side) and Zechawa Gou (left side). My three-day itinerary is as follows:
Day 1: A visual feast in Rizegou
Take the first sightseeing bus at 7:30 and go straight to the Primitive Forest Station. After taking a deep breath of the crisp air of the fir forest, hike along the trestle to the Swan Sea (about 40 minutes). This is the prime time to photograph the morning mist and reflections, and my Fuji X-T5 captured the magic of water plants swaying in the blue-green lake water.
In the late afternoon, focus on the Sea of Five Flowers, where the sunlight penetrates the lake's water as calcareous sediments and algae intertwine in splashes of color, like an overturned palette. Remember to take in the panoramic view from the Tiger's Mouth Viewing Platform the setting for the Hero movie.
Day 2: Humanistic Exploration of Zechawa Gully
Early in the morning, I went straight to the Changhai, the highest and deepest lake in Jiuzhaigou at an altitude of 3060 meters. Here I bumped into a Tibetan guide who shared the legend about the goddess Woluoshe ugly woman guarding the sacred lake. Descend the steep walkway to the Wu Cai Pond, where the midday sun gives the water an extreme saturation of blue-green color, so it is recommended to use polarizing glasses to eliminate reflections.
In the afternoon, return to Norilang transit station and transfer to the sightseeing bus to Shuzheng Qunhai. I chose to walk the 2-kilometer trestle through the 19 terraced lakes, where the sound of the water flowing over the calcareous dykes to form a cascading waterfall is like wind chimes.
Day 3: Niche Hiking Route Revealed
Avoiding the crowds, I headed from Rhinoceros Sea to Mirror Sea along the hidden trestle. The Sea of Mirrors is like a vacuum before 8:00 a.m., and the reflected snow-capped mountains make me unable to tell the boundary between heaven and earth it's the first of the top ten photography spots in Jiuzhaigou. In the afternoon, I challenged the Zarugou Eco Trail (extra application required), a less traveled route showing undisturbed primeval forests, and I even found traces of giant panda feces.
Hiking Safety and Etiquette: The Traveler Who Respects Nature
1. Walking tips
Walk slowly and sideways along the slippery trails, following the principle of “walk without looking at the scenery, and stop when looking at the scenery”.
Take a 10-minute break every hour, and I always carry beef jerky and electrolyte supplements in my fanny pack to replenish my energy.
2. Environmental Protection Responsibility
Jiuzhaigou has implemented a “garbage bank” system, I brought the waste generated back to the hotel to exchange for small gifts. While visiting the Pearl Beach Waterfall, I witnessed a tourist being fined 500 RMB for crossing the guardrail to take photos please strictly abide by the rules of the protected area.
3. Cultural Interaction
While tasting ghee tea at Shuzheng Zhai, I learned simple Ando Tibetan greetings from the store owner. Note: Prior consent is required to photograph local residents and flash is prohibited in religious places.
Accommodation & Cuisine: Finding Modern Comforts in the Valley
The Jiuzhai Paradise Intercontinental Hotel outside the scenic area offers underfloor heating and oxygen-supplied rooms (about RMB 800/night in low season), while backpackers on a budget can opt for a Tibetan-style lodging (e.g., Zazizang Jiale, about RMB 200 with breakfast and dinner). We recommend trying yak meat hotpot with barley cakes, but those with sensitive stomachs should be cautious about consuming raw dairy products.
Conclusion: Standing at the Junction of Eternity and Ksitigarbha
When I stood in front of the Norilang Waterfall and watched the 216-meter-wide curtain of water glow golden red in the setting sun, I suddenly understood why Tibetans regarded Jiuzhaigou as the “Garden of the Gods”. The beauty of this place carries a certain divinity that requires us to approach it with a humble heart. As I left with the dirt on my walking stick and 3,000 photos in my camera, I knew that I was not only taking away memories, but also a deep reverence for life on earth.
Travel information is updated as of January 2025, please refer to the official website of Jiuzhaigou Administration for specific policies.
