‘Wait a minute, Jiuzhaigou in China, the one that looks like Planet Avatar, is really allowing foreign tourists in now?’ That’s the question I get asked most at my trekking club meetings in Los Angeles. Since China reopened its tourist visas in 2023, the secret place known as the ‘Yao Chi’ has quietly made it onto National Geographic’s ‘Top 10 Reboot Travel List’. As a travel blogger who has personally stepped on the spot, I can responsibly tell you: ** Holding a U.S. passport not only allows you to enter Jiuzhaigou, but also unlocks the hidden ways to play that even Chinese locals would envy! ** Scroll down to reveal how to avoid the minefield that 90% of tourists don’t know about.
I. Visa and Access: Play Jiuzhaigou with your US passport this way!
1. New Chinese visa regulations (updated in 2024)
- Tourist Visa (L Visa): Appointments can be made online through the China Visa Application Service Centre (there are processing points in cities such as San Francisco/Los Angeles/New York)
- Processing cycle: regular 4 working days, expedited 2 days (fee from $185)
- Key Documents: Hotel reservation + round-trip air ticket + Jiuzhaigou itinerary plan (free at the end of the template)
Tips for avoiding pitfalls: Choose the ‘Multiple Entry’ option, which is valid for up to 10 years! In the future to Tibet or Xi’an Terracotta Warriors say go.
2. Jiuzhaigou Special Access Policy
- No additional permits required: Unlike Tibet, Jiuzhaigou is fully open to foreign visitors with a valid Chinese visa.
- Daily limit of 41,000: Reservations are recommended 3 days in advance on the official website (English interface is now online)
- Hidden Benefit: Foreign passports are allowed to use special security check lanes (save 90% of queuing time)
2. A complete strategy for travelling from the US: Fly this way to save time and money
1. Optimal route combination
- West Coast Departure: San Francisco (SFO) – Chengdu (CTU) direct flight 13.5 hours, transfer to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (JZH) 50 minutes.
- East Coast Departure: New York (JFK) – Xi’an (XIY) transfer, experience Terracotta Warriors and Horses + Jiuzhaigou double itinerary.
- Money Saving Tip: Flights departing on Wednesdays are usually $200+ cheaper than weekends.
2. Survival Guide for Highland Airports
Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport is 11,300 feet above sea level (2,000 feet higher than Denver Airport!) Suggestion:
- Take Diamox (anti-plateau reaction medicine) in advance
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 2 hours after disembarking from the plane.
- Spend $1.50 for a can of oxygen at the airport (the pink packet is the most effective).
3. Exclusive experience for foreign tourists in the scenic spots.
1. 5 secret entrances that must be bookmarked
| Attraction Name | Google Coordinates | Best Time | American Tourist Privileges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Forest | 33.1698°N, 103.905°E | 8-10am | Guides are available |
| Zaru Horse Trail | 33.267°N, 103.864°E | 3-5pm | Horseback Riding (by appointment) |
| Jusheng Mill | 33.217°N, 103.902°E | All day | Free barley beer |
2. Hidden services not even written in the guidebook
- Star camping: stargazing with telescope by the Changhai Sea (booking for foreign tourists only)
- Tangka Painting Lesson: 2 hours of traditional painting with a Tibetan artist ($35 for materials).
- Yak Post Office: send postcards to your friends and family in the US from the highest altitude post office (super cool postmark)
4. Survival Guide for the American Stomach: From Tibetan Food to Starbucks
1. Must try the three godly cuisines
- Ghee Tea Latte — Jiuzhaigou’s version of Starbucks (exclusively served in Tibetan cafes)
- Stone Barbecue: yak meat grilled on shale rock at 3000 metres above sea level ($12 per person)
- Matsutake Sashimi: Only available from July to September every year, 10 times fresher than Japanese restaurants.
2. Emergency checklist
- KFC is available in the scenic area (but the spicy wings are real-Sichuan spiciness!)
- Take energy bars with you (shops are far apart along the trekking route)
- Download ‘Meituan Delivery’ app (can deliver medicine to hotel)
—Take an energy bar with you (shops are far apart along the trekking route).
V. Tips for avoiding thunder that locals won’t tell you
1. A list of photographic taboos.
- ✘ Flash at Tibetan people who kowtow to long heads
- ✘ Compare scissor hands under the warp beams
- ✔ Correct posture: hands together and bow slightly
2. Highland Weather Survival Kit
- Folding umbrella (UV shield in sunny days, storm protection in rainy days)
- Lipstick + sunscreen (UV index often exceeds 8)
- Waterproof hiking shoes (the trail is wet and slippery).
3. List of life-saving APPs
- GoDe Maps: English version to navigate the hiking route
- Translate Now: real-time translation of Tibetan menus
- AirDoctor: contact English-speaking doctor online
VI. True Story: My 48-hour Strange Encounter in Jiuzhaigou
‘Miss, your mobile phone.’ When I was gawking at the Sea of Five Flowers, a Tibetan uncle wearing a cowboy hat handed me my fallen iPhone.I didn’t expect him to be able to say in fluent English, ‘Welcome to Jiuzhaigou, do I need to help you shoot the same camera as the INS Netflix?’ It turns out that he is the scenic area specially hired foreign guest receptionist A Wang, the next journey completely overturned my perception:
- 7:00AM Follow A Wang through the employee channel, contracting the empty Pearl Beach waterfalls
- 12:30PM Eat authentic Tibetan food (yoghurt and cheese is amazing!) in a Tibetan house where tourists are not allowed to enter.
- 6:00PM Use your foreign passport to gain privileged access to the closed Sea of Sparks and see the magical moment when the blue ice begins to freeze!
‘A lot of the beauty is not open to the public, but as long as you respect our culture, Jiuzhaigou will show you the most authentic way.’ This quote from Awang became the most precious souvenir of my trip.
VII Special Tips for 2024: These are the changes to be aware of
- Electronic payment revolution: Apple Pay support (but cash is safer)
- NEW ENVIRONMENTAL RULES: Plastic bottle fines rise to $7.50 each
- Netflix Trap Alert: Beware of the ‘Best Photography Spot’ Charge Scheme (Official Observation Deck is Free)
Now open your Google Flights and search for ‘SFO to CTU’ — the crystal lake in Jiuzhaigou is reflecting your reflection. And remember, the view won’t be waiting for you for long: from 2025 onwards, the scenic spots will be closed on a rotating basis (some areas will be closed for conservation). Take this guide with you and unlock your own secret land of the East. After all, there are some landscapes that are meant to be witnessed before you believe in their magic.
