Transportation and Chartered Vehicles
Transportation Options: There are two primary methods to travel from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou: by coach or by air, each possessing distinct advantages and disadvantages. The author opted to travel by coach to appreciate the scenery and rest, and to fly back in the evening to maximize daytime activities and facilitate bodily adaptation while experiencing both transportation modes. Arriving by air may hinder a visit to Huanglong on the same day due to weather conditions, potentially leading to a missed visit or a hurried itinerary. Furthermore, Huanglong’s elevated altitude may induce altitude sickness, impacting future visits to Jiuzhaigou. When departing by air, it is recommended to first visit Jiuzhaigou to acclimatize to the altitude, followed by Huanglong, and subsequently return to Chengdu, thereby circumventing a return trip.
Chartered Car Recommendations: During high-demand periods, utilizing a scheduled bus is more advantageous. The author was compelled to hire a car to Huanglong because the scheduled buses were not available and discovered that online recommendations for chartered vehicles were unreliable, with drivers exhibiting overcharging practices and poor demeanor. It is advisable to locally hire a vehicle and negotiate terms directly with the driver, addressing stipulations such as no intermediate pickups, the duration of the Huanglong tour, included services, potential surcharges for inclement weather, and the exclusion of shopping stops. Selecting a local driver is advantageous.
Itinerary Development
Fundamental Principles: Printing a map is unnecessary. Obtain a small map at the tourist center located at the Jiuzhaigou entrance. Ensure to utilize the forest trail in Rizhegou, the road trail in Shuzhenggou, and primarily rely on the bus in Zechawagou. If a strategy is needed, Rizhegou is less crowded in the afternoon, so walk up from the bottom (from Zhenzhutan to Jianzhuhai); Shuzhenggou is less crowded in the morning, so walk up from the bottom (from Penjingtan to Xiniuhai); for Zechawagou, either go early or late, as it is most crowded between 10 am and 2 pm. Some sections are not recommended for hiking, such as Jianzhuhai to the Primitive Forest, the entire Zechawagou (except Changhai and Wucai Pool), Nuorilang Falls to Xiniuhai, Jinghai to Nuorilang Center, and avoid walking on closed trails.
Specific Itinerary Example: On the first day, the author started from Zhenzhutan in Rizhegou, hiked multiple attractions, and then took the bus to Shuzhengzhai for overnight stay. On the second day, the author visited Zechawagou/Shuzhenggou starting from Xiniuha i, hiking and taking the bus to visit multiple attractions. During the trip, the author decided to take additional photos or skip some attractions based on lighting and scenery, such as skipping Jinghai multiple times due to poor lighting and choosing to view reflections at Xiniuhai instead.
Attraction Reviews
Wuhuahai: The author believes that the value of the 100-yuan ticket lies in Wuhuahai, where the water colors are perfectly intertwined, beautiful from both near and far. The view from Tiger’s Mouth is breathtaking. If the author visits again, they would like to spend a day at Wuhuahai. It should be visited first when the sun is shining.
Wucai Pool: In Zechawagou, which has fewer attractions and more people, Wucai Pool is the highlight. Its water is abundant and clear, like a pure sapphire. It is a浓缩 of essence.
Falls: Nuorilang Falls is magnificent, Zhenzhutan Falls is elegant and serene, Panda Sea Falls has a large drop and fast-flowing water, Jianzhuhai Falls are delicate in rows, and Huohuahai Falls are playful.
Reed Sea and Swan Sea: Reed Sea has stunning scenery with golden reeds and azure water, changing colors under different lighting. The author went twice in one day. Swan Sea includes sensitive green water plants, deep blue ponds, little flowers, and wild ducks, creating a serene and attractive scene.
Panda Sea: The sea is emerald green with stripes, creating for fantastic photographs.
Avoiding Crowds
Visit During Off-Peak Seasons: Although some may find the scenery significantly less beautiful during off-peak seasons, the less visitors allow for a peaceful appreciation. The lake in Jiuzhaigou is gorgeous all year round, and the colorful woods and scarlet leaves are just additions. The author prefers the peaceful off-peak seasons.
Avoid Weekends: Even during off-peak seasons, weekends can be congested. The author chose to come on Monday and Tuesday, finding fewer people at sites like Zhenzhutan Falls and Nuorilang Falls, and enjoying a calm visit in Shuzhenggou, such as capturing photos to their heart’s content at Wuhuahai.
Choose the Right Time: Off-peak season tickets start in mid-November, but some attractions may be closed. The author chose to visit during peak season, choosing to spend more money to view more landscapes.
Precautions
Safety: There have been drowning incidences at Zhenzhutan and Wuhuahai. Do not enter closed trails and forested areas without authorization. The author inadvertently accessed a restricted track and was admonished by staff after encountering peril, profoundly acknowledging the significance of safety.
Preparations for Valley Entry: Luggage can be stored in the hostel, and provisions like as food, water, and chargers should be carried. The breakfast at Longchaoshou near the entrance is comparatively costly. Obtain a route brochure at the tourist center before to entry, which contains the sequence of sights, their names, and bus stops. Purchasing tickets is less congested, and you may opt out of the added insurance.
Transportation inside the Scenic Area: Environmentally-friendly buses comprise green buses and brown minibuses, including systematic scheduling. Notify the driver in advance if you require an exit during the journey. In peak seasons, drivers may be unaware of the final location, whereas in off-peak seasons, they will provide explicit information.
Guidelines for Visiting Attractions
Zhenzhutan and Falls: Surrounded by a circular route, Zhenzhutan has magnificent spray and the falls are tranquil and beautiful. Be aware of slippery roads in the morning.
Jinling Lakes, both large and small, lack bus stops. The lakes exhibit a blue-green hue, and the water is sufficiently clean to reveal both decayed wood and emerging life.
Wuhuahai: The pathway is exquisite. Ascend Tiger’s Mouth to observe the complete vista, resembling the fanned tail feathers of a peacock. The hues fluctuate at various times and locations. The majority of tourists congregate on the observation platform, but a smaller number enter the inside.
Tiger’s Mouth: Two routes ascend. Inquire with personnel for guidance. The vista of the lake from the summit is stunning.
Panda Sea Falls and Panda Sea: The rainy season features numerous minor waterfalls; however, the trail was closed this year. Avoid traversing closed pathways, as they pose hazards. Panda Sea Falls features a significant drop, rapid water flow, dense mist, and a steep, slippery slope. Panda Sea is tranquil and calm, featuring emerald green sea and white waves, ideal for photography. There exist white rocks that resemble pandas.
The trail adjacent to Jianzhuhai Mountain is located 200 meters from the bus stop in the direction of the Primitive Forest. Horizontal pathways exist above and below the falls. Jianzhuhai is ideal for observing reflections. The cascades are mild and arranged in tiers. The adjacent forest trails provide little waterfalls and ponds ideal for photography. The author deemed Jianzhuhai somewhat inferior after encountering the wind and contrasting it with other lakes; yet, the reeds at the lake’s terminus were distinctive.
The distance from Jianzhuhai to the Primitive Forest is considerable and devoid of notable beauty, hence traversing the trail is not advisable. Access to Jianyan Xuanquan, Fangcao Sea, and Swan Sea is exclusively via hiking. Swan Sea possesses a bus stop. Exercise caution regarding potential rockfalls at Jianyan Xuanquan. The Primitive Forest is blustery, Fangcao Sea is uninteresting, and Swan Sea is scenic. In the afternoon, sunlight illuminates the lake, producing a tranquil tableau featuring meadows, small bodies of water, wild ducks, flowing streams, and wildflowers. The author appreciated the tranquil landscape but had to conclude the visit prematurely due to staff retrieving the bus.
Attractions in the Latter Half of Shuzhenggou
The panoramic vista is observable from the trail adjacent to Shuzhengzhai. It consists of numerous little lakes, resembling fragmented blue mirrors dispersed among the woods.
The colossal rocks at the base of Wolonghai exhibit a frightening morphology. The sunlight glimmers on the surface of Huohuahai like sparks, creating a magnificent scene during the morning and evening. The path connecting Huohuahai and Shuanglonghai features little waterfalls, which posed hazards this year owing to elevated water levels. The calcified stratum at the base of Shuanglonghai delineates two lines, akin to those of Wolonghai. The author deemed these lakes accessible.
