On the morning of October 6th, as the first glimmer of light appeared in the sky, I jumped out of bed with immense excitement. The alarm set for 6:30 AM seemed too early, but the anticipation of the upcoming journey to Jiuzhaigou kept me from getting a restful sleep. At exactly 7:00 AM, I appeared in the hotel restaurant, enjoying a hearty breakfast to fuel up for the day's adventure.
After breakfast, the hotel owner personally drove us to the entrance of the Jiuzhaigou scenic area. The cool autumn breeze and the scenery along the way were already refreshing, but I knew the best was yet to come. Upon arriving at the entrance, we smoothly entered the park after scanning our ID cards and boarded the internal buses of the scenic area. The entire journey was accompanied by a detailed explanation from the tour guide, covering everything from the historical background of Jiuzhaigou to the characteristics of each attraction, deepening my understanding of this mystical land.
Our first stop was Arrow Bamboo Lake. As soon as we got off the bus, the breathtaking beauty before me was instantly captivating. The crystal-clear water reflected the surrounding mountains, resembling a exquisite painting. I couldn't wait to take out my camera and start capturing these unforgettable moments. Every step revealed a new scenery, so beautiful that my eyes could hardly take it all in. Walking back from Arrow Bamboo Lake, I also saw the traces left by the 2017 earthquake—exposed rocks and boulders that told the story of nature's power and resilience.
The entire scenic area was very well-planned, with a clean and tidy environment that lifted one's spirits. Workers dedicated to picking up trash ensured the area's cleanliness. Almost every major attraction had restrooms and smart kiosks, as well as charging banks for rent, which was incredibly convenient. At the nuo ri lang Transfer Station, I also tried the buffet and box meals offered in the scenic area. Although a bit pricey, the taste was decent. Of course, if you're looking to save money, instant noodles are also a good option.
What I will never forget is the descent from Long Lake to the Five-Flower Lake via the stepped plank path. Although the scenery was like a painting, my right knee began to ache. I had to walk sideways, step by step, trying to appreciate the views along the way. Fortunately, there were fewer steps to descend at the later attractions, allowing me to take a quick tour. At 3:00 PM, we concluded our visit to Jiuzhaigou and exited the park just as a light rain began to fall. Walking through the forest, listening to the sound of gurgling water, I couldn't help but exclaim, "No wonder they say you don't need to see water elsewhere after returning from Jiuzhaigou!"
Reflecting on this journey to Jiuzhaigou, despite a few minor incidents, it was an unforgettable trip. The mountains and waters, the culture, and everything here has left me longing to return. I believe the beauty of Jiuzhaigou will forever remain in my memory, becoming one of the most precious treasures of my life.