Hello everyone! I am your tour guide Xiangzi. As a local, I want to tell you: March is definitely the golden season to explore Jiuzhaigou! The scenic area is up to 720 square kilometers, equivalent to 100 New York Central Park. Today, let me use my first-hand experience to take you to avoid the minefield and play the most cost-effective itinerary!
🚩 Core Tour Route
Jiuzhaigou is distributed in the shape of “Y”, divided into the left line, the right line and the center line of the three essential routes. I recommend a full day to play like this:
🌄 right line (recommended morning priority)
- Arrow Bamboo Sea (must go | 20 minutes)
The reflection of the snowy mountains in the morning is like a picture on a postcard. Remember to wear non-slip shoes and walk on the wooden trestle. - Panko Sea (must go | 1 hour)
It is recommended to arrive before 9 o’clock! The blue and green color of the lake in the morning mist. My cell phone photo has been praised by the editor of National Geographic. - Pearl Beach Waterfall (optional)
Although it freezes in winter, the icefall structure is very unique, don’t miss it if you like photography!
🌊 Left line (noon time)
- Changhai (must | 30 min)
Frozen lake at 3100 meters above sea level, it is recommended to prepare oxygen bottles, I will bring more bottles every time I lead a tour. - Colorful Pools(Must go｜40mins)
During the dry season, the color levels are more obvious. Last week, a tourist used a polarizer to take a picture of the oil painting effect.
🌿 center line (best light in the afternoon)
- Norilang Waterfall (must go｜15min)
The width of the icefall reaches 320 meters! Remember to stand on the right side of the observation deck to take a panoramic view. - Sea of Sparks (Must go | 20 mins)
When the sun shines at 3:00 p.m., the surface of the lake really sparks. - Sea of reeds (must go｜30min)
It is recommended to wear a bright-colored jacket. The color combination of golden reeds and blue water is very photogenic.
📅 Recommended 3-day itinerary
D1: Depart Chengdu
- 7:30 Panda base to see rolling breakfast
- 11:00 Dujiangyan water conservancy project (built 1100 years earlier than the Roman aqueduct!)
- Night stay at the hotel at the mouth of the gully (recommended Jiuzhaigou hot pot to get rid of the cold)
D2: Full day in Jiuzhaigou
- 7:30 The first batch enters the park to avoid the crowd.
- Sightseeing according to the above route
- Evening to participate in the Tibetan song and dance party (I know Zhaxi’s family roasted whole sheep is the most authentic)
D3: Huanglong return
- 5:30 Departure to see the sunrise of Calcification Pond
- 12:00 Lunch in Songpan Old Town
- 18:00 Return to Chengdu Chunxi Road
💡 Practical Tips
- Dressing: March temperature -5℃~5℃, I recommend three layers (thermal underwear + fleece + down jacket)
- Plateau reaction: it is recommended to drink rhodiola rosea 2 days in advance, I have emergency oxygen with the car!
- Photography: bring spare batteries! Low temperature power consumption fast, last week a guest camera strike almost cried out!
🚐 Recommended for small group traveling
Advantages of our small group of 2-8 people in a commercial vehicle:
✓ Stop-and-go photography: you can stop immediately when you encounter a group of wild golden monkeys (3 times last week!)
✓ In-depth explanation: I will reveal the mystery of the water circulation system of “Shuzheng Qunhai”.
✓ All-inclusive: Including 280 RMB worth of tickets to the show “Hidden Mystery”.
If you need any advice, please add my WeChat xiangzisc, send “March Tour” to get exclusive discounts!
Lastly, before March 15, it is the low season and tickets are 47% cheaper than the peak season! But from April onwards, the number of tourists will triple. If you want to experience a chartered tour, it’s time to plan now. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment and I will reply as soon as I see it ~ I wish you all a lifetime of unforgettable memories in Jiuzhaigou!
