A Detailed Travel Guide to Jiuzhaigou

Transportation and Chartered Cars

Transportation Options: There are two main ways to get to Jiuzhaigou from Chengdu: by coach or by air, each with its own pros and cons. The author chose to take the coach for the trip there to enjoy the scenery and rest, and fly back in the evening to avoid missing out on daytime activities and to avoid a return journey, allowing the body to adapt while experiencing both modes of transportation. If arriving by air, visiting Huanglong on the same day may be affected by weather, resulting in a missed visit or a rushed schedule. Additionally, Huanglong's high altitude may cause altitude sickness, affecting subsequent visits to Jiuzhaigou. If leaving by air, it is advisable to visit Jiuzhaigou first, adapt to the altitude, then visit Huanglong, and finally fly back to Chengdu, avoiding a return journey.

Chartered Car Tips: During peak seasons, taking a scheduled bus is more convenient. The author had to charter a car to Huanglong due to the scheduled buses being unavailable and found that online recommendations for chartered cars were unreliable, with drivers overcharging and having poor attitudes. It is recommended to charter a car locally and discuss terms with the driver face-to-face, including no pickups along the way, Huanglong tour duration, included services, whether there is an additional charge for rainy or snowy weather, no visits to shopping spots, etc. Choosing a local driver is preferable.

Tour Route Design

General Principles: There is no need to print a map. Pick up a small map at the tourist center at the Jiuzhaigou entrance. Remember to take the forest trail in Rizhegou, the road trail in Shuzhenggou, and mainly take 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 Xiniuhai, 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 visited twice in one day. Swan Sea has tender green water plants, deep blue ponds, small flowers, and wild ducks, creating a peaceful and beautiful scene.

Panda Sea: The water is emerald green with stripes, making for great photos.

Avoiding Crowds

Visit During Off-Peak Seasons: Although some may find the scenery slightly less impressive during off-peak seasons, the fewer crowds allow for a quieter appreciation. The water in Jiuzhaigou is beautiful all year round, and the colorful forests and red leaves are just bonuses. The author prefers the quieter off-peak seasons.

Avoid Weekends: Even during off-peak seasons, weekends can be crowded. The author chose to visit on Monday and Tuesday, finding fewer people at attractions like Zhenzhutan Falls and Nuorilang Falls, and enjoying a peaceful visit in Shuzhenggou, such as taking 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, preferring to spend more money to see more scenery.

Precautions

Safety: There have been drowning incidents at Zhenzhutan and Wuhuahai. Do not enter closed trails and forested areas without authorization. The author accidentally entered a closed trail and was reprimanded by staff after experiencing danger, deeply recognizing the importance of safety.

Preparations for Entering the Valley: You can store luggage at the hostel and carry food, water, chargers, etc. Breakfast at the Longchaoshou near the entrance is relatively expensive. Pick up a route booklet at the tourist center before entering, which includes the order of attractions, names, and bus stops. Buying tickets is less crowded, and you can decline the optional insurance.

Transportation in the Scenic Area: Eco-friendly buses include green buses and brown minibuses, with orderly scheduling. If you need to get off mid-route, inform the driver in advance. During peak seasons, drivers may not know the final destination, while during off-peak seasons, they will inform you clearly.

Tips for Visiting Attractions

Zhenzhutan and Falls: Surrounded by a circular trail, Zhenzhutan has beautiful spray and the falls are quiet and beautiful. Be careful of slippery roads in the morning.

Big and Small Jinling Lakes: There are no bus stops. The lakes have a blue-green color, and the water is clear enough to see dead wood and new life.

Wuhuahai: The trail is beautiful. Climb up Tiger's Mouth to see the full view, shaped like a peacock's tail feathers spreading out. The colors vary at different times and locations. Most tourists gather on the viewing platform, while fewer people venture inside.

Tiger's Mouth: There are two paths to climb up. Ask staff for directions. The view of the lake from the top is breathtaking.

Panda Sea Falls and Panda Sea: During the wet season, there are many small falls, but the trail was closed this year. Do not walk on closed trails, which are dangerous. Panda Sea Falls has a large drop, fast-flowing water, heavy mist, and a slippery and steep trail. Panda Sea is gentle and serene, with emerald green water and white ripples, making for great photos. There are also white rocks resembling pandas.

Jianzhuhai and Falls: The trail next to the mountain at Jianzhuhai is 200 meters from the bus stop towards the Primitive Forest. There are horizontal trails above and below the falls. Jianzhuhai is good for viewing reflections. The falls are gentle in rows. The surrounding forest trails have small falls and ponds suitable for photos. The author found Jianzhuhai slightly inferior after experiencing the wind and comparing it with other lakes, but the reeds at the end of the lake were unique.

Primitive Forest - Fangcao Sea - Swan Sea: The distance from Jianzhuhai to the Primitive Forest is far and lacks special scenery, so it is not recommended to walk the trail. Jianyan Xuanquan, Fangcao Sea, and Swan Sea can only be accessed by hiking. Swan Sea has a bus stop. Be cautious of falling rocks at Jianyan Xuanquan. The Primitive Forest is windy, Fangcao Sea is unremarkable, and Swan Sea is picturesque. In the afternoon, sunlight shines on the lake, creating a serene scene with meadows, small lakes, wild ducks, flowing water, and wildflowers. The author enjoyed the quiet scenery here but had to end the visit early due to staff collecting the bus.

Attractions in the Second Half of Shuzhenggou

Shuzhengqunhai: The panoramic view can be seen from the road trail on the side of Shuzhengzhai. It is composed of several small lakes, like blue mirror fragments scattered among the trees.

Wolonghai, Huohuahai, and Shuanglonghai: The huge rocks at the bottom of Wolonghai are scary in shape. The sunlight reflects on the surface of Huohuahai like sparks, beautiful when there is sunlight in the morning and evening. The trail between Huohuahai and Shuanglonghai has small falls, which were dangerous this year due to high water levels. The calcified layer at the bottom of Shuanglonghai forms two lines, similar to Wolonghai. The author found these lakes easy